The 1 Up - bar - Denver, CO

Yes, that is me

Greetings Readers

I found a couple of pictures from the 1 Up bar that I frequently go to now with the ex out of the picture.  One was taken by the ex and the other I took last month.  Both feature the pinball Machine Tron, which is actually my favorite pinball game there at the moment.  I am finally getting very good at the machine and now know the layout and scoring of the pinball game.

I do like the AC DC pinball game as well as the Getaway 2 pinball machine (especially with the ZZ Top La Grange).  The Wizard of OZ is visually awesome, but the play is kind of tricky due to the side exit lanes.  The Star Trek pinball is nice as well.  I do like the variety of modes when trying to complete the missions.

In addition to the pinball games there are a lot of video games.  A lot of games that I am sure that you will remember from your past.  There is also skee ball and Jenga outside on the patio.

I am trying to remember last year about this time.  I went to the Kong Off that was held at the 1 Up bar.  What I can not remember if the ex was with me.  I do not the ex was, but I am drawing a blank.  I know I was there for Day 1 or perhaps it was Day 2.  I know the ex went with me on other times, but I just can not remember that specific weekend.

This is kind of the reason why I am blogging about this-  Usually in November for the past three years the 1 Up bar has been the spot for the Donkey Kong World Championships.  The best in the world come to play.  There is an open play tournament for non-professionals, but the best of the best are in Denver for usually three days in November.  I just checked the Facebook site and I do not see any events for this year yet.  So, I guess I will have to check Facebook every week for the next week or so to see if there is another Kong Off, which would be Kong Off 4.

This bar is heaven for me.  A dive bar so to speak, but the ambiance is awesome.  The ex- was hesitant in the beginning and sure burned through my quarters when we first started going to the 1 Up, but towards the end of our relationship the ex actually got good.  Yes, I am damn proud I taught the ex to play pinball.  I even taught the ex how to tilt, so to speak.  The ex was banging and rocking a few of those pinball machines in the past year like we use to in bed.  LOL.  We played pinball most of the time, but did manage to play some of the video games here and there.

A couple of years ago the 1 Up had the Sopranos pinball machine and I loved playing that machine.  Especially the mode where every ball hit makes a character say "Fuck"  It was awesome.

Well, the 1 Up is still and will continue to be in my life.  Just a place I love going to.  In fact, when my brother was visiting in August I took him to the 1 Up club.  He enjoyed it.  We both enjoyed it.  We were only able to go once, but we had fun.  I think we went on a Saturday night, but maybe not.

And that is that.  I do have more pictures

, and may post some later, but I think the two are enough for now.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Pinball player

Seeing the Ex for the Last Time

Greetings Readers

Imagine this if you can.

You are asleep peacefully. 

The next thing you know you are awaken by the sound of a can of Coca-Cola being opened up not less than 2 feet from your head at 2:30 in the morning.  If the roles were reversed and it was me getting a Coca-Cola I would have opened the can in the kitchen before coming into the bedroom.   The is common courtesy as well just common sense.

This went onto my "101 things that piss off Daryl" as the ex wrote in one of her last emails to me after she went on vacation.  How could this opening a Coca-Cola in the middle of the night not.  We were the only ones in her place.  I just could not figure out why the ex did that.  It was mean.   And the thing is I work for a living whereas she was not.  She had not been working for almost 3 months due to...  Well she was not working. 

Here is the kicker the ex has not been working and she wanted to go on a vacation.  How do you go on a vacation from a vacation since she was not working.  Which the ex eventually did (and was the end of the relationship at that point).  She wanted us to go vacation and was not very subtle about it.  She wanted to go to my family's Ranch.  She had kept being bringing this up for the last 2 or 3 months of our relationship.  Bottom line, I work for a living and and I could not figure out how she was paying for stuff as well as making rent.  She has kids - gosh darn four kids so she was getting probably support of some kind.  I never asked what type since that is hers alone.  And if we did go on vacation guess who would have been paying for this vacation from a vacation.

There is a list Readers that things piss me off.  Although we all do I bet.  I am not going to say mine is less or more or mundane or complex.  And when the ex-finally said something to me it was finally in one of those last emails to me.  Mind you, she never mentioned this to me in person.  No communication on the ex's part.  So, this list exists.  Turning the radio station while ZZ top is playing.  Not cleaning the toilet bowl.  Not cleaning the kitty litterbox when it smells.  The ex sleeping all the time.  Not being able to watch a movie with alot of cursing and getting the comment that there is a lot of cursing and how can I wacth this.  Not letting me have me-time without any interruptions.  Checking Facebook in bed and the glow of the monitor keeping me awake.  The children eating my steak.  The children lying.  The drama that was made drama.  The same story over and over and over.  I couldnt keep beer in the refridgerator.  The children not cleaning up after eating.  The children watching tv and on the computer and playing a video game on another tv at the same time.  The children not cleaning up their dishes.  Ordering a drink everytime we go out (meaning coca-cola and not being satified with just getting water).  Using my washer and dryer machine almost all the time.  Changing the time on my watch.   The children not finishing their cans of Pop when I bought the 12packs.  Her making a school bag lunch while she eats my steak for lunch.  Getting on my computer without asking.  texting/talking while driving.  the ex's addiction to Facebook.  No job.  and the list could go on, but those are on the list and the ones that instantly came to mind.

You know what Readers - I might as well post the letter for you.

If you read the coupon, it expires Sunday, unless I read it wrong.

Since this gives me ONLY your name and not which email it comes from, I can only hope I am replying to the correct one so that I don't have to go through the trouble of sending it to all your multiple accounts.

For almost 2 years now, I have been listening to what you really need me to hear.  Let's just call them the "101 things not to talk about" or "101 things that piss of Daryl".  I've got it.  Most of it anyway.  I don't have all 101 things of each and have to learn what to add to either list by days like that Saturday I took you home feeling like you refused to want to talk.  Yes, I said "feeling".  What more could I do?

Well, there's something I really need you to hear from me.  No, not a Dr. John letter, don't even go there.  Of many, if not all of the 101's I've heard/learned from you, many contained something you wanted changed, either a way I acted around you, what I've said around you, what I should knock off saying around you, etc. etc.  I'll let the past be the past.  It's where it should be anyway and look at the recent.  We went to that Super Target together and I heard many times how you were going without lunch, expecting dinner to be a certain way, etc. etc.  I thought I had been holding up my end of the bargain by first asking you countless times if you wanted me to bring you something for lunch, pick you up, etc. etc. all to which you told me "no". so I got the brilliant idea of at least sending you a lunch.  I knew it wouldn't be much, I never once asked to be reimbursed (only accused of mismanaging money when you began to ask for details)  I didn't care if you threw my lunches away, went out with colleagues, asked me to pick you up instead.  That never was the issue and NEITHER was money.  The ISSUE was that I was making an attempt to once again change something I felt I was hearing you say you wanted changed, and I did this from my heart, out of love, as were the breakfasts, I was attempting they were ONLY about attempting to make your life a bit better with hopes of making you happy.  What I heard that Saturday was how my feeble attempts not only didn't make you happy, but that I failed epically at even trying.  I won't go into the kitten thing.  You know you offered to help financially and then changed your mind.  Whatever the reason, it is yours alone and I will not complain whatsoever about eating the loss.  In other words, before you bring it up, I want to say that it's a non issue. 

Yes, I've had an awesome vacation.  I've been to Navajo Nation (invited, of course), I've branded my first calf and it was a high.  I've been in the Southwest Mountains, yes, in the rain, but even wet, enjoyed being part of helping out on horse ranches, riding in semi trucks, been help at construction sites.  Stuff, I've either NEVER done or have not done in a long time.  I met up with friends and kids in Glenwood Springs and we had the time of our life.  What I found out, was that I have a LOT of friends and a LOT of opportunities before I head off to school on the 19th to spend some time away before I head back to school.  Here's what hurts and you and I both know this, I've just never expressed this.  I find it really hard to swallow that last summer while you called us an item, that you asked Deniese to spend your summer vacation with you at your cattle ranch.  And I'm the one who did the driving to light rail/bus, etc.  Another way I felt you were saying I, your girlfriend, was not good enough for such a vacation for whatever your reason, but your friend who was involved with another man was more than good enough for I won't say what I believe to be the reason.  How am I supposed to feel about this?  This time spent away, I've had a myriad of friends who know I am in a relationship with you, some even KNOW you, who feel I am more than worth the time to allow a small vacation at their ranches, etc.  They wanted me to ask you for your permission, but given your stock answer, "Do what you want.", that one was a easy give away.

Again, this is in no way a Dr. John letter, nor am I anxious to pack up my things. I just need to understand some things about myself.  I can't explain it well enough in an email, but all my life, I seem to have this issue of "not being good enough" and I really want to know why. Maybe I'll discover the reason, maybe I won't.  I did see a medicine man (Navajo Nation) who had some really great insight but I don't know how to lock that insight in to what I'm going through with this issue.

Anyway, I'm in the area for the weekend, just had minor surgery on my neck and will have another one on the 15th.  The MRI came back with the reason I've had so much trouble physically with my upper body and it is curable; only wish I'd done it years ago when the problem first cropped up.  Doesn't matter, I'm excited to finally have my physical health back!!!  This will be the only way to reach me for now.  I will be taking advantage of "getting away" until school starts, then back to the old routine again.  I really need for you to hear me and try to understand what I'm going through.

PS.  I'm up to half mile uninterrupted jog, better than my original goal by this time.  If not too late, going to try and jog the (Susan B Koman) Breast Cancer walk/run in October.

Later

This email was really the last time telling me what's what in her life after the ex dropped me off at home on that last day we were together in July.  I already had made up the notion that we were not a couple at this point.  And right after this letter I get a message from her facebook account "This is Mark get lost jerk" and then I had a Facebook post from the ex which I did not know was on my facebook for about 5 days when I did log onto Facebook that she posted a message and letting me know she removed all her posts from my facebook page and ended with "nothing personal"  It was at that moment I unfriended her then the ex- sent many texts and couple emails and she was pissed and went crazy.  I can only assume the ex was with this guy Mark at this point, probably cheated on me/slept with him as well at that point.  I know they were in a relationship as of 7/24/14 not even a week after the ex dropped me off at my place - the bed was not even cold when the ex jumped into the bed of another.   And I was faithful up until the end even after going home that Saturday in July and making many many attempts to get my stuff.  The ex indicated in emails and text the ex wanted to talk and the email above after 7/24/14 indicated "it" was not over, but apparently the ex was lying.  It was so over by the ex lying and cheating on me.  A month later I met Mark and the ex in person at my humble abode.

Looking back on the last meeting with the ex.  I showered and got dressed up for this meeting.  I was actually hoping to get good bye sex.  LOL - the joke was on me.  The ex looked kinda sad and ragged dressed in brown.  Anyway, I opened the door and had the ex's stuff at the door which I pointed to the ex.   The ex asked if she could come in.  I said no.  You are not going to look around my place for a walk through. The ex shook her head and then said no she is not going to look around.  I let the ex in and then at the doorway the ex asked for a hug.  I do not remember the hug on the ex's part, but I was kind of resilent then hugged the ex, but was not a true welcome back hug.  The ex took my hand and then lead me to the couch.  How are you,  Did you go to the concert.  I was asking why are you even asking that.  The ex says - Have you seen my Facebook page.  I said no I unfriended you remember. The ex looks at me lowers her head and the speaks - I met the guy who took my virginity. You know him since you and he were in a special ed class back in the day.  I am an evangelist.  Remember all those times in bed I was praying for you.  The ex's takes my other hand and says let us pray.  I immediately broke the hold the ex had on my hands and said you can pray for me when you go to sleep tonight.  I am not going to pray with you.  And this conversation is over.  I then proceeded to tell the ex that I knew there was someone in her life and told the ex it was that time you posted to my Facebook account and said nothing personal.  As on cue - the ex got defensive whips out her phone and starts to look for said post.  Here was another "drama" thing the ex does when I point out or accuse the ex of being wrong.   Meanwhile, I am standing up and hear a knock at the door - The shave and a haircut - knock.  I open up and it is a guy.  It does not take a genius to figure out who this is.  The ex gets up off the couch and then goes outside next to him.  The ex says this is Mark.  I shake his hand and do not even remember this person at all.  I still do not as of this blog post.  Getting back to last meeting with the ex.  I pointed the ex's stuff to Mark and then started moving it out the door for him.  Mark starts picking up the ex's stuff and starts carrying to the vehicle.  The ex says I hope we can be friends.  I dont want to end it this way.  I said I can't.  I hope you realize how mean you were the ex says.  I said Goodbye and then closed the door.

That is that.  I did not get mad, or beg, or cry, or anything - just smiled.  The ex may have been looking for me to do one of those emotions and even tried provoking me with some of the things she said in that short chat with me.  Oh I was not in a special ed class back in elementry or Jr/ High School.  I did remember though I did get put into some class after not performing well - but do not remember what class what for.  The Past is the past for me Readers. 

Readers, that was also the problem - the ex lives in the past.  I guess I did not realize this until the above event.  There is that past once more with the ex - I am with the guy who took my virginity. 

until the next time

Daryl Charley

The Athlete on Day One

A Woman From My Past

Greetings Readers

I would have to say that on Saturday, October 10 2009 that was the coldest day I have experienced riding out in the cold this Fall thus far.

I had to some errands and I really did not want to, but I had to since the bank closes early on Saturday and a sale ends on Saturday so I had to go and get what I wanted before Sunday. In addition, I was going to stop at a few other places on the way to here and there.

I was expecting to see a lot of snow on the ground, but alas very light falling snow in the morning and the air was cold enough to breathe in the cold into your lungs. No snow on the pavement, per se, but some snow accumulation in the shadows and the fallen leaves on the ground. Matter of fact, the pavement was probably warm so it melted the snow and turned into some patchy ice in the night.

I did go out on the balcony to test the air and temperature and decided that I was going to wear a light jacket, full finger gloves, and my Natalie Merchant stocking cap and then skin tight long biking pants. I brought along my ZZ Top Bandanna, but elected not to wear it since I would be going into several business that I might bring unnecessary attention to myself. Meaning, wearing a bandanna and a cap into a financial institution is something I want to avoid.

Anyway, the temperature was in the mid twenties, barely, but there was a noticeable wind blowing. My first stop was about 2 miles away and from that point on I would have stops between one to two miles apart. Enough time for me to warm up inside a business and then head out the door.

First stop – done, Second stop – done, although that portion of riding was the coldest. I could feel the wind chill and coldness biting into my legs. I could feel the cold air going down into my jacket without the bandanna around my neck. Third stop – done, but had a harder time protecting myself from the elements of the wind and wind chill. Little did I know that the wind chill temperature was at 14 degrees. I know when the temperature is about 10 degrees – I can feel the coldness and I can feel my skin tingling to the temperature. Mentally I am ok, but physically my body is reacting to the biting cold.

My last stop was at Best Buy and I decided to browse the store more than I wanted to. First of all, I literally had to warm up my body temperature core. I was minutely shaking uncontrollably and knew that I had to warm up my body before the 5 plus mile ride home. I browsed the music section, but that was one of the reasons why I was at Best buy. I had to buy the new Tiesto CD – Kaleidoscope that came out this past week.

After the music section I went to the DVD section. Boy Readers, it has been a long time since I bought a DVD and browsed the DVD’s. The Blue Ray DVD’s have definitely expanded. I remember about 2 aisle shelves of Blue Rays the last time I was Best Buy, but I saw about 10 shelves of Blue Rays on this visit. Unfortunately, the Blue Rays still have not come down in price for me to think of buying any Blue Rays.

After the DVD’s I headed to the computer and PS2 and PS3 games. I looked, but not really looked since the prices were high to me. About two weeks I bought Mercenaries 2 on PS3 (at a Used Game Stores) for about $ 8.00 and change; whereas a brand new copy was for $ 49.00 in Best Buy. And Readers I bought that game for $ 8.00 and it was so not worth it. I played that game for about 30 minutes or so and I have not played it since.

I would have to estimate that I spent about 30 minutes to 45 minutes in Best Buy and now knew that I had to get home. The sooner the better, since the temperature may be falling even more. Though, I had no clue. The only part that sucked was that between Best Buy and home was nothing. My route was through the suburban neighborhood and there was no commercial business (es) between Best Buy and home that I could “warm up” in.

However, just beyond the Best Buy was the Qdoba store that opened up about a month ago. I have been in that Qdoba’s once, but only once. The store design is all fucked up Readers. Anyway, I figure a Burrito and technically the last stop before the “long” ride home in the biting cold would keep me warm til I get home.

I walked in the new Qdoba store and walked all the way to the back to order my lunch.

I was looking at the menu and waiting for the lady in front of me to finish up ordering. Just warming up and trying to figure out at the last second what I was going to order.

Note: Readers, I am going to say this, but in no means am I racial profiling or race discrimination. In the four Qdoba’s I frequent “in my hood” the employees are mostly Latino, Mexican, or Hispanic.

While I waiting for the burrito lady to finish up I noticed out of the corner of my eye an employee, a Mexican woman I assumed, glancing at me while I was waiting for my turn. I paid no attention since I was just warming up and waiting.

The burrito lady finished up with the lady and then she asked what I want. Steak burrito – black.

Soon, I was handed off to the next person in line and lo and behold that Mexican woman who was glancing at me was my Qdoba girl. What the fuck?! Of course, I played it cool. I nodded and said hi. I gave no indication that I was happy or surprised to see my Qdoba girl. Yes Readers, I was surprised, but not happy. There was no happy smile and said “cheese and tomatoes.” I offered no small talk or any additional attention.

I made eye contact about two times with my Qdoba girl and then I was off to the cash register lady.

I finished up giving my money and then was leaving the counter when I heard “Thank you for coming in” from my Qdoba girl.

I did not acknowledge what my Qdoba girl said to me, but just kept on walking without looking back to the counter and soon I was out the door into the cold Saturday afternoon fall air.

Almost forgot as I was riding home I nearly forgot about the ZZ Top bandanna I had in my bag. I stopped, pulled that bandanna and wrapped it around my neck like a gunslinger and then rode off a bit warmer

After I got home it took about 2 hours for my body temperature to equalize. My skin in places would not warm up due to the extreme cold I experience that afternoon.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

The Other Side of Mr. Charley

Greetings Readers

Well, I thought to once more “toot” my own horn (since you know I love to do as much as I can). As you can see from the Blog picture post I got a letter from a vendor indicating to me that my “communication skills” were appreciated.

Oh yes readers, I have been carrying that letter around for the past week. I wanted to put this in my personnel file, but then I thought this just a letter, with a gift certificate, and I am happy enough. I do not need this in personnel file, since this may promote me, which I do not want to happen.

Anyway, I wanted to share this with you Readers. Yes, to show you that the “business” side of me is opposite from what you have read on this blogsite. As I have stated for the record in my blog profile - I am two different people. There is “work” Daryl and then there is “not at work” Daryl.

And I am looking forward to take me and my friend to lunch on behalf of this very nice vendor that I deal with. After all, my friend is the one that does the driving when we go out for lunch each week.

Changing subjects – I think I have finally given away all my Halloween candy. Unfortunately, I did not get the trick or treaters in my neighborhood. And as per my custom I buy full size candy bars to give out as Trick or Treat Candy. I do not believe in the little bars of candy of bags of Halloween candy that us consumers can buy for the trick or treaters.

This past Halloween I was unable to go to ZZ Top so I was going to entertain the trick or treaters. And I have to say that it went well. The trick or treaters, and their parents (the hot moms) remembered me from last year. “Oh, you are the full size candy bar guy” or “you are the bike rider in our neighborhood” and I smile and agree. After all, one of those hot moms, if single, might come by. It has not happen, yet, but it might.

I think, that since Halloween was on a Friday this year it kept some of the Trick or Treaters from coming out. Perhaps their parents had plans on a Friday. I do not know. But in my opinion I think that is the reason why I did not get a lot of costumed children.

I used my bike wear as my costume and should anyone ask who I am I would say that I am either Greg Lemond or Jan Ulrich. Should someone say, “Are you L.A.?” I would say quickly – no.

P.S. Readers I lost my first bet of this Amazing Race Season. My friend chose “the divorcees” and she won. Urgh. I chose the “separated couple” since they had a speed bump to complete before resuming the Amazing Race, but they were able to recover nicely and not come in last. Oh, my friend had the taste of victory and she said “ah.”

I could not help to laugh with her. Hah hah.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

ZZ Top coming to the Paramount

Greetings Readers

The ZZ Top Key chain.

The time now has been 18 years since I bought my first ZZ Top Key chain and also 18 years that I have had the same ZZ top Key Chain on my set of keys.

That is a mighty fucking long time to have the same key chain right? After all how long have you Readers had the same key chain? The only reason why I know and remember is that when I did attend my first ZZ Top concert I was going to buy that key chain. That key chain which was so predominant displayed in the eighties ZZ Top videos.

I remember that key chain being shown in the music video and looking all so fucking cool. And yes Readers that key chain is so oh fucking cool when I do show my ZZ Top key chain.

Oh, the reason I mention the ZZ Top key chain is that ZZ Top is coming to the Paramount theatre on October 31, 2008. Unfortunately, I just found out about this. And I am a bit surprised that I found out this late. I am also surprised that they are playing in such an intimate setting.

Do not get me wrong Readers, when there is an opportunity for me to go to a ZZ Top concert I will try and go to the concert. Any ZZ Top concert is a music fan lover’s dream to go and see live. ZZ Top – Billy, Dusty and Frank are something to see in concert.

They fucking rock and roll in concert. I have seen them at McNichol’s Arena (now gone) and Fiddler’s Green. To see ZZ Top at the Paramount is sort of a desire to see them in such an intimate setting. The theatre is big, but not big. Now, what is sort of playing a factor is price. With me just finding out there is only a few seats available and through the local theatre office – not ticketmaster.

I have allowed myself to spend the money to see them at the price I saw.

After all, at the Paramount I saw Billy Squier and Natalie Merchant in concert and I loved both concerts I saw.

I have take some pictures of my old concert tickets, some of the key chains I bought, one of two bandanna’s I bought from the 2003 concert tour and the flyer for the last concert at McNichol’s Arena before the Arena was demolished. And was that the concert to remember! I think there were eight different wardrobe changes, conveyors on the stage, lasers galore, and another key chain to add to my collection.

Now the question comes into play – how much do I want to see ZZ Top up close?

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

First Snow of the Season in Denver

Greetings People

Today, I have posted a picture of me after going to the store this morning. This is near an area where there is an open area, a dam, a park. My fingerless glove, my Natalie Merchant Stocking cap, my skintight full lycro bike pants, cheap sunglasses, ZZ Top Bandanna and bike bag.

Every Sunday morning I have a ritual that I do when I get up. I must be out the door before 8:00 AM in order to ride to the local restaurant that is sort of nearby and pick up the paper from the vending machine out in front of the restaurant.

Some days I am out the door at 6:00 AM other times I am out the door later.

Yet, this morning I was bit late waking up since I was loading up my brand new Black Ipod late last night, early this morning. Yes! You heard right readers I got a brand new Black Ipod on Friday. 30GB and this time it is BLACK! And thankfully not another Pink Ipod. I picked up/bought the Black Ipod through the work classified Ads. The Black Ipod had never been used and he was looking to unload the Black Ipod for a reasonable amount.

A Black Ipod. Oh yes. The Black Ipod is very cool and I have been trying to load up the Black Ipod, but I got busy Friday night and basically all day Saturday. Then, this morning I was a bit lazy and took a late morning nap. Mainly, I was a bit cold and I curled up into two comforters on the sofa and turned off the TV, but left the stereo on so I could hear the TV. I think I took a hour and a half nap, but does it matter? Nope. I was nestled in my warm cocoon on the couch with the view of the snow blowing from North to South outside my balcony window.

30 GB! This is nothing compared to my Pink 4GB Ipod. Nothing. The 30 GB Black Ipod is like an artist's blank canvas. The possibilities are almost unless - well right now. Yet, I am already up to 2 GB in the past two days. And yes that is not even a quarter of the way. I now have to look for some kind of protector for the Black Ipod in order to protect my new baby.

With the new Black Ipod I decided to stay in last night so I could load up my new Black Ipod. Yet, again I got sidetracked once more. When I made the decision to stay in I went to the grocery store and picked up a few things in order to keep me busy.

I made a decision that on Sunday I was going to have beans all day. The main reason was that the weather forecasters were predicting cold weather and snow at a certain elevation. Needless to say, the snow is in Denver and Centennial once more.

I was going to have Pinto beans for breakfast Sunday morning since I wanted to start them in the crock pot and then Sunday evening I am going to have Chili. After I have my breakfast of Pinto Beans I am going to change the Pinto beans into Chili and that will be Sunday evening meal. Readers, when I typed "going to change" that means I will add stuff in order to make the beans to become chili. I can not magically change beans into Chili. Hah hah. I know that some of you readers will say something like - wow he might be Harry Potter's long lost brother.

I got the stuff (a new Spice and some ground Pork) for the Pinto Beans and then decided to make some salad while getting the beans ready. The green leaf lettuce was about 1. 29 each and I picked up two heads, some mushrooms, package of sprouts, a bunch of radishes (pretty dirty), a bunch of green onions (sorry looking green onions), and a cucumber.

As I was going here and there in the Produce part of the store I saw the Tomatoes. Tomatoes. Hmm. Yep. You guessed it readers. I thought of something else that I could make while doing the Pinto Beans and Salad.

Who knew that I could multi task at home. In the few minutes I was in the Produce area I had an outline on what I am going to do and how to do it.

I grabbed a bag of Tomatoes (I think, tomatoes on a Vine) and then I grabbed a shallot, a bunch of cilantro, a whole garlic, and a white onion.

Let me digress for a moment. Those grocery cashiers probably hate me when I go through their check out line. I usually have about 5 to 20 plastic bags with various items from the Produce department. I think about every time I go into the store I always come out from the Produce area with something I want/need.

I know that the Grocery cash register people that do not know me probably do not care for me doing this. Yet readers! Make sure that you watch the screen and what is being charged. That is where all the fuck ups happen to me. I get charged for Snow Peas when I should have been charged for Broccoli. There is a big difference most of the time. Snow Peas can be 4.99 a pound while Broccoli could be 1.49 a pound. And Broccoli weight more than Snow Peas so you can see how you could be overcharged in error.

Never-the-less I still watch the grocery cashiers I know because they still do make mistakes. I am a penny pincher, but if there is big difference then yes I will make myself heard.

Readers, just watch out when you have alot of Produce that has to be weighed and the cashier has to manually look up the numbers on the wheel/book at their register. They have fast/fat fingers and they do have the tendency to type an incorrect number. One more thing - make sure that they are not charging you for organic if you did not pick up organic vegetables.

Now, back to the story. I went from the Grocery list of Pinto Beans, Salad and Salsa and decided to head out of the Produce section and go get some sourdough bread for my Pinto Bean Breakfast on Sunday. Yummy.

Then, I saw the bag. It was red. It was on the corner end of the aisle. It was on sale. It is something that I like every once in a great while. I swear, I could smell the aroma from the sealed bag. I could literally feel the food between my thumb and forefinger. And the taste. Oh boy. (Sigh) Doritos. Yes Doritos. I am not sure how the desire came, but the craving was unavoidable. And what made it worse was that I was already planning when I could eat the Doritos while making/cooking Saturday night. Note: This is a desire for me, but not very high on the list for me, but this morning I saw the Doritos and I could not resist.

I caved in to my desire and bought one bag of Doritos (I think the price was 2 for $ 5.00). When I got home the bag of Doritos sat on the kitchen counter while I was getting the kitchen ready for me to cook like an Iron Chef. Before I started - I put in the DVD of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and off I went to cook.

Now - Sunday. Yes, I had my Pinto Beans with Sourdough bread this morning and I did change to Chili so I will have that probably during the Baseball Game or the Steeler's vs. Broncos game. I have two containers of salad. And the salsa I made last night had time to set and yummy oh yummy when I had a taste this morning with the bag of tortilla chips I bought this morning.

All in all this is a good weekend.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

August Thunder & Lightining at Midnight

Greetings Readers

Three more weeks until the US Open! Woo Hoo! I can not wait. I checked the website last week and I saw the US Open towels for this year. (the on-court towels). $ 38.00 dollars. Yes, I am going to order one, perhaps two, towels. I still have last year's towel hanging on my wall in the living room. Damn straight - I am proud to own and show that I am a die-hard fan of the US Open.

Three weeks baby!

I re-watched the stages 16 through 19 yesterday of the Tour de France. I have made my notes and I just now got to get them organized. I also watched stage 9 from 2005.

Last night, this morning. I was awake when the storms came through Denver. The Lightining was pretty neat to see. The Thunder was not loud, but sure did "roll" for 5 to 10 seconds. That deep rumbling noise. Not that close, quick lightining noise. It rain hard and steady and then slow and steady eventually I fell asleep on the couch listening and watching the storms.

You know after putting the title of my blog yesterday I did not even bring the subject up. Sorry readers. I guess when I posted the picture of the day well all thoughts were lost. hah hah. So, readers, in Colorado the past two weeks or so we actually have humidity. Not just some - alot of humidity. With me from the same state as that "Little o' band from..." I know humidity. Granted, the humidity does not match the humidity that I grew up with, but sure felt it. Matter of fact, I am so close to turning on the AC. Hence, why I used the words Sweaty, Hot & Humid. Oh, the Sexy, is seeing Jaci uh... well... that is sexy.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Wimbledon 2007 - Day 12

Greetings Readers

What a morning while listening to Radio Wimbledon. I woke up this morning to the Djokovic vs. Baghdatis on ESPN2 then I had to leave for work and that is when the matches got interesting. Williams did her thing and defeated the girl I have noticed this year Ivanovic. Federer was on, but again this is a match I could care less for. Yes - Federer won against Ferrero. I do not know why TV has to show the beginning of the Federer match when "The match" was going full steam on the Djokovic vs Baghdatis match and another Epic battle was ensuing. Check out the final scores of the match 7-6(4-7), 7-6(9-11), 6-7(7-3), 4-6, 7-5. 5 hours long which so far is the longest single's match at Wimbledon this year.

And now - the upset - Justine Henin has been eliminated from Wimbledon. The match was Bartoli vs Henin 1-6, 7-5, 6-1. Listening to the match on radio Wimbledon was sort of sad. I could visually see Justine on the court and "the troubles" that were being announced on radio Wimbledon. Yes, I wanted Henin to win - to win Wimbledon.

Oh, I just found out that ZZ Top is coming to Denver - I think Red Rocks. I also think that I mentioned this, but Tiesto is also coming to Denver - Red Rocks on July 21.

TOMORROW - The start of the Tour de France - In London! I have chosen my rider and I am pinning my hopes on Alexandre Vinokourov of Team Astana. I think he has a good chance - but there are a lot of other riders that I know can do a lot better. But, it will depend on the teams they are on. Yes, that is Alexandre aka Vino pictured along with "his" team. That is my choice for the winner of the Tour de France. Readers? Got a favorite rider?

Until the next time readers

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Back in the saddle again

Greetings People

As the title would sort of convey - I am back on the "winter" road bike this week. And, I no longer have to spend money to use public transportation (RTD). Woo Hoo! Let me tell you readers I am so glad I do not have to spend the money that I do not want to. Yes, the mornings are cold, but the cold sure beats the 1.50 one way ride to work ($3.00 dollars a day)

I am dressed in my bike attire - the signature ZZ Top Bandanna on my head, got the new Oakleys that I bought last week, I have the full skin tight bike pants on and a light windbreaker. I am back baby and so is my attitude.

I am already starting to be myself once more on the bike. This morning, there was this lady who did not have her dog leashed up and the dog was running all over the bike path in front of her about 10 to 20 yards. Well, the dog got in my way and I had to brake. Oh yes readers, this fucking pissed me off. But not with an exclamation mark. The moment just pissed me off to entice me to get me pissed off, just for the sakes of it.

Do not get me wrong I love dogs since I am a former dog owner, but if you can not leash your dog or control your dog then you are shit in my book. Well, after I braked and then started to pedal up to speed again I had met the lady. I hear her mumble, since I have my Pink Ipod blaring Dance music and can only hear mutely the world around me. When I got real close, I heard something, something and "about my dog." I immediately said "fuck your dog". I did not yelled or shout, but calmly said that to her. I am sure she was not expecting that response from me, nor anyone else, but I could not tell since I did not turn around to look after I passed her. I said my peace. Should this happen tomorrow there is gonna be a "throwdown" in my hood. One of us is going to be covered in my "Pink" supplement drink and it will not be me, my friends.

You see readers, I am almost back to myself after being cooped up in the house for eight weeks.

New Southpark last night. It was funny, but not real funny. Overall, I enjoyed the episode.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Looking back at past reflections of my life

Greetings People

As I was cleaning up one of my very old, old computers (133 Mhz) I found this file and thought it would be nice to share a moment about two years ago. After I read this I was instantly reminded of this time in my life...

Greeting Goofball-ers'

Now, if any of you son of bitches got anything else to say, now is the fucking time!
Kill Bill. Volume One

Time sure has a funny time passing us by and getting us another day closer to death. A dark perspective or maybe the accepting the truth is a little hard to comply with? I do not know. No, I am not looking for an answer nor am I going to give you an answer.

So, you Goofball-ers' know the drill. I am about to embark on a journey and I, of course, will be your guide for the length of this story telling. Grab your drink and let us go forth together

Grab my hand or put your arm around my waist and let us embark into the world of the Goofball-ers', a world that unfortunately is drawing slowly to a close. Not much is holding this world together and the solution is beyond my control. Sure, another year has gone by, but somehow time is getting irrevelant in the Goofball-ers' world and the ties that hold this world to the Goofball-ers' are slowly deteriorating away...

Note: Before reading further - No disrespect is intended to any religious parties. My apologies to anyone who is offended. Remember you do not have to read anything you do not want to. All views expressed are mine. thank you.

(Before starting this section, put in Kill Bill. Vol 1 Soundtrack, Track 14 - The Lonely Shepard)

The sky is overcast in gray with the snow falling gently around him. Tis a cold day, but not too cold for him to enjoy a nice bike ride. Even though he is enjoying his ride, you can not see the pain that his well hidden below the surface. Emotional pain is one of the hardest things to overcome in life and every year during the winter he has to come to terms with past emotional pain and new pain that occurs during this time of the year.

Steadily biking through the snow he thinks of what has transpired this past November and December to him. That was a mental and emotional time and nearly costed him his soul. He knew that he was close, very close, to depression. He knows depression, but he also knows about winter doldrums and the difference between the both of them. Doldrums are what he gets every year.

Yet, on this particular ride, he is able to make peace with himself and look back on his life so far. He was able to overcome the seriousness of sadness that occurred and actually get a smile to his face. A smile that is hardly seen at all anymore.

As we see him riding toward the gates of Cherry Creek State Reservoir Park we see his ZZ Top bandanna wrapped around his head, his Oakley Sunglasses covering his dark brown eyes from the snow and wind , his winter bike riding outfit and fingerless riding gloves. Heidi is with him also enjoying the day. Just before he passes the gates we can hear Natalie Merchant singing from her The House Carpenter's Daugther album coming from the CD Walkman's earphones. Perfect music for the perfect day of snow riding.

He is not smiling, especially with him finally letting go of the one he started to have feelings toward.

Looking back on the year of the Ram (sheep), is a year he would like to put well behind him. Though readers, fear not for him, his road to recovery has been swift and quite acceptable to him considering the circumstances. Let us watch him disappear in the falling snow and fog and hope we may re-visit him again...

(End the song that was started for this section)

Welcome to the year of the Monkey. Tis the year of 2004.

Well, now we are in 2007 and now I have to figure out what year it is. Rooster? Anyway, I will try to blog tonight, but may not have the time to. Oh the Soprano's start this Wednesday on A & E and yes most likely I will watch.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete