Thursday, December 24, 2015

Taylor Swift

Greetings Readers

Amazing now - I have to admit that I did like the sound the CD 1989 by Taylor Swift and now as she is older than from when I started to pay attention to her I have to admit that she is looking hotter and hotter more and more - there was one photo shoot this past year - Not the usual  make up, but made up differently and I have to tell you that photo shoot did not look like the normal Taylor we are known to.  Anyway, someone dropped off a GQ magazine and there she was - looking Hot

 
 
Until the next time
 
Daryl Charley
The Athlete's New Woman to follow - lol - perhaps

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Five Years Later

Greetings Readers

What would the world write about me?  I just re-read my last blog about the 24 hours of Boulder and I re-read what I read and what inspired me to write that blog post, but not for a positive way...

Christian "Chris" Pruchnic, the Denver climber who died Saturday afternoon on a treacherous ice- climbing route on Thatchtop Mountain at Rocky Mountain National Park, was the chair of the Front Range Section of the American Alpine Club.
On its website, the American Alpine Club describes Pruchnic, 42, as "an avid adventurer who is passionate about climbing, scuba diving and foreign travel."
At the American Alpine Club's national headquarters in Golden, executive director Phil Powers said his staff was in shock over Pruchnic's death.
"Chris was a very thoughtful guy — a measured individual," Powers said. "He thought things through. By profession and demeanor, he was a very considered and cautious person. It makes this even more bothersome."
About 2:30 p.m. Saturday, visitors to the park notified park dispatchers by cellphone of a climbing death.
The incident occurred on the "All Mixed Up" ice-climbing route above Mills Lake. The route is steep with loose ice, loose rock and snow. It sits about 1,200 feet above the lake.
Pruchnic was part of a two-person climbing party. His partner was uninjured.
"I would say he was an accomplished climber, a respected climber and a competent climber," Powers said. "These things happen in climbing. To the degree that the (American Alpine Club) staff is in shock, shaken and sad is a testament to how close they were to Chris."
Pruchnic was a manager of disaster preparedness for Qwest, company spokeswoman Diane Reberger said. He had been with the company since 2002.

"Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time," Reberger said. "Chris was a valued employee and will be missed."
Pruchnic was also an active member of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Association of Contingency Planners, a group that prepares disaster contingency plans.
"He was a really nice guy, a really nice person. I can't believe he is not around," said Bill Million, a past vice president of the chapter. "He would give his shirt off his back for someone even if he didn't have a shirt."
Million added: "He was a world traveler. This is unbelievable. It is a shocker."
On the website of the Front Range Section of the American Alpine Club, Pruchnic was described as someone who, while leading trips abroad, made it a point to learn about local culture and history.
"His adventures often include visits to ancient ruins, markets, museums and other experiences to go beyond just exploring," the website said.

Readers, if you haven't read that blog please do.  I was pissed off at this guy for his remarks about other runners on the 24 Hours of Boulder on a blog post he did.  Apparently he died 11-20-2010

I wonder - did this guy ever read my post about the 24 Hours of Boulder and how he inspired my blog post about the 24 Hours of Boulder as well as his comments?  I do not even remember writing about this guy's comments until I re-read what I wrote back then.  Amazing.  The when I did a search I would have to say that I was kind of shocked.  Could I find his blog post again on what he wrote?  Or perhaps that is gone as well?  I don't know.

Again, I wonder - what would the world write about me when I am gone.

With utmost sincerity

Daryl Charley
The Veteran 24 Hours of Boulder Runner

...I'd rather be a hammer than a nail...

Greetings Readers

As you know Readers I have a strong connection to music and I would have to say that I found another beloved song from before my time on Mother Earth

I finally got to see "Wild" and I was very impressed and emotionally attached in a sense.  I did not get to see the movie in the theater, but oh so wanted.  I wish I did.  Really.



In no way have I done what Cheryl did in life, but what I felt was probably what I felt when I did the 24 hours of Boulder.  She did the PCT and I did the 24 hours of Boulder.  I have written about this event twice, I think, and I want to say that when Cheryl reached the Bridge of the Gods is when I saw the sunrise of my final lap in the 24 hours of Boulder.  I knew that this was the last lap that I could complete within the time limit, but I could have gone another.  Anyway, in that moment when I saw the sunrise in the East coming over the Dam - it was something incredible-the colors, the feelings, reflecting on the past 21 hours, the pain, the relief, the end.  I guess when I saw "Wild" and put the music of El Condor Pasa (If I could) - that is the definitive music of that moment.  And forever will be now. 

I'd rather be a sparrow than a snail
Yes I would, if I could, I surely would
I'd rather be a hammer than a nail
Yes I would, if I only could, I surely would

Away, I'd rather sail away
Like a swan that's here and gone
A man gets tied up to the ground
He gives the world it's saddest sound
Its saddest sound

I'd rather be a forest than a street
Yes I would, if I could, I surely would
I'd rather feel the earth beneath my feet
Yes I would, if I only could, I surely would

I guess the part that really gets to me is... "A man gets tied up to the ground He gives the world it's saddest sound..."  I gave a lot myself during this event.  No doubt.  I do not wonder what Cheryl gave during her journey on the PCT, but I am sure that she surely did give it everything she could - she surely would.

I even still remember that one woman offering to walk with me toward the finish line - just a small loop, but nevertheless the offer was truly sad for me and I did get emotional when I heard her say that to me.  I was a hurting, beat, but not down for the count.  That last lap did me in, yet to this day I can still say that I did 57.12 miles in 21 hours.  Who else in the fuck can say that beside the elite few ultra runners on Mother Earth.  Running two fucking marathons in 21 hours.  I can also remember me in the early morning getting those "hand warmers" from that one guy at the half way point on the 24 hours of Boulder.  I swear I did not even think about even getting some of those, but when I put in my gloves - wow - I did tear up after that as well.

Anyway, "Wild" was a very interesting movie and yes I could relate in my own sort of way.  When you do something of what Cheryl did as well as I did - you think, you reflect, your mind is open.  Being on a journey and looking, perhaps watching, others around you on your journey.  Humans are kind believe it or not- even an asshole like me have a moment on humility.

Until now, I think I understand...

With utmost sincerity

Daryl Charley
The Veteran 24 Hours of Boulder Runner

Thursday, December 10, 2015

1 week to go - horrific

Greetings Readers

I know how horrific usually means something huge and...

and if not seeing "the Falcon" crashing through the snow covered trees and then crashing to the snow covered ground and appearing to bounce back up into sky is not horrific - then perhaps you are not known to the most famous spacecraft to make the fastest Kessel run ever.  The clip is only about 2 seconds long, but seeing that clip is not good to see for "the Falcon."  She is by far my most favorite spaceship - behind the Slave IV and B-wing.  I guess I should note-small spacecraft.  I have my favorite huge ones and from many movies and perhaps another time I may talk about that subject. 

I have not spoken to date on this movie.  I was against this from the start, but now with the footage that has appeared as well as the director JJ Abrams I have a feeling this will be a "true" movie and not get too flashy or kiddie or over CGI'd (computer Generated Images).  the Imperial Shuttles look fantastic, the Star Destroyer (or Super Star) in the desert.  Interesting footage.  Though I think I am not sold on the red lightsaber design.  My humble opinion, of course.

until the next time

Daryl Charley
the patiently waiting Star Wars Fan


Friday, December 04, 2015

Stone Temple Pilots - Scott Weiland

Greetings Readers

I just found out that Scott has died.  I am truly sad.  This singer was someone who helped me, in a manner of speaking, through a rough patch of my life when I was younger.  I know that some people thought he copied Eddie.  But he did not.  Scott was unique.  Sorry Readers, this is hard for me to write since I am listening to my most favorite song - Interstate Love Song. This is my favorite song among many.  I connected to this song while I was on the road - hence interstate.  I am really sad that Scott is gone.  I want to say that he was/is part of my life.   And matter of fact, on a side note - my minecraft friend earlier this year got me back into STP.  I listen to all the CD's and I remembered what I forgot in the early 90's.  Thank you Scott. 

"Leaving..."  Promises.  I am going to dedicate today to STP as well as Velvet Revolver Day.  Scott's lyric's and voice was a lot to me.  as he said "said to you..."  I do not know what else to write at the moment, so forgive me.  I am shocked on what I just read 15 minutes ago.   Scott was troubled, but probably no more than the rest of us.  Please do not forget that- we all have our own personal demons.  How we deal or not deal with them is our burden. 

When Scott covered my other favorite band - Depeche Mode - But not tonight.  It is amazing.  Scott kinda sounds like Dave but Scott's unique voice brought something else to the song which I love.

Thank you Scott

with utmostsincerity

Daryl Charley
The STP fan

Thursday, December 03, 2015

Picture of the 5000 piece Puzzle

Greetings Readers

Just a short post, but really just a picture of the puzzle that I have been on for the past twelve years - lol.  The last eleven do not count since I did not technically work on.  I yahoo'd and was able to find the picture.  The picture has a bright colors, but in reality my puzzle is darker-darker waters and sky - meaning a deeper blue


Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The I don't care Athlete at the moment

Wednesday, December 02, 2015

12 Years A Jigsaw Puzzle Slave

Greetings Readers

So, the unavoidable was handled last night.  I had to.  I just had to.  For the past 11 years I have to say maybe I have only worked on this puzzle once, maybe twice.  This 5000 piece puzzle has been the thorn in my foot for 12 years.  I was going along fine as with all my puzzles; however this time I elected to leave the sky and start elsewhere - sorry my memory of actually where I started is non existent to remembering where I started.  I imagine the big and probably my brother did the skyline.  I know that I did the water and that was something.  And then the sky.  That is where I left it - and now a decade later I have two puzzles I have bought for myself and that does not include the four puzzles that I have bought for my brother as well.  Of course the two that I bought are 3000 and 5000 puzzles.  For my brother I bought a 1000, 1500, and 2000 panorama puzzles.  The panorama puzzles are interesting - especially the one that I bought on Amazon that was shipped from England.  That puzzle was the Saint Mark Square of Venice - 2000 pieces.  I love the look as well as the color tones of the puzzle - the gold and black colors make the puzzle look wonderful. 



I digress. So, in order for me to start the puzzle I have to go through my puzzle ritual as well as getting ready to tackle another puzzle of interest.  Yes, if you faithful Readers are still around then yes you know me and my "rituals"  one could say OCD, but I would not label as myself as a "true" OCD, but hell yes I have my things that I have OCD on - example - the toilet paper roll as to put on roll over and not roll under.  I am not going to into other OCD things I have, but I bet I have mentioned them from time to time in this blog.

Anyway, I have puzzle containers and boards that I use when doing a puzzle.  Sure, I use space around the table/work space, but I also have my boards.  I need to have lamps as well since just one light source is not good enough for me.  The lamps also help me examine the puzzle pieces closer for color saturation as well as the shape and edge of the puzzle pieces.

I put the puzzle on the dining room table and saw that the puzzle looks great and I was able to put in a few pieces, but I still have that feeling that I do not want to try to do the sky  I am going to estimate that there is about 1500-2000 pieces left for the sky, but that is only an estimate.  I took a couple of pictures last night and I was impressed what I have done to date.  To date though is what it is - to date.  To date in the past 11 years I have done shit to the puzzle.  Though at least is out and I got a couple of light sources set up, but I know I need a better lamp source and a couple more surfaces for the puzzle pieces as well.  The jigsaw puzzle top is in the background of the picture.  You can good the puzzle and perhaps get a picture as well, but if I remember correctly the pictures that are on the net are not clear - more fuzzy.  Though perhaps that I change that with an update picture as the when I am done there will be a completed picture of this jigsaw puzzle.   By the way, when I was Amazon I saw that this puzzle goes for over $ 100.00 dollars or maybe it was over $ 150.00 dollars.  Which I know back then I did not pay that much, but probably close to a hundred, but again my memory of the price is non existent (though I remember buying from It's Your Move store when there was the the Southglenn Mall, which has been demolished for many years now in the suburbs of Denver, Colorado)  By the way - there is no review as of last week when I looked so when I get done I will write my review, post picture and then move on in peace.

I have made up my mind to do the sky now so I can start the other puzzle(s) that I just bought.  I am just hoping that I can get into my puzzle frame of mind and get those pieces into the puzzle.  Unfortunately, one puzzle piece got damage - an edge - Got sucked up into the vacuum and well it is damaged and the color is gone.  So the surface looks like the back of the puzzle.  At least it is the puzzle border edge and sky (dark blue) so I should be able to do something - a paint or something.  again I will worry when I get the puzzle done.  And I vow to get the puzzle completed before the new year of 2016, even with my Minecraft, fallout 4 and work.  I need to do this for closure as well as getting to start the 3000 piece puzzle.  If my brother is back into puzzles then I know that I can get back into puzzles as well.

Alright - enough for now and wow looking back at this entry I was able to write freely without feeling that I needed to write just for the sakes of writing  

until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Jigsaw Puzzle Non-Athlete

Tuesday, December 01, 2015

December 2015 - Puzzle Time

Greetings Readers

Tis been a while since my last post- over a year I think.  I actually have not checked, but that is what I am thinking.  Anyway.  I thought to post something since it has been a while and I actually want to track this endeavor.  I bought a 3000 puzzle just recently and I want to document the time and work on this puzzle.

I may catch up of some my life in the past year, but then again I may not.  A lot and not a lot has happened in the past year.  Minecraft, my life, work, personal stuff, news, PS4, Scorpions/Queensryche concert, the ex, Colorado, and the ... for another time I think.

By the way, here is a picture of the puzzle I am about to start on.



With utmost sincerity

Daryl Charley
An Aging Athlete