Steve finally has a blog

Soggy Blogger Thanksgiving Get Together

2010-11-17T22:36:00.003-05:00

While I haven't entered a log in exactly 5 months, I felt it only appropriate to log one tonight as I started to make plans to meet again with the group that got me started on this "on and off" adventure. I'm looking forward to meeting with good friends for another soggy blogger lunch next week!

Just a few other updates:
Back on October 9th, Erin & I completed our first metric century bike ride; 62 miles in 3:56. WooHoo!!

I've stopped running completely but plan to start again since I'm planning a run with my old running buddy while back in SC next week. UGH! I might just help him train by having him pull me on roller blades.

I've completely stopped swimming - not sure when that will start back up either.

I need to start setting some goals and get a race in my future so I start training and exercising again!

We cached for 104 days straight from June to September... Wow, what an adventure that was!

Relaxing ride this morning

2010-06-17T13:13:00.002-04:00

I planned to up early and out for a good ride this morning after missing out yesterday but... I slept in a little, then had to get my bike ready, etc. since I didn't do that last night, then I couldn't find my speedometer, UGH. I finally headed out with my speedometer for a relaxing ride not focusing on speed or distance just an opportunity to get out and ride for about 30 minutes. I enjoyed the rising sun, the dew as it evaporated off the fields, the birds singing and the opportunity to enjoy it all. God is so good! It's been amazing to see where God has brought us and the things He's taught us over the last year. God is so good!

Final ride results: 10.2 miles, 31:15 19.6 mph avg,
Bike miles this week: 22.5
Bike miles this month: 116.4
Run miles this week: 3.8
Run miles this month: 3.8

Until the next ride, run, swim or cache...

Rides, Runs, Caches and Rain

2010-06-16T22:38:00.005-04:00

Went for a run with Melissa Monday night. We went 2.3 miles but have no idea how long it took. Can you believe I went out for a run without a watch?! Eli, Isaac and I grabbed a cache nearby as well.

I had a great ride with Erin yesterday morning... 12.3 miles in 52 minutes for a 14.5mph average. She had a great ride for her first time back on the bike in quite a while. I stayed in the smallest chainring and smallest cassette to keep my rpm's up. After the ride, I had about 15 minutes left available for a run so I went out for a timed run. Turned out I ran 1.5 miles in 16 minutes. Not that impressive but given it's my first brick workout since April, I'm happy.

I didn't get to ride into work this morning or even ride this morning due to rain. There was a strong chance of rain in Wilson but not in our area so I planned on just riding from home to Snow Hill and back, about 21 miles. However, when I woke up this morning... RAIN... UGH! I'm really missing a good higher speed ride. Hoping to get one in tomorrow morning. Today after lunch we grabbed another cache as a family. Caleb was the first to spot it while the rest of us were still just starting. Great eyes Caleb! This made #10 on our 100 days of caching challenge.

Final ride results: 12.3 miles, 14.5 mph avg, 52:45
Bike miles this week: 12.3
Bike miles this month: 106.2
Run miles this week: 3.8
Run miles this month: 3.8

Until the next ride, run, swim or cache...

Some weekend highlights

2010-06-14T16:48:00.003-04:00

I had a great time with the Collins' and Harris' this weekend. Friday we went to Fort Macon State Park and played on the beach, flew stunt kites and played hard all day. Caleb even went "swimming with the Jellies" and got stung pretty good on his ankles. Melissa suggested that Jordan pee on his ankles but after consulting with the lifeguard, they had a spray bottle with vinegar & water to spray on area to help with the pain. Needless to say, both boys were relieved. We also got to eat a local place called Roma's and enjoyed several varieties of pizza, subs and salads. Great times with friends!

Greg, Erin and I enjoyed continuing our 100 days of caching with a cache down in the area as well. Caleb, Jordan and Avonlea waited for us in the van. Greg was the first to find it as Erin and I worked our way toward the cache.
Saturday afternoon, Greg and I went out to continue the challenge and found a very memorable cache. Pictures are coming soon.
Sunday evening the family headed out to find our daily cache. However, we came up empty handed on the first attempt but came up with a smiley on the second attempt. Whew! Eli found this one. It's fun to have the whole family participating. This is their kind of caching too, one cache a day so they don't get tired of caching for too long.

Friends, Sun, Ocean & Caching

2010-06-11T23:25:00.002-04:00

What a wonderful day today. We've had friends from SC join us this weekend and today we went to Fort Macon State Park down near Morehead City, NC. What a BLAST! Playing in the ocean, flying stunt kites, good eats, caching, laughs and more!

Glad there are P&G Caches

2010-06-10T22:51:00.003-04:00

I've never really been a big fan of the Park & Grab caches. I generally like to hunt and work for the find or be taken to a uniqe place that I may not have gone to otherwise. Even if I would have been in the area, an opportunity to learn something new or a piece of history via caching is always a neat addition to the trip. Even a cache along a series of caches makes the memory special. P&G's however, have never really held a place in my heart; I've always just discounted them as caches for the numbers chasers. Well today, that has changed... a little. I didn't get a chance to grab a cache on the way in to work this morning and just didn't at lunch either. So... a quick P&G was much appreciated after work considering I got out at about 7:00 rather than the expected 5. Anyway... day 5 of the 100 days challenge is now complete.

I also finished my first real video today. I came up with the creative ideas, shot all the video and then edited it all into one mostly seamless piece. I'm looking forward to getting it posted here and letting all my critics help me improve next time.

No ride, run or swim today... it was a rest day. Tomorrow... THE BEACH!

Until the next ride, run, swim or cache...

Another PR on the bike!

2010-06-09T21:07:00.004-04:00

I had a GREAT ride in to work again today. I'm really beginning to enjoy these bike rides, except for the dogs. Today I tried pouring dog food out as they approached but they took NO interest in it at all. I ended with a new PR for the ride in of 1:23:50. Today, I felt like I could have gone for a short run after the bike. That's really exciting for me. I hope to start working in some 3 mile runs after the bike in in preparation for an international distance Tri this summer/fall. I'm hoping for a run tomorrow.

My interesting sight of the day on the bike made me wish I had my BlackBerry out and ready to take a picture this morning or the fancy camera mount above. As I was cruising along, two men in an OLD, BEAT UP pickup truck passed me towing 3 small trailers all attached to each other. It was quite the sight!

I also stopped along the way for a quick break to grab a cache continuing our 100 days challenge. This cache would have made day 3 but I didn't find the cache. I had set a 5 minute search time limit knowing I hate to DNF (Did Not Find) a cache but I also had to get in to work. I searched for the cache for 7 and then for my speedometer for another 3 so my total stopped time was 10 minutes. UGH! Good news though, I managed to grab another cache during lunch while out meeting Melissa at the bank to set up our NC bank account.

On the job front, I'm enjoying my new job, getting to know the new church body and trying ot remember all their names, etc. I'm learning to use iMovie to create the video announcements at the church. I've shot and edited a couple simple one scene videos last week for the announcements and they turned out OK. Today I started my first multi scene video and I'm looking forward to finishing it up tomorrow. I may just post it here when done... we'll see.

Final ride results: 26.5 miles, 18.9 mph avg, 1:23:50
Bike miles this week: 63.1
Bike miles this month: 93.9
Run miles this week: 0
Run miles this month: 0

Until the next ride, run, swim or cache...

Dogs & Geocaches

2010-06-08T15:54:00.003-04:00

Had a great ride into work this morning. I have three dogs that come to "greet" me and chase me as I ride past them. The two bigger dogs just bark and generally stay along the edge of the yard but the small one gnarls, growls, barks and bites at me. Pastor Damon suggested I bring doggie treats but the pepper spray really sounds better to me. Today they were waiting on the road, spread out across both lanes running AT me. UGH! the two larger dogs on the outside and the little one in the middle. As I approached, the two larger moved off to their yard and the small one turns and chases after me. I'm telling, I think this dog wouldn't hesitate to BITE me if it could catch me. Luckily the adrenaline kicks in as the hair on my legs and arms stands straight up and I don't have an issue out "running" it. Perhaps tomorrow I will remember doggie treats and I'll see how that goes.
I also picked up a Geocache along the way this morning. Yesterday we went out as a family and picked up our 500th find. This also marks the beginning of a challenge that I'm undertaking... 100 consecutive days of caching, 100 caches in 100 days. Today made #2 of the 100 goal. I'll also be keeping you up to date on this as it progresses.
Final ride results: 26.6 miles, 17.8 mph avg, 1:29:35
Bike miles this week: 36.6
Bike miles this month: 67.4
Run miles this week: 0
Run miles this month: 0

How to fix a flat on the road 101

2010-06-07T14:27:00.006-04:00

Hello to anyone who actually reads this blog.
I headed out for a short 45 minute ride this morning (after sleeping in). Melissa stayed home today passing on another Monday morning ride with me so I was on my own this morning. I headed down toward Snow Hill again anticipating going 22:30 and turning around but by that point I was so close to Snow Hill I decided to go all the way down to Lenoir Community College where Melissa I biked to last week Monday. I made it down in just over 24 minutes averaging 22.4 mph. WooHoo! What a great ride. I took a short water break and headed back home. My rear tire seemed low and I would shortly realize the importance of testing the tires and topping them off BEFORE heading out on a ride. I decided to stop and top off the tire with my new CO2 cartridge. I assembled the device and filled the tire and everything went well until suddenly the tube went BAM!!!! and now I had to replace the tube(first time doing this on the side of the road). Now frustrated with myself after this rookie mistke, and after changing Eli's tire this last week I looked down at the tire and realized I didn't have the wrench needed to remove the wheel so I messaged Melissa (my princess in a shining white dress) to come rescue me. Shortly after texting her I had a moment of clarity and realized that I have quick release on my road bike and didn't need a wrench (Duh!) so I began the process. As I finished the repair and mounted the tire, she and Eli arrived so I loaded the bike into the van and we drove home. We arrived to breakfast on the table and sat down for a great breakfast of scrambled eggs, goetta and blueberry muffins.
Final ride results: 11 miles, 20.1 avg, 32:50
Bile miles this week: 11 miles
Bike miles this month: 40.8 miles

Until the next ride, run or swim...

Tuesday, June 1

2010-06-01T15:47:00.003-04:00

I biked into work this morning. We left the car the church on Sunday so I'll drive back home tonight. I had a record best time this morning of 1:25:25 averaging 18.8 mph for the 26.7 mile ride.
Totals:
This week: Cycle 45.7 miles, 2:45
This month: Cycle 26.7 miles, 1:25

Monday, May 30 - Memorial Day

2010-06-01T15:39:00.002-04:00

Melissa and I had a GREAT bike ride in the morning. We headed down to Snow Hill from home on Hwy 91 and cruised all the way down to the outskirts of town to Lenoir Community College and stopped for a water break there. After that we turned around and headed back home. This was Melissa's longest ride to date at 19 miles with an average of 14.4 mph. She did great! Among the many interesting things we saw was a spanish church that seemed to have its power from the house up the street. We could see an orange and then black extension cord running along the ditch from the neighboring house (about 500-700 feet away)! Other interesting sites included a turtle and what seemed to be a manure processing plant. YUCK!

Eli and I even got in a 2.5 mile ride together in the late afternoon. It was great. We biked up to the cemetery and then to the south side of town and back.

Later in the day, we hosted the Masters Commission guys that helped us move in. We served some great new recipes including grilled nachos, citrus lime chicken & chili lime grilled corn. The guys shot some hoops, played guitar hero and then we had some killer air hockey games. Fun times!

Changes are coming to this blog with the new year

2009-12-29T21:30:00.002-05:00

I will be taking the helm on this, my blog, beginning next year, 2010. I'm looking forward to this project. I plan on keeping anyone reading it (if there's anyone left) on my continued fitness journey, my spiritual walk, our family life and other events going on. It should be an exciting year!

Steve really finally has a blog!

2009-09-22T13:49:00.004-04:00

I've just recently been given the opportunity to post entries here, my blog. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my ghost writers for all their hard work in getting this blog off the ground. It's been fun posting through them and seeing what tidbits of my life they have deemed blog worthy, from simple Twitter and Facebook updates, stories I share or simply a random quote. I don't have anything exceptional to share, just a quick note to say "Hi" and let you know that now I really do finally have a blog. :)

Mi-Fi

2009-08-22T20:52:00.000-04:00

The greatest thing since sliced bread.

Posts

2009-08-10T16:30:00.002-04:00

I'm sorry that I have not been posting lately. I've been busy moving pianos and being loved by my friends. More posts will follow. Eventually!

Oh, that Paul!

2009-07-27T11:22:00.003-04:00

It figures Paul would put up this post. He is always looking for ways to make fun of Wisconsin...

By the way, don't you think all road signs in Wisconsin should be green and yellow?

I found a really great web site!

2009-07-24T12:23:00.004-04:00

Yes! You have got to check out these year book photos. This is how I rolled back in the mid-80s. It's loads of fun.

A Soggy Bloggin' Boys thought....

2009-07-22T09:24:00.003-04:00

I really wish the two musicians in the group, Paul & Greg, would write a song called "When Tuesday is another day". A video of this would be fantastic. Simply fantastic.

Until next time...

2009-07-17T08:46:00.003-04:00

Last evening I enjoyed a night of putt putt, Sonic and family fun with my parents and sister before they leave today.

Family, birthdays, and pasta is a great combination!

2009-07-15T09:56:00.003-04:00

We enjoyed celebrating Erin's 15th brithday at Olive Garden with the whole family last night. It's hard to believe we only have 2 more days with my parents and sister in town. It's going by too fast.

Wow! It's my birthday!

2009-07-13T10:43:00.000-04:00

Lambeau Field continues to dominate pro sports stadium rankings

2009-07-04T09:58:00.002-04:00

For those of you that somehow aren’t aware that I’m a Green Bay Packers fan, let me start by telling you that I am. I even have a cheese head that I wear on those special game days. I have several Packers t-shirts, a hoodie, two watches (SuperBowl I & GB Logo) and two blankets. The Packers are a unique sports franchise that plays in a historically rich and exciting venue… Lambeau Field; and I just had to share this news with you.

For the second straight year and the fourth time in the last five years, Lambeau Field is ranked No. 1 in stadium experience in all of professional sports in ESPN The Magazine's Ultimate Standings.

The publication ranks all 122 North American professional sports franchises in stadium experience based on cleanliness, parking, security and promotions. Lambeau Field first hit the top spot in 2005 and stayed there in 2006 before dropping to second in 2007. Last year it climbed back to No. 1 and remained there this year.

"We're proud of the fact that fans continue to enjoy their experiences at Lambeau Field," Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy said. "We're always looking at ways to enhance the fan experience, to keep things fresh while also maintaining the traditions inherent to Lambeau Field. We work hard to make it a great visit for all of our fans."

Stadium experience is one of eight categories ESPN The Magazine uses to create the Ultimate Standings for all professional sports franchises. The publication says the rankings provide a measure of how much teams give back to the fans in exchange for all the time, money and emotion the fans invest in them.

In the overall rankings combining all eight categories, the Packers finished 13th this year, good for second among NFL franchises behind the reigning Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers. Other categories that contributed to Green Bay's strong showing were fan relations (18th overall, 3rd in NFL) and affordability (22nd overall, 1st in NFL).

As a franchise, the Packers have finished in the top 10 overall in four of the seven years ESPN The Magazine has been compiling The Ultimate Standings, including No. 1 overall in 2003, the inaugural year of the survey. The Packers were No. 4 overall last year.

ESPN The Magazine's Jason Catania credits the G-Force campaign and the Tundra Tailgate Zone with contributing to Lambeau Field's top ranking. G-Force is known as the extra boost of energy the sellout crowd provides the team, while the Tundra Tailgate Zone is a tented tailgate area open to the public and located in the east parking lot of the stadium.

Lambeau Field has ranked no lower than fourth in all of pro sports in the stadium experience category since the inception of the survey, and has been the top venue in the NFL every year. For a look at the entire survey, click here.

My daughter is in Costa Rica!

2009-07-02T14:25:00.006-04:00

As most of you already know if you follow this blog (why you would do that, I have no idea though) that my daughter Erin is in Costa Rica on a mission trip. We helped to drive the team up the Charlotte on Monday night and dropped them off at a hotel. They departed on Tuesday morning and flew through Atlanta and on to San Jose, Costa Rica. I watched anxiously online tracking her flights. It’s actually quite incredible the information we have available to us through the internet. Greg and I searched yesterday for more information about this place… Grano de Oro in Costa Rica. I found a couple in Texas that was just there this spring and spent a couple minutes talking with them via phone. Joe was able to guide via maps I was looking at so I would know just “where” she is. It’s amazing, while you know God is control and she is safe, how knowing “where” she is brought me additional peace. I thought I would share with you my discovery and two maps that help to pinpoint their location. The one map is a general overview with the red star obviously being Grano de Oro and the second being a topographical map from Google Earth with some photos inserted for reference. The “bridge” picture is a well known bridge for those who have been there. All the passengers get off the bus, walk across the bridge and then the bus crosses over and they reload the bus to continue the journey. I’ve heard many stories about this portion of the trip. The other “landscape” picture is one I found on Google Earth labeled “Grano de Oro” so I’ve included that as well.

It is all good with the Doll's

2009-07-02T09:54:00.003-04:00

I got to talk to Caleb in Costa Rica last night, WooHoo! Melissa and the little boys left this morning for Cincy... soggy bloggers lunch today, grilled steak and veggies & movie night tonight.

This week's episode of "The Best Thing I Ever Ate" WITH BACON

2009-07-01T09:50:00.004-04:00

Wow, just Wow! Zig is really onto something. He’s created a national phenomenom!

What makes everything better? Bacon! Whether it's on a burger or a donut, Food Network stars including Guy Fieri, Duff, and Aida Mollenkamp talk about their favorite foods made with bacon. From San Diego to Atlanta, LA to New York, find out where to get the BEST pork-a-licious dishes, and why these accomplished chefs say it's The Best Thing I Ever Ate...with BACON!

http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/shows/episode/0,1000011,FOOD_32078_63430,00.html

Airs again on July 11^th

I have it on DVR from last night as well. Unfortunately, I can’t burn to DVD like Paul though.

Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia!

2009-06-25T13:50:00.001-04:00

Six flags over Georgia! First of day... Goliath... was great! Now on to mine train.

Because you need to know...

2009-06-24T12:10:00.001-04:00

It's pronounced Crow-Shay

Not Crotch-It.

You're welcome.

My latest observation

2009-06-23T11:20:00.004-04:00

I have noticed that I have a lot more material to blog on weeks that I have lunch with Greg, Paul, and Zig. Evidently these guys stir the inner writer in me. It is odd, but true. Go figure...

A sweet surprise!

2009-06-17T15:49:00.001-04:00

This morning my beautiful wife stopped by the office to drop off a folder I had forgotten at home. She surprised me by including a Starbucks hazelnut iced coffee with the delivery.

Thanks Melissa!

I’ve joined the craze… of baconnaise!

2009-06-17T08:33:00.002-04:00

My good friend and “fellow” blogger The Swell Guy gave me a special gift on Sunday… a jar of lite baconnaise! My wife was not nearly as trilled as I was because for some reason, she just doesn't understand our bacon craze which has also recently included bacon chocolate. Funny too; because she loves bacon, crispy bacon, maybe that's the problem, it's not crispy. That aside, I had my first taste yesterday as I prepared a turkey "club" sandwich (bread, baconnaise, turkey, lettuce and fresh tomatoes) with this tasty spread. Eli, my 6 yr. old son also had a turkey "club" with me (minus the lettuce & tomato for him of course since his regular sandwich is just mayo and turkey). It was wonderful in so many ways, fewer calories than even my usual lite mayo plus none of the calories from the bacon yet ALL of the flavor! Eli and I don't mind at all that the rest of the family hasn't jumped in with us since that means more for us. J

Speaking of Kittens

2009-06-13T10:34:00.003-04:00

A little compilation video set to one of my favorite Japanese kid's songs. Sing along if you wish.

Celebrate!

2009-06-12T08:55:00.001-04:00

Several reasons to celebrate today. 1) God's blessed me another day. 2) Lost another 1.6 lbs this week. 3) Kittens born this morning, free kittens anyone?

I Win!!

2009-06-08T20:56:00.000-04:00

Sent from my BlackBerry Curve

Full Contact Aggravation

2009-06-08T20:50:00.001-04:00

Just settling into an all out offensive battle of aggravation. I'm
currently in the lead but Eli and Melissa are ganging up on me.

Sent from my BlackBerry Curve

We really Tri-ed!

2009-06-07T20:06:00.002-04:00

What a great day! Our TRI-NC Relay Team had a blast at the SC Festival of Flowers Triathlon. It was fun to do it together and we had a gorgeous day. The event was well organized and it felt cool to be competing in a top notch athletic event.

I swam first and while I missed the time I wanted by just a little, it felt great when I was finished. It was my first time competing in open water and I did not quite know what to expect. Once I had completed the 1500 meter swim I was so energized that I knew I could have continued on a bike. This is encouraging as I hope to progress and do longer triathlons later in the year on my own.

Zig and Raye both did the time splits that they expected. Raye had a new personal best and we were within 4 minutes of 3rd. place in the Relay Team competition which would have netted us a "Place" and a trophy. It was also a blast hanging around to see our friends Ruthie , Josh, and Brian and Greg complete their individual events. I'm almost ready for next time!

Time to Tri

2009-06-06T21:52:00.002-04:00

I am nervous, but ready for the Festival of Flowers triathlon in the morning. Glad I'm just doing the swimming though. :) Thanks Zig & Raye for biking and running on the team with me.

Debunking Billy

2009-06-03T09:36:00.005-04:00

I started a bible study MANY years ago here. I actually started it at my previous church and after a brief hiatus I restarted it. It has grown from 1 or 2 regulars to about 10. One of our new additions (the past 2 years) has been Billy.

Billy is quite the unique character. We have had many discussions ranging from going for the PGA Senior Tour to how to start a home church. Somewhere in between those topics we have discussed food.... and the bible.

While I have listened patiently while he has spoken of eating Kosher (per the Old Testament), several of my friends (Paul, Karl Allen, and Greg) have had difficulty accepting the whole "ban on pork" thing. After Billy sent me a link on Pork Tapeworms in the Brain, I just had to do some research.

I think we have all seen the You Tube video clip of tapeworms coming out of two pork chops after pouring coke on them. While that was an upsetting thought, did any of you actually see tapeworms. I saw something white.. but have no idea what it was. Plus with the "time breaks" I would say that the likelyhood of this being true is unlikely.

When I searched for information that went deeper into the subject (from Billy's article) and did some Snopes.com searching I found a lot of debunking information. I can sum it all up in this. If you do a good job cooking the meat, you will not be growing tapeworms in your brain.

So Zig, Paul and Greg - eat all the pork you want, just stay away from the bacon sushi.

A New Blog Post

2009-06-02T14:08:00.001-04:00

This is it.

The Pattern in Prime

2009-05-26T13:41:00.004-04:00

I posted last Friday about the importance of prime numbers in weight loss and physical fitness. That got me to thinking. I wonder if prime numbers are random (like this post) or if there is a pattern to them. I found this great website on what you can see in prime numbers.

It's our anniversary!

2009-05-26T11:42:00.004-04:00

It's been 19 years and she still loves me. How could a guy be more blessed? Happy anniversary. I love you Melissa!

Halfway

2009-05-22T23:38:00.001-04:00

Today I reached a milestone. 35.6 pounds lost, 35.4 pounds left to go. I
have officially past the midpoint.

If you haven't guessed, my goal is 71 pounds. Not divisible by anything; a
prime number. What an interesting phrase "prime number". Say it with me
one time "prime number".

Greg and I are going to form the "Prime Time Losers Club". I think my next
target will be 19 pounds.
Sent from my BlackBerry Curve

Debunking

2009-05-22T08:20:00.011-04:00

A while back I wrote about being a Geocache enthusiast. Another minor hobby that I have is Debunking. I try not to invest too much time into this activity since I am a devoted family man. Fortunately I have developed skills that allow me to Debunk quickly and efficiently.

Here is a quick outline about Debunking:

Definition: To expose or ridicule the falseness, sham, or exaggerated claims of

Word History: One can readily see that debunk is constructed from the prefix de-, meaning "to remove," and the word bunk. But what is the origin of the word bunk, denoting the nonsense that is to be removed? Bunk came from a place where much bunk has originated, the United States Congress. During the 16th Congress (1819-1821) Felix Walker, a representative from western North Carolina whose district included Buncombe County, carried on with a dull speech in the face of protests by his colleagues. Walker later explained he had felt obligated "to make a speech for Buncombe." Such a masterful symbol for empty talk could not be ignored by the speakers of the language, and Buncombe, spelled Bunkum in its first recorded appearance in 1828 and later shortened to bunk, became synonymous with claptrap. The response to all this bunk seems to have been delayed, for debunk is not recorded until 1923.

How it works: Let's say a guy like Paul, or Greg, or Zig publishes something that they believe to be true because it was in the newspaper or on the Internet and I get this feeling that something is not quite right (some have called this "Stevedar"). I do a quick bit of research and relay my findings to the publisher. We all love this. It is great team work and we all appreciate that we have done the best reportage possible. As a bonus, I get to debunk my own blog. It is a lot of fun.

I have a hit counter

2009-05-20T20:15:00.005-04:00

I just loaded a hit counter. If you are looking it is in the lower left corner of my blog. It is completely amazing how many visitors have already come by to see me. Thanks people. Keep up the great work!

Team Tri-NC

2009-05-19T10:40:00.002-04:00

The month-long celebration known as the Festival of Flowers here in Greenwood begins in June; that’s less than 2 weeks away. For years enjoyed seeing our community transform as gardens are prepared throughout May and the activities begin the first weekend of June. However, this year the Festival of Flowers is impacting me personally. I am participating in the triathlon on Sunday, June 7 as a member of a relay team “Tri-NC” and my portion will be the .93 mile swim. During my journey to lose weight and get physically fit I have come to enjoy the endurance sport of triathlons. I completed my first sprint triathlon of the season (300 yd swim, 12.4 mile bike & 5k run) last month in a personal best time of 1:32:04. I completed the same tri back in 2007 in 1:45:23. This international distance (1500 meter swim, 24 mile bike & 10k run) triathlon is more than I care to “take on” alone right now so I’ve recruited some team members for the cycling (The Swell Guy) and running portions. Having grown up with a pool in my back yard and swimming in lakes throughout my life, I’m not afraid of the water; however, this upcoming event does have me nervous. There’s just something about swimming with a couple hundred other people that has me wondering, perhaps it’s just because I’ve never done anything like this. My friend Heather has also been helping me prepare with swimming plans and tips to make sure I’m ready. I’ll be sure to let you know now Team Tri-NC does and keep you updated on my other upcoming events.

Historic Lambeau Field - Best in the NFL

2009-05-17T00:15:00.001-04:00

Star Wars

2009-05-11T09:27:00.000-04:00

If the first 3 Star Wars movies are referred to as a trilogy, what are all six referred to as?

Time for Learning New Things with Steve

2009-05-04T08:13:00.005-04:00

Last night my teammate and I had the opportunity to defeat Paul and Zig at horseshoes after they had already beaten all other challengers. Afterwards a number of people asked "Steve, how did you do it?". It was actually quite simple. With a quick review of these instructions you too can throw championship horseshoes.

If you are just a beginner to the game of horseshoes then the first thing you need to do is learn how to throw them. If you are a professional horseshoe pitcher, then it never hurts to revisit the basics and get your game back on track. For the purpose of this article we will assume that you are right handed. If you are left handed, just apply everything in the opposite way.

A key thing to remember when reading this is that horseshoes is just like any other skill in life. It takes practice to become accurate. So if you are serious about developing this skill, be prepared to invest many hours practicing your pitching. However, unlike many other sports, this game can be fun for everyone even if you can barely hit the pin!

So it is time to pick up the horseshoe. But before you go and throw it at the pin, take a good look as to how you are holding it. What you want to do is hold the horseshoe on its side like a backwards "C". Grab the bottom side of the horseshoe so that the last knuckle by your fingertips is on the inside edge. This will let your fingertips curl up from the inside edge of the horseshoe. Your thumb will be on the flat side of the horseshoe so that the tip of your thumb meets up with the tips of your index and middle finger.

The placement of your grip should be roughly in the middle of the leg, or shank, of the horseshoe. This type of grip is called the 1 1/4 turn. This is one of the best grips to use for a beginner. This grip requires much less wrist motion than other types of grips. This lets the pitcher focus more on the throw than the wrist action which usually gives you more control. When throwing a horseshoe with the 1 1/4 turn you want to let it have a little more speed during the throw. The best way to get a ringer with this throw is to have the horseshoe come in and hook the stake from the right side. It will be able to hook that stake well and help you get those ringers landing throw after throw.

The most common mistake when throwing a horseshoe is forcing it to turn in the air. When thrown correctly, the horseshoe will do the work for you in the air. If you force it to turn you are not only losing accuracy on the throw, but you are also causing an unusual turn in the air which can cause the horseshoe to land on its side and roll. The object here is to get the horseshoe to land flat or "dead" around the stake.

Now that you have a grip on the horseshoe it is time to look at the swinging motion of your pitching arm. Hold the horseshoe out straight in front of you at eye level and aiming at the stake. Your feet position is really optional. You can either stand with your feet together or with your left foot about 6 to 8 inches behind your right foot. In either case, you want the majority of your weight to be on your right foot. As you begin your backswing, you want to take the horseshoe and turn it into a vertical position (like shaking hands). The horseshoe should stay in a vertical position for the entire backswing. On your upswing, as the horseshoe passes your right leg, bring the horseshoe back to the level or horizontal position. Release the horseshoe when it gets back to a line between your eyes and the opposite stake. Keep your wrist locked and straight and release the horseshoe in a level position to have it land flat or "dead".

Now before you swing away here, we need to talk about your feet positioning during the throw. Regardless of how you started (feet together or left foot back), you want to have a gentle transition of weight from your right to your left foot. When your backswing is at its peak, begin shifting your weight and stepping forward with your left foot. As your upswing starts to pass your knees you should have most the weight on your left leg. This way your arc isn't solely dependent on your arm muscles, but also the spring motion from your body and legs.

The most important part of your swing is then the follow through. After you have released the horseshoe, continue your throw. You will end up with your right arm almost straight up in the air and all the weight on your left foot. Just like any other sport or skill, the follow through can make or break your shots.

Note: Actually there are several other ways to hold a horseshoe and throw them, but I wanted to start you with the easiest to learn technique. Please contact me individually for advanced instructions or if you would like to discuss private lessons.

Learn to Shallow Dive

2009-05-01T08:32:00.011-04:00

My buddy, Zig, mentioned shallow diving on his blog this morning and indicated you may want to ask me about this ultra sport. OK. The first thing we need to review is that we are not talking about this so called sport of shallow diving which is as much a sport as TV wrestling. We are talking about the true sport of shallow diving that requires a combination of skill, courage, and athleticism.

Here are the basic instructions:

1. Step1
  Stand at poolside and grip your toes on the edge. Your feet should be about six inches apart.
2. Step2
  Bend at your knees and waist. Reach your arms down to the side of the pool, but keep your gaze on the opposite side of the pool.
3. Step3
  Swing your arms up in back of your body almost to shoulder level; then reverse and swing them forward.
4. Step4
  Thrust forward with your legs and push off with your toes. Spring off and out from the wall.
5. Step5
  Leap forward parallel to the water, stretching your arms far out in front of you and your legs behind you.
6. Step6
  Drop your arms and head slightly just before you reach the water so that you strike the water at a shallow angle.
7. Step7
  Glide just below the surface of the water until you feel your speed begin to diminish.
Something to think about:
- If you are standing on a bridge eight feet over the water it is much different that gripping the edge of a swimming pool with your toes.
-Your dad's demonstration dive may have looked easy because he learned from past experience.
- If the river bottom is only five or six feet down and loaded with sharp rocks it could be a problem on your first attempt. You could scrape your hands, wrists, arms, chest, and gash your head on the sharp rocks if your dive is not shallow enough.
-Scraping and cutting yourself as descibed above could send women and children running from the water as well as require stitches. However, later you will have a great story to tell when people ask about the scar on your forehead.
Things you will need:
-Swimsuit
-Swimming Cap (optional)
-Goggles (optional, but it sure is nice to see sharp rocks as you approach them)
-Towel
-Extra Swimsuit

Technology is Wonderful

2009-04-29T09:42:00.002-04:00

I am actually posting this from my Blackberry. It does limit me somewhat on
the amount of posting that I can do quickly.

Look for more "quick posts" in the future.

Mission Opportunities

2009-04-28T09:21:00.003-04:00

In the summer of 1989, I had the opportunity to travel to South Africa as part of a team representing Oral Roberts University. One of the places we visited during our stay was the country of Lesotho (pronounced Li Soo Too). I spent eight weeks on the mission field that summer and have kept most of the momentos from the journey in a special memory box.

A conversation or two this week brought back memories of my trip. Lesotho is unique in that the country is essentially an island in the middle of South Africa. It is the southernmost land locked country in the world. The country is currently suffering greatly from AIDS/HIV. The disease affects nearly 30% of the population, one of the highest rates in the world. There are several important orphanages operating in Lesotho to help care for children left behind. One of the young ladies from our church may have the opportunity to go and help at one of the orphanages this summer.

I will add a few photos of my time there when I get a few extra minutes to post them.

My buddy Paul just put up blog post #1000. It is a masterpiece.

2009-04-25T11:37:00.001-04:00

Cinderella story. Outta nowhere. A former greenskeeper, now, about to become the Masters champion. It looks like a mirac... It's in the hole! It's in the hole! It's in the hole!
Congrats Paul!

Steve Trivia

2009-04-23T20:02:00.002-04:00

Due to some minor sinus issues, my voice sounds like one of the following Brady kids in this clip from your childhood memories.

Toys for Men

2009-04-22T12:32:00.003-04:00

ARRRRRGGGGGHHHH, ARRRRRGGGGGHHHH, ARRRRRGGGGGHHHH

Killer Prayer Tips

2009-04-21T10:03:00.001-04:00

Photos from a great day

2009-04-19T21:16:00.005-04:00

It was a beautiful morning for the triathlon. Here are a few photos from the event.

The top shot shows Greg and I shortly after receiving our numbers. Mine was random but they unfortunately put Greg's age on his. The second photo is Greg with the moon behind him (I told you it was early!) All the participants received two identifying numbers in permanent marker for the event. Our competition number was written on our right arm and our ages were written on the back of our calves. This was okay until I was getting passed by people much older than me out on the course. It was WAY too easy to recognize when that occurred.

This is not the end. It was really just the beginning of this journey of better health and exercise. I look forward to future challenges.

Yeah, baby!

2009-04-19T19:26:00.002-04:00

Hooray! It's over. 1,32,04 No splits available yet, but 13 minutes better than my last time and only 2 minutes off my big goal.

Time to Tri!

2009-04-18T21:09:00.000-04:00

10 hours to Tri-time!

I'm ready

2009-04-16T16:35:00.000-04:00

A question that I ask myself.

2009-04-15T11:26:00.001-04:00

The Check List

2009-04-14T20:30:00.000-04:00

Bike in the shop getting tuned up...check, done eating Easter candy...check, on my way to the Y to run...check, bike & swim tomorrow...planned, ready for the tri in 4 days...hopefully. :)

Countdown

2009-04-14T10:44:00.000-04:00

5 days until the triathlon... It's amazing how just typing the words makes me more nervous.

Why does the Easter Bunny lay eggs?

2009-04-13T09:15:00.002-04:00

A fair question I think.

My kids were curious as to why and how a bunny is laying eggs anyway?

The Easter Bunny is mentioned in literature as early as the year 1620 and can be traced to German origins. The first edible Easter Bunnies were made there in the 1600's and consisted of pastry and sugar. The Easter Bunny was introduced to America by German settlers who arrived in Pennsylvania Dutch country in the 1700's. According to the tradition, children would build brightly colored nests, often out of caps and bonnets, in secluded areas of their homes. The "O_ster Haws_e" (pronounced Osterhause) would, if the children had been good, lay brightly colored eggs in the nest. As the tradition spread, the nest has become the manufactured, modern Easter basket, and the placing of the nest in a secluded area has become the tradition of hiding baskets.

Both Rabbits, Hares, and eggs are all known as symbols of fertility.

The precise origin of the coloring of eggs is also very interesting. Many eastern Christians to this day still dye their eggs red to signify the newness of springtime and also the blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Wikipedia gives the following account:

German Protestants wanted to retain the Catholic custom of eating colored eggs for Easter, but did not want to introduce their children to the Catholic rite of fasting. Eggs were forbidden to Catholics during the fast of Lent, which was the reason for the abundance of eggs at Easter time.[7]
The idea of an egg-laying bunny came to the United States in the 18th century. German immigrants in the Pennsylvania Dutch area told their children about the "Osterhas," sometimes spelled "Oschter Haws." "Hase" means "hare," not rabbit, and in Northwest European folklore the "Easter Bunny" indeed is a hare, not a rabbit. According to the legend, only good children received gifts of colored eggs in the nests that they made in their caps and bonnets before Easter.[8] In 1835, Jakob Grimm wrote of long-standing similar myths in Germany itself. Noting many related landmarks and customs, Grimm suggested that these derived from legends of Ostara.[9]

So there you have it kids. Ask and you shall receive.

God Is Good!

2009-04-11T20:55:00.001-04:00

Our Tenebrae service was absolutely wonderful... very powerful! Our kids spring festival this afternoon went great. Now I'm looking forward to celebrating Easter morning at church and having great fellowship with friends afterward. God Is Good!

Geocache or Bust

2009-04-11T10:14:00.003-04:00

I am proud to say that I am a Geocache enthusiast. Wikipedia describes Geocaching as an outdoor treasure-hunting game in which the participants use a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver or other navigational techniques to hide and seek containers (called "geocaches" or "caches") anywhere in the world. A typical cache is a small waterproof container (usually a tupperware or ammo box) containing a logbook and "treasure," usually toys or trinkets of little value.
Currently over 823,000 geocaches are registered on various websites devoted to the pastime. Geocaches are currently placed in over 100 countries around the world and on all seven continents, including Antarctica.[1]

This is a hobby which I personally enjoy and have also been able to enjoy with my family. The following is a short tribute of the first ever "cache" provided by Dave Ulmer of Beavercreek, Oregon.[3] The location was posted on the Usenet newsgroup sci.geo.satellite-nav [4] as 45°17.460′N 122°24.800′W / 45.291°N 122.413333°W / 45.291; -122.413333. By May 6, 2000, it had been found twice and logged once (by Mike Teague of Vancouver, Washington). According to Dave Ulmer's message, the original stash was a black plastic bucket buried most of the way in the ground and contained software, videos, books, food, money, and a slingshot. The site is now now identified with a historical marker.

Origins of Good Friday

2009-04-10T11:01:00.001-04:00

Of the numerous Christian holy days on the liturgical calendar, Good Friday is perhaps the most solemn and profound memorial. The dates of Good Friday, which vary by calendar year, occur between March 20th and April 23rd. Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus and falls on the last Friday before Easter. It is the pinnacle of Holy Week, and Christians observe this day with great humility and reverence.

History of Good Friday

As early as the first century, the Church set aside every Friday as a special day of prayer and fasting. It was not until the fourth century, however, that the Church began observing the Friday before Easter as the day associated with the crucifixion of Christ. First called Holy or Great Friday by the Greek Church, the name "Good Friday" was adopted by the Roman Church around the sixth or seventh century.

Good Friday Origins

There are two possible origins for the name "Good Friday". The first may have come from the Gallican Church in Gaul (modern-day France and Germany). The name "Gute Freitag" is Germanic in origin and literally means "good" or "holy" Friday. The second possibility is a variation on the name "God's Friday," where the word "good" was used to replace the word "God," which was often viewed as too holy for commoners to speak.

Good Friday Traditions

Good Friday rituals and traditions are distinct from those of all other Church observances and add to Good Friday's considerable significance. The entire ceremony is somber, with priests and deacons dressing in black vestments. The pulpit and the altar are bare, and no candles are lit. The purpose behind the solemn presentation is to create an awareness of grief over the sacrifice of God's only begotten Son.

Good Friday Church Rituals

Starting anytime between midnight and 3 a.m., priests and other clerics begin to recite specific prayers. At the morning ceremony, the priest or church official recites lessons from the scriptures. Afterwards, there is a succession of prayers asking for God's mercy and forgiveness on all mankind.

At the noon hour comes the Adoration of the Cross, where a representation of the True Cross is unveiled and the clergy and laity pay homage to the sacrifice of Christ. In the Jerusalem Church, a remnant of the True Cross itself is presented for the ceremony. Next comes the Mass of the Presanctified, in which the priest or church official takes Communion from the host that was blessed during the Maundy Thursday ceremony. The ceremony concludes around 3 p.m. with a procession, which is followed by evening prayers.

What are you drinking?

2009-04-10T09:36:00.000-04:00

The average american consumes 20-22% of their calories in beverages. We need to drink more water.

Tenebrae

2009-04-10T09:06:00.000-04:00

We will be having our first Tenebrae Service tonight at 7pm. The word “tenebrae” is Latin for shadows and the purpose of the service is to examine 7 shadows representing the 7 stages of the Good Friday events.

I blog lots

2009-04-09T13:56:00.000-04:00

I did not know how often I would blog when I started out. The hard part is knowing when something new is posted to keep myself up to date!

Workin It

2009-04-09T12:14:00.000-04:00

Wow was yesterday hard. I got a whole new perspective on olympic training. My swim coach Heather observed my practice. I did a warm up lap then stopped to ask her what to do first. Her response was "now we can do your warm up." Apparently my idea of a workout is her idea of a warm-up.

The whole practice was that way. It was "change this and take a lap", "change that and take a lap" and on and on. At one point, trying to concentrate on all that I was changing, I consumed enough water to fill 10 jacuzzi's. All in all it was a rewarding experience.

Thanks Heather!!

My Team

2009-04-09T08:36:00.000-04:00

The Green Bay Packers have won more championships -- 12 -- than any other team in National Football League history.

They won their first three by league standing (1929, 1930 and 1931), and nine since the NFL's playoff system was established in 1933 (1936, 1939, 1944, 1961, 1962, 1965, 1966, 1967 and 1996).

Green Bay also is the only NFL team to win three straight titles, having done it twice (1929-30-31 and 1965-66-67).

In addition, the Packers won the first two Super Bowls (over Kansas City in 1966, 35-10, and over Oakland in 1967, 33-14), as well as a more recent one (over New England in 1996, 35-21).

Since the league implemented a playoff system in 1933, the Packers have played in the NFL's deciding game 12 times (10 NFL title appearances from 1936-67, two Super Bowls after the 1970 merger). Only the Giants (18) have played for more titles.

Most World Championships:
Green Bay Packers, 12
Chicago Bears, 9
New York Giants, 7
Dallas Cowboys, 5

In the pool

2009-04-08T14:39:00.000-04:00

I have been spending many hours recently in the water in preparation for the upcoming triathlon. My times are decreasing with every lap. The other night I had the wonderful opportunity to work with Heather who is an experienced swimmer, coach and mentor. Swimming is fun and we never got to do it in my home state of Wisconsin because the pools were all frozen.

Cool 3D Modeling Printer

2009-04-08T14:11:00.000-04:00

Not nearly as inspirational as Zig’s link this morning but cool none-the-less.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAt2xD1L8dw

Steve finally has a blog

2009-04-08T14:04:00.000-04:00

I finally broke down... just for you Paul!
http://stevefinallyhasablog.blogspot.com