So the Griffociraptor sent me a link in which I can view the TOC live here from the rock pile. Have to admit that at first I found it kind of cool. But later it dawned on me as I became more and more annoyed, that Griff is trying to get me to saw my own head off. It's one of those things were at first you can't quite put your finger on it, but then you realize something is definitely pissing you off. It could be the lawn mower whinning somewhere in the distance as you sit there on the couch trying to watch the (insert whatever it is that you watch here) on TV. Or it could be when you realize that the annoying song in your head that won't go away is being piped in there subliminally from the overhead speakers at the grocery store. Whatever the case may be, as I sat there at work today, I realized that what was really getting to me was the guy doing all the talking on the website. Turns out it is none other than Frankie Andreau who for what ever reason won't go away. Seems he got fired from some team recently. My guess is whoever was running that team got totally annoyed with his less that pro experienced type knowledge. I mean the guy spent some time racing at the highest level. Can't he give me something more than the break won't get away until it is comprised of riders that are no threat to the GC guys. Really Frankie? I hope they're paying you a lot to bore the shit out of me. At one point he was dropping a little John Tomac knowledge on some other "I don't have any carreer better than commentating on pro bike racing" dude who had never heard of Johnny T. He did cop to knowing Ned Overend but I have my suspicions. Anyway, somebody asked Frankie what happened to Danielson and why he was sucking so bad at this tour and Frankie stated he didn't want to speculate. Then he went on to speculate about all sorts of things regarding Danielson. I had to admit that I kept listening at this point to find out how bad it could get. When he brought up that pin-dick, argyle clad, look at me in my metrosexual framed glasses and trendy clothes holier than thou Jonathan Vaughters, I could stand no more. And though I didn't saw my own head off, I had to be content with the satisfaction of clicking the little red "x" on the browser. Somewhere Griff sits plotting his next diabolicle shennanigan, but the gloves are off. Never wake a sleeping giant, Griff because he might attack.

Johnny GoFast

With sincerest (and I really mean that) apologies to the Anon who loves the photo of Markie Post, it's time to move her down a bit. I frankly find the photo of her shockingly creepy. If I didn't know better, I'd think she was posing as an inflatable sex doll. But what ever gets you going Anon, is okay by me. That's how we roll out here on the West Coast.

Anyway, I rolled into the house the other night and the wife was on the phone. It went something like this:

Me: (Rather innocently) Who are you talking to?

Wifeage: (Not in a good mood) I'm not talking to anyone, I'm on hold with Washington Mutual. I've been sitting here for about 40 minutes and nobody will pick up.

Me: (Again..innocently) Didn't you just go through the gauntlet with them a few days ago trying to get a copy of our mortgage bill for Maile's school registration?

Wifeage: (Showing visual cues that I may receive the brunt of her frustrations) Yes, and instead of sending us a copy of our bill, they canceled the mortgage auto pay we have set up from savings. As a result, the mortgage didn't get automatically paid and now we've been assessed a late fee.

Me: Well that doesn't seem righ....(cut off by the wifeage as clearly some poor soul is coming on the line at WaMu).

Wifeage: My name is blah, blah, blah and my account number is blah, blah, blah. I called a couple of weeks ago to have you forward a copy of our mortgage statement. Well I'm glad you see it's there in your computer...does it say anything about the fact that you never sent it? No...well then is there something in there that says something to the effect that I wanted the mortgage autopay function canceled? No...well then why didn't you send the statement and why did you cancel our autopay? You don't know? Well how about this...how about you send me the statement and reset the autopay and waive the late fee you've assessed us for the late pay on the mortgage? No...I certainly will not pay an additional fee to get set up on auto mortgage pay. Seems a bit ridiculous to pay a fee for something that we already had and that was canceled as a result of an error on your part. In fact, not only did I not get the statement I requested, but you turned off a function I never asked to be turned off. Now you want me to pay additional money? I tell you what, this conversation is over. Goodbye.

With that, the wife slammed down the phone and the very next day she marched into the branch of WaMu and pulled all our savings and checking accounts and moved them to Wells Fargo. Which is cool, because they are the new title sponsor of our team. WaMu still holds the mortgage to our house, but she now sends them a check from Wells Fargo. The lady at the bank tried to keep our money and wanted to know if there was anything they could do to keep our business. No was all the wifeage said. With a hint of satisfaction, no doubt.

Johnny GoFast

I am well aware that it is no boast to (Markie) Post, but when you can't remember your own log in to your own site, it's getting pretty bad. I'll spare you the usual acutrements of excuses including but not limited to: shitty ass work, lack of motivation due to stress, more things interesting in my life than blogging, stiff fingers, etc. Know that they all apply. Anyway, highlights include: skiing, skiing, and more skiing.

As you can see in the photo, the back country ski trip this year with my brother Michael proved to be exceptional. It's been called bottomless, gnar, snorkelfest, the white room, blower, and kindly pow to name a few. It was all these things when we hit Steamboat, Colorado at the beginning of February. I've been lucky enough to ski deep conditions in the past, but this was truly unbelievable. So many times, the snow would ride up my trunk and blow over the top of my head, I lost count. At times, it would get a little unerving as snow in the face tends to blind you (putting you in the white room as they say).
On one occassion, I managed to blast right into a tree Sonny Bono style (minus the massive brain hemoraging and death). We skied for three days in these conditions and I think it's safe to say, the conditions were once in a life time.

In addition to having some selfish skiing time to myself, I've been going out there with the kiddiewinks and that is even more fun. Should have some pictures of that posted in the next few days. "Yeah, right," you say? Trust me, I'm going to post. I really, really mean it.

Johnny GoFast