Last Day of the First Month of 2009

Greetings Readers

I did stop by and see the Qdoba girl, but you Readers I will have to tell I only went for the sakes of going. I made the first move and I waiting in the beginning for a response, but nothing has happened since December.

No biggie. Life has gone on and believe me Readers there are a lot of women out there. Anyway, the hair was kind of teased up and that's about all I can say. She was working the register, but other than that I was all business.

I already knew that I was going to take my dinner to go. With that in mind I decided to be the customer and not be the talkative person that she knows. I am not embarrassed about being there after the Christmas Card incident. Hell, as I stated before I was there first and I do not planning on going to another Qdoba's farther away. I liked this place since it is a hop and a skip away from my humble abode.

I think I made eye contact a few times, but other than that I made no small talk. She asked her customary "How are you doing tonight?" and I replied "I am doing good." And I made no question to ask her anything else. I did see a nice ring on the left hand, but then again I am not sure if I saw that ring before. Never-the-less, that is a moot thing since I am not really trying for something with the Qdoba girl anymore.

In closing, the few moments I did see her I really did not see her.

Changing subjects - I never did show you Readers my Jack Daniel's merchandise that I picked up at the National Western Stock Show a couple weeks ago. Of course, you Readers will from last year will see some of the same items I purchased last year.

I know I just blogged about this recently, but I will re-list on what I bought at the booth. Two Large bar mats, two small bar mats, 2 black Bandanna, 1 metal Jigger, 2 Caps and one Black T-shirt. I will admit that the bandannas, the jigger, and one of the mats I will keep for myself. Otherwise, I plan to give the rest of the merchandise to my brother and a cap to my Dad.

This is nothing new for me since I have blogged about this before.

Oh Readers, I lost another bet so now I am down 9 bottles of beer. I know, I know sucks to be me, as my ex-old boss would say when things don't look good. The Australian Open Men's Final is tonight and I have picked Nadal to win. Yes Nadal, but in order to have a bet I had to choose him in order to have a bet. Again Readers all in good fun. I thought I would never say this, but I guess I am going to "Go Nadal." Damn, I can not believe I said this about Nadal who has to pick out his short from the crack of his ass almost every serve.

Tada - Another good deed last night. I was getting another ticket for Light Rail, when a Dad with two children asked me when the next E line was going to be hear.

"I don't know." I replied "I take the next train since it does not matter what line I take."

"oh ok. thank you anyway." and started to walk away.

I started to bike away then I said "Excuse me. Where are you going?"

"Downtown. Pepsi Center"

"Well, you could take a train down to either, Belleview, Broadway or 10th & Osage and then take another Light Rail train from there."

"Really?" he responded

Then, me being so kind as opposed to the rudest person ever known

"Although it is rush hour, people are getting off work, so should you decide that you and your children risk the chance of not getting a seat in the Light Rail Train at those stops. If you catch the Light Rail Train here you are almost guaranteed of getting a seat here."

"Your probably right. Thank you very much for the information and your help"

"Not a problem. Have a nice evening with the children."

Was that not an over and beyond of doing a good deed for me? Or was that something unexpected of me?

By the way Readers - It is time for the 31 days of Oscar on TCM

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

An Extra Day - Leap Year

Greetings Readers

Leap Year - and today is February 29, 2008

I think I will give myself and you readers a break from this blogger's opinions and view and whatnot's

Note: This weekend marks another year of the "31 days of Oscar." - I saw some movies that I have never seen and perhaps I will do a wrap-up in the next few days of the ones I saw for the first time.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Monday's Incoherent Musings

Greetings Readers

What's in my bike bag?

I have been seeing and reading this from various blogs that I have stumbled across on.

Well, perhaps I should cave in and tell you readers what I have, but I am not going to do this on this particular post.

As I posted on Feb 2, 2008 - I talked about "You're gonna new a bigger boat." I just found out that Roy Scheider past away at the age of 75 yesterday. I am shocked readers. How ironic that I wrote about him just so recently. Not to mention that I have seen him in five movies in the past two weeks. He will be missed and never fogotten.

TCM - 31 days of Oscar was pretty darn good last night - Nightmare before Christmas, Lord of the Rings - Return of the King, Silence of the Lambs & Seven.

Alright readers. I cuss. Period. I was reading on a blog that was just recently posted and I see that this person would spell "F&*%er" as opposed to actually spelling it out. I have only substituted symbols for letters once, because the word would be caught in some filtering program. Otherwise, I have spelled out my cuss word. Does not mean a thing. Yet. What I want to state is that yes I write my cuss words out and apparently I do a lot writing cuss words. I make no apologies.

And it is official - my results for the Valentine's Day 5k. I am pretty pleased with the ranking, but not pleased about the time I posted. I can not understand how I dropped backwards. Well, besides the points I made yesterday. 25th place overall. Yet, 7:51 per mile. Urgh. 7 seconds slower than last week.

Okay three days left before Valentine's Day. And I do not have a Confirmed Valentine in mind. There are possibly two, but haven't kept in touch with both of them.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

The Day After Super Tuesday

Greetings Readers

I have decided to "dump" the mountain bike, minus the wheels and bike seat. Nothing is really salvagable, in my view. Granted, I know nothing about Mountains Bikes, but I figure I might just keep only those items and let go of the rest I have enough shit of the road bike accessories strewn all over my humble abode.

I don't have anything to post. I just went straight home and sort of chilled out in front of the tv and computer. I did not want to cook so I reheated and ate the last of the steak I grilled this weekend with whatever rice was left. I opened a bottle of Rodney Strong Merlot and watched TCM - 31 days of Oscar.

Readers - Did I tell you I think someone "swiped" one of my favorite, favorite underwear? Yes? No? I better check my previous postings. Anyway, there is a story that is on-going and what should I do. Oh, this was an expensive piece of underwear by Nautica. Not only was it expensive it looked pretty fucking good on me. Perhaps that's a topic for tomorrow. And I will give you the 4-1-1 on the dilemma I have This will be known as the "Nautica Incident".

Don't forget tomorrow - The Beginning of the Chinese New Year. The year of the... (to be continued).

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Thunder & Lightining in Winter

Greetings Readers

The temperature is now about 26 degrees this morning and rising. There is also a fresh layer of snow on the ground. I did not realize that there was going to be that much snow on ground.

Flashback - The time was just a little past 10 PM last night I was watching that old (Cult?) movie "LifeForce" when I saw a very bright flash outside my balcony window. I had the door blinds open but the window blinds/drapes were closed. It was like a camera flash going off on my patio.

I get up from the couch and try and see where that flash bright light came from. I slowly walked up to my door with the blinds open and carefully looked outside. From the glow of the lights I see that snow is falling pretty good and then that's when I heard the unmistakeable sound of rolling thunder.

I couldn't believe this - I actually have witnessed two such events in the past 6 months that there is actually thunder and lightening during a snow storm. I estimated that the time from I saw the flash until I heard the thunder it was about 8 seconds.

When I heard the sound of the rolling thunder the thunder just rolled for about 5 to 10 seconds. What an amazing sound. Oh, at least it was not some crazy woman/man outside my balcony taking pictures of me in my underwear and wrapped partially in my comforter while sitting on the couch. Oh yes, I was relaxed and ready to hit the sack. Then again all my working out I have nothing to hide. Granted, not built, but much more happier with the progress I have made while joining my club last year.

Anyway, I wanted to really hear the thunder next time and I also wanted to see where exactly the lightening was coming from. I grabbed the comforter I use and stragetically wrapped the comforter around me and stepped outside on the balcony. The coldness of the night immediately hit me but I had my comforter wrapped pretty good around me. I saw my breath in the cold air and yet I was not cold. I was pumped to see some lightening so I was unaware of the coldness of the night. I could see the now falling in the harsh sodium street lights and the snow did look like and fall like rain. Perhaps there was a mixture in the snow and rain, which would make sense for the thunder and lightening. Then again, I am no weather person.

If any of you readers do not know by now - today is Groundhog Day and that means I have another tradition I do on this particular day. Yes watch teh movie "Groundhog Day" with Bill Murray.

Groundhog Day is a very good movie. Funny yet does have it somber moments. Such as the homeless man. Bill Murray, first time, ignore this person as probably I would have if seeing a homeless person for the first time. Then, through the movie Bill befriends this homeless man. Buys him a soup and when the homeless man was done with his soup Bill Murray give the homeless man his soup, which he did not touch. And Bill does some others things, but at the end of the day Bill Murray could not save this homeless man.

Anyway, I could go on and on, But I am sure that you readers know the movie. If not, please take the hour and half of so and see this movie. There is Andie McDowell, Chris Elliott, Brian Doyle-Murray and a few other actors/actresses that you would know of. Pretty soon you will be quoting the radio disc jockeys like I do on a cold day. Anyway, A tradition and I plan to keep carrying on this little tradition.

And in case you are wondering the picture is of "Punxsutawney Phil" and here is the 4-1-1.

Phil Says Six More Weeks of Winter!

Phil's official forecast as read 2/2/08 at sunrise at Gobbler's Knob:

Here Ye! Here Ye! Here Ye!
On Gobbler's Knob on this fabolous Groundhog Day, February 2nd, 2008 Punxsutawney Phil, the Seer of Seers, Prognosticator of all Prognosticators,Rose to the call of President Bill Cooper and greeted his handlers, Ben Hughes and John Griffiths.
After casting a weathered eye toward thousands of his faithful followers,Phil consulted with President Cooper and directed him to the appropriate scroll, which proclaimed:
"As I look around me, a bright sky I see, and a shadow beside me.Six more weeks of winter it will be!"

Now, onto the 31 days of Oscar. My first movie of 31 days of Ocsar was the classic movie from the 70's - Jaws. "You're gonna need a bigger boat." What a line and scene in the movie. Overall, the movie is still great after seeing it so many times. And yes I have this movie in my library, but just seeing the movie TCM is much more better. Then you have "Quint". What a character. Sort of a stubborn mule that perhaps I imitate on some level. Not sort of, but just plain stubborn. And I am sure that I have written (posted) this before, but this was the movie when I was young that made me scared of the water. Specifically the ocean. Since then I have waded/swam in the Pacific Ocean and Elliott Bay so I am getting over the fear, but yet I am always thinking about Jaws.

This morning on TCM was another movie I enjoyed and also has Roy Schneider - 2010. Not a good movie per se, but enjoyable. I really liked the air braking scene. Other than that not even close to the movie 2001: A Space Odyssey.

This weekend we are going to have a break in some of this cold, single & teen degree weather. As I went for an early morning bike ride in Centennial I was riding in about 23 degree weather. I grabbed my new Jack Daniel's Bandanna and fingerless biking gloves thinking it was going to be warm since the sun is shining so bright. Well, that was wrong choice on my part this morning. The day was still early and the air was cold with me riding into a slight breeze. I had to curl my fingers into my hands, as much as I could. The bandanna did nothing and my ears were cold. Apparently I was very cold by the time I walked into the Grocery store. We bike riders never know how cold it is outside until we go indoors and start to warm up. My ears were burning as well as my legs getting hot.

And I think I have chosen... well not think, I am going to do my first official run this weekend - Sunday. I am excited. No real training, but a run is what I am ready for. Perhaps this will motivate me to get the running going once more.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

31 days of Oscar - TCM

Greetings Readers

I was looking back on my blog post one year ago and I see that I had purchased my first and only DVD recorder. One year. I did use for the first few months, but then I would have to say that I have not used the recorder regularly for about 5 months or so. Yes, that long.

Don't get me wrong I love the DVD recorder, but I just have no desire to start recording. Though I did put some shows on DVD.

Today is the start of the 31 days of Oscar on Turner Classic Movies. I love this time of the year. I have a month of Oscar movies, the Chinese New Year, Black History Month and one more item (Sorry readers I can not mention, but it is not Valentine's Day).

I am sure that I mentioned this before, but I love watching the "best" movies that have won the Award. And there are some very good ones that I have not seen yet. For example, I wanted to see the Treasure of Sierra Madra, but I did not find out that this movie was going to be shown today. What? Well, by sheer accident, one of the people I deal with at work had mentioned this movie "we don't need no stinkin badges" yesterday. Which I automatically said Blazing Saddles. I was right, but he said I was wrong. Well, I got technical with him by saying you did not specify where the movie line originally came from. So, I was right. He said I need to see and by gosh there was my chance.

I will try to keep you readers entertained on some of the movies that I will watch this month.

Back to biking, winter biking. Biking in the winter is a different biking in itself. As I have previously mentioned some of the hazards of biking - Black ice and snow. There is another aspect to biking with the snow and black ice. Where to ride my road bike (with those 700 x 23 tires).

You can not just pick a route to bike. The snow melts turns to ice. The snow also hardens after a day or so. The snow freezing on the road making riding a bit hazardous since the snow and ice have frozen on the blacktop/asphalt/concrete. So, I have to be mindful of that.

My point is - I have to make my route where the sun is shining and where I think the sidewalks have been shoveled/plowed. Riding in the street is really not an option during the peak times of the day. I do not feel safe riding in the street as opposed to the gutter. Riding in the gutter is impossible. The snow is there, as well as the ice, ice chunks, and that magnesium tetrachloride.

I zig and I zag, but more importantly I am riding on the sidewalk where I feel more safe. At one point I eventually get onto the road. Which where I get on all the traffic is going into Denver and the direction I am going there is hardly any traffic at all. Which means I have less to worry about on a vehicle passing me every two seconds.

I also have to avoid the areas that I know are being shaded/in shade. No sunlight. There is no way that I will be riding in that area. I also know that these areas have not be shoveled. I know that the snow is hard. And any footprints made would hinder my bike riding through that area much more difficult. Yes you guess right readers - I bike on the South and West sidewalks of the streets. Where the sun shines the most. I rarely get to ride on the North and East side of the road.

Footprints in the snow after a night freezes solid overnight and when I try riding through an area with footprints I have to be extra careful and not get my tires turned the slightest way or else I will "Kiss the Earth"

Bike Trails are pretty well off limits until I feel that the sun has melted most of the snow from the bike path -whether it be ground or blacktop.

I guess that is about I can say for the first entry of February.

Note: I goofed readers on yesterday's blog - it is the Flintstones and not Flinstones as I had spelled on my post yesterday. I am going back to fix the error and every "t" will show the correction. I know that I do not have to do this, but since I know this I now have to correct. And the word is not like listed once. It is listed throughout the post. Urgh. And yes that is a not a very good picture of the Flintstone stop I do in the winter.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

31 Days & Getting Carded

Greetings Readers

I am happy to say that I got to bed at a decent & sane hour as opposed to the what-the-fuck am I sleeping & waking on this schedule. The Australian Open always does this to me.

Alright, I saw the commercial for TCM. Turner Classic Movies and the 31 days of Oscar. I am am getting so excited. This is my favorite time of the year since I/we get to the see the best films that have been given the Oscar. Some movies I still have not seen yet. But last year I was able to see some films that I have always wanted to see and never have. Like Ben Hur. I have seen that movie in parts, but last year I made myself sit and watch that movie from beginning to end. That was an award winner - period.

And I have some sad news. I have not got carded since my birthday earlier this month. To me - that is pretty sad. I am so use to getting carded, but now I have been on a bit of a dry streak. I mean it is practically a given that I would get carded in some club, bar, liquor store or event. Nope. Nada. Does that mean I have hit that magical age and I am now old? I just do not know. I am now waiting for when I get carded. I am actually trying to make myself look young. You know. Dress like a college guy. Got the hair gel working in the hair. Putting on the cologne. Shaving. Putting on some bling-bling. But nothing. I really want to be carded. I want to feel like I am young. I think I know. I better find myself a younger woman. Yeah.. that's the ticket. Wiht a young woman at my side that will make someone card me.

Alright I have a cycling topic for you readers. Water Bottles.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

482 Songs Later

Greetings People

Well, I am not sure where to begin. The weekend was so-so for me. Nothing was planned and I have sort of made some time for myself to "play" with my new "Pink" I-pod. As the title of the blog starts I have loaded 482 songs onto my Ipod. Not too tough to do.

So, while I was self-teaching myself on how to operate I-tunes, I start to think about the other blogs that I have stumbled onto in the past on www.blogger.com. I have some good things, some bad things, and then the "sad" stories.

One particular story crossed my mine, however I can not quote the blog since I do not remember the blog address, but basically her Ipod was sitting on the kitchen table and then she knocked off the I-pod from the table. I guess you readers know the outcome. The Ipod was shattered into a few pieces and was destroyed beyond repair. Oh she cried and cried and sobbed and thought her life was over. Oh woe is me - get the fuck out of here with that sort of feeling towards your Ipod. Yes, I felt bad for her. However.

It think back to the many pairs of Oakley M Frames lens that I have lost and destroyed in the past 10 years. I never did cry over the Oakleys, but sure as shit I was pissed. What else can you do nothing. As one of my old bosses would say "Sucks to be you". I whole-hearted agree with that statement. It was 90 percent of my time that I lost/destroyed my Oakleys. Well.... if you want to get technically, sure I crashed on my bike and blamed the gravel for my accident. But, again to be technical, it would be my fault for not seeing the gravel in the first place hence averting the accidental crash that destroyed my Oakleys. So readers 100% of the time it is your own fault. I know it sucks, but you need to be responsible and take responsibility for the real truth.

I am not going to say, or stated, that it is her fault for destroying the I-pod, but it is her fault for not paying attention in the first place. If this Ipod was something she treasured then she should not of have left the I-pod on the table (where on the table I know not) in the first place.

So, further on... Readers this is where I thought about what I was thinking about this weekend... she said she lost a $ 10,000.00 dollar I-pod. What? Yes, that is correct. This homemaker (from the blog I surmised) became a math statistician and started to calculate the songs at x dollars and how many there were. I do not remember how she figured out the adjusted cost of the destroyed Ipod, but she came up with an exact figure. I think she even figured time spent loading her Ipod and came to so many wasted hours loading her I-pod.

Sorry readers, but I can not see how that she lost that much money. Did she buy $10,000 worth of songs and downloaded to her I-pod? I think not. I did not download any songs this weekend, but loaded up from my personal music library. So, there are 482 songs on my Pink I-pod. Does that mean my Pink I-pod is worth more than what I paid for it? Am I going to "adjust" my cost of my Pink I-pod? No. Yes, I paid for the songs in the past, but I can not remember how much I did pay for initially, unless there was a price sticker. Can I become an MIT graduate and say "yes there were 482 songs. Times that by $1.00 each and add the "special" price I paid for my Pink Ipod and the total of my Pink I-pod is $ 582.00 dollars now." No, that is wrong. My Pink I-pod did not gain .01 cent in value. However, the value of my Pink Ipod has decreased due to usage.

What? If I downloaded a song (from I-tunes) then I would have invested one dollar into my Pink Ipod. No. That would be like me taping a show from the T.V. onto a blank tape. Do I divide the number of shows by the supposed retail price and then get the value of the show I just taped onto the blank tape? No, the price of the tape is still the same (12.99 for 12 VCR blank tapes) or 1.08 per tape. Even though I recorded the show from the T.V. Or like my DVD spindle of 100. I bought 100 for 22.99. Basically, the breakdown per blank DVD is .2299 cents. Anything that I load (write/burn) onto that DVD does not become worth more. Well, sentimental value perhaps, but not in monetary value.

That was the one of many thoughts about my Pink Ipod that had came across my mind yesterday. Unfortunately, this was the very first thought about the Ipod. The only increase invested in my Pink Ipod was about 10 hours loading onto Ipod. Not to mention the thinking I took to choose the right type of loading to put onto my Pink Ipod. Yes, there is a lot of room on my pink Ipod, but from 4GB I am down to 1.92 GB left

Enough said on this.

Saturday was the end of the 31 days of Oscar. What a good selection this year. I even got to watch a lot more than I thought I was going to be able to. I ended with Crimson Tide on Saturday night. On Friday night was the movie Awakenings with Robert DeNiro and Robin Williams. I forgot about this movie, since I am not a Robin Williams fans. I forgot that he did not play himself (his typical "funny" one liner persona) at all. Robert DeNiro was good playing his role. A very dramatic movie that I am glad I was able to see once more.

No running events this past weekend, I do have the runnin' of the Green 7k this weekend though. The time will not be good for me, but I hope it is not too bad.

until the next time readers

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

My new I-pod and its PINK!

Greetings People

So, these are the final days of the 31 days of Oscar on TCM. Last night I saw a few movies that I have seen before - Four Weddings and Funeral, RainMan, and Diner. All are good movies and definitely from the past. Can you believe that RainMan came out 20 years ago?

Granted, my views on Tom Cruise has changed since he "flipped" out on the Oprah show and had "words" with Matt Lauer on the Today show. I have not seen any movies of his since then. Nor do I have any inkling to. Though I would of like to seen MI:3 and War of the Worlds (since Steven Spielberg was attached to the movie)

Tom Cruise was okay in the movie, but Dustin Hoffman pulled the role off very good and the roles of both them was not believable in theory, until you actually watched the movie. The music score by Hans Zimmer was what made the movie. Ever since then I have been listening to Hans Zimmer's scores. The best score for him to have done - Thelma & Louise.

Getting back to Rainman. I actually got to go to the train station at the end of the movie where Charlie is saying goodbye to Raymond. This was back in 1996 that I had come across the train station on my 3 stop ticket in Zone 4 of Amtrak. Readers, that is story and a half. Perhaps I will let you on this part of my life, but I have written about this event and I even have pictures and video of this part of my life and waiting for the time to publish. I even have pictures of the train station in Rainman. I will see if I can get the photo scanned and posted here.

I knew of Dustin, but I did not really know Dustin until his performance. Since then, I have seen Kramer vs. Kramer, the Graduate, Midnight Cowboy(?), and Marathon Man. Wow. wow. wow. Of course he has had his fair share of clunkers. And the other movie which I love of his - Papplion

Other than that - the ipod. Oh readers, readers, readers. What can I say. If you have the opportunity to buy an ipod for half price, never used - you would buy it right?! nothing is wrong with the ipod - they just changed their mind at the last second. Well, here is the kicker - it is the color pink. Well, not pink, but "hot" pink if the light catches the ipod just right. Which is probably about all the time. LOL. Oh well. I am going to buy an ipod protector and that definitely will not be pink. It is too bad about the color, but I am sorry readers half price - I could not resist. I have an I-pod! Woo Hoo! 4G. It is so cool. The only other positive thing about the pink is that it matches my T-Mobile bike jersey (pink also). How fucked up is that?! hah hah

Oh, oh, oh, New Southpark starts in less than a week. March 7, 2007. I am so excited, as usual.

until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Run the Register 2007

Greetings People

I have no time to write, a late lunch and a meeting really soon and perhaps a busy evening so I may not be able to blog about this. So...

The "Run the Register" was pretty good event for me to try out for the first time. I did not have a clue how stair climbing would be and how hard it was going to be running up the stairs. A very quick race for the $ 35.00 registration fee, but oh well. At least I got to say and show to my co-workers and friends that I got a medal and was able to run up 47 floors in the "Cash Register" building (1,014 steps). Here are the results also in case you need to see. I will have the full story tomorrow.

Dang - I really do not have time today to blog - I saw the OWGE this morning, missed the bus, ran like the wind to light rail train, had a fucked up RTD driver who did not know where the stops and turns were. You see readers, things have gotten off on the wrong foot this morning and sure as shit the day was not going to be pretty.

31 days of Oscar - I will need to update this also - Some more Oscar movies that I saw Ben Hur, American Beauty, Kramer vs. Kramer. Ben-Hur was Spectacular and I made sure that I made the time for the four movie. I am sure that all of us readers at one point have at least flipped to the movie when it has been on TV and well I have done the same thing in the past. So, I knew that the movie was going to be on last Thursday and I got ready beforehand so that nothing could interrupt me from watching this movie. Readers, I highly recommend this movie and let me tell you now - the movie is so much more that the infamous chariot racing. Kramer vs. Kramer was a movie that I saw for the first time. Perhaps. I think I may have seen the movie when I was very,very young and when my mom had to see every Dustin Hoffman movie. It was very good and once more there was so much to the movie that I did not realize. American Beauty - I have seen before and nothing to rant about. I really could care less about Annette Benning.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

It's Official - My Running has started for 2007

Greetings People

What can I say. I have not been humbled nor do I have an excuse, but the time is pretty ugly for my first 5k of the year. Granted, it has been eight weeks since I have truly ran or rode (any training) excersises.

I participated in my first event this year and that is the President's Day 5K, which was held in Washington Park in Denver, Colorado

So, my official time for 2007

8:41 per mile - 26.59 total

and My official time for 2004

7:43 per mile - 23.57 total

58 seconds slower and I was truly shocked. I guess not doing anything sure does show. I am not mad nor disappointed, but I do now have a mission and that mission is to knock that time down in the next 5k I participate in.

Today, I feel good. Legs are a little wobbly, but nothing too bad.

This coming weekend I have two events that I am interested in - The Snowman Stampede or Run the Register. Hmmmmm. Two unique events and I am not trained for either. These are pretty fucked up options I have decided for myself. I guess we will see. I have 6 days of recovery and training to decide. =) This is going to be a pretty interesting week to start off running officially. I can not back down from either since I have declared myself official.

31 days of Oscar - a few more movies to add that I watched - Close Encounters of the 3rd Kind, MIB, and Paint Your Wagon. It was the first time that I saw Paint Your Wagon with Clint Eastwood and Lee Marvin. Not your typical Western nor the Western you thought you would get when you team these two actors together for a movie. Overall, a good movie, but pretty long to watch.

Amazing race has started - but it is the All-Stars and to me that is not interesting at all. However, since it is Amazing Race and I have an on going bet with the show - It's On!

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Eleven years gone as of this year.

Greetings People

I guess I have a lot to say, but not enough time on my lunch hour. Nor have I come up with a clear thought to blog about.

So, today for some unknown reason I got up at 4:15 AM and was wide awake. Not sure why. I knew I was up, going to be up, from the moment I awoke. I got up cleaned up the kitchen, put away the clean dishes from the Dishwasher and the dishes that I had to hand wash. Took out some trash, tidied up the Dining and Living Room.

After all that, I turned on the TV and was started to flip through the channels. I then happened to see Hank Azaria and I knew immediately what show had just started at 5:00 AM. "Tuesday's with Morrie" Well, that was pretty much it for me. I settled down on the couch and started to watch this movie I love. Why? Well, it is basically how the title sounds. Long story short Morrie is dying with ALS and the character by Hank reunites with Morrie. And well readers that is all I am going to say.

A very touching movie for me since this is the sort of situation I was in 11 years ago. She was a girlfriend, but not a "girlfriend". You readers may think you have a best friend, but I will guarantee you that you do not know a best friend when the your friend is dying and you are there experiencing with him/her. I would not classify "a disease and beating it" as something that might draw the both of you together closer. I my humble opinion of course. Yes, my dad had/has cancer and did the surgery/treatment and now are waiting the term limit after treatment. Did I become closer? no.

In the other case of mine - I spent four months with my friend until the end. I am not going to say the event humbled me nor changed my outlook on life, but the last few years I have come to acknowledged it damaged all my relationships with women after she was gone. I do not want the responsibility or become responsible for another person. Nor do I want to see someone at their "not their best day" For example - after my dad had surgery I could not go into his hospital room after the recovery. I did not want to see my dad in this way. Yes, I was very happy everything went well, but I could not make myself go into the hospital room. I reminded me of the past of mine.

Well, as you can see the morning was good, but sad since I had a lot of memories flow back in my head on this particular morning. I had a lump in my throat and a few tears. No breakdown readers so you better get that out of your head!

I have not had a best friend since then nor a stable relationship. So, sort of getting back to the story, I found out what a friend I was to her and I hope that I was there for her, and hope she did not think I was just there for her for the wrong reason one may come to. I now have friends and acquaintances, which are just fine since I have no one to worry about nor would I have to subject myself to another experience like this.

Anyway, thought to blog about my morning. Again sort of random thoughts, but I thought to use the blog so I can look back later. Who knows.

Other than that - in the forties this morning. very windy. A beautiful day overall and I think I have sort of plan to have a few drinks tonight after this morning's event. Nothing bad nor good, but I was just caught off guard.

31 days of Oscar - The movie that I saw last night for the first time was Children of a Lesser God. Wow! I had some respect for William Hurt, but I did not realize what sort of performance he did in the movie.

I saw my "Orange Eskimo" in her "orange" coat this morning. She was full of smiles since she gets out of work at 3:00 pm and has Monday off. She had to rub it in and say I could of have the same deal, but no. Mr Charley had to leave Archstone-smith. Too bad.

until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

And onto the Next Holiday

Greetings People

Nothing much to blog about.

Hope everyone had a nice Valentine's Day if it does matter to you. Yes, Believe that! I agree that it is very hyped up day and yet sometimes it is nice to recognize someone else other than myself.

I did not get to see the, er my, Qdoba girl yesterday. It had been snowing the night before and accumulation was about 3 to 6 inches and on top of that there was icy beneath the snow since the sun has been melting the snow/ice for the past week. Oh well. I did have a card to give, but I guess I will have to make a visit sometime soon.

Oh my OWGE made a joke yesterday. I had emailed her and said you better not get him a pink phone and she had had written back "I put a pink bow around the phone" To me, that was too funny. Something unexpected from her and caught me off guard. I laughed and laughed.

31 days of Oscar - The Bridges of Madison County was the next movie I saw, but only in a partial sleepy daze. I was kind of exhausted and just wanted to go to bed, yet was also wanted to watch the movie since I have never seen the movie. It does have Clint Eastwood.

I am not sure what else to blog about. Pretty darn cold this morning and the high is only in the twenties.

Oh, so there I was yesterday evening walking with LaMont and there were a couple of people behind us about 5 to 10 yards. I walked through the first set of doors and held the door open then LaMont held open the second set of doors. Well, I can not believe this. LaMont got the "Thank you" from the both of them while I did not get any. That was pure BS. Of course, LaMont did not even think to care about how my feelings were trampled. Not only did this piss me off, but I think those two said "Thank you" because he was white. They probably thought I was Mexican or Hispanic and not worth a Thank you. Of course LaMont says he is not white. Well, I beg to differ. If we both were standing out in the snow with the snow falling who would be the person you would see? Me! LaMont would blend into the world. Me, you would see my light brown skin from miles around. Okay, well not miles, but you get the idea.

I knew I should of just followed more normal instinct and put some distance between people so I do not have to feel obligated to open the door for anyone. What? Selfish thinking? No. I have every right not to hold open the door. You have two hands, I have no ring around my finger indicating you own me, nor do I "love" you. I either feel in the mood to hold the door open or I do not. So, if I do not hold open the door for you - you better wipe off that look off your face or hold that tongue before you say something you regret. I will put you in your place and make you regret ever thinking about saying something to me.

No, I do not do this all the time, but I will admit it is most of the time. I will gladly hold open the door open without a thank you and think nothing of it. Yes, rarely it does happen. It is like society expects this (IE why not tip the fast food people - they wait on you) or that.

Anyway, I was a bit peeved, but soon got over it. LaMont think it was funny and accused me of being selfish. Well, he is white and therefore thinks nothing of this. These two people probably thought - oh a Mexican in a jean jacket I ain't saying "thank you" to this guy. Habla no Espano.
I think LaMont is just used to the people taking for granted his opening doors and thank you since he is white. While I will still be racially challenged person that people take for granted. Not this guy - I make sure that you recognize anything you take for granted around me.

I know, I know - incomplete thoughts but thought to write this down in my lunch time before I forget.

until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

The Chill is back and the sun is gone

Greetings People

31 days of Oscar - Well, the two movies that I saw last night was "The Big Chill" and "Silkwood" I have seen Silkwood before, but I have never seen the Big Chill.

I was quite impressed with the Big Chill. So many of the actors/actresses when they were young and I never knew worked together - Glenn Close, Kevin Kline, Tom Beringer, Jeff Goldblum, William Hurt, Meg Tilly, Jo Beth Williams, and that is all I can remember for the moment. Interesting story that takes place over a weekend involving a college friend who committed suicide and that is what brings them all together. You know readers it only took me 23 years or so to see this movie. Whew.

Last night was the first night of the Westminster Kennel Dog Show in New York City. My dog favorite, Pekingese took second place in the toy dog category. Close, but no cigar. Tonight is the second and final night of the Dog Show - and the covenanted "Best of Show" - So, far I like the Akita, but we have three more categories - Sporting, Herding and ???? category left.

So some people had commented on my DVD and CD burning the past week or so. Thinking about this a bit more these people are the same people who have Ipods and I bet they are loading there Ipod with music from their CD library. I am not the one to judge, but calling this kettle black when they are just as black as "bull's tookis on a moonless night".

Something to mention - Anna Nicole Smith died last week and I feel like we lost someone who was important, but not at all. Anyway, that is another topic in itself. What I want to mention is that I can not believe how much coverage her death has generated. James Brown did not get this much coverage when he died, granted, Gerald Ford past away about the same time. But James Brown was an Icon not to mention an accomplished singer in history entertainment. Who was Anna - a centerfold, a widow of a multi-billionaire, realty star, weigh transformation skinny to fat to skinny, but overall nothing even remotely close to James Brown Stature.

I really have nothing else to comment on - so with that.

until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Centennial, CO can see the ground! Boo-yah !

Greetings People

Well, there I was walking home pretty early for a Friday evening and noticed, really noticed, that I could see the ground. True Earth. It was an amazing sight to see and if you carefully look you can still see the green of the grass. I think that with all the snow and ice that had covered the ground it protected the grass from freezing and turning completely brown. You can also see the sidewalks, not to mention to actually use the sidewalks.

For the first time this year, 2007, I took out my "winter" road bike and road Heidi to the store, to Target, to the Movie Theatre, to the Library and to Office Max. As you can see I was pretty productive that morning. Not only did I have a smile, my mood was so good and not to mention everyone else I saw that day. I think that the general populace was happy with the sunny skies, the warm weather and the fact that the snow is really starting to disappear. I did not have a bad mood arise all day yesterday. I even bought some New York Strip Steaks that morning so I could grill them for Dinner. Which I did later that day and also made two baked potatoes.

The movie that I saw in the movie theatre was "Hannibal's Rising" and that was the first movie I have seen in the movie theatre this year. Not to mention it has been over 8 months, I think, that I saw a movie in a theatre. The movie was not bad, but it was not good. The ending was totally mediocre and the story was there, but not relevant. Yes, we faithful readers and followers know the story, but the movie just did not have "it" I saw the movie because, in my personal humble opinion, Hannibal is such a character that I love. You could and say that he is evil, but that is being so simple with words. He, after all, is a doctor and he is very intelligent. I enjoy seeing Anthony Hopkins playing the role and that is all I can see when I try to imagine what Hannabal looks like. He played the role to a T. The movie was so-so, but did nothing to really warrant the "Rising". One might say "Beginning" since that would be the conception of Hannabal Lector. The movie ended abruptly, and I would say not right, but thinking about it - is because I wanted to know more of why the movie ended on the note. I do not know.

I saw OWGE this morning I was able to get a picture of the two of us. So perhaps when I get the role developed I will share the "Orange Eskimo" with you all. Then again that would defeat the purpose of me not naming her and keeping her known as the Orange Eskimo. She was wondering if I was going to be sending any Valentine's Day to anyone. I said no, but then I mentioned I might try and go see my Qdoba girl this Wednesday with a card and hope she is working. I asked her what she is going to do. She is going to buy a phone for her husband since he lost the one he had. My Orange Eskimo is just too funny. Yes, she remembered that I loved that one Qdoba girl in Englewood.

Gosh readers, I go without thinking about the Qdoba girl for months and then all of a sudden she has re-appeared in my life. Go figure.

What's that? Why not list the person's real name? Because I like to keep some of the people I know secret. However, I might talk about someone I knew and I would hate for some of my friends to develop different views of the person(s) we may know. I always have my personal views and they probably are very different from the people I know. I also would like to keep any people from finding out that I might have had a "crush" on a certain person(s). I would hate for that person to get the "20 questions" regarding what ever they ask. Then, the opposite part of that is that I could bad mouth and talk trash about a person whom I just loathe. You see readers that is why to keep my friend's name a secret.

I bought a spindle of 100 DVD/R+ and 50 CD/R- and then some empty cases for storage. My little abode is a mess not to mention in front of the TV and computer. I have been recording, burning, transferring CD, DVD to this and that. I am really enjoying my new found hobby. Yes, hobby. No. You are not going to see me peddling my wares on some street corner. Hah hah. I burned a DVD on my DVD external drive and it worked! Woo hoo!

31 days of Oscar - A few more movies I saw this past weekend - Starship Troopers and 2001: A Space Odyssey. I enjoyed the past week and a half so far of the movies I have watched. Although the next two days I will be taking a break from my regular shows and will be watching the Westminster Dog Show. This is an event that I enjoy to watch - to see the dogs prance around. What? Oh, I love the Pekingese Dog, since that has been my favorite pet that I have had to date. It was also the only one I could not be there to see pass away.

I guess I am starting once more to having a small base of people who know me. I can go into Office Depot, Office Max and Best Buy and there they are. Hey buddy, how are you? How is the new DVD player working? the Flash Drive? These people seem to go out of there way to say hi and what's up when they see me in the store. Then again, I could be totally wrong. There is this one young girl at one of the Office's and she is said to me that she is going to keep trying to sign me up for some kind of plan. I do not know what to say. Kinda cute, but sort of young for me to go after. It is not wrong, but it not right - I hope some of you readers know that sort of situation.

Now, that pretty much sums up the past few days. So with that I better let you readers go.

until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

The Return of the "Orange Eskimo"

Greetings People

After some fiddling with my new DVD Recorder I somehow got to thinking about who, or whom, I might send a Valentine to. I was surprised I forgot about her, but I did forget about her since I do not see her anymore. Her name..... well that is a secret. Not! Kidding. The thing is I do not know her name. I have known her for over a year and I have never once asked for name. I do not think she knows my name either.

Okay, I guess I better give it up. Well, she is known as the girl at Qdoba. She is, well the last time I visit, was the store in Englewood, CO. The corner of Yosemite and Dry Creek. She was someone that caught my eye and then after some time I made the effort to get to know her more and more. She is hispanic, but I am thinking more mexican since she mentioned that she went to Mexico to visit her family.

I am now thinking I might have to stop in next week, perhaps Valentine's Day, to say Hi and what not.

The next movie I watched in the 31 days of Oscar was "Good Morning Vietnam". I had not seen this movie in a long time. I did not, and to a certain extent, do not care for Robin Williams. This movie was made back in eighties and released in 1987. The movie was okay, but nothing to say anything good about. I know it is a movie, but the "non-stop rambling" is what really turns me off when Robin is speaking into the microphone. Enough said on that subject.

Oh readers,the fog was thick this morning and I had to run to the Light Rail station stop since I did not see the train until too late. So, I ran into the "9mile train" and sat down with a huff and a puff and a smile on my face. Since I made the train that was why I had the smile. I sat down and leaned against the window with my feet stretched out in front on me since no one was sitting in the opposite seat. Then, someone sits down across me and steps on my feet. I was looking out the window and still had the joy of making the train - so I just brushed off "stepping on my foot accident" and did not even bother looking who did it. I was not looking for me to get worked up this early in the day. Well, let me say at that moment I could care less. Then, that person across me was trying to get my attention so I had to look. Jeez louise people. When I have my earphones in that means "Leave me the fuck alone" unless I know you or you are "the man" hah hah. Well, guess what readers? It was my Orange Eskimo, but now I would have to call her the OWGE - Original White Gangster Eskimo. No orange anywhere. And almost all white. She had a big smile on her face - one may say she was damn proud stepping all over my feet. (to be continued)

Oh readers got to go... perhaps I can finish up later. If not, then tomorrow.

until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

The Month that starts the Chinese New Year

Greetings People

Well, my DVD recorder this weekend was put to the test this weekend by me. That was about the extent of my weekend. I bought a 3 pack of SONY DVD/R- on Friday and 48 hours later I have learned how to use my new recorder. Although, I am still green behind the ears on what type of DVD's I should be recording to and what speed I should use. I tried the 6hr and 4 hour recording mode. I like the 4 hour mode. The 6hr was good, but the scenes that involve a far shot seemed a bit grainy. I could live with it, but I think I will stay in the 4hr mode. I am going to buy a 50 pack of discs tonight and I am going to try the 2hr mode.

I think I see the reason why that DVD discs are sold in such 25, 50 & 100 packages. Not a problem I think, but that could change for me later. Who knows. I now have recorded some of my recording on my VCR tapes, and TV onto the DVD/R- disc this past weekend. They are currently laying in front of my tv .

I feel like a technical genius and geez I think I have jump in catching up with technology in the past 5 months, A new computer, CD burner, DVD external burner, Flash Drive and then the DVD Recorder. Of course, I need a HD TV, Flat screen, Ipod, and perhaps an external hard drive. Who knows. I guess what matters is that I am now busy and getting a little less stir crazy from not being able to run or ride.

Well, yes I could run/ride now, but the ice and snow still has not melted and the terrain is a bit dangerous to ride/run in. I would hate to fall/crash if I could not see an ice patch. Maybe later this week I will be able to hop onto one of my bikes and start biking once more.

On the other end - it sucks to be paying 3 dollars a day to ride the RTD. (1.50 each way). Times that by 5 that equals 15 times that by 7 that equals 107.00 in the past seven weeks that I had to dish out money for transportation. This does not include my weekend bus rides to Target that I did in January. This "extra" expense is starting to bother me since I do not regularly have any expenses for traveling, except when needed. Needed as when my bike needs new tires or patches.

As you know readers - the Colts won.

I went to get my Sunday paper from Safeway and I was immediately asked if I was going to do the Ride the Rockies. I immediately said no. Yes, there are reasons why I do not participate in this ride.

Anyway, after sort of thinking about this for the past 24 hours I am starting to think twice and even signing up for the lottery - Entry fee is like 333.00, I think. Refundable if you are not chosen. I just found out Larry Green will not be doing the ride, which is so much the better. Anyway, I will keep you posted and I guess we will see. I also have some time to submit an application.... we'll see

Oh, my first TCM 31 days of Oscar movie was "The Dirty Dozen" Yes, I have seen the movie before, but this is such a classic movie and a stellar cast. I do like the movie and very entertaining for its time.

until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Groundhog Day 2007

Greetings People

Well, the annual event has arrived and that would be the watching of "Groundhog Day" with Bill Murray. This is a classic movie and one that I pull off my shelf to watch every time this day of the year. So, if you came to the conclusion I will be watching this movie tonight with some popcorn from last year's harvest in New Mexico.

Oh readers, I guess I never mentioned this to you. When I was down in New Mexico over the Thanksgiving weekend my parents gave me a bushel of fresh potatos and a bag of "Enchanted" Popcorn from the year's harvest. I did not mention the size of the bag. 35 fucking pounds of popcorn and the other thing is my parents only paid $ 4.00 for the bag. Yes, they know that I love popcorn, but this time they surely outdid themselves. I laugh everytime I see that bag of popcorn in my dining room. I do not know where else to put the 34 pounds of popcorn. Oh, I also got 20 pounds of last year's Pinto beans harvest from New Mexico also. I have a surplus of Popcorn and pinto beans. I have two huge potatoes left, yes still firm and looking good, which I plan to have with a nice steak this weekend.

Getting back to the bag of popcorn. The bag is huge and yes 34 pounds heavy. Each time that I make pocorn I have been using a little over a half cup of popcorn. The popcorn is not Orville's quality, but still good. Yet, it seems that I have not made a break in volume of the bag. The bag still seems to be filled like it was first opened.

The pinto beans are in a huge "coca cola" container that is sitting next to my stove. This is great especially now since I can make beans at night and then wake up to fresh, smelling food and then make whatever I wish as a side to the beans and enjoy. I have made chili numerous times so far, but I am trying to expand my cooking possibilities with pinto beans.

Getting back to Groundhog Day - I know that if there are any groundhogs in Colorado I can tell you right now they are most likely hibernating. Or stuck in their home since snow and ice still have not melted away, since it has been snowing every week and the snow keeps piling on the melted portion so nothing seems to be melting.

It is only 10 degrees, which we are up from -2 degrees with wind chill, I think, from this morning. Darn cold waiting for the RTD bus and Light Rail Train this morning. The walk from the Light Rail station to my work was a bit cold since the wind was blowing in from the west and pretty darn icy, cold wind/breeze.

I "burned" another CD last night/this morning on my external DVD drive that I got last week. I am telling you readers this machine is so "sweet".

TCM has started the "31 days of Oscar" so please catch some of the days of the featured movies. I do every year.

Well, incoherent blogging once more, but thought to blog.

until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete