The Second Final Day of the Year (With A Head Full Of Steam) / #48 / 766

850am

Train was a little late today and for a moment there on the Jam. platform I regretted not just taking the subway. Not b/c it's colder but because I have work to wrap up.

The last couple of nights were tough. Up late writing. Last night was the first assignment for the Cleveland lawyer and that was after one Maker's Mark and a Heineken courtesy of the holiday party. Yesterday was also the half-day orientation, which is when I got the assignment.  The last time I got a press release assignment it didn't go so well and I at least had the foresight to ask for the finished product and to read up on the subject so I feel better about this one.  Plus I was able to touch it up a bit on the train -- so this smartphone did come in handy. Hope this works out.

Upon revisiting the previous Final Ride entry, and I think I remember the ride itself pretty well -- or at least its tone -- one can sense the reluctance.  Grandma had passed and the bait & switch had me down. It did not inspire me to rise to the occasion.  Most times I can pull it off but then, I just couldn't.  It worked out better because I was able to establish myself as a freelancer a bit and now I'll be moving away from legal and publishing altogether and into an industry and role that will work out better.  The hours may be a little longer in the beginning but I can make that work.

I keep moving on "With A Head Full Of Steam," and I'm keeping the door open for all sorts of writing. I think I feel better about everything b/c of the supplemental work I'll be doing.  Though that really started in Feb., I had to exhume the writer within in late July and I'm so glad I did.

I moved pretty quickly and did not bring the lock.  My left side is still a little tender so we'll see what's up with that.

Ending on a high note. The music will fuel me through whatever's next.

Thank you for reading.

Playlist:
2. Gamma Ray - "One With The World"
3. Helloween - "Ride The Sky"
4: RHCP - "We Believe"


515pm

The return ride was all Armored Saint. It was easier for me to leave this time around. No more immediate co-workers so with the exception of a few people who stay after 5 on a Friday, it was business as usual.

It's still pretty warm and I remember this sort of ride at this time in January and I was consumed by a false confidence.  "I Want Out" and "Tainted Past" were certainly the themes of the day back then. Now it's "Win Hands Down." I'm forcing it a tiny bit, I confess, but I know in the long-run I made this all work out.

Thank you for reading.

Second Penultimate Day of 2015 - #47 / 765

9am

It's 10 degrees cooler today -- yesterday's outershirt is my undershirt -- but still nice enough.  No gloves so I'm a little chilly but no big deal.

This is the 2nd penultimate ALM day of the year and it's a pretty good feeling to know the next step will almost-undoubtedly be better than the last departure.

There was a black guy shouting undecipherable at the skies as I got on to the bridge.  I was listening to "March Of Time" as I was arriving.  Even though things sometimes seem cyclical time does not care about us one way or another.

My left leg has a little pain/soreness and though I wanted to hit the gym tonight and crank out my legs.

It's odd -- By year's end I will have had 4 jobs this year, excluding remote work:

ALM
The BigLaw that dare not speak its name
ALM
AIT

And that excludes the freelancing, which I feel good about.  I have a lot to say about it that I want to chronicle.

It's almost over.

Thank you for reading.

Playlist:
Van Halen - "Unchained"
Chris Stills - "Live to Live"
Iron Maiden - "Wildest Dreams"
Accept - "Balls To The Wall"

No Headphones? Final Tues - #46 / 764

9am

It's sunny and in the low 60s.  I'm leaving that black sweatshirt home today.  I believed I foolishly left clothes and music home, so I had Helloween's Keeper Part II playing on the phone but it was barely audible.  I'm pretty tired from last night's impromptu gym session but it's a good feeling of tiredness. My arms were shredded for sure so that's great. Tomorrow night I'll hit it again and do my shoulders and legs.

I'm hoping to meet the lawyer for whom I write today but we'll see if that happens.

I'm not moving as fast as I'd like but that's to be expected.  I have to crank out a post for him soon, too.

There's a major feeling of relief I'm experiencing knowing that this is all over soon.  I'll resume morning runs and productive commutes.

Thank you for reading.

Cloudy with a chance of final Monday / #45 / 763

915am

The connecting train was late at Jamaica but whatever. It's so warm but very foggy. My mother-in-law was right about the visibility.

There was a woman on Jay Street who did not feel it necessary to cross at the light, in plain sight, with a baby carriage.  Yes, traffic had stopped but any one of us cyclists could've collided with her.  I laughed out of sheer disgust.

This is the last Monday I'll be making this trip.  This is closer to the way I wanted to go out.  I don't think anyone will make an offer to keep me b/c the point was to phase it out.  That's ok b/c I am ready for something different.

Into The Abyss

I moved pretty quickly all things considered.  Some TL&C driver almost hit me as I was listening to the last song and wondering where it was during high school.

Thank you for reading.


Playlist:
Rollins Band: Too Much Rock & Roll, Up For It
Foo Fighters: Savior Breath, Long Road To Ruin
Overkill: In Union We Stand

In Union We Stand - #44 / 762

9am

Now that I've accepted the job it's just a matter of the start date. Today is in the low 60s.  I'm so thankful for this weather.

On Jay Street at the light to cross at Tillary, I saw a dude getting arrested and the cops pulled a bottle of pills from the perp's pocket.

The "Iron Rooster" is a good song and I will love it but it was too mellow for my ride.

I made it on to the bridge and was fighting a headache. The construction at the top forces me to the left after months of going to the right.

At that well-timed moment, "Anything My Mama Don't Like" came on and I felt pretty good again.

The ride is pretty uneventful and I'm operating on muscle memory, which is fine.  There's potentially only a week left of these rides and I'm looking forward to something new.

Thank you for reading.

Playlist:
1. Foo Fighters: "Neverending Sigh"
3. Riot: "Thundersteel"
5. Foo Fighters: "Walk"

Monster ride - #43 / 761

9am

Preparing to formally accept the new job. I'm so much more excited for it than I was for the biglaw spot a year ago.

It is taking too long to get to DeKalb.  I have the timing of the lights and the rhythm of the streets down to a science.

It's glorious outside. It's in the 50s. Absurdly wonderful.

On the bridge I remember now that yesterday or Tuesday there were a bunch of people in Batman clothes followed by slightly fewer in Superman clothes.  Not sure what that was about but my guess is that it's related to movie's marketing campaign.

I feel so much better about this whole scenario. It took another year to get it right.

Thank you for reading.

Playlist:
Monster Magnet: "Perish In Fire," "Silver Future," "Live For the Moment"
Judas Priest: "You've Got Another Thing Comin'"

Just Keep Walking - #42 / 760

905am

It's a little bit nippy out but it's still in the high-40s. My #2s are knocking me out. They are taking too long and I'm wondering if it's b/c I'm eating cashews at work.  That really shouldn't be the reason but it's possible.

It dawned on me that it was last Tuesday, on arguably the hardest day of the year, that the opportunities arose.  I had no expectations on the job front on that day so I should continue to be glad something came up. I admit I want people to just instantly like and hire me so that I can leave behind the stress of the last X-amount of years -- particularly 2015.  Yesterday I felt some cynicism and paranoia and I'll try to burn that off today. I'd like to hit the gym later, too. I think that will help.

On Jay Street a guy just kept walking diagonally into the bike lane though he saw me coming. If he were standing still I could move around him but when he's already moving and directly in to the spot where I could maneuver it's frustrating.  I suggested he "just keep walking," and if he responded I missed it due to speed and Queensryche.

I've got a bunch of work to do today as well. I have to make a table, which is not my forte.

There are also bills to pay.

Thank you for reading.


Playlist:
Queensryche - "Hellfire," "Toxic Remedy"
Helloween - "Open Your Life"
The Answer - "Never Too Late," "Highwater or Hell"

Try Not Complaining - #41 / 759

9am

I was in a Helloween mood but cut it short to adhere to my playlist.

It's still warm out.  I picked up some new metal songs from a free sampler and Rubikon's "Live That Lie," is one of them.  It stands out from most of the others in that you can actually understand the singer and it's a little bit more of a blues-based/hard rock feel.  The little riff they keep repeating is good but it's too repetitive and they should improvise a bit more. The guitarist deviates once and I'm sure it was a relief for him but in the 2nd verse that should be the norm. Take a page from Flea and Frusciante on Stadium Arcadium.

I read an article in MH this morning about not complaining for a whole week.  That's a lot.  I'll try for today.  I already started on the train this morning when a woman started clipping her nails.

I want this new job at the TIA.  I want to try something new, in a new year and do some good work. I feel like the legal stuff I do has run its course. I do my best but I'm ready to move on.

I'm moving ok but not terribly fast. I'm really exhausted but literally cannot afford to miss a day of work b/c I will not get paid for it.

Let's see if I can keep the "not complaining" thing going.

Thank you for reading.

Playlist:
Your Highness Electric - "Bob. Sugar. Sex. Magic." "Picture That With Teeth"
Volbeat - "A New Day"
Ex Libris - "Suspended Animation"

Comp in the Pack #40 / 758

912am

That 818 train moves nice and slow. Missed 806 by a minute this morning it was my own fault for expecting a spot at that time.  One reason I hope I get this new job is so that I can park the full-size bike to the station again.

I have the MacBook in my pack and it's pretty heavy, so I left the lock home.

I hi the gym yesterday but my legs are better than they were last Monday.  It's not all that cold yet, which is great.  There's nothing really interesting out here today.

I worked pretty hard this weekend so that this morning wouldn't be a struggle.  I want to get in and out.  I feel badly that I always drop the ball on the holidays for gifts b/c working on the NY project sucks the life and attention out of me.

My arms feel pretty torn up (in a good way) and that's all thanks to the ropes.  I just beat the light at the Bridge entrance after and passed a bunch of people on full size bikes as I made the ascent.

I focus on all the things I'd have liked to have said on Thurs morning during my interviews but I will just have to think positively.  The guy I know there keeps endorsing me on LinkedIn, which is really nice and hopefully he's talking me up.

It was good to be a full-time dad this weekend but I needed the kid to nap yesterday.

It's all good. Hopefully the ghostwritten post will go well, too and that will be that.

Thank you for reading.

Playlist:
The Answer: "Concrete," "You Call Yourself A Friend"
Shockmachine: "Searching For Love," "I'm Gone"
Soundgarden: "A Thousand Days Before"

Revelatory Ride #39 / 757

858am

This is the 3rd of 3 rides this week.  Yesterday was a job interview at TIA and I'm pretty hopeful about it but already preparing for whatever's next.

I'm glad I rode Weds., b/c the subway only cost $11 instead of 16.50.  There will be breakfast awaiting me at work but it will likely be carbtastic.  Happy to have it though.

There's a jacked black guy in front of me on a bike and he's got no helmet and wearing bike shorts. He must be full of fire b/c even though it's not icy, it's certainly chilly.

It was a really rough Mon-Weds. I got home late each day just to publish the NY issue.

I'm hoping to hit the gym this weekend hard and be outside with Miri and see "Creed" with Dad.

The more I listen to Gamma Ray's "Revelation," the final song on the list this morning, I love it. It's operatic and grandiose but metal all the way.  Turns out that it's not Kai's song, but who cares? He aspired to make Queen-type material, and this is it for sure.

I will have to work over the weekend but I will bill for it this time.

Thank you for reading.

Playlist:

The Sword - "Warp Riders"
Queensryche - "Bulletproof"
Agent Steel - "Apocalypse"

Playing Catch-Up - #35-38 / 753-756

Wow it's been a week since I've chronicled anything.

I rode last Tues and Weds, and this past Mon and Today.

I don't recall much of Monday other than the music in the morning, which was the new Foo Fighters EP.  They are a class act.  Free music that is far better than most other things out there for purchase.

I saw an old acquaintance from HS on the train for the first half of the commute which was cool.
This morning was a little damp on the roads. Agent Steel was blasting away it was a little too loud.

I've been working really late and a little early and there's even more to do. Yesterday should've been the worst of it. I'm glad I took the subway b/c the rain was unpredictable and my eyes were so shot I would've been my own worst enemy.

I have not seen Miri since Sunday night.  I want to get this work done and be home with her.

Thanks for reading.

Frosty #34 / 752

755am

Though it's a shortened week it doesn't do me much good.

Too much is due.

This morning was the frostiest yet. All that cold air in the lungs slows one down a bit but it wakes one up.  I almost made the Bridge light in time but someone in a sports car made a mad dash for the entrance so I could not chance it.

I had a decent, abridged workout yesterday. It will prep me for the rest of the week.

My legs are pretty nimble.  There's some wind this morning but it's not stopping me.

I kept Slow Motion Reign for the end of the trip just to get some different blood in there. It will be nice to not think about work the entire ride.

Thank you for reading.

Playlist:
The Answer Raise A Little Hell  Raise A Little Hell 11/23/2015 7:59 AM
Foo Fighters A Matter Of Time   Wasting Light 11/23/2015 8:03 AM
Rollins Band Also Ran   Come In And Burn 11/23/2015 8:07 AM
Stratovarius Freedom   Infinite 11/23/2015 8:12 AM
Slow Motion Reign Twilight Skylight  Slow Motion Reign 11/23/2015 8:15 AM

An 'Accept'able Ride #33 / 751

After a day off on Thursday, b/c it poured in the afternoon/evening, my legs had rested well.

I don't recall much of the Friday morning ride other than it was pretty quick and 45 minutes earlier than my typical 'early' days.

The nighttime ride was to make the 642.  I looked down at my phone and saw it was 621. I helped a bald guy get his bike from the rack and then I put on a few tracks from Accept's Blind Rage and made a dash. Getting up Nassau was tough. I got to the Bridge and felt that runner's high. I got to work at 815am and was there literally all day and I was not missing out on Miri before bed.  That thought propelled me during the incline and I was unstoppable. By the time I got to ATL I saw that maybe 17 minutes had passed.  I had time to spare.

I certainly broke a sweat that night but it primed me for a necessary workout. Things are getting tougher at work and I'm always a little cynical of everything. Hard to shake these old feelings.  Even if you get a 99 out of 100, it's still sort of a fail.

Thank you for reading.


Playlist:

200 Years 4:31 Accept Blind Rage   6:25 PM
Bloodbath Mastermind 6:00 Accept Blind Rage   6:31 PM
From The Ashes We Rise 5:54 Accept Blind Rage   6:37 PM
The Curse 6:29 Accept Blind Rage   6:43 PM

Warm Rides - #31-32 / 749 & 750

In the mornings I fly.  Probably b/c it's light and in the case of today and yesterday, warm.  I'm not battling any winds, either.

Today's and yesterday's morning rides have been in under 19 minutes.  I've broken in The Sword's Warp Riders and it's pretty fantastic, actually.  They are downtuned to a COC level.   They're singing about space and time and the standout track is "Lawless Lands."

Last night I listened to tracks 2-5 of the new Queensryche album, which is more of a power metal thing and it sounds great.   LaTorre actually sounds more like Tate on this album than the last.

There's a ton of work I'm doing. I cannot even begin to chronicle it.  I'm handling it as well as I can but there's just an avalanche of stuff.

Tomorrow is parent-teacher night, so I better be out of here by 515.

People are not wearing helmets on the bikes and I cannot imagine why.

Thank you for reading.

The Nagging Feeling #30 / 748

835am

I've got a few things pending today that I need to get done.  I can catch my breath tomorrow.

I wrote the post or the lawyer yesterday and had it open acknowledging the Paris attacks with a brief allusion to Sept 11 but he was not too keen on it and made it clear not to do it again -- he seems to think I wanted to get SEO up by that but that was of course not my intention.

Made me feel a little crummy but I know in my heart that wasn't what I was going for so I can get past it.

I have to learn what to do about a QR code in order to complete my project today.

I also have to try to ascertain whether I can handle work from another lawyer or push to a contact depending on their referral program.

Tomorrow I will pick up a check.

I was pretty sick Friday night in to Saturday but cleared up on Sunday pretty well and had a nice day with Miri.

Gym sessions will return this week, maybe tomorrow.  I'm ready to destroy again.

All the coughing, nose-blowing and vomiting has kept my abs pretty tight in the times of desk jockeying.

Sonic Highways made me feel a little better during my almost-18-minute ride.

Something From Nothing
The Feast and the Famine
Congregation
Outside
In The Clear

Thank you for reading.

Three Days' Worth of Insight / 27-29 / 745-747

There isn't a whole lot to report this week as far as depth on the bike.

To recap this week:

I threw up 3x on Sunday due to a 24-hour virus I must have caught and it affected me awfully Mon and Tues.  Monday had me @ the office until 10pm.  I was able to complete the EA article amid all the professional chaos of producing a huge issue for SoCal and a sour stomach.

I rode Weds-Friday.  Today the return ride was to Penn to make the 520 home.  Today I've got a little drip.

Yesterday I listened to nearly all of Turbo's Fifth Element. I like it a lot. That and the new Accept album are basically the same thing.  No complaints.

I get down this time of year b/c of the work and also when there's a lack of daylight like I experienced on Weds and Thurs.  Sunday set a harsh tone for the week and it was exacerbated by seemingly endless gray.  Change of weather is also no help.  I can't change this part of me -- I can try but it's a physiological thing.  A fault, sure, but not anything I can eradicate.  You can't always have good days.
There was an awful feeling of repetition this week, especially Mon and Tues, that is also hard to shake.

I will be better next week.

My legs were shot Mon and Tues due to the vomiting so I was pretty happy that I could make the treks.

Thank you for reading.

What A Sleep! #26 / 744

858am

I realized that this was the one morning trip in which I didn't transfer.

There is a ton of work to be done today.  Thankfully I put some photo retouches in motion last night and I'm not waiting on them.

I'm sweating b/c it's warm.  This is this day's highest temp on record, I believe.  It's pretty humid, too.
There's not much to report other than I also have a new topic for the blog.

My body/nervous system forced itself to sleep last night but I admit I woke up really refreshed.

Thank you for reading.


Playlist:
Queensryche: Arrow of Time
Lord Volture: Omerta
Stratovarius: A Million Years Away
Lord Volture: Badajoz (1812)

Crunch Wrap/Time #25 / 743

908am

I stopped for a Taco Bell Crunch Wrap today b/c of the stolen base during the Series.  The timing wasn't great for me today but whatever, let's just get on with it.  I actually enjoyed my breakfast sandwich, I just wish I could have savored it a bit more.  540 calories so I shouldn't be very hungry for most of the day.

My ride was uneventful and I kinda went out of my way to avoid Jay Street again. I went up to Tillary from Ashland and realized it's not worth it.  As I waited at Tillary and Flatbush, Queensryche - "My Global Mind" played and it was all I can do to realize that no one's doing enough to stop Isis.  I hope those people die.

I was able to dash on to the entrance and the ramp and realized though it's quite warm, it's pretty gray and it was only at the top of the Bridge that I stopped to look up.  My thoughts are elsewhere.  A lot of work to accomplish in very little time.

I'll be ok.  Would have liked to hit the gym last night but we both crashed. Dreamt I met Henry again.

Thank you for reading.


Playlist:
Union - "Do Your Own Thing"
WAMI - "The Rider," "Get Out Of My Way"
Dark Moor - "Lovers"

The Mess #24 / 742

835am

Yesterday's worries were for good reason but are mostly quelled.

It's still mid-60s and work begins on our driveway.

I was able to dash across to the ramp, piggybacking on the RHS.

I must admit that upon my ascent I momentarily marveled at the cloudless horizon and the warmth of the daylight.

I have this 'Unicorn' post that is stumping me a bit I have to see to it.

The guy with the wide headphones just cut off the woman ahead of me on the descent -- right before the narrow High St. entrance.  Effing rude.  Equally rude is the woman in the SUV who ran the red just to turn left on to the Bridge as myself and the pedestrians were about to cross.

Thank you for reading.


Playlist:
Enforcer - "Hungry They Will Come"
Scheepers - "Cyberfreak"
Judas Priest - "All Guns Blazing"
Armored Saint - "Mess"
The Sword - "Arcane Montane"

The Heart of the Unicorn #23 / 741

835am

Trying to block out the fact that I may have let something slip by at work.  I also have a 9-930 call with lawyer J for his blog. I read about Unicorns in Fortune and how start-ups can be overextended.  People will want their ROI.

I tried something a little bit different on the route. Rather than wait at Flatbush, I made the right down Fleet (?) and took it to its end and made a right and took that down to Tillary.  Waited a short bit at the corner there but that was ok b/c shoelace came undone.

There are odd words that are reappearing lately -- unicorn (b/c of Gamma Ray) and Tillary (working with a firm with Tillery in its name).  Maybe a lottery ticket is in order?

It was a bit of an uphill trek but I was able to piggyback on the right turn-only and made it on to the ramp pretty fast.

I got a free, legitimate download of Queensryche's new song last night, "Arrow of Time." It's almost power metal.  Totally rocks.

Mornings are great but last night's ride was the first time in 10 months I had a dark ride and it does put me on edge a bit.  Need to leave myself a couple of extra minutes tonight.

It bothers me a bit when the rider before me on the decline is too slow. I don't mind them not pedaling as long as they can "not pedal" as fast as me.

I can feel my legs getting tight.  I really want to hit the gym this week.  A lot of work to do today.

Thank you for reading.

Playlist:
Eleven - "Crash Today," "Why?"
Accept - "Fall of the Empire"
CIV - "Can't Wait One Minute More"

November Riding #22 / 740

835am

It's November 2, the Mets lost the World Series last night in Game 5, and I don't need a sweatshirt.  I have a tiny drip in my throat that will likely go away.

Audioslave's "Original Fire" is on and I always believed it wasn't just about the people who inspired the band, but also that Cornell's 'original fire' was sort of out -- he was not an angry young man any longer at that point but he had to figure out a way to carry the fire.

More bad drivers and pedestrians abound. I thankfully made the FB light and did fine for the most part but my timing was off a bit on Tillary and it held me up from making the light.  Another bad driver cut over from the Bridge lane to the off ramp lane. Dangerous.  The Cult - "American Gothic"

I saved Helloween - "Heroes" for my entrance on to the ramp b/c it reminds me of the Triathlon. This was the song I had in my head most of the race. Particularly "they're all fighting through their lives" -- at that time (Sept 12) I wasn't positive I'd be back at ALM and I still had some bad vibes to purge.

I was not pedaling on the decline b/c of two people in front of me. One guy with a helmet and a woman without one.  I knew they had to have been in cohoots b/c he should have passed her several times over.  I can't understand why anyone would do this without a helmet and why he didn't give her his.  So that was doubly frustrating -- having to see this couple slow me down while they were unsafe.

I did the ride in under 20.  I worked out pretty hard yesterday morning and squatted but my legs have acclimated.

Thank you for reading.


Also at end of the playlist:
Metallica - "Of Wolf and Man" (S&M version)
Blind Guardian - "The Soulforged" (live)

Winning? Sure -- #21 / 739

856am

If I can pull this out within 20 minutes I can bill at 915.

I hit the gym pretty hard last night and was there until about 1120pm.

My legs were pretty much left to rest, since I didn't bike yesterday either. I'm feeling pretty limber for it.  It's so hospitable outside. I don't need my running jacket, either.

I've got songs about winning on the list. Probably also b/c I was listening to Jay Mohr interview Charlie Sheen yesterday that I will resume today.  There's not a whole lot to discuss I just want to make today as good as possible.

When I hear "Win Hands Down" as I'm on the Bridge, I am so fueled.  I also wonder how someone in their right mind could hear this and not want to take off.  How dull must some people be?

Thank you for reading.

Playlist:

Duff McKagan's Loaded - "Executioner's Song," "Dead Skin," "We Win"

Armored Saint - "That Was Then, Way Back When"

The Few Minutes Make the Difference - #20 / 738

858am

Foo Fighters - Something From Nothing

In an unexpected turn of events, the train pulled in a tiny bit early, which enables me to crank out an 18-minute ride and still claim 915am start time.

I'm ready to rock this morning.  A little groggy but it's cool outside and the worst of the week has passed.  The networking must resume, as must 'Outsourcing, Part 2.'

I heard the Foo's song at CitiField and it rocked.  Nearly every song he releases is great -- the only clunker was "White Limo." Just doesn't sound like a Foo song.

Lights were kind during this ride. I noticed I could make the right on Willoughby earlier to get through the Poly campus but it's not worth it.

RHCP - Readymade //  Amazing to think I've had this album for nearly 10 years.

I have the timing down for the light on Tillary and if I hustle a little bit I can make the Right Turn Only light and get on to the Bridge a little faster.

On the Bridge I noticed two things:  1.  Three couples portraits being taken; 2. The volume for Gamma Ray's "Salvation's Calling" was not up enough.

Van Halen - Stay Frosty // "God is love, but get it in writing..."

The descent was good and fast and I was able to cross over pretty good, though one other rider at the start of Ann Street briefly scolded me for going in the opposite direction (I broke hard for a sec).

That's all.  A fast, 18-minute ride.  Going to be in and out today.

Thank you for reading.

Denver!!! #19 / 737

908am

I took the 818 b/c my past me did my current me a favor and left my keys in the bag. However, my past me forgot that his past incarnation hooked him up.

I only need a handful of songs today b/c they are all a little longer.  I'm pretty confident I can do this inside of 20 minutes today.

After a good workout yesterday morning I'm feeling pretty good just a little tired, having been up last night doing some blogging but I saw that it's approved with no changes so all good.

Listening to Terrell this morning b/c I'm anticipating his debut's arrival this morning and "Georgia O'Keefe" is on it.  So my hope is that I'm listening to the hi-fi, revamped version of the song and that there's something totally different.  The "F.U." part hit as I was at the Flatbush crossing. I had a chance to look up and actually see the building sitting on the spot where I used to eat and ponder my career and existence whilst at Metrotech.

Two Wolf tracks, "Hiding in Shadows," and "Blood Angels" propelled me to and on the Bridge.  There is a line in the former about a "beast" and that makes me like them that much more.  I'm going to have add them to my regular riding rotation a bit more.  These were the last tracks I needed to hear so I can say I've broken in the album.  They may be the two best, too.

Getting on the Bridge a good looking woman wearing a miniskirt and stockings took off a little bit.  She needed a helmet (worth noting she works in my building on my floor at another company and I nicely told her so). I passed a couple of dudes with full-size bikes and then they passed me again.  Pedestrians did all right this morning so I didn't really need to use the brake -- even made the light on Park Row.  I uncharacteristically didn't take my normal route and went in through my afternoon exit which was a mistake b/c there's construction there. Foo Fighters "Resolve" played as I walked my bike a couple of blocks.

I did make it in a hair over 20 minutes, and I'm sure walking the bike made it that long.

Thank you for reading.



545pm - approx 610pm

Worth noting 2 things during last night's slightly-later-than-usual return ride:

1. I'm getting sick of hearing the word 'suicide' being used in my songs.  It's getting annoying.  Except for Rollins Band's "Shine," where Henry's dismissing the idea of it completely.

2. Right around the time I was on Ashland (so a total of maybe 4 minutes), I heard police sirens twice. Once crossing over Flatbush and once as I approached the last couple of blocks before ATL.  I can now assume it was due to the shooting that occurred -- possibly simultaneously -- as I was around the corner.

Shouldn't I Be Sorer? #18 / 736

859am

I would think my killer 1:53 workout last night would've knocked me out entirely but my body seems to be handling it all right.  My right hand aches a bit, right where the thumb meets the palm. My workout globe needs to be stitched there and I wonder if that contributed.

I want to recap my meals b/c I think that contributed:

1pm Lunch:  Genovese Slice

3pm Lunch:  Deep Dish Slice

4pm snack: Apple

730 pm Dinner: Meatloaf and Peas...followed by chocolate & sugar.

11pm Banana & Whey & Yogurt Smoothie

For breakfast I had an egg & cheese on artisanal bread.

On to the ride.

I do not need metal this morning.  In fact everything sounds a little muted.  

Playlist:

Terrell - "Strawdogs"

RHCP - "Lately," "Save the Population"

Foo Fighters - "The Feast & The Famine"

ELO - "Long Black Road"

Joe Jackson - "One More Time"

It's 10 degrees cooler than yesterday but it's not so severe.  I probably could've gotten away with wearing shorts again.

Except for Flatbush I barely waited at a red today.  Even made the one to the Bridge right in that sweet moment when the right-turn light fades and the cars can't yet move.  

The buff jogging dude was already on his decline as I made my incline and I only mention him b/c it's the first time he's wearing a shirt that covers the spot above his junk.

Today is the 15th consecutive ride day...yes there was last Tuesday night where I did not return ride but still it's pretty friggin good.  Though I pigged out yesterday I think all the calories will be burned pretty quickly and efficiently.  

I am looking forward to just getting some work done and getting the heck to the weekend.  I have some blog posts to consider with the lawyer and I am curious about the Pharma exec who I now can follow.

There was a traffic build-up on Ann St. so I had to walk the bike at one point there. 

Last Day of Summer Weather - #17 / 735

908am

Missed 806. Every other morning with the car I've been wrong.  Yesterday at the same time I arrived there were 3 spots in the main lot...Same thing Monday.

Whatever.

I've got two layers on top but wearing shorts. Yesterday was so warm and today's the forecasted final repeat so I reckon it's nice to wear some lighter clothes.

Immediately out on to Ashland I had to take the bike on the sidewalk, there was too much slow, construction backups that in "Truman Show" fashion ended after I walked around it.

I probably missed the light at Flatbush b/c of it but I'm not getting nuts over that, either.  I am so pumped for my workout tonight.  I'm going to destroy every calorie inside me.

The Mets won last night and will be in the Series so Dad and I will absolutely be going there Friday.  I'm more excited now that I know we have good seats at face value.

It was a pretty unremarkable ride -- a couple of selfish drivers but nothing worth posting about.  I had a good decline and listened to some good tunes.  I chose a couple off Blues Traveler's Bridge, because, well....

Miri said she wanted to give me a kiss before I left.  Then she did.

Thank you for reading.

Playlist:

Red Hot Chili Peppers: "Warlocks"
Red Dragon Cartel: "Shout It Out"
Blues Traveler: "You Reach Me," "You're Burning Me"
Monster Magnet: "Live For The Moment"

530pm
Return ride was to Penn.  Do you see what happens when you first remember your wallet at the Bridge?  Do you SEE what HAPPENS?

Still did it in 20 minutes and I was not pushing as hard as I could.

Did not listen to music, though.

Fighting A One-Glass-Of-Wine Headache - #16 / 734

9am

Mapmyrun was not working as it should so I will just log it afterward.  I'm fighting a headache that came from oversleep and lack of calories.  I had a Zola coconut water with espresso on the train, so at least I had the foresight to hydrate.

It's sunny and warm this morning and I'm almost overdressed.  On the train I finally gave Jimbo Mathus' Dark Night of the Soul a fair listen and I really am in to it now. I think I couldn't give it its due because it was purchased along with a ton of other things that I was more excited about.  It's got a tiny bit of southern twang to it, which put me in the mood to listen to Terrell for the opening track of my ride.  Terrell - "Blacktop Runaways."  My head's pounding a bit and I don't want anything too heavy and I'm not going to work too hard to get to the office.  Long as I'm there by 930, I'm fine.  I would be really surprised if I arrived at my destination by the end of the last song.

That was the mentality, but as it happened I don't think I hit any red lights that lasted more than 10 seconds.  Wolfmother - Sundial.  Crossed over Flatbush seamlessly and even crossing Tillary and in to the Bridge was pretty easy.  I added two Your Highness Electric tracks to the list this morning, since they are a B-version of Wolfmother -- "Handing Out Hairlips" and "Bearskin Love."

On the decline the little cop vehicle started right ahead of me and the other cyclists.  That just sort of prolonged the headacheagony.  However, I was able to immediately make the light on to Park Row and crossed over without incident and made it down Nassau just as "Right Now" was ending.  When I hear that song I'm simultaneously 13 and 26 and in the present.  I've always been glad I heard Sammy play it live and do a stripped down version.

This was an 18 to 19-minute ride.

Thank you for reading.

The Full Pound - #15 / 733

9am

I should be about 30 minutes earlier but I may have lost a lot of weight this morning.  In actual fact, this ride should put me over the 3,500-calorie mark.

Just found out Greg Dulli is touring again in March so I will have some plans.  Hope they don't conflict with Helloween.  I was going to listen to a Blind Guardian song but it was an acoustic one and it had a lot of live cheering-only and I wasn't going to waste 7 minutes that way. I will remove it from the iPod, too, to make room for other stuff.

"King" by Fireball Ministry is my first song and this band is better than I remember.  The singer's not as raspy as I'd recalled.  My legs are still a little sore but I'll push them harder Thursday at the gym.

Hammerfall's "Keep the Flame Burning" started as I made the path toward the Bridge and it rocks, perfectly segueing in to "Paint a New World," my favorite song off Gambling With The Devil.

Airbourne's "Black Dog Barking" played as I got off the Bridge and I was doing fine until I got to the corner of Fulton and Nassau, where everything was a stand-still.  A truck blocked the whole intersection and I asked a ticket-writing cop if he was going to do anything about the box blocker.  So I felt a little cheated that Enforcer's "The Banshee" was wasted on slow, cautious riding and the occasional walking.

It's cold but I've got gloves today so my extremities are covered.  I have to make it a point to leave on time today.

I still feel good about the positive feedback I received yesterday from the Sept 30 assignment.

Thank you for reading.

Electrodrenaline - #14 / 732

9:10am

Had to take the 818 this morning. Just couldn't get moving fast enough today.  But I move really fast on the bike b/c I'm stronger now so I'm not worried about making it by 930.  It's just pretty cold this morning. I'm glad I am wearing the black active sweater and had the foresight to put on some lip balm.

My workout yesterday was really good but it should have been tougher. I did my whole body except my shoulders but I'm not doing the weights as heavy as I'd been pre-back spasm.  I have to give that a little more time.

Coming up Willoughby it was nearly my last stop, as I made the light with milliseconds to spare, but a driver also wanted to turn right (probably after it was red) and we could've collided right in front of the work site but we both slowed down just enough.  Lesson learned.  But that sort of propelled me through the rest of the ride.

I can certainly feel the difference in my heartbeat and pulse and the electrodrenaline that courses through my veins when that sort of thing happens. I took one beat to compose myself and moved on.

I made it down the Bridge pretty swiftly and arrived at the bike rack at exactly 930.

Lotta work to do today. Let's do it.

Thank you for reading.

Playlist:

Judas Priest: "Killing Machine," "Running Wild"
Armored Saint: "Real Swagger"
Duff McKagan's Loaded: "Lords of Abaddon"
Union: "Around Again"

The return ride saw my missing the 540 by maybe a minute.

I don't know what happens to me at 5:00, I just don't move fast enough to get out the door.  My legs are a  little sore from yesterday's workout. Some a-hole didn't want to move again on my decline.  They're such tough guys.

At least today I got some positive feedback re: the writing I did for BuzzMaestro.  Thank god!

Today was my parents' 40th anniversary.

The Fool Dark Moor Tarot  5:24 PM
End Of Time Diablo Blvd Follow The Deadlights 5:29 PM
The Star Dark Moor Tarot  5:33 PM
Hell Will Follow Enforcer From Beyond 5:37 PM
Mask Of Red Death Enforcer From Beyond  5:43 PM

Two Straight Weeks (with one minor exception) #13 / 731

9am

I slept hard today and I'm surprised I'm here now.  Stratovarius - "Twilight Symphony."  Nice & long and got me to the Bridge.

I have a little bit of boogers in my throat that I kept trying to cough up.

Battling a bit of an overtired feeling -- it's a hangover without the nausea.  I didn't have anything to drink last night so a hangover is impossible.  My neck is bothering me a bit so I will take an Aleve when I arrive.

I like The Sword and am trying to break in their stuff but "The Hidden Masters" was not the right song for the Bridge, as it was too slow.

There's a tentative hike tomorrow so I'll be in good shape for that.  Sevendust's "Seasons" is a good hard rock song, especially for being on the Bridge.  I wish it were on Time Travelers.  That album keeps me coming back.

On the train today I listened to "Long Black Road" and as absurd as it may seem, I have my "heavy load" in the form of this backpack (probably what's upsetting my neck).

Hoping to make today as easy-going as possible.  Every time I get to Ann Street there is a heavy guy with an oversize yamulke standing on the right side of the street (my right).  It's almost as big as a backward hat.

Thank you for reading.

Trying to Lose my Gut. #12 / 730

9am

I still have a slightly sore throat. I think it hit after Monday night but w/e let's get on with it.

My playlist this morning was originally for Mon or Tues morning but I forgot to use it.  Iron Maiden's "Moonchild" and Ex Libris's "Suspended Animation" got us most of the way from the street to the incline.  I remember thinking as I passed the hospital that in many ways I am like an original member of a band who left to do a solo record and was retained as a session player.  Kind of like Chris DeGarmo on Queensryche's Tribe or Richard Wright on Momentary Lapse.

It's getting a bit cooler out but that's fine we can handle it.

My gut is growing and even though I'm doing all this biking it's not the same as running nor actually working my abs and core.  I'll see if I can rectify that tonight.  Upon my 14th round trip (or 28th one-way) I should have shed about a pound just from the biking.  (250 calories a day x 14 days = 3,500 cal = 1 lb.)

I stopped at the first pillar of the Bridge just to take some shots. I concede to missing out on doing this last year as well as when I took the West Side Highway, I'd have killer shots of Freedom Tower being built.

Immediately after, Lee Harvey Oswald Band, "You Talk Sunshine...I Breathe Fire," came on, sending me back about 18 years.  I have a hard time believing Rick Sims played bass in this band b/c he's way too good of a guitarist but one day all will be revealed.

My descent was pretty good and uneventful.  My last song was Kruk, "Jestem Bogiem," the Polish-language version of a song earlier on the album (I think it's "Master Blaster"). I like listening to some songs in their native tongue. Both versions have the growled vocals at the end, which is a little bit of a shock when you first hear it, b/c I wouldn't even consider this metal.  But it works just well enough.

It's a pretty typical day and I want it to go by pretty swiftly.

Thank you for reading.

Using Energy, Not Dwelling #11 / 729

930am

We was here a long time yesterday. Literally left about 12 hours ago.  The old me would have been really upset but not so much anymore.  It's a combination of it not being completely my fault and being able to empathize and also seeing the bigger picture.  I care.  Even if I'm temporary, I care. I saw the whole project through.  I remember how this went 2 years ago and it was a disaster.  I do not really recall last year's upload date for SF, which I guess is good.  I did not ride home last nite since I left so late I could take a car service.  Not worth riding in the dark that late in Brooklyn.  So in terms of total round-trips, I am off by half. 

It's a pleasant morning.  Not as congested as yesterday (or as I was expecting). I'm actually in a decent mood.  I'm listening to songs off Terrell's Beautiful Side Of Madness.  The little opening track and then "Hopeful Sinner" and "Convince Myself." The music is upbeat soul-fried-funk.  I first heard this about 20 years ago on a CMJ sampler and am a little surprised I wasn't more interested. But then again, there wasn't really an internet in 1995 and I guess I was seeking something else (grunge, mostly).  Thankfully, "Hopeful Sinner" was catchy enough to hang out in the attic of my brain and I think I'm responding to it b/c I'm getting in to some more folk/americana type music.  If you mix that with some RHCP-style funk, it works (at least in this case).

The song had ended just as I reached my old Metrotech building, just to indicate how fast I was moving.  

As I was coming up Jay Street, I notice the sign indicating that there's work being done in the bike lane, which would be fine if people weren't double parking in it, too.  About a half-block up from me, I saw a woman on a full-size almost topple a dude just walking through the stopped cars, maybe two lengths from the light.  That would have been totally his fault.  I'm glad I saw it because it helped me later.  I saw the woman as we got to the bridge and we quipped about it briefly. Then I was off b/c "Stone Cold Bush" came on and I felt great.  

There is a spot during the morning incline just before where concrete becomes wood, where I can feel my body adjust.  Legs tighten and I try to straighten my back out.  I can feel the tender spot on my spine against the bag.  

Henry and the gang came on for "Up For It" while I was a the peak and during the descent. I sang much of the song.  I moved pretty quickly and didn't brake very much.  The stop at the light at the bottom could have been shorter but I couldn't see the cars.

On Nassau and Fulton, someone was crossing behind cars and I almost hit her (it would've been 51% my fault, since I'm going across traffic) but we both stopped in time.  

An Ex Libris song came on and it rocks so I'll play it again later.  

Finished in 17:44.

Thank you for reading.

Back In The Swing - #10 / 728

905am
Train was a little delayed today as we sat in Jamaica for a while.

I do not have my lock since it may rain this afternoon so I'm feeling a little lighter. I tossed my empty Vita Coco Latte in the garbage. It was actually pretty tasty.

The Answer's "New Day Rising" is my first track this morning.  I erroneously thought it was off New Horizon, but it's off Revival, which explains why it's better than I'd thought and is not as choppy.  I like New Horizon but I will eventually really like Revival.  "Concrete" is off NH and I do not really recall it now.  Not to say I didn't like it at the time.  It was likely playing as I arrived at the Bridge, where a blonde lady with a small backpack was getting ready to run it.  Gave her the thumbs up.  Good for her.

"Battle's Won" by Helloween is now on and the Bridge is pretty light. I remember this day 2 years ago when the SF publication was being produced and I was livid.  I'm just removed enough to not get so upset.

I was happy I could hit the gym last night for the first time in weeks. I hate that it's after dinner but I have to take what I can get.  I did chest, back and tris, plus about 6.5 minutes of ropes. Mets hit a 3-run homer during one of my ropes sets so I couldn't stop to watch it live.  The gym cheered as it happened.

Accept's "Shake Your Heads" as I decline.  There's a guy on a full size bike moving too slow for my liking right in front of me.

I listened to most of "Balls To The Wall" by the time I reached the office.  There should be some music waiting for me, which I will ACCEPT.

Thank you for reading.

Elegy morning but it's not that dire #9 / 727

858 am

There was about a minute left of "Muscle Memory" left so I let it play out and then on to my Elegy playlist.  

I'm feeling much better than on Friday and I'm proud of myself for seeing the week through.  However I need to start hitting the gym again soon because I'm losing all tone and cannot look in the mirror.  In hindsight I was in my best shape in May-July.  Probably because I hated old manager and had something to rage against.  Now that's not really the case.  I'll have to dig something up.  

I try to read up on copywriting but my attention span is no good today.  

There's work to be done.  We'll see how the next two days go.  Once they're over, this week has a little more breathing room.

It's Columbus Day, so there were less cars in the lot, and on the road and people on the Bridge.  All good.  

I made it down here in under 19 minutes.  I think I accidentally skipped the end of "Spanish Inquisition."

Elegy:

Poisoned Hearts - from Supremacy

Suppression - from State of Mind

Pilgrims Parade - from Principles of Pain

Spanish Inquisition - from Lost

The Great Charade - from Forbidden Fruit

Thank you for reading.

First full week??? #8 / 726

930am

Faring a little bit better than yesterday.  It will rain later on but I'm doing this anyway and left the lock @ home. It will be interesting to see if I can do a full week on the bike.  My nose is a bit runny but not as bad as yesterday but the rest of the day remains.

Movement is pretty fluid today.  I can fly at certain points, and was able to cross Flatbush about 7 seconds earlier than yesterday.  That doesn't seem like much, I know, but it's a testament to lesser traffic and faster pedaling.  Despite that my energy level is a little lower, I can still crank it out, which is encouraging.

I am using the dictation for the notes in my phone to get ideas ready for the next lawyer blog post.  It will save me time in the long run and I'm glad to do the work but I have to get more ideas ready for future weeks.  At least I do not have to schlep a computer with me.

I can still taste some of the sore throat spray, it's mostly gross.

No word yet from the Buzz person -- expect the worst, hope for the best.

Did the ride in just under 20 and that was with hopping off at Fulton.  I realize I have no carbs waiting for me for lunch so I'll grab some pretzels from someone.

Jane's Addiction, "Great Escape Artist":

Underground
End To The Lies
Curiosity Kills
Irresistible Force
I'll Hit You Back


Thank you for reading.


It's worth noting that it rained on the way back yesterday around the time I was at the Bridge's peak.

Deceitfully Nice Morning #7 / 725

930am

Never eating curry again.  That stuff is great for clearing out my sinuses but that's about it.  My lips were shredded and I spent way too long on the john this morning.  I had to sleep downstairs for a bit b/c I kept chuching at 2am.

I felt a lot better when I awoke, though.

It's deceptively nice outside this morning.  Absolutely wonderful for riding. I was able to just make the light crossing Flatbush and did a fine job making my way after that.  I'm almost over-dressed for the ride.  I'm glad I am able to pull it off today b/c tomorrow's looking like rain.

There's nothing much to report in the way of my feelings about the music. My head is not there and I can't hear it too well.  I do not have a lot of intensity lately, especially feeling this run down, so it's just there as emergency fuel.  I like it all but maybe I can integrate some easier stuff on the return ride.  The decline was pretty good today I had the lane to myself, unlike yesterday.  My right leg and knee are more sensitive to these rides.

I stopped at CVS once I hit Nassau to get some cold medicine.


Ian Parry - Criminals & Kings
Ride the Sky - New Protection
Red Dragon Cartel - War Machine
Helloween - Claws

Thank you for reading.

The Day After #6 / 724

905am

Throat a little scratchy. I did pretty well except for crossing Flatbush.

Rollins Band Shine 5:27 Weight 10/7/2015 9:10 AM 1/28/2014 9:32 PM 7
Circle II Circle Redemption 5:30 Consequence of Power 10/7/2015 9:16 AM 2/3/2015 9:54 PM 4
Circle II Circle Never Gonna Stop 4:21 Seasons Will Fall 10/7/2015 9:20 AM 6/4/2015 9:18 PM 2

Circle II Circle is good but nearly all the songs sound the same when they are uptempo.

Elegy Supremacy 5:01 Supremacy 10/7/2015 9:25 AM 8/15/2015 3:28 PM 2

5:16pm

Not a bad day I just want to go home. I used to be really pissy on a day like today but I kind of don't care anymore.

Exumer Fire & Damnation 3:17 Metal Blade 30th Anniversary Sampler   10/7/2015 5:19 PM 3/15/2014 10:51 AM 1

Wolfpakk Ride The Bullet 4:13 Wolfpakk 10/7/2015 5:23 PM 11/3/2014 6:45 AM 4

Widowmaker The Iron Road 4:25 Stand By For Pain 10/7/2015 5:28 PM 1/14/2015 6:49 AM 4

Somewhere in this song I was declining pretty fast.

Wami The Rider 4:26 Kill The King 10/7/2015 5:32 PM 2/22/2015 4:33 PM 5

The Sword Seven Sisters 3:31 Apocryphon 10/7/2015 5:36 PM 9/16/2015 8:12 PM 1

Thank you for reading.

1st Pub Day in a While #5 / 723

9am

I had another playlist ready to go but I was already listening to Accept and just let it run.

I'm oversleeping big time.  I think the combination of slowly losing my edge, the weather, reacclimating and the unknown are taking their toll on me.  My eyes are tired and red.

Udo sounds like a weird cross b/w Brian Johnson and Bon Scott singing over Judas Priest.  It works for me, now, but I can see where the appeal gets lost.  Had this been better received by Beavis & Butt-Head, I'd have been a fan in 1995.  Same can be said for Overkill.

There was a gathering of two-wheelers at the bridge crossing at Tillary.

I'm reading about writing copy so that I can gear up for whatever comes next.  Time to walk the walk and right the write.

I have to oversee a publication printing today. Memory lane.

Thankfully there were not many pedestrians on the decline.

The other playlist will run during my return trip.

Made it here in 20 minutes.

Thank you for reading.

Accept:
Princess of the Dawn
Head Over Heels
Flash Rockin' Man
Losing More Than You've Ever Had
Neon Nights (half)


I am desensitized to how dreadful staying late at this job is. Maybe it's because I'm being paid hourly now. I'm glad to have the work and all but this was all effing day.

I did not move terribly fast -- I had ample time and it's pitch black out.  I can barely hear Keeper Pt. 2 playing from the phone from a side pocket of the backpack.

There are worse ways to earn a living.

Thank you for reading.

Crowded Bridge / #4 / 722

There's nothing terribly interesting to write today.

It's colder in the mornings now.  I'm prepared, though.

Into The Gutter 4:03 The Answer Rise Rock 10/5/2015 8:42 AM 4

The work right outside ATL is keeping me from moving too fast.  It took about a whole song to get too short of a distance for my liking.

Gone Too Long 4:00 The Answer Raise A Little Hell Rock 10/5/2015 8:46 AM 2

Get Up 9 4:38 Diablo Blvd Follow The Deadlights Metal 10/5/2015 8:51 AM 2

Real Swagger 4:21 Armored Saint Nod To The Old School Metal 10/5/2015 8:55 AM 15

The bridge is getting crowded at night. I should buy some lights.

...As The Crow Flies 5:59 Newsted Heavy Metal Music Metal 10/5/2015 6:43 PM 1

Rusty Cage 4:28 Soundgarden Badmotorfinger Rock 10/5/2015 6:48 PM 1

Live Fast Die Young 3:01 Black Tide Light From Above Punk 10/5/2015 6:51 PM 4

Wheel Of Fortune 3:59 Dark Moor Tarot Metal 10/5/2015 6:55 PM 1

How Long 4:06 Gamma Ray Majestic Metal 10/5/2015 6:59 PM 4

Thank you for reading.

Taking on the World...One Custom Insert at a Time --- #3 / 721

Made the 749 and forgot to take my pass at the Jam. transfer but the conductor was cool about it and seemed appreciative that I was honest before I boarded.

Tomorrow is the EisnerAmper event that I'm going to do my best at.  I'm a little nervous just b/c I'm not wholly familiar with all the content but I'll let the quotes guide me.

It's an exciting time for the most part.  I'm here, but I'm not.  I'm there tomorrow and home Thurs and then I'm back here.

I can feel my body adjusting to the biking again.  I'm getting hungrier.  On Friday I'll bring in my powder.

The backpack is much better than the other bag.  Less stress on my back.  Next step is to do something about the lock.

I got a little distracted on the incline and a guy on a full-size blew his whistle at me to keep us from colliding.

Lots of work to do today. The mornings start gray and misty and wind up being nice and bright.

Let's do it.

Judas Priest - "Take On The World"
Ex Libris - "In the Darkest Hour"
The Answer - "Raise a Little Hell"
Judas Priest - "Riding On the Wind"
Night Demon - "Mastermind"

Thank you for reading this.

The return ride saw me do an about face as soon as I hit the incline. I realized I left the lock at the dock.  So rather than make the 618pm I made the 642.

Turbo - "Think and Fight"
Union - "Who Do You Think You Are"
Turbo - "Amalgam"
Lizzy Borden - "Me Against The World"

As I got to Flatbush Avenue, "Mess" was ending.  While it was an appropriate closer, I did not beat myself up too badly.

I have the EA thing tomorrow.  Would've liked to have gotten home earlier but too bad for me.

Thank you for reading.

I'm Hustling #2 / 720

In an effort to wrap up both posts here we go:

Having caught the 805 from RVC, I was in pretty good shape to breeze through Brooklyn.  It was a good, uneventful ride for the most part.  I do not like riding with the Oppenheimer bag and will change it over tonight.

It is a gray-skied morning, but it's nice and warm, actually. Very deceiving.  I have a mock custom insert to finish in a few hrs and I'm sure I can knock it out.

The climb is tough sometimes. My legs are certainly feeling it since I squatted on Sat and ran for 45 yesterday.

I'm getting pretty fast, though. I'm realizing my right knee hurts a little and it's got to be b/c of the braking on the declines, which I tend to do with the right foot.

I charted the progress with MapMyRun app and I apparently burn 107 calories for the 21 minutes.

The Answer - Last Days of Summer
Dark Moor - The Emperor
Wolf - Love at First Bite
The Answer - New Horizon



The return ride was as fast as I could go. The bag kept bouncing under the seat.  Done with it after today.  I did pretty good with the return ride. I made it back in 16-19 minutes so that I could catch the 540pm.  With the exception of a wedding couple's photo shoot (pretty common, now), nothing really to write about. Have a lot more work to do at the co.  Good. I'd rather have it and be able to bill for it.  Will write a profile and design white papers.  Whatever. If you're ready, I'm ready.

The Answer - "Feel Like I'm On My Way," "Flying"
Red Hot Chili Peppers - Easily
The Cult - Rise (had it stuck in my head most of the day)
Elegy - Icehouse


Thank you for reading this.

The Real Me, Delivering The Goods -- #1 / 719.

At precisely 9am, "Delivering the Goods" started me off.  I decided to use songs for this morning I didn't have/own for this ride.

Returning to ALM is bittersweet in many respects, as a lot of good people I knew are no longer here, but the bitterness is starting to dissipate and I felt really good yesterday.  It carried over to today and though the ride through Brooklyn's initial blocks is a little noisy and congested due to the construction so I couldn't wholly let me music propel me just yet.

The past month I know I've gotten a little sluggish due to the back spasm and all the post-triathlon eating.  So to be back on the bike feels good.

As I was coming up Willoughby I saw that I had seconds to go to cross over Flatbush and nailed it just in time.  Right around that time, "Losers and Winners" came on. 

There were a lot of riders lined up at the entrance to the Bridge.  "The Real Me" played just as I approached the incline. I planned it that way.  I haven't heard the song in too long and I must admit that it felt good to have it push me up the ramp.  I have the Oppenheimer strap bag today which is not ideal for riding and I have the lock on the front bar to spare my back the extra weight. 

There's work on the Bridge so I will have to be mindful of it later.  Lanes are closed.

"With A Full Head of Steam" began playing toward the decline and I passed a school of kids in red shirts resembling the Coca-Cola branding but it was not that.  The song took me to the end.  I did this trip in 20 minutes, maybe a bit less.

The cost of a round-trip on the subway is $5.50.  I'd be happier with the money.  It's the equivalent of the grapefruit and chicken salad lunch I have with me.  I'm glad to be returning to the old stomping grounds. Something about it feels right (even though not completely) but it's a new beginning and I'm very happy about it right now.

Thank you for reading this. 

Ultimate Ride day (Penultimate work day) - RIP Grandma Ev - #163 / Gross #718

So this is my last morning bicycle commute.  Probably the last time for a long time that I'll be starting my day in Brooklyn.  It's pretty warm for January.

I'm starting my ride with Queensryche: Anarchy-X, Revolution Calling. I used to walk along Flatbush starting my day with Operation: Livecrime. Buying this album (for a buck) 2 years ago pretty much put me on the path to progressive and power metal.  I appreciate a good singer so much more now thanks to Geoff Tate.

Grandma Evelyn passed away yesterday around 3pm.  She could only handle so much physically. The shock is that it happened so quickly in the last few weeks.  I'm confident she's in a better place now.  I just wish she would've been able to get in a picture with Miri last year but it was not to be.

It's time to go. Time to wind down.  Warrel Dane: Patterns  One last ride back this way tonite and that's it. Yesterday I went to Penn to get home a little early to relieve my in-laws and of course I got home the exact same time b/c the train stuck.  I want to end all this positively and I'm meditating on what I'll write as my farewell email to my co-workers.  Nearly all of them were great.  Having to start over in the new place will be tougher b/c I'm no longer "the kid."

It's be rough not to see Susan and Jon and Rich and Ashlee and Peter and Indera and George but hopefully I'll see some folks at Legaltech.

Everything Kai Hansen does is that good.

Gamma Ray: One With The World

Helloween: March of Time   Time marches on without us all. In knowing that I created another blog to chronicle my weekend caffeine intake with Miri -- http://caffeinatedad.blogspot.com/ -- it's called CaffeinateDad.  I hope you'll give it a shot. I'll try to make it more visually appealing.

I'll update this later with the math but for now, thank you for reading.

Penultimate Bike Day! Ride 162 (gross: 717)

Too Much Rock and Roll -- it won't get more direct than this.  Why is everything Henry Rollins did with Mother Superior so good and surprisingly some of the B-Sides are just as good if not better?  Nice really was a kick ass album.  Took me so long to want to get it b/c I have nearly all the songs on the live album but "Up For It" and "I Want So Much More" have backup singers, horns and organ so it's totally worth the price.

Was able to hit the gym late last nite and blow off some steam so that's good. I did upper body and my thighs. I could've squatted but it didn't seem necessary.  A full business week of biking is getting the job done for my legs.

I forgot my S'well bottle today so I'll have to hydrate heavily before the night ride home. Should do that anyway all day b/c I'm donating blood.  I'm listening to Mama again b/c I froze out yesterday.  Today is not nearly as cold as the past week so I don't think that'll happen.

It's "Time To Break Free." This song (particularly, this version) is the one that opened me up to Gamma Ray, Helloween, and power metal in general, sometime in 2013 before Miri was born.  It was very reflective of how I was feeling with my job and old manager and career, and also trying to change my attitude about myself.  I saved it for the bridge entrance b/c it's got the perfect amount of energy. I'm not at all angry today, as I need to save my positivity for my loved ones.

I've been in to so much Iron-Gammoween-Saint that they are essentially my big four.  For now, Metallica and Megadeth and Pantera and all those other bands I love can take a backseat.  Wish I would've embraced this more when I was in high school.  But as Binder said recently, "Hey, you're here now."

"Goodbye Hooray" at the time didn't mean to be a sendoff but it makes all the sense in the world now. Kicked ass live.  Realized I hadn't listened to RHCP, and particularly one of their fast/heavy songs, in a while.

Where Maiden has "Wasted Years," Helloween has "Years" and it's basically the same message but wisely incorporates some fast strings.  In my case, I heard Helloween first, so it's #1 in my heart.

A relatively warm, pleasantly uneventful ride.

Last one's tomorrow.

Thank you for reading.