i love lamp

and artsy/emo pictures of downtown norfolk.

this week has gone by rather quickly. it seems like the afternoons are just flying by. finish lunch, turn around and *thwap* its 4pm. im not complaining.

today was my second game in the ever-popular office raquetball tournament. i had first decided to play in the advanced league (beginner, intermediate, advanced, expert), but quickly thereafter realized that i was kidding myself. i hadnt played in many moons. and i did not want to get embarassed in a box with a glass wall by anyone and everyone who i played in a best of 3 games every week. so i lowered my standards and signed up for the intermediate level.

last week was denise from the legal dept. and she went the distance. i won the first game 15-3. the second game we went blow for blow and won 15-10 i think. i pulled a rabbit out of my ass for the last game to take her 11-8. it wasnt a very pretty performance, but much of that can be credited to denise's epic serve. putting it right in the back left corner to a dead stop. it took her a game and a half to get it going, but once she did, it was super hard to return.

this week was mark from IT. my form came around and the match was over in 2 sets. 15-8. 15-1. it was a nice confidence boost. bear in mind, before my game with denise, i hadn't picked up a racket in about 7 months. and i didnt play between her and mark. i am thinking that i will just continue playing on game day only. that way i can keep riding and not worry about the games. however, if i start playing like super garbage, i am going to need to practice more often. i have too much pride to not make it into the playoffs in office raquetball.

looks like i am going to do some time trialing with kris down at the oval on saturday morning. he wants to test out his new pinarello, and i might as well get some intense efforts in before racing. then we are heading to north park, via his car, for a 2-3 hr ride. upon completing our ride, i will cruise the 15-20 miles home back to shadyside. should make for a big mileage and time day. hopefully it will go better than past rides to/from north park! lets hear it for bonking!

quick cycling weight-loss tip: go for 1 or 2 long rides over the weekend. you can do intervals and stuff if you choose, but the pace doesnt need to be super intense. im talking 3-4 hours min. then get your grub piece on. over the course of the ensuing week ride the stationary bike or trainer daily, moderate/recovery efforts. bring down your meal portions, consuming mainly fruits, veggies, beans/lentils, and soup. make sure you hydrate yourself adequately as well (note: do not attempt this if your name begins with an A and ends with an LIEN).

dig the new buzz cut homeboy