I somehow just found myself with 3 days off. In a row. Didn't even think about it, but here they are!

So, for the next 3 days, I will be staring at a computer screen listening to and arranging music.

Sweet!

Two more weeks of chaos, then a week off! A much needed, well deserved (I think) week off. Leaving Wednesday for a drive up north, not coming back till Sunday.

Can't wait.

But for now, off to go teach more.

So, I've been a cyclist for over 20 years now, pretty much the exact same time frame as I've been a trombone player. I started both in 1988.

So last night, the Halloween concert with the symphony, was the very first time that I played a gig on trombone... In my cycling gear.

It was a bit odd.

I just don't get it.

I just got into an argument with an old friend on Facebook. The original question on one of those stupid quiz things was "Should 'Under God' be removed from the Pledge of Allegiance".

Long story short, during one point of the argument, he tried to say that the killing of the Jews in WWII was not based on religion, even though they were killed for... being Jewish.

What I don't understand is how and why people go to such great lengths, making up things, or continue to believe in things that are simply blatantly incorrect.

Is it so hard for us as humans to admit we are wrong? Or to see faults in our own bias? Is it so important that we stand blindly by our political party that we close our eyes to any and all opposing thought, no matter whether it is based in reality, proven evidence, or not?

I just don't understand. And I know it's nothing new, but seriously. Apparently we as humans really don't ave the ability to learn from the past. Only the past we agree with.

Depressing rant done. Thank you. Now on to happier things. Like taking my car to the shop. Grrr...

Rain. A lot of it. I'm glad I don't have far to drive today... The last thing I want to deal with is Bay Area drivers on the years first major rainstorm. I live in the 'burbs, 10 miles from downtown, 2 from the nearest freeway, and when I got up at 8:00AM I had already heard emergency sirens twice.

The weather means I'll be off the bike for a few days, probably until Friday. Guess it's time to break out the Yoga videos again. And the stationary trainer and climbing/TT training videos.

On the good news, last year I rode a total of just over 1500 miles. Last week I passed 4,000 for this year. So far. We'll see if I can hit 5K. That was the super lofty goal, but it just may be possible if the weather cooperates.

Anywho... It's a good day to practice. Have a good one!

-E

Been a while... I actually missed 9 days of work for being sick. It was... not so great, as you can imagine. But, all is better now.

This week is different. Every day so far, and tomorrow as well, went like this: 8AM to 12:45PM: teach sectionals at the high school. 2PM to 5-6PM: teach private lessons. 7PM to 10PM: evening rehearsals. Every day. Damn.

And an 8 hour rehearsal on the field Saturday.

I'm glad I love what I do...


Now to just find some time to get on the bike...

When was the last time I missed a day of teaching while sitting at home sick as shit?

I actually don't remember, so it's been a few years.

Bleh...

Knee injury. Last Thursdays ride ended in the same debilitating pain that the ride 3.5 weeks before ended with.

For a while I thought it was an MCL injury, but doing research, it seems those type of injuries usually come with pain and swelling after the fact, which I did not have. I may not have been able to pedal with any force at all with the left leg, but as soon as I got home and off the bike, there was no pain or swelling whatsoever. Even running up and down stairs...

Now I'm thinking it may be an IT Band strain. Most common cause for cyclists? Positioning the saddle to far back or too high. I know I experimented with raising the saddle, now when did I adjust it back?

Still think I should get it checked out just to be sure though. Hell, I have this insurance card burning a whole in my wallet and bank account, I might as well use it. However a sports trainer with experience in sports injuries might be better...

Sucks to be off the bike though. Cabin fever sets in every morning...

The semester is getting going, lessons are set up, marching band is in full swing...

But seriously, 3 weeks is too damn long to go without a bike ride.

And out I go!

Band camp done. And a tough first week of school out of the way. Almost done moving into the new building. Kids have lockers, instruments are checked out. And I'm not even the band director, I'm just the brass guy.

Now it's time to chill. I'm dog-sitting at my sisters place for the weekend, so here I sit. 3:30 PM. Hamm's #2 in hand. Stargate on the tele. And whatever is next on Sci-Fi. Or SyFy. Or whatever they're calling themselves these days.

It's been 3 weeks tomorrow since the last bike ride. 3 weeks since that 132 mile ride that tweaked my left knee. I've had no problems with it, actually it felt fine once I got home and got off the bike, but I figured I was overworking myself, so time off was necessary. Just didn't think it would be 3 weeks.

I think it's a good thing. However, this feeling of laziness, of lethargy, of exhaustion, is getting old. I need to get back on the bike to get over this funk. Time. Plenty of it.

But for now, time to turn the fan a bit and find what's on next. Star Trek: Enterprise. Never watched it new... Guess I'll check it out now. Heard there was some crazy hot Vulcan in it. Or something...

Time for a fresh Hamm's.

-E



-edit-

God DAMN that's one hot Vulcan! But really? Theme song fail.