Sunday, October 29, 2006
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Spanish Fork Halloween
Spanish Fork City Main street held their Trick or Treating today. We got the kids dressed up and went to brave the long lines. It was a beautiful day, probably in upper 50's and perfect weather.
Deni got some great costumes for this year. Ryan is Stitch and Sydney is JoJo, from JoJo's Circus (Disney Cartoon). We didn't see anyone with these costumes all day. Lots of people commented, "There's Stitch" or "Look, it's JoJo" so it was fun.
Ryan loves this costume. He wanted to show me how Stitch jumps. Here are 2 pics of him being "stitch"
JoJO getting candy from a store on Main street
Finally after all the festivities we went to Roberts, a local craft store for the kids to make crafts and then have a parade around the store.
The Hat on Sydney's costume really made the difference. She was so cute with the hat on. All in all, the kids got lots of candy a few days BEFORE Halloween. They had a great time.
Deni got some great costumes for this year. Ryan is Stitch and Sydney is JoJo, from JoJo's Circus (Disney Cartoon). We didn't see anyone with these costumes all day. Lots of people commented, "There's Stitch" or "Look, it's JoJo" so it was fun.
Ryan loves this costume. He wanted to show me how Stitch jumps. Here are 2 pics of him being "stitch"
JoJO getting candy from a store on Main street
Finally after all the festivities we went to Roberts, a local craft store for the kids to make crafts and then have a parade around the store.
The Hat on Sydney's costume really made the difference. She was so cute with the hat on. All in all, the kids got lots of candy a few days BEFORE Halloween. They had a great time.
Friday, October 27, 2006
Beware: 1-Click buy on Amazon.com
A few days ago, I purchased a watch from Amazon.com. Today when I was unable to find a book I was looking for at the local library, I searched Amazon.com to see if they had it and how expensive it was. This was when I saw the 1-Click buy icon.
Being curious, I did what any normal curious person would do, I clicked on the 1-Click buy icon.
Immediately after clicking on the icon, a message appeared on the screen, thanking me for my order. WHAT??? My order??? I didn't order anything, did I?
So I started looking at Amazon.com help to see what 1-Click buy really was.
From Amazon.com help page:
Shortly thereafter, I received an email stating:
Apparently I did place an order. I'm glad I clicked on the cheapest copy of the book. The shipping was reasonable, so it wasn't that big of a deal, however it could have been had I not really wanted to buy the item or I had selected some collectors edition that was worth a bundle. I guess you live and learn.
I have since turned off the 1-Click buy on Amazon.com. I'm afraid that I, or one of my children will accidently purchase something we don't want.
Being curious, I did what any normal curious person would do, I clicked on the 1-Click buy icon.
Immediately after clicking on the icon, a message appeared on the screen, thanking me for my order. WHAT??? My order??? I didn't order anything, did I?
So I started looking at Amazon.com help to see what 1-Click buy really was.
From Amazon.com help page:
1-Click ordering is turned on immediately after you place your first order, provided you've paid for that order with a credit card or directly from your bank account. You can place an order to any address you've shipped to before by clicking just one button. We will automatically reference your account for shipping and billing information."
Shortly thereafter, I received an email stating:
Dear Brett,
We're writing to confirm your purchase of the following Amazon Marketplace
item from xxxxxx@yahoo.com:
1 of Adrift: Seventy Six Days Lost at Sea by Callahan, Steven
Apparently I did place an order. I'm glad I clicked on the cheapest copy of the book. The shipping was reasonable, so it wasn't that big of a deal, however it could have been had I not really wanted to buy the item or I had selected some collectors edition that was worth a bundle. I guess you live and learn.
I have since turned off the 1-Click buy on Amazon.com. I'm afraid that I, or one of my children will accidently purchase something we don't want.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Update: He's alive
Last weekend I took a trip down to Goblin Valley State Park. This is my third time there. It was a quick trip (gone for about 28 hrs). I enjoy it each time. This is the first time I've been down there and seen so much water. I was unable to camp where I normally do (in a dry riverbottom) as it wasn't dry this time. I really need to take my family down there. The kids would love to run around the goblins and hike up Little Wild Horse Slot Canyon.
Here is a picture of me jumping from Goblin to Goblin.
I also took some scenic pictures of Little Wild Horse Canyon. I use this one as my backdrop on my computer now.
Work, church and family have been extremely busy the last little while, plus my hands have been hurting me again, so when I get home, I don't like looking or touching my computer.
On a personal note, I've been swimming one mile, 3 times a week, since Sept 18th. I leave from work during lunch. I have been able to consistenly swim a mile barely under 30 minutes now. When I say barely under, I mean seconds under. However under 30 minutes is under 30 minutes. Monday, Wed and Friday I come home smelling like Chlorine. I shower after I swim but still smell of chlorine when I get home.
Here is a picture of me jumping from Goblin to Goblin.
I also took some scenic pictures of Little Wild Horse Canyon. I use this one as my backdrop on my computer now.
Work, church and family have been extremely busy the last little while, plus my hands have been hurting me again, so when I get home, I don't like looking or touching my computer.
On a personal note, I've been swimming one mile, 3 times a week, since Sept 18th. I leave from work during lunch. I have been able to consistenly swim a mile barely under 30 minutes now. When I say barely under, I mean seconds under. However under 30 minutes is under 30 minutes. Monday, Wed and Friday I come home smelling like Chlorine. I shower after I swim but still smell of chlorine when I get home.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Managmement changes
The management of this blog (myberger.com) has decided to provide spotty, infrequent and less than timely updates. All complaints will be forwarded to our complaint department which will sell your email address to some nasty spammer.
- the management
- the management
Friday, September 22, 2006
Ryan's First tooth came out
Ryan has had a loose tooth for quite a while, however he really didn't want to wiggle it. Last night I noticed that his tooth was coming up behind it, so I told him that it was time to get the loose tooth out.
We tied a string around it a few times, but the string kept breaking everytime a hard pull was made. Ryan wasn't quite sure he wanted to pull it out, so we started encouraging him.
We even called Uncle Shane the dentist for advice, but only got his Voicemail. So we went to plan 2, which was offering him money.
I told him I would give him $3 dollars, Deni said she had a dollar for him. Ryan's Gramdma Bigler and Aunt Katie were here too and that sweetened the pot as well. Grandma Bigler offered Ryan $5 and Katie offered him $1. But the catch was the tooth had to come out tonight to get all that money. The deal was $10 dollars today or $1 dollar later.
After a few tries, it popped out. Actually it came out so good, we spent a few minutes looking for it on the carpet.
Here's Ryan right after it came out.
Ryan got an envelope and wrote, "My first tooth" and took it to bed with him. I emailed the Tooth Fairy to tell her this was ryan's first tooth and it was special, so she could bring a little extra money.
You can see Ryan's new tooth coming up way behind where it should. I'm not looking forward to getting Braces for him.
We tied a string around it a few times, but the string kept breaking everytime a hard pull was made. Ryan wasn't quite sure he wanted to pull it out, so we started encouraging him.
We even called Uncle Shane the dentist for advice, but only got his Voicemail. So we went to plan 2, which was offering him money.
I told him I would give him $3 dollars, Deni said she had a dollar for him. Ryan's Gramdma Bigler and Aunt Katie were here too and that sweetened the pot as well. Grandma Bigler offered Ryan $5 and Katie offered him $1. But the catch was the tooth had to come out tonight to get all that money. The deal was $10 dollars today or $1 dollar later.
After a few tries, it popped out. Actually it came out so good, we spent a few minutes looking for it on the carpet.
Here's Ryan right after it came out.
Ryan got an envelope and wrote, "My first tooth" and took it to bed with him. I emailed the Tooth Fairy to tell her this was ryan's first tooth and it was special, so she could bring a little extra money.
You can see Ryan's new tooth coming up way behind where it should. I'm not looking forward to getting Braces for him.
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Brett - Yuba 2006
Deni has wanted me to train and participate with her in a Triathlon since the first time she decided to try one. I've always gave her a firm "NO" when questioned.
When I saw Deni do the Salem Tri in 2005, I really enjoyed watching her and also enjoyed capturing pictures of her as she came by on the bike. The more and more she worked out and trained for the Triathlons, the more and more I wanted to do it with her. I liked the idea of being in the race, but not swimming well and hating to run worried me quite a bit. However I finally said yes to her about 3 months ago. Within a few minutes of me saying yes, she had paid the $35 entrance fee into the Yuba Triathlon for the both of us. I was committed.
Yuba - My first Triathlon.
Since the numbers of this triathon were smaller than usual, they decided to have only 2 start times and split all the racers into two groups. Those doing the Olympic distance and those doing the Sprint Distance. I did the Sprint Distances which is:
1. 1/2 mile swim
2. 12.4 mile bike (20k)
3. 3.1 mile run (5k)
The Olympic distance is double everything from the Sprint.
The start of the race was very interesting for me. I had never swam with a bunch of people in a race format. And when I did do open water swimming, it was usually by myself. There were about 120 people in my starting group. When the horn went off, all 120 of them, including myself, started swimming. However, it didn't take long to either kick someone or be kicked by someone else. Somehow I was able to get out in front of a bigger section of the group, which helped me when I got to the first buoy. I knew I couldn't freestyle swim the whole way, but getting in front of a large section of the group was helpful. I was able to keep up with the majority of those around me by swimming on my back as I needed. I would freestyle swim until I got tired then swim on my back.
By the time I rounded the 3rd buoy, I felt like I had been swimming for at least 45 minutes (or longer). I was winded and tired. I was glad when I got to the end of the boat docs as I knew I didn't have much further to go.
I ended up having a 20 to 21 minute 1/2 mile swim, which isn't too bad for my first open water race. After coming out of the water, I had to run up the steep boat doc to the bike transition area 150 meters away. I got my wetsuit off, shirt and shoes on. About that time Deni came up and started getting her bike stuff on. She was really close on my tail.
The bike ride went quite well. About 7 miles into the ride, however, my right calf began to cramp and "Charlie Horse". I had to slow down to about 10 miles an hour while I stretched my leg and prayed that I could make it back the other 5 miles. After about 1-2 minutes of stretching it, I was able to continue on. To this point, only one other rider had passed me. While having leg issues, I had about 3 riders pass me. I was able to catch up to and pass these 3 riders once my leg issues over. My bike ride was just under 40 minutes, which isn't my best time for a 20k. I felt really good when I came into the transition area to transition to the run.
When I came into the transition area, all I had to do was take off my helmet and run. Running after riding your bike any long distance is a really odd feeling. I started out slow and about 200 meters into the run, both my legs began to cramp and "Charlie Horse" again. I again had to stop for 1-2 minutes and stretch so I could continue. At this point I was in quite a bit of pain but new I only had just over 3 miles to go and I would be done. I didn't train for the run at all. I ran 3 times total for a grand total of 7 miles. I simply wasn't prepared for the run.
The finish:
My total run was about 29 minutes for the 3.1 miles, which isn't too bad seeing that I had to walk part of the run because of my legs. At the half-way mark there was an aid station. It was beginning to get warm, so as I ran up, I asked if the drink was water. They said yes, so I took 2 cups. The first one went on my head. The second I drank. As soon as I put the drink in my mouth, I knew that what I had just poured on my head was NOT water. It was some type of flavoring or sports water but at that point, it was too late. Next time I'll drink first, pour second.
The last 50 meters I pushed hard to the finish. It was a good feeling coming across the finish line.
The official time from the race directors was 1 hr 32 minutes and 34 seconds.
When I saw Deni do the Salem Tri in 2005, I really enjoyed watching her and also enjoyed capturing pictures of her as she came by on the bike. The more and more she worked out and trained for the Triathlons, the more and more I wanted to do it with her. I liked the idea of being in the race, but not swimming well and hating to run worried me quite a bit. However I finally said yes to her about 3 months ago. Within a few minutes of me saying yes, she had paid the $35 entrance fee into the Yuba Triathlon for the both of us. I was committed.
Yuba - My first Triathlon.
Since the numbers of this triathon were smaller than usual, they decided to have only 2 start times and split all the racers into two groups. Those doing the Olympic distance and those doing the Sprint Distance. I did the Sprint Distances which is:
1. 1/2 mile swim
2. 12.4 mile bike (20k)
3. 3.1 mile run (5k)
The Olympic distance is double everything from the Sprint.
The start of the race was very interesting for me. I had never swam with a bunch of people in a race format. And when I did do open water swimming, it was usually by myself. There were about 120 people in my starting group. When the horn went off, all 120 of them, including myself, started swimming. However, it didn't take long to either kick someone or be kicked by someone else. Somehow I was able to get out in front of a bigger section of the group, which helped me when I got to the first buoy. I knew I couldn't freestyle swim the whole way, but getting in front of a large section of the group was helpful. I was able to keep up with the majority of those around me by swimming on my back as I needed. I would freestyle swim until I got tired then swim on my back.
By the time I rounded the 3rd buoy, I felt like I had been swimming for at least 45 minutes (or longer). I was winded and tired. I was glad when I got to the end of the boat docs as I knew I didn't have much further to go.
I ended up having a 20 to 21 minute 1/2 mile swim, which isn't too bad for my first open water race. After coming out of the water, I had to run up the steep boat doc to the bike transition area 150 meters away. I got my wetsuit off, shirt and shoes on. About that time Deni came up and started getting her bike stuff on. She was really close on my tail.
The bike ride went quite well. About 7 miles into the ride, however, my right calf began to cramp and "Charlie Horse". I had to slow down to about 10 miles an hour while I stretched my leg and prayed that I could make it back the other 5 miles. After about 1-2 minutes of stretching it, I was able to continue on. To this point, only one other rider had passed me. While having leg issues, I had about 3 riders pass me. I was able to catch up to and pass these 3 riders once my leg issues over. My bike ride was just under 40 minutes, which isn't my best time for a 20k. I felt really good when I came into the transition area to transition to the run.
When I came into the transition area, all I had to do was take off my helmet and run. Running after riding your bike any long distance is a really odd feeling. I started out slow and about 200 meters into the run, both my legs began to cramp and "Charlie Horse" again. I again had to stop for 1-2 minutes and stretch so I could continue. At this point I was in quite a bit of pain but new I only had just over 3 miles to go and I would be done. I didn't train for the run at all. I ran 3 times total for a grand total of 7 miles. I simply wasn't prepared for the run.
The finish:
My total run was about 29 minutes for the 3.1 miles, which isn't too bad seeing that I had to walk part of the run because of my legs. At the half-way mark there was an aid station. It was beginning to get warm, so as I ran up, I asked if the drink was water. They said yes, so I took 2 cups. The first one went on my head. The second I drank. As soon as I put the drink in my mouth, I knew that what I had just poured on my head was NOT water. It was some type of flavoring or sports water but at that point, it was too late. Next time I'll drink first, pour second.
The last 50 meters I pushed hard to the finish. It was a good feeling coming across the finish line.
The official time from the race directors was 1 hr 32 minutes and 34 seconds.
Pre-race Yuba Triathlon
I didn't sleep well last night. We slept in Dad's trailer, however it was warm when we went to bed, so we opened all the windows. Also, I'm used to sleeping with a fan and when I don't have one, I have a really hard time falling asleep. Not quite sure when I actually fell asleep, however we started the whole process about 11pm. We fought Sydney for at least 30 minutes, so I'd be surprised if I fell asleep before midnight.
Around 4am, I woke up freezing, but by that time it was too late for me to get warm. I only had a sheet, so I got my jacket and tried to stay warm. Deni had abandon me in the middle of the night to sleep with Sydney in her warm sleeping bag. I never got back to sleep, so at 5:30 am, my alarm finally went off.
I was tired, but ready for this race.
We cooked some oatmeal and ate bannanas for breakfast. Then by 6:15am we were headed up to go set up our bikes in the transition area. Overnight it had gotten into the low 50's, so it was quite cold without the sun being up. I wore my jacket so that I could keep warm.
As we walked up with all our gear, we got the first look at the smimming course. 1/2 mile looks alot longer than it does in a swimming pool. Plus I knew the water was freezing.
Deni's family, along with my dad, brought the kids up to the race about 7:30 am. The race was supposed to start at 7:30 am, however they were running a little late.
We got our wetsuits on, while trying to talk ourselves into the fact that the water will be warm.
This is a great picture of Deni and Ryan. It's fun to have our kids at events like these and let them participate as much as possible.
We got into the water a few minutes early to help with the shock of the colder water. There were people there without wetsuits. I'm not sure how they did it. When you get in, there is a little bit of water that seaps through the zipper up your back. The hardest thing for me was getting my face used to the water so that I could swim with my head in the water.
Just about ready for the race to begin.
Around 4am, I woke up freezing, but by that time it was too late for me to get warm. I only had a sheet, so I got my jacket and tried to stay warm. Deni had abandon me in the middle of the night to sleep with Sydney in her warm sleeping bag. I never got back to sleep, so at 5:30 am, my alarm finally went off.
I was tired, but ready for this race.
We cooked some oatmeal and ate bannanas for breakfast. Then by 6:15am we were headed up to go set up our bikes in the transition area. Overnight it had gotten into the low 50's, so it was quite cold without the sun being up. I wore my jacket so that I could keep warm.
As we walked up with all our gear, we got the first look at the smimming course. 1/2 mile looks alot longer than it does in a swimming pool. Plus I knew the water was freezing.
Deni's family, along with my dad, brought the kids up to the race about 7:30 am. The race was supposed to start at 7:30 am, however they were running a little late.
We got our wetsuits on, while trying to talk ourselves into the fact that the water will be warm.
This is a great picture of Deni and Ryan. It's fun to have our kids at events like these and let them participate as much as possible.
We got into the water a few minutes early to help with the shock of the colder water. There were people there without wetsuits. I'm not sure how they did it. When you get in, there is a little bit of water that seaps through the zipper up your back. The hardest thing for me was getting my face used to the water so that I could swim with my head in the water.
Just about ready for the race to begin.
Friday, September 08, 2006
Arriving at Yuba State Park
Well it was a busy day today. It seems much easier to pack for a week long vacation than it is for a 1 day excursion. We spent all morning getting our clothes, gear, and bikes ready to go and in the van so we could travel to Yuba State Park for the triathlon.
Both kids also had their yearly check-ups today too. Sydney got a shot and didn't cry.
Funny story about Ryan and his check up. Dr Bennett asked Ryan a question like this. "Ryan, I'm going to ask you a question like this: What is a dog? and you are going to answer like, a dog is a animal that has 4 legs and barks, etc." So the question Dr. Bennett asked Ryan was, "what is the ocean?" Ryan said "the ocean has water and waves and you can take a boat on it." Dr Bennett pushed a little more and said, "What else can you tell me about the ocean?" Ryan's response was "Well the ocean creates tsunamis!" Dr Bennett laughed and said that in all his years of being a Dr, he had never gotten an answer like that. Ryan is too big for his britches.
We left Spanish Fork about 4:30pm. My mom and dad were planning on leaving about that time, however before we left Spanish Fork city limits we got a call from them stating that my brother-in-law, Willard, was having difficulty breathing and my mom was going to stay and watch Teresa's kids while they got things figured out.
We continued on our travels down to Yuba State Park and my dad followed about 20 miles behind us with the 5th wheel trailer that we were going to be sleeping in.
We got to the park, got camp setup and then went and checked in at the race. While we were checking in, we found out that the race was pretty small. Only 150 registered racers (compared to about 600 for the Salem tri). I was glad my first triathlon was a smaller race, however they told then told me that there were only going to be 2 heats. One for Olympic distances and the other for Sprint Distances. That meant that Deni and I would be starting at the exact same time, which concerned me quite a bit. I thought I would be racing her timewise, not actually at the same time.
A few hours later, Deni's parents (Donna and Keith) along with Deni's sister( Jessica and baby) showed up. We had to campsites right next to each other, so it worked out good. It was the first time we had seen Jessica's baby in person. (She was born 2 months ago.) She's a cute one.
Busy day tomorrow. Got into bed about 11pm, by the time we got everyone situated.
Both kids also had their yearly check-ups today too. Sydney got a shot and didn't cry.
Funny story about Ryan and his check up. Dr Bennett asked Ryan a question like this. "Ryan, I'm going to ask you a question like this: What is a dog? and you are going to answer like, a dog is a animal that has 4 legs and barks, etc." So the question Dr. Bennett asked Ryan was, "what is the ocean?" Ryan said "the ocean has water and waves and you can take a boat on it." Dr Bennett pushed a little more and said, "What else can you tell me about the ocean?" Ryan's response was "Well the ocean creates tsunamis!" Dr Bennett laughed and said that in all his years of being a Dr, he had never gotten an answer like that. Ryan is too big for his britches.
We left Spanish Fork about 4:30pm. My mom and dad were planning on leaving about that time, however before we left Spanish Fork city limits we got a call from them stating that my brother-in-law, Willard, was having difficulty breathing and my mom was going to stay and watch Teresa's kids while they got things figured out.
We continued on our travels down to Yuba State Park and my dad followed about 20 miles behind us with the 5th wheel trailer that we were going to be sleeping in.
We got to the park, got camp setup and then went and checked in at the race. While we were checking in, we found out that the race was pretty small. Only 150 registered racers (compared to about 600 for the Salem tri). I was glad my first triathlon was a smaller race, however they told then told me that there were only going to be 2 heats. One for Olympic distances and the other for Sprint Distances. That meant that Deni and I would be starting at the exact same time, which concerned me quite a bit. I thought I would be racing her timewise, not actually at the same time.
A few hours later, Deni's parents (Donna and Keith) along with Deni's sister( Jessica and baby) showed up. We had to campsites right next to each other, so it worked out good. It was the first time we had seen Jessica's baby in person. (She was born 2 months ago.) She's a cute one.
Busy day tomorrow. Got into bed about 11pm, by the time we got everyone situated.
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