If you’ve been following my blog for a while, or know me, or get within 100 feet of me you’ll know that I’ve become addicted to snow boarding.  I’ve been about 12 times in the last 7 weeks and have been getting pretty good at it.  Saturday I had my best day yet.  Got first tracks on 4 runs at Eldora and was in control and fast all day long.  Sunday unfortunately didn’t go so smoothly…

I got to Eldora late, about 11:15 (decided to go at the last minute).  On my thrid run down (on my way to Corona lift) I ate it.  Hard.  I was near the bottom of a black (Mule shoe) and was going the fastest I’ve ever gone.  I pushed too much and caught my toe edge.  I went flying forward at 25 mph at least and slammed my left should right into a big patch of ice.  I separated my left shoulder and am borderline for needing surgery (although tonight it’s feeling quite a bit better).  This finally leads me to my point…

During this terribly painful event something entirely unexpected happened.  I met some of the nicest, friendliest, genuinely kind people I’ve ever met.  From the guys that stopped to help me (Jamie, who I hope to buy a beer soon, spent at least 30 minutes helping me get on my feet), to all the snow patrol volunteers and pros.  They had to sled me down to the bottom of the run then tow me behind the snow mobile all the way back to base (oh it was fun being the spectacle at lunch time let me tell you!)  Then the medics at Eldora and the paramedics in the ambulance (oh yeah, left in the ambulance so I could get the “good” drugs) were more of the same; amazingly friendly, helpful and genuinely good people.

I hope to have beers with Jamie sometime soon to repay a little of the kindness he and his friend Adam showed me (I sat there for at least 5 minutes before they came by).  I’m also trying to think of an appropriate gift to take up to the guys at Eldora (thinking something like muffin, etc).  If you’ve got suggestions please post them, I’d love the input. 

Just had to share this story, it sure is making my shoulder feel a lot better…

Just in case you’re reading my blog tonight and need something else pretty to look at

Cat that is.  While she might be semi-insane most of the time (what cat isn’t) generally we get along ok and I don’t feel too odd being a mid-30’s guy with a cat.  At first when I saw the below headline I thought “holy shit that’s sorta mean to all those cats” – then when I realized the only alternatives for these lucky animals is death or the harsh Russian streets I realize how great this person really is.  Seriously I think it’s pretty amazing to share what little you have with so many…

So a few weeks ago I was bitten attacked by the snowboarding bug.  I’ve only been a few times but hope to get out somewhere every weekend for the rest of the season.  One of the first pieces of gear I got are the TuneUps helmet speaker system.  This lets me listen to music from the ear flaps on my helmet instead of having ear buds jammed down in my ears.  The great thing here is I can hear everything going on around me (I listen sorta low) and can easily mute them with the big button on the cord so I can easily have a conversation with anyone around me.

So since I have this new toy I’m in search of great music to board to.  I’ve been using my general workout mix (upbeat rock stuff mostly) but it’s a bit too heavy for me.  So I’m looking for your favorites, something in the trance or techno type of style (St. Germain comes to mind).  Any suggestions?

Well I figured it has been a while since I posted anyway and I’ve been wanting to embed a YouTube video on my blog for a while now. So since my wife sent me this and I thought it was hysterical I figured I’d share with everyone.

There was a little setup in the email that I got, saying something about the family having a huge water bill and wondering why. I’m guessing that’s just a goofy setup that someone did for something that is very funny all on it’s own. So, without further ado check out this crazy ass cat!

It sure doesn’t to me. Boy it is just amazing how expensive it can be to fix cars these days. Yes yes, I’m fine and so was the other guy but somehow that is little comfort. At least I have good insurance and was able to get a rental car yesterday afternoon (and it was even a Toyota Corolla since they were out of Dodge Neon’s!) Oh, and right now that estimate is a “rough estimate” and it should take at least 2 weeks to fix (which in auto mechanic speak means more like 3). I already miss my Pathfinder….