As some of you have probably already seen we have announced the 3rd Annual German Benefit Dinner at Gasthof's! The dinner and silent auction will be held on Sunday, September 16th with two dinner seatings - one at 4:30 PM and one at 6:30 PM. If you'd like to come out and join us let me know. Last year we had over 270 attend and it's a ton of fun, a ton of awesome food, and a ton of great people. You won't be disappointed. Tickets are $25 each and include and all-you-can-eat German buffet dinner as well as a glass of beer or wine. How can you beat that?! You can't, I tell you.
Congrats to Rachel, Mike and Bob on completing their half Ironman on Sunday! Way to go! Mike and Bob will also be doing a full Ironman in September in Madison. Keep up the great work, boys!
So, do you think Lindsay Lohan has a problem?
I was shocked to see that both Tom Snyder and Bill Walsh passed away this week, and they both died of leukemia. Most people probably don't remember Tom Snyder - I for one only saw a few of his shows but he was entertaining nonetheless.
I tell ya', ya' gotta be careful how you spit. I guess on the up side this bloke took Jim Croce's advice and didn't spit into the wind.
We found out this weekend that my nephew and Godson Stephen is moving to Minnesota! He's going to be working at the Gunflint Lodge up in Grand Marais, which is about 6 hours north of the Twin Cities. He'll be stopping at our place Sunday night on his way up from Ohio and will bunk with us for the evening. He loves the outdoors and is very excited about this opportunity. He's another nephew of mine that is pursuing what he loves for a career, which is way cool. Great job, Stephen!
What the heck?
Yeah, I like Jim Croce. I was wearing a Jim Croce shirt to the concert on Saturday night and this drunk man comes up and asks me to tell him a cool story about Jim Croce's bar. I told him I really didn't have one and he was legitimately disappointed. So I thought I'd come up with one - you know, just in case he's reading my blog.
So, Julie and I were down in San Diego for the Rock 'N Roll Marathon and we stopped at Croce's to check the place out and to buy said shirt. I was humming "Bad, Bad Leroy Brown" waiting for them to get me my shirt and this older gentleman at the end of the bar asks me if we're from out of town. I told him we were from Minnesota. He invites us back for an intimate concert that evening - a concert he told us we'd never forget.
We came back a few hours later. The place was dark and smoky, and we could see the guy we were talking to earlier that day up on stage with an old acoustic guitar on his knee and a cigar in his mouth. He spots us and motions for us to come over. His face was worn and dark, and he had a thick, bushy mustache which tickled when he kissed me. Whoops, scratch that last part.
He mentioned that he had heard me humming "Leroy Brown" earlier and asked if I'd like to join him on stage to sing it with him. Of course, I jumped at the opportunity even though I'd never sung in public before. Sure, lots of times in the shower, with my hair done up in a shampoo Mohawk, but I digress.
He begins the song and sings the first verse, and remarkably well I must say. By now the smoke had affected my voice and when I sang the chorus with him I sounded like Stevie Nicks to his Tom Petty... or Don Henley if you prefer "Leather and Lace". Anyway, I had a great time up there on stage with him and the crowd cheered us on enthusiastically when we were finished.
I bought him a drink and Julie and I sat at a small table in the corner which he had reserved for us. After he finished his set he stopped by our table and thanked me for singing with him. He kissed Julie's hand which must have tickled her because she giggled like a schoolgirl, and he signed my shirt "All the best, Jim Croce".
And now you know... the rest of the story.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Stray Cat Strut
A lot to blog on as I haven't been on the site in a week. And here we thought things would slow down after the Tri....
First things first... Happy Birthday Julie!!!! Julie will be celebrating her 21st birthday on Monday. If you see her you get to spank her 21 times! Sweeeeeet!
This past week we had the kick-off for winter season. We are recruiting for the El Tour de Tuscon Century Ride, the Honolulu Marathon, and the P.F. Chang's Rock N' Roll Arizona Marathon and Half Marathon in Phoenix. These are some great events! For more info click on the Team In Training link on the right hand side of the page.
Saturday night Julie and I went with our friends Chuck and Julie to JackFest at the Excel Energy Center. There were four bands - the Gin Blossoms, the Pretenders, the Stray Cats and ZZ Top. Let's just say there was ample opportunity to people-watch.
None of us was that interested in seeing the Gin Blossoms so we missed them. The Pretenders came on next and they were NOT that good. At first I was surprised thinking that the Stray Cats would come out before the Pretenders but after seeing both bands they were definitely in the right order.
The Pretenders played only a couple of the their hits and Chrissie Hynde was way too preachy. The only highlight of their set (besides it ending) was that they played "My City Was Gone", and a good rendition as well. I wonder how she feels about Rush Limbaugh using the song for his show. It must drive her nuts!
The Stray Cats then came on and WOW what a set! I had no idea Brian Setzer is as good as he is and the other two members were great, too. I was just sitting there blown away by the show, as was everyone else. The crowd was really into it - amazing set.
ZZ Top then came out and played for about 90 minutes. Pretty much all the classics were played. Both Julies wondered just how old they were - they looked like they were in their 70's. A minimal stage but Billy Gibbons put on quite a show - another excellent guitar player.
Today Julie and I went to Lake Calhoun and rented a paddle boat. That's a lot of work! And steering the thing was a real treat - we must have looked like we were drunk. There was little to no wind and we were there when the sun was at it's most intense. After that we came home and watched a couple of movies.
Everyone have a great week. Can you believe it's almost August?
First things first... Happy Birthday Julie!!!! Julie will be celebrating her 21st birthday on Monday. If you see her you get to spank her 21 times! Sweeeeeet!
This past week we had the kick-off for winter season. We are recruiting for the El Tour de Tuscon Century Ride, the Honolulu Marathon, and the P.F. Chang's Rock N' Roll Arizona Marathon and Half Marathon in Phoenix. These are some great events! For more info click on the Team In Training link on the right hand side of the page.
Saturday night Julie and I went with our friends Chuck and Julie to JackFest at the Excel Energy Center. There were four bands - the Gin Blossoms, the Pretenders, the Stray Cats and ZZ Top. Let's just say there was ample opportunity to people-watch.
None of us was that interested in seeing the Gin Blossoms so we missed them. The Pretenders came on next and they were NOT that good. At first I was surprised thinking that the Stray Cats would come out before the Pretenders but after seeing both bands they were definitely in the right order.
The Pretenders played only a couple of the their hits and Chrissie Hynde was way too preachy. The only highlight of their set (besides it ending) was that they played "My City Was Gone", and a good rendition as well. I wonder how she feels about Rush Limbaugh using the song for his show. It must drive her nuts!
The Stray Cats then came on and WOW what a set! I had no idea Brian Setzer is as good as he is and the other two members were great, too. I was just sitting there blown away by the show, as was everyone else. The crowd was really into it - amazing set.
ZZ Top then came out and played for about 90 minutes. Pretty much all the classics were played. Both Julies wondered just how old they were - they looked like they were in their 70's. A minimal stage but Billy Gibbons put on quite a show - another excellent guitar player.
Today Julie and I went to Lake Calhoun and rented a paddle boat. That's a lot of work! And steering the thing was a real treat - we must have looked like we were drunk. There was little to no wind and we were there when the sun was at it's most intense. After that we came home and watched a couple of movies.
Everyone have a great week. Can you believe it's almost August?
Monday, July 23, 2007
Commander Pat - Not a Winner
Happy Monday... Happy, happy, joy, joy...
Our first post-event weekend was a fun one. Busy and fun.
On Saturday morning we got up around 4:30 AM (whatever happened to sleeping in on the weekends!) in order to get to St. Paul by 6:00 AM to meet the marathon run team. We had a good turnout, but I'm not sure everyone was awake when they started the run. At 7 AM the walk team got underway.
The place they meet in St. Paul is near St. Thomas. Training along the river was always one of my favorite places to train. The views around there are beautiful and the paths are nice and wide.
Later in the morning on Saturday we had an information meeting in Hopkins for the winter season. We met some new folks, half of whom signed up. Turnout at these meetings during this time of the year is always lower than other times. Unless the weather is bad people prefer to be outside doing things rather than sitting in an information meeting. I can't say that I blame them.
Saturday night we went to a farewell party for Vicki and Mike, two great friends we met through TNT. They decided to move down to Phoenix so her father and sister threw a going-away party for them. We got them some snacks for the road and a couple of cd's to listen to on the long drive down, which I just looked up on line and is about 1800 miles. Wow.
Do you ever wonder how they get toilet paper on the roll without ripping it?
On Sunday we went to Canterbury Park to take part in their Extreme Racing Day. It was our first time to a horse track and we had a great time. Not only did they have the usual horses races but also had ostrich and camel races. Who knew an ostrich could carry a jockey? And they're fast! The camels? Not so much, but both were entertaining to watch.
Here is a picture of me at last year's air guitar championships.
There was a horse in one of the races yesterday and his name was Commander Pat. Of course I had to bet on him. Of course he didn't win. Another thing we have in common is that we're both fine looking animals, but I won't end up as glue.
If you had been through the desert on a horse with no name, wouldn't you name it something? I mean even Tom Hanks named the volleyball for cryin' out loud.
Smart.
So, there was a survey done on what people think are the most important things to having a happy marriage. The number one response was sharing in the chores. I'm doomed...
Personally, I'd prefer to drink the stuff, but if you're looking for other things to do with you vodka and beer then check out this story.
Let me know if you are into the whole Harry Potter thing. We've yet to read any of the books OR see one of the movies, but we seem to come across more adults who are into it. We'll do a little unscientific study. If you do read the books tell me what you like about them and if you don't let me know why. I've just never gotten around to reading them, but that's not to say I won't someday.
Here is a picture of me trying to raise money to pay for college. Ahh, the good ol' days.
Everyone have a great week.
Our first post-event weekend was a fun one. Busy and fun.
On Saturday morning we got up around 4:30 AM (whatever happened to sleeping in on the weekends!) in order to get to St. Paul by 6:00 AM to meet the marathon run team. We had a good turnout, but I'm not sure everyone was awake when they started the run. At 7 AM the walk team got underway.
The place they meet in St. Paul is near St. Thomas. Training along the river was always one of my favorite places to train. The views around there are beautiful and the paths are nice and wide.
Later in the morning on Saturday we had an information meeting in Hopkins for the winter season. We met some new folks, half of whom signed up. Turnout at these meetings during this time of the year is always lower than other times. Unless the weather is bad people prefer to be outside doing things rather than sitting in an information meeting. I can't say that I blame them.
Saturday night we went to a farewell party for Vicki and Mike, two great friends we met through TNT. They decided to move down to Phoenix so her father and sister threw a going-away party for them. We got them some snacks for the road and a couple of cd's to listen to on the long drive down, which I just looked up on line and is about 1800 miles. Wow.
Do you ever wonder how they get toilet paper on the roll without ripping it?
On Sunday we went to Canterbury Park to take part in their Extreme Racing Day. It was our first time to a horse track and we had a great time. Not only did they have the usual horses races but also had ostrich and camel races. Who knew an ostrich could carry a jockey? And they're fast! The camels? Not so much, but both were entertaining to watch.
Here is a picture of me at last year's air guitar championships.
There was a horse in one of the races yesterday and his name was Commander Pat. Of course I had to bet on him. Of course he didn't win. Another thing we have in common is that we're both fine looking animals, but I won't end up as glue.
If you had been through the desert on a horse with no name, wouldn't you name it something? I mean even Tom Hanks named the volleyball for cryin' out loud.
Smart.
So, there was a survey done on what people think are the most important things to having a happy marriage. The number one response was sharing in the chores. I'm doomed...
Personally, I'd prefer to drink the stuff, but if you're looking for other things to do with you vodka and beer then check out this story.
Let me know if you are into the whole Harry Potter thing. We've yet to read any of the books OR see one of the movies, but we seem to come across more adults who are into it. We'll do a little unscientific study. If you do read the books tell me what you like about them and if you don't let me know why. I've just never gotten around to reading them, but that's not to say I won't someday.
Here is a picture of me trying to raise money to pay for college. Ahh, the good ol' days.
Everyone have a great week.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Hang On To Your Life
So I'm sitting here eating my lunch and thought I'd try and post something. Sound good? Good.
Louise, this entire post won't be all about music, so it's ok to read on. ;-)
I've got this R.E.M. song in my head, a song I haven't heard in quite a while so I'm not sure how it got there, but I just keep singing the same line over and over in my head. Somewhat annoying, I must say. What's the line from the song, you ask? "I am not the type of dog that could keep you waiting, for no good reason." Yeah.
Throughout my childhood and into my late teens I listened mainly to vinyl, with the occasional cassette tape, or, if I was in the car of a sibling, even 8-track. But in my childhood years I grew up listening to the albums in our basement.
My father had built a cabinet which hung on the wall and held a turntable, speakers, and many albums collected over the years. On one end of the cabinet were my parents' albums which I didn't listen to. On the other end were albums purchased by my brothers and my sister, but I believe mostly by my brothers.
Now, the collection would be considered small by today's standards, but it held some really good music. Bands like Chicago, Grand Funk Railroad, The Guess Who, Simon & Garfunkel, Bachman-Turner Overdrive, and Rod Stewart to name a few. It also included some great compilation albums, most notably a multi-LP collection of Motown songs and two collections put out by a Detroit radio station with the call letters CKLW. There were also many 45's. Great music.
I listened to music constantly growing up, and would sing along unabashedly. We had ping-pong tables that we would turn into forts, using blankets draped over the sides. There was a small group of neighborhood friends and we'd play together practically every day.
On one such day we were in our "fort" and we had all the lights turned off. I really can't remember what we were doing other than listening to The Guess Who. There is a song at the end of one side of their greatest hits album that is called "Hang On To Your Life" which, as a kid, could be a scary song. If you look at the lyrics, especially the last verse spoken at the end (rather eerily), it's not too hard to imagine kids getting a little freaked out by it.
Well, as we're sitting there in the dark listening to the song, something odd happens. All of the sudden, right in the middle of the last verse, which is the spookiest part of the song remember, it just stops! We all looked at each other and didn't say a word. We just sat there, in the dark, listening for anything that could be out there, afraid to move the blanket draped over the table and look out at what was there.
I'm not sure how long we were stayed quietly, nervously under the table, but we eventually made a run for the steps and out of the basement. Of course, you're wanting to act like nothing is wrong and that you're fine, so when my brother Tim asked what was going on we didn't want to say anything, but we sure didn't want to go back downstairs!
Come to find out later that Tim had gone into the basement and pulled the needle off the record and ran back upstairs. Totally freaked us out! But, looking back, if I was in his shoes I would have done it in a heartbeat, which I'm sure comes as a shock to most of you. I am a sweet, innocent person, you know.
You wonder sometimes if there are other things older siblings did to you that you're repressing. Another reason to avoid seeing a shrink, if you ask me. We'll just keep those memories nice and buried.
Louise, this entire post won't be all about music, so it's ok to read on. ;-)
I've got this R.E.M. song in my head, a song I haven't heard in quite a while so I'm not sure how it got there, but I just keep singing the same line over and over in my head. Somewhat annoying, I must say. What's the line from the song, you ask? "I am not the type of dog that could keep you waiting, for no good reason." Yeah.
Throughout my childhood and into my late teens I listened mainly to vinyl, with the occasional cassette tape, or, if I was in the car of a sibling, even 8-track. But in my childhood years I grew up listening to the albums in our basement.
My father had built a cabinet which hung on the wall and held a turntable, speakers, and many albums collected over the years. On one end of the cabinet were my parents' albums which I didn't listen to. On the other end were albums purchased by my brothers and my sister, but I believe mostly by my brothers.
Now, the collection would be considered small by today's standards, but it held some really good music. Bands like Chicago, Grand Funk Railroad, The Guess Who, Simon & Garfunkel, Bachman-Turner Overdrive, and Rod Stewart to name a few. It also included some great compilation albums, most notably a multi-LP collection of Motown songs and two collections put out by a Detroit radio station with the call letters CKLW. There were also many 45's. Great music.
I listened to music constantly growing up, and would sing along unabashedly. We had ping-pong tables that we would turn into forts, using blankets draped over the sides. There was a small group of neighborhood friends and we'd play together practically every day.
On one such day we were in our "fort" and we had all the lights turned off. I really can't remember what we were doing other than listening to The Guess Who. There is a song at the end of one side of their greatest hits album that is called "Hang On To Your Life" which, as a kid, could be a scary song. If you look at the lyrics, especially the last verse spoken at the end (rather eerily), it's not too hard to imagine kids getting a little freaked out by it.
Well, as we're sitting there in the dark listening to the song, something odd happens. All of the sudden, right in the middle of the last verse, which is the spookiest part of the song remember, it just stops! We all looked at each other and didn't say a word. We just sat there, in the dark, listening for anything that could be out there, afraid to move the blanket draped over the table and look out at what was there.
I'm not sure how long we were stayed quietly, nervously under the table, but we eventually made a run for the steps and out of the basement. Of course, you're wanting to act like nothing is wrong and that you're fine, so when my brother Tim asked what was going on we didn't want to say anything, but we sure didn't want to go back downstairs!
Come to find out later that Tim had gone into the basement and pulled the needle off the record and ran back upstairs. Totally freaked us out! But, looking back, if I was in his shoes I would have done it in a heartbeat, which I'm sure comes as a shock to most of you. I am a sweet, innocent person, you know.
You wonder sometimes if there are other things older siblings did to you that you're repressing. Another reason to avoid seeing a shrink, if you ask me. We'll just keep those memories nice and buried.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Some Good Reading
Howdy, folks. What a nice, humid day.
I came across these columns that I thought were very good and worth sharing. These are political so if you'd rather not read them then that's fine. I just think they make some excellent points as we sit here at this important time. The first two are from two men I have an incredible amount of respect for, and the third one is just a really good column.
Column #1
Column #2
Column #3
Everyone have a great rest of the day!
I came across these columns that I thought were very good and worth sharing. These are political so if you'd rather not read them then that's fine. I just think they make some excellent points as we sit here at this important time. The first two are from two men I have an incredible amount of respect for, and the third one is just a really good column.
Column #1
Column #2
Column #3
Everyone have a great rest of the day!
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Just Tri and Stop Us!
Hello, everyone! Welcome to our first post as legitimate triathletes! Following is a brief (ok, not so brief) recap of the last few days, culminating in a victorious run across the finish line. WARNING: May contain a brief snippet of adult language. I will alert you beforehand.
Thursday night was our Pasta Party. Nearly every one of the 130+ athletes were in attendance, plus family, friends, supporters and honorees. Thanks to Coach Ingrid we had an entertaining slide show of pictures that had been taken over the course of the last 5+ months of training. We heard our team honoree Betsy speak of her battles with cancer and the little things she is thankful for, the little things that many of us take for granted. She is an amazing woman and a true inspiration.
The coaches spoke, gave some last minute advice, and told us all would be ok - we were ready for the challenge facing us. Lorali, Julie and I received our Triple Crown awards for having completed a marathon, century ride and triathlon with TNT. The girls were fitted with tiaras and I received a crown to wear, which we did proudly!
Friday afternoon we met down at the Convention Center to pick up our race packets and finisher shirts. Friday evening we met the coaches at Lake Nokomis for a view of the swim course and a walk through the transition area. Julie and I had primo spots in the transition area which was sweet. It's the little things, you know.
After we left Lake Nokomis we came home and got everything packed and the car loaded. We went to bed between 10 and 11 and got what little sleep we could before the alarm went off at 2:57 AM.
All in all we felt remarkably calm all day Friday and Saturday morning. The nerves actually seemed worse earlier in the week, but the last 36 hours or so were calm, relatively speaking.
We threw the bikes on the car and got over to Lake Nokomis around 4:30 AM and checked in at the TNT tent. It was the calm before the proverbial storm. We headed down to get our bodies marked - your bib number is put on both arms and your age is put on your calves. After that we set up our transition areas and met back at the TNT tent for a team meeting and team picture.
You could sense the tension in the air but amazingly we weren't affected by it. I think it was a true testament to our coaches and mentors that we had the confidence we needed.
We formed a huge circle and each of the coaches plus Courtney took turns with last minute words of advice. To remind us of why we were there we took turns going around the circle and telling everyone who we were doing this in honor or in memory of. Coach Ingrid then pulled the team into a tight circle and we bowed our head in prayer. Not a dry eye was to be found. It was a fitting way to start the day.
Everyone started the tri in assigned waves. My wave was to start at 7:58 AM and Julie's was at 8:05 AM. They were running about 15 minutes behind and despite the extra time to stand there and stare at the water we were still at ease. We spent the extra time talking with our fellow teammates, joking around, and wishing everyone luck.
The start of the swim was not a mass start, which was very nice. They sent us off one at time, releasing each person every 3 seconds. One of the things that was most unnerving about the mock tri we did in June was that it was a mass start, so the first 100 yards or so was very unsettling as you tried to get into position and actually swim. Thankfully, that wasn't the case with the tri on Saturday.
I was one of the last ones to enter the water from my wave. There were 4 of us from TNT that were all in a row heading into the swim. They yelled "GO!" to me and I started my watch and ran into the water.
WARNING: Adult language to follow. Skip to next paragraph to get back to the PG version. Julie's wave was the next one to go. She stood there waiting to be released, and when they said "GO!" she said one of the best things I've ever heard. She said to the water, "OK. It's you and me, bitch! Let's go!" I love it!
We now return you to your regularly scheduled program.
The course for the swim was a line of green buoys heading out to a large, yellow triangle which marked the turns. The Olympic course, which is just under a mile in length, is shaped for the most part like a large triangle. The first part heads into the sun and is about a 1/4 mile from shore. At that point you come to one of the large yellow triangles where you make a turn to your right to swim along the back stretch. This back stretch is the longest part of the swim, probably close to a 1/2 mile, also along a line of green buoys. When you get to the next large yellow triangle you make the turn towards shore for the last 1/4 mile or so of the swim.
So, that first 1/4 mile of the swim was into the sun which made it tricky to sight in the water. You would for the most part just follow the green buoys and eventually you could see the yellow triangle marking the turn. Julie kept telling herself that she could touch the bottom if she wanted to and I would tell myself that I could stop at any buoy if needed. You do whatever it takes to get the job done. It's nearly all mental anyway.
I was having problems finding my stroke and about half-way to the first triangle I was already having negative thoughts which I immediately tried to beat back. Julie and I could both hear the words of our coaches as well as Bob and Suzanne telling us to "swim like a knife", "reach long", "swim tall", "just breathe". It was great having them "there".
Along the back stretch the problem turned from staring into the sun to having to deal with what seemed like more waves. This was the longest stretch of the swim which really seemed that way to Julie but I found it not to be as bad. We both agree that we had to have been passed by all the waves starting after us. I was being passed by so many people and was doing no passing of other swimmers that I resorted to saying "I passed THAT guy" as I glanced at a lifeguard in the water. Hey, I was at least passing SOMEBODY!
The home stretch of the swim went the fastest for me and seemed to take the longest for Julie. The water was a lot choppier which made breathing difficult a couple times for Julie, but we made it to the end, perhaps a little slower than we wanted, but we still made it.
We were told to run out of the water and up the beach. Oh, and make sure you smile for the camera. Well, both of us felt like crap leaving the water so we just did a brisk walk or slow jog up the beach. We both think we probably used our legs a little too much in the swim which hurt us until a few miles into the bike.
The transition went ok for me although a lot slower than I wanted. It was a 9-minute transition for me as I had to sit there longer to try and get my legs under me. We did shots of Gu and headed out on the ride.
As I said, our legs felt weak for the first 3-4 miles until the Gu started working and we got some needed fluids. We did really well on the bike portion of the tri and we saw a TON of TNT supporters out there, way too many to list. We just want to thank EVERYONE who came out to support us, you don't know how incredible it was to see you all there.
It wasn't until I had just finished Lake Harriett that I saw Julie for the first time since we stood by each other on the beach. We passed each other and yelled "Go Team Gibson!". I stopped at one of the TNT cheer stations and got a little more to drink (from my own water bottle, in case there are any Tri Police reading my blog). The way back to Lake Nokomis down Minnehaha Parkway was very fast and a great way to end the ride. I of course thanked all the volunteers and Police who were out helping, as all TNT folks do. They all did a great job!
The second transition went much better than the first for both of us. Neither Julie nor I are runners by any stretch of the imagination. We had trained to do a run/walk throughout the season but our legs were not as strong as we hoped heading into the run. We did more walking than running, taking time to support our fellow TNT teammates as well as the other competitors.
I crossed the finish line at 4:39 and Julie was about 13 minutes behind me, which equated to the difference in our swim times. We had very similar times on the bike and run.
It was weird crossing the finish line for the first time solo. For every other event Julie and I have done (with TNT) we've always crossed the finish line together. I didn't get emotional until I saw Julie running for the finish line. I waited for her on the other side and we gave each other the biggest hug and let the emotions flow.
We are very proud of each other having completed out first triathlon. We conquered fears and uncertainties and came out on top. And there are so many people we need to thank - so many people who helped us along the way. Our coaches and mentors, Courtney, our friends and family, our fellow teammates, our supporters, but most importantly, our honorees. They are why we do this. They are what this is all about. Thank you to all of you!
I'd like to finish with this. Julie is an amazing woman who inspires me in so many ways. I know what she's faced in order to accomplish this and my heart fills with pride. She's my girl! I love you, Julie!
Thursday night was our Pasta Party. Nearly every one of the 130+ athletes were in attendance, plus family, friends, supporters and honorees. Thanks to Coach Ingrid we had an entertaining slide show of pictures that had been taken over the course of the last 5+ months of training. We heard our team honoree Betsy speak of her battles with cancer and the little things she is thankful for, the little things that many of us take for granted. She is an amazing woman and a true inspiration.
The coaches spoke, gave some last minute advice, and told us all would be ok - we were ready for the challenge facing us. Lorali, Julie and I received our Triple Crown awards for having completed a marathon, century ride and triathlon with TNT. The girls were fitted with tiaras and I received a crown to wear, which we did proudly!
Friday afternoon we met down at the Convention Center to pick up our race packets and finisher shirts. Friday evening we met the coaches at Lake Nokomis for a view of the swim course and a walk through the transition area. Julie and I had primo spots in the transition area which was sweet. It's the little things, you know.
After we left Lake Nokomis we came home and got everything packed and the car loaded. We went to bed between 10 and 11 and got what little sleep we could before the alarm went off at 2:57 AM.
All in all we felt remarkably calm all day Friday and Saturday morning. The nerves actually seemed worse earlier in the week, but the last 36 hours or so were calm, relatively speaking.
We threw the bikes on the car and got over to Lake Nokomis around 4:30 AM and checked in at the TNT tent. It was the calm before the proverbial storm. We headed down to get our bodies marked - your bib number is put on both arms and your age is put on your calves. After that we set up our transition areas and met back at the TNT tent for a team meeting and team picture.
You could sense the tension in the air but amazingly we weren't affected by it. I think it was a true testament to our coaches and mentors that we had the confidence we needed.
We formed a huge circle and each of the coaches plus Courtney took turns with last minute words of advice. To remind us of why we were there we took turns going around the circle and telling everyone who we were doing this in honor or in memory of. Coach Ingrid then pulled the team into a tight circle and we bowed our head in prayer. Not a dry eye was to be found. It was a fitting way to start the day.
Everyone started the tri in assigned waves. My wave was to start at 7:58 AM and Julie's was at 8:05 AM. They were running about 15 minutes behind and despite the extra time to stand there and stare at the water we were still at ease. We spent the extra time talking with our fellow teammates, joking around, and wishing everyone luck.
The start of the swim was not a mass start, which was very nice. They sent us off one at time, releasing each person every 3 seconds. One of the things that was most unnerving about the mock tri we did in June was that it was a mass start, so the first 100 yards or so was very unsettling as you tried to get into position and actually swim. Thankfully, that wasn't the case with the tri on Saturday.
I was one of the last ones to enter the water from my wave. There were 4 of us from TNT that were all in a row heading into the swim. They yelled "GO!" to me and I started my watch and ran into the water.
WARNING: Adult language to follow. Skip to next paragraph to get back to the PG version. Julie's wave was the next one to go. She stood there waiting to be released, and when they said "GO!" she said one of the best things I've ever heard. She said to the water, "OK. It's you and me, bitch! Let's go!" I love it!
We now return you to your regularly scheduled program.
The course for the swim was a line of green buoys heading out to a large, yellow triangle which marked the turns. The Olympic course, which is just under a mile in length, is shaped for the most part like a large triangle. The first part heads into the sun and is about a 1/4 mile from shore. At that point you come to one of the large yellow triangles where you make a turn to your right to swim along the back stretch. This back stretch is the longest part of the swim, probably close to a 1/2 mile, also along a line of green buoys. When you get to the next large yellow triangle you make the turn towards shore for the last 1/4 mile or so of the swim.
So, that first 1/4 mile of the swim was into the sun which made it tricky to sight in the water. You would for the most part just follow the green buoys and eventually you could see the yellow triangle marking the turn. Julie kept telling herself that she could touch the bottom if she wanted to and I would tell myself that I could stop at any buoy if needed. You do whatever it takes to get the job done. It's nearly all mental anyway.
I was having problems finding my stroke and about half-way to the first triangle I was already having negative thoughts which I immediately tried to beat back. Julie and I could both hear the words of our coaches as well as Bob and Suzanne telling us to "swim like a knife", "reach long", "swim tall", "just breathe". It was great having them "there".
Along the back stretch the problem turned from staring into the sun to having to deal with what seemed like more waves. This was the longest stretch of the swim which really seemed that way to Julie but I found it not to be as bad. We both agree that we had to have been passed by all the waves starting after us. I was being passed by so many people and was doing no passing of other swimmers that I resorted to saying "I passed THAT guy" as I glanced at a lifeguard in the water. Hey, I was at least passing SOMEBODY!
The home stretch of the swim went the fastest for me and seemed to take the longest for Julie. The water was a lot choppier which made breathing difficult a couple times for Julie, but we made it to the end, perhaps a little slower than we wanted, but we still made it.
We were told to run out of the water and up the beach. Oh, and make sure you smile for the camera. Well, both of us felt like crap leaving the water so we just did a brisk walk or slow jog up the beach. We both think we probably used our legs a little too much in the swim which hurt us until a few miles into the bike.
The transition went ok for me although a lot slower than I wanted. It was a 9-minute transition for me as I had to sit there longer to try and get my legs under me. We did shots of Gu and headed out on the ride.
As I said, our legs felt weak for the first 3-4 miles until the Gu started working and we got some needed fluids. We did really well on the bike portion of the tri and we saw a TON of TNT supporters out there, way too many to list. We just want to thank EVERYONE who came out to support us, you don't know how incredible it was to see you all there.
It wasn't until I had just finished Lake Harriett that I saw Julie for the first time since we stood by each other on the beach. We passed each other and yelled "Go Team Gibson!". I stopped at one of the TNT cheer stations and got a little more to drink (from my own water bottle, in case there are any Tri Police reading my blog). The way back to Lake Nokomis down Minnehaha Parkway was very fast and a great way to end the ride. I of course thanked all the volunteers and Police who were out helping, as all TNT folks do. They all did a great job!
The second transition went much better than the first for both of us. Neither Julie nor I are runners by any stretch of the imagination. We had trained to do a run/walk throughout the season but our legs were not as strong as we hoped heading into the run. We did more walking than running, taking time to support our fellow TNT teammates as well as the other competitors.
I crossed the finish line at 4:39 and Julie was about 13 minutes behind me, which equated to the difference in our swim times. We had very similar times on the bike and run.
It was weird crossing the finish line for the first time solo. For every other event Julie and I have done (with TNT) we've always crossed the finish line together. I didn't get emotional until I saw Julie running for the finish line. I waited for her on the other side and we gave each other the biggest hug and let the emotions flow.
We are very proud of each other having completed out first triathlon. We conquered fears and uncertainties and came out on top. And there are so many people we need to thank - so many people who helped us along the way. Our coaches and mentors, Courtney, our friends and family, our fellow teammates, our supporters, but most importantly, our honorees. They are why we do this. They are what this is all about. Thank you to all of you!
I'd like to finish with this. Julie is an amazing woman who inspires me in so many ways. I know what she's faced in order to accomplish this and my heart fills with pride. She's my girl! I love you, Julie!
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
And Then There Were Four...
Holy smokes! Where have you been?! Yeah, I know, my fault.
Well, we're down to four days or so before the big day. We had our final team meeting Monday night and went over everything that will be going on over the next few days. The butterflies have started, and we're anxious to get it done.
Julie and I purchased some CO2 cartridges and tried them out tonight, practicing fixing a flat. Knock on wood, we won't need it. We're getting everything laid out that we'll need to have with us, along with doing some last minute shopping for any supplies we'll need. We'll probably go through our checklist 100 more times between now and Saturday morning.
I know I haven't posted anything lately, and unfortunately tonight's post is a short one. I promise more after Saturday, but right now sleep is critical. Please wish us the best and come out and cheer on all the TNT folks if you have some time Saturday. We'll love the support!
Everyone take care. We'll talk to you soon.
Well, we're down to four days or so before the big day. We had our final team meeting Monday night and went over everything that will be going on over the next few days. The butterflies have started, and we're anxious to get it done.
Julie and I purchased some CO2 cartridges and tried them out tonight, practicing fixing a flat. Knock on wood, we won't need it. We're getting everything laid out that we'll need to have with us, along with doing some last minute shopping for any supplies we'll need. We'll probably go through our checklist 100 more times between now and Saturday morning.
I know I haven't posted anything lately, and unfortunately tonight's post is a short one. I promise more after Saturday, but right now sleep is critical. Please wish us the best and come out and cheer on all the TNT folks if you have some time Saturday. We'll love the support!
Everyone take care. We'll talk to you soon.
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
It's Independence Day
The first Independence Day fireworks celebration was in 1776, and was memorialized by then future President John Adams as follows:
"The day (Independence Day) will be the most memorable in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival...it ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade...bonfires and illuminations (fireworks) from one end of this continent to the other, from this day forward forevermore."
30 years ago professional fireworks shows lasted on average over an hour, in comparison to today's shows which last approximately 20 minutes.
--------------------------------------------------------------
O say, can you see, by the dawn’s early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming,
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight
O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there;
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
---------------------------------------------------------------
O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!
O beautiful for pilgrim feet
Whose stern, impassioned stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America! America!
God mend thine every flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law!
O beautiful for heroes proved In liberating strife.
Who more than self the country loved
And mercy more than life!
America! America!
May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness
And every gain divine!
O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!
O beautiful for halcyon skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the enameled plain!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
Till souls wax fair as earth and air
And music-hearted sea!
O beautiful for pilgrims feet,
Whose stern impassioned stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America ! America !
God shed his grace on thee
Till paths be wrought through
wilds of thought
By pilgrim foot and knee!
O beautiful for glory-tale
Of liberating strife
When once and twice,
for man's avail
Men lavished precious life !
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
Till selfish gain no longer stain
The banner of the free!
O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
Till nobler men keep once again
Thy whiter jubilee!
"The day (Independence Day) will be the most memorable in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival...it ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade...bonfires and illuminations (fireworks) from one end of this continent to the other, from this day forward forevermore."
30 years ago professional fireworks shows lasted on average over an hour, in comparison to today's shows which last approximately 20 minutes.
--------------------------------------------------------------
O say, can you see, by the dawn’s early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming,
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight
O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there;
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
---------------------------------------------------------------
O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!
O beautiful for pilgrim feet
Whose stern, impassioned stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America! America!
God mend thine every flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law!
O beautiful for heroes proved In liberating strife.
Who more than self the country loved
And mercy more than life!
America! America!
May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness
And every gain divine!
O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!
O beautiful for halcyon skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the enameled plain!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
Till souls wax fair as earth and air
And music-hearted sea!
O beautiful for pilgrims feet,
Whose stern impassioned stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America ! America !
God shed his grace on thee
Till paths be wrought through
wilds of thought
By pilgrim foot and knee!
O beautiful for glory-tale
Of liberating strife
When once and twice,
for man's avail
Men lavished precious life !
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
Till selfish gain no longer stain
The banner of the free!
O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
Till nobler men keep once again
Thy whiter jubilee!
Aye, Aye, Cap'n
Happy 4th of July!! Stay safe, don't lose any fingers.
Julie and I will be spending part of our day today with our friend Misty doing our own little mock tri at Lake Nokomis. We'll most likely do the sprint distance and it will probably be our last chance to do one before the big day. Hopefully, the heat won't be too unbearable.
I've been thinking a lot over the last couple of years about what I want to be when I grow up. Some people are very lucky to know exactly what it is they want to do at an early age while people like me are still searching for it in their 30's or later. It's funny, if you're getting long in the tooth you probably just read that last sentence and yelled at your computer, "You're young! You're only in your 30's!" I guess it's all relative.
Anyway, I've had conversations with others who are around my age and are struggling with the same questions. As you get older, and life and all it's costs pile up - like a mortgage, car payments, family/dogs, etc - it really limits you as far as your life's work is concerned.
For instance, if I wanted to do something that may eventually pay well but at first pays very little then it's difficult to do that and still maintain our standard of living. This is where the benefit of knowing what you want to do at an early age is such an advantage.
But I'm not in that boat, that boat has sailed. I now find myself on a different boat, and I need to determine how to stay on the boat but make sure as captain that it is going in the direction that is most fulfilling. Sorry for the cheesy analogy. As a side note, I always enjoyed Cap'n Crunch as a kid, but I digress.
There are many things that interest me, some of them you could earn a living with, while others would perhaps be more considered hobbies. As an example, I'd like to learn to play an instrument - I still have an acoustic guitar in the basement - but that would be more of a hobby than something by which to pay the mortgage.
I look at my nephews and nieces - at least those old enough to be starting down this path of determining their life's work - and I'm so proud of the fact that they know what they want to do and are going after it with all they've got. And I'm also very proud of my siblings, their parents, for not discouraging them if the path they've chosen might not make them monetarily rich. They know, perhaps, that it's better to follow your dreams than the money. Now, this isn't to say that I was discouraged from doing what I wanted to do, I just didn't know what that was at the time.
Which reminds me of a study I once read about years ago, and I can't remember the exact details, but it went something like this. Playboy Magazine (there's more to it than just pictures!) did a study where they followed 200 individuals over "X" number of years to study how well they did in life. 100 of the people chose a career to get rich, 100 chose a career that was their life's passion.
The results were interesting. All of the millionaires but one came from the group that followed their dreams. They believed in what they were doing so much that the money came to them, they weren't chasing it. Of course, this doesn't mean that everyone who pursues what they love will become rich, but it will lead to a life that is rich in more ways than just money. There's a lot to be said about being happy in your work.
While all of this is interesting, it still doesn't help answer my question. What AM I going to be when I grow up? When I find the answer, I'll let you know.
Julie and I will be spending part of our day today with our friend Misty doing our own little mock tri at Lake Nokomis. We'll most likely do the sprint distance and it will probably be our last chance to do one before the big day. Hopefully, the heat won't be too unbearable.
I've been thinking a lot over the last couple of years about what I want to be when I grow up. Some people are very lucky to know exactly what it is they want to do at an early age while people like me are still searching for it in their 30's or later. It's funny, if you're getting long in the tooth you probably just read that last sentence and yelled at your computer, "You're young! You're only in your 30's!" I guess it's all relative.
Anyway, I've had conversations with others who are around my age and are struggling with the same questions. As you get older, and life and all it's costs pile up - like a mortgage, car payments, family/dogs, etc - it really limits you as far as your life's work is concerned.
For instance, if I wanted to do something that may eventually pay well but at first pays very little then it's difficult to do that and still maintain our standard of living. This is where the benefit of knowing what you want to do at an early age is such an advantage.
But I'm not in that boat, that boat has sailed. I now find myself on a different boat, and I need to determine how to stay on the boat but make sure as captain that it is going in the direction that is most fulfilling. Sorry for the cheesy analogy. As a side note, I always enjoyed Cap'n Crunch as a kid, but I digress.
There are many things that interest me, some of them you could earn a living with, while others would perhaps be more considered hobbies. As an example, I'd like to learn to play an instrument - I still have an acoustic guitar in the basement - but that would be more of a hobby than something by which to pay the mortgage.
I look at my nephews and nieces - at least those old enough to be starting down this path of determining their life's work - and I'm so proud of the fact that they know what they want to do and are going after it with all they've got. And I'm also very proud of my siblings, their parents, for not discouraging them if the path they've chosen might not make them monetarily rich. They know, perhaps, that it's better to follow your dreams than the money. Now, this isn't to say that I was discouraged from doing what I wanted to do, I just didn't know what that was at the time.
Which reminds me of a study I once read about years ago, and I can't remember the exact details, but it went something like this. Playboy Magazine (there's more to it than just pictures!) did a study where they followed 200 individuals over "X" number of years to study how well they did in life. 100 of the people chose a career to get rich, 100 chose a career that was their life's passion.
The results were interesting. All of the millionaires but one came from the group that followed their dreams. They believed in what they were doing so much that the money came to them, they weren't chasing it. Of course, this doesn't mean that everyone who pursues what they love will become rich, but it will lead to a life that is rich in more ways than just money. There's a lot to be said about being happy in your work.
While all of this is interesting, it still doesn't help answer my question. What AM I going to be when I grow up? When I find the answer, I'll let you know.
Monday, July 2, 2007
Mama Don't Take My Kodachrome Away
Man, is there a lot going on the world lately. I'll avoid getting too political, but I'm sure there will be some good columns appearing tomorrow that will deal with recent issues better than I. Perhaps tomorrow's post will have some links of interest.
So, a quick little story. One of the first times Julie and I met Suzanne Gilbert was a couple years ago at a Christmas fundraiser. We were at one of the local malls wrapping presents for donations and we happened to be working the same shift as Suzanne. Little did we know the impact she would have on our lives from that point on.
One of the first things Suzanne said was that we needed a mascot, someone to stand outside our little store front and get people to come in to get their presents wrapped. For some reason she was able to determine that I was the best candidate for the job and she proceeded to make an entire outfit out of boxes, wrapping paper, and bows.
From that point on Suzanne has repeatedly wanted to dress me up in some costume or another, all for the cause. I think she has some childhood issues she's working out - perhaps I'm the doll she never had, or the younger sibling she didn't get the chance to do this with. Whatever the case, it's never a surprise when we see each other that she has something for me to wear, and a few weeks ago at her garage sale was no different.
Julie and I had been at her sale for all of 2 minutes when Suzanne informs me that she has just the thing for me to wear - a must have. Of course, being the good sport I am I had not issues with putting on the jacket she brought to me, even though it WAS a woman's jacket.
For reasons of self-humiliation, or self-loathing, or whatever the reason, I have decided to post the picture she took of me on the blog. Below is a picture of that fateful day. It should be mentioned that it only looks like I'm striking a pose - I'm actually trying to stretch my back. Buying it? Didn't think so...
Hopefully you get some mild amusement from the photo. Enjoy.
So, a quick little story. One of the first times Julie and I met Suzanne Gilbert was a couple years ago at a Christmas fundraiser. We were at one of the local malls wrapping presents for donations and we happened to be working the same shift as Suzanne. Little did we know the impact she would have on our lives from that point on.
One of the first things Suzanne said was that we needed a mascot, someone to stand outside our little store front and get people to come in to get their presents wrapped. For some reason she was able to determine that I was the best candidate for the job and she proceeded to make an entire outfit out of boxes, wrapping paper, and bows.
From that point on Suzanne has repeatedly wanted to dress me up in some costume or another, all for the cause. I think she has some childhood issues she's working out - perhaps I'm the doll she never had, or the younger sibling she didn't get the chance to do this with. Whatever the case, it's never a surprise when we see each other that she has something for me to wear, and a few weeks ago at her garage sale was no different.
Julie and I had been at her sale for all of 2 minutes when Suzanne informs me that she has just the thing for me to wear - a must have. Of course, being the good sport I am I had not issues with putting on the jacket she brought to me, even though it WAS a woman's jacket.
For reasons of self-humiliation, or self-loathing, or whatever the reason, I have decided to post the picture she took of me on the blog. Below is a picture of that fateful day. It should be mentioned that it only looks like I'm striking a pose - I'm actually trying to stretch my back. Buying it? Didn't think so...
Hopefully you get some mild amusement from the photo. Enjoy.
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Guitar Man
First of all, we'd like to send out our congrats to Julie and Chuck on the birth of their daughter, Marley Jane, born on Friday. Everyone is healthy and doing well, and by all accounts Chuck is being a wonderful father. Congratulations!!
Yesterday we had out Tahoe team party at Coach Bob's house. We were also joined by some of our Tri athletes who had just completed the Maui Tri earlier in June. It was a great time, and Bob and Jodi did a fantastic job feeding and drinking everyone. Lucas put together a great DVD with highlights from the season, along with video clips from event weekend. Fantastic job. Julie and I also received a very nice framed team photo from the Tahoe team which was signed by everyone. A very nice gesture. It was a great team and the party was nice to see everyone again.
Today we didn't do a whole lot, Julie was feeling so-so (a possible combination of a cold and allergies) so we didn't do much. It was nice - we needed a day for just us, so it came along at the perfect time.
I was doing some random searching a couple weeks ago on You Tube and came across this guy who plays the acoustic guitar - and he is amazing. Check him out here - you won't be disappointed. If you like it do a search on his name and you'll find a lot of cool videos with him. I wish I could play like that.
Another video I found was this video from a tribute concert to honor George Harrison. A great version of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps". You'll see George's son to the right of Eric Clapton, playing the acoustic guitar. It's amazing how much he looks like his father. Oh, and do you suppose Jeff Lynne could have MORE hair? Geez, get a haircut dude.
Anyone know of a good place to get great Mexican food in the southwest part of the cities?
Can you believe it's July already? Two weeks from yesterday is the triathlon. At this point we're just wanting to do it. We know we're ready and we'll do fine, and will perhaps be at the back of the pack, but we know we'll get across that finish line.
Julie and I were talking this morning and saying that 3 years ago if someone would have told us we would have done 2 marathons, a half marathon, a century ride, and a triathlon in the next 3+ years we would have thought they were nuts. It's been a great run of events since 2004, and we're looking forward to taking some time off. However, neither of us can imagine TNT not being a key part of what we do and who we are. We have grown in so many ways through this program and we continually meet many awesome, beautiful people. Honestly, if you've never been part of TNT you really need to try it. It will change your life.
So, come July 15th, we will be officially on hiatus from training for events but we'll still be heavily involved with the program. So, come out and join us - you won't be disappointed.
Well it's a marvelous night for a moondance...
Yesterday we had out Tahoe team party at Coach Bob's house. We were also joined by some of our Tri athletes who had just completed the Maui Tri earlier in June. It was a great time, and Bob and Jodi did a fantastic job feeding and drinking everyone. Lucas put together a great DVD with highlights from the season, along with video clips from event weekend. Fantastic job. Julie and I also received a very nice framed team photo from the Tahoe team which was signed by everyone. A very nice gesture. It was a great team and the party was nice to see everyone again.
Today we didn't do a whole lot, Julie was feeling so-so (a possible combination of a cold and allergies) so we didn't do much. It was nice - we needed a day for just us, so it came along at the perfect time.
I was doing some random searching a couple weeks ago on You Tube and came across this guy who plays the acoustic guitar - and he is amazing. Check him out here - you won't be disappointed. If you like it do a search on his name and you'll find a lot of cool videos with him. I wish I could play like that.
Another video I found was this video from a tribute concert to honor George Harrison. A great version of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps". You'll see George's son to the right of Eric Clapton, playing the acoustic guitar. It's amazing how much he looks like his father. Oh, and do you suppose Jeff Lynne could have MORE hair? Geez, get a haircut dude.
Anyone know of a good place to get great Mexican food in the southwest part of the cities?
Can you believe it's July already? Two weeks from yesterday is the triathlon. At this point we're just wanting to do it. We know we're ready and we'll do fine, and will perhaps be at the back of the pack, but we know we'll get across that finish line.
Julie and I were talking this morning and saying that 3 years ago if someone would have told us we would have done 2 marathons, a half marathon, a century ride, and a triathlon in the next 3+ years we would have thought they were nuts. It's been a great run of events since 2004, and we're looking forward to taking some time off. However, neither of us can imagine TNT not being a key part of what we do and who we are. We have grown in so many ways through this program and we continually meet many awesome, beautiful people. Honestly, if you've never been part of TNT you really need to try it. It will change your life.
So, come July 15th, we will be officially on hiatus from training for events but we'll still be heavily involved with the program. So, come out and join us - you won't be disappointed.
Well it's a marvelous night for a moondance...
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