Thursday, December 18, 2008

29'ers like snow

The first Lincoln snowfall of approximately 2 inches did not stop the Fisher 29'er from exploring the city. In fact, the big wheels were enjoying the slick bike paths and streets. I rode to the gym...only about 4 miles, but enough time to spin out a few times, jump over a few small snow piles, and take in the cold winter air. Surprisingly, I counted three other bike wheel tracks on one trail, and another five tracks on the Salt Creek trail. By the way, this trail is covered with poop. Yes indeed, Lincoln geese have graced us with their presence by offering up gifts in the form of excretion. The flock had sprayed the trail, and I managed to kick up the poop onto my clothes. I couldn't for the life of me figure out where it was coming from at first. Then I noticed the smudge on my sock. Damn geese. Due to poop residue on the downtube of the frame, the 29'er needed a quick bath after this smelly encounter.

Monday, December 15, 2008

From bike to snowboard, back to bike

Who said that one cannot ride on Black Friday, snowboard the next weekend, and turn around to ride again the following weeekend. Astoundingly, that happened for me. I completed the trilogy this last Saturday with a singletrack ride out at Branched Oak accompanied by 3 friends. Unfortunately, Branched Oak was likely the last dirt ride of 2008 (much colder temperatures have set in). Pictures are from the Black Friday ride, starting in Ralston and heading north on the Keystone trail. Of course, we had to make a stop at Old Chicago to refuel with barley/hop beverages and watch part of the Husker/CU game. The self-pic on the snowboard was taken in the Sun Down Bowl (super fun black runs) at Vail. Seriously, one of the best blue-bird days ever. Relatively fresh snow, mild temperatures, and light wind made it epic. Oh, and Game Creek Bowl in Vail is a must. Two other days in CO were spent at Breck and Beaver Creek. Oh, and I finally had my first Fat Tire in a can. It was as equally tasty as the bottled brew.








Thursday, December 11, 2008

Jamming in Kingdom Come's first acoustic set

Kingdom Come, the band I'm in, did its first acoustic set at Madonna over Thanksgiving weekend. The set list included: "You Are My All in All, Blessed Be Your Name, One Pure and Holy Passion, Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone), You Are My King, and Sing to the King." The musical message was well-received, and I enjoyed the experience. Also, I had a chance to tinker with my vocal ambitions while playing guitar. I'm no Dave Matthews, but I certainly give it my best effort.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

The very basic core of a man's living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from encounters with new experiences. This is a life that hums with meaning and purpose. Many peole are unhappy with their circumstances because they are conditioned to a life of security, conformity, and conservatism. To get more out of life, one must avoid this montonous security. This habitual lifestyle can be draining. Take advantage of all the world has to offer. There is so much to see and do. I, for one, get stir-crazy in Nebraska. I'm prone to wander - I'm prone to be nomadic. To make each day a new horizon. My place in this world is where I happen to be standing at that moment. Now that is living.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Me versus We

When did the "Me" become more important than the "We?" How did the trust unravel right before our eyes? What happened to a company that was so right, so perfect in its beginnings? What happened to the "We?"

A promise that was made just a few months past - no layoffs. It was said that the company would ride out the economic turmoil. It was a slap in the face, a cold shoulder turned...I was abandoned. Lies, deceit, mistrust, and dishonesty have scorned the company. So absolute, so admittantly sincere in its beginnings, corruption now has its stronghold. Now it's nothing but sorry excuses, mistrust, and dishonesty. Discouraging and absolutely devastating.

The "We," the company "team," will continue to flounder, flailing to keep their heads above water. Employees are drowning under your own weight. And, now, now the "team" is derailing. Uncertainty and fear have led them into a state of panic. They are on pins-and-needles. Sadly, because of this decision to let go several employees that helped build your company.

Fascinated not by the "We," but now the "Me." The "Me"...this pronoun is caught up in capitalistic nonsense. When the stuff/the insignificant material of this world are more important than humanity. It's greed. Exorbitant salaries, unnecessary company expenditures for pleasure, and unaltered Christmas bonuses are continuing. These items should have been cut, not human capital. Unto this, the rich will continue to get richer, and the poor, well, poorer. The lust for wealth is entirely delusional. And, again it must be asked, what happened to the "We?"