More Cowbell

Facebook Comment exchange:

Me: “Be prepared for the weird :-)”

Chris: “Weird ... like my phone suddenly lighting up with a strange and random picture of a cowbell? :))))”

Me: “LOL ... um, that would be a "yes" C ... weird just happens sometimes!”

Hate to say but that wasn’t a random occurrence – and it was all Ro’s fault, she started it. :-) Okay, I hear those of you that don’t have a clue as to what I’m talking about (and isn’t that normal?) “HUH?” I know this will come as a total surprise to some of you (*snicker, snicker*) but I’m a full-fledged, self-confessed, cycling fanatic (and geek) and have many friends who also fit in that category (Rosemary (“Ro”) and Chris (“C”), being only two of many – yes, there are more than you think)!

Ro and I are going to be trekking to Silver City, New Mexico tomorrow for a race that begins today known as the Tour of Gila, a great American race in its 24th year, it being my fortune of attending for a 2nd time – fabulous!

Lance Armstrong rode this race last year, along with Levi Leipheimer and Chris Horner (great names in American cycling) and they helped elevate the race's profile. This year’s version will see Lance Armstrong and Levi Leipheimer riding (in Mellow Johnny's kit ... long story), again along with their Team RadioShack teammate, Jason McCartney (who rode for Saxo Bank last year).

This year there will be more competition on the International Pro level by the likes of Dave Zabriskie (Tour de France yellow jersey wearer and four time U.S. Time Trial Champion), Danny Pate and Tommy Danielson of Garmin-Slipstream making their way to the compete in this classic American race (riding in DZ Nutz kits ... once again THANKS UCI ... long story!)

AND for the first time, I'm actually going to get to meet (hopefully) one of the best U.S. sprinters ever - one with a moving personal story AND he is an "almost brand-new" American Citizen, Ivan Dominguez aka "The Cuban Missile" ... I may just pass out!

So, what are two very passionate cycling fanatics (geeks) to do in preparation for the trip except grab their cameras and (1) find the very best chalk for marking asphalt, and (2) find the very best COWBELLS – and compare them?

Ro's Cowbell

My Cowbell

….now if you don’t “get” “More Cowbell” – you really must watch the SNL More Cowbell skit … it is just the ticket, any fan of “anything,” needs to yell MORE COWBELL!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qWCOJPwdXw

P.S. Thank you Rosemary for the inspiration for today's blog - cycling geek! :-)

33 Years - Something Wrong With Me?

I just typed today’s date on a letter AND 33 Years .... Holy Carpies!

Okay I hear you thinking “what?” Let us take this moment together to reflect on what some may call a “rut” (of which I have several, but I think they are good ones) -- I have today worked at my place of employment for 33 years, there has got to be something wrong with that, with me - right?

As a starving pre-med student, I needed to find a job and work a while to continue pursuing my “want” of becoming a heart surgeon, without actually starving to death in the process .. so through the college work program - that I was in at the time - a request to fill a receptionist position came and there began my 33 year history (isn't my photo of my 1st day at work adorable?) I began here at the law firm in the position of receptionist “extraordinaire” however, it was in my cards to only hold that position for 3 months, when one of the two secretaries left (she was preggers).

I had been typing, occasionally, for different small projects and the remaining secretary told “them” that they should offer me the position of secretary and simply hire another receptionist -- which they did and I agonized over the change in job! It came with more pay, but also the risk of “what if I did a lousy job and they fired me” ... so, with the promise to me that if I “sucked” they would let me have the receptionist job back -- I moved forward (and up the pay scale to a whopping $575.00/month!)

Soooooo, I guess things worked out ‘eh AND I don’t take all the credit for being fabulous (hee, hee and modest) ... this place is “da bomb” more like a family than a place of employment, so no, I don’t really think there is anything wrong with me -- I feel rather smart (for staying) and also feel rather blessed!

PS. "OH" I decided I liked the legal business (and being able to pay my bills and eat at the same time) ... so I stayed - I'm not doubling as a heart surgeon at night - but you all probably figured that one out!

Let's Give It a Go!

As I sit here I am wondering ... is now the time to start this blog - I set this blog space up in November 2009, and have been thinking about starting it ever since - but do I have anything worth saying OR do I have nothing worth saying OR does it make any difference?  It is a blog afterall - so what the hector, why not!

So this is my first entry, to give myself a push ... if I may - let's give it a go!