How you doin' boy?
You here for 30 days
Get, get, get, get, get your long hair cut
And cut out your ways
30 days in the hole...
Okay. So the next 30 days won't be quite the same as they were for Humble Pie.
Well...at least I hope not.
But I am beginning to feel the butterflies developing when I look at the calendar.
30 days in the hole...
I am beginning to work through the remaining travel arrangements.
30 days in the hole...
Our coach volunteered to get our heavy gear to DC in his truck.
30 days in the hole...
I've arranged for friends to help with the kids.
30 days in the hole...
Elisha just booked her ticket.
30 days in the hole...
My teammates and I are in our last blast of heavy workouts before we begin to taper.
30 days in the hole...
The TNT staff has given us our bike drop off schedule.
30 days in the hole...
This is it! We're going in to the final month...My hands are shaking as I write this.
Is it excitement? Anticipation? Trepidation? A combination of all?
Maybe its anxiety that I'll forget to do something before then.
Ooops, that reminds me:
Get, get, get, get, get your long hair cut
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Friday, August 24, 2007
How the heck are ya?
"Really?," I responded, with that kinda high pitched surprised tone. "It's been three weeks already?"
"So, how the heck are ya?," I asked.
"Great," came the response. As though I would have expected to hear anything less from Eric.
Sometimes I think the doctors could tell Eric anything, and he'd find the good in it.
I can hear it now: "Umm, Mr. Jones, I don't know how to break this to you, but we have to completely submerse you in lye." "That's great," he says. "It'll really help clear my complexion."
The doctor's visit last week wasn't nearly as dire. Thank goodness.
It sounds like it went pretty well. The podiatrist was pleased with the progress. After our visit on the phone, Eric wrote (yes, wrote, using voice recognition software) an e-mail update.
He wrote, "(the podiatrist) is absolutely delighted wants to see me back on September 4 at which time he'll schedule surgery for the following week. I was a little bummed that I have to wait around some more, but all in all it is terrific news as he plans to do a split thickness skin graft instead of the more invasive skin graft options. That will make my hospital stay shorter, and hopefully my recuperation swifter."
Wow. I get a leg cramp and baby it for weeks. Eric is getting ready for skin grafts to close open wounds, and finds the good in it.
As though he doesn't have enough going on, he is also developing a course curriculum for an on-line program in partnership with the University of Michigan. The man is absolutely remarkable. He is the embodiment of "The Leaders and the Best."
"So, how the heck are ya?," I asked.
"Great," came the response. As though I would have expected to hear anything less from Eric.
Sometimes I think the doctors could tell Eric anything, and he'd find the good in it.
I can hear it now: "Umm, Mr. Jones, I don't know how to break this to you, but we have to completely submerse you in lye." "That's great," he says. "It'll really help clear my complexion."
The doctor's visit last week wasn't nearly as dire. Thank goodness.
It sounds like it went pretty well. The podiatrist was pleased with the progress. After our visit on the phone, Eric wrote (yes, wrote, using voice recognition software) an e-mail update.
He wrote, "(the podiatrist) is absolutely delighted wants to see me back on September 4 at which time he'll schedule surgery for the following week. I was a little bummed that I have to wait around some more, but all in all it is terrific news as he plans to do a split thickness skin graft instead of the more invasive skin graft options. That will make my hospital stay shorter, and hopefully my recuperation swifter."
Wow. I get a leg cramp and baby it for weeks. Eric is getting ready for skin grafts to close open wounds, and finds the good in it.
As though he doesn't have enough going on, he is also developing a course curriculum for an on-line program in partnership with the University of Michigan. The man is absolutely remarkable. He is the embodiment of "The Leaders and the Best."
Monday, August 20, 2007
Mmmm...beer
Homer is brilliant.
No, I'm not talking about the famed poet of Iliad and Odyssey fame. Although I could make a couple of Achilles jokes.
No, I'm talking about the OTHER Homer. Simpson.
I love a good fundraiser that involves food and drink.
"Mmmm...donuts."
"Mmmm...beer."
"Mmmm...something."
So imagine the fun I had on Sunday joining six of my teammates for a little fundraiser they planned at a watering hole on the eastside. Imagine the fun I REALLY had because I wasn't working the fundraiser.
"Mmmm...beer."
We went to this place called Dragonmead. Its a little microbrewery off the 696 Service Drive in Warren.
They make their own beer in the warehouse behind the bar. Its good stuff. Really good stuff.
"Mmmm...beer."
More importantly, though, it gave me a chance to get to know my teammates a little better. Like Pete.
I turns out that I have a lot in common with Pete. We went to the same elementary school (good old Poppleton) and middle school (Boulan Park). Our high schools have been torn down and turned in to community centers (Troy High for me, Warren High for Pete). Our kids are doing better than we imagined thanks to the Catholic School education they're getting.
There is no better beer for a summer night than Oberon. Especially after swim practice.
Elisha and I almost bought a house four doors down from his family. If it weren't for the smell of curry, I am certain that you would find Pete and I standing at the bottom of his driveway with a beer in one hand and a couple of empties next to the mailbox.
I had a wonderful time getting to know Pete a little more than I had known before this weekend. I also enjoyed the time I passed visiting with Ron and his wife Bonnie, Andi and her husband Gary, Carly, Alicia, Rob (a.k.a. BJ).
Their stories are remarkable. Ron retired early from Hitachi to become a pastor. Carly is the only person I know to have suffered a concussion during a fundraiser in front of a grocery store. Talk about taking one for the team!
I can't imagine being with a nicer bunch of people. They really make this journey enjoyable.
A few weeks ago, I was nervous about the race. I didn't want it to come.
Today? I still don't want it to come. But for different reasons.
For as much as I have anguished over the event, I have enjoyed the journey to get there...thanks to these remarkable people.
I don't want it to end.
No, I'm not talking about the famed poet of Iliad and Odyssey fame. Although I could make a couple of Achilles jokes.
No, I'm talking about the OTHER Homer. Simpson.
I love a good fundraiser that involves food and drink.
"Mmmm...donuts."
"Mmmm...beer."
"Mmmm...something."
So imagine the fun I had on Sunday joining six of my teammates for a little fundraiser they planned at a watering hole on the eastside. Imagine the fun I REALLY had because I wasn't working the fundraiser.
"Mmmm...beer."
We went to this place called Dragonmead. Its a little microbrewery off the 696 Service Drive in Warren.
They make their own beer in the warehouse behind the bar. Its good stuff. Really good stuff.
"Mmmm...beer."
More importantly, though, it gave me a chance to get to know my teammates a little better. Like Pete.
I turns out that I have a lot in common with Pete. We went to the same elementary school (good old Poppleton) and middle school (Boulan Park). Our high schools have been torn down and turned in to community centers (Troy High for me, Warren High for Pete). Our kids are doing better than we imagined thanks to the Catholic School education they're getting.
There is no better beer for a summer night than Oberon. Especially after swim practice.
Elisha and I almost bought a house four doors down from his family. If it weren't for the smell of curry, I am certain that you would find Pete and I standing at the bottom of his driveway with a beer in one hand and a couple of empties next to the mailbox.
I had a wonderful time getting to know Pete a little more than I had known before this weekend. I also enjoyed the time I passed visiting with Ron and his wife Bonnie, Andi and her husband Gary, Carly, Alicia, Rob (a.k.a. BJ).
Their stories are remarkable. Ron retired early from Hitachi to become a pastor. Carly is the only person I know to have suffered a concussion during a fundraiser in front of a grocery store. Talk about taking one for the team!
I can't imagine being with a nicer bunch of people. They really make this journey enjoyable.
A few weeks ago, I was nervous about the race. I didn't want it to come.
Today? I still don't want it to come. But for different reasons.
For as much as I have anguished over the event, I have enjoyed the journey to get there...thanks to these remarkable people.
I don't want it to end.
Friday, August 17, 2007
What about Bob?
I used to think that I was pretty smart.
I liked watching Jeopardy, mostly because I could answer a lot of the questions. Correctly.
My wife nicknamed me "the Knower of Insignificant Facts."
Although, Banana Man has a much better ring to it, don'tcha think?
As I've gotten into my later 30's, I'm beginning to see that...well...maybe...I'm not so smart after all.
At least I still remember some things. Detroit was lost to the British on August 15, 1812. Water flows to the point of least resistance. Don't ask Norah where she wants to have dinner, unless you want to go to Chuck E Cheese.
I especially like to think that I still remember the little things. Phone numbers. A friend's birthday. My anniversary.
Okay, so I missed the first anniversary. But, I've remembered every one since! hmmm....
"Wow, am I really losing it," entered my mind as Judd asked if he could bring Bob to the progressive dinner. "Who is Bob?"
"Hmmm....let's see. Three children. Yep. None named Bob."
I'm pretty certain his wife doesn't go by "Bob."
I know his family pretty well. Any brothers named Bob? Not that I recall. Someone from work, maybe? I know the people at his shop. Bob? Nope.
So, who is Bob?
Turns out Bob isn't a "who." Bob is a "what."
Bob is a 1970's vintage GMC RV. Judd bought it a few years ago and has spent the past few seasons fixing it up.
Bob has turned into the unofficial support van for the Marion Mustangs volleyball team. I imagine that the Brother Rice Warriors will make good use of it, as we did for the progressive dinner.
Bob made its first appearance of the night in front of McCormick and Schmicks. Originally Judd planned on leading the route as kind of a novelty. A few extra riders could hop aboard, he offered.
As we left for Maggiano's, Bob had about 10 passengers.
As we headed out to Kona, I think there were only 10 people NOT riding on Bob.
By the end of the night, I think I was the only one NOT on the bus.
Bob the Bus became our unofficial support van. Judd's generosity added so much to the experience of the dinner. I can't thank him enough for bringing Bob out that night.
We are planning on having another progressive dinner. I think we're planning a Valentine-themed event in February. I hope you will join us.
I hope Bob will join us, too.
I liked watching Jeopardy, mostly because I could answer a lot of the questions. Correctly.
My wife nicknamed me "the Knower of Insignificant Facts."
Although, Banana Man has a much better ring to it, don'tcha think?
As I've gotten into my later 30's, I'm beginning to see that...well...maybe...I'm not so smart after all.
At least I still remember some things. Detroit was lost to the British on August 15, 1812. Water flows to the point of least resistance. Don't ask Norah where she wants to have dinner, unless you want to go to Chuck E Cheese.
I especially like to think that I still remember the little things. Phone numbers. A friend's birthday. My anniversary.
Okay, so I missed the first anniversary. But, I've remembered every one since! hmmm....
"Wow, am I really losing it," entered my mind as Judd asked if he could bring Bob to the progressive dinner. "Who is Bob?"
"Hmmm....let's see. Three children. Yep. None named Bob."
I'm pretty certain his wife doesn't go by "Bob."
I know his family pretty well. Any brothers named Bob? Not that I recall. Someone from work, maybe? I know the people at his shop. Bob? Nope.
So, who is Bob?
Turns out Bob isn't a "who." Bob is a "what."
Bob is a 1970's vintage GMC RV. Judd bought it a few years ago and has spent the past few seasons fixing it up.
Bob has turned into the unofficial support van for the Marion Mustangs volleyball team. I imagine that the Brother Rice Warriors will make good use of it, as we did for the progressive dinner.
Bob made its first appearance of the night in front of McCormick and Schmicks. Originally Judd planned on leading the route as kind of a novelty. A few extra riders could hop aboard, he offered.
As we left for Maggiano's, Bob had about 10 passengers.
As we headed out to Kona, I think there were only 10 people NOT riding on Bob.
By the end of the night, I think I was the only one NOT on the bus.
Bob the Bus became our unofficial support van. Judd's generosity added so much to the experience of the dinner. I can't thank him enough for bringing Bob out that night.
We are planning on having another progressive dinner. I think we're planning a Valentine-themed event in February. I hope you will join us.
I hope Bob will join us, too.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
You can call me Banana Man
Well, I did it.
I completed the Craig Greenfield Memorial Triathlon last Sunday.
All in all, it went pretty well. What was more fun, though, was seeing a bunch of my Team In Training friends there, too. We kinda hung out together before the race started.
I can see how this triathlon group is like one big fraternity. Without the hazing. Then again, when I think of it, the competition is one big hazing trial after another.
I also met a a couple of first timers (now that I have one under my belt, suddenly I know what I'm talking about!). I really enjoyed visiting with this guy, Jim.
Jim is a marathon runner, for the most part. He was bored with the "marathon scene" and decided to give the Craig Greenfield a try.
As we talked, he asked me what I did for nutrition and hydration. Considering how much I get leg cramps, I try to eat a banana or two before the race, and take one on the bike with me.
I didn't think much of our conversation until later in the race. I was on my bike in the second lap when Jim passed me. As he raced by, I heard him shout, "Hey Banana Man!"
I laughed so hard, I almost crashed my bike.
The rest of the race went pretty well, even though the weather didn't cooperate. It was pretty wet. So after the race, Elisha and I grabbed the kids and dashed over to the Clarkston Union for lunch.
As we waited for lunch, I shared the "Banana Man" story with the kids. They laughed, too, but I think because they thought "Banana Man" sounded funny.
Next thing my daughter starts a soft chant: "Banana Boy, Banana Boy, Banana Boy." The other two join in the chorus.
At this point, I'm waiting for a John Hughes movie soundtrack to start playing, as the crowd in the restaurant picks me up and carries me off to....oh sorry.
Needless to say, I've now earned the nickname "Banana Boy." I tried to convince my kids that "Banana Man" sounds...well...more mature.
I think that further cemented my new nickname as "Banana Boy."
...I know that it's been a while since I last wrote. But I celebrated my 39th birthday this week, by taking some time off from work...we rented a pontoon boat and floated around the Huron River Chain of Lakes..."Banana Boy" and his sidekicks had a wonderful time...thank goodness for work, though...I need some rest.
I completed the Craig Greenfield Memorial Triathlon last Sunday.
All in all, it went pretty well. What was more fun, though, was seeing a bunch of my Team In Training friends there, too. We kinda hung out together before the race started.
I can see how this triathlon group is like one big fraternity. Without the hazing. Then again, when I think of it, the competition is one big hazing trial after another.
I also met a a couple of first timers (now that I have one under my belt, suddenly I know what I'm talking about!). I really enjoyed visiting with this guy, Jim.
Jim is a marathon runner, for the most part. He was bored with the "marathon scene" and decided to give the Craig Greenfield a try.
As we talked, he asked me what I did for nutrition and hydration. Considering how much I get leg cramps, I try to eat a banana or two before the race, and take one on the bike with me.
I didn't think much of our conversation until later in the race. I was on my bike in the second lap when Jim passed me. As he raced by, I heard him shout, "Hey Banana Man!"
I laughed so hard, I almost crashed my bike.
The rest of the race went pretty well, even though the weather didn't cooperate. It was pretty wet. So after the race, Elisha and I grabbed the kids and dashed over to the Clarkston Union for lunch.
As we waited for lunch, I shared the "Banana Man" story with the kids. They laughed, too, but I think because they thought "Banana Man" sounded funny.
Next thing my daughter starts a soft chant: "Banana Boy, Banana Boy, Banana Boy." The other two join in the chorus.
At this point, I'm waiting for a John Hughes movie soundtrack to start playing, as the crowd in the restaurant picks me up and carries me off to....oh sorry.
Needless to say, I've now earned the nickname "Banana Boy." I tried to convince my kids that "Banana Man" sounds...well...more mature.
I think that further cemented my new nickname as "Banana Boy."
...I know that it's been a while since I last wrote. But I celebrated my 39th birthday this week, by taking some time off from work...we rented a pontoon boat and floated around the Huron River Chain of Lakes..."Banana Boy" and his sidekicks had a wonderful time...thank goodness for work, though...I need some rest.
Friday, August 3, 2007
Milestone!
"Wow." That's what crossed my mind on Sunday.
Quickly followed by, "oh crap."
First the "wow" part: I've reached my fundraising goal. With six weeks to spare.
"Wow."
I couldn't have done it without your support. And your pocket book.
I also couldn't have done this without a litle help from my friends at some of Troy's finest restaurants. A special thank you to Gordy at Piper's Pub for having me and my TNT teammates sling beer and other libations on two occasions. We raised over $700 over those two nights.
And McCormick and Schmick's, Maggiano's Little Italy, Kona Grill, and Mortons the Steakhouse are entered into the Hall of Fame. Thanks to their kindness and generosity, we raised over $1,500 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society on Sunday night.
Okay...so I maybe created a Hall of Fame, just for this occasion. Is there a "Progressive Dinner Hall of Fame?" Well, there is now, and they are the first inductees.
Sunday night, I have to tell you, was remarkable. I hope that everyone had as much fun that night as I had putting it together. I only wish I could have ridden on Bob the Bus. (That might be a story for another post.)
So, that's the "wow" part. Now the "oh crap" moment:
There's only two months left before I put my foot in the Potomac. Oh crap.
Suddenly, I am getting anxious. Now that my friends have gotten me there, I gotta live up to my end of the bargain.
And I only have two months to put it together. Oh crap.
I know that I've been training all along. I know that I'm happy with my progress.
Well, I was happy with my progress. Now that I look at the calendar ...hmmmm ...ahem ...well.
I am participating in the Craig Greenfield Memorial Triathlon this Sunday. It is a little longer than a Sprint Triathlon, and about 2/3rd the length of an Olympic Distance Triathlon.
That'll give me a good idea of where I am ... hopefully ...maybe ...oh crap.
Quickly followed by, "oh crap."
First the "wow" part: I've reached my fundraising goal. With six weeks to spare.
"Wow."
I couldn't have done it without your support. And your pocket book.
I also couldn't have done this without a litle help from my friends at some of Troy's finest restaurants. A special thank you to Gordy at Piper's Pub for having me and my TNT teammates sling beer and other libations on two occasions. We raised over $700 over those two nights.
And McCormick and Schmick's, Maggiano's Little Italy, Kona Grill, and Mortons the Steakhouse are entered into the Hall of Fame. Thanks to their kindness and generosity, we raised over $1,500 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society on Sunday night.
Okay...so I maybe created a Hall of Fame, just for this occasion. Is there a "Progressive Dinner Hall of Fame?" Well, there is now, and they are the first inductees.
Sunday night, I have to tell you, was remarkable. I hope that everyone had as much fun that night as I had putting it together. I only wish I could have ridden on Bob the Bus. (That might be a story for another post.)
So, that's the "wow" part. Now the "oh crap" moment:
There's only two months left before I put my foot in the Potomac. Oh crap.
Suddenly, I am getting anxious. Now that my friends have gotten me there, I gotta live up to my end of the bargain.
And I only have two months to put it together. Oh crap.
I know that I've been training all along. I know that I'm happy with my progress.
Well, I was happy with my progress. Now that I look at the calendar ...hmmmm ...ahem ...well.
I am participating in the Craig Greenfield Memorial Triathlon this Sunday. It is a little longer than a Sprint Triathlon, and about 2/3rd the length of an Olympic Distance Triathlon.
That'll give me a good idea of where I am ... hopefully ...maybe ...oh crap.
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