Music through the years

So as I was sitting at the Van Halen concert I tried to recall all the band I have seen live. The list is pretty long, I will start with the first concert I saw and try to stay in order, but I am sure I will trail off and just start naming concerts.

Styper. I know I know, it was my first concert
Van Halen. With Sammy Hagar. BTO was openining band.
Bon Jovi and Cinderella.
David Lee Roth.
Ratt. 2 times.
Aerosmith and Dokken. Dokken actually canceled. I was bummed.
Judas Priest.
Metallica. 3 or 4 times I can't remember.
Run DMC, Public Enemy, DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince, and EPMD.
Earth Wind and Fire. 2 times.
Janes Addiction 2 or 3 times.
Pearl Jam
Red Hot Chilli Peppers
Fishbone
Rage Against the Machine
Dead Milkmen
Alice in Chains.
Mary's Danish 2 times.
Primus. Probably 5 or 6 times.
Sausage.
Les Claypools Frog Brigade
Neil Diamond
Bob Dylan
Social Distortion. 4 times.
Blink 182.
Deftones
REM
Rolling Stones.
Seal.
Cake.
Tool. 2 times.
WAR
B52's
Violent Femmes.
Alice Cooper.
Poison.
Mumbo Gumbo.
Body Count.
Ministry.
Soundgarden.
Ice Cube.
Jeasus and Mary Chain.
Lush.
Dinosaur Jr.
Arrested Development.
Reverend Horton Heat.
Supersuckers.
L7
Smashing Pumpkins.
Beastie Boys.
Tribe Called Quest.
The Breeders.
Sonic Youth.
Cypris Hill.
Pavement.
Beck.
Jesus Lizard.
Mighty Mighty Bostones.
Sugar Ray.

Lollapalooza was where I saw alot of those bands. Saw it every year from 1991 to 1995. I think I went in 1996 but I can't say for sure.

Alot of live shows over the years. Next one on the schedule......
Social Distortion in Las Vegas!

A.S.

Christmas Present

So, Barnes and I thought it would be best if we DIDN'T exchange gift this Christmas for basically two reasons.

1. We're poor.
2. We just spent all our money on the new house.

Unbeknown to me, the little lady had something up here sleeve!! Tickets for me and Billy to see....

Always one step ahead of me! The cradle will rock!!!!

Sick for the Holidays

It sucks being sick. It really sucks being sick for the Holidays.

Burning Bridges

So why is it so bad to burn your bridges? Are we that affraid of what's ahead that we always need to know we can move backward if we need to? Why would we want to move backward? Are we so unsure of our forward movement that we need that bridge there for us to travel back across with our tail between our legs?

I say learn from the past. Don't go back to it. Move ahead with conviction. Know what's ahead. Study your path, know the route. If for some unfortunate reason the path you have chosen is the wrong one, change direction, just don't go back. There was a reason you moved ahead in the first place.

Don't move carelessly. Think it out. Make sure it is the right decision for you. Once you are confident you are moving in the right direction........ pop open a cold beer, light a match and watch that fucker burn!

The Bully

So I did a little riding this past weekend. Feels good to be on the bike..... one problem. I rode with the one they call the "Bully" He looks harmless..... LOOKS!

As I was sucking wheel with my tongue in my spokes I thought of a little song to be sung to the theme of "Flipper" You know, Flipper the Dolphin and it goes like this.....

They call him Bully, Bully, faster than lightening
You all can see
He's faster than thee
And we know Bully, lives in a world full of freddies
frying their leggies
with the greatest of ease!!!!!!!!!

Holy smackers that boy can ride!

Counting the Days....................

M.I.A.

So I haven't had the time to contribute to my own blog in over a month!!! Trying to get all the ducks in a row before the move. Trying to smack a couple of curve balls that have been thrown my way has really kept me on my toes but has also kept me away from the bike and it's driving me insane!

Issue #1
We finally got it. After a long intence search, we finally landed a home we are both happy with. The Enforcer and King were an enormous help to us in finding the perfect place to hang our hats. We could have never done it without either of them, and will be forever indebted to them both. Rocco's for life on me, Billy!!!

Issue #2

Work has been insane!!!!!! I have never been one to believe in short timers syndrome and I hate when people blow off current responsibilities and only look to the future. Do you think the Patriots are looking past the Colts straight to the Superbowl? I doubt it. So I have been putting in more hours than I normally like to with 12 hours days, working days off, etc, etc to get things ironed out and all issues resolved before I take off. It's kind of like the sprint at the end of the race. You sit in do your work when you have to, and save the best for last!

Issue #3

OK, maybe I have short timers with this one. It is pretty hard to keep up with this place when I have no interest in living here. Mow the lawn, trim the bushes, vaccuum, clean, ugh.... Love the place, but I am done!

Issue #4

I have no pictures of this tragedy, but the "S" is in the shop. Not any shop, the body shop!! MOTHER F'ER, SON OF A @#$%&, GOD *&%^, CRAP, $#*& EATING, MONKEY F,ING, STUPID F!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! At the max speed of 10mph I rear ended some poor little unsuspecting little girl........wait that sounds bad. Let me start over........ I nailed some 19yo in the rear end........nope still bad, try again. As I was gazing out the window on my drive to work the other day, the car in front of me decided it would be a good thing to stop for the red light. One problem with that is after a sleepless night my periferal vision was a little off. Sadly the new rotors and pads I installed a couple of months ago did not engage with enough force to prevent me from ramming the car in front of me. No body was hurt except my beautiful "S"! Estimated damage reaching $3000!

Memories, from the corner of my mind..... blah blah blah blah blah blah memories... of the way we were....

Issue #5

I will not disclose this issue at this time as it is not an issue at all rather something that has consumed my thoughts 24/7.

So I guess those are the main issues. Today, finally, I don't have to work, I don't have to do anything around the house, the cars in the shop so I can't do anything to it........... I'm goin' for a ride!!!
A.S.

Yes!!

The Second Coming

The date has been set. October 25th is when the job starts in Sin City! October 19th will be that last day of employment in NorCal. That will give just enough time to gather the wife and the dog and head out!

Looks good anyway you slice it doesn't it?

I'm comin home boys!!

I wonder if Chicken knows about these? He could have the time of his life for under $10!!

Post Op.

So..... the day after surgery. Can't do to much, Doc put me on voice rest for 4 days. Not like I have been talking much before the surgery but I am sure it will be yakity yak yak yak once the chords are in working order. Besides, I got alot of important shit to say. Or so I think.

So I figured I would write a little about my food consumption pre and post op. It's the same everytime...... Nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night before. Yeah yeah yeah.. that's fine I will just load until then. So this time it was starting at noon the day before:

PRE OP

• A package of salami
• A box of triscuits
• Three tacos
• Nine more tacos
• Two 7-ups
• A quart of ice-cream (mmmmm cold stone cake batter w/brownies)
• Two bottles of water

POST OP

• Venti vanilla soy latte iced
• Footlong Sub Sandwich from Jersey Mikes
• Nine Shrimp tacos.
• 4 Banana twinkies
• 2 cokes and 4 bottles of water

So pre op I was weighing in at a whopping 153lbs. Today I weighed in at 154lbs! Not to bad I guess. My guess is I will be down to 150lbs by next week now that the binging has subsided.

Note to Food Nazi: Don't worry my torso will be transparent by Boulevard!

Lastly, Boy.... If I had a nickle everytime someone asked me to do this... I'd have about 4 cents

Jackhammer Journey

So I have never race the Giro di SF before, and you know what....... I won't again. A 20 lap race through the city streets of SF. Normally a race in SF one would think lots of hills. Not so much really. There was one little hill about a block long, but it didn't take much out of you. What did take it out of me were the road conditions!! What is it about NorCal and shitty roads? Mclane Pacific...horrible roads, Tour de Nez.....horrible roads, and the Giro the worst roads I think I have ever ridden. Every corner I felt like I was a construction worker ripping up the road. Aside from the road conditions I do need to mention that Metromint did a great job in promoting and organizing. It was easy to see that this was one of the biggest races in NorCal. Just not good roads for a wuss like me. I have always prided myself in having the most under developed upper body a grown man could possibly have, but I could have used a little bulk in this one I think.
I felt ok (not great) for about two third of the race. I found the sweet spot about 10 wheels back or so. Right with Cap'n America and a few AMD guys. Perfect! This is where I need to be. Not alot of effort except when it came to the corners and what it felt like coming out of every corner. About two thirds in a crash sets me back a bit. Not to worry I could work my way back up. Wrong!! The pace seemed to quicken and I felt like I could barely hold the bars. Next lap around I see Popeye from Five Star coasting along. "Well...he must have gotten caught in the tangle". At this point (arms weak, hands numb) I start thinking about lunch!! Woo hoo! can't wait to eat! Wait, still racing.. Probably five to go and I am way to far back. Don't gas it now cause it's gonna take alot of juice to get to the front and I probably only got one shot. Ok, let just give a little. All of the sudden Phipps comes up the right side of me on the climb and I jump on but get squeezed out in the corner at the top. That's ok, moved up to about mid pack and still felt like I had a little gas. One last move on the last lap and I'll be where I need to. Coming up on one to go I move up the right side and am back in the mix and all of the sudden...... 3rd corner right at the base of the climb, two guys go down and I get shuffled to the back! Arghh! Of all the places! Didn't have the legs to get back to the front and just rolled it out!

Arms still feel a little like wet noodles today, but who cares! Season is over and now for the long slow miles. Build for next year!

Giro di SF

Well this will probably be the last peddal turned in anger for the season for me. I have heard it is fast,..very fast. I have checked the start list and lots of heavy hitters have all ready reg'd. I am sure I will see the others at registration come race day.

I've come close to the top step of the podium a couple times this year but the "W" still eludes me! I imagine this little event will be the last race for a few and all will be gunning for the line at warp speed. I am hoping my skinny sticks can give one giant kick to the end and smoke them all but it will be tough.

Rumor has it a little speed will be coming up from the southern desert for a stab at this NorCal scene as well. Ahhhhhhh an ali for the rodent! This could make things quite fun and could be a preview of whats to come in SoCal next year.

Actually we could see quite a bit of "help your buddy" as I am sure the Spine/Morgan Stanley merge will be evident and I would not be suprised to see a few of the bag boys working with others. Don't know what to expect from EMC as NP is leading the Cal Cup and probably won't even need to place. Could they set something up for AH or CB or even JO? So many variables. F' it. I am just gonna race my ass off and hope for the best!

ZAP

HOLY CRAP!!!!!!! So yesterday I was driving to the Biggest Little City for a little twilight race they do. Got the "S" cruising nicely at about 80mph and I see a dark stream of clouds. "Hmm, Looks like it might be raining in Truckee" (Sp?) Then I start thinking it might be raining in Reno! Screw it I am almost there just keep going. So there I am listening to VH and I start seeing lightning. " Wow, that one looked like it hit the ground just up the road a little. Naw that can't be, it must have been over the ridge a ways." So I am just about coming up to the turn off for Northstar and ..........

I mean this thing flashes right in front of me. Never in a million years did I think I would see lightning hit the ground! Well not the ground, but it hit a tree about 30 meters up the road! When it hit it was like a giant fire ball and it shredded the tree. It was really weird though. The fire ball only lasted for a split second but the tree was seriously mangled. I really don't know why it didn't start a fire. The truck in the lane next to me slams on his breaks, for what I don't know. It didn't hit him and why would you want to be in the spot where it just struck?

So I start getting a little nervous thinking to myself what attracts lightning. Crap... turn off the radio and the cell phone. I am sure neither of them would have attracted lightning to strike me, but I wasn't taking any chances. So now I was thinking I was in the middle of an electrical storm (it wasn't raining yet) and I was sure to see more! Well I did, but none as close as the big one. It finally did start raining for about 5min. Typical wheather for that area.

Rained so hard I couldn't see 20ft in front of me.

One of these kids is not like the others

So I got this thing with my throat. And it really effects my voice and effects my ability to breath. Not so much normally during excercise or cycling, but more so when I try and talk. Simple problem with no solution. Growths on the vocal chords that keep growing back. I've dealt with this damn thing (RRP) for the past 15 years and each year it gets more frustrating. About every three or four months I get a trip to the hospital to have them surgically removed. Big deal, it is not painful at all, on a scale of one to ten I would say it is about a two. By far the worst thing about it is my inability to communicate. After surgery I have about two months where my voice sounds normal and it is not difficult to talk but then about the third month all hell breaks loose. The voice get really hoarse and I struggle with every word. It always seems that it happens around a time when I am traveling to a big race, or I have a meeting at work, where I have to talk alot, or something like that.
This time my voice gave out right around the time I was battling work about insurance coverage. With my move to Vegas coming soon (not soon enough) I tried to be pro-active and get better coverage. Only problem is the move to V got pushed back about 3 months and I had already changed the insurance. Now the throat gets bad and I have to find a new Dr. Not any Dr, a specialist. ENT Guy. So I have to get a primary care Dr. first then get a referal, then the Dr. I get the referal to has not dealt with a patient with RRP in about 23 years!
Wait..... I'm tired of pissin on an on about the insurance etc. The real thing that frustrates me is when I lose my voice, I just don't want to be around anyone and the people I am around unfortunately have to deal with a complete asshole. I don't want to do anything, I'd rather be stranded on an island until they wheel me into the operating room to give me back my singing voice.
If I wasn't married and I didn't have family and friends and a career, I could almost make it seem like I was on that island. However, I do have the best family and friends anyone could ask for, and my wife...........some times I wonder what she see's in me. She is the one who gets the brunt of my frustration. I am usually set off by something at work. It could be anything, but it all has to do with my voice and difficulty communicating. So I get home pissed off and she see's it and feels it. I know I am an asshole at times and I know it upsets her but she never breaths a word of it. I know at times, many times, she feels I am mad at her. She is the last person in the world I would get mad at. She is the light at the end of the tunnel, the silver lining on my cloudy day and whatever other gay cliche I can come up with.
I love my wife more than anything in the world.
We are about to start our real life pretty soon (The move to Vegas) and finally start letting our roots set in and I can't wait. I couldn't be happier that we are landing there together. I went to S.D. to find her, drug her up to NorCal, made her lose a ton of money in this shitty real estate market, now I am dragging her to Vegas and you know what....... she still keeps smilin and telling me she loves me.
Throat problems and all, I still consider myself a very lucky man.

A Conversation With Johan

A.S. Hey Johan I hear you are looking for a new job.

J.B. Yes

A.S. We got a team in Vegas that rides pretty well, in fact they put on a little show this past weekend that even your beloved Discovery Team could admire.

J.B. I'm sure dude, your funny, now get away from me.

A.S. No seriously, we line up our bikes all cool just like you guys in the tour.

J.B. You have to have matching bikes otherwise it's no good.

A.S. Yeah yeah yeah. We do, we do.

A.S. We can sit on the front and pull the peleton around all day if we want to.

J.B. No you can't your a bunch of old men. Only riders who dope can do that.

A. S. No not dope, just lots and lots of coffee and a big bowl of salad and a home cooked italian meal.

A.S. Seriously, we can do it man and you really need a job.

J.B. You are out of your mind.

A.S. Maybe a little, but that's beside the point. We can also take control of a race and put everyone else in O2 debt when commanded to do so by the boss.

J.B. Did we decrease security measures this year? How did you get in here?

A.S. What?

J.B. Ok, it sounds like you guys are pretty strong, but to make it in these days you need to have guys that can attack and blow the race appart as well.

A.S. Check it out!

J.B. I don't know man. Rabobank wants me to.

A.S. Who? Did you say Dopobank?

J.B. Very funny. Security!

A.S. Shit. I'm outta here! Damn.

Who needs sleep???

Head hit the pillow last nght at 11:30 and I was up by 3:30 this AM!! What have I done for 3 hours........

Laundry
Pack for the trip
Dishes (actually only one pan into the DW)
Drank a pot of coffee
Organized T-shirts in the closet (I am pathetic)
Fed the stupid cats
Mapquested Summerlin to Primm............ I can't make that commute!

One more day of work and then it's off to TDG. Gonna go for a short spin tonight after work just to energize the legs. Can't wait till the crit on Sat!
A.S.

Post #1

My wife does it, my dog does it, my friends do it, your friends do it, your wife does it, but I don't..... The blog.

Well now I guess I do to.

So there I am this morning zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz dreaming of TDG and how we are gonna terrorize the competetion, and leave them for dead in the Utah wilderness and all of the sudden... "Come on shake your body baby do that conga, I know you can't control yourself any longa". Ughhhhh, the alarm goes off. 5am. Why does the god of sleep hate me so bad? What have I done to be deprived of sleep for so many years?

Besides the alarm screaming in my ear today, I don't think I ever sleep. I am the guy anyone can call at 5am cause they know I will be up. I don't know why I use the alarm, I am normally awake before it. I think I am neurotic, and somehow think the one time I don't use the alarm I will sleep in and miss work! That wouldn't be the worst thing in the world, believe me.

So we got TDG this weekend and I am flying to Vegas, the Shark is picking me up, and we are driving to Utah! Should be on the course for a preview about 3pm. I am not looking fwd to the first stage as it doesn't fit my strength, or should I say, I won't have the strength to drag myself up the Mt. Stage 2 and 3 will be a little different story though. Stage 4..TT um could go either way I guess, I hope it's flat. I love it when it is flat. I like everything flat, my roads, my pancakes, my books, my cd's, my beer...guiness, my woman....wait that's not true.. Anyway, we have our weapons for each stage and I think the Utah boys are going to come home empty handed once again. My prediction...... We sweep all four stages! Yep I said it! Not one to talk the trash per say but I think we are gonna smoke em!
Should be a really great weekend. From what the Shark tells me, we are all sleeping in one cabin right on the course. I hope it's a big cabin, with big door ways for Sponge Bob! Ha ha, jk Chicky, you, boss, freeze, (is he going?) and RS are gonna hit that climb so hard all the other fags are gonna wish they never heard of PT. With Balchasaurus, the Shark, Robocop, and the Fatman I think we got it all covered.
Mama and Papa will be there for support and good food, we are fielding a team for the 45+ I think with the Deciple and a couple others, and I think the girls will be racing as well. Wow!!! That's like 452 of us going from one team. Looks like people will be seeing red, blue, and yellow all weekend!
Squirrel out!

Testing 1,2,3

Is this thing on??