Music Soothes the Beast (in me)

Greetings People

Music is very powerful tool, if you will, for me in life. I generally associate a lot of things and events to music, whether there are words or just instrumental. I live and have accidents by music. I also associate my memories with music. I often dub music over my home videos. Music follows me while I am out training (riding and/or biking)

Granted, I can not play a tune nor can I sing. Well, at least I can chalk that up to my puberty stage early in life. Although, the allure of being a rock star would of been cool.

I have browsed many, many blogs and I do see a lot of people blogging lyrics and even incorporating music into their blogs. I never thought about that, but I do every once in a great while I will quote a line from a song and incorporate that into my journal entries. Not because of blogging. I do because most likely that was the song that was playing or was running through my mind at the time of the event. I draw upon the music, the notes, the lyrics and yes sometimes the visual images behind the song (singer, music video, album cover, etc.)

I make mixed music tapes for myself. Nope, never for the girl I may be dating at the time. Giving mixed tapes are something I do not do, nor will practice to do. My tapes are personal, as well as my life.

Readers, Although do not get technical with me about blogging my life on a blog. I am sharing moments in my life, BUT by no means am I sharing mundane instances in my life.

Example, my friends (*Note - This is not me-so do not think that I gone coo-koo)

I got up, showered, ate, dressed, fixed tie, went to work, went
to story, trimmed finger nails, got home, watched TV, went to be bed, cried to
sleep.

Readers, this is an example I have used, but this is something close that I have read elsewhere on some one's blog. That is fucked up and who the fuck cares about her life that specifically.

As you readers hopefully read so far on my life - I share life moments and incidents that have a specific bearing on my life. I can say know that I have been blogging pretty good now for the past three months, but it took some time for me to open and share what I want to share to you readers and the general public that might stumble upon my blog by chance. Granted, I have not opened up completely nor do I plan to, but I am sharing more about myself.

Well..... I have to go since my lunch break has come to an end. I may try to finish this up later today, if not, then I guess in the future.

By the way, I have been watching that new series that started on WTBS called "My Boys" and I am glad to say this new series was thoroughly enjoyable. I do hope that the series will return. I think the series finale was two weeks or so ago

until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

The First Tuesday's blog of 2007

Greetings People

Alright, I guess I better write something down so I can start off the new year of 2007.

A lot of things coming up this month....

1. My Birthday
2. The National Western Stock Show
3. Continuation of Prison Break - second Season
4. Start of "24"
5. Second season of Dr Who (new version) being released on DVD
6. Mom's Birthday
7. The Australian Open 2007 (w/the instant replay inauguration)
8. The Sopranos premiere on A&E (edited of course)
9. The continuation of this Blog!

Then, numerous comments about the good deeds of people during the past two weeks of the snow. The ramblings I have planned for the new year. And so forth.

I hate to say this - but I am so glad that the Broncos did not make the Playoffs. I am glad Dallas Cowboys did, but their playing has gone pretty bad in the past month. Wildcard weekend this weekend and then the playoffs. The Playoffs Baby!

until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

The Last Tuesday of 2006

Greetings People

I guess I have to quickly make a blog entry. I am not in the mood to really write, but as I said before I do have a lot to tell and a lot of topics to choose from. But I will tell those tales later.

To sort of re-cap in a few. I made it through the blizzard of 2006, however with that storm I had to cancel my travel plans and I stayed at home. The main reason was that DIA was close for a day or so and with that it put a lot of people on standby and that meant people were most likely trying to get out of Colorado anyway that they can. Whether it was by bus, driving, or catching a ride out of Colorado. What else sealed the deal was that four of our cattle decided this was the time to give birth to four calves.

Well, this entry was pretty short, with that I will catch up later

P.S. Woo-hoo - the days now start to get longer!

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

6 days before the day of reckoning

Greeting People

So, I am thinking about going on vacation for Christmas, but I will not be taking any extra days off. I will have to make use of the days that have been granted to me and I will see if that will be enough. Well, I guess that will have to be okay, since I did not schedule any days off. My parents are in a different state and the drive is about 8 hours – no less. So, I have a day of traveling then one day of rest and then another day of traveling back home. I can do that, but the thought of being out on the road is not very exciting. Although, I will be able to bring my new portable DVD player, which I will be thinking of Julia ,when I watch a movie.

Oh, I forgot I have another incident that happened in Lonetree, CO. I met Tom Green from Channel 2 news on Friday. Yes, I recognized him from the morning show since most of the time I usually have that station going on while I get ready for work. However, lately I have been watching channel 13 (fox news). I basically like seeing Dan Daru once more. Dan was on Channel 2, but he left some time ago, after his wife had a child and now I have discovered that he is now on channel 13. Dan is a character and I have to say that the first few times that I saw him I was appalled, but then I got his sense of humor and now I like watching his reports. Hah hah. So, I digressed….anyway I saw Tom Green coming out of the Recreation center in Lonetree and I immediately recognized the mug. I was walking with someone and I saw secretly “hey is that Tom Green?” I did not want Tom to get high and mighty about himself about someone like me recognizing him. Anyway, I said it to him softly and by that time Tom had reached us so I said “Hi you are Tom Green right” He said yes “and you are?” I said “Daryl Charley” and that was that.

Now, we are bro’s. Kidding. Man we are just like that. Lol. Now readers, you see I can make up anything after this to make this sound interesting. Actually, I have been joking about this to my co-worker about meeting Tom Green. Yesterday, I said I was still in awe of meeting Tom Green and I also mentioned the spot that we met for the first time.

You see – I can milk this incident for all its nothingness, so to speak.

Also of note, I have only ridden three times (total of 10 miles) in the past three weeks. An amazing fact readers! The cold that I had, well still lingering, has kept me off my bikes and it has been cold so that was also a determination factor why I have not been riding. I will have to do some totaling of my bike miles pretty soon. I usually do this about this time of the year and see what sort of miles that I have put on.

Well, this was a random blog, but I thought I had better write something since it has been a few days for me not posting anything. I do have a lot to say, but I need to think about it before blogging.

Until the next time readers

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

The RTD Light Rail incident in Lonetree, CO

Greetings People

Well, I guess... er I know, my mood has gotten better, improved one might say, over the past 24 hours.

As I have mentioned in the past, I think. Well, maybe not on this blog, but sometimes "It is the little things in life that might bring a smile to your face"

Well, I walking to the light rail station after work yesterday. Still full of piss and vineager one might say. Actually, I would relate myself to was that I was walking with attitude and the chip on my shoulder from when I woke up was still there. Oh yes, sometimes you wake up with an attitude and that stays for the whole day. As was the case with me on this particular day. So, I was walking with my head high, taking long strides and with the face of "Don't fuck me with" mood all over.

A woman was "pacing" from which I saw from a distance, but I thought she was just waiting for the light rail started making a straight line for me and I knew she had her sights on me, but I gave no acknowledgement of her. I kept my eyes straight and my stride was still strong. Then, those immortal words were spoken by her "Excuse me. excuse me." I had picked up my pace so she actually had to pick up her pace in order to intercept me from getting by her. Oh, I nearly lost my cool. I did not want to do a survey tonight, nor could I fucking care less about how you have no money and need to borrow a dollar to get home. As you readers know, I have my Russian "girlfriend" asking for money and you know that outcome. I was not even going to give any money away - especially today. And more importantly no dollar to an American woman this evening.

So, getting back to story I turned my head to her, showed my "who the fuck do you think you are?!" face and said "yes" in cold, terminator voice. She then start a speel and I gave her less than 10 seconds in my mind to wrap it up. She said she was sorry on behalf of RTD and please accept this gift from her, RTD. I might of mentioned before - I was wound up, like a crack ho needing some drugs, and I said something to the effect "what is the catch?!" I was still having the attitude and I was not going to give her any of my information nor was I going to sign any papers. She said "Nothing. free." Immediately, I got rid of the attitude and came down from the archs of heaven and joined the rest of the human race on earth and said "thank you" with remorse in my voice. I managed a smile and became submissive in this conversation. I think, I said sorry for my initial "coldness", but I did follow up with more thank you's since the initial thank you I said.

The gift was a $ 5.00 dollar gift card to Starbucks. I hate to say this, but that $ 5.00 dollar gift card turned my day right around. Not just because of $ 5.00 dollars, but the gift itself. I thought and have been thinking about buying my Large Mocha Frap with whipped cream in my "OG" coffee mug from the 90's tomorrow.

In closing, yes I am human and yes I have my days where I want to be left alone. I realize how bold it was her to approach me in what I am sure she saw hostilty in me. She took her chance with me and now I post my "I am sorry" to her even though she will never know most likely.

Until the next time readers...

Daryl Charley

The Fallen Athlete

My Russian Woman and new DVD player

Greetings People

I think that I am almost up to being well. I have a slight cough, I am still blowing my nose like crazy and I have stopped taking any medication. All this is a good sign and I do not have to worry about having a relapse.

Although, today I woke up in a foul mood. Well, let me tell you I think that it started yesterday afternoon and I was getting pissed more and more every hour. Nothing to mention since there are many people who might read the reason why I am fucking pissed off. No need to bring any more conflict into my life. I have learned that you have to let it go.

Oh by the way, in case one of you readers are wondering if it is the person who did not say "thank you" to me when I held two doors open for you. It is not that, but as you can tell I am still not over that. I would probably let it go if it was one door, but two doors and no thank you. Well, that is just plain rude. Oh yes I know who this person is and I this particular face is hard not to remember.

Guess what folks? My russian woman has email me that she is coming to the US and wants some help with some money to finance her visa. I was laughing hard at this. I was laughing so hard that I was coughing, since I am still sick. Oh, I am not that easy. ::snicker:: I guess I better let you on this. I had googled her name (information) early in our correspondence and guess what - she is a scammer. Apparently, she sends out emails to guys, and yes I saw the same exact emails that were sent to me that were posted on a scammer identification site. I also saw the same pictures that were sent to me that were sent to other people. I also read that other guys that did post to the site did send money to her. How stupid are these guys. If you are desperate guys - stay in the US, go to bar/nightclub or something local. Sending money to a foreign woman and expecting her to come for you alone is a "sucker bet" Get off the computer and go socialize with the real world. There are women, US women, out there looking also. Yes, you got an email from a foreign woman that says you are wonderful, she tells you about her "life", she sends you pictures of herself, etc. I started emailing with her about two months ago so now it two months into emailing back and forth and I was just waiting for the day she was "going to come to the US and she needs money". hah hah. I could of busted her on this, but I did enjoy getting her emails. No loss for me, except to enjoy another experience of life. She was leading me on, but more importantly I was leading her on, by taking two months from her life. I guess we will see or not, since I have given her this link in one of my emails.

That is another thing. I am sure that any emails they send are full of information and I am sure that all the info is bogus. Anyway, I have responded to a few, to make sure that she knows that I am still interested. 99 % percent of the time I never got any answers to my questions I asked. She can write a email, with such adverbs and colorful adjectives, but the sentence structure was awful. I responded with bogus information also and never pledged "my love" to her. I said this and that, nothing concrete. Just like a pen pal.

Oh alright, I better get going, but let me see if I can find some pictures to show you. She is cute though - if it is her =) Nothing dirty, but pictures of her in different poses. Oh, I could go on and on this subject. Perhaps this is something I can talk about indepth later. Thinking about this more and more I could actually talk a lot about this. Kind of interesting when I have started to think about this more and more.

As I blogged the other day about my new contacts I decided to buy an impulse gift for me and that was a portable DVD player. Yes, I do like it. It is no name brand, but for 90 dollars I could not resist. You know what this is really? - that is the $ 90.00 dollars that Julia could of had in order to help her cause to get to the US just for me - HAHAHAHAHHAHA. I will think of Julia everytime I watch a movie on my portable DVD player! Now my friend, that is my love pledged.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

The Happiest Guy...I ever knew...

Greetings People

I guess the title of this blog says it all. I would almost quote the Depeche Mode's song "The Happiest Girl. I ever knew...", but I am not a goil, I'm a guy.

Yesterday, I had another follow up to my eyes and I got the best, er bestest, news I have heard in a long time. I am to wear contacts once more! Oh my gosh. I could not believe it. Granted, me and my eye doctor have to monitor for the next two weeks and make sure that my issues do not start up once more.

As of 12:15 PM yesterday afternoon I was wearing contacts again and I celebrated by buying another computer game yesterday.

So, this morning, roughly 57 days later I picked up my Oakleys off my bathroom counter, washed and dried them off and then put them on for the first time in almost two months. I was so myself and I think I will be more and more later today. I do not have to worry about my vision being impaired partly, nor do I have to worry about pushing my eyeglasses back up on my face.

I, I.... was shaking so badly after putting in the first contact yesterday I could not put in the other side. I had to have my doctor do it for me. Shaking with joy. And not because lack of caffeine. Now, I am walking around with a smile on my face like I just had sex. Yes, that is happiness for me.

I even made the effort to go for a ride yesterday and I was so confident, since I did not have my eye glasses. Whereas, I have not been riding since I have been wearing my eyeglasses. The ride felt so good. No, I did not put my Oakleys on yesterday - I was still so happy and filled with glee that I did not even bother going home to get the Oakleys. I even cleaned my other 6 Oakley lens so I can start using those, since I will be wearing my Oakleys full-time.

Now, switching gears, the Ironman Hawaii that was on t.v. this weekend. The show was good, but it lacked something and I think it was the mood of the music that was wrong. The music and format has been changing for the past two years from the ominous mood music they used. Now, the show has "beat" music and "pick me up" music, which is fine, but the Ironman for us watchers is whether or not they finish, not whether they come in first or not. Yes, it is a race, but in the years of the t.v showings it is about finishing the Ironman and may be not finishing.

I did not cry or tear up through out the show, but I did when the Team Hoyt did not make the cut-off time. We faithful watchers know that there time was up a couple of years ago, but father time has come and taken the toll on Team Hoyt. I did not tear up for that moment, but did thinking about what has transpired in the past 7 years for them.

The last one that I really shed some tears on was the blind guy being lead, by a string, by his guide/friend. The blind guy had a number, his guide did not. This guide did the Ironman Hawaii for this blind guy, probably his friend. However, the guide did not have a number nor did the Ironman Hawaii issue him a number. Fair is fair, but I cried for the guide, because this guy finished the Ironman and he got no recognition of any sort, that I could see. That is dedication my friends! That is loyalty and more importantly, that is what you would, should do, for someone who needs help. Put yourself out for someone who needs it more. That is complete opposite of being selfish and with me being me that is the ultimate sacrifice for yourself in competing. Even the ABC tv replay had no other in depth info was told about this guide.

In closing, with the Ironman Hawaii 2006 I am glad that Norman Stadler won once more. I am also glad he did not fucking meltdown like he did from last year. I have had a meltdown like that before and he acted the same way I did. Natache Baadman had a hard time this year, but I am glad to see her smile as she was coming down the Queen K. There was nothing about Lori, except in the very beginning of the swim. Her smile is also very contagious for me. The stories were okay, but nothing compelling for me to get really emotional about. The Blazeman, I am glad I was able to follow him last year and to see someone remember him this year.

Alright folks, once more I have taken some time from your life and I thank you for sitting a spell with me for a bit.

P.S. I am glad that the "Models" won the Amazing Race. I wished the "sistas" would of, but I knew, yes knew, from the start that they had no chance to make a run for first place

P.S.S. The Nip / Tuck finale is the Tuesday. I am hoping for a good one and I do hope we get to see another season. Rumor mill - Joely will not be back, per one of the tabloids I saw in the grocery store. Nip / Tuck for me interesting and enjoyable.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Doesn't this photo say "I'm OG, Brah" ?!?!

Greetings People

I can not believe that I have to re-type this blog entry. What makes this worse for me is that I am sick, literally, and I do not want to type any more.

So, here I go again and this will not be the same word for word, or if I want to sound smart - per verbatim.

Here is a photo from the day of the Boulder Backroads Marathon 2003. I had just gotten home from Boulder and I was sort of in a foul mood and I was literally fucking tired. This is the face of a driven man and the face of a man who has ran two marathons in two weeks. Anyway, I think this photo now says - "I'm OG, Brah!" or may be in my own words "Don't fuck with me honeychilde"

Of course, my co-worker would say "brah" is for Point Break movie watchers. I neglected to say that this was also the word Cartman used as Dawg the Hall Monitor.

So, I have been out of commisson for the past week due to an off and on cold that has been trying to put me down and out. Down for the count is what this cold wants. I almost was out - I have been sleeping and resting around the clock and I hate being like that. Basically useless is how I interpet this situation, if you will. I have not been able to run, bike, go out, be up, or worse yet, play with my new computer that I got just before Thanksgiving.

In closing, I have added some more photos from the Boulder Backroads Marathon 2003 and Courage Classic Tour 2001 so take a look if you want to see some more grand pictures of me.

With that I will let you readers go, more importantly, let me go back to my life of slurping soup and sleeping. Urgh.

Oh, the grand daddy is on this Saturday - IRONMAN HAWAII - from this October. If you want to see what I want and also had a taste of this with the IRONMAN ARIZONA I competed in please watch. And yes, I actually made it this far without finding out who won the women's and men's title. Woo hoo. I have been looking forward to this event ever since October - the replay!

Until the next time

Daryl Charley

The Fallen Athlete

First day of the Last Month in 2006

Greetings People

I have to say that it was pretty interesting doing some searches on Blogger.com by different words. I only browsed for about an hour and a half, but I was able to "surf" the entire North American region - I went from PA, to Buffafo, to Portland, then to South Carolina, then Halifax and then finished up in New York. Sort of a mixed bag of info. Only a couple blogs really caught my eye and gave me some ideas on a direction for next year, which I am already planning.

Oh I almost forgot to tell you about which direction I am thinking about - planning a biking journal perhaps, or maybe a wealth of useless info maybe. I could do a daily blog of riding, but that does not really sound interesting, unless something happens. Yet true to life, about 95 percent of the time something does happen to me while riding around "my hood".

I am someone unique. Yes, I know that we all are unique, but I am more unique that you think. I have mentioned some words about me and after reading them again to myself I am someone you may relate to, but would never admit it. Hah hah.

Well, Just a quick blog and then I am going to think more about this blogging direction this weekend and see what sort of ideas that I might come up with.

I know this might be rambling you are reading, but that is what a "blog" means to me. It is also some of the things that I have noticed on others blogs.

"Welcome People" things will get interesting...

Maybe I even will tell you about my "Russian" woman I am corresponding with from St Petersberg, Russia. That is something interesting already, baby!. You think you are laughing now, well wait until you hear this story.

Told you I was unique

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Last Day in November of 2006

Greetings People

I know I should of blogged something, but I have been on vacation for the past week and I also have been busy prior to going on vacation. So much to talk about since I was out of touch with the world. I hope everyone's holiday was good. Until the next time, my pretties

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

An Orange Snowman or Orange Eskimo in Denver, CO

Greeting People

I was taking the local RTD bus the other morning, because of a flat tire. There I was minding my own business when I sort of noticed an orange snowman moving its legs nearby where I was sitting on the bus. Lo and behold the orange snowman was an orange ski parka that held a former co-worker whom I worked with at Archstone-Smith. For personal reasons I will list her by first name only. Jackie. I had not seen her since she had went out on medical leave for.... anyway, we I left Archstone-Smith she was out on leave and I never got to say goodbye to her. I got up out of my seat said "Hey girl" We only had a few street and bus stops between us before she had to get off at the stop near the Archstone-smith building near Yosemite and Dry Creek. Husband, child and herself is doing well. I told her the same - I am doing well. It was good to see her and if you are reading this now - "HEY Jackie!" She and I are going on vacation next week and both heading in the same direction - South. I could of caught a ride with her. I guess my bad for not contacting her since I left Archstone-Smith.

Other than that, a beautiful day in Colorado and the weather is sunny, in the 60's and a little wind. Alright folks, I guess I better get going and I will try to post a bit more before I leave on vacation next week. Oh, the eye has improved in the past three weeks so I am hoping to be back in contacts by mid-December. Hope the best and never wish. Wishes are for Fairies. Sort of like Applesauce is for babies. =)

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Other Blogs have been added !

Greetings People

Just a quick note - I have been adding new blogs to my blog site. Please go to my main profile page and you can see and select the blogs that you want to read about. Enjoy yourself.

until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

SouthPark Re-cap - so far

Greetings People

Some things on Southpark are just too much. Let me see - we are on the 5th episode of the Southpark's 10th season.

The first episode - World of Warcraft
the second -Conspiracy Theory
third - Hall Monitor
fourth - Satan's Halloween Party
fifth - Ms Garrison/Nintendo Wii - Part 1

Where do I begin.

Ike saying to Kyle "You are dead to me Kyle"
Cartman as Dog the Hallway Monitor "Go with Christ"
Kyle talking to President Bush "Really?!"
Butters uttering "Biggie Smalls, Biggie Smalls, Biggie Smalls"

The images are just as bad, especially last night's episode showing Ms Garrison's chest. That gave me the heebee geebees, even now thinking about it - that's just messed up. Ike in bed with his school teacher, Cartman saying that he stuck his finger up his butt and then asked a girl if she smelled lemon grass on his finger. Butters getting down at Satan's Halloween party with Biggie Smalls next to him. How about the image of "Beth" (Cartman's(Dawg's assistant)) and her bosom so big that you could not even see her face, only the top of her eyes. What about the Steve Irwin showing up at Satan's Halloween party as himself. And to close off with Ms Garrison taking a crap in his hand, in the classroom and then throwing his feces at the replacement teacher?!

Man oh man - "that is F'd in the A!" as Cartman would say.

I guess I have nothing more to say about this, for now anyway.

All the snow that had fallen last week has basically all melted away. We are in the mid 50's today and the weather is suppose to get warmer and warmer.

Oh, by the way, I actually had to get fitted for new eye glasses. I have been sidelined with glasses for a bit and I needed a new pair since my old pair is about 15 to 17 years old. I guess I look okay, but I am still a bit self conscious about wearing them. Last Monday was my first day of wearing glasses full time again. I have a follow up check up on November 12 to see how things are going with my eye and I am hoping for the best. Glasses are okay, but I did not realize how much sight I have lost due to the constriction of my viewing of the world through glasses. I really want to wear both of my contacts again.

The Fallen Athlete
Daryl Charley

Happy Halloween 2006

Greetings People

The thing with blogging - I can write a simple blog and it would not have to be one of my epic stories, or something messed up, or funny, or whatever. For instance, I can say

Happy Halloween!

and...

Two Week Ago In Albuquerque, New Mexico

Greeting People

Sometimes a week goes by as "slow as molasses in winter time" and other times a week goes by so fast.

I never have been to the opening day of the Balloon Festival in Albuquerque. Let us say that was an amazing sight to see in the early morning sun that came over Sandia Peak on the East side of Albuquerque. Dawn patrol started about 6:00 am and their goal was to test the air and wind and see how the conditions of the morning were going to be. This Dawn patrol is essential to all the balloonist since there are going to be quite a few of them in the air.

Located just to the North of Albuquerque is where Balloon Festival Park is located. That is the starting point for the balloonist to begin their ascent into the sky. the balloon are assigned into waves and the waves are timed out and incredible to watch the ascention. Not to mention all the people in attendance that are present to see this world wide event happen.

Well, that being said. On opening day the balloonist do not take off from Balloon Festival Park. Instead, the balloonists are assigned to many different elementary schools throughout the city of Albuquerque. I think I saw as many as eight balloons at one elementary school getting ready to lift off.

I am assuming that the coordinators at each of the schools get the okay to start the lift offs of the balloons and the next thing you know there are balloons floating up in the air from all over Albuquerque. The sight was unbelievable. My dad was driving so me and my mom were able to see balloons around us. My dad unfortunately had to focus on the road in front of him and also be careful of the traffic around us since this was Friday morning traffic time. I lost count around 90 balloons.

So, I think the balloons stayed in the air for about 30 minutes then next thing you know the balloons are literally dropping to the ground right in front of you. You can see the balloonist in their baskets looking for a place to land. They are limited to the landing area depending on which way the wind was blowing them. As we were coming up 4th street going north we saw one balloon select a spot in between the main road and a sub division. The supposed landing area was on a hill and the utility lines were sort of here and there and the space was about 40 yards long. Amazingly enough that balloon landed safely. Of course while that was happening right in front of us there were three more balloons coming down to the west of us. All of them picking little landing area between building and homes. If you had your window down you can hear the gas increase or decrease if they were added more hot air to the balloon for more lift in order to clear a utility line or building/home. Pretty amazing.

Now, while that was going on you had to be careful of the "chase vehicles". The chase trucks were trucks with trailers who were assigned to follow their balloon and help them out. These drivers were good not to mention on their toes watching, following and anticipating the flight path of the balloon. I sort of related the sight to storm chasers or tornado chasers and how they follow their subjects.

By eight in the morning almost all the balloons were down and the opening morning of the Balloon Festival was over. I am glad I was able to watch this amazing event and also that the rain did not come. Saturday was a partial rain out and part of Sunday was also a rain out due to the cold front that had arrived Friday night/Saturday morning.

The First Endo of the Year

Greeting People

I have to start and mention that this morning on my bike ride into work, which I also did on my mountain bike I bought this summer, I went up and over my handlebars. Sort of like an ungraceful ballerina or maybe a ballerina who decided to get wasted before an event. It happened so quick next thing you know I was laying on right side in the three to five inches of snow that had fallen in the past 24 hours.

You know I guess this is why I have a blog. I can tell you, or even remind myself of the misfortunes of my life. I know you probably shaking your head in disbelief, but I guess I am here to amuse you.

So, returning to the story.

I had to ride along the side of the road, basically in the gutter. There was no sidewalk on this portion of the road. The morning was a bit cold and the sun had not quite warmed up the snow and ice that had been compacted in the gutter in the night. I had to be careful of the frozen ice and slushy ice that was being warmed up by the sun. Well, there was I going up Park Meadows Drive, with my music going on the background.....

Oh, on a side note once more, let me tell you people about the new CD burner that I bought this past weekend. I was able to get last year's Sony model of the CD burner that one of the Office Depots had out on clearance. Since I have not been able to buy a new computer and unable to buy the Ipod that was suppose to buy last month which I have been brooding about, if you will. I saw the burner and saw that the specs met one of my computer's requirements and decided to gamble. Long story short I able to get the baby installed all by myself Sunday night and then I bought the CD-RW disc on Monday. Oh let me tell also, that while I was in Wal-Mart I had to ask for help since I no clue on whether to buy a CD-R or a CD-RW discs. But let me tell you that the Wal-mart employee was able to set me straight that morning. He sort of noticed I knew nothing about burning. Or probably thinking that this guy does not know his head from his ass. Well, I would not taken offense even if he said that. I am green behind the ears... well not green anymore since I am able to tell you that I have burned my first CD! He automatically recommended that I buy the CD-RW discs since I am beginner and would basically "Fuck it up" and then I would up the creek. I am happy to tell you I am glad I did buy the CD-RW since I tried to "burn" a CD Monday night and I did have problems - tiff, wma, etc, too many fucking audio formats and I did not get the hang of what format to rip to until near midnight. I will pass on my wisdom right now - you better "burn" in wav format since that what my CD music is recorded in. This info will save some headaches and lots of Donald Duck imitations that I was doing late Monday night and well into Tuesday morning. I could of been mistaken as Donald Duck with all that muttering and walking around in a pissed off state of mind.

...so going up Park Meadows Drive listening to my first "burned" CD. I was listening to the Scorpions version of "Dust in the Wind" and then next thing you know I was gliding through the air on a one way ticket downward arch to kiss Mother Earth personally. This fall was sort of controlled, since I sort of know how to fall, as opposed to the other people who fall like stone to the earth. Remember - I said I was"gliding" to earth. I only "fell like a stone" early in my falling days. Hah hah. I immediately turned my body to land on my side with my arm against my side and then fwump. I was glad I was not on the CD track "Fragile" by Sting, otherwise this blog might of been different.

Not a thump, but a fwump. A fwump is when you land in snow. Woo hoo - another fall that I was able to get up and laugh about. Son of a bitch - I must be experienced in accidents, unlike others I know who get themselves "F'd in the A" as my favorite little buddy would say. Also, a fwump is much more gentle than a thump. And even better than a bump bump your fucked thump. Hah hah. I am now making myself smile and laugh. I can laugh, because I have experienced all those sort of falls.

A couple of cars slowed down but I waved indicating the universal sign that I was okay and that was that. I was smiling and laughing to myself. I guess I need more riding time on my mountain bike. Granted, this was the first time that I rode the bike in the snow, which was the plan this morning. But, I bet that if I was riding my road bike this accident would not of happened. Then of course I would not been able to entertain you reader with another accident in my life.

Alright, until the next time I bid you adieu.

The Fallen Athlete
Daryl Charley

Something from the Plains of New Mexico

Greetings People

Here is a picure that I like, but does not show the mother of the bitch - HeartBreak Hill. This woman is located in the early part of the Santa Fe Century, but still a hill that one should not take lightly. She can take down 90 percent of the riders that try and tame the bitch. I do have some journals of the Santa Fe Century, but I am currently in the process of loading onto Blogger.com. Anyway, this picture is the smile of a well done job that awaiting for me at the top of the climb. Yet, the bitch took a shot at me and nearly caused me a heartbreak on this day.

Vacation Time

Greetings People

I am sorry to say that I am on vacation starting now and I will not be back until next week. So, I bid you adieu

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

A lost photo roll that was found amid tapes

Greetings Readers

Well, well, well sometimes when you least expect it something puts something back into perspective with life.

I submitted roll of film and little did I know that this roll of film was over a year and a half old. Actually all the pictures were still intact, but some showed a little color failure. Not a problem. I am going to post some pictures in the next few days/weeks - most will show my beautiful SouthPark jersey, which was the jersey for this year - 2006. I wore this baby to all my official events, whether it was running or riding. The season is about over and soon this will be sent to the "other" jersey.

I did find a new jersey two weeks ago - The official T-Mobile bike Jersey for this year - on sale. It is so pink - I love the color and I think I can pull it off, but I do not know. The other part of the roll included some pictures of my Ironman Arizona that I attempted in April 9, 2005. Sure it brought back some memories, but more importantly it reminded me that I still have two more years to re-apply for Ironman Arizona. That week was still the best time I ever had to date and I was able to relish the time that I was able to spend with my parents.

On another note, the Boulder Backroads Marathon happened this past weekend, but the event did sell out before I could sign up on the last day of registration. No big deal since if I made the cut or not - it matter very little to me. Although yearning for another marathon medal on my wall reminds me of another opportunity to grab my fame, and let me admit it, my shallowness. Whatever - Boo-yah

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Sunset - the Coming of Fall 2006

Well the Fall season is upon us this Friday - Sept 22, 2006 I am not sure how to get ready for the coming months and what my outlook for next year's biking/running going to be. I have many ideas, but still unsure. With that I will end on that note.