| SIN CITY |
[29 Jun 2009|08:59pm] |
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mood |
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 optimistic |
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I'm heading off to Las Vegas in the morning for a week. If anybody out there has any last minute tips or recommendations on shows/places to see, I'm all ears. I'm traveling alone, and since I don't have a set schedule for anything, anything is fair game. Everybody at work that I mentioned this to gave me an horrified look like they may never see me again. ^^;
Wish me luck!
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| Wrecked ! |
[06 Dec 2008|12:52am] |
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mood |
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awake |
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I’ve put it off for several days, but I can’t sleep tonight, so now’s a good time as any.
First off, I’m okay.
I wrecked the bike last week. I was cruising around on my day off last Tuesday in the afternoon and got caught up in some rush hour traffic. I was a fair distance away from the car in front of me, but the lady stopped hard and caught me off guard. I was traveling about 50 mph when I grabbed the brake. I didn’t have a chance because the bike immediately started to slide and skid around. I laid it down hard and slid to a stop. The best I can figure is that I landed on my right side, popped back up and went down on the left because of my soreness and road rash on both of my shoulders and knees.
I was extremely disoriented initially and just kind of laid on the ground. The ladies in front and behind must have called 911 since they were on the phone and telling me to stay put. I tried to get up and walk around, but had to sit back down since I was light headed. The ambulance showed up quickly and checked me out. They decided to go ahead and take me in to WakeMed for observation.
My injuries were minor. I was wearing shorts, so I had some significant road rash and skinning on the knees. I was sore all over my upper body as well, but I got off very lucky considering the circumstances. An EMT said as much during the ambulance ride. He said they respond to a number of bike accidents and that I skated off basically untouched. The next few days felt like hell (Thanksgiving Day especially), but staying active with Black Friday at work probably helped get my mind off things. The soreness is gone now, but the open wounds around the knees still bother me considerably.
The bike sustained some considerable damage. It looks toasted. Heavy scuffing and dents all over the framework on both sides, broken handlebars, foot pegs, and brake levers. It’s possible the bike might be written off as a total loss. My helmet hit the ground, so it’ll need replacing too. After doing a bit of research, I realize the carbon fiber framework parts are extremely expensive for sport bikes. The feedback I’ve seen is that an insurance company normally totals it instead of repairing. I have full coverage on the bike, and it was nearly paid off anyway, so I’m just starting the process to get that figured out. I have no idea how it will affect my future rates for my primary car or another bike when I get one.
There’s also the medical insurance I have to sort out. I also have to work through the legal mess as well. The police officer who reported to the scene gave me a ticket since I did hit the car in front of me. It was minor damage from what I was told, and the lady said at the scene she wouldn’t file an insurance claim. After initially talking with State Farm, my agent said I can possibly get the citation reduced or thrown out since there isn’t a ‘victim’ in this case. I’ve already received about 10 separate offers in the mail offering legal services. It’s crazy; I received 6 in one day alone all from different law firms.
It’s plenty of stuff for me to get sorted out, but I know how much luck I have. I could have easily slammed into the car in front or have been run over by the car behind. If the bike is repairable, I won’t touch it again until the spring. If I’m given a check, I won’t buy one until then anyway. I just have to chalk this one up to experience and move on.
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[27 Oct 2008|09:05pm] |
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mood |
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awake |
] |
I alluded to a few people about a close call with my bike, but I outdid myself last week and had a terrifying experience while riding.
I was traveling home from work on I-540 at night. I-540 is a large bypass that covers the Raleigh area, and it's long and wide open in most parts. I won't gloss over or downplay what I was really doing. I was racing the bike and gunning at about 145 mph. The road started to curve a bit, so I probably slowed down to about 120 through the bend. As the road straightened up again, a deer was standing dead center middle of my lane. It was simply standing there. It didn't run out or jump into the path from the side. It stood motionless. As my lights shined on the deer, it trotted its way into the next lane for me to speed right by. I missed hitting by inches...maybe a foot at the most.
It happened so quickly, I cleared the deer before fully realizing what happened. I didn't even slow down or brake because of the reaction time. I just rushed by it at full speed. The total shock still nearly made me run off the road.
Look I'm not detailing it here just to scare anyone or make light of it, but it's obviously bothering me. I've been sleeping poorly these last few nights since I still reflect on it, so I thought writing it out might help to some degree.
I still love the bike, though.
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[16 Oct 2008|08:52pm] |
Seriously, would you expect me to use anything else?
And here's a picture of the bike with the new exhaust system, frame sliders, tinted windshield, and new license plate bracket:
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| 2008 Suzuki GSX-R 600 |
[28 Jul 2008|11:53pm] |
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( Bike Pictures )
I feel great on it. You can't wipe the grin off my face when I ride. I've cranked it up a couple times on the interstate, and the feeling of the wind rush is amazing.
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| GIXXER TIME |
[23 Jul 2008|12:06am] |
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mood |
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 ecstatic |
] |
After a lot of thinking and a late change of heart from a Honda to a Suzuki, I bought it today. A 2008 Suzuki GSX-R 600. I'm lucky in a way that the dealership didn't have any 750s on hand, because I was seriously considering those too. The 750 came in a beautiful orange and black, but I'm happy with the yellow/black that I chose. The picture doesn't do it justice because it simply screams in person. I had to get off to work, so I'll pick it up tomorrow. Many pictures are coming soon.
Let us all hope that I don't wipe out on my first day or get an urge to do anything idiotic. *knocks on wood*
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[01 Jun 2008|06:13pm] |
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mood |
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 tired |
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Some people may not know that I’ve always longed for a motorcycle. It's not something I mention often. It has such a slick appeal to me and feels great. My interest is a sportsbike. You sure won’t see me on a Harley or some scooter.
I never did anything about it until now. I had zero riding experience and was waiting to bank the cash. I took the fist step this weekend by signing up and completing the Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCourse training program. It’s a comprehensive approach to teaching bike basics, operating, and handling. I can give it a full recommendation to anyone ever interested too.
Since the first two days were classroom and text based, Saturday was the first time I got to operate a motorcycle. Guess how it went?
I laid it down and wiped out during training.
Nothing serious, I’m happy to say. I was going about 20mph while in the middle of a turn during an exercise. My right hand stiffed up and accidentally engaged the throttle. It startled me and my first reaction was to grab the front handbrake. That’s a no-no. I skidded and slid around for a bit until I fell to my side and the bike landed on my leg. I was so close to saving it and staying up, though. Other than an ass load of scrapes and cuts and a huge bruise on my calf, I was fine. It was luck considering I didn’t hit my head or tried to brace myself with my hand.
Today was a world of difference and I felt much more comfortable. The only downside was the bike itself, some way too small 250cc unit that I totally dwarfed. I felt like a bear riding a tricycle. I realized I’m going to have to get a top line model just so it can fit me.
With my finances in order, I’m looking to buy soon. It’ll likely be a Suzuki or Yamaha, depending on what fits me best.
Those machines are beasts. I know better than to try stupid shit most guys do on brand new bikes.
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[26 Apr 2008|05:33pm] |
This past Tuesday, I was in Greensboro, NC for another WWE event. It was their weekly taping for Friday Night Smackdown that airs on the CW network. Great show, but that's not why I'm talking about it. I had several signs with me since I was in direct view of the main TV camera, but most of them got confiscated by a WWE producer since they were not company PR friendly. It's ironic I got on here during a match with two of my favorite wrestlers in the company, CM Punk (yellow) and Edge (grey)
( I was left with this one. HEY DES LOLZ. )
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[02 Oct 2007|12:58pm] |
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mood |
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giggly |
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I just realized I can sometimes be a total girl. I'm spending a day off eating a bowl of fudge and ice cream and watching Sleepless in Seattle. Someone help me. ^^;
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| VERY IMPORTANT UPDATE |
[20 Aug 2007|01:29am] |
I'm in Fayetteville, NC tomorrow night for the WWE Monday Night Raw telecast (USA Network 9PM ET/8PM CT). I realize nobody reading this watches wrestling, but I have floor seats. Depending on the TV angle, I might be shown frequently or not at all. I'll be holding up the following crudely written signs:
BIG PAT PUNISHER
A BAY BAY
U NOT MY LADY
and finally, HI DES =P
As I said, this was a very important update.
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[26 Jul 2007|10:45pm] |
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mood |
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 hot |
] |
I'm traveling to Kansas City, MO on Monday to compete again in the 2007 Ringside World Championships. Same deal as last year. In terms of total fighters, it's the largest competition organized in the United States. It's single elimination with a potential maximum of five fights.
I viewed last year as a way to 'experience it' instead of focusing on winning and losing. It's a hell of a sight to see the program in motion. The convention center has six rings running like clockwork all at once. As soon as a fight ends, the next two competitors are getting prepped to enter. That, in addition to all the trainers and fighters walking around and warming up, has to be seen to be believed.
I'm going to figure this trip as a bust if I can't string a few wins together. I'm probably going to have an experience advantage over most competitors. There are two divisions: Novice (Under 10 bouts) and Open (Over 10 bouts). If a fighter has at least five fights, they have the option of choosing what division they want to enter. I have six myself, but I need to stick to the lower level for now to gain wins and confidence. I noticed most fighters with my amount of fights opt to the Open division, so the Novice fighters often have limited experience or official fights (if any).
My weight is down and I feel great. I'm slowing finding myself in the ring. I have to use my height and size to control the fight, and I'm lighter on my feet now. No more planting myself in the middle of the ring like an immovable statue.
That's basically it. Work is brutal right now. It's the home buying season, so it's nothing but washer/dryer/fridge combos all day in 90+ degree North Carolina heat. Our appliance department is rated near top for sales in the region. Good for the Best Buy store....bad for Best Buy Delivery. ^^;
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[21 Feb 2007|11:41pm] |
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I'm off to Myrtle Beach, SC tomorrow for a Slayer concert. I hope there won't be a display of my boxing skills while in the pit. However, I'm more than happy to throw down with any jackass who wants to test me.
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[21 Oct 2006|12:42am] |
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mood |
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I have a fight scheduled in Charlotte tomorrow. There's also a possible show on the 28th in Wilmington, NC. I'm tired of this losing shit. I'd prefer to be on the winning side. LIKE POW >:O
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[28 Jul 2006|12:05am] |
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mood |
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 contemplative |
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I owe some type of update.
Outside of perhaps Des, I never told the story from my second fight on June 10th. It took place in Johnson City, Tennessee, which is about a four hour drive from Raleigh. The organizers and entire operation were first class. The athletic complex we fought in was brand new, and the facilities were great. The majority of the fighters on the card were local kids. They were members of the gym actually running the event. There ended up being a huge turnout for the show.
My opponent was noticeably smaller, but a lot quicker. In short, I lost a razor thin decision. I was extremely happy with how I looked though. It was a 1000% improvement from my first fight. There were no pre-fight jitters or nervousness. I fixed a lot of the problems I had before. I never backed straight up. I didn’t lean back. I was never hesitant to throw punches.
My combinations and body punching were superb. Body and inside punching is sort of a lost art in the amateur and professional ranks. I would get close to him and throw solid punches. I was able to work combinations from the body shots into uppercuts and hooks. My rival threw absolutely nothing downstairs. The opponent’s trainer complimented me on that.
Stamina and conditioning also improved, though I was awfully unsure about it at the start. After returning to my corner and sitting on the stool after the first round, I was asking myself how I was going to pull through two more. But after I started the next round, I never thought twice about my endurance. My conditioning can always improve, but I never ‘felt’ tired.
The reason I lost was that he was just faster. When we were at a distance, he threw a lot of overhand punches that I never found a way to block. I made my mistake by sticking my hands out too far to block them. He was able to punch around my open guard and clock me several times in the head. In an embarrassing moment, my mouthpiece went flying across the ring in the second round after he jabbed me. It wasn’t a hard punch, but I was breathing hard with my mouth ajar a bit. My mouth guard wasn’t in place. The hometown crowd just loved that sight.
It’d be simpler to just show the video, but I don’t have anywhere to host it. I can send out DVD copies to anybody who might want one. I’m pretty proud of this one.
Next week I’ll be traveling to Kansas City for the 2006 Ringside World Championships. The website is viewable here. It’s the largest yearly amateur event in the US. They have novice divisions (fewer than 10 fights) for each weight class, so that’s why I’ll be competing. These are the type of events which the winners can qualify for the Olympic trials (excluding novice classes). The experience will be invaluable. I’ll fly out on the 1st and return on the 6th. It’s an actual tournament, so you’ll fight every day until you lose. Even if I lose the first day, these events normally allow fighters with losses to get in an additional match with each other. I’m confident for a couple reasons:
My weight is down.
I’m getting smaller and leaner. I’m by no means OMG RIPPED, but I can now see real muscle definition in the arms, chest, and especially calves and thighs.
I’ve put in hard training time at the gym and have really increased my running amounts.
The last few days in the gym, I’ve been tearing through combinations on the practice mitts and bags.
Anyway, I’m sorry if I ramble on about this stuff all the time. It’s about the only thing I look forward to now. I won’t be able to attend NC State this fall because I’m still considered a non-resident, and I definitely can’t afford that tuition. I’m also full time at Best Buy now, so that will be more money coming in.
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[08 Jun 2006|09:57pm] |
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mood |
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excited |
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The short story over the weekend is that I couldn't be matched. Three super heavyweights showed up, and I ended up the odd man out. The crummy part is that they actually paired me up at first, but switched me out right before the fight card began.
I weighed in a 238 (again) and the second fighter was about the same at around 230. The third guy was a massive 295. I was set with the 230 fighter due to the wide difference. However, the huge guy was from the Winston-Salem area. Since the organizers wanted someone local to fight, he took my spot because they both had two fights. It's a shame too. After watching them fight, I honestly felt I would've fought well against either and probably win.
But when one door closes, another one opens. Today the gym got a call from a promoter in Tennessee who was looking for last minute replacements for a show he's doing this Saturday. It's a large card, but several gyms and their fighters pulled out at the last minute. He'd been placing calls to surrounding area gyms for anybody. They already had a pre-matched opponent for me, so I accepted. He's smaller (about 225), hasn't fought yet, and has only trained for about 5 months. It's a great set of circumstances.
Along with Saturday, there's an opportunity to fight on the 24th in South Carolina. At this point, I'm only going to improve if I actually get to compete. The trainers already said they'll take the fighters to other areas in Virginia, Georgia, and Maryland to compete. There simply isn't enough in North Carolina.
Wish me luck. =)
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[02 Jun 2006|06:01pm] |
My second fight is (hopefully) scheduled for tomorrow. It'll be taking place in the Winston-Salem area. It's about a 2 hour drive from Raleigh/Durham. I say hopefully because there's no guarantee I can place a fight. A fighter's first match is normally planned and set in advance. But after that point, you'll just show up on competition day, weigh in, and the organizers pair you on weight and total bouts. I could show up and not even get a fight. In all honesty, the chances of that are low. It's a bigger concern with lower weight classes, women, and juniors, but heavyweights are easier to find. USA Boxing still tries to match people with similar amounts of fights, but I could end up against a person with nine or ten fights. You're given the opportunity to reject a match if there's that wide a gap, but I refuse to do that. I want to compete, regardless of their experience.
I'm rather disappointed in my training leading up for tomorrow. I haven't been able to reach the gym nearly as much as I'd want over the past several weeks. The media department is desperately short on staff, and another worker was out of town on vacation as well. I have several nights blocked out on my availability forms, but I've had to work almost all nights lately since there's nobody else. It's very frustrating.
My weight is probably a few pounds lighter from the first fight (238 for fight #1), and I think my stamina has improved. My first opponent was just a poor match-up. He was taller and bigger (6'5 and 255), and a southpaw. That's pretty uncommon. Yes, I do have a copy of the first fight, but it's extremely embarrassing. I might show tomorrow's if I perform well. I'll hold my own if a 'normal' heavyweight shows up. The first fight butterflies and jitters are gone. I'm just ready to take care of business.
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[23 Apr 2006|01:12am] |
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mood |
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 lonely |
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Lost. 2nd round TKO (referee stoppage). Sadly, I outboxed him at times. I got caught very badly in some exchanges. My eye and face are TORN UP. Details, pictures, and hopefully video will follow soon.
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