AMBER, IS THE CHAMPION, MY FRIENDS

With an acknowledgment to the rock band Queen and Freddy Mercury, Amber ( MY #@^&*$# WIFE, WOOOOOO!!!) has given new meaning to an anthem of a classic Rock n' Roll song.

I've paid my dues -
Time after time -
I've done my sentence -
But committed no crime -
And bad mistakes -
I've made a few -
I've had my share of sand kicked in my face -
But I've come through -

We are the champions - my friends -
And we'll keep on fighting - till the end -
We are the champions -
We are the champions -
No time for losers -
'Cause we are the champions - of the world -

- Queen

First, the stats:

-12hrs:13min race time
-19th in her category (CAT4 and CAT5)
- less than five minutes in each feed zone
- 206 miles
- 8000 feet of climbing

Now the "funnies":

You won't believe this - especially Doug and Michelle - but I knew Amber would finish when I was driving the support vehicle from Afton, WY to Alpine, WY. "How did you know she would finish, Patrick?", you might ask. Because as soon as I left Afton, Barracuda (by the band Heart) began to play on the radio! I knew at that moment, baby! I knew.

This is not "funny" per se, but some will think it a joke, I suppose. I think Amanda should've taken up road biking fifteen year ago. Amanda rode the last 47 mile relay for her team, and what I witnessed was awesome. As I drove up the Snake River Canyon, I caught a very brief view of Amanda because she was elbow-deep in a peloton of riders. Again, as I pass them and later stopped 20 miles up the road, I was surprised by a voice in the middle of a 30-rider peloton that said "...hey Patrick, wooo!". Riding in a group going 20+ mph takes some mettle.

April (Mom) called me no less than 37 times during the race! Her support of John is great, and taught me alot.

John (Dad) once again complained of pains of some sort, but managed to kick most everyones butt in this race. He's awesome, or as we Auburn alumni say, "He's AUsome!". I wonder if he'll slow down once he reaches his 50's?

The "Port-O-Potties" at these events are the grossest things you've ever seen. Pray that you never have to "go #2", or that you have to actually sit down in one of these things. *shudder*

Now the authentic stuff:

This is a hard race, and it is a great accomplishment for anyone. Not only did Amber finish, she finished in impressive fashion with a great time. It was absolutely great to witness and participate, and play a small supportive role in an incredible athletic achievement. Amber is great and motivates me daily to NOT be the couch potato I long to be. I am very lucky in so many ways.

And please ask Amber the next time you see her about the phrase, "I want my Snicker bar!!".

GIVE IT UP FOR AMBER!!!

Here's some add'l footage:

Getsum Lotoja!

The latest and greatest in Home Fashion!

I never thought I would say this but I love wallpaper. Even better is the wall sticker. This stuff is sweeping the nation in home fashion. In the past I've been so against the whole wallpaper thing. I thought it was outdated and yucky. I've been converted thanks to all the new great designs available.

Here is one of my favorite sites:
http://www.ferm-living.com/

Breaking Dawn

Meyer's Twilight series has been touted as successors to JK Rowlings Harry Potter series. Its an addictive quick read that leaves you feeling like a silly school girl..getting sucked into a vampire romance...common its silly..but we like it! I've started reading the fourth book in the Stephenie Meyer vampire novel series and will finally know if Bell chooses human or vampire. Next read will be Midnight Sun, the Edward version of twilight.

Mr. Fatty F. McFatpants

This will be the self-effacing contribution of the day, I suppose. Additionally, this is my first ever "Blog" contribution, so go easy on the rookie.

Check out the fine specimen commandeering his "Big Red Specialized Machine":



Frankly, I don't know whether to laugh or cry at this picture. Actually I'm laughing as I type, so there goes that bit of indecision. For those who don't know, this was a picture from the 2007 LOTOJA bike race (www.lotojaclassic.com). A two-hundred-and-six mile journey of rolling hills, lengthy climbs, spirit-weakening headwinds, and immense... pain. It literally took every ounce of will - and the thought of eating an entire box of Little Debbie Snack Cakes after the race - to finish last year. Johnny was nice enough to send this image to me last week as a "motivational" tool for the 2008 LOTOJA bike race.

Johnny is a kindred spirit in many ways, but specifically because he's fallen woefully out of shape in the past (2005?) and nevertheless saddled-up and rode. I admire that. Also, Johnny thought it necessary to get in the best shape of his life last year and completely embarrass us all, especially on hill climbs. I'm convinced that he was using an electric motor on his bike last year because it seemed so easy. In fact, since he's moved out of his house I've rummaged through his garage no less than three times to find this contraption, to no avail. I WILL FIND IT JOHNNY! AHHHH!

Anyway, I finished LOTOJA last year at 185lbs, which is entirely too much weight to carry around on my 5' 1" frame. This year, I hope to compete at between 150 lbs. - 155 lbs., and I'm hovering between 158 -162 currently. I'll post an "after" picture soon.

- Patrick

And then there were three...

As many of you know Patrick and I now house three dogs instead of two. We have welcomed our new buddy Corbu into the Hobbs Arms until Johnny and Amanda complete construction on their new home. We asked him if he wanted to convey any messages back to his family and this is what he said...

The dogs find great restitute, as do we, in our walks along the Bonnelville Shoreline Trail. This is one of the best ways to unwind at the end of the day or better yet, start your morning. During the summer I visit these trails with the dogs at least 3 times per week. You will notice that none of the photos capture our little friend Corbu because I can't move the camera fast enough to catch him.

June 7th, 2008

For the past two weeks Patrick and I have been making an effort to eat super healthy. I started looking for great recipes and found this website:http://www.welikeitraw.com/rawfood/

I found a delicous recipe for a breakfast or anytime healthy shake. Here is how it goes:

bunch of Cilantro

1/2 cucumber

3 wedges pink grapefruit

1/2 bag pineagpple or fresh

cinnamon

vanilla extract to taste

Try it! You'll love the energy boost!

Introduction

Ok guys I'm going to give this a try. I've always wondered how on earth anyone could have time for a blog. Well, here we go.....this is craaaaaaaaaaaaazzzzzzy!