Day 1

That's right. I'll be making comments when I remember about what I look forward to the most during the summer (as far as televised entertainment is concerned). The 96th edition of the Tour de France is underway, starting in the beautiful, yet ritzy Mediterranean coast country of Monaco. Only a few kilometers of this mornings time trial is actually rode on French soil, this being not so unusual as each year a clockwise route of France is traded for a counter-clockwise route the next and so on and so forth. The Tour has been ridden through Germany, Italy, Spain, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Ireland and Great Britain (not sure how on those last two). The next three weeks will certainly hold historical significance as record Tour winner Lance Armstrong returns to the stage with team Astana, which last year was banned from the Tour for relations to Alexander Vinokourov and doping, and two other teams (Garmin-Slipsteam and Columbia-Highroad) bring even more American riders to France in hopes of rekindling the threat of American riders in the classic events. 

The next 3 weeks will be entertaining to say the least. I'd have more to say but need to get a start on this day if I too will ride my bike. Thought I'd share a photo of Armstrong's time trial bike for this years Tour. Of course he gets the special treatment and rides a one of a kind (literally) machine that no one else on the Tour or even the team for that matter will ride, but I must say, this is one hell of a bike, certainly tickling my fancy for all things chic. Who'd of thought Armstrong would not only show up in style, but "murdered out"?

 

So glue your butts to the couch and turn on the TV. No grief from me for liquifying your brain this time. 

had the place to ourselves.

Yesterday was a very good example of what I would call a most excellent day. Get up, food, immediate activity followed by some more activity, food again and a bonfire to top it off. I just wanted to briefly state that and follow with a few pictures of rock Matt and I climbed in Franklin, West Virginia. Enjoy. 

First Aid 5.8: Matt led, I cleaned

Castaways 5.8: Matt led, I cleaned

Belly of the Whale: Matt led, my first project

 

harrisonburg.

Well it's been about a month now. Haven't posted, moved, I've been here, one class down (B+, can't complain), unemployed. So far everything has been pretty good. I still feel like I'm spending a lot of time partying and not being so productive, but I'd say I'm just getting the kinks out. 

Waiting now to hear back on one job while I continue getting schooled in the arts of Microbiology and Statistics. My work load has certainly lessened, a change I can appreciate. Got an extremely long weekend ahead though. Venturing south to Roanoke to witness the union of two individuals into the institution of "I can't because my other already planned something for me tonight". I'm waiting to see if a certain someone will object when that part comes up. 

That's Saturday. I guess I have Sunday off, but then Monday will be a high speed race straight from class all the way to Virginia Beach for the show (info here http://www.myspace.com/gatesofkievband). This is going to be a stressful journey but adversely will be a night to remember. Huge music, friends, free beer maybe?!?! So glad I don't have to return in the middle of the night for class the next day. 

And I suppose I could end with a shot of my most recent, possibly not the most wise purchase I've made. 

the end of the end

This is it. I've been sitting here all morning trying to finish these last minute tasks asked of me. Trying to figure out if I'll be able to entertain myself this final afternoon. The "team" is about to take me out to my farewell lunch. Free lunch for me is definitely a plus.

I actually got interrupted for that lunch and just returned. I enjoyed my food thoroughly and the fact it was free. It was the first time I've been out with the whole team in a while and I remembered why I usually didn't attend team lunches. Too many silent parts for my own good.

Anyway, I am in absolutely no way prepared to leave for the Blacksburg to Harrisonburg trip tomorrow....I take that back. I'm definitely ready to get the hell out of here. I've got a ways to go on laundry and packing tonight and tomorrow though.

Well. Just a few more hours. Start wrapping things up here and never look back. I s'ppose the next entry will be from the good 'ole Shenandoah Valley. Here's a sneak preview.

latest update....ever

Well. I decided to wait for a number of things to happen before I returned here to make any sort of update on my plans. I know I have previously made comments about tentative plans coming this summer and to not only everyones surprise, this has been quite for myself as well. I was hoping to make moves by the end of July, so that I could easily transition out of my current apartment lease and venture out somewhere. My predicted time line has been grossly shortened, and now I'm slated to leave next week.

My plans to venture into the nursing field are very real now. I tried my best to line up classes at TCC so that I could potentially still work and live out my lease in Virginia Beach, but it turns out the place who's slogan is "From here, go anywhere!" doesn't actually like having questions asked of them and must really, and I mean really hate trying to help someone out. I can't understand how prerequisites and red tape should matter to a non degree seeking student who wants to give you money. If I wanted to pay you to teach me how to sow a sock, and I never showed up to "class" and still paid you, would you really care?

I resorted to quitting my job and signing up for a chemistry and stats at JMU and biology at Blue Ridge Community College, requiring my presence in that area to attend lab sections. I'm leaving Friday the 15th for Blacksburg so I can see my brother finally graduate college (5 year plan looks like it worked well though). Then Sunday I'll go straight to Harrisonburg so I can attend the first class of my undergraduate career, round 2. I'll be in and out of VB while moving my stuff in waves while re-establishing myself as a resident of Harrisonburg.

I'm extremely excited and scared, seeing as I'm leaving a very safe station in life so that I can owe a lot of money in a couple of years. Things will be good though. Harrisonburg will treat me well and I will treat it well. Looking forward to posting some more positive thoughts in the future.

first show!!!

Please come check out us and all the bands! Cover benefits a new venue in the process of being opened! (Click the flier to see the full view if it shows up funky in your browser)

Gates of Kiev

As the clouds moved in and the sky darkened, the only ounce of strength left lay in the walls...no the Gates of Kiev!

http://www.myspace.com/gatesofkievband

We finally got our act together and tracked some music. Here's our myspace and tunes which we are very proud of. Hope everyone can enjoy it. Stay tuned for show updates!