Author: gfox (old content)

Morning Maintenance

Sox had a brunch thing that she was taking Sprout to, so I had some free time this morning. Yesterday I decided that I would use it to go for a bike ride. Wouldn’t you know it though, I woke up this morning feeling completely unenthused by the idea!

Sox convinced me to head out anyway, and I did. I had a hard time deciding on which bike to take, so I opted for the easiest one to grab. This turned out to be the Bullit, since my hardtail still had the trailer attached to it.

Once on the trails I was amazed at how few people were out. I saw one other rider while riding, and a bunch of other people doing some trail maintenance. Strange since it was almost sunny, and kinda warm (compared to the rest of the week).

I rode a lot of the roads, mainly just to get the blood flowing. I chose some of my favorite downhill trails as a way to remind me of how much I liked riding. There is something about Snakes and Ladders that always makes me ride fast and have a blast.

Over the course of the ride I worked up a good sweat, but I wouldn’t call it a great ride. I am glad I went though, as it gave me a chance to take a couple pictures too.

Motorist Constricted

Driving to work this morning, I witnessed a complete brain-dead move on the part of another motorist.

As I drove up the street from my house I saw a firetruck coming from a couple blocks away. I pulled over to the side of the road, with my turn signal on, and waited. A mini van coming the opposite direction didn’t see it for a while, and when they stopped, they were on the opposite side of the road from me.

The problem is that the road is not that wide, and firetrucks are. Firetrucks are big. Firetrucks move fast. Nimrod didn’t think about the fact that he just constricted the road for a big, fast moving emergency vehicle.

Shaking my head I moved my truck forward so there was more than enough room for the firetruck.

Revoked!

Bulbs Disconcerting

Are there any compact flourescent bulbs that replace regular incandesant bulbs that don’t need a warm up time before turning on? I bought some CF bulbs this week, and they are great when they are on, but when I walk into the office and flick on the light as I am walking in, they don’t turn on right away. Inevitably I turn back to the light switch to double check I did flick the switch on, then the lights pop to life. Very disconcerting and annoying.

I do like the new bulbs though. Ample light, good color too, and not too expensive.

Buoyancy Systems

It occurred to me that I hadn’t posted about my snail. Well, it was a good run for that snail, but he died not too long ago. It was quite odd since one day it was zipping around the tank eating algae, and the next it was floating.

Ever seen a floating snail? It is a sight to behold. I glanced at the tank, and I saw something weird, and when I got close I realized it was my snail. A gas bubble had formed in its body causing buoyancy. It then got caught in an eddy and followed a circular track through part of the tank.

The up side is that just the other day I discovered a new snail in the tank. A tiny, tiny little black snail was cruising up the glass. I have no idea where it came from, but Sox’s theory is that it arrived with some of the plants I bought recently. That is certainly plausible.

I also got a PetSmart gift card as a prize for a work contest. I think I will use it to get a new fish, and another snail. I am also going to look into a better filtration system, though I think that aquariums the size of mine don’t have real filtration systems, just something to keep big chunks out of the water.

Growing Effort

I’ve lost my edge. I noticed this a while ago actually. Something about growing up I think.

This past weekend I was supposed to go snowboarding, but plans fell through and the people I was going to go with weren’t going any more. I was faced with the decision of bailing myself, or to go alone and to try and salvage something. I was weak and decided to check the snow forecast the morning of and make the decision then. Anything over 10 cms was a go, but I wasn’t looking forward to it.

When it comes to mountain biking, I have noticed the same thing. I no longer take the chances that I used to, and no longer ride the big lines I used to. If it is raining, I am reluctant to head out, and I rarely ride alone any more.

Honestly I don’t feel like I am getting old, but some days I sure act like it. I am definitely more responsible than I used to be, and I think that affects me more than I think. I now have a lot more in my life that I care about than I did 8 years ago at the height of my sporting fun. Back then I could (and quite often did) drop everything on Friday and head out for a weekend of riding or boarding. Now everything I want to do takes more planning, and effort. Much of the time I would rather spend the weekend with my family.

So what do I do? I know I am a fairweather mountain biker. I know I won’t snowboard alone anymore. I still want to ride, but I can never seem to make it out of the house. Right now I am trying to accept that this is life for the next few years more.

This post sounds a lot more depressing than I meant it to. I love my life with Sox, Sprout, and Yoshi. I wouldn’t change it for anything, but I can’t help but remember how I used to live. Fun and enjoyment have a new meaning now, and it doesn’t involve an adrenaline rush. I now have a lot more to life, and that is the best feeling in the world.

Gas Choice

I forgot about the big news that on Feb 1, all gas in BC is now pre-pay. Since I always use a credit card, and pretty much always pay at the pump, this is a non-issue.

Apparently not so for some people. The Times Colonist did a story about the changes, and there was a priceless quote:

New regulations took effect midnight Thursday at B.C. service stations and some motorists didn’t appreciate them. Count Dolfi in that camp.

“It’s an imposition,” said the Victoria woman as she pumped $20 worth of gas into her tank. “I feel like I have no control over my life whatsoever, no choice.”

Uhh, a change in how you pay for gas means you have no control over your life? That is an odd thing to say. I hope the lady was saying whatever she could to get quoted, or she was misquoted/taken out of context. That is quite a reaction.