Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Springs finally here

Great news, the local trails are finally beginning to open up! Lebanon Hills will be rideable after 6 pm this evening, Salem Hills is open, Battle Creek and Theo are both rideable. This may only be for the day as rain is on the radar for the next 3 days, but its a promising sign.

Friday I will be at Harmon Park helping with the trail work, Erik's Spring cup is only 11 days away and there is alot of work to be done. If anybody has some freetime please join us at the trail head @ 5:30. I hope the trail is rideable I would love to bring along my camera and get some shots of preriders, hone in my lo-cals for the first set of photos of the season.

Saturday I will be meeting some fellow photographers for a flash session. We will teach and learn from each other, the tricks of the trade when it comes to flash. I am pretty excited about this, one of my new purchases this season was a new flash the SB-800. My flash from last season can now be a slave to my primary flash. This opens up a whole new chapter in my book of photography.

I have also been practicing the Bokeh affect and playing with metering abit more. My new camera has a ton of new features, I am trying to take them in one by one. Its definately going to be an intersting year.

My next purchase is going to be a faster lens. I need to review my photos from last year and find out the most commonly used focal length, I will use that data to determine my first lens purchase. A fast lens only comes in short spans 24-78, 17-55, 85-135, 55-200. I have a 18-55 and a 55-200 lens currently but they are slow lenses, ideally I would like to find a 18-135 lens but Nikkor does not make one, I want the best so I wont consider buying a Tamron or sigma. Hey, those that buy the best only cry once

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Demented ? of the Day


If you were in a toilet stall and the building collapsed around you, how long would you wait before you start drinking the water out of the toilet?

Rain Rain go away, come again another day! Snow Snow Stay away, we dont want any anyway!

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Ahhh Chooooo


Well Folks. I am not getting much better, I guess this one is a lingerer. I have been taking vitamins and getting lots of rest, my throat feels alittle better but everything has moved to my face and chest, the cough has begun and the sneezing has never ended. Oh well, I made it through the whole winter dodging everyone elses colds, I guess the sinus stuff caught me.
Exciting weekend coming up, its still in the air on whether or not I will be able to ride the Ironman, I already paid so theres no getting that back, maybe Andy will ride in my place. I feel worse today then I have, and I have been fighting the urge to leave work to go home and go to bed so Its looking like the weekend ride is most likely off. I dont want to push it now and find myself sick again for the next 2 weeks.

But other then the ride we have our Peace Coffee Meet & Greet. We will get our new race uniforms, meet the new people on the team, get to hang with the oldies and have our photo op. Oh Crap, I forgot that along with my sickness came a zit the size of Mt. Everest right between my eyeballs. Maybe it will shrink in size before saturday. Dang I am just a mess this week. I had better stop blogging now before I officially bring everyone down. sorry Too Late


Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Ironman Bikeride

The Ironman Bike Ride is this weekend. Janet and I had signed up for the 62 miler. Things are looking unfortunate at this time. All this wedding bliss has wore me down and I have seemingly caught a cold/sinus infection. Joe Friels Bible says that if the sickness is in your chest/head you should avoid any activites. Joes one smart cookie but I was really looking forward to this ride.

I have at this point dropped down to the 30 miler and hopefully I can nip this sickness in the butt and enjoy the ride this weekend. I guess worse case I will drag my sniffling self out there and take some photos of the group I should be riding with.

Wish me health!!

Monday, April 21, 2008

Wedded Bliss

Last Thursday Janet and I hit up Harmon for the first bit of single track since the fall. I knew I wouldnt get a chance to ride for the rest of the weekend, I was so happy that the trail was open and Janet was able to join me (it was a Thursday afternoon, afterall). It felt phenomenal. The weather was cool, but just warm enough to workup a slight sweat, Then there would be a short burst of sprinkles to re cool down. We rode two laps at a nice comfortable pace and enjoyed the scenery and smells of spring.

After our ride I returned home to shower and head to Hastings for Tami and Georges' Grooms Dinner. The ladies met up in advance to get a mani and pedi at CA Nails. The nails looked good but they had absolutely no ventilation, we all left with a headache and the feeling of being high.

We then headed down to the Levee, our local watering hole. We had a nice dinner of lasagna and our first chance to meet our dates for the following day. Everyone was feeling a little stressed so we followed up with some drinks at RJ's. It was a great night, the drinks were flowing a little too good so we cut the evening short to get some good rest for the wedding. Well everyone but the bride and groom cut the evening short : )

Friday we met at 9 in vermillion for the good ole up-dos, then Jess, Ang Che, and I trailed to the Island to drop off our vehicles, then to the church to get ready. Everyone looked absoluetly gorgeous. We had not seen the dresses with the shoes or the pagminas, everything came together so well. Tami you did a fabulous job of planning your perfect day. It was so nice to hear her say to someone " WOW, Everyone thought of everything!" We know it was her perfect day and she was very pleased with how everything turned out.

Many Kudos to Tony, I got so many compliments on your skills, everyone was lovin' your paparazzi style, and apparently you are now my boyfriend, sorry Jen ; ) I can't wait to see the photos.

The flowers were perfect, the ceremony went well, and all of our Boyfriends finally got to meet! Its about time guys, dont be thinking you are now off the hook for another 8 years, its not gonna happen. We danced the night away in our devil shoes, saw many great friends, hung with the family and had a wonderful time.

And Now I am happy its over and I am able to get back to the normality I call my life.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Takin Some Shots

Yesterday was a gorgeous 65 degrees, very windy but very nice. Mic and I went down to the Black Dawg Nature Reserve to get some shots.

It takes awhile to become aquainted with the use of a tripod, and the new camera has many adjustments I am not familiar with. I have been surprised at how intuitive the camera is, the only problem I am having is I am so used to my old camera I keep hitting the wrong buttons. I make more initial adjustments with the D300, and if a shot isnt working right I have more of the adjustments at my fingertips rather then having to search a menu.

This camera is turning out to be worth every penny of my investment. I am only about a quarter of the way through the manual and There are still a few buttons that I have no clue what they are used for. Hopefully there will be some additional nice days for capturing some sweet shots.

Tamis Wedding is this Friday, I have Thursday and Friday off work for the event. I plan on bringing my camera along on Thursday evening to get some shots of us gals getting our manis and pedis. Then we have the rehearsal and Grooms Dinner. My friend Tony Scudeiro, (his link is off to the left of the page under "photos") Will be doing the wedding photography for Tami. He is so talented, I cant wait to see his finals. Thanks again Tony!!


Also, I havent gotten everything together yet, but I will be selling my old camera gear.
I purchased the camera in June 2006, it is the Nikon D50. I used the camera for two summers photographing mountain bike racing. The link to the left "my mtb race photos" have all been taken with this camera. The items for sale include:

Nikon D50 Camera body with all original items (Nikon Picture Program, Charger, Battery, Connector Cables x 3, manual)

SD Memory Cards - ADD SIZES

Additional Battery - EN-EL3

Ligthhouse guide of Nikon D50

CD for basic use of the Nikon D50

I will clean up this list and put some prices in, if you are interested please email me or comment and I will get back with you.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Running, Tris, Bis

Nice list of events in MN. Just thought I would share

http://www.raceberryjam.com/mdra.html

Update on me

Many exciting things have happened for me this year. Originally I started this blog to document my rise as a mountain bike racer. It appears that life has woven me an interesting detour, and I will be documenting my rise as an up and coming photographer.

I have been given the opportunity to be the official photographer of the mountain bike series that I raced in last year. I suppose I could be official, the last photographer, that was part of his deal, he wanted to be named the official. I however am okay with just being another person out on the trails doing photos. I am not sure if I will charge for my photos this season or not, I am looking at something small, not to earn a profit but to cover some of my expenses, maybe $3-$5 for an electronic copy of a photo. Things just get so complicated when you start adding money.

Along with my photography responsibilities, I have been asked to write some articles or bring interesting tidbits to the MNSCS site, I was very nervous about this task at first but I am just trying to have fun with it. you can see my first two articles here and here.

I have not been biking as much as last year, but my race distances have increased, not a very good combo but I think it will level out in the next few weeks now that the snow is finally around the bend. I will not be participating in the MNSCS races due to taking on the photography so my tentative race portfolio for the year will be as follows:



Sunday April 27th - MN Ironman Bikeride

Sunday May 11th - Photos @ Eriks Spring Cup (Salem Hills, InverGrove Heights)

Sunday June 8th - Photos @ Afton Avalanche (Afton)

Sunday June 22nd - Photos @ Dirt Spanker Classic (Mt. Du Lac, Fon du lac)

Sunday June 29th - Photos @ Bluff Riders Charge (Mt. Kato, Mankato)

Saturday July 12th - Fallen Oak Off-Road Duathalon (Hillside, Elk River)

Sunday July 20th - Photos @ Memorial Classic (Memorial Trail, Red Wing)

Sunday July 27th - Photos @ Powder Monkey (Spirit Mountain, Duluth)

Frid & Sat August 2nd-3rd - 12hrs of Nine Mile (????????????)

Sunday August 10th - Photos @ Metric MTB Jam (Welch, MN)

Frid & Sat August 16th - 24hrs of Salsa Cycles

Sunday August 24th - Photos @ White Tail Ridge (River Falls, WI)

Fri-Sun August 29-31 - Photos @ Laddies Loppet (Callaway, MN Maplelag Resort)

Saturday September 13th - Chequamegon

Saturday September 20th - Photos @ Single Track Escape (St. Cloud, MN)

Sunday September 21st - Bloomington Iron Girl - (???????????)

Sunday September 28th - Osceola Duathlon


I may add more as they come up, it would be nice to take part in the dual and evening mtb races at Murphy Hanrehan, Buck Hill and Elk River but with my class schedule up in the air they will happen as I am able.

I have had a bit of a break in my classes but not for long, I will be in Psychology, American Lit, and Studio lighting over the summer then the tough classes start in the fall. I am hoping to set up a trainer with some sort of table attached so I can spin and study.

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Today


Today Mickers and I went for a short sprint. We ran 1.5 miles outside, it was perfect running weather.  We cut it short because we were hungary.  After some good food we spent the day doing homework, big math test tomorrow. Wish me luck!

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Janet This Post is for YOU!

Look Janet, I found a Donkey!! Check it out!!



Oh Nevermind, I guess its just a Pussy Cat.  Hey I hear something, lets go check it out


      Nevermind,  Its Just Mckinley horsin' around, I should have known, but I swear I can smell donkey...


 EWWWWWWW!


I guess He left us a little present, Lets try over here near the barn








OH DEAR, THOSE ARENT DONKEYS EITHER!  Janet I swear I saw  a donkey earlier, over on that hill, or maybe the next hill, near Queen Anns... You know the place!  



these Kind of Look like Donkeys, We must be getting close.


















Heres Lookin At you KID!


Dont forget the nutrition

Janet and I had a great 3 hour ride last night. It was quite dark on the tail end, definately need to get me a set of lights. We got to see the Donkey. I had intended on posting some images of my friendly Donkey from Montana but I cant remember my web page address. I guess I will put them up at a later date.

We detoured abit and ended up riding through the sweetest Trailer park around. We felt right at home ; ). All I can say is, We found the secret weapon of Queen Anns Court! YEAH BABY!!!!!

I had a Probar (The best damn biking nutrition out there and it tastes great) with me and started to get hungary about 3 miles from home, I thought I could just wait until I get home and get some food in me. I forgot that Andy and I desperately need a shopping trip. I drank some water, ate some ritz crackers with peanut butter and jelly, then sat down to place my online order at Byerlys. I started to get a slight stomach ache and thought to myself. I better get some protein in me. Andy suggested Oatmeal, so I got that started and made myself a Whey Shake. I slammed the shake and went back to my ordering.

Within a minute I was in the bathroom with my Whey Shake coming back out. It does not taste as good coming up as it does going down. Good thing is it calmed my stomach enough for me to choke down 2 servings of oatmeal.

I had that, 'if I move I will get sick feeling' all night long, it made for an unrestful nights sleep. (Sorry Andy). And now today I feel like my body spent all night eating its self. I feel exhausted, my stomach is still questionable as to its status, water doesnt even taste good.

My night was an unpleasant reminder of the importance of Nutrition and Timing when it comes to endurance training. Its soooo important to get your calories during and right after your workout! Crossing that point of no return can happen so fast and it makes for a miserable time, I will definately be on track once again with my nutrition.

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Whose Going Donkey Huntin', We's Going Donkey Huntin'

Janets bringing me on a wild goose chase, ooops I mean a wild donkey chase this evening. We plan to get a good 2 hours on our bikes before the sun goes down. Hopefully that works out because I do not have the necessary reflective gear and ass light for my bicycle. I said "Ass" get it, donkey and Ass, Donkey and Ass!

Yesterday I spent the evening with the T-ster. We went to Davids Bridal and she got a vale and some shoes for the big day. Its already next week. I am soooo excited. We hit up Khans Mongolian BBQ for dinner. Ummm yeah, its like the bestest place ever! Then we went to my place and printed out her programs. They look great! Nice choice T-ster.

For all ya alls. I most likely owe you a call or an email or sumpin but things have been crazy busy and I will get back to you after T's wedding if I dont see you there.

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Thanks El Loro

Thanks El Loro! One too many Margaritas last evening left me feeling like that dried up raisin thats been under the couch for a year. Dont worry Justine, Its just a statement, there really isnt a raisin under there.

Its one of those days where I keep trying to work but its so easy to pop up the blog or the forums or my email or....... You know, one of those days.

Monday, April 7, 2008

Office Dares


Chances are you have seen this before if you work in an office or like the show "The Office", regardless I found myself giggling at the thought of performing some of these actions, and who I could do it too. Live, Love, Laugh & Learn. ENJOY!!



ONE-POINT OFFICE DARES

1) Run one lap around the office at top speed.

2) Ignore the first five people who say 'good morning' to you.

3) Phone someone in the office you barely know, leave your name and
say, "Just called to say I can't talk right now. Bye."

4) To signal the end of a conversation, clamp your hands over your
ears and grimace.

5) Leave your zipper open for one hour. If anyone points it out, say,
"Sorry, I really prefer it this way."

6) Walk sideways to the photocopier.

7) While riding in an elevator, gasp dramatically every time the doors
open.

THREE-POINT DARES

1) Say to your boss, "I like your style" and shoot him with
double-barreled fingers.


2) Babble incoherently at a fellow employee, and then ask, "Did you
get all that, I don't want to have to repeat it."

3) Page yourself over the intercom (do not disguise your voice).

4) Kneel in front of the water cooler and drink directly from the
nozzle (there must be a 'non-player' within sight).

5) Shout random numbers while someone is counting.


FIVE POINT DARES

1) At the end of a meeting, suggest that, for once, it would be nice
to conclude with the singing of the national anthem (5 extra points if
you actually launch into it yourself).

2) Walk into a very busy person's office and while they watch you with
growing irritation, turn the light switch on/off 10 times.

3) For an hour, refer to everyone you speak to as "Bob."

4) Announce to everyone in a meeting that you "really have to go do a
number two."

5) After every sentence, say 'Mon' in a really bad Jamaican accent. As
in"The report's on your desk, Mon." Keep this up for 1 hour.

6) While an office mate is out, move their chair into the elevator.

7) In a meeting or crowded situation, slap your forehead repeatedly
and mutter, "Shut up, all of you just shut up!"

8) At lunchtime, get down on your knees and announce, "As God as my
witness, I'll never go hungry again."

9) In a colleague's DAY PLANNER, write in the 10am slot: "See how I
look in tights."(5 Extra points if it is a male, 5 more if he is your boss)

10) Carry your keyboard over to your colleague and ask, "You wanna
trade?"

11) Repeat the following conversation 10 times to the same person: "Do
you hear that?" "What?" "Never mind, it's gone now."

12) Come to work in army fatigues and when asked why, say, "I can't
talk about it."

13) Posing as a maitre d', call a colleague and tell him he's won a
lunch for four at a local restaurant. Let him go.

14) Speak with an accent (French, German, Porky Pig, etc) during a
very important conference call.

15) Find the vacuum and start vacuuming around your desk.

16) Hang a 2' long piece of toilet roll from the back of your pants
and act genuinely surprised when someone points it out.

17) Present meeting attendees with a cup of coffee and biscuits,
smashing each biscuit with your fist.

18) During the course of a meeting, slowly edge your chair towards the
door.

19) Arrange toy figures on the table to represent each meeting attendee,

move them according to the movements of their real-life counterparts.

And if that wasn't enough for you... How to keep a healthy level of insanity:

1) At lunchtime, sit in your parked car with sunglasses on and point a
hair dryer at passing cars. See if they slow down.

2) Tell your children over dinner. "Due to the economy, we are going
to have to let one of you go."

3) Every time someone asks you to do something, ask if they want fries
with that.

4) Put your wastebasket on your desk and label it "IN".

5) Put decaf in the coffee maker for 3 weeks. Once everyone has gotten

over his or her caffeine addictions, switch to espresso.

6) Finish all your sentences with "In accordance with the prophecy."

7) Dont use any punctuation

8) Use, too...much; punctuation!

9) As often as possible, skip rather than walk.

10) Ask people what sex they are. Laugh hysterically after they
answer.

11) Specify that your drive-through order is "to go."

12) Sing along at the opera.

13) Go to a poetry recital and ask why the poems don't rhyme.

14) Put mosquito netting around your work area. Play a tape of jungle
sounds all day.

15) Five days in advance tell your friends you can't attend their
party because you're not in the mood.

16) Have your co-workers address you by your wrestling name, "Rock
Hard."

17) When the money comes out of the ATM, scream "I Won! I Won! 3rd
time this week!!!"

18) When leaving the zoo, start running towards the parking lot
yelling, "Run for your lives, they're loose!"


And the final way to keep a healthy level of insanity....

Friday, April 4, 2008

New Toys


I got my new camera. WOOT! D300 with MB D10 battery pack, along with SB800 Flash, remote, and tripod.

Good wine = Longer Life



I have been meaning to blog about this for a few days now, this week has turned out to be a crazy one. My boss has been soaking in the rays, needless to say, the overflow has been quite eventful. toss in a computer crash and you start to get an idea of my week.

Thanks Trek & Penn for another great ladies night!!! A little too much wine left me with a bit of a headache the following day but I had some sweet new skills and a few new numbers for some new riding buddies.

I heard a report on a new book "The Bluezone" Oh wait, that is the guy who writes with James Patterson. I heart James Patterson.

Here is the correct link The Blue Zone

I have always been fascinated and freaked out with the cycle of life and death, okay more about death and what happens to us at this point in our lives. I am interested in mediums, haunted places, spirituality, out of body experiences, anything thats "Para" normal.

The Blue Zone isnt so much about para normal as it is about things we can do to increase our life expectancy. As much as I like the supernatural, I dont want to become a part of it anytime soon. I work out quite frequently, surround myself with great people with similar lifestyles and goals, try to eat healthy for the most part, and I am always looking for ways to improve my lifestyle.

The blue zone is a group of "life style choices" made by people in villages with the largest percentages of centurions (people over 100). These centurions not only live a long life but have a youthful, active life. I dont know about you, But I am one who hopes to live a long & healthy life, if you are with me on this check out the link.

One of the "life style choices" is to have a drink (1-2) each day depending on your weight. It helps by reducing ones stress, therefore lowering the number of freeradicals floating around ones body trying to do harm. There is a great wine with triple the antioxidants of traditional wine. TOAST! Look for wines with the Cannonau Grape. The grape is grown high in the mountains with much sunlight, the more sunlight the more antioxidants. Good news for fellow wine drinkers, check it out next time your at the liquor store.



Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Birth Order

What do you think? Does it apply?

-Only-borns:

Only children tend to be organized, conscientious and dependable. They are detail oriented and good with responsibility. However, they can also be demanding, unforgiving, and they get their feelings hurt easily.-

First-borns:

First borns are achievers, and natural leaders. Most politicians are first borns. They can be picky, and precise, punctual, and competent. They are often impatient, and don't like surprises. They can also have a "know it all" attitude and can be perfectionists.-

Middle-Borns:

Middle borns are notorious people-pleasers. They are good at negotiating, and they hate confrontations. They tend to be calm and down-to-earth. Middle kids can have trouble setting boundaries, they don't want to make decisions that will be unpopular with others.

Last-Borns:

Last-borns have strong people skills. They are great salespeople, and entertainers. They can also be risk-takers. Last borns also have a tendency to have a short attention span, and can be self-centered. They're always looking for fun.

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Tuesdays Workout

Met Janet and Justine at the gym tonight for a nice workout.

Stretches
Squats 3 x 10
sit ups 3 x 10

medicine ball side bends 3 x 10
vertical row 3 x 10 30lbs

presses 3 x 10 40 lbs
bicep presses 3 x 10 10 lbs

butterfly 2 x 10 30 lbs
lat pull dows 2 x 10 40lbs 1 x 10 50 lbs

trap pull up  3 x 10 40 lbs

running 15 mins.

Good work out. Thanks for the company Janet.  

I hope to get a ride in on Thursday or Friday. Tomorrow is ladies night at Penn cycle.