New Happenings

A good deal of new stuff going on around here. A promotion at work has been the biggest. It comes out to less hours a week and more money. Yes, I'm extrememly lucky. It's a little bit more stress right now with the training but people have been telling me that I'm actually smiling at work these days so that's new. The downside to this has been missing out on 2 races that I thought I'd be doing til I couldn't ride anymore. ORAMM and Fool's Gold. It sucks but I'll be back at both next year. On the plus side. They're still going to let me have the vacation I asked for in September so I can visit family and participate in the inaugral Skool of Hard Knox 50. A 50 mile bike race around Choctaw Lake near beautiful Ackerman, MS. I was born in Ackerman and 75% of my family still lives in that area so this is a win/win for me. I'm also planning on doing the Swank 65 for the 1st time this Nov. The same guy(Todd) who does ORAMM does this one also so I'm looking forward to it. There's also a new to me race happening near Atlanta in October that I plan on hitting up if I can. I don't remember the name though. Sorry. Anyway, fun and exciting times ahead.

Confession

I love mountainbiking. Absolutely love it. Everybody who knows me knows this. Most don't know I love football just as much. Maybe more. Growing up in Alabama, Coach Bear Bryant was a larger than life figure. I remember when he retired the state basically shut down. Yeah, it shows some out of whack priorities but it is what it is. One of the other big memories of this kind of stuff is a guy who lived in the same town I did had his truck specially ordered from the dealer so it could be painted in Alabama colors.

Anyway, all of this obsession comes to a head tonight. Alabama is playing or the mythical national championship for the first time in 17 years. I've been a nervous wreck for weeks. Last night I barely slept. I have a "lucky" t-shirt, cap, and jeans that I've worn for every game this year and I've got it ready for tonight. Is this healthy behavior for a 41 year old man? Nope. Not at all. But again, it is what it is. It's gameday!!!!!

ROLL TIDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!