Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Finding the joy...a dispatcher's search for job happiness.

It seems to me, that when you've been doing something for an extended period of time, you tend to lose the joy in what you do.

Realizing this, I've started to question why I'm doing what I'm doing, and trying to turn the tables on how I approach the main subject.

I've taken a newer approach to my job, asking myself a few questions to help diagnose whether I'm burnt out or just bored. Some of these questions include: what is my main purpose, do I really enjoy my job and what aspects do I like about my job.

The first question, is obvious: my job is to help those in need of assistance from law enforcement or fire department services. That's a no brainer, but that is the most important thing to remember about my job. I am the link between the caller and the first responders.

If you take a more detailed look, from a faith based point of view, I am there to serve others. I personally feel my faith plays an important role in my job. The problem is, I don't allow my faith to work "behind the scenes" if you will. I don't need to tell people "God bless you" or other faith sayings, but what I can do is pray for those who need it most. That includes the first responders. I believe God has put me in this job to serve, and I can either do it happily or just be miserable the rest of my career.

Secondly, do I enjoy my job? I can honestly say I do enjoy doing what I do. Its no adrenaline rush, and there are the good calls and the bad calls, and I've learned coping skills to deal with the bad ones. But what I fail to do is actually taking pride in my job. I always tell myself I want to do better, but I never practice the art of becoming better. I feel as though I'm not going any further, so why bother? Imagine going through the rest of your life never learning any new things. Sounds boring, huh?

Finally, what aspects of my job do I like. Well, first off, the hours. I work the afternoon shift, which is 3pm to 11pm. I have time in the morning to do things, like working around the house, excercize, and do some hobbies. Really, I do like these hours. Sure, I'm not home in the evenings, and if there are any special events, I do have the ability to take time off, so that's a big plus. There are a few tasks I really enjoy, and am always trying to find new ways of doing paperwork quicker and easier.

So, in a nutshell, that's what I've come up with. Maybe a good refocus, reboot, reset or whatever you want to call it, is in order. Whatever you call it, staying fresh, and having a positive outlook on your career, whatever it may be, I have found to be vital.

Maybe this isn't news to most, but it is a new discovery for me.

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

The Hill-emental block.

Since I've been taking a serious look at riding, one nemesis I've always had were the hills. Hated them when I was younger and rode everyday, hate them now, even though I don't ride everyday.

What's been the "mental block" when it comes to hills? I'm not really sure. Maybe its the lactic acid pain in my legs, maybe its the actual work. I'm not really sure.

When I was in school, my ride was an old Murray 10 speed frame, no brakes, and a Columbia 3 speed rear wheel sitting 26" tall. Now, I couldn't change gears, so it was stuck in the highest gear. Which is probably the reason why I don't like hills so much.

Fast forward to 2013. My ride is a '12 Giant Defy 5 Triple with a 700x25 wheelset. But what's this triple, you may ask? Its the front sprocket. There are 3 of them, alledgedly making hill climbing so much easier.

So they claim.

Well, I'm here to tell you that, in fact, that third little sprocket does indeed make climbing hills much easier.

Much easier.

However, there are some hills that just laugh at the fat guy in spandex, and snickers at him as he dismounts and walks the rest of the way up (thank you St Charles).

But, that's a story for another day.

There is a hill at one of the entrances of my subdivision that during the winter time dares cars that don't have all wheel drive to attempt the climb. Even the SUVs have a struggle. And during the warm weather, cyclists are often seen walking their rides up the hill, heads hung low, panting. I wanted to climb this hill to prove that I can conquer it. It intimidated me. It dared me to fail. It was taunting me. And I was afraid.

During this past weekend, my daughter wanted to get a 5 mile jog in and wanted me to ride next to her for moral and water support. Any chance to ride the Giant is a welcome time.

So I donned the gear, all except the shorts; it was a quick ride, who needed them, I thought. Always wear your cycling shorts. On your road bike.

She said she wanted to go up the hill. I asked her why she was trying to off me so close to Father's Day. She giggled. Oh boy. Hope I can make it.

As we approached the crossing point to get into the subdivision, I looked up the hill. This is going to be tough, but you need to support your daughter, I thought. We crossed the busy road, she kept walking, and I stopped to clip back in, and take a deep breath, anticipating the burn.

She started jogging, and I started pedaling. I was already in the lowest gear, so I didn't have to fiddle with the shifters.

As I caught up to her, she was having a difficult time. Halfway up the hill, she was in agony. I shouted encouraging phrases like "you're doing great, just keep moving..." and so on. We moved around a couple who were walking, but my daughter kept jogging, in agony. She was doing great! I was so proud of her.

As we reached the top of the hill she said she wanted to walk, I told her to keep going until we reached a sign up ahead that was maybe 10 yards away. She kept going. Legs burning and all.

Funny. My legs weren't burning at all. In fact, I wasn't even out of breath! I could tell because I was still encouraging my daughter without gasping for air!

As we reached the next intersection, I rode ahead, got the water bottle out for her and told her to stretch a little and rest. She did so, face all red and scrunched up.

I turned and looked back at the hill. I was amazed that I was standing at the top, looking back, breathing normally.

This day broke the block. It tore down the wall that kept me from achieving so much. I compare it to the scene in "The Right Stuff" where Chuck Yeager saddles up the X-1 and takes it past "that 'ol demon in the sky". Corny, but yeah, that was my demon.

The Hill.

Now, the block is less intrusive. The block is a discomfort, not a disabler. The block is welcomed, so that it can be chiseled away some more.

Thursday, May 30, 2013

An answer

Lord,
I asked you to handle this situation, and you did. I thank you for your faithfulness. I thank you for listening to my cries. This truly instills upon me the truth of your love and grace.

Amen.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

I am comforted (speaking to my Lord)

Lord,
In this turmoil, knowing you're there for me eases my discomfort. Like the songs played on the radio reminded me that You are always there for me, whenever I need You. It was soothing to know that You are in control.

I humbled myself in Your presence. Lord, grant me the wisdom to recognise the peace and patience that comes with that verse. I don't want to think this is all for nothing. I know, within my heart, You can handle all I put upon You. And I thank You.

I am asking for peace; peace in knowing that You have everything under control. Let me leave it to You.

I thank you, Lord, for your sacrafice for me. I thank you for your faithfulness. I thank you for my life and all who are in my life. Thank you.

Knowing Your presence is with me, comforts me. Peace is yet to come. But until then,
I am comforted.

Amen.

Thursday, April 4, 2013

The Crash of Spring

All this time I have been reading about biking, watching the YouTube videos and the like, I have been enamoured with the guys who seem to have this whole cycling thing down pat. They glide, they dart, the bike is an extension of their bodies. They are the bike.

I have been riding bikes for 30 plus years, and I have finally figured it out that there are just some things that you just need to learn the hard way.

Like crashing.

Your new bike.

I knew this was going to happen, I just wasnt ready for it. Not this soon anyway. See, it all started with the warm weather. I wanted to ride on my day off, the sun was shining and it wasnt really too cold out. Besides, if I wore my Under Armor thermals, then my new jersey would look great! So, don the gear I did. Including the shoes. I was going all out.

Got the garage door lifted, walked the bike out, started the app on my Android, threw it in my back jersey pocket, and clipped in. Right foot. Left foot.

Pedaling easy, it was nice to be back riding again, although the new saddle reminded me of how much time I had spent off the bike. Going to have to get used to this again. But it was a nice feeling. New bike and all.

I turned the first corner, and was met with the little incline that warms up your legs pretty quickly. I kicked up to a slower gear and the cadence jumped. I had no issues on that grade. The speed carried into the small left hander as the chain clicked from the larger cog down towards the frame. Then the right hander, and a stop sign.

I got thru that stop pretty well. I thought of how I was going to unclip; stand, twist and dangle. Pretty easy, and I had done it before. As planned, it went smoothly. Ok, Im getting this, I thought as I pulled my right leg up and pushed off. I struggled to get my left foot clipped, the pedal kept flipping upside down. But once I got it clipped, I was good to go.

Update:
This writing never got posted. Since then, I have had quite a journey. I rode 35 plus miles, am feeling more confident and am really looking forward to doing my first metric century(62miles), my first century(100) and my first double metric(126) in one day.

Until then....

Monday, March 11, 2013

New Gadget

Just saw this posted on the ride with GPS blog....



Friday, March 1, 2013

Thoughts of doubt

Why must I have these? What is it? Why do I start doubting my ability, my progress and my end goal? I have everything in the world going for me.

I musnt listen

I must strive on towards the finish

I cannot allow these thoughts to discourage me

I must trundle on

I must

I must

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

You Tube and stuff....

Since I have been training for the MS ride, I have found a good training partner during the cold winter months: YouTube.

A lot of people have recorded their rides and have been posting them. This one user actually does rides then posts them as training videos for indoor training or spinning. It also helps lift the spirits during a cold, grey winter's day when snow is forecasted to fall.

But there are more than just training videos. I stumbled upon a BBC Scotland documentary of a guy who cycled the mountain range of the Americas. Yes, both north and south. He started in Alaska with a mountain climb of the tallest mountain in North America and finished with a climb of the tallest in South America.

This is the kind of stuff that gives me the drive to venture out further of my comfort zone. This is what is inspiring me to do the MS ride, and more.

When I stopped smoking three years ago, I figured my body would naturally heal and I would be feeling pretty good. I have, and I'm sure my body is healing, but I haven't felt the way I was expecting to. I guess I was feeling like I would suddenly be able to do all these wonderful, physical activities. Well, I need to take into account, I'm clinically obese, I'm in my mid 40's, and for a person who has been behind a console for 8-12 hours, I'm just not physically fit. I have been losing weight, in fact, I have lost 25 plus pounds since May of '12. I'm finally starting to see a difference, for the better.

I'm watching one of those training videos now, debating if I want to bring the bike in and set it up. I just may do that.

And by the way, my back is feeling better, but shhhhhh. Don't tell it!

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Test Ride


The roads were dry enough yesterday that I was able to take the new bike out for a spin or two around the block.
Wow. Exhilerating. Cold.
Fun. Fast!
I can't get over the responsiveness of this bike. The power transfer from me to the road is like instantanious, and I can feel every power application being put forth. Sitting in the saddle, pushing harder, the bike wants to lurch out from underneath me! Almost scary!
My old bike, the Trek, didn't seem to be that responsive. Maybe its the chain, all stretched out. I did notice some teeth missing on the big chain ring. I'm hanging on to that bike for mountain biking fun!
The new bike was worth the money. I'm more comfortable, though I think there is still some tweaking (shorter stem for one, still a far reach to the hoods) to be done, but we will see once the weather starts cooperating and I start logging more miles off the trainer.

Friday, January 25, 2013

The Accidental Break

It seems that when you're on a roll, something always breaks the cycle of progress. In my case, it's lower back pain. Yes, as the picture to the left illustrates, it is my leading achilles heel. It's debilitating at times, but within recent years, it's effects have been minimal.

But still, it always seems to happen when things are going good, I'm making progress, and feeling really good, then, WHAM! When it happens, I always baby it, do my excercises, stretch and what not, but the pain is always there, waiting, lurking for that one single moment when I bend over the wrong way or dont lift something right.

I was making good progress riding; a twenty-six miler day before yesterday. I was feeling really good about  training for the MS ride in June. I was thinking "Yeah, I can do this". Now, I'm really starting to question things again. Is it me, is it the bike, or is it that my old injuries are still not 100% healed? I guess I'll never truly know the real answer to that question. I guess my next course of action is prevention.

Two things popped into my mind when I was thinking of prevention: 1) weight training and 2) new bike. And here is the arguments for both.

Weight Training
We renewed our YMCA membership, and they have a weight training program that is customized to my body. You make an appointment, and someone helps you work on your max levels, and then they set up a program in a computer. You use your smartphone to track your progress at each machine. It's pretty cool. And since I am smartphone enabled, I can dig that. Now, I just need to set up that appointment.

New Bike
The bike I'm currently riding, a 1990 Trek 7000 mountain bike, is what is called a "flat-bar bike", meaning the handle bar is flat. I like the bike, it has a triple crank, meaning 3 chainrings, it's all aluminum and it's my bike. I've done alot on that bike. But, for someone who has a bad lower back, this style is not too comfortable, especially on long rides, because of the aggressive riding position. Oh, I can get some time on it, if the back is doing well on a particular day. I can log some serious (to me anyway) miles. I havent really measured the bike to see what size it might be, but I'm thinking it's too small. The new "endurance" bikes have a more upright riding position, and are designed for longer times in the saddle. Though I have yet to test ride one to see if that is in fact the case, I will have to wait for warmer weather to do that.

So, with those things in mind, and new pedals attached to the Trek, I muscle on. Stretching, bending and mending. Hopefully soon I can get back on so I can test out the new shoes and practice clipping in and out, so that by spring, I wont fall over when coming to a stop. 


Saturday, January 19, 2013

The falsness of sunshine



Ahh, the sunshine. The warmth on your face. Remembering the days of summertime. It's all for a good cause: my mental health.

But, I did find that the sunshine can be misleading. Yes, misleading. Untruthful, if thats a word. Though it may be sunny out, the bitter cold can still cut through you.

And that's what I hate.

The bitter cold.

It's ok, though, because I know that soon, say 2 months from now, I'll be wearing my lightweight jacket, and looking at the road conditions to get the bike off the trainer and hit the asphalt.

This little picture at the top reminds me of summer's warmth. The events planned. The hopes and dreams of all I have for the summer.

Until the day arrives for the shorts to be worn all the time, and the air conditioning to be running, the extreme temperature of the steering wheel of your car, I'll be waiting.

Patiently.

Keep shining!

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Another good ride

Thiis is starting to worry me. Every ride I've had this week has been good. I feel good after getting off the bike. I don't hurt, my muscles are a bit tight, but it reminds me of what I have just completed. Its a glowing feeling.

In the past, I have gotten off the bike sore, tired and wanting to stop riding. So, I'm kind of waiting for the shoe to drop and for me not to enjoy these rides. But, I keep telling myself to stop thinking like that and just enjoy it. Go with it man. Go!

So my intervals are crafty: easy for one song, usually 3-5 minutes, then a hard climb for another song, at about the same time frame. I maintain 13mph easy and 17 hard. I feel it. I really do. And since I've set the resistance level up a notch, I'm really feeling it. But, in the long run, the hills won't freighten me. Ill be able to conquer them!

I hope.

Until then, pedal hard to nowhere, for now, will be the game.

And how do I love this game!

A Look Back

Well, I just spent a few minutes looking through the older postings of this blog. I've seen some changes, good and bad, in me, I've been reminded of God's love for me and I've remembered the goofy things I did (the blind spring). Here is to a new year, new life and new beginning of Dave. I'm excited, nervous and willing.

I can't wait to see what this brings for this blog. I do know that I have made myself a promise to record more of my training and more of my life this year. So let the games begin!

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Amazing weight, how sweet ur gone!

This is a mobile entry, so please excuse the mistakes.

Wow. This vegan thing is really synching up with me. Shan made an enchilada bake that was absolutely wonderful! I'm feeling healthier, the pounds are dropping, I just can't say enough.

My whole opinion of vegan awhile ago was based upon no information other than no animal products. The more I have learned in the last few days has been more than enough to want to change mmy lifestyle.

But, man, I gotta say, the food we have been eating has great taste, and the milks, soy, coconut, are so good. We get the vanilla flavored.

I'm really trying to get the riding and eating groove going. Getting the proteins I need means eating the foods I turned away from for so long, like beans and legumes. When I thought of eating those, I always pictured eating them raw. Its a whole different world when they are cooked and mixed. There are a lot of choices out there for eating a whole food plant based diet. A lot.

This has really opened our eyes and minds to a better way of living.

Here's to good health!

Saturday, January 5, 2013

Fast Forward 2013

So, the rest of 2012 didnt go like I had hoped it would have and depression reared it's ugly head and knocked me down. I was angry, sad, confused and really thought of giving up on this whole bike thing.

But I didnt Give Up!!!

I talked to the Mrs about what was going on with me. I told her how I was feeling and we discussed what was happening to me. I felt alot better. Like a huge weight had been lifted off of me.

I didnt stop riding, I just didnt ride everyday. And that break felt good. I needed it. I cleared my head, focused more on the diet rather the bike. And speaking of diet, I have stopped eating the processed foods, fast foods and soda pop. I started with a 3 day detox of just plain, juiced fruits and veggies. I lost 3 pounds to boot! The girls are doing the veegan thing, and I havent gotten there yet.

The past 2 rides have been wonderful. Both were 45 minutes, and I felt really good afterwards. I bought a Bontrager saddle from Oswego Cyclery on the 31st. Now that its dialed in, it feels really good. No more numbness in certain areas. I did spend a little from the bike fund for this saddle, but Ill make it up.

RAGBRAI
Google RAGBRAI. It's a wonderful event, and looks like something I may want to do in the future. There are some YouTube videos covering it as well. Shan even said she is interested in it too! That would be a great vacation for the 2 of us!

Peace!