While driving out to Brookfield yesterday, I caught a glimpse of three letters on the Culver's sign in West Allis. "RAV." Right away, I guessed Cookie Dough Craving as the flavor of the day. And wouldn't you know it, I was correct. Now, I'm depressed about the sign. We have gone to Culver's for treats so many times that now all I have to see is just a couple of letters to know what the flavor is.
Glad I've been getting on the bike.
7-26 1.10 minutes, 515 cal, 170 max / 115 avg HR
box march
100 pushups
bench press
weight plate fly
incline db
single arm row
calf raises
Spinning at 31's
0.22 minutes, 4.48 miles, 11.8 avg
7-27
100 pushups
7/28
South Side Tour - Took Thor out and headed past The Horny Goat, placed was packed, into downtown, west towards 27th street, then over to Forest Home and home. Pushed a little harder than the other day. Burned calories shows. After putting Savannah down, punched out the pushups for the day.
1.06 minutes, 14.8 miles, 900 cal, 189 max / 151 avg HR
100 pushups
7/29
Early AM ride - West to Oak Leaf Trail, over to Oklahoma then back home. Short ride due to Sheri needing to get to work. Plus, no other time to take Thor out today.
.50 minutes, 10.81 miles, 13.9 avg, 569 cal, 186 max / 137 avg HR
100 pushups, done about 11pm due to being called in to Luke's...make the $$
Byrge
July 29, 2011
July 26, 2011
072511 Tour
Goals. People talk about goals and how they want to achieve them. I believe Aaron Rodger's goal was to win a Super Bowl. Well, he can check that one off the list. But what goals do I have? Perhaps just get the heart pumping, even a couple of minutes, everyday. Starting with 100 in 100. A hundred pushups everyday for one hundred days. Started yesterday, the 25th of July and would end Nov 1st. Just in time for indoor BMX.
I thought I forgot what it's like to ride. And, how enjoyable it can be. No distractions. Just a breath of fresh air, literally. Yesterday I recalled that feeling as I took Thor (the name I've given my road bike) out. Headed eastbound to KK, to Oklahoma and back. Received a decent headwind coming from the west on my way home. I felt like a kid again.
0.52 minutes, 11.8 miles, 14.0 avg, 622 cal, 207 max / 139 avg HR (don't think max HR accurate)
Byrge
I thought I forgot what it's like to ride. And, how enjoyable it can be. No distractions. Just a breath of fresh air, literally. Yesterday I recalled that feeling as I took Thor (the name I've given my road bike) out. Headed eastbound to KK, to Oklahoma and back. Received a decent headwind coming from the west on my way home. I felt like a kid again.
0.52 minutes, 11.8 miles, 14.0 avg, 622 cal, 207 max / 139 avg HR (don't think max HR accurate)
Byrge
July 25, 2011
Works of Art
Saddened by the fact that Pierce Manufacturing no longer gives public tours, I made my way around the web to find a few shots of some beautiful apparatus.
Marshall Creek Fire ready for inspection
United Hook & Ladder Company, wondering where's the steps go?
Schiller Park Fire taking a hydrant perhaps?
South side been getting some work lately. Question is how long will it last? Anyway, only a few months left before my senior man retires. I've gained alot of knowledge from Greg, and will miss our conversations in the firehouse. Our talks remind me of the talks Capt Algren and Katsumoto had in the film "The Last Samurai."
Byrge
Hooked on a Feeling
You ever get that feeling where you just want to punch someone in the f***ing throat? It's a great feeling, isn't it? Or perhaps there's more than one annoying you? As I just sit here and shake my head, I wonder how some people can be so two faced? "How you doing buddy? And the kids?" I hear that and it just seems to be someone that needs to fill the quiet air. I really don't think they care about any of that. And at times, all I hear is "blah, blah, blah!"
I wish I didn't feel this way, but sometimes just the right buttons get pushed. And I wish I wasn't so nice at times as well. Perhaps I need to be the asshole?
Byrge
I wish I didn't feel this way, but sometimes just the right buttons get pushed. And I wish I wasn't so nice at times as well. Perhaps I need to be the asshole?
Byrge
July 21, 2011
Pizza Dough #1
Made my first homemade pizza the other day. Went alright. I plan on posting how I put it together to see what changes I can make to get a better taste. The first one was good, but the misses said I rolled it out a little too thin.
If possible, next time sift flour one cup at a time into yeast mixture then knead. Try adding seasonings as well.
Byrge
- packet of quick rising yeast
- 3 cups of flour
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- 1 cup of warm water (had no thermometer - looking for a temp around 110 degrees F)
If possible, next time sift flour one cup at a time into yeast mixture then knead. Try adding seasonings as well.
Byrge
July 20, 2011
That Sucks!
Fire tone alarms.
Out the door we go and as we cruise down 27th street, we're waiting to hear the first in size up. Finally we arrive on scene. As I got off the rig, I saw that E17 and T8 were already there. Walking up to the corner house, I saw a good amount of smoke coming out of the front door. I then noticed that one of my instructors from the academy was also geared up talking to the chief. Anyway, the boss directed us to head in. Got down and started to mask up, and as I turned my bottle on, I heard a loud pop followed by a hissing sound coming from the rear of my pack. I turned it off and tried to tighten the connection. Turned the bottle on again, and the same hissing sound came back. "What the hell!" I thought. Frustrated, I began to get my pack off to see what was happening. At this moment, another air pack was tossed over to me. Really? This had to happen right in front of one instructors? Anyway, grabbed his pack and got squared away. Went inside to rejoin the rest of my company. Did a little work, but was more pissed of the event that just happened.
A while back, a HEO told me to make sure that the rig is ready to roll before any house work is to be done. I couldn't have agreed with him morning. On this day, I did that. Now if I didn't check my mask in the morning, I would willingly admit that I didn't check it. But I did. There was no issues with my pack during my morning check. So what the hell happened? Later I was told that it was my O-ring that popped off. Probably because the connection came loose. Yep, that sucked.
Gets better. A few hours later, the phone rings. A neighbor called saying that someone left a fire coat on scene. When I heard, this, I sprinted out to the truck to make sure that mine was there. Thankfully, it was. It turned out to be the captains coat. And boy, did he hear about it from the guys.
Just another day in what the department calls the quarters of E23 and T14. Paradise in the Park.
Byrge
Out the door we go and as we cruise down 27th street, we're waiting to hear the first in size up. Finally we arrive on scene. As I got off the rig, I saw that E17 and T8 were already there. Walking up to the corner house, I saw a good amount of smoke coming out of the front door. I then noticed that one of my instructors from the academy was also geared up talking to the chief. Anyway, the boss directed us to head in. Got down and started to mask up, and as I turned my bottle on, I heard a loud pop followed by a hissing sound coming from the rear of my pack. I turned it off and tried to tighten the connection. Turned the bottle on again, and the same hissing sound came back. "What the hell!" I thought. Frustrated, I began to get my pack off to see what was happening. At this moment, another air pack was tossed over to me. Really? This had to happen right in front of one instructors? Anyway, grabbed his pack and got squared away. Went inside to rejoin the rest of my company. Did a little work, but was more pissed of the event that just happened.
A while back, a HEO told me to make sure that the rig is ready to roll before any house work is to be done. I couldn't have agreed with him morning. On this day, I did that. Now if I didn't check my mask in the morning, I would willingly admit that I didn't check it. But I did. There was no issues with my pack during my morning check. So what the hell happened? Later I was told that it was my O-ring that popped off. Probably because the connection came loose. Yep, that sucked.
Gets better. A few hours later, the phone rings. A neighbor called saying that someone left a fire coat on scene. When I heard, this, I sprinted out to the truck to make sure that mine was there. Thankfully, it was. It turned out to be the captains coat. And boy, did he hear about it from the guys.
Just another day in what the department calls the quarters of E23 and T14. Paradise in the Park.
Byrge
July 19, 2011
Remember the Steps
Only one day left.
Asked my boss the other day if I could get over to a truck company to become orientated with driving and working the stick. He obliged me and sent me to Truck 14 for three days. Sad to say that tomorrow is my last "scheduled" day there.
First two went pretty well. Got most of the steps down to get the aerial up. Took some time but getting close. Just have to remember that everything I touch has a purpose. And to think of what's actually going on with every button or lever pressed or pulled.
Took a few runs as well. Been extremely hot and humid the last few days. Had an infant locked in a car for over ten minutes by the time we got there. Boss gave us two minutes to wedge and unlock the door. If not, a window was going to crumble. Good news. Saved the window and the child as we were able to unlock the old Toyota's door.
Got a fire on the far south side later that day. More on that in my next post.
Byrge
Asked my boss the other day if I could get over to a truck company to become orientated with driving and working the stick. He obliged me and sent me to Truck 14 for three days. Sad to say that tomorrow is my last "scheduled" day there.
First two went pretty well. Got most of the steps down to get the aerial up. Took some time but getting close. Just have to remember that everything I touch has a purpose. And to think of what's actually going on with every button or lever pressed or pulled.
Took a few runs as well. Been extremely hot and humid the last few days. Had an infant locked in a car for over ten minutes by the time we got there. Boss gave us two minutes to wedge and unlock the door. If not, a window was going to crumble. Good news. Saved the window and the child as we were able to unlock the old Toyota's door.
Got a fire on the far south side later that day. More on that in my next post.
Byrge
July 12, 2011
What Rider?
I've been following the Tour De France for maybe the last ten years. I'm amazed at the sprint finishes and shocked at how fast some riders can climb. This year I have something else to be surprised about.
I heard something about a crash, but didn't hear any details. Watching a recorded (have to love DVR) Stage 9, my jaw dropped when I saw what happened. A damn French television car slid into one of the riders on the lead breakaway group. Really? Stupid Frenchman. You in such a f***ing hurry for something? Even though the stage takes over four hours? One rider slammed into the ground while another crashes into a barbed wire fence. Nice job Frenchy!!
Yeah, you get the idea of what a barbed wire fence can do to a man's leg.
Good news though. The next day for the riders was one of rest. Much needed for some. Just remember, pain is temporary, pride is forever.
Byrge
Streak Continues
And the streak goes on.
What streak you may ask? You know, the one that has been dragging out for the last 15 months. One where two individuals on the same crew not seeing something that, as firefighters, should see. The one that includes my boss and I working together and NOT getting a first in fire. Yep, that's it.
When will the streak end? Or will it even end? At the end of the year, I most likely will no longer be on Engine 31. And no longer working with the crew that I've learned quite a bit from.
The next few days I'm going back to Truck 14. I spent a few days there last year to learn a little about the truck. This time around, I'm more interested in getting signed off on the truck. HEO exam is less than 18 months away. Plus, the south side has been burning up a lately, so I'm liking my chances of getting some work. Here's to hoping.
Byrge
What streak you may ask? You know, the one that has been dragging out for the last 15 months. One where two individuals on the same crew not seeing something that, as firefighters, should see. The one that includes my boss and I working together and NOT getting a first in fire. Yep, that's it.
When will the streak end? Or will it even end? At the end of the year, I most likely will no longer be on Engine 31. And no longer working with the crew that I've learned quite a bit from.
The next few days I'm going back to Truck 14. I spent a few days there last year to learn a little about the truck. This time around, I'm more interested in getting signed off on the truck. HEO exam is less than 18 months away. Plus, the south side has been burning up a lately, so I'm liking my chances of getting some work. Here's to hoping.
Byrge
July 5, 2011
Stage Four
Way to go Cadel!! Nice job on making sure that piece from Spain didn't take that one away from you. What a finish! Also, to Garmin/Cervelo to keeping my man Thor in the Yellow. Looking forward to tomorrows battle as the epic journey of this year's tour continues.
Byrge
This Fall?
It's never too early to think about next race season. Especially since I haven't been in a start chute since last May. Perhaps I'll even find myself in one this fall. So, with wanting to get back into the swing of things, I'm considering adding a new member to the stable. But looking at all the bikes I have, there's just something missing. Lets see, I have a full suspension, a single speed, a road bike and my faithful bmx cruiser. Hmm...it seems that I'm in need of a 29er. Yep, that's it!
So after comparing a few different models, I think I'm looking at getting a Salsa El Mariachi. The bike has gotten rave reviews from many resources. Sure, I looked at the Niner brand, but the cost of a complete bike is just too much for me to spend. Even with a discount. I also feel a need to get away from Trek for some reason. Nothing against the brand, just not what I want anymore.
Salsa El Mariachi
Obviously, the pic here is only the frame. But I would order a complete bike. Also, there would be some options to be had as well. Here's to seeing you out there.
Byrge
Saddle Sores
Fifty-Six.
That's the number or races that I've done from 2000-2010. At least the number of results I can find online. And these are only WORS, or the Wisconsin Off Road Series. I have done a few in WEMS, also known as the Wisconsin Endurance Mountain Series. But only a few.
Just a few years ago, I was informed about a bmx track to be built at Crystal Ridge. Today, the track is either called Milwaukee BMX or Cream City BMX. There, I have somewhere between 5-10 races on my twenty-four inch cruiser. To add experience on my bmx, I've traveled to Elkhorn where an indoor track is built each winter. I can only smile about my adventures there. With all the slush and snow outside, it's always a blast to get into the starting gate and go all out and a very smooth track.
In this year of 2011, I only have one race under my belt. That being at Elkhorn. Will there be more races? Well, I have my Trek Fuel EX 9, Trek 2.1, GT Peace singlespeed and my little GT Power Series 24 to choose from. Right now, I like my chances of racing again sometime this year.
Byrge
That's the number or races that I've done from 2000-2010. At least the number of results I can find online. And these are only WORS, or the Wisconsin Off Road Series. I have done a few in WEMS, also known as the Wisconsin Endurance Mountain Series. But only a few.
Just a few years ago, I was informed about a bmx track to be built at Crystal Ridge. Today, the track is either called Milwaukee BMX or Cream City BMX. There, I have somewhere between 5-10 races on my twenty-four inch cruiser. To add experience on my bmx, I've traveled to Elkhorn where an indoor track is built each winter. I can only smile about my adventures there. With all the slush and snow outside, it's always a blast to get into the starting gate and go all out and a very smooth track.
In this year of 2011, I only have one race under my belt. That being at Elkhorn. Will there be more races? Well, I have my Trek Fuel EX 9, Trek 2.1, GT Peace singlespeed and my little GT Power Series 24 to choose from. Right now, I like my chances of racing again sometime this year.
Byrge
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