Friday, January 30, 2009

Cross-Country Flailing

Wow. I can't believe how bad I am at XC skiing. Maybe the conditions weren't right? I don't know enough about winter sports to say, but either way, my technique today was analogous to walking with really long, skinny snow-shoes, without the aid of spikes on the bottom to prevent sliding backwards. And, as if my slow trudging wasn't bad enough, I actually fell a couple of times (okay, more than a couple).

I floundered around for about 3 miles of deep snow, with me breaking trail for most of it. Granted, I've got "backcountry" skis, but I think in past years when I've taken the sticks out, I've been on groomed trails and I was much better. Winter sports, *bleck*.

Thursday, January 29, 2009

A update of minimal significance or interest.

Wow...Keeping up in the modern times takes lots of work. ... LinkedIn, Facebook, Blog(s); it's enough to make a guy want to go back to the olden times before the Internet... nah... then I wouldn't have my BlackBerry or my iPod or my other digital devices that I am so addicted to.

I've been meaning to post something here, but a.) I haven't been doing anything that exciting, and b.) I've been posting daily to the OTHER blog I contribute to: fourpawsphotos. In fact, between taking, tweaking and posting the photos, that takes up quite a bit of my time each day.

My work weeks have been B-U-S-Y, I guess it's that time of year... the hospital is full.

On my off weeks, I'm happy to say that I've been OUTSIDE for a couple of rides. The rollers have been monotonous--AND I've had mechanical issues, so it was refreshing to get outside. Yeah, I think I'm one of the only people that has bike problems while riding indoors, but I digress. My outside rides have been short, but an hour outside is better than an hour inside, so I won't complain. Studded tires and winter shoes have eliminated any excuses I had NOT to get outside. However, I can't wait for dirt... warm, dry, dirt. With all the snow we're getting this year, I think I'm going to have a long wait though... Perhaps there'll be some spring training/travel in my future...

In addition to working (and complaining about winter), I've been getting ready for some lectures I'll be giving up at UNE (back pain, traumatic brain injuries, burn care). I was supposed to go up this past Wednesday, but I had to reschedule due to the storm. Now, when I go back up, I'll be lecturing for 6hrs... those poor PA students.

I also had an enlightening experience at the dentist's office last week.

Other than that's it's been lots of errands, dog stuff, and waiting/hoping for an early spring!

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

The Recession is Affecting Us All...

In light of the current economic situation facing our country, Bearded Biker, Inc., regretfully announces that it will be cutting its friends by approximately 8-percent over the coming months.

Some will be offered early retirement packages, and others will be offered positions as acquaintances, however, if the total reduction does not meet shareholder expectations, then forced lay-offs will occur.

Consumers should not notice any change. “Over the past few months, we’ve been experimenting with some off-shore agencies to provide many of the same services my friends have been providing for years, and I have to say, the quality is indistinguishable,” says Bearded Biker's CEO, David Alden.

“We don’t want to do this,” Mr. Alden goes on to say, “but not only do we have a responsibility to our shareholders, but we have a responsibility to the global economy as well, and we have to stay strong to continue to be a leader.”

Unaffected will be the Bearded Biker's wife, Jean, and two dogs, Gary and Luna; however, family members may face similar reductions if the financial downturn continues.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Have Bikes, Will Travel

As you may remember, this past summer I got a couple of bikes (one for Jean, and one for me) that were specifically designed to break apart for easy packing and travel. Well, I finally got the special cases, which are within the limits that airlines set for normal luggage--meaning, no surcharge! Check out the photos below... Now, where will these bikes go? Hawaii? Utah? Florida?

Snow

Yep. Snowstorm. Cold. Fun. How long until spring?