Ken's Spoken Word

Welcome Rachel Susannah Robinson!

2011-02-06T12:00:00.000-05:00

Born 9:25am February 2, 2011. 8lbs and 21 inches. Her 5 big brothers are thrilled to have a sister. She is a cutie too!

Almost Time for granbaby # 6!

2011-01-17T17:39:00.000-05:00

Preparing for our trip to GA. to help Daughter #1 deliver her 6th child. Well, actually my job will be to take the boys out of the house and entertain them while Erin delivers the baby at home. I get the fun job!!

I'm a Falcon!

2010-11-25T15:04:00.000-05:00

I've been accepted to the college, but will have to wait until January to find out if I made it into the PTA program. I also received information on how to apply for a dorm room. If dorms are anything like they were in the 70s, I don't think that would be a good idea.

PTA Progress

2010-11-07T19:22:00.000-05:00

Got the college to agree that I've had the immunizations needed if I've already been to HS and college.
Then I finished my 10 hrs of PT observation at the the local hospital rehab center. I was dreading it as I had little empathy for unwell people until I suffered from chronic Epstein-Barr myself.
One woman with spinal stenosus also suffered from lung cancer that had spread to her brain. She was supposed to have died 6 months ago, but was still going. I found out that her daughter has a wedding in March and she has stated she will be there to see her baby get married. She was so cheerful and upbeat she really touched my heart, as did most of the patients I met.
I've gained more from these people than I'll ever give to them.

Acadamia Nuts

2010-10-31T02:09:00.000-04:00

OK, now the Community College wants my immunization records. Everyone involved in my immunization shots are long dead. How the hell am I going to access records that are 57 years old with no survivors from that time? Ridiculous is too mild a word.

80 degrees tomorrow!

2010-10-25T17:31:00.002-04:00

I love this weather! Now if I could only get someone to share my rides.

Views of my walk today

2010-10-12T17:37:00.000-04:00

Yesterday went like this: 9am-10am Spin Class, 10am-11am strength training, 11-12 Pilates Class, 12:30-2:00 on the road bike. Then watch the Jets win late at night. So Today was a rest day and I went for a walk.
http://s36.photobucket.com/albums/e9/kenn42/Fall%202010/

Winter came fast!

2010-10-05T18:14:00.000-04:00

Never got over 50 degrees today, with a steady drizzle. It was bone chilling cold! I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place. I can't handle the high heat and humidity, but the cold and damp make my joints ache. It's snowing in Snowshoe right now.

The most extravagent purchase I've ever made.

2010-09-20T18:53:00.000-04:00

http://www.shopslipstreamsports.com/bikes-and-equipment/complete-race-bikes/2010-farrar-f1.html

http://www.shopslipstreamsports.com/media/catalog/product/d/s/dsc_0296_1.jpg

Beautiful Days

2010-09-20T17:44:00.000-04:00

The last few days have been great! Highs in the upper 70s-lower 80s with low humidity. If only this would last year 'round. Great cycling weather, I wish I could find someone to ride with. I could get in more than the 25-30 miles a day I've been doing. I just don't have the concentration to ride farther by myself. Too soon it will be cold and wet and I'll be grinding it out at the Y. At least there I have someone to talk to.

So much for non traditional students.

2010-08-29T18:53:00.000-04:00

Talked last week with the head of admissions at the CC that offers the Physical Therapy Assistant Associate degree. Not only will they not recognize and credit my life experience, they want me to retake physics, chemistry and algebra as a refresher since my BS was so long ago. Their acceptance criteria are geared for recent HS students. After a year of "refresher" courses, I'd be eligible to "apply" to the two year program. So if I jump through their hoops for a year and am one of the 16 they will accept, I could start at the earliest in Fall 2012.
WTF happened to non-traditional students that CC say they serve?

I couldn't have said it better than this guy.

2010-08-23T15:51:00.003-04:00

http://reconstitution.us/rcnew/?p=7676

Physical Therapist Assistant?

2010-08-07T16:31:00.000-04:00

Checked into the 2 year program at the local College. They will accept my previous credits from my BS in H&PE for anything other than the core curriculum. I also can't enroll until fall of 2011. The upside is I would get to make my own hours, especially on home visits. I could work as much or as little as I want. The irony is that I looked into being a PT in college, but backed out when I discovered you needed a B average in Chemistry, which I barely passed in HS. We shall see.

Needed rest day

2010-08-01T18:53:00.001-04:00

Bonked big time yesterday on the last two steep climbs. I figured I need a rest day today and did nothing but play on the Wii. Hope to do an easy day tomorrow am to continue my recovery. Don't want to deplete my immune system to allow the EBV back. But I do want to lose the 20 lbs left from before the illness.

Great last two days.

2010-07-27T21:09:00.000-04:00

Heat and humidity dropped and I did 25 and 35 miles. Saw Ray in the hospital and he most likely will be discharged tomorrow. Now a return to the heat and humidity until Friday. Contemplating a road trip to explore places closer to the grandsons. Maybe Chattanooga or Knoxville. Will take my bike to explore the areas.

Heat Wave continues

2010-07-24T04:41:00.000-04:00

At least I was able to get out and ride yesterday with some old friends. Today was indoors on the spin bike because the heat index was about 100 degrees. Now to find a way to sleep.

What's Next? Heat and Humidity!

2010-07-17T18:15:00.000-04:00

Been heat sick for the last couple of days. Dehydrated and nauseous during and after my rides. Today I drove to Morgantown for a club ride of 60 miles. After 10 miles and a short climb I was so lightheaded and weak I turned around. At least I got to see some friends. Can't wait until this heat wave passes!

What's next?

2010-07-06T17:05:00.000-04:00

Managed the back spasms pretty well at Bike VA. Which was a total cluster.... as far as organization and communication goes. Came home with an inflamed IT Band which I was able to work out with stretching and ice and then I brought my knee up to soap up in the shower when I heard and felt a POP. Go back to the clinic and they determine the arthritis has become inflamed, so another few days of ice, ibuprofen and inactivity. I can now flex the knee despite the swelling.
I hate this!

Back spasms

2010-06-20T15:37:00.000-04:00

Hit me Friday while riding. I felt by lower left back and hip cramping up. Mad it home , but Saturday I woke up with full blown spasms. I couldn't walk with extreme pain. Went to the walk in clinic where the Doc took one look my back a said she could see the muscle bulging on my back. After a day on muscle relaxers and pain pill I went to they Y for some stretching and a whirlpool. Tomorrow I have a massage scheduled. I need to be ready for the 5 day Bike Virginia starting Saturday.
Keeping my fingers crossed!

Wherever have my cycling buddies gone?

2010-06-14T19:55:00.000-04:00

Just when I need them most they disappear.
I love riding my bike, but I love it even more when riding with freinds

I'm Retired!

2010-06-09T09:26:00.000-04:00

Now what do I do?

Last week of a career

2010-05-23T18:24:00.000-04:00

This will be the end of my 34+ years of service through the YMCA. A bittersweet occasion.
After so many years and 9 different locations, it's hard to let go.
I've learned many things throughout the years, not always in the great formal training the Y offers.
I've had members as famous as the Bill Cosby Family, Harry Nilson and Dr. Oliver Sachs(of Awakenings fame. Robin Williams played him spot on) Met President Clinton, Governors from various states and many elected officials at the state and federal levels. (They are mostly very charismatic people).
I've also enjoyed the thousands of people I've met who appreciate what we've tried to provide for them in order to have a better life.
It is so rewarding when someone in their 70s who is in good condition tells you that 20 years ago he was a smoking alcoholic who had a heart attack and thanks to the YMCA he turned his life around..
Even the loonies provide me with lots of funny stories.
I'll have more later after watching some bike racing!

In Memory of Cecil Jarvis

2010-05-15T20:36:00.000-04:00

Today we rode a Memorial ride to celebrate the life of a great man. Cecil was unique in so many ways and his loss will greatly impact our community. You can read more about him and our ride today at:
http://wvcycling.net/
Father, husband, business leader and philanthropist, not to mention an Iron-man Triathlete.

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-07T15:52:00.001-04:00

To all you mother's out there!
My Mom's been gone since May 13, 1999. I can't imagine a better mother than she was. She always kept us in line, but always supported us and our endeavors. Some of my favorite memories of her are being chased as a teen by her with the wooden spoon she used for discipline while she would yell "You may be taller than me, but I can still reach your fanny!" She was either 4'11"3/4 or 5' tall. We never gave her the benefit of the 1/4 inch. My Dad was 6'1" and they were beautiful to watch dancing despite the height difference. I was born on her birthday and always told her I was the gift that keeps on giving. When she passed we put the wooden spoon in her casket, so she would be an armed warrior in the next life.
Love you Ma!

Stomach Virus

2010-05-03T16:27:00.000-04:00

I seem to keep coming down with a stomach virus, or so they say at the clinic. Headaches, nausea, dizziness, and cold sweats. Just as the weather turns nice for riding! I really don't want to think the Epstein-Barr is lurking close by again. After dealing with that for three years, I don't even want to think about it!

Puns

2010-04-16T16:33:00.000-04:00

I love the play on words. Here are some, feel free to add your own!

“The bowler preferred to enter and exit his apartment via the fire escape because it was right down his alley.”

Before a mother knows the sex of her baby it's a hidden agender.

Novice pirates make terrible singers because they can't hit the high seas.

A thief who stole a calendar got twelve months.

England doesn't have a kidney bank, but it does have a Liverpool

The Irish should be rich because their capital is always Dublin.

Math teachers have lots of problems.

How do you make antifreeze? Steal her blanket.

I'll be here all week, don't forget to tip the waitress!

First weekend as a USAC Official

2010-04-11T18:42:00.000-04:00

Had a great time working with a couple that are experienced officials and taught me a lot. The kids were great sports, cheering for each other regardless of teams. But they are also idiots. The early racers congregated around the finish line to watch, but crowded the shoulder less road so oncoming traffic had to swerve into the oncoming land, causing the finishers who were sprinting to have to veer around the oncoming cars.

All in all a beautiful two days spent around a lot of skinny young people.

People Puzzle Me.

2010-04-06T22:41:00.000-04:00

We've been having a Spring Day Camp for kids during their Spring Break. We had a lot of kids brought in today on Tuesday to sign up. Did they just realize that their little ones were at home yesterday? It amazes me how unconnected some parents are, while others are the helicopter sort.

Which brings me to another issue. Kids don't have unstructured play anymore. Everything is programmed for them. We used to run with our neighborhood kids and make up our own games. This produced a sense of independence and taught us negotiation skills as well. You also found out very early that not everyone loves you or is fair minded. You learned to deal with those folks as well. You also learned respect for your elders. Which brings me to.....

I was following a group of 6yos today and two little guys at the end of the line turned to look at me and I heard one of them say to another "he's old!" The second on turned and said to me "I can beat you up!" I laughed and said "Do you really think so?" His response was an attempt to smack my butt, which I intercepted and I said, "Now that wasn't very nice" with no response. Who the hell is raising kids like this?
If I had done something like that the man would have told my parents and my father would have gotten his belt out. Today if I complained the parent(s) would accuse me of harassing the kid.

USAC Official!

2010-03-24T17:29:00.000-04:00

Today I received confirmation that I passed the test to be a USA Cycling official! That means that I can work as a "C:" official until I upgrade by working races and attending seminars. If I get to an "A" certification, I can work pro races. My first race may be in early April, and I will be paid. All I need to do now is send in my application and registration fee.
A new career opens for me.

Quit the Census Job Today and other Job developments.

2010-03-12T17:13:00.000-05:00

Couldn't take sitting alone in the Library for 5 hours, especially the weekends. For a net around $30/day. I would rather be doing something. Life's too short, eh? My supervisor totally understood and I'll meet with him next week to turn in my ID and other stuff.

Also received my info from the Y retirement fund and it looks better than I anticipated. If I retire in June as planned, I'll be receiving about 125% of my full time pay. How many folks can say that? For any young people out there, start or join a retirement account NOW and let the wonders of compound interest do it's thing!

Taking the course from USA Cycling to be certified as an official. Not many around here, so I can do some good while earning some $$.

Also entered myself in the running to return as a Traveling Course Marshal at the Tour of California. No pay, but lots of hard work and fun!

And the weather has broke and I was able to ride twice this week! Much stronger than when I had the EBV, but not near where I was before that rotten virus came alive.

Three days of no snow accumilation!

2010-03-04T18:23:00.000-05:00

Is the endless winter ending? Lets hope so.
I'm scheduled to lead the first club rid on Saturday. If it's too cold we'll do a spin class at the Y with me teaching.
The Weather Channel says it will be 45. Is that too cold?
At least the spin class won't have the enormous potholes that are endemic.

Made my hotel reservation in Zanesville for the night before the Marietta River Rendezvous ride in June. Because of the Gus Macher BBall tourney the hotels fill up fast and we wouldn't want to miss our favorite Bartender Mabel. I don't know if that's her name, but it fits the raspy voiced big hair throwback to the 50s.
My good friend Jack will once again be my roomie.
It's a neat little ride from Duncan Falls to Marietta and back the next day. The finish is at Marietta College with ice cream and strawberries, followed by a church served spaghetti dinner and the a paddle wheel boat ride complete with a keg of the local brew pubs finest.

I'm a Federal Employee and It's a Small World After All.

2010-02-23T18:32:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I had my training for being a QAC (Questionnaire Assistance Center). So I will be working at the local Library to assist people with questions about their census forms. If anyone shows up, I'll be surprised, but that's the way it goes.
During the training, one of the supervisors said something about being a "Jersey Girl". So I naturally asked "What Exit?" Without missing a beat she said 16E. I told her that I was from North Bergen and she said she graduated from NBHS which I had also. We knew several people in common, including several former teammates and classmates of mine that were her teachers. A trip down memory lane for sure.

Amazing things on this planet

2010-02-20T19:44:00.000-05:00

8 tons per square inch? And these things survive.
http://frozenly.com/2010/02/deepest-part-of-the-ocean/

What's your choice?

2010-02-15T20:40:00.000-05:00

Olympics

2010-02-14T19:56:00.002-05:00

I'm really enjoying these winter games. Especially the short track skating. How exciting!
One thing pops up is why can't we watch theses sports outside the Olympics? ESPN has what, about 100 channels? And what we get are talk shows, over and over. How about some sports? It's like what happened to MTV, never showing music videos. Bring back sports and forget the cult of personality.

Riders on the Storm....

2010-02-05T19:14:00.000-05:00

Waiting for the big snow storm to bury us for weeks. At least thats the impression I got by trying to do my weekly grocery shopping yesterday. The Krogers was so busy I couldn't find a cart until someone left in disgust and left one behind. I soon found out why. The regular check out lines were backed up into the aisles, making it impossible to maneuver around them. The self check machines were just as busy. So I returned the cart and went to the smaller Food Lion in a smaller area and had my stuff in 15 minutes. People don't have a few day's worth of groceries in stock?
Then my spin class doesn't show when it's just drizzling, while the senior group shows up! They will pay for this on Monday!

Words of Wisdom

2010-01-31T20:18:00.001-05:00

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God

Your playing small doesn't serve the world.
There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.

We are all meant to shine, as children do.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us, it's in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine,
we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

As we're liberated from our own fear,
our presence automatically liberates others."

a return to love - marianne williamson

BRRRRRRR........

2010-01-29T17:48:00.001-05:00

It's too freakin' cold! 13 degrees this am and a high of 21! Don't know how I survived in NH when we had -35degrees at 6am and went x-country skiing at 0 degrees and still broke a sweat!
Plus the potholes are already enormous and numerous. can't imagine what they'll be like in March.
I have no idea when I'll next to be able to ride outside at this rate.
Hope you all are safe and warm.

edit: It's going to be 8 degrees tonight! At least 2 inches of snow. No plows visible on public roads. It's fine to give the city employees a 5% raise last May just before the city counsel elections, but now we can't afford the money to have the road crews work on weekends.

Sarah and her wedding dress (made by mom)

2010-01-25T00:38:00.001-05:00

Jets out of it.

2010-01-24T19:11:00.000-05:00

The surprise run is over. Injuries to their starting safety and best running back hurt, but Manning was just too good. Sanchez came into his own though, and this young team has a lot of potential. Gotta love
Ryan's candor and humor!

Sarah and Darell

2010-01-23T21:28:00.000-05:00

Had a wonderful visit with the newlyweds at a halfway point in Hagerstown.. An hour wait at 5:30 at the Olive Garden, so we wound up at a Garfield's. Cold Stone Creamery made up for it!

Erin and her sons

2010-01-22T14:46:00.000-05:00

Me and the Boys

2010-01-21T19:01:00.000-05:00

Peeve

2010-01-21T17:22:00.000-05:00

We have a fitness/running/walking trail along the West Fork River. There are ducks and geese. People are walking/running on the trail. Idiots show up with bread to feed the fowl. Do they cross the trail to feed them?
Nooooo.
They stand in the parking lot and throw the bread onto the gravel trail so you have to walk/run through a mass of quacking screaming fowl. Plus their poop. Then you hear the idiots complaining you scared the fowl.
Stupid idjits are too lazy and inconsiderate to take a few more steps and toss their bread on the grass near the water. God forbid they take their feet off pavement!

Hello

2010-01-21T17:14:00.000-05:00

Well, I've finally joined the multitude of those who think they have something interesting enough to say that they should put it on-line. Whether anyone besides me is interested will be determined. Just yet, I have no idea what this will evolve into or even how long it will last. Feel free to offer suggestions or comments as I move through this process of "Blogging".