Where are you??

I am sure my regular readers (all 3 of you) are wondering what the hell happened to Jay. WHen I was working I was posting at least once per day. Now that I am unemployed, it's like once per month. So you are thinking that I must be riding 4-5 hours per day getting ready for some of the big races at the end of the year..nope.

Just got back from a week long trip to Grand Junction, Telluride, Mesa Verde, Durango and Ouray. Went with my sister & mom celebrating her ahem...60th b-day. We had a great time seeing a bunch of beautiful scenery. I took 7 rolls of B&W and just developed them. I'm headind to the darkroom today to try to get some printing done. Of course I'll post some.

So the big news is I have figured out what I want to do with my life once I grow up! Over 6 months ago when I knew I would be getting laid off, I started seriously thinking about what I REALLY want to do. I went through staying in my current field (Network Engineer), working for a non-profit that I am passionate about, technical recruiting, commercial real estate, getting back into thte hotel business and I am sure a couple of other careers. After thinking and pondering about it I figured out that I wanted a career that I could benefit from personally and one that can not be shipped overseas. After thinking back to all the jobs I had, I thought about my late teens and early 20's when I worked for a landscaping company, fence company and a general contractor and realized that those were the jobs I really enjoyed. Getting into my work and using my hands and brain. So I asked around to friends and other people I met that knew the trades and asked them their thoughts. Most pretty much said start with HVAC and that will give you a great beginning.

I finished up my first week of classes at Red Rocks Community College. It has really opened up my eyes to make me wonder why I did not do this earlier in my life. I am taking 4 classes (Monday - Thursday nights) at 4 credits each. Fundamentals of Gas Heating, Refrigeration Fundamentals, Electricity for HVAC and Pipe Fitting Skills. I am stoked realizing that just after these classes I should be able to do more fixing around the house. The teachers seems pretty cool so far. I like 3 of the 4 and the 4th guy is ok. He is younger and comes across as the tough guy image. I am sure he is fine as a teacher and I just need to appease his personality.

Peace Out!

Here's Mack getting wet!

New Pics

I just posted a couple of new pics on flickr.
Enjoy!

Hitch Hiker

So here I am on my last interval today going up past Red Rocks and I look down at my rear derailleur. I see at grasshopper, large I might add, hanging on to the cable upside down. Crazy! So, after I finish the interval I turn around to start going downhill and I look down again and there he is now hanging on upright. It was actually pretty funny. He held on for about 5 more minutes, then climbed onto my cassette, not a good idea, but I did not pedal ;) and then he was gone. I was wondering if I was seeing thisngs since it was 92 degrees and I had just finished my 6th 8 minute LT interval. But I think it was real.

Here is a new picture I printed today. It was taken on top of Bierstadt looking out to Gray's & Torrey's. I'll start posting them on flickr as well.