Wicked

I'm through accepting limits
Cuz someone says they're so
Some things I cannot change
But till I try I'll never know
Too long I've been afraid of
Losing love I guess I've lost
Well if that's love
It comes at much too high a cost

I'd sooner buy defying gravity
Kiss me goodbye, I'm defying gravity
And you can't pull me down!

Stephen Schwartz (Wicked)

I flew the red-eye back to Madison after a very fun filled weekend in Vegas with 8 or so Fitness Ridge Alums. Even bought the same day first class upgrade which had me sleeping like a baby, that is until the lady in the seat next to me, who had downed a half dozen bloody Mary's, thought it appropriate to grab my hand while I was sleeping. She said she was scared ?? Really. Bizarre behavior is really weird on an airplane. I will say this, my legs felt a million times better after 4 hours in first class then they did after 4 hours in the back of coach.

I don't have any pictures from Vegas but I will try to grab a few from the others posts to share next time. I stayed at Aria, which is in the brand new city center. It was the most technologically advanced room I have ever stayed in. One remote controlled all the lights, curtains, and tv/music in the room. I was fairly high up and I will say that the view at night over the city was breathtaking The shiny red lights of the city reflecting off the high black sky. Will I stay there again? I doubt it. I'm really not a strip guy anymore. Too expensive, too big a pain to go anywhere, and just too many damn people. The race/sportsbook was new and small. And I had two really good days in there. Although I did skip some of the group activities to feed my taste for Saratoga. Oh well it was my vacation too :) I do love hanging with my ridge buddies. They do know how to have a good time.

What else? Shockingly lots of volleyball. :) We are damn close to wrapping up the Monday and Wednesday championships. We won our first game ever on Tuesday. Of course I was at the Squeeze concert that night and missed the game. Maybe that's why :) We won our first playoff game Thursday in that league. We played 4 players vs 6. I love to play 4's as you get a better workout and so many more hits. Plus it's always nice to embarrass the other side with 6. Friday's has been a struggle just cause most of my friends/players don't want to play Fridays, but I like having that night kickoff the weekend. One thing about volleyball is I have somewhat relied on it for my workouts and used it as an excuse not to get on the treadmill or out on the path. I have rededicated myself to getting back on the path every morning this week and actually have been really happy with the results this week. Need to be able to say "this month" in a few weeks.

I am going to do something next week, that I have never done before and don't think that I would have ever thought I would have added to my list of things I accomplished. I was invited by my good friends and teammates Tim and Tanya to officiate their wedding. Thanks to the good people at the some internet church credential site I am now officially licensed to marry people in Wisconsin. I met their requirements. I was alive and I had a valid email address :) Hope I don't sweat as much as the last time I stoop in front at a wedding. I will give you a full recap after the ceremony.

The new store just been a pleasant surprise and easily exceeding my expectations. Back to School starts here this weekend and we love the college kids coming back to town with the summer job money in their pockets. I had a really good weigh in a weight watchers this week, unfortunately I'm still 4 lbs over the weigh in I had right after the triathlon. I'm working hard for you people with the big guesses but don't hold your breath :)

I was invited to attend the soft opening at the Malibu Ridge the week before the public invades for the first time, but had to pass due to way too much volleyball and a couple of tickets to see Jackson Browne that week. Who benefits from this? Well Jacky, of course, because she will be going in my place. I'm certain i would have gotten in trouble for sneaking down to the beach to play volleyball anyway. And speaking of tickets I am really excited to see Wicked which comes to Madison at the end of September, and maybe even a little more excited for the return of my....FOOTBALL. Hope your summer is going well. Miss all you guys and remember the door is always open in Madison. Peace and Love, Jim