What a week!

Not only did I say "goodbye" on Monday that was extremely sad, I got laid off Friday from my job. What a crummy week it was.

Life sometimes can just be cruel.

There's always a first time ...

Today I actually quit, gave up. I never thought I would ever say goodbye but sometimes in life if you listen to your heart you'll know.

Goodbye

That 70's Song

Ok ... listen to the Playlist below. What song brings back your fondest memory and why? And did you actually know who recorded the song you choose?

Game On

True Beauty

Hearts for Valentines Day

I decided to make a list of songs (no particular order) that I love with the word "Heart" in the title.

Happy Valentines Day! Everyday should be Valentines Day.

1. You're In My Heart ______________________Rod Stewart
2. Radio Sweetheart _______________________ Elvis Costello
3. In the Shape of a Heart ___________________ Jackson Browne
4. Keep Me In Your Heart ___________________ Warren Zevon
5. Straight From the Heart ___________________Bryan Adams
6. Listen to Her Heart ______________________Tom Petty
7. The Heart of the Matter ___________________ Don Henley
8. Hungry Heart __________________________ Bruce Springsteen
9. Only In Your Heart ______________________ America
10.Only Love Can Break Your Heart ____________ Neil Young

Before I Die ....

I was surfing the net tonight not really looking for any particular event or topic and I came across a pretty cool website, www.kiwicollection.com. Check it out! As I was grazing through the pages I came across the one place in my life I am determined to visit, it's Las Ventanas.

One of my nephews has spent some time there. And I quote, "nothing else compares"

See for yourself ...

How to Be Hot!

According to WikiHow ...

There are many different ways to describe someones attractiveness: beautiful, gorgeous, cute, pretty, handsome, and the subject of this article: hot. Of course, all of these adjectives are in the eye of the beholder, but in this article we'll go over some of the features most often associated with being hot.

Look mature. Being "hot" has the connotation of being an adult who people have an instant sexual attraction towards. This stands somewhat in contrast to being "cute". Usually when someone is considered cute, they're attractive in more of a youthful way, and sexual attraction is a little less obvious in the beginning. So if you want to be a hot woman, you can accentuate your curves. To be a hot guy, facial hair can help.



Be cool. Ironically, being hot means being cool! But think about it: Someone who's hot isn't usually hyper, or nervous. They're calm and confident. Even if they have low self-esteem or are actually mean and spiteful individuals (hotness is not guarantee of inner beauty, after all), they still come off as slightly detached. For instance, think of Brad Pitt, considered by many (but not all) women to be hot. He has a cool demeanor, and he's not always smiling or talking. Most of the time he has a stoic expression on his face.

Show off your body. To be sexually attractive, you need to be comfortable in your own skin and know how to emphasize your best qualities. That doesn't mean you have to show a lot of skin, but being just a little sexy doesn't hurt. Stand up straight and show off your bod, no matter what shape it's in. Stick out your chest and throw your shoulders back. If you're a woman, walk like a diva and smile seductively. Being fit helps, but it's certainly not a requirement! There are lots of hot people who aren't in the best shape, and there are many people in great shape who aren't hot!

Think enticing, not innocent or squeaky clean. To look hot, you need to be a little intriguing and mysterious. When people see you, you want them to think "ooooooh" rather than "awwwww." You need to have a little bit of an edge. Think of the difference between a rock star and a doctor. If both are good-looking, you'd probably think of the rock star as hot, and the doctor as handsome. Both are good, but if you want to look hot, a tinge of rebelliousness helps.

Don't try too hard to look "hot" if it just doesn't fit, or feel comfortable to you. People can be attractive in different ways. There's nothing wrong with being cute, or handsome, etc. Imagine Audrey Hepburn, for instance, trying to look "hot" like Marilyn Monroe - it just wouldn't work!

For women, there can be a fine line between looking hot, and looking slutty or trashy. Remember that if you want to be enticing, you need to leave some things to be discovered. At the same time, there are people who view even the tiniest bit of sexiness as sleazy. You might want to ignore them. For guys, trying too hard to look hot can make you come off as arrogant or vain. It's more about how you carry yourself than how you look, so don't spend too much time in front of a mirror.

Motley's in Town!

Tonight the boys from LA are back in town, MOTLEY CRUE. Hands down the best live band, well almost.

In honor of them I downloaded a song from Playlist that I love to workout to. It's a must!

How about the advertisment listed on Playlist.com when I was searching.

No Brain ... Little Brain or Completely Insane?

I did it! I was challenged by nephews and won the bet. Oh no, not a football bet but a bicycle challenge to make a complete ride consisting of long distance and rugged terrain. And I did it on my very own piece of junk mountain bike with half the gears working.

This was the first time I have been involved in any sort of physical activity since having surgery twice on my knee last year. I've been eager to get out and test the waters but never have the time or I don't make the time. This was different.

Jon called me on Saturday afternoon inviting me to come along with him, Tyler, David, my sister and her husband Frank for a bike ride in east county. I usually never can go due to activities already planned but this weekend I had nothing planned but to watch the Superbowl. Rita took the kids to Disneyland the night before so I had only time on my side.

When I showed up at 9:00AM for the ride they couldn't believe I actually showed. They ride quite often and are in above average shape. Even my sister who has had a weight problem all her life is a fit 115 lb granny!

They all laughed at my bike, etc and mentioned I wouldn't last 10 miles or until the first pull. Then the bets came ... A benny (100.00) from David and a matching offer from Jon. The challenge was on.

Let's just say I made the 42 mile ride, made $200.00 and finished 30 minutes before the kick off.

I feel pretty good for an old man. " I ain't as good as I once was
But I'm as good once as I ever was."

Oh by the way, I won the football bets too!

Bike Ride Description
This is a classic for cyclists!! Approx. 4000' of climbing.

The first 8 miles out Willow Glen and Dehesa Roads is basically flat and makes for an ideal warm-up for what's to come.

At the intersection of Dehesa and Harbison Canyon Roads (Sycuan Jct) turn right, staying on Dehesa Rd.

The climbing starts here.

NOTE: Both the following climbs are on southwest facing slopes and are wide open (very little shade). Make sure you bring plenty of fluids since there's basically no available water along the way!!

The first climb (Dehesa) is about 1200' in a little over 3 miles, avg. gradient 5.5 -6%. Followed by a brief downhill (about 1.5 miles) to the back of Loveland Resv. (usually dry these days).

Now comes the bigger climb up Japatual Road approx. 1600' over about 5 miles.

Lower portion avg. 6-7%, upper portion avg. 8-9% with one portion of about 1/3 mile (commonly known as 'the wall') at 11%.

At Lyons Valley Road turn right. The first mile+ climbs slightly, followed by a nice downhill stretch (3 miles). Then climbs about a mile and several hundred feet to the intersection of Lyons Valley Road, Honey Springs Road and Skyline Truck Trail (aka Four Corners).

Turn right onto Skyline Truck Trail and continue climbing. You'll climb several hundred feet over the next 1.5 miles, descend, make one final little climb then comes a nice and well deserved downhill run of over 2 miles into Jamul.

Downhill speed here can hit over 50 mph and there could be some cross winds so exercise caution.

You continue to descend through Jamul, but much more gradual.

At Jamul Drive turn right and continue to descend through the upcoming canyon (Mexican Canyon). The upper portion is steep and you quickly gain speed to over 40+ mph. Note the road takes a steep and fairly sharp turn to the left then back to the right, so if you aren't familiar with the road - beware, particularly if wet.

Once at the bottom of Mexican Canyon there is about 2.5 miles which is basically flat to Steele Canyon Rd. At this point you're about 3.5 miles to the start, so if you have any energy left put the hammer down!

Solo - try maintaining a 21+ mph pace.

Group - maintain 25+ mph w/optional sprint out.

Depending on time of day/year you can be heading into a headwind, at times rather strong. Still put the hammer down and try to maintain speed (excellent for building power and endurance)!

This ride makes a great all-round workout!!!

No Bad Days

Days That Used To Be

Today I went to watch our High School, Grossmont, play a scrimmage baseball game. The weather was beautiful, a warm winter's day of 83 degrees. It just doesn't get much nicer. Any ways when I arrived at the facility I remembered it had been 28 years ago when I was playing on the same field as an All-Star for the "City / County" annual All-Star game.

Cunningham Stadium, the home of University of San Diego baseball, is one of the nation's most beautiful collegiate ballparks.

Situated in a natural amphitheater, Cunningham stadium is one of the coziest venues on the west coast. Just beyond the right field wall, the Douglas F. Manchester Residence Hall overlooks the picturesque home of the Toreros, creating an imposing view for left-handed hitters.

What makes this such a nice stadium is the amphitheatre style setting. I can vividly remember all my family being there along with my girlfriends whole family sitting in the stands cheering.

As I struggled to climb the stairs as I left, I laughed to myself, 28 years ago I could do so much more!

It's all about me.

ABOUT ME: Ronnie

1. I AM: a happy person.
2. I WANT: peace in the world.
3. I HAVE: been blessed.
4. I WISH: you more.
5. I HATE: that word.
6. I MISS: my dad.
7. I FEAR: GOD
8. I HEAR: too much yelling.
9. I SEARCH: for inspiration.
10.I WONDER: what tomorrow will bring.
11.I REGRET: not saving more.
12.I LOVE: big boobs.
13.I FORGIVE: everyone.
14.I ACHE: Duh!
15.I ALWAYS: try to be kind.
16.I TRY: to be kind..
17.I AM NOT: flexible at all.
18.I SEEM: to want more.
19.I KNOW: I am a child of GOD.
20.I FEEL: for those who suffer.
21.I DREAM: of being 16 again.
22.I GIVE: my opinion too often.
23.I LISTEN: to my heart.
24.I LAUGH: each and everyday.
25.I CAN'T: let go.
26.I WRITE: poorly.
27.I CRY: too easily.
28.I SLEEP: best naked.
29.I AM NOT ALWAYS: hungry.
30.I SEE: better with my glasses.
31.I LOSE: direction.
32.I CONFUSE: myself.
33.I NEED: a hug.
34.I SHOULD: eat better.
35.I SING: out of tune.
36.I DANCE: slowly.

It's all good!

sweet memory lane!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptBCkEoZr8Y

Restroom Signs

No matter how good she looks,

some other guy is sick and tired

of putting up with her shit.

Men's Room

Linda's Bar and Grill,

Chapel Hill, NC

California Dreamin'

I saw this collage and I can't make up my mind. Do I prefer to view this as a summer time photo with warm breezes at sunset or a day like today, January, with warm Santa Ana breezes and cool water temperatures. Hmmm.

Friday Humor

'Well you see, Norm, it's like this . . . A herd of buffalo can only move as fast as the slowest buffalo. And when the heard is hunted, it is the slowest and weakest ones at the back that are killed first. This natural selection is good for the herd as a whole, because the general speed and health of the whole group keeps improving by the regular killing of the weakest members. In much the same way, the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells. Now, as we know, excessive intake of alcohol kills brain cells. But naturally, it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first. In this way, regular consumption of beer eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster and more efficient machine. And that, Norm, is why you always feel smarter after a few beers.'

Classic!

2009

I am trying to be more positive in 2009. Today is January 7th, it's been a struggle so far. I'm having a tough time understanding why my twelve year old lies so much. I just don't get it. How can he just look at you straight faced and tell you a big fat lie. I've lost a ton of respect towards him. I even mentioned that to him tonight. Yuk!

I've found myself having more compassion on others recently. Example... I've always had a problem with people asking for spare change or handouts in the streets. I just never would help them. I don't know if it was due to the fact I was in contact with many homeless people over the years dealing with ticket sales for my previous business and knowing that most of those people I had contact with chose to be homeless whether they let alcohol, drugs, broken relationships, etc be their reasons.

I've realized that I that could be homeless just like them. Times are tough. As I tell my friends, "I'm one step ahead of the alligators"I prefer to have a heart that is open to ones needs and not be so judgemental. I'm sure there is always gonna be some that will take advantage of a situation, but I feel better about myself without the judgement.

Tonight I went to Von's ... by myself ... for me .... my favorite!