I Want To Ride My Bicycle!

Well, so much for New Year's Resolutions--while I said I was going to be more vigilant about updating this page, I let 5 weeks slide by without a peep--my bad!

Anyway, the past two weekends have really been exciting for me, as it was my chance to take my son Max out to get some fresh air and try out his new bike--well new in the sense it was his first time riding it (was a birthday gift but got it just when the fall's weather deteriorated quickly).

So the first day as expected was a bit rocky, in that the mechanics of pedalling were tougher than anticipated for Max. He frustrates easily (that apple doesn't fall far from the tree), but after some patience on both our parts (after a few crying jags), he got to a point where he pedalled fairly consistently, and eventually without issue--now using the brakes was a different story--not grasping that right away resulted in three wipeouts. While somewhat hurt, rather than get back on the bike and start up again right away, Mr. Max asked me to interview him to go over what happened during each incident (similar to how monster truck drivers get interviewed after a run). Classic!

Two more days of bike riding (with two more days of wipeouts, but fewer each time) at two different locations proved enough to get him hooked on bikeriding. Thus far, jaunts to Brookdale Park in Montclair, NJ, the Nutley Park system in Nutley, NJ, and Liberty State Park in Jersey City, NJ, have now been put into the rotation for future trips. I posted a handful of images (to the right) for viewing. No doubt this helps pave the way for bike riding up in Pennsylvania!

They're at the gate!

This past Saturday Max and I took an impromptu trip over to the Meadowlands racetrack to surprise my father, who routinely makes Saturday nights at the races a way of life. After some searching we did manage to locate him, and between the three of us, enjoyed some conversation and some laughs--no winners, though! Maybe next time.

Out and About

Hi folks. During a warmer evening the other week I took Max out for a LONG walk around Nutley. If for no other reason, to just get away from our computers, our TVs, our Video Games. In Kingsland Park there is a cozy area bordered by two streams. On this tract of land sits a relatively new gazebo constructed for special events--

Hopefully we'll have another opportunity really soon to take advantage of some warmer weather and pay another visit soon!

Monster Jam 2009!

Yesterday Lynn, Max, and I headed over to the Izod Arena for an afternoon showing of Monster Jam. Having gone last year and enjoying the action, we decided to treat Mr. Max to one of his current passions, anything monster trucks. Trucks featured during the afternoon included The Broker, Backdraft, Madusa (surprise appearance), Erradicator, Viper, Superman, El Toro Loco, and Gravedigger. Below is a clip of Gravedigger doing his thing--

Besides the mayhem caused by the monster trucks, we were treated to an exhibition by BMX bikers and motocross riders doing their acrobatics. Also, there was a showing of a handful of customized cars (low riders) that lead to a demonstration of 'car dancing', where one vehicle was outfitted with the ability to basically 'dance' using the custom hydraulics built in--pretty neat!

All in all, a very nice time, despite a FRIGID walk back to the truck!

A Pair of Days Off

Hey. This isn't really much of an occasion, but wanted to at least update whoever happens to read what's happening in my world in a few sentences. With the holidays a fleeting memory, I was able to get back on the saddle and once again hit the weight loss trail, this time around finishing what I started in mid 2007--getting to 250 lbs. I have less than 20 pounds to go, and really think I have the midset to get there, ideally before my birthday this summer, but I'd accept before the end of the year. A couple of days off I've taken this week and next week will serve as springboards for extra time at the gym running and a minimal amount of checking in with work.

More to come!

Way too long since last post

Ok, so my work/life imbalance these past few months has really stifled my interacting with the outside world. However, as this effort at work enters a new phase and the horizon looks like I may have more breathing room, I wanted to check in here and wish everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year!

Day Trip to Long Beach Island

That's right. On Saturday Max and I took a ride to visit my folks in LBI, who had set up shop there for a week and a day in a BEAUTIFUL oceanfront rental. The two family home (with no renters on the lower level) had a spectacular view of both the ocean and a view of the bay--no doubt some amazing summer evenings could be enjoyed there. Besides seeing my folks, we visited with my Aunt Grace and Uncle Dennis in the morning, who had stayed for two nights, and then my sister Dionne and her husband Bob in the afternoon once they got there.

We didn't have much planned for the afternoon, since we were only staying for a few hours, but we manage to take a short ride to Beach Haven (had to get the family a couple of boxes of Fudge from Country Kettle!). Also, with a change of clothes and shoes for Max in hand just in case, we both trekked down on to the beach to get our sand and ocean fix.



Despite some foul weather that lasted pretty much the whole day, it was nice to soak up the beach atmosphere and spend some time in quite a snazzy house!!