Good Beer in Charlotte

So I'm back in Charlotte for more job training. The good thing about my job is that the company is doing extremely well right now. In fact, they are doing the best they have ever done and the owner just sent out a company wide letter talking about it. Ok, enough of that. This trip isn't as fun as my last trip up here because I did not bring the bikes. The last time I was here I hit some really nice trails and I was looking forward to all of these trips for that reason. This time I am spening more time relaxing and sampling some seasonal beers. In other words, I am adding some love to my soon to be former 32" waist! ;) Right now I am enjoying Flying Dog's Dogtoberfest while the past few days I had Blue Moon's Full Moon and Sam Adams Octoberfest. All good stuff. Today I picked up a treat for me & sbc to drink at tomorrow night's Halloween shindig. This stuff is pretty potent so we better take it easy...

Tomorrow I will zip home (5+ hour drive) after class and get ready to go to a Halloween party at the beach with Char. We got somewhat matching costumes so I will be sure to post some pictures later. I look forward to having some fun with my prize!

Yesterday after class I checked out REI and I must have walked around that store 10 times like a solid tard. That place friggin rocks! Man, why can't they put a REI in the 904?

This weekend is the now un-PC World's Largest Cocktail Party in Jacksonville. For those who don't know, it means Florida-Georgia. This game will be huge! We plan to hook up with some friends for a little cookout action and watch the game. I can't wait for this game- #3 vs #8. Tebow vs Stafford. Richt vs Meyer. Dawgs vs Gators. Georgia Necks vs Swamp Necks...

Sunday I have a date with my ubertalented daughter for some dirt bike action. Nothing like hittin the trails with my little angel...

Big Blue Misery

Ok, I'm not sure what to make of this but it is 45 degrees out and gas is $2.29...

This past weekend was pretty cool. Saturday we headed down to Gainesville for the UK/Florida game. Our plan was to drop Avery, Mayfield and the bikes off at Al's house, head to the game, come back for a cookout and then head to Tampa Sunday morning for a mtn bike race. We got going a little late as usual, but as we got to our seats in the Swamp, Florida had just blocked their 2nd UK punt and went up 14-0. What?? I was already ready to leave because I knew the bones were about to be rolled. UK was in a serious deficit of players due to injuries and they are already thin as it is. Our offense has been bad all year but after losing 2 of our best players in recent weeks to injury, I knew points would be hard to come by. However, our defense has been very good this year, leading the SEC in points scored, but I did not know that we were hurting in all layers of the defense- up front, linebackers and secondary. Florida was coming off of a bye week after beating the tar out of LSU and was getting primed for Georgia next week, so the Big Blue Nation had to take a serious black eye.

Losing 63-5 reminded me of the bad years in the 90's, when Curry had nothing for Spurrier. But UK had closed the gap on Florida in recent years and after going into Tuscaloosa and only losing 17-14 to #2 Alabama a few weeks ago, I thought we would at least make a game of it. I will say one thing- when starting wide receiver and true freshman Randall Cobb took over at QB, our offense got rolling. This Cat is going to be a serious baller in the years to come....lefty, elusive runner, decent arm...kinda reminds me of that famous #7 from Virginia Tech a few years ago... Anyhow, I actually had a nice time with Char sitting amongst 90 thousand Gator faithful, even though seeing my beloved Cats get embarrassed was a tad painful. One thing is for sure, the Florida/Georgia game this weekend here in Jacksonville should be one for the ages and should also produce a BCS title contender...

Gator Country...an understatement...

Tebow the Super Heisman Hero about to score...again...

He's a Cat, she's a Gator...

Sunday morning became a tough decision for us because Char seriously needed to go visit her dad down the road in Davenport. His health has been deteriorating and she had not seen him in several months, so we made the 2 hour trip down south from Gainesville to see him. Skipping the race in favor of this was a very wise decision because the importance of some things far outweigh everything...

Even though she didn't get to race, Avery still had a great weekend because she always has such a blast at Al's- playing non-stop with Char's nephews Blake and Donovan. We also always have such a good time there and this weekend was no different- Saturday's cookout, drinking beer with Al, watching football, shooting pool, Sunday's big breakfast...we already can't wait for our next trip down!

Last thought- the Jaguars losing at home to the Browns? The Browns? If they do not get things turned around, like now, playoffs will be a long lost pipe dream...

Bummed out...

Ok, so I've been pretty bummed lately. After Avery's appointment last Thursday, I had the consultation with the cardiac surgeon. It was a good, yet tough appointment that covered quite a bit. I totally like this doctor and am comfortable with him doing the procedure, but I am scared as hell about the whole thing for several reasons. There are some scary risks involved with the surgery, such as how they test the defibrillator after it is implanted. There are also some restrictions that are going to suck for a month or so after the surgery. Then of course there are the long term restrictions. BUT, before I have the device implanted, the manufacturer of the device must come evaluate my work for potential interference. This has got me all wacked out. I am not sure how to present this to my company and IF there are any issues at my work as far as restrictions based on interference, how are they going to handle it? So...to say the least, I have been a little stressed lately. I'm not sure yet when I'll be having the surgery but I am guessing it will be pretty soon. Oh, I asked for one more opinion on the diagnosis from one of the top HCM specialists in the world at Mayo Rochester and he agreed with the other 4 opinions- get it done.



This past Saturday Char and I went to the Orlando Magic/Miami Heat exhibition game here in Jacksonville with our friends Josh & Bobbi. We met up for drinks and dinner at Mossfire Grill and then headed to another bar by the arena before going into the game. The Orlando Magic have their preseason training camp here at UNF, so that is why the game was here. Anyhow, we had a good time at the game as we enjpyed our favorit adult beverages and pulled for the Magic. As for the game itself, all I gotta say is that Dwane Wade and Josh Howard are some serious superstars. I think the Magic will get back to the playoffs again this year and Miami cannot be any worse than they were last year. The game was a good one, with the Magic pulling it out.


This week has been an adjustment week at work since I got a new manager Monday. So far so good. Also, we are headed to Tampa for racing this weekend but we will be stopping in Gainesville Saturday for the UK/Florida game. Man, UK is hurtin right now so all I can hope is that they keep it close...

Still here

The urge to write anything just hasn't hit me lately...

Best news yet!

This morning Avery had an appointment with a University of Florida pediatric cardiologist and the test results show that she has a normal, healthy heart! No signs of inheriting my junk! Beforehand I was way more nervous than I ever was during any of my tests and I am sooooo relieved after hearing the good news. We celebrated by grabbing Char for lunch at McCallsiter's and topped it off with some pumpkin pie cheesecake! Now I'm about to go to Mayo for my ICD consultation. I don't look forward to this nonsense at all...

Oh, I had to guess one of my birthday gifts today and my only clue was the work 'dribble.' Somehow I managed to nail it prettty fast- tickets to the Orlando Magic/Miami Heat game this Saturday night! Man, that's going to be a blast! The NBA is pretty damn cool!

Oh yeah, I turned 33 today! Hmmm....no real thoughts on that I guess. 33 is just my lucky number beside my lucky number...and stuff....

tOrN

Oh boy, am I a mess. My doctor told me yesterday that they need to impant a defibrillator, and want to do it soon. I actually have an appointment Thursday for a cosultation with the specialist. The last MRI further proved that I do have HCM and that not only are my septum and apex thick, they are also scarred. So with a history of an unexplained episode of fainting and the actual diagnosis of this condition, my doctor (who consulted with other cardioligists at Mayo Jacksonville and HCM specialists at Mayo Rochester) feels that this is how they must proceed. I don't know what to think. There are some things in life that I will need to adjust with the ICD, which can be read about here. Considering that I work in a large industrial facility, I am not sure what problems that will cause. I think they should be able to come to my work and make sure there will not be any interference from the transformers, motors, electronic systems, welders, etc.

A lot of people are saying that I should get a 2nd opinion, but this is actually my 3rd opinion. And isn't the Mayo Clinic the place you go for 2nd opinions? I guess the next best place to go would be the Cleveland Clinic. But if I think that Mayo is doing the right thing, shouldn't I just go with them? Ugh- I am torn. Its crazy how these things can hit anybody, but its hard for me to grasp that an ultra-fit, 33 year old endurance athlete needs some junk bolted in his chest to keep the ticker tickin. Anyhow, no time to feel sorry for myself- I need to just keep rolling with it and keep my chin on the positive side of life...

Ok, so now some upbeat stuffs.... This past weekend's race in Tallahasee was a pretty dern good time! Avery did a most excellent job during her mtn bike race, which was a great course that included a BMX track. She inched a bit closer to the 1st and 2nd place girls, finishing 3rd! So proud.... Char fought off some serious exhaustion from racing and travel over the past 3 weeks and smoked a kick-a$$ 2nd place! Stellar work ladies! This kind of stuff is what keeps me going...

picture me rollin...

Me & my co-pilot were headed to Tallahasee to cheer Char and Avery on at the 3rd mtb race of the fall series. Anyhow, as I type this I am in the hotel with my ladies watching the Florida/LSU game. This weekend was a tough decision because Char and I had tickets to the game. It was tough, but we chose to head down 10 west for some dirt action. Tom Brown Park in Tally is one of the best parks in the state so we should have a great weekend. To make up for it, we may go to the UK/Florida game in 2 weeks on our way down to Tampa for some more racing...

I've been somewhat dissapointed with my football teams lately. UK played #2 Alabama close last week, losing 17-14 in Tuscaloosa. I was totally impressed with how close it was, but it was still a loss. Their offense is still pretty weak, but they seriously need to come around if they want to make some noise in the SEC and get to a decent bowl game. This weekend they played nemesis Steve Spurrier and the Gamecocks at home. Again, a close one but they could not seal the deal- losing 24-17 to the ol' hated ball coach. Ahhh, the life of a UK football fan...

I also watched last weekend's Jaguar game in the casino and again, it turned out to be a big let down. The Jags have owned the Steelers lately but they could not stop Big Ben and lost a tight one at home, 26-21. The Jags have always been known for their D but it has been a solid disappointment so far this year. Tomorrow they travel to Denver for a tough battle at Mile High. At 2-3, the fellas in teal need to get this show headed in the right direction...

Ok, so this past Thursday was my last test at Mayo before my big follow up this Monday. I have been going through testing the last 4 weeks at Mayo and I am super anxious (and nervous!) to see what the docs are going to say. Thursday's test was annoying for 2 reasons- 1. I had to do that damn MRI on my heart again because the first one did not come out they way they wanted and 2. it was the day after we got back from Tahoe. To be honest, I have no idea what they are going to say that I can do, not do, how bad my condition actually is or what my future treatment may be. All I can do at this point is hope for the best. I also haven't worked out in the past 4 weeks either. I've only put on a few pounds but I feel like crap. It was rough getting this diagnosis while I was at the highest level of fitness that I have been in in my entire life but again, I just gotta roll with it...

On a lighter note- mullets are fascinating. This one we spotted at breakfast in Reno last week was the best I've seen a while...daaayyuuumm!

Tahoe Review 4: Reno driving range

After hiking Tuesday just south of South Lake, we headed to some stables to do some horse back riding but we got there right as they closed. So from there we rolled back into Incline Village to go to a driving range, but again we struck out with the joint closing as soon as we got there. We then decided to head back to Reno, where we found a driving range that was open til midnight. We had a blast here smashing close to 200 balls into this lake full of targets...





I don't know which was more fun, whacking the balls or watching these videos...

Tahoe Review 3: Fun time!

Lakeside....


Random picture of some old guy standing on a boulder airing it out...

Getting amped for the Jaguar-Steeler game and then some gambling...

Starting out on our hike to a water fall...

The goal of our hike...

Goofing off along the way...


At our destination, the base of the waterfall...


View from the base of the waterfall...

Headed back down...

Driving back to South Lake...

Tahoe Review 2: Race Day

After checking out the course Saturday and meeting up with Sean & Steph, we headed down to our hotel at the South Lake and got some dinner. Sunday morning was race day!

Leaving the hotel at o-dark-thirty Sunday morn...


XTERRA film crew filming Char setting up transition...

The fly support crew on the other side of the camera...

Char & Sean talking race strategy/cold water survival...

The start of the race- helicopter film crew included...

Long run from the lake to the transition area....


Starting the bike leg...


View of the race venue from the 11th floor of the Hyatt... (Steph & I took a coffee break!)

Sean finishing the bike...

Char excited to run after finishing the long bike portion...

After the 1.5K swim, the 30K bike and the 10K run- done at last...

Tahoe Review 1: Arrival

I had planned to keep this updated while in Tahoe/Reno but I never got to it. Anyhow, we had a great time and took a bunch of pictures! Here's a recap of the first 2 days...

Waiting for our plane in Jax last Friday...


Staying at the Atlantis in Reno the 1st night...

Packed and ready to drive into the mountains Saturday morning...

Driving from Reno to the base of the mountains of Tahoe....

Snow? Snow at the top of the mountains...

Checking out the XTERRA race venue at Incline Village in Lake Tahoe...

The "waves" in the cold lake at the race...

Checking into our plush digs (Harvey's) in South Lake Tahoe...

Jock Junior

So when Miss Avery isn't running or riding her bike, she's at tennis lessons. She spent time in karate and also played t-ball, and even though she did exceptionally well in both, tennis just seems to be a good fit. It can be difficult to find which activities kids will like, but I think if you expose them to a variety of things they will stick with the ones they enjoy. So far she loves the bike and mtn bike racing and in a year or so I will introduce her to a road bike, which I think she will like even more than the knobbies. I'm not sure how much she really likes running but she never shies away from it. It probably also helps that Char runs a lot for triathlon training and that her mom has been a Girls on the Run coach the last 3 years. I have taken a temporary timeout from running with her until I find out how much activity is safe for my ticker. I was thinking I could ride my beach cruiser with her while she runs but I don't think that looks right. She has expressed interest in basketball, which is awesome because not only do I love basketball, but I started playing when I was about her age and I played all the way into high school and a LOT in the Navy. I'm not sure if she'll get into soccer- she hasn't said much about it and I never played it but I'm sure she'll at least try it at some point. Either way, its been fulfilling for me to do more with her in just the short amount of time that I have been sidelined from my "normal" training life. Its amazing how much you can miss when you get so focuses on one thing...

Last night the girls had the girls begging for some grub...

I know most people think baseball is boring, but when the playoffs start- it gets exciting! Kinda like the NBA... Anyhow, it sucks that the Cubs dropped the first game to the Dodgers last night and lost home field. Zambrano needs to pitch a stellar game Thursday and their sluggers need to do some work. From there they need to at least win one in LA to have a chance to move on. Man, I've gotta see the Cubs win the Series in my lifetime and this year has looked like it would be their best chance in...forever!

holy mosquito!

Yesterday Avery and I loaded up the mountain bikes and headed to Hanna Park for a little trail action. After getting 3rd in her last race, she wants to practice as much as possible so she can catch the 2nd and 1st place girl. The same girls have scored the top 2 spots in both races so far. Anyhow, instead of bustin out laps on our short loop, Avery wanted to ride the whole 5 mile loop, which was cool with me because I hadn't seen it in a while. Avery rode exceptionally well but anytime we slowed down or stopped for her to push her bike up a hill, the mosquitos swarmed us!! It was nuts! This gave us a serious sense of urgency to get through the trail as fast as possible and in doing so, she completed the lap in 49 minutes. Man, she has come a long way! Now we have a new time to work on beating everytime we ride, just like her short lap times. Once we got to the parking lot we jumped off our bikes and got everything loaded at warp speed to get away from all of the little blood suckers! Man, next time I gotta remember that I ALWAYS keep OFF in my bike bag and that I should actually use it...

After we got home, I started packing Char's bike for the trip to Tahoe. We are flying out this Friday and are staying until late next Wednesday. We started buying some gear last week at Dick's, Sports Authority and Black Creek because there is no way we had enough stuff to be clothed properly... Anyhow, we are going to have a blast! We are staying in Reno some of the days and in Tahoe the others. I do not know all of the details (do I ever?) but I do know we will be in casinos and that can be bad, especially once the adult beverages kick in! I love me some casinos! We plan to do all kinds of outdoor stuff as well so I am super excited! I am also pumped to check out the XTERRA on Sunday and watch Char and sbc suffer...er, I mean kick some you know what!

Does that dude look scary or what? This Saturday the new, mainstream MMA organization Elite XC will have some pretty good fights. The main event will feature underground streetfighting youtube sensation Kimbo Slice (pictured above) taking on the old, knockout prone, former fighting legend Ken Shamrock. Man, Shamrock seriously needs to hang it up. He is old and has been knocked out in the first round in his last 3 or 4 fights. Kimbo should knock him out in the first minute. There are also some other solid bada$$es on the card, including heavyweight stud Andei Arlovski and American Gladiator star Gina Carrano, who is not only pleasant to look at but is an awesome fighter. Hopefully we'll be able to catch this show chilling in the hotel the night before the race.

One last thought- the handsome fella above is Dougan. He is being fostered at BARC and we have given some thought to adopting him. Dougan has a heart disease not too different from mine so he especially touched us when we read his story. We plan to meet him when we get back from Tahoe and will consider giving Mayfield a new brother. Stay tuned...