An Aussie Loving Life in Colorado

Breck Epic - Day six and it is over

2011-09-02T21:05:00.000-06:00

The Breck Epic is over! It seems like so long ago that we were riding the Colorado Trail on Day 2....and given how unmotivated I felt the morning of Day 4 I am surprised how fast the rest of the week went.

If I had to sum it up-- The Breck Epic was awesome. Very challenging, amazing single track, spectacular views and fantastic people to share our week of vacation with. Mike McCormick the Race Director is really low key...I think he will be the first to admit that he has some lose ends that he could tie up to make the race even better, but when it comes to the routes each day, the course markings, the aids and the volunteers, you can't get much better. I enjoy the low key aspect of the Epic...we are all just there to ride our bikes...on some of the best single track in the world!

Fantastic photo by Devon Balet - http://devonbaletphoto.zenfolio.com/ - he rocks

At the top of the pass I figure it was a good idea to put 5 Honeystinger chews in my mouth, and 6 electrolytes...in my mouth at the same time and think it would work out...it didn't...

We really, really lucked out with the weather this week...most people who live in Colorado know that the afternoon can bring in very nasty and dangerous thunderstorms, where fatal lightening and hypothermia are not just dramatic descriptions, they are real possibilities. We had none of it!

Day 6 was a somewhat 'easy' day...but it still had around 4000' of climbing in 32 miles.

I love this picture of Sean...he was such a trooper this week, he could barely walk on Sunday night without screaming out involuntarily in pain. It was very difficult to watch... and a testiment to how tough he is, he was able to work though it. He is amazing!

And we are done--- we had such a great experience...as mountain bikers and as a couple. I was lucky to get to do this with Sean.

Thanks Mike and the Epic staff ;-) and all the amazing volunteers.

It is pretty unbelievable, that we got to ride with views like these every day. This alone makes the Breck Epic one of the best races in the world!

oh...yeah as an afterthought....we finished second... to us, the podium was not what this race was about, it was the relationships, the spectacular scenery, the mountain biking, the suffering, the experience of doing this with my future husband and our friends that made this race outstanding. Not sure whether it will be next year, but we will be back.

For those of your who are curious....here is what my Garmin had to say --- Sean's was vary similar so I am guessing it is pretty accurate...if you want the course email to you, for reference feel free to email me. The milage may be a little low given we did quite a few switch backs, and were in dense trees etc...but I could image it would be more than 10 miles total.

Total miles 215 (346 kim), Total Elevation Gain 39,470 (12,031 metres)

Breck Epic - Day 5 - done and dusted

2011-08-18T21:50:00.001-06:00

Felt much, much better getting up this morning,... perhaps knowing we were on the home stretch helped, because I knew we were for a pretty 'epic' day.

We were climbing right out of the gate...but the climbing has not really been bothering me...the more climbing the better as far as I am concerned....I need it to equalize out what I lose with my descending skills (or lack there of)

When I say climbing however, I mean ON MY BIKE...there was a lot of climbing today that was not ridable...we probably pushed our bikes for around 45 minutes. What's more, we were headed up to roughly 12,500 ft (3,800 m) so the air wasn't exactly available in abundance. Sean reminded me at one point to look around and take in the beauty...and I did and wow it was breathtaking.

We are not personally in this video, but it gives you a pretty good idea of the stage today (At least the first half - Thanks Jeff from Ergon)

The descent down to Copper Mountain on the Colorado Trail was super fun, and I actually held my own (i.e. no guys caught me), so I was happy with that.

We then rolled around on the bike path to pick up the Peaks Trail. I really enjoyed the Peaks trail. The climbing wasn't too soul shattering, but there were enough roots and rocks etc., to keep it interesting. At one point I misjudged getting up on a log and got tossed into a big puddle of mud and was stuck there like a turtle...thankfully I landed fully in the mud, it didn't hurt, and I was just laughing. ;-)

Last day tomorrow...on the morning of day 4, it seemed so far off....I am really looking forward to tomorrow for a number of reasons
1. It is my last day of getting up at 5:30am
2. Another day of riding sweet single track in Breck
3. Will really enjoy a beer or two tomorrow afternoon.

Off to bed.

Sean is really good at whipping out his camera....one of the 360 degree views from the top

Breck Day 4 - completed

2011-08-17T21:09:00.000-06:00

Today was one of those mornings, that you wake up and you contemplate calling in sick, nothing is REALLY wrong, but you feel run down, un-motivated, and generally would be happy reading a good library book and drinking good coffee for the better half of the morning (or day). Well I did not have that option! As normal the the alarm went off at 5:30 (which I didn't need because at 5:29 Sean delivered coffee to me -- yes I am lucky)...I got up and ate breakfast...there was nothing wrong, I was just tired and sore...I went through the motions and was on my bike at 7:40 and headed for the start line.

Although I have no experience in stage racing, I can say now I am starting to get a little endurance racing experience, and one thing I do know is if you don't have it mentally your day will be substantially worse. I made the decision from the start line, that this was going to be hard enough without playing mental games with my self and I just went for it. I knew if I ate and drank and just turned the pedals, I could manage any mental challenges that came my way. It worked, we had a good day! I would say we were not extremely fast, but we came in with the same people we have been coming in with the last 3 days, so I don't think we were any slower.

We are still solid in second place, and now it is just a matter of finishing each day and we should take second. It should be noted that the first place crew are just killing us (Jen Gerbach and Miles Venzara), they are both amazing riders, but super great people also.

Riding DUO with Sean has been awesome. We are a good pair. Generally I lead up the climbs, and then he leads the decent. We have had zero conflict (but that really is not surprising) and thus far it has been great --- ok yes it was nice when I got a flat yesterday he was there...and having an onboard wrench is also great....oh did I also mention that he is riding with a camelbak and carries all the mechanical support and my rain jacket. ;-)...what a gentleman.

The highlight of my day today was passing a group of guys on the one of the dirt road climbs...and I hear 'car back', and he turns to look and goes 'oh, i mean girl back' -- cool....which brings up another point....riding with everyone has been awesome...people have been so nice. It just has such a different vibe to a one day race, perhaps because we have to see each other at dinner, or on the start line the next day....or perhaps only nice people do stage races?

Anyway - 2 stages to go, tomorrow will be the hardest by far of the two (up and over Wheeler pass)...we are on the home stretch.

Sean took this on the way to the start line this am - and it pretty much sums up how I was feeling

This is a fake smile......but our friend John showed up to see the start, so we took the opportunity to get a photo together.

Surprising in a sick way we both look forward to our 20 minutes in the Blue River each day.

Breck Epic -

2011-08-16T20:37:00.000-06:00

So I had originally planned on being diligent about writing a blog as we were doing this race, but it is amazing how fast you days goes when you are up at 5:30, making coffee, eating, being at the start line by about 7:45, racing for 4-5 hours, ice bathing, recovery drinking, eating lunch, getting a 30 min massage, stretching, going to awards and nightly meeting, eating again, washing bikes, washing bottles, and finally packing aid bags for the next day. So right now I am lying with my feet up in the air to help get all the crap circulated out of my legs while I type this.

Below is a typical breakfast - instant oatmeal, coffee, 1 egg, apple sauce, toaster waffle with honey and a mix 1.

Sean and I have essentially been training for this race all year as our A race. Life has got in the way, more so for Sean, and he also recently blew up his back, so I suggested we race it as a duo. Racing DUO we still have to do all six days and covering all the miles, but we have to do it together, and stay together. We figured it would be a good relationship test before we got married. Initially our team name was going to be prenup -- but we are now Beti and the Beast.

The highlights and things worth mentioning thus far

Day 1 was great mountain biking - they said it wasn't one of the better days as far as course goes, but I loved it. It hurt, we were out there for about 4.5 hours. We were in a solid second place.
At the very end of Day 1 Sean's back completely seized..to the point that he was reduced to his knees and pretty much tears. It was very difficult to watch him in such immense pain. He took drugs, and went to get a massage to see if he could work though it. I thought there was no way, but as a testament to his strength he was able to get on the bike on Tuesday morning.
The ride actually seemed to help Sean, and although his back is not great, he is not reduced to a gentle shuffle anymore, and he is riding strong (well at least riding at my pace ;-)
Day 2 so far has been my favourite. Amazing single track - still in 2 place
Day 3 -- lots of miles, lots of climbing. I discovered I suck at high alpine descending...so I have to make it up by hammering on the climbs. Still in 2nd.
Got a flat today, but the Stans Notubes sealant sealed it up, just as we were about to change it.
Endoed in a snow field.

Anyway, I could write an essay on this experience, but will sign off for now.

Warming up - day 3

Good weather to stay inside and work onthe bathroom?

2011-05-11T11:33:00.000-06:00

May 11th....4 days ago it was 80 something and I was dreaming of shade! Last night we were woken up with ice rain PELTING the windows.....of course my first concern was...DAMN BATHROOM...my car is not in the garage right now.....we need to get this done, the Subaru needs a roof over her pretty head!

The bathroom santa came

2011-05-10T21:50:00.010-06:00

Our garage is currently filled with a lot of goodness....a couple of new bikes waiting to be build...AND a bunch of new bathroom stuff. We were just out there looking through it all, opening boxes and unwrapping...it felt like Christmas. Although, it would be a bit of a crappy Christmas since we bought everything for our selves. ;-)...
This weekend was rough, 100 miles of mountain biking in 12 hours, certainly took its toll on our bodies, I did mention to Sean as we were lying in our tent after not showering for 2 days that I was very much looking forward to being able to come home to a steam shower after events like this.

I am not sure what is next in this project...in my experience I suspect some framing may need to be done. Stay tuned

Faucet

Cabinets arrived a few days ago

Rain Shower

Hand held shower

If you get the materials.......the build will come??

2011-05-05T12:03:00.001-06:00

something like that right...?

Not only does Sean have a complete bathroom to redo, there are also two amazing bikes sitting on our mantel...while they make great art work...can't wait to have them ready to ride!!!

(too bad I am bloody useless)

Bathroom Remodel - 3

2011-05-05T10:58:00.000-06:00

Quick update. Still moving along.

This was the wall that the vanity was aligned against.

No more wall.

Bathroom Remodel - 2

2011-05-04T13:47:00.003-06:00

Well...the demo is coming alone nicely. I am essentially pretty useless, but I try and make sure Sean is hydrated, fed and keep the house in some resemblance of organization (not doing so great on the last part).

Our days consist of working, then trying to ride, then working on the bathroom until well past bedtime. Thankfully we have a second bathroom, and neither of us are too stressed about living in a construction zone, so we will just keep plodding along. The other night we went out to dinner for Dine Out for Life, and we got home around 9:30, got changed and started working, with the goal having the bin full, ready for collection. We did get it full...and some (i.e. I resorted to looking in the neighbors bins to see what we could dump). I watched the collection guys pick up the bin on Friday morning, and it took two of them to wheel it over :-) (It should be noted that my strong boyfriend was able to wheel it out to the street with no help!)

The complete demo is almost completed. You should be able to see from the photos that the closet at the top of the stairs has now been busted out into the bathroom giving us more space.

Thanks to are awesome designer Joyce all of a materials are almost ready to be collected, so the real work is about to begin.

Sean called in the strong arm to break through the tile shower wall. WARNING...I do not advise smashing tile in Crocs...the little bit of tile tends to get into the holes, and then if you walk it makes your foot bleed.

(capping some pipes - see I know the lingo even!)

(closet before it went away)

Closet is behind this wall

Bathroom Remodel - 1

2011-04-29T11:23:00.001-06:00

Well -- I have not blogged in years...literally. I doubt any one even reads this but Sean and I have just started our bathroom remodel project and I thought it would be a good place to document the progress.

Sean has been talking about redoing the bathroom since I have known him, and a frozen pipe this winter sealed the deal.

We went to Home Depot, and were quickly overwhelmed by the decisions we had to make in order to produce our dream, not too expensive, good for resale bathroom.

We both felt like we have good over all neutral taste...but we nervous how to pull it together. Given Sean is doing all the work him self (and me of course), we decided to splurge and consult a designer (Joyce). http://www.daydreamllc.com/ Working with her was a great decision, she helped us see the bathroom from a difference perspective, and narrowed down the design choices for us (and we had seen samples of here work, so it was nice knowing that pretty much any option we went with would look good.

Below are pictures of before remodel

Leadville 100

2009-08-24T11:39:00.000-06:00

I am from tropical Queensland, Australia , the lowest continent on earth- sea level, lots of air, no mountains. Maybe once or twice a year the day time temperature may get down to 50 degrees --- AND I THOUGHT THAT WAS COLD. So when Julia & I lined up in the thin 37 degree air for the start on Saturday, I was cold and petrified about what was awaiting me.

Perhaps I am being a little dramatic. I was prepared! I had been to Leadville on numerous occasions, and this had been the focus of my racing season (and maybe my life) since February. I had an idea about the pain that was headed my way. I remember riding High Grade in April and it was snowing at the top and I reminded my self that it was all in preparation for what could happen in Leadville. It didn't snow on Saturday, but it sure was close.

Julia and I had a team of support for race day. The day would not have been a success without having such a fantastic crew. Amy and Chelsea were there in the Beti Bus, Ed and Diane left Denver at 3:30am to be there, Dave and Hennie slept in the ski van and Pam and Tracy camped in the cold to be there for us.

We had a plan that worked like clockwork. We got up early, rode down to the start, checked in, and left our bikes (with 1,400 others), in the hopes of not being too far back in the start. Dave and Hennie came and got us in the big ski van and we went home to organize the last few details and eat a few more calories.

We were headed back to the start at 6:15am for a 6:30 am start. The start was like nothing I have ever experienced before! A mass start of 1,400 people, TV cameras, and a helicopter flying over head filming everything. Oh, and did I mentioned it was freezing? The people of Leadville were amazing, and the street was lined as we departed. A mass start of 1400 people is challenging to say the least. To add to it, it started raining pretty heavily. I think Julia and I both did a good job of dressing well. We were not over dressed which would have definitely hurt us on the first climb. Other than being wet and having cold feet and hands I was pretty happy. I have to thank Matt Sodnicar the creator of “The Warm Front”. This magic garment (pretty much a bib) kept my core warm and dry and I think was key in keeping warm enough.

Julia and I started out with the plan to stick together for as long as possible. It really was quite difficult after the gun went off. There were just too many people and you had to keep your line and concentrate otherwise a mass pill-up was highly likely. I saw at least three crashes and one guy broke his collarbone in the first five minutes.

I was essentially in the pack until after the decent down the Powerline , which was challenging in the rain. Finally after approximately 25 miles the pack broke up a little and I was able to put the new NoTubes ZTR 29er wheels to the test.

I felt great all day. Knowing the support crews were just around the corner (well every 20 miles or so), was so comforting. When I got to the Twin Lakes aid station and found Amy and Chelsea they mentioned they thought I was in 11th. I was shocked to say the least, but it definitely gave me motivation for the Columbine climb. The 7 mile, 3,000 foot climb was tough, but just kept focusing on reeling the person in in front of me, and when it was a girl I knew I was getting closer one step closer to my goal. I had a secret goal of top 10, under 10 hours. I say secret because I really had no idea what to expect from the race, and knew there were some very strong women coming out for it. I guess I didn’t have confidence to make that goal public knowledge.

Both Julia and I were surprised at the number of people walking in steep sections that we didn’t think need to be walked. I guess that is just testament to the toughness and preparedness of the Beti’s!

Descending back to the Twin Lakes after topping out at 12,600’ at Columbine Mine (1/2 way point of the race), Amy and Chelsea told me I had moved up to 6th with 5th place right in front. I was still feeling great, but knew I still had the dreaded Powerline climb in front of me.

The people are what make the Leadville 100 special, both spectators and the fellow riders. There are essentially people lined almost whole length of the course. Although the athletes around you are strangers at the start, by the end of the race they are your teammates, working with you and supporting you.

The Powerline climb lived up to all the hype. IT WAS TERRIBLE. I had been *lucky* enough to have been to Leadville to ride that climb on 4 different occasions. There is nothing you can do to prepare for this. In pre-riding I was able to clear the whole thing and summit in a little over 40 minutes. I am not sure how long it took me, but I can tell you for sure there was no way I was riding it. I tried – and Dave and Hennie sure did provide some motivation running up the side with me, screaming at me like I was in the Tour – but Coke is what ended it all. There were some spectators (aka life savers), handing out Coke about ¼ way up the first brutal section. I didn’t realize how badly I needed Coke until then or how badly I needed an excuse to stop.

No way around it, that climb sucked! The only thing that keep me going was the end was getting closer with every pedal stroke. My goals were still looking good.

Although Julia and I were not riding together like we did in Laramie, Amy and Chelsea let me know that she was feeling strong, and was in good spirits – this news kept me going.

After the road climb around the lake, Sarah Jr. was at the top of the hill with a water bottle full of Coke. The Coke, combined with knowing it was a relatively easy 10 miles to the finish was enough to keep strong to the end. I finished in 9:41, 5th woman and 244th overall of 963 finishers. Julia finished in 10:36, 21st woman overall.

Thank you again to Amy, Chelsea, Diane, Pam, Tracy, Hennie, Dave, Ed, and Diane for the amazing support. We could not have done it without you. The Leadville 100 has essentially been the focus of my life since February, and I was fortunate that it all came together for me at the right time. I definitely will be back for a future Leadville 100 -- not sure whether it will be as a spectator or a participant.

Who would have thought there were blood clots brewing at this time

2008-07-17T11:20:00.001-06:00

Beti's had an awesome time in CB -- thanks girls ;-)

Really -- it is supposed to be summer!!!!!

2008-07-03T09:44:00.001-06:00

Sorry BOYS the pill isn't worth this!!!

2008-06-29T14:40:00.001-06:00

Getting Ready ;-)

If you don't know me I hate needles ---

This face says it all -- (oh and my cleft looks really obvious -- weird!)

I would be better of if I was fat with friends who are not funny!

2008-06-27T15:49:00.000-06:00

Strange but true ---

I was instructed to give my self a shot in the stomach earlier today -- it was very very hard for me -- kind of like jumping off the high dive -- just standing on the end and looking down --- and not being able to take the plunge. I sat there shaking with the needle poised above my skin for a good 5-10 minutes. The issue is it has to go into the fat on my stomach -- fortunately for me I don't have too much fat on my stomach (goes hand in hand with having no fat on my boobs -- so you win some you lose some) -- but anyway jabbing a needle into my abs was not an easy task for me and the doctor happened to tell me it would be easier if I was fat.

My other major problem is it hurts like hell when I laugh -- so a message to my great friends out there -- stop being funny!

This is what I was doing hours before the post below!

2008-06-27T00:57:00.001-06:00

So what I will do to get out of work!

2008-06-26T23:54:00.001-06:00

So Amy's lovely iPhone comes in handy again -- As I am writing this blog, it is almost exactly midnight Thursday night -- and let me tell you I am on some wonderful drugs -- wonderful twofold -- a) I am on a nice steady little high -- (and it helps contain the knife stabbling feeling that radiates through my body every few minutes and b) Perhaps the true miracle -- I think it has some type of agent it it that promotes me to clean and organize -- I just got up and shuffled around my bed with my IV and gave myself an English shower, cleaned up my little bed side table and generally made my small living space clean and organized -- I even washed my face with face cleanser (compliments of Karsen) and brushed my teeth -- wow the wonders of modern medicine.

Ok -- so of the 2 people who read this (Amy and maybe somoneone else) most of you will know why I am in hospital right now -- quick recap -- had not been able to sleep really since early Sunday morning after racing in Crested Butte -- was fine during the day - other than just feeling like I had a cramp in my back and side (not backside) -- I had not told too many people about it because I feel like these days I constantly have something wrong with me and I DON'T want to be one of those people -- yet it got to the point on Wednesday night when I had no choice.

I had just had a great dinner with Amy and Julia --- was feeling great (might have been the red wine) thinking that finally I was going to get a good nights sleep --- as I was scootering home I started yet again to get a pretty intense pain in my right side -- I told my self 'no worries' get home -- drink some water, have an epson salt bath, eat a banana, take a sleeping pill and I will get through it --- OH NO my body was not having it -- soon after I got in the bath I was in such intense pain that I immediately knew this was going to have to taken to a professional -- I was still questioning whether I was being a baby - but the fact that I was moaning and half crying when no one else was around wasn't a good sign -- I managed to get dressed (although I was almost too the point that I was going to yell at Hennie to come dress me -- amazing how you lose your modesty when you are in such intense pain.) I managed to throw on my boxes and stumble out of my room -- I find Hennie and he knew within seconds that I needed help -- I tried to tell him we were waiting for Brook (Brook knows stuff and I was half thinking she would give me a stretch to make it better and I didn't need to go anywhere) --- Hennie wasn't having it -- said Brook could meet us at the emergency room.

I stumbled out to the car stopping often as a pain revolted around my body in random intervals that literately took my breath away (I am not a good enough writer to accurately describe this type of pain) -- I have been through some crappy stuff - and this pain is definitely up there with most pain i have ever been in --

WAIT -- I JUST REMEMBERED THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A QUICK STORY

So to summerize - Hennie gets me to the Emergency room - he try's his best to chatter the whole way there to try and keep my mind of the fact that there is a firecracker inside my rib cage that goes off every thirty seconds or so -- (to give an idea of my messed up head - once the pain would pass I would actually be kind of happy that I had just felt it as I was constantly trying reassure my self that I wasn't being a baby and I really did need to go to the Emergency room in the middle of the night.)

At the hospital they immediately start pumping me full of pain meds (I now get how people are adicted to shooting up) -- they did a bunch of blood tests and one comes back abnormal - indicating a possible blood clot in my lung (pulmonary embolism) what????????????????????? anyway - we can't confirm tha right away because we need to wait for a pregnancy test to come back before I can have a cat scan. (I tried to tell them unless I am having Jesus' baby there was no need but they didn't listen) --

I have the cat scan and shortly after they come in and tell my I have a very large clot on my right side and two smaller clots one on each side. Part of my lung apparently has already died from lack of oxygen but the larger issue being (besides the 'nagging' issue of pain) was that this can be a fatel condition if it moves to your heart.

I was immediately put on blood thinners and told to prepare for at least a couple of nights in the hospital -- holy cow- not what I was expecting -- but at least I was vindicated about the pain I was having and the decision to go to the emergency room. (what a relief)

My time here as been great -- nurses have been awesome -- pain meds awesome -- but the truly remarkable outcome of this little adventure is realizing how amazing my friends are. I was not alone for more than 20 minutes the whole day as people were in and out brining me pretty flowers, things to read and treats to eat and just spending time with me to help me get through this and show they care -- and the sincerity and depth of my friends is more than one can ask for. Thank you!

Email from my friend Dan

2008-06-23T12:33:00.001-06:00

I couldn't resist posing this email that I just got from my friend Dan -- he is a great friend of mine -- funny stuff -- oh so if you know of an awesome cute single girl we could set him up with (other than me) -- let me know ;-)

You ask how my date went? Here is a rundown:

She did not talk. I felt like I was playing 20 questions…. I mean I am a fairly funny person but this broad would not crack… it was like playing racquet ball with myself minus the sweat… details below….

She emails me Friday at like 2pm and says she would rather go to HH then coffee in the AM on saturday… fine… I can do that. I’m flexible…. Where? She says anywhere with a patio… I say, you pick, you’ll be there way before me anyway cuz I don’t get off til 530. she gets off at 430… I am thinking to myself, please pick somewhere in uptown or downtown or even lake Minnetonka… she picks…. JJ’s clubhouse… you have to be kidding me… the only other time I had been to that joint was like two years ago…This plaice does not have a patio… it has a 10x10 block of cement enclosed like a jail cell (this will become more ironic as you read on). Keep in mind for those who have not been there… the “patio” is no more then 20 yards from I-394 East… anyone want some street sand/ car exhaust with their beer? I do! I do!… I mean a fine place but for Christ’s sake I can think of 3 dozen other joints that would have worked…

I tell her… “hey listen I wont get off work til 530 at the earliest and then it is at least 20 minutes to ‘the clubhouse” so just hang tight… she says fine… I get there at like 6:15… she gives me the guilt trip… “I’ve been here since 430!”…. Um listen Pippy Longstocking… I told you:

A) I work at CH, you’re lucky I got here at 615

B) traffic isn’t exactly moving switftly at 615 on a Friday

C) hey if you wanted to hang out at JJ’s we could have gone to my third cousin’s garage in South Milwaukee… same atmosphere. (case in point, 60 year old dude playing “big buck hunter with an earring and a hearing aid in the same ear)

So she is already like 2 GIANT BEERS (the ones that they used to serve at Champps… the ones where you need a lifting program to get to your face) deep when I get there… I order a blue moon and that’s when the real shenanigans start…. I mean I rattle off every topic of conversation I can think of… going to my best material right off the bat… nothing… nada…zero. I am thinking to myself… for a girl that like to fire off 12,000 word essays via email and has a job where she has to travel and talk to customers you are like talking to a crockpot full of crap…

So this goes on for like 2 hours…. Just me… asking her questions... I did find out an interesting tid bit:

She was married for 6 years
Her ex husband mentally abused her (wha? I don’t get it… like Jedi mind tricks?)
She has a restraining order on him (well sign me up for date #2 right now please)

Oh that might have been something that should have been shared pre-date… so now I have to keep an eye out for some dude that is going to strangle me in the bathroom with a coat hanger for buying his ex-wife a drink… She is still working out the divorce 2 years later… I try to ease the pain by saying that I had been married too but mine when like clock work… not a big deal, glad it happened… best thing for me… yada yada yada… her’s not so much… I think they are still fighting over the plastic Christmas Tree from 2001.

At this point it is like 9:30 and I get a text from my buddy Hofer that him and his friend from Chicago are at Rock Bottom and want to meet for a beer… I ask Laura if she wants to come along... (thinking to myself that there is absolutely no way she says yes… I mean we are in the middle of a train wreck that will involve FEMA funding to clean up)

Me: hey, I am going to meet my friend Justin out for a beer downtown, would you like to come? (no whammy, no whammy, no whammy)

Her: sure!

Me: oh sht.

I pay the tab…. $60 (keep this in mind)

Just a quick refresher to this point, I am 2 beers and 2 Jack and cokes deep now. She is at least that plus whatever she had before I got there…

She follows me to my house, parks her car and we walk to Rock Bottom… I mean there is no way I am going to roll downtown with my car and the two of us borderline hammered… She says…

Her: ”why are we walking?”

Me: its really not that far, its like 10-12 minute walk and it’s a nice night out (me masking the fact that there is no chance I drive down)

Her: okay… how much longer til we get there? (what are you a 10 year old? Do we have to stop for a potty break? Holy sht)

Keep in mind this girl has been living in the cities for about 4 years and knows nothing about anything downtown other then her hang out JJ’s… which suddenly reminds me that she smokes Camels… who smokes Camels? My grandpa smokes Camels… he is 87 years old… I digress…

We get to Rock Bottom and meet up with Hofer and Sam… love Sam… nicest girl in the world… We get a round at the table… and all of a sudden this girl is like BFF with Sam… non-stop chatter… wha? So I am completely flabbergasted right now… couple more rounds at the bar… oh, I’ll get that… $$25.00. So then I fire off:

Me: “does anyone want to go to the top of Chambers for a cocktail?”

she will for sure come back with “I better get home, its getting late and I am 3 sheets to the wind… I better get going”… nope…

Her: “sure, I’m in!” kill me now.

So we get to Chambers and ride up the elevator with the owner of the Carlyle… this guy is 45 yrs old and for sure had more $$$ then god himself…. Riding up the vator with someone that was clearly not is wife (but they are both wearing rings)… but he buys us a round… at least $200 bucks… this was the highlight of the night for sure… this guy was hammered… his only comment to me “I have lost more $$$ in the market in the past 2 months then I can count… what’s a round for 12 people I don’t know!!!” That’s ironic… sign me up for Grey Goose and Pineapple… (yeah I know it sounds bad but a 315 lb blck man with more gold on him then fort knox got one so it couldn’t have been that bad.)… I finish drink, wonder outside talk to Hofer that and continue on…

At this point I go straight to Jack on the Rocks…. Round number 10 picked up by me… $50. I don’t want to sound like a dink here but holy sht… pick up a tab once… just one time… I mean she makes 6 figures for sure…. I know you have money…. Just a courtesy pick up… even if it is $12, just so I know you care…

From here my brother calls me and says I should meet him at Brits… sure… why not? No chance she says she wants to come along… yep she does… line up another round!!! That is just a blur of bright lights and cold drinks and some big bouncer telling me it is time to leave the patio cuz its 2am…

So here is the kicker… we get back home to my house at like 2:30am and of course I say, “you cannot drive (this girl maybe weighs 130 and has drank enough alcohol for a 325lb man) if you want to stay on my couch, my floor, my bed (me sleeping on the couch) or at least let me get you a cab… “Oh no! I am fine! I can drive…” um okay, please call/text me when you get home so I know you are not dead.”

Drinks at the first bar $60

Drinks at the 2^nd bar $50

Drinks at the 3^rd bar $90

Me going on a date with a chick that might be completely wacko and thanking god I am single…. Priceless.

Match.com here I come. I am sure that will go much better.

I will do better at this

2008-05-28T17:10:00.001-06:00

my blog has been terrible. ---- so I will do better -- just putting my commitment out there. This is my cute little girl coco -- we are working on her not being in the bed --

Pink Flight Pics

2008-03-10T01:06:00.000-06:00

blogging away ---

2008-02-26T22:55:00.001-07:00

Blogging Away ---

Well my trip is off to a great start. I think I was almost on the verge of tears all day – knowing I had things under control at work as much as possible, but also knowing that a phone call could rip it all out from underneath me…I never thought I would be the type person that felt that couldn’t get away from their job…..I AM THAT PERSON! I can’t complain I am approved to work from home during part of my stay in Australia. I think holiday/work from home combo blurs the lines a little for both my self and my coworkers, but I am still not complaining. ;-)

So after sitting with the international advisor today for an hour I realized that I may be potentially screwed at my consulate appointment on Friday – so please send me you best thoughts Thursday night……I don’t have all the paperwork I need (through no fault of my own)…the thing is, going to a US Consular office can be absolutely nerve racking at the best of times --- let alone when you know you are going to have to walk the fine line between – not technically lying, but trying to phrase things so you appear in the know and friendly, yet a little innocent to what they really expect from you!

Eventually got out of the office – came home – got a beer out of the fridge and got in the shower – yes folks it was that level of stress…I actually had a beer in the shower with me….

The highlight of the day so far was the ride to the airport --- Julie took me and it was pretty smooth sailing.

I got out of the car – rolling my heavy suitcase, carrying my bike box, my carry on bag and my lap top – entered to go check in at United – after standing in line at one end – one United employee noticed me standing there with my box and asked me if it was empty????? I was totally half tempted to say – Yes – I bought it to the airport to recycle it – ARE YOU KIDDING me…why would I be lumping around an empty bike box?.....When I mentioned that no – in fact this box that had a picture of a bike on front actually had a bike in it he said that I need to go down to the other end for oversize luggage and I could follow him. He took off and I am staggering after him trying to carry all my stuff. When we were about 20 m to where I was meant to go he turned around and asked if I needed some help….again…ARE YOU KIDDING???

Anyway, got checked in on my United flight fine – it took me a while to check in on the Air New Zealand flight because of course I didn’t think to print out any information, and I was calling a million different 1800 numbers to get my info and of course I couldn’t get a real person. I was too impatient to wait for my treo to find the info – but I eventually got it and got on the flights – luggage checked all the way to Sydney – bike and all and I didn’t have to pay.

I went through security almost naked so I didn’t have to deal with the ‘extra screening’…..but on no….no such luck…I did not realize that I had tooth whitening strips in my back pocket that sent the machine crazy.

I got on the little DIA train and made it to my gate -- I am now on the plane to San Fran writing this --- if I have a chance to upload it at the airport I will.

I will keep you all posted on my travels. ;-)

Interesting night

2008-02-16T00:37:00.000-07:00

It is an interesting night -- I am lying with my dogs -- they are sandwiching me -- it is after midnight and I really want to get up early and go boarding.

Sadly-- can't find anyone to go with me -- but think I will just solo it -- it might be good to have some Natalie time -- and it might be good to be in the single line on a holiday weekend.

photos

2008-01-02T10:12:00.001-07:00

I know I need to update the blog on the trip -- but here is a link to the photos ;-)
http://picasaweb.google.com/thinknatalie/December2007

A few more pics

2007-12-31T09:02:00.001-07:00

Our avalanche training

2007-12-30T22:29:00.000-07:00

So -- I ended up going on this hut trip --- it really was pretty amazing. I mean that literally and figuratively -- the whole thing was 'pretty amazing' and it really was 'pretty' and the fact that I didn't die was 'amazing' ---

It was actually nice and sunny when we were getting ready -- oh but by nice and sunny, don't be fooled --- it was still in the single digits (and that is Fahrenheit folks) --- anyway -- pretty sure they were just trying to scare me, but they strapped an avalanche beacon on me, (so when I get buried they can find me; gave me a big long pole (it kind of folds up like a dome tent pole )(to poke someone who is found under the snow); and a shovel (to did them out once we poke them) -- -this was told to me pretty much as simply as I explain it right now. --- so --- with that done, we strapped on our packs -- I am sure they were at least 40-50 lb each, put on our ski' or snow shoes and headed for the hills. It too me about 20 metres to start feeling the pain of carrying this pack and realized it was going to be a long long day. But with a smile on my face, I just put one foot after another and got into the groove --

ok -- to be honest here, I have a lot more to say --- but I need to get back to 24 -- the Rushians have Jack --- plus this blog can be your own suspense filled blog -- you can check back for develoments (ok -- so that will probably be Amy and my Mum ;-)

It simply is NOT possible to write a blog AND watch 24 at the same time...

2007-12-30T22:19:00.001-07:00

that is about all I have to say --- I was hoping to multi task -- -but can't -- Jack Bauer (total stud) is cutting off some guys fingers right now)

oh --- also - this is a real photo -- I messed with the saturation a little but it was amazing!

My first hut to hut trip? Am I ready?

2007-12-13T09:10:00.000-07:00

Ok...so it has been suggested a group of us may do a hut to hut trip this Christmas. For those Aussies out there reading this a hut to hut is basically where you strap on skis or a snowboard or snowshoes (or a combination)...and hike into a hut through snow in most likely below freezing conditions, sleep there, and hike back -- again through snow and freezing conditions back to the modern comforts of the world today. SOUNDS FANTASTIC DOESN'T IT.

Well, of course this little adventure makes me nervous...I am a pretty new snowboarder, and I get cold...but hey I decided to get my gear out this morning, to prove to my self and everyone else that I could be ready for this.

Please note in the picture the essentials ---

1) Australian flag -- I have been watching shows about people climbing Mt. Everest -- these people always have flags to represent their countries to take a picture at the summit -- I figure this little adventure is similar in magnitude to climbing Everest -- hence the flag!

2) Spot the coffee and corona in this picture -- my friend Julia told me that we just hike in with just the essentials -- (banana and water are also included)

3) WARM sleeping bag -- I am not messing around here -- this is the best bag that Coleman makes - -- works below freezing and everything! The carrying of this 'compact' bag shouldn't be problem right?

So..I think I am ready!!! Yes for all of you out there that are skeptical I know I need a good pair of gloves...I just couldn't put them on and take a picture.

CLEARLY HERE I AM USING MY ATTEMPT AT HUMOR TO DISGUISE MY ABSOLUTE FEAR!

I made it

2007-12-12T21:35:00.000-07:00

Ok...for the zero people out there who are reading this...I just wanted to let you know I made it to the gym...not a very stellar workout but better than nothing. It probably at the very least cancelled out the beer I had with dinner!

this is what I have learned

2007-12-12T17:57:00.000-07:00

Red text...not the best

....I need an eye brow wax....

My first blog

2007-12-12T17:46:00.000-07:00

hmmm...interesting...I am deathly afraid of writing in public ...ok perhaps a little exaggeration, but it is common knowledge my spelling an grammar isn't the best...but wait...don't they say to face your fears head on....

I am completely procrastinating right now, and have so much to do, and need to go to the gym...so what better time than create a blog spot....

I figure it is a good little way to keep a journal...

Anyway perhaps tonight I will write more on this --- I do need to go to the gym....not looking forward to it because I don't have my ipod....wow, if that is all I have to worry about in life, things really are pretty good! p.s. this is a picture of me procrastinating at my desk taking a self portrait...seriously, does anyone believe I will actually make it to the gym tonight!