Pretty Good Day

Today was a good day to wrap up the week. My teacher's assigned very little homework for me this weekend. More free time for me. And of course it's Friday and that's always a good thing. The best part of the day came at 2:30, when tryouts began.

I had it on my mind all day and kept playing different scenarios in my head. Does my arm hold up or does it give out. I know, I think too much. After some stretching and some warm ups, we went outside onto the field. Yeah, it was 28 degrees today. Luckily we were only outside for 45 minutes. But, I had to show my stuff on the rubber. I was second behind this kid who did pretty well, but he was having a hard time keeping the ball down. I step up there and of course the nerves are getting to me. I fire off a few practice throws to get the blood flowing to the arm and then I really let it fly. To my surprise, the arm felt good. No major pain, just the occasional sting/twinge every now and then. To top it off I was hitting my spots, with a few scuds thrown in the mix. One ended up in the dirt, but hey, it was down not up. Man it felt good to throw the ball again. The coach seemed pretty happy with me, but we found out these were just preliminary tryouts and that we'll be doing this again March 21st. Dan did well too. I was keeping an eye on him to make sure he didn't nail anyone in the gut with a ball or anything. Oh right, he only does that in indoor soccer. I just got home about 20 minutes ago and it's supposed to snow tonight with us getting like 6 inches so I'm staying home and relaxing.

Crossing My Fingers

Tomorrow after school are tryouts for junior varsity baseball. I spent about two hours today exercising my shoulder and reacquainting myself with the different grips on the ball. I'm nervous. Not about tryouts, but about how my shoulder will react to repetitive throwing. Fortunately there will be some hitting and fielding thrown in the mix, so if I don't make it on the team as a pitcher, I'll be content with being a fielder.

The Full Story

The bike I took a picture of is not the bike I had on Sunday. The bike pictured below has an Ultegra groupset as opposed to the Dura Ace set I had on Sunday. Not to mention, as one can obviously see, there seems to be some parts missing from this one. What happened?

Well...the bike shop last week fitted me on a bike intended for someone else. That someone else was a customer who paid for it already. DUH! Don't you know what product is sold and not sold? So my dad went back Monday when I was in school and returned it. (Sigh) Being there were only two NX7's left, one of which the frame was size S, I was forced to take the Ultegra bike (which is not necessarily a bad thing.) Can you see why I was not in a good mood the last two days? (Well this is a contributing factor to my mood, the other was my shoulder exam.) Afraid they would sell this one, my dad scooped it up and took it home unassembled in the factory box. I have to say though they are being really cool about it and are offering to take good care of us when we go back on Saturday. We'll see what that means.

Updates Part II

I had an eventful Monday with the bike. Well, I'll let the picture do the talking. What's wrong with this picture? I'm in no mood to write the story.

Updates Part I

I had another examination of my shoulder after school yesterday. Let's just say I'm not in the best of moods. He gave me a "temporary clearance" for Friday's tryouts. But advised me not to over-strain my arm. Now I know why Major League pitchers don't bounce back so fast from these injuries. Anyhow, I have to take it easy Friday. Hopefully that doesn't hurt my chances of making the team.

The Birth of a Legend

Ok that might be taking it too far, but after two months of waiting, I'm psyched to have a new bike. I went out for a quick ride when we brought it home and I can't believe how different this bike performs. It's insanely light and quick off the line. One thing I need to get used to is the pedals. The bike shop threw in speedplay pedals which are a far cry from the look pedals I had on the Cannondale. It'll probably take a few rides but I'll get the hang of it. And before anybody asks, I will post pictures tomorrow after school. I've been summoned off the computer per mom.

Picking up the wheels

I think Sunday is when we're picking up the bike. I was hoping tomorrow, but I think that plan's been nixed. I really wanted to spend this weekend on the trainer and getting acquainted with the new wheels.

I was on the phone with my cousin Ryan this afternoon, and I asked him how he's been treating my old bike. He assured me it was in good hands..this coming from a kid who broke his guitar the 2nd day he had it. I was shocked when he told me he wants to race with it. I'll see that to believe it.

Late School Day

It snowed last night into today so we had a 2 hour delayed opening for school. Two of my teachers were out, English and History, so those turned into lunch periods. 3rd period to 6th period was spent in the cafeteria. Luckily I had company so it was not boring down time.

Physical Fitness Test

Now I know what this is. It isn't really a test, it's just a measure of a body's physical abilities. Push ups, sit ups, chin ups, up ups and whatnot. Not to mention laps around the gym. We are not graded but merely categorized. We have another one of these in May when it's warmer out. I did pretty well, aside from the sit ups. I always have problems with these I don't know why. I kicked some serious butt though with the laps. It's good to know my stamina is still with me. One of the kids in class neglected to eat or drink anything before gym, so he wasn't feeling so hot after doing all of these activities. I felt bad for him, his face was green.

Baseball Tryouts

I didn't realize how close to March we were. I have tryouts for baseball next Friday after school. I am not cleared to play team sports yet from my doctor, so I frantically had my mom make an appointment with the orthopedist. I am kind of worried, because there are some days where my shoulder still bothers me. But it's definitely much better than it was. I can at least lift my arm over my head. I have slacked a little in the shoulder exercises I'm supposed to do, so I have no one to blame but myself if I am not given the nod to play baseball.

Gym Today

On the menu today was basketball. Yup, no bodily harm to me today. I never thought gym class could have tests. But apparently they do. We have something called the "physical fitness test" on Thursday. I have no clue what that is but hopefully it doesn't involve indoor soccer. Do I study for this? I guess I'll find out Thursday.

It's hard to believe the start of cycling season is just around the corner. I can't wait any longer. Winter can be so depressing.

New Bike Lanes

My dad is off today as well so we went to get some breakfast this morning. To my astonishment, a road crew was painting lines and putting up signs for a bike lane on one of the major roads here. Now all of those motorists have no choice but to share the road. It's nice to be recognized and thought of.

Cool Show

I was watching this show on the Discovery channel called "Living the Dream." Discovery took two cyclists who wanted nothing more than to race in a couple of the stages of the Tour de France. They gave them both brand new Trek bikes and let them tour the Trek manufacturing facility. Some of the locales they were training in looked awesome and challenging. Ironic, a great idea for a show from a company that pulled the plug on their cycling team. But it was well worth the hour in front of the television. My dad's making me watch Knight Rider at 9:00.

Finally!

It's been about two months since we shipped my bike off to Michigan, but yesterday we finally found its replacement. That Blue NX7 I spoke of in an earlier post was sitting in the store with my name on it. I took it for a test ride along with a Cannondale Synapse 2, and instantly fell in love with it. Here's the catch, I can't have it until next week. Since the Explorer is gone, there's no way we're fitting this in a Mustang. My mom has the Envoy, which is fitted with the bike rack. She went to the city with her friends. So I have to wait until next weekend. I suggested letting me ride it home, but of course was looked at like I had four heads. I've been patient this long, I can wait another week.

3 Day Weekend

All of my teachers at school kept saying "see you Tuesday!" I had no idea why, until someone finally told me we had off for President's Day on Monday. Stupid me would've been waiting for the bus at 7:15 Monday morning. That's not like me to forget holidays. I guess I have too much on my mind.

I think my dad and I finally found the perfect replacement for the Cannondale. A local bike shop is selling a Blue NX7 for real cheap. We're going tomorrow so I can test it out and see if I like it. Maybe I can pick up some clothes too.

Pre-Spring Cleaning

I went through my closet today after school to see what fits and what doesn't fit. Thankfully for Christmas I got a new pair of bike shorts, because my two other pair do not fit anymore. I'll be getting one more from my team but I should probably get one more for training purposes. Maybe this weekend. I am really starting to grow out of a lot of my clothes.

Restored Faith in Our Countries Environment

Global warming is a hot topic these days. Much so that I can't count how many reports I've done for school on the topic. Prior to moving to New York, I lived in Michigan where snow is a customary event in the winter. My first winter here I've seen two days of snow, literally. Both days didn't even accumulate to more than an inch of snow. Before we moved, my parents told me how when they grew up in Brooklyn and the Bronx, that snow was a weekly occurance and there'd be plenty of snow to be had by me. Ummm, was that a lie or is global warming to blame? It was 60 degrees here one day last week. Huh? Well the moral of the story is...it snowed today. And more than two inches. (Sorry for making you read this pointless jabber)

Indoor Soccer Part II

Jeff = Not Happy

Why must a new week start off this way. It was like 15 degrees today, so no sports outside. If you remember my previous escapades with this ad-libbed gym activity, you'll know I'm none too fond of indoor soccer. I'll repeat it again, soccer is meant to be played on grass not on polished wood floors. When my gym teacher announced we were playing this, of course the whole class looked at me and grinned. Now this time I decided to play goalie since I didn't feel like running back and forth in the gym making scuff marks with my sneakers. I figured I'd have an advantage since I have long arms. Before I get into this, keep in mind that I am blessed with fast reflexes.

So we're playing and I'm actually doing well in front of the net. I blocked two attempts from this one kid who nobody likes. Anyway, my friend Dan (who plays soccer on real grass) attempts to kick one by me. Those fast reflexes I spoke of earlier must've been on vacation. He hit me so hard in the gut with the ball I saw my ancestors. If that ball was just an inch or so lower, let's just say I'd be a permanent falsetto. Why do these stupid things always happen to me? Was I put on this Earth for comic relief? At least Dan was nice enough to come over and ask if I was alright. Unlike when I fell on my behind and everyone just froze and laughed. I will get even, mark my words!

Feeling Good

Today was the first day I felt well physically. So I spent the morning giving the heart a workout. 1.5 hours on the elliptical working the legs and then another 1.5 hours with the free weights working the upper body. Since I spent the whole week in bed, my body was not used to the exercise and feels a little sore. It's starting to get a little warmer outside so eventually I'll be able to mix in some outside activities as well.

Back to School

I went back to school today after a 4 day absence. Not only was a pile of homework waiting for me, but so were my midterm exam scores. I am quite content with my grades:

English - 92

Math - 93

Earth Science - 82

The shocker here is the math score. It is a well known fact that Jeff cannot proficiently excel in math. The bonus question on the math test was none other than one seen on my blog a week ago. And I did actually get it right. <----Insert stunned face. Even though it was lousy, I had the second highest grade on the earth science test in the class. All in all, I am happy.

Phone Call

Would you believe my Math teacher actually called to see how I was doing? That was very nice of her. While I had her on the phone I asked how I did on my midterm. She didn't have the test in front of her but she said the whole class did pretty well.

It's Spring!

Well not really. But it's 60 degrees outside. My doctor told me to keep the window open during the day to bring in some fresh oxygen.

Still Home and Still Bored

I woke up at 6:30 this morning thinking it was still the previous night. Was I mistaken. Anyway, to kill some time I finally posted some links to other sites I visit. Check them out. I only posted a handful of links, basically the ones I can remember off the top of my head. I'll post more when I'm feeling up to it.

Bored

I'm getting tired of laying in bed all day. I've read Bicycling Magazine cover to cover. I've read Sports Weekly cover to cover. I watched most of Rocky II which was on this morning. And I also watched the Giants parade too. I'm running out of things to do. Somebody send me a movie to watch or a book to read, I beg of you. JK.

The thing that stinks about having the flu is that it's very contagious. Unless of course you had a flu shot. Some of my friends wanted to come over after school yesterday, but my mom advised them not to. They probably had homework to give me anyway, which I'm not in the state of mind to do.

Bitten by the flu bug

I guess I won't be going to the parade tomorrow. Let alone leaving my bed for the next week.

WOW!!!!!!

Reality has not set in yet, but I can't believe Big Blue pulled it off. I knew the defense would prevail but never in my wildest dreams did I think the Patriots would be held to just 14 points. If this is to be Michael Strahan's final season, he certainly went out with a bang. I would like to go to the parade tomorrow, but I need to get over whatever it is I have. Congratulations Giants!

Not Feeling Any Better

Woke up with the same symptoms again. Heading off to the doctor at 9. Needless to say I'll be staying home today.

Not Feeling So Hot

Well I woke up this morning with a fever and a sore throat. I just woke up an hour ago, so you know something's wrong with me. I usually wake up early. So I guess I have to watch the Super Bowl from my bed. Go Giants!

Dad's New Toy

It was time to return the Explorer so my dad opted to replace it with something a bit more fun. Sorry for my lack of vocals in the video, I am slowly losing my voice. I'll send you $10 if you can tell me what my dad listens to in the car.

Up and Running Again

I've been up since 8:30 this morning with my dad completely erasing the computer and reinstalling everything. Cablevision was here doing some maintenance to the line that comes into the house and my dad is stll not convinced that his information is safe. It's now 12:45 and we're still installing programs. To top it all off, I woke up this morning with a sore throat and a slight cough. If I get sick I know who I got it from.

Solve the equation

Welcome to my world. This is what I had to deal with this week.

R&R

Yup. Rest and relaxation this weekend for me. My brain is exhausted after cramming for midterms so I'm taking a break this weekend. Of course I need not remind you of what happens on Sunday. Go GIANTS! I may be away from my blog this weekend as we are performing maintenance to the computer. Complete system overhaul to be precise. Why am I talking like this? Man my brain needs a rest.

I must give my seal of approval for those who voted for the Giants in my poll on the left side. What are your predictions for Sunday? Will Eli continue to provide flawless passes and stellar calls? I'm convinced it will be a good game. Have a nice weekend everyone, I'm off to a friends house for a Guitar Hero/Rock Band tournament. Peace!