Music

Like music?  I was fortunate to get a copy of 'This Warm December'.  A compilations CD that offers a traditional to new age twist on Christmas songs put together by the artists at Brushfire Records.  Great Holiday music.  I was surprised at how much it reminded me of the music I listened to when I was a child.  Very Bluegrass.  Very enjoyable.  Enjoy!

And round 2-more snow (at least a little).  A friend was giving me a hard time about how useful my new cross bike actually is.  So I began to wonder...how could I use it more?  Well, I hooked up the sled and hauled Kylie around for another round of bike-tubing.  It is much faster than the single on the roads but not so great in the park.  Still fun.  A round of haulin' the 60 lb monster (who seems to drag both her feet and arms) left me wishing I would have just trained hard for an hour!  The burn!  No big gears here.

Anyhow, enjoy these days!

Mark

If you have never tried....

So, the next time you get a chance to ride your bike in the snow, DO IT!  I think it is the most fun on the bike I have since childhood.  Now, if you want to really have fun, hook your kid up to the sled behind your bike and go for it!  Just beware(think tubing in water or being pulled behind an ATV) the whip is really fast!!!  

Kylie and I spent the night cruising the streets, stopping by grandma's. and doing doughnuts in the park in the 1" of snow we had.  Way too much fun!  

~mark

How fast it goes...

Every time I talk to a new parent as they break the news of their new arrival I cannot help but spout "enjoy this time because it goes fast"!  And so it does.  Addison just celebrated her 1st birthday last Sunday (26).  And what a year it has been!

One year has passed since she knocked on our door almost 5 weeks early, catching us all by surprise and a little unprepared.  One year has passed since Kylie was an only child.  One year has passed since getting ready in the morning was easy and life involved just the three of us.   One year has passed........you get the picture.  

But what an amazing year!  Watching your baby grow into a toddler is amazing.  The first time they recognize you, cooing, smiles. rolling over, crawling, pops of blah that mean something in their world and the first steps, just to name a few.  But I think the most breath-taking aspect to a new child is how their environment changes around them.  For me, the most amazing part was watching Kylie become a sister.  I think if she could write this she would most likely say it is not always fun or easy, but she is so great!  I see the most sharing, loving, and delightful girl watching over her younger sister.  Kylie will have a sister that looks up to her and loves her so much!  What a year can do!  

Happy Birthday Addison,

love you,

dad. 

A quick update.

So conferences have come and gone.  All good news from school.  We are so proud of Kylie!  She is beginning to read (a lot) and can figure out most 3 and 4 letter words on her own.  Her spelling is amazing and her number sense is excellent.  Keep it up Kylie!  

Addison has been walking for a month or so.  I think she realized that her world would increase ten fold if she would become more mobile.  So she did.  And you can tell how proud she is.  A little scary for us because she just goes, but really cool to see happen.

As for biking, I am feeling good enough to ride-a lot!  I have been getting on the mountain bike 4 times a week and starting to get a feel for the cross bike.  I was recently punished by Charlie as he lead me on a Cat 3 style ride-I think I did OK but my legs were sore!  I was slow to go but found my rhythm after 10 miles-and I need to train more!  Charlie can ride!  You know you are in trouble when they can sit and walk away from you as you are pounding...good stuff.  Good reference.

Kristi has begun her busy season at work so I will get to hang with the girls much more.  I know she loves this time of the year because of the sheer volume of customers and opportunities to do what she does best.  I also think the longer hours begin to wear on us all.  More coffee and all should be well.

until next-enjoy

mark

The start of School

I thought I would be much more prompt with my postings but as life has it...i am not.  Our fall has started out very enjoyable with Kylie heading to kindergarten.  She was very tentative leaving her 'best' friends but she has really proved to be a great kid enjoying all a new start has to offer.  After the first day of school she touted having 2 new 'best' friends and loving school!  Good stuff!  We are so proud.

As for biking-I am but still not racing.  This year will be a throw-away year.  I started the year on a crazy training pace that left me injured and degraded.  I had hopes of destroying the competition in the State SS championship but that will have to wait until next year.  Let the body heal and become inspired once again.  Next years focus will most definetly be more on road riding and some larger races.  Leadville anyone?

I have to denounce my support for the political race.  What a crock.  'They said this' and 'they said that'.  What happened to solving some problems?  How about our standing with the world in which we live?  I had hoped for so much more.  How about some quality takes on the issues?I guess that will have to wait until both sides stop touting their dog-and-pony show that has true issue supporters wishing for a new day.  And campaign.  

On a brighter note Addison is so fun right now!  She is as crazy as Kylie.  Which means by the end of the day I can barely role into bed but there is never a dull moment when those two are present.  She seems to be able to do so much already.  She can stand and almost walk.  Has  3.5 teeth and the ability to eat-a lot! She out-eats Kylie at times...growing.  But her personality is crazy...she will definetly give me a run for my money.

Until next,

mark

A little update on our life...Kristi turned 30! Happened last month but her week long celebration was a lot of fun! We celebrated with a day at the Zoo, b-day dinner at my parents and then a night at Mi Famaigla. Julie and Rod came up for a nice dinner out. It was a great time. Thanks to Kylie and Addison she is rolling on her new bike around town.

Dan, Mal, Kristi and myself scooted over to Alpine Valley last weekend for a Dave Matthews Band Concert. This was Kristi's first DMB concert ((she claims that seeing them play at the Target center counts) it doesn't)) and it was a blast. From seeing old friends to meeting new ones, the parking lot seems to never disappoint. The concert rocked with Dave and the crew jambing for what seemed like more that 3 hours. I wished for a few songs to be played and got most of what I wanted so I was happy. As the washer championship progressed we look to be seeded high for next years playoff...we'll see. Not in the 300+ wins company but we'll get there. Bring your A game boys. Good Times!

I am writing this as I should probably be partaking in the 24 hours of Afton race, but I am not. A broken crank arm Thursday night left me sitting at home. I thought about taking the SS but I winced at the thought of that many laps on that brute. I am not sure if I was fully prepared for this race but I am wishing I was there!!! Good luck to all who is there-from the words of past riders~you'll need it!

This finds our family scrambling for the start of Kindergarten and trying to savor the last of summer. Hope it finds you feeling great and enjoying life~mark.

Eight months have come and gone.

It has been eight months since Addison has joined our lives. She has brought a variety of feelings to all of us as our world has changed so much. The most enjoyable part for me is her ability to interact with me now. It brings back memories of Kylie when she was this age. She is so energetic and curious. Lives (needs) to be around action and loves her big sister! Really, really loves her big sister! I can see Addison doing everything that Kylie does now only years sooner. She just soaks it all up.

On another note-rain! Yes, rain. A much needed day off. I cannot help but secretly pray for a little rain to catch a stage of the Tour. I always marvel at these riders as they push all they have into each pedal only to do it again day after day. True athletes. Someday it is my dream to watch the tour in person or possible take some time to actually pedal some of the stages. Someday.

Grab a cup and watch a stage-

mark

Feels so good!

It's here. Summer that is. Heat and humidity. And it feels so good. I have been waiting for this for nine months!

And the girls like it too. Kylie would spend every minute at the swimming pool if she could. She is attempting to swim under water for about 10'. Amazing that they learn these things so fast and it becomes so easy for them. Addison is another story. I think the heat bothers her more because she really likes cold things. Frozen Wash clothes, cold drinks, and the pool!!! She absolutely loves the pool. She will be swimming before we know it. At eight months she already likes to float on her back and dip her head under water.

As for us...it summer. Ice cold EPAs & Summer Shandys, grilled food and chillin'. Just wish there was more of it.

As for biking-I'm getting there. Just got back to work last week and am trying to scoot out most mornings for a few. Getting my flexibility back and the strength will come. Still it is nice to be more mobile again!

Until next time-

mark

Yep...just as I anticipated

The concert rocked as usual. Jack jammed in his nonchalant sort of way (almost avoiding the lights) as his set unfolded in the dust. No rain to speak of just good tunes and a great crowd. Jack sounded just like Jack. Just what you expect. And to everyones approval, accompanying him was a pianist. Now, unlike Jack, this guy likes to play the crowd. Reminds me of a Dave concert in a way because he would go off and jamb for a few teasing the crowd with his almost cloud floating charisma. But it really matured the sound and added another dimension to an already sweet beach sounding jamb session. The only thing missing was the smell of salt water and a fire. It was sweet! After his dedication to some kid on his dad's shoulders the crowd jumped on board and jambed as expected.

Its funny, you have 10000 free spirited happy souls there for one cause. No problems, no worries just enjoying themselves. Why can't our politicians draw somehow parallel this? Is it because the barefoot guru of music spits only words of hope and love or that he is just there because he believes in his message? So why cant our politicians draw parallel this? No hope? No love? No message? Where is the change we so desperately need?

It was a good concert!

Mark

Obsession?

So I was worried that this might become an addiction for me. I will try to post often, but then there is life. Nice thing is I can jamb to a little music as I do. Speaking of music...heading to the Jack Johnson concert tonight. Cannot wait to chill for a few. Good tunes and a little time to reflect on life. Should be fun.

On another note, just finished another 25 mile ride. The ankle seems to be healing faster than expected. Still tender and stiff but better. This is good for everyone around me. I can be a little edgy when I cannot get out and DO. Two days of riding cannot bring anything but a smile to a guys face.

Until next time...enjoy.

mark

Finally!

Its eleven Saturday night and I think I might get this off the ground! We have been inspired by those of you who have invited us into your lives through your blog. So inspired, that creating one sounded like a great idea. So Welcome and enjoy! I hope this turns out and keeps all of you included in our crazy world.

~mark