Notice the melted part - my front tire did that.

Sent to isplab-l@mtu.edu at ~2:30 am:

So word to the wise: mind your bike lock. I may be a bit late tomorrow so
my brain can stop bleeding and thus restore “normal” functioning. Why?
Because my bike lock became lodged in my front tire causing it to stop and
my body didn’t stop nearly as quickly. In fact, I flew over the handle
bars and landed on my neck; rear tire finding rest against the KBC of all
places. Lucky me though, that I landed on my neck, otherwise I would have
destroyed my laptop which was proverbially strapped to my back. In any
case, my neck hurt 15 minutes after it happened, so there is an excellent
chance I’ll be drinking Friday’s beer out of a straw in my bed.

So yeah, I was actually totally sober when that happened, it was just an unfortunate mix of things getting caught in my wheel. Of course since it happened right in front of the windows of a packed bar, when I walked in I recieved the scoring for my acrobatics: 10/10. Today though, I’m walking around largely out of it.

OK, I figured I should write something here. I was sort of holding off until I put together all the spring break stuff, but that just isn’t panning out leaving this place devoid of anything, which sucks.

So, here’s brief summary of what is going on since the last post:

• I started working out with Brad and Makela. They have this killer workout routine and have the added benefit of peer pressuring each other into going EVERY SINGLE DAY so I decided to finally take them up on the invite. I’ve been at it for about two weeks now and I’m to the point where I no longer cry when someone touches my chest (it was super sore).
• SUCBA!!! I’m enrolled in the MTU scuba class now. I’ll be certified in a bit more then a month. You’re probably wondering why bother with the certification? Why not just do it Massey style and jump right in? Simple: I don’t want to die. The class meets every Wednesday from 7-10pm and the last half is in the swimming pool with the equipment. Anyway, I’m really excited about going diving this summer with Brad and Makela around the UP and wherever else we happen to be.
• And finally, Thruster II Rev. 7 is complete now. I finally got the last parts back on Friday and have been tinkering with them since. Today I ran a smoke test, but fell victim to a totally amateur set of mistakes which obviously pissed me off, but I had a lot on my mind trying to coordinate around other people and stuff. You see, we’ve started actually scheduling specific days where one person has tank time and another person is on standby (incase the first person has some trouble). Well, I was on standby today and was tapped so I had to scramble to get put my integrated thruster together the first time and do some initial smoke testing on it. Basically, I just hurried through the assembly and wasn’t really thinking about what I was really doing, plus since it has been many months since I did experimental work, I’m a bit out of practice. However, tomorrow will be better. Which is where I’m heading now (tomorrow that is).

Hey all, I made it back from Spring Break alive. I have a ton of content to add from the trip, but acting on the solid advice of Soland, I’m going to switch server software from movabletype to WordPress so things may be hit or miss around here the next few days. In the mean time though, i’ll leave you with one pic that sort of illustrates some of what I did on the trip. I’m one of the black dots in the middle of the pic and that particular rock is about 1700 feet in the air.

Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging!

Backpack - check
Ride to Minneapolis - check
Beer for Christie - check

Ok, I’m out. Catch you on the flip side.

BEGIN EMAIL FROM CHRISTIE:
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What to bring and shit….

CLOTHES

* Windproof Shell er something
* Sweater/fleece
* Long Undies
* Socks
* Regular under-roos white tighties or boxers yer choice
* 2 pair pants- one camping style, one around town
* pair of shorts if you want….it’s been about 65 or warmer in the sun, but no telling what the weather will be like it also snowed on the mountain yesterday
* stocking cap—a must
* gloves/mittens
* whatever shirts you want
* Hiking boot/s shoes
* Sandals (preferably not flip flops- something that are more hardy)
* Something you are comfortable swimming in just in case ( my friends have a hot tub and there is always the option of going to a hot spring)

I recommend packing light- you can do a round of laundry if you need to here at our apt. Just don’t skimp on the under-roos and socks. But of course coordinate to have some “going out clothes”

GEAR

* Sleeping bags…..we have extras if you don’t want to haul yours on the plane, especially if it takes up a suitcase of it’s own.….let me know ASAP so I can make sure you all don’t need one when you get here.
* Camping pads- same deal- if you don’t want to haul one- let me know soon.
* Toothbrush/Shampoo coordinate between youselves and figure out toothpaste and shampoo please- we don’t need everybody to bring some.
* Camera
* Beer for me.
* Maybe a pickled egg or a pasty for me please.
* Day-pack or Camelback
* SUNSCREEN!!!! We are at 8 thousand feet
* OXYGEN – we are at 8 thousand feet!!!
* Sunglasses- protect yer eyes
* Hat with a brim
* At least one nalgene/water bottle
* Camel- I’m sure not carrying your water J

We are set on stoves and it doesn’t sound like we are going to camp anywhere we will need a filter so don’t worry about it.

Mary bring your tent please. And tell Ben to bring his too. We have one and that should be enough.

Mary brig your climbing harness, but we have my shoes and Erin’s shoes here so don’t have to bring those. And remind ben to bring his shoes too. I am not sure what we are going to do about skip but he can probably rent/borrow a pair from someone.

You don’t to bring a pillow we have a bunch at the house and some camping ones too, unless you are particular about your pillows?

Tentative plans

Sat- Pick ya’ll up and get a rental car. Head up to Flagstaff

Sun GRAND CANYON!!!! If you want we could do a big day hike and spend the night there and then come home Monday morning. If not it is only about 1 ½ hours away so we could still watch the sunset and go home for a late dinner.

Monday- You guys can decide—–the San Francisco Peaks are an awesome day hike- it will kick your ass but it is a great view at over 12,000 feet. OR Ryan can take you down to Sedona and hike someplace down there (it might be a little warmer)

Tues- You guys can go rock climbing with Ryan (I have clinicals) there is a cool place about 5 miles from our house were you can hike/climb. Tues night- head up to Zion- we will probably get there after dark.

Weds- All day at Zion

Thurs- All day at Zion- Ryan and I will be leaving for School in the morning but I will leave you guys with our car so you can come back on Friday if you want.

Friday- You guys can take your time coming back from Zion, stop and see the grand canyon again if you want.

Sat- Chill around town? Have a good dinner…whatever you want to do? Beer.

Drink lots of water on the plane!! Even if it means you have to pee a lot- it is super dry here and up high, so it will help prevent headaches and other elevation type sickness when you get here.

I am really excited for you guys to come!! See you soon!

Best thing to do if you have questions is email me, because I will be at work/clinical until Friday night. Again, we have plenty of sleeping bags and pads available here so please let me know if you need one.

ok dudes, safe travels to your respective airports.

love you all,

Christie

END EMAIL
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Heh, can’t wait . . .