Book Recap..

As a rest breaks during my other reading/studying I was hooked on this book and finished it this morning. Between a Rock and a Hard Place by Aron Ralston. Yes, this is the story of the climber/mountaineer that got his arm stuck and had to self amputate it in order to survive. Aron does a great job diving right into the set up and how he becomes trapped and then the book flip flops from chapter to chapter on his growing up and life experience's and other near death situations where he could have died as well. I found the catch for this book in him being trapped knowing that he was going to have to amputate his arm at some point. Aron does a great job describing the details while he is trapped and how is mind works continuously to resolve the entrapment with many different ideas and keeping track of his vital signs though out the 5 days. It's truly amazing to know you can stay awake for 127 hours! (The world record for staying awake is 11 days but that is with no severe trauma to one's arm and lack of food and water in the desert) I won't explain the details of how he gets his arm arm but I will say that he does not saw or cut it off as it is commonly known. Aron is a totally amazing guy with unbelievavle ideas during his entrapment. His experience in mountaineering, self control, calmness, and his will to survive truly keeps him alive. Aron did go through some very hard times and even documented his last will/testament with a video recorder, etched RIP in the rock next to his entrapment and even drank his own urine once running out of water.

Overall, this is a great book if your interested in what happened and his story if you don't want to read it, email and I will give you more details as to what happened.

Next book I'm reading is Trump 101: The Way to Success. Actually started reading it already and it's a short book so should be done in a couple of days.

Weekend recap.mostly reading/studyn`

Hi all. Monday, the last one of February, can you believe that! Where does the time fly. For a weekend recap. Friday, started with packing up a late afternoon lunch (tuna sandwiches - lent season, no meat on Fridays) and a few other goodies and meeting up with my wife at Memorial park where I run and watch the Trail Riders come in for the start of the BBQ cook/Rodeo! I have lived here 10 years and never been down there to watch them. It's basically just relaxing and when they come by, wave and take pictures and they thank you for supporting them and coming out, I have a nice time. And the car fire we got to watch was cool too!

Saturday, was spent with most of the day studying/reading until about 6pm when we then went to the BBQ Cook Off and meet up with Randy and Marina and couple of there other friends. It was pretty amazing to see all the different booths and how people really go all out and design themes, music, decorations for this cook off. So we hung out at the booth where Marina works and then went to another one where one of her friends got us in. Oh ya, you pay to get in to the overall BBQ cook off ($6) which is fine and you can have a good time but in order to get into the Booths, which are really private parties, you have to have tickets or a band which only comes from someone who works for that company. Anyway, we stayed there till 11pm then headed out to a local sports bar and shot some pool and got home kind of late, but it was a great time!!

Sunday, again was spent reading and relaxing. Mostly I was outside reading because the weather was totally Awesome, I even got a little tan!

Today, Monday, will be reading notes and reviewing material from the 2nd round as tomorrow at 2pm is Game On!

OK, so your maybe wondering where the heck is all the triathlon training, well, there hasn't been none. Believe me I have really wanted to go do something but it gets me to think that taking a couple of hours to go do something I could be using to read/study. So for now I just have to put it on hold, besides, it's really only 1 more day because Wednesday I will be free and ready to get back to a few workouts!

Again, thank you all for hanging in there with me and coming along for the ride!!!

Rockon`

Time is flying..wait I gotta catch up!

What up Peeps! Just stopping in quickly to update some things.

First the book recap. The One Minute Millionaire. OK, so you don't become a Millionaire in one minute but it's the start of the minute that gets you there. The book is really 2 parts; the left side of the pages are the technical info/steps to impliment and follow to get you to a million and the right side pages are a story about a lady who earns a million dollars cash in 90 days to get her children back from her decesides husbands parents. The story incorporates the technical steps along the way although they are not matched page for page so if you read the story first, like me, you remember parts of the story that relate to the steps.

Overall, it's a good book for financial help and has many things we all can use. If your into these types of books, it's a good read. I won't give the story away but if you want to know, email and I will update you.

Second, my new book: Between a Rock and A Hard Place by Aron Ralston.

It's about a young guy who is a big out door/rock climber who get's stuck in a cavern by a Big rock that fell on his right arm and is pinned there.

I am currently reading this and so far Mr. Ralston is trapped and has been trying to chip away the boulder but is having no luck. Can't wait to finish it.

Third, Training! Awe the best thing we do! Well today, I will be taking a short pause and concentrating on a lot of the reading I have to do for upcoming Round 3 on Tuesday! But I can say dang, my shoulders/traps are sore from lifting weights/swimming/biking 20 miles yesterday, not sure which one so I'll blame all 3.

Fourth, the Houston Live Stock Show and Rodeo is in town starting tonight with the Barbque Cook Off which runs through the weekend and which my wife and I are finally getting to go to with some great friends Randy and Marina! And will give me a short break from studying on Saturday afternoon!

*** And last but not least, I want to Thank You all for cheering me on, supporting me in my job situation and sending out those good vibes! You all really help and I really appreciate it!!!!! ****

rockon`

President's Day..aka Washington's Birthday

Feb, 19, 2007. Not sure if you know but today although called President's Day is officially Washington's Birthday, sort of.

George was born Feb 22, 1732 according to the calendar used since mid-18th century. By the 19th century Americans were celebrating his birthday as a National Holiday. They used to give big parties and have speech's from prominent figures.

Then President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated and his birthday was officially celebrated the following year, who was also born Feb. 12th. Although, at first Lincoln's birthday did not become a Federal holiday like Washington's, it did become a legal holiday in certain states.

So in 1968, legislation (HR 15951) was enacted that affected several federal holidays. Washington's Birthday, was shifted to the third Monday in February each year whether or not it fell on the 22nd. This started in 1971 (my birthday year), was designed to simplify the yearly calendar of holidays and give federal employees some standard three-day weekends in the process (imagine that).

Apparently, the holiday in February is still officially known as Washington's Birthday, it has become popularly known as "President's Day." This has made the third Monday in February a day for honoring both Washington and Lincoln, as well as all the other men who have served as president.

OK, I really didn't know all that, had some help looking it up. But nice to know why your off today if you are.

On to training. I got my 850y swim in this morning with an upper body workout. Then got home and fought with the damn lawn mower to get it started. Mowed my grass which has now caused my back to become sore. So I will give it a couple hours rest and then jump on the bike trainer.

I did not make it to the TriVillage triathlon seminar on transition, I was lazy and over slept the time, hey come on, that thing was at 8am! And if I'm not out training that early, I'm sleeping, Who's with me on that one?

C-ya all later. .have a great afternoon and evening!

rockon`

Friday, Friday...

That's right fellow bloggers, it's Friday which means, rest, relaxation, or long scheduled workouts or anything else you have planned or not planned.

First, finally getting a run in yesterday afternoon after all the high stress studying that I put in over the last 5 days. The run was great. It was a naked run! (come on now, it was 39*, I mean no heart rate monitor) Just plan running and going as fast/slow as I felt. And it felt great! It was cold for 1.5 miles before I warmed up but was nice and I finished 3 miles, not 4 as I had planned, at 32:48, and all 3 miles were negative splits!

Second, the picture. Just an awesome photo of Devils Tower in Wy.

Third, Friday!! I totally relaxed today! I have goofed on the computer, washed some clothes, watched the Abyss, read some of my book and check out some new bloggers!

Fourth, I have updated my training schedule for the up coming week as I had not done it for the current week and being as the week is over, I just moved ahead. By my training schedule this is supposed to be my "recovery" week however being that I was pretty much recovering physically this week due to all the studying I will continue with week 3's schedule.

Fifth, tomorrow at TriVantage here in H-town is a free transition clinic, so I think I will go check it out! and let ya know about any good nuggets I get.

Sixth, Everyone have a great weekend!

Thursday post 2nd round...

interview process that is. I was nice to be done with 2nd process of the interview round and although I studied way more than what was asked I enjoyed what we did. It was relaxed and not as specific which made it more enjoyable to go through.

Now, how did I do? Well, after being nervous, of course, I messed up on a couple of things but out of the 4 other people there, we all messed up. I really not feel it was a practical to get everything correct, it was more of a how is your personality and what kind of person are you. Tense, serious, relaxed, easy going, out going, etc.. Overall, I feel I did good but it's really up to the hiring guy and his staff to make the decision as to which 3 advance to the final round, which, will not be decided probably till Tues or weds of next week, (sucks!) but in the mean time I will get back to some training.

As if you haven't noticed, I have not done anything since last week! It's OK. I am getting ready to head out now for a 4 mile run even though it's about 39* outside, I know, I know, some of you would take that with a coke and smile right now but that's still cold for here. I'm just gonna dress warm, besides I gotta go clear my head and suck in some air for my poor brain which I have been sitting on (joke) for the last 5 days!! Refreshing picture for my mind as well!!

C-ya soon....!! What's up Steven, MoMo, Allez, IronSnoopy, SkiRough, IM Able, Joseph, Sarah, and ever1 else!!! rockon`

Holy Cow!!

Now that is some serious Snow! New York area. My eyes are poppin` outta my head from studyn`. A few more days left!! rockon`

WTF.!! Prince totally Rockd` the Superbowl..far from Questionable..

Prince's halftime imagery questioned

By JAKE COYLE, AP Entertainment Writer Tue Feb 6, 11:16 PM ET

NEW YORK - In the sensitive post-wardrobe malfunction world, some are questioning whether a guitar was just a guitar during Prince's Super Bowl halftime show.

Prince's acclaimed performance included a guitar solo during the "Purple Rain" segment of his medley in which his shadow was projected onto a large, flowing beige sheet. As the 48-year-old rock star let rip, the silhouette cast by his figure and his guitar (shaped like the singer's symbol) had phallic connotations for some.

A number of bloggers have decried "Malfunction!" — including Sam Anderson at New York magazine's Daily Intelligencer. Daily News television critic David Bianculli called it "a rude-looking shadow show" that "looked embarrassingly rude, crude and unfortunately placed." CBS spokesman Dana McClintock said Tuesday that the network has received "very few" complaints on Prince's performance.

But this time, it was the NFL that produced the halftime show (MTV had in 2004). Spokesman Greg Aiello said the league has received no complaints. "We respect other opinions, but it takes quite a leap of the imagination to make a controversy of his performance," Aiello said. "It's a guitar."

The majority of the reaction to Prince's performance has been laudatory, including positive reviews from The Associated Press, the New York Times and USA Today — all of which noted the lack of controversy in this year's halftime show. AP Entertainment Writer Douglas J. Rowe wrote: "He delivered one of the best Super Bowl halftime shows — ever."

*****

So, this David Bianculli needs to come off it and realize it was far from making any reference to his anatomy! Pisses me off! Always has to be somebody talkn` shit about good people just trying to do there thing. But hey, I guess very butthole has a person attached to it..

rockon Prince!!!!

See Friday..

OK I have been studying pretty good today but it was more than I thought it was going to take. My little rusty brain has had to shift gears which it really hasn't been in that gear since school.

Anyway, I did happen to not go to my scheduled workouts but I really must get this stuff down, feel comfortable and confident with it so my workout will just have to wait a day or so. Not like I am going to totally regress or something in a week, probably will do my body good resting.

Oh and as a break I been reading this book, actually, I started reading it Thursday and finished 1/2 of the book (it's 2 stories, one on the right side of pages, the other on left side) and completed it last night. I was totally hooked on how this lady named Michelle had to earn a Million Bucks Cash in 90 days! That's right, 90 days! So now I am reading the left side of the book which talks about the principles of being able to earn a million.

I will update once I fully finished, great right side story though.

rockon`

Friday...

you ain't got no job, you ain't go shit to do!! haha. I wish that was true! What's up folks!

Thanks for the heads up on the cycle shoe/foot problem as the consensus seems to be a cleat problem, I will get that checked.

Update: Yesterday's am track workout was really a first time actual track workout. I did several sprints of 440m and 210m keeping track of my times, resting times and heart rates. It was tough and I was huffn and puffn and sweatn but it was all good!

So today is my scheduled day off or resting from workouts but I must say I changed my swim from yesterday to tomorrow for a couple of reasons. 1st, I received word that I was 1 of 5 people selected to continue for the sports chiro position and that I would be receiving further details on what was to come next. WOW! I was pumped! So I was scheduled to swim in the afternoon but now I was checking my email like every 30 seconds for the other info and finally it arrived. Basically, I had to return to the office and pick up a packet and learn the information requested and will continue on from there, so I have another week before the next step. So now that I am totally excited, nervous and anxious I cannot focus. I wanted to go swim but I just wasn't thinking about it anymore so I changed it to Saturday.

Today I took my daughter to school and picked up my packet and now have started to review/study the information I need to know. It's stuff I learned while in school, hugmm, 9 years ago! and so now I need to get it down again! I'm very excited at the opportunity I have hear and very grateful to the Lord for providing it.

So this afternoon I will continue on my study path, take it easy from workouts and focus on what needs to be done as the workouts will always be there, not that I will stop workouts but 2x's will probably become 1x/day for the next week, ya know?

Also I am still being Mr. Mom and taking care of the house hold stuff, dinners, laundry, cleaning, dishes to make things easier for the family and wife.

Anyway, Gotta get back to studyin` ... keep me in mind.... thanks!!

rockon`

Any Ideas on this problem...?

OK, not that I have great experience cycling but I never had this recent problem.

My right foot feels like a sharp cramping pain while cycling, specifically the right edge on the bottom and on the bottom where the 4th and 5th toes bend. (lateral plantar edge of 4th and 5th metatarsals, for medical terms)

Now this pain comes and goes during cycling but the REAL Problem comes when I unclip and step off the bike and take my shoe off, Holy Crap, My foot feels totally numb/cramping/sharp all at the same time, if that's even possible. I can't even put it down flat on the ground because it freakn hurts so bad. This goes on for about 2-3 mins, the pain goes away and then I can move it and walk.

Could this be my cycling shoes as it seems my left shoe is much tighter/snug for support and I am not experiencing this problem. Also my rides have only been about 45-60 mins, today was 80 mins but same problem last 3 rides.

Any ideas???

Steven, I emailed you with same question.. thanks..

and Tuesday it is.. enjoyin it as much as I can..

What a great picture!

I got my swim on yesterday afternoon at the gym pool and ended with a workout of 750y not including my kick board and pull buoy sessions, I was happy with it.

This morning after dropping my daughter off at school I headed to a different gym with a pool and when I got there the sign said Aqua Class at 8:30am, it was 8:10 so I changed like lightening and jumped in and started warming up.

Come 8:30 there were two ladies already in the pool working out and doing there thing in the far lane and I didn't see anyone else showing up so I kept swimming with the understanding that I might have to get out at anytime. Well come 8:40 and no one is there and the other 2 ladies left and what do you know, JohnnyTri was done with his 1100y swim!!! I had scheduled 1000 but couldn't remember it was 1200 or 1000 so I split the difference, 1100! I totally worked on swimming easy and relaxed, so for me that was warming with 2 x 100's then a set of 25,50,75,100 with only a 15 second rest b/t the 25,50,75 and 30 seconds b/t the 100. Then I reversed the order and it was 100,75,50,25 and bam! 500 yards done. Then I focused on 1 x 200 which started out as 2 x 100's but I felt good at the end of the first 100 so I kept going and made it a 200. Then I just finished up with 2 x 50's. Again, I worked on staying relaxed and although I was swimming slowly I guess you can say it was an endurance swim for me, works out fine. Then I changed and hit some lower body weights for about 20 mins, not too heavy because I am getting my run on this afternoon.

I must say it is nice being able to complete 2 workouts a day but in the back of my mind I feel I should be working and it drives me nuts! I know it's only like a week or so but still. You know how we are and when things change unexpectedly it can really reek havoc on your emotional side, which I must say a Big Thank You to my wife for understand and reassuring it will all workout.

So What's up for the rest of the day? Gotta run to the library and check on a few books I have been wanting to get and then rest, lunch, prepare for afternoon run and maybe get some motorcycle riding in, it is totally nice here today and for the next few days.

Catch ya all soon...!!!

rockon`

Got Monday..

It's Monday and for someone who doesn't have to go to work today it is really driving me nuts! Guess I am just not used to such a thing and really don't want to get used to it. Today, I stick with my family routine and get up, fix breakfast and take my daughter to school. Traffic totally sucked on the way there and back and I took some back road to get to the gym but on the way there I changed my mind about swimming early and stopped by my house. I got my bike trainer set up inside in the living room and cycled for an hour while watching the Matrix Reloaded.

Yesterday, I rode the trainer under my car port outside for about 40 mins and it was great. I did have to do some seat adjustments because the seat was totally putting me to sleep down there. So a few adjustments and today when I rode it seemed to help out although I did notice that my butt was sore just from sitting on the saddle, wow, I am outta tune with the bike thing. I guess that is what happens when you use the gym stationary bike with the nice wide glide seat.

So after my 1 hour trainer ride while watching the Matrix Reloaded it was lunch and some emails, blogs, updating training schedule and then it will be off to swim.

One thing I am also concentrating on is helping out around the house alot so my wife can just really relax while I have this short pause for the cause, it's the least I can do.

Anyway, I will catch you all later.. Oh yeah, How about the super bowl? It was good the first half but then I found it boring the 2nd half which totally caused me to continue eating and snacking and then becoming way over stuffed!!!

Totally was jammin` with Prince during the half time show!! I think he rocks! I have gone to see him every time he has come through H-town. Loved the commercials too. I really like the Blockbuster one with the rabbit and him clicking the mouse, poor lil`guy! funny tho.

C-ya..!! rockon`

I got TAGGED...

So here are 6 weird things about me, if you think there weird.. 1) Have to have my own bathroom hand towel. 2) I like Allez, have to have shirts colored and whites separated in the closet. 3) I shave my legs. 4) I for some reason memorize great movies, guess, cause I watch them so much. 5) I like to listen to Spanish music even though I don't really understand or speak Spanish. 6) My SUV has to stay Clean! and up next on the Tagged block is SkiRough, IM ABLE, Mr. BigBike, IronSnoopy, Sarah-Saroy, and good ol' Steven.

The Wheel Changes..

when you least expect. As most of you know I am Chiropractor, one of those neck crackers that Allez talks about. I have been working with a another doctor for about a year as an associate doctor. Basically, I see all the patients and treat them while the owner takes care of business end, marketing, etc.. well over the last few months the business has been getting slow due to some Texas law changes which involve workers compensation patients and this has caused a serious strain on the business. So much so that it forced the owner to let me go! Yikes! On Tuesday he called me into his office and said Weds would have to be my last day! WTF! Damn, I thought, that quick, like he didn't know at least a week or two earlier that he would have to let me go? Anyway, he is a nice guy and was cool the whole time I worked for him so from a business stand point I have to have some understanding about it, but just wish it would have came down a different way. (note to self as future business owner, don't cut someone loose with a fair notice or offer severance pay, something)

The owner offered a introduction to another doctor who is currently looking for a chiro to see his patients but this doctor is offering a 35 hour week (great hours for me) and just a little bit less money than I was making but in comparison it's the same overall. The thing is that this doctor's office is all Personal Injury or car accidents and working with attorneys. It's OK, if that's what you like to do but me personally I have been doing that type of work for a long time and quite frankly it gets to me because some patients are really not hurt as they say they are and put on this big show to try and prove or convenience me they are. FYI, us doctors have tests that show FAKERS! Anyway, the doctor offered me the job but I told him I have to meet with a couple of other doctors who I sent my resume to.

So one of the call back I got while sending out my resume was from a totally awesome sports chiropractic place. I cannot say too much about it now and certainly don't want to jinx anything but if you are a religious person please say a word for me because I would love to be a part of that company/office and even if your not religious person keep me in mind, Thank You! The doctor for this place is not going to make a decision for about 2 weeks so I have some down time but I did know that doctor and he is a super guy and he is looking at hiring 2 doctors at this time so that helps too. When I graduated from chiro school I had dreamed or imagined a practice like the one he currently operates so this is really really really huge to me to have the opportunity to become a part of it. I will keep you all posted.

Now, my other chiro buddy that I graduated with Jose, is going to be out of town for about 2 weeks so he asked if I could cover his office for a few day which will help out just a little with finances but means that I have to work during my birthday and Valentines day, booo! But this also means that I will be off all next week so I can get some great training in while continuing to look for a few other positions around the H-town area.

On to training. This week has been overall pretty good. I got my swim, bike, and runs in with today I will get a 5 mile run in, the longest since 1/2 marathon. And I will be setting up my bike indoors (this should be interesting with the wife,lol) so I can get more training down now that it is cooler but this coming week should be warmer overall so I can get out to the roads!

And I must end today with a big shout out to Steven's blog. Jump over there to read about his daughter landing a totally awesome role in the play Oklahoma with some great coaching she will receive for her singing!! Way to go!!! Check it out..!!!

Have a great Super Bowl Weekend everyone!!

rockon` PS. Allez I see that I got tag`d so I will post that one later...

Whats up people!!

Good Thursday to you all. Sorry, have not posted the last few days but the schedule has been busy with daughter's school after work on Monday and Tuesday and last night I just got home late, ate and went to bed.

So after missing yesterdays scheduled workout I knew that was coming but that's OK because I am not going to fret over it, just move on to the next workout, try to stay consistent. Today, was swimming time. So I got to the pool and wonderful, no aqua class, matter of fact I was the only there and had the whole pool to myself for about 20 mins before someone else showed up.

Today's swim was 650 yards for my main set and here is what I did:

100 warm up

500y = 25,50,75,100,100,75,50,25 w/25sec rest b/t each.

3 x 50's w/25sec rest.

Bilateral Breathing w/buoy 300 yards

6 x 25 kick boards

Total yards = 1200 yards.

I also realized that my kicking sucks and I was barely able to make it across the pool without stopping and I am going to work on kicks every time I swim.

Overall, I was completely happy with my swim, not only for just completing it but I was feeling better, more confident and I was able to work on bilateral breathing which I totally suck at but it's getting better. I did just a 50y after using the buoy which I didn't count today just to get the feel of swimming and breathing bilaterally without the buoy.

Today, I also have a great interview with another local Chiropractor so pray for me, wish me luck, light a candle or what ever you do cause I would really love to be working with this doctor. I won't be too specific for now until I know further details.

Have a great day everyone!!!

rockon`