Saturday morning Praxis workout and Lunch at Clafouti's

My normal lack of time management and progressive procrastination nearly got me this morning as I raced to my 10:00 am Praxis workout on my bike arriving at a painfully late 10:08.... but the Gods of Monger and Mercy to Old Men were with me as I sped through the warm-up only to be confronted with a buffet of delectable menu choices for a 3-man team..... so I got 1/3 of everything shown.

Which was more than enough for me....

It ended up being 29 mins and 23 seconds of continuous Running, Power Snatching, Push Pressing, Kettle Bell Swinging and Cleaning.

I could feel the effect on my 5-1/2 mile uphill ride back up Agua Fria to the north side of Santa Fe.

Me and Bob Seger were riding "Against the Wind" and uphill..... bout the only thing missing was a school and snow.

It's an old Country joke.... if I have to explain... you wouldn't get it anyway.

I gotta tell ya.... I don't know how I've done it cause I gotta be one of the unluckiest SOBs that ever crawled the face of the earth.

But I have lucked upon one of the best bunch of people I've ever met at Praxis - www.thepraxislab.com

Not only are the Owner and his Staff knowledgeable in the art, craft and vocation of Exercise, Kinesiology and Body Fitness Optimization, but all of the Trainers and Athletes are some of the nicest, most personable and down to earth people you could hope for.

Yep..... I'm in Good Company!

And speaking of good company and good food.... I decided to take my nooner at Clafouti's.

https://www.facebook.com/Clafoutis-250750308289765/

If you wanna turn up the volume on your taste buds....

Then Clafouti's is your place.

I've tried a variety of things from their menu and I have to say without exception that every meal was the best of that dish I have ever had.

It's been years since I've had quiche but I had to try the artichoke and prosciutto quiche with a nice side salad.

Pumpkin flan?  Are you kidding me?  Yep - you guessed it - take the love child of your favorite flan and pumpkin pie.... and that's what you get!

So whacchu doing this Saturday?

Hell - I've already knocked down a pot of coffee, 3 blog posts, 11 miles of bike riding and a 30 minute CrossFit workout and had one of the best lunches I've ever had at a swank, little French bakery in Santa Fe.

So what's your excuse?

What's playing on the Discovery Music Channel?

I've been stuck on the Texas Hippie Coalition station for a couple of weeks now and just can't get enough.

I never realized how much Metal Music came out of Texas, especially the Dallas - North Texas area...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Heavy_metal_musical_groups_from_Texas

Pantera, Mudvayne, Damageplan, Drowning Pool, Hellyeah.... and Rebel Meets Rebel - a Country Metal (now ain't that an irony!) album made by David Allen Coe and members of Pantera!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebel_Meets_Rebel

Switching to the Discovery Food Channel.... here's what's for Supper!

A huge platter of Spring Mix with carrots and tomatoes drizzled with EVOO and Balsamic flanked by pan grilled Kalamata Olive bread, slow cooked creamy grits with a pat of butter and topped with an over easy egg and a bowl of Braised Pork and Veggies.

Zakk Wylde used to be Ozzy Osbourne's guitarist but now has his own gig known as Black Label Society...

Just about as pretty a song as you're gonna hear....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HUr9UKAxiY

Another Zakk Wylde venture.... Pride and Glory....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQ00S6qtLoI

Kinda the way I feel sometimes...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBwKm8u8Rc4

Everything's a scandal
The news too hard to handle
The world is so unbearable like wearing socks with sandals
I'm lover not a fighter respectable to women
I ain't Chris Brown I don't feel the need to hit 'em
It's sad to see a 12 year old acting like a little ho
Taking naked pictures while she's livin' in her parents' home
Post 'em up on Twitter
It'd make you reconsider
Every time you go online to find a babysitter

Sometimes it makes me wanna blow my fucking head off
Sometimes it makes me wanna go a little mental
We celebrate the idiot
Pretend that we're so into it
Dumb down our intelligence
Just to make us relevant
Sometimes it makes me think the world has gone officially insane

The lovable NRA, they're totally to blame
The only people to actually have a "give your kid a gun" day
The government's a joke, a fuckin sinking boat
But hey, don't complain, you're the one who cast the vote
Kanye West says rock is dead, I guess he's off his meds again
He lost his mind, about the time he got with that Kardashian
What happened to De Niro
Reality stars are heroes
It's the proof that our IQs has finally dropped to zero

Sometimes it makes me wanna blow my fucking head off
Sometimes it makes me wanna go a little mental
We celebrate the idiot
Pretend that we're so into it
Dumb down our intelligence
Just to make us relevant
Sometimes it makes me think the world has gone officially insane
Think the world has gone officially insane [x2]

Stop!
And take the time to realize it's over
If you live to have some kids they'll hate you when they're older
They'll dump you in a home, to die there all alone
Finally you'll rest in peace not like they'll ever know
But, don't listen to a word I say cuz it don't really mean a thing
The world is full of hypocrites and I'm the fucking king
It's not like I mean it
We're all in agreement,
As soon as you hear this freaking song I'm sure you'll just delete it

Sometimes it makes me wanna blow my fucking head off
Sometimes it makes me wanna go a little mental
We celebrate the idiot
Pretend that we're so into it
Dumb down our intelligence
Just to make us relevant
Sometimes it makes me uhuh
Think the world has gone officially insane (bout to blow my fucking head off) [x4]
Think the world has gone officially insane

Here's one that caught my ear..... I kinda like the idea of "aggressive forgiveness".....

Forgive but with a twist....

For all the pain and the suffering that I have put you through
I beg for forgiveness
I beg for forgiveness from you

For all the pain and the suffering that you've put me through
I push it back on you
I cast a spell on you

Like you're some kind of voodoo
Yes, all this pain and this suffering
That you put me through
I cast a spell on you
Ah yeah, I cast a spell on you
Voodoo

"Wash It All Away"

I've given up
On society
Up on my family
Up on your social decease

I've given up
On the industry
Up on democracy
Done with all your hypocrisy

All of the chaos
And all of the lies
I hate it

I'm wasting here
Can anyone wash it all away
I'm waiting here
For anyone to wash it all away
Wash it all away

I've given up
On the media
Feeds my hysteria
Sick of living down on my knees
I've given up
On morality
Feeds my brutality
Fuck what you think about me

All of the chaos
And all of the lies
I hate it

I'm wasting here
Can anyone wash it all away
I'm waiting here
For anyone to wash it all away
Wash it all away

I won't change for you
And I can't take the pain
There's nothing you can do
And there's nothing you can say

I've given up
On everything
Up on everything
Up on everything

I'm wasting here
Can anyone wash it all away
I'm waiting here
For anyone to wash it all away
Wash it all away

I'm wasting here
With everyone just wash it all away
I'm waiting here
For anyone to wash it all away
Wash it all away
Wash it all away

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oaDpe66NxU

Some that know me or maybe don't know me may think that I've run away from everything to live in isolation in Santa Fe NM.

To those I ask.... What the Fuck did I run away from?

The only family that talks to me except when I call them is my son Aaron, which is kinda ironic.

One of the things I'm not gonna wash away is the $2.95 bowl of Carne Adovado at Santa Fe Baking Company..... I'll wash it down with 2 cups of Black Lightning and follow it with a piece of apple and peach streudel....

Interesting factoids....

Halloween plans anyone...

More David Allan Coe and Pantera!

More Pork Roast, veggies and salad..... this could get to be a food group for me!

Aaaah.... the atmosphere!

Ok.... changing the channel....

Kinda feeling....

In this Moment....

Yeah.... I guess I do miss the Misery of living on the Texas Gulf Coast a little....

Or not.

It's Saturday and it's time for some famous and not so famous Quotes.....

Was watching a show called "American Badassess" on the History Channel and it was basically a comparison of legendary American figures with a scoring system for different categories to determine which one was the most Badass of all.

3 of the American historical figures being featured was Ernest Hemingway, Benjamin Franklin and Amelia Earhart.

Besides the incredible feats described by these American legends, there was also a quote from each.  Here are 3 of the most notable for me:

"The World breaks everyone and afterward many are strong in the broken places." - Ernest Hemingway

"Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing." - Benjamin Franklin

"Never interrupt someone doing something you said couldn't be done." - Amelia Earhart

Here's a couple of more from some somewhat more infamous sources.....

"If you don't like the Answer, check your Premises." - Dr. Dix in the Jesse Stone books and movies

"Perception is Truth but many people confuse Opinion with Perception." - William Miller

Give each of these a few seconds of pondering and see if they speak to you, and, if so, how you can apply them to be better.

Snow on the Horizon... Texas Rock and Roll... Best Omelette Ever... Leg Day!

Whoa!  Snow this weekend?

Oh yeah.... I almost forgot.... I am at 7200' elevation in Northern New Mexico.

I may be in Santa Fe - the land of the Free Spirit and the Home of the Retired.

But there's an old saying.... 

You can take the boy out of the Country....

But you can't take the Country out of the Boy.

And if you're a product of a Deep East Texas Redneck Daddy and a Red Bone Coon Ass Momma....

Then you may need something to cure your ills...

And what's better than a Redneck Remedy!

I gotta say.... I've become a Big Fan of Big Dad Ritch, the lead singer for Texas Hippie Coalition.

You gotta check out this interview with Big Dad Ritch....

http://seattlesoundlive.com/exclusive-exclusives/its-all-about-the-thc-big-dad-ritch-says-that-the-heart-of-rock-and-roll-is-still-beating/

This guy's perspectives, attitudes and opinions are as deep, rich and wild as his voice.

And I absolutely love how he takes negative subject matter and puts a positive spin on it.

He talks about his family moving from Texas to Washington to outrun the law.

Yeah..... there's a little Outlaw in the Big Man!

I guess sometimes there's nothing left to say but....

Got done with my PIYO Strength Workout at Anytime Fitness this morning....

What is a PIYO Strength Workout you ask..... well let me give you the definition right off the Group Exercise flyer....

PIYO Strength: A strength fusion style format for people who like to sweat! It incorporates short bursts of cardiovascular work and strength training for all over body conditioning.  PIYO also includes dynamic balance, plyometric, strength and functional training, while emphasizing the athleticism of Pilates and Yoga.

Needed a good post workout meal so I rode by Clafouti's and ordered a coffee and the Provencale Omelette (Tomatoes, garlic, herbs de Provence, olives, cheese, ham)

This was probably the best, juiciest, most perfectly seasoned and cooked omelette I've ever had.

There is probably no song that encompasses my state of mind and body better right now than this song....

The rhythm, the melody and especially the lyrics really strike at the heart of how I am approaching life right now.

"Comeback"

Many times I've walked the line
I've rolled the dice and questioned my life
Many times I sacrificed and dealt with the pain
I've been down this road before
Where the dead ends are
It rains and it pours
I've been down below and
It's the price that I paid

Well I know how it feels when you have to start again
Now there's no one to save me
I know how it feels when the world is gonna end
But they'll see

I'm gonna make a comeback
I'm gonna dig six feet up tonight
I'm gonna get it all back
I'm gonna make a comeback this time

Look into my eyes you'll see
A graveyard filled with dirt and defeat
Look into my eyes you'll see
The weight on my soul
Where the fallen angels sleep
The crooked hearts and the crossroads meet
Where the haters say my name
And carve it in stone

I know how it feels when I haven't got a friend
Even when they're standin' beside me
I know how it feels when the world is gonna end
But they'll see

I'm gonna make a comeback
I'm gonna dig six feet up tonight
I'm gonna get it all back
I'm gonna make a comeback this time

Risk it all, I'm gonna risk it all
I'm gonna break my back and risk it all
I'm gonna pick my spot, take my shot,
Swallow my pride and risk it all
I'm gonna risk it all
And I won't look back
I'm gonna pick my spot,
Take my shot, swallow my pride
And risk it all

The light's on, the last round
The dark horse keeps on fightin'

I'm gonna make a comeback
I'm gonna dig six feet up tonight
I'm gonna get it all back
I'm gonna make a comeback this time
I'm gonna make a comeback
I'm gonna dig six feet up tonight
I'm gonna get it all back
I'm gonna make a comeback this time

I'm gonna make a comeback this time
Yeah, a comeback, a comeback
I'm gonna make a comeback this time
I'm gonna comeback, I'm gonna comeback
I'm gonna comeback
I'm diggin' up six feet tonight

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4QSOP8g8NE

Another pretty good Me against the World song....

"I Stand Alone"

Well everytime I move
Every step I make
You know I just can't seem to take
The right direction

I'm always wrong
I'm never right
Right or wrong
There always seems to be a correction

And I give everything I got
And they take take take
Everything I'm giving

My back is tired
My legs both ache
In this life
There is no cake
This life I'm livin'

[Chorus:]
I stand alone today
Don't ask me why I feel
I just know I feel this way
I stand alone today

Well you look at me
Shake your head
Don't like my hair
You're so misled...you do!

But the curse is more than on my head
Sometimes I think I'm better off dead
It's worse than voodoo

And I'm reaching out for help
But it's no no no no no
Until you give in

My back is tired
My legs both ache
In this life
There is no cake
This life I'm livin'

[Chorus]

They take, they take
Everything I'm givin'
It's a rough rough life
This life I'm livin'
Give me more, give me more
I take more every day
I'm gonna take it
Till they take take take take take me away

[Chorus]

I I I stand alone today
I I I stand alone today
I I I stand alone today
I I I stand alone today

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4Bm1FVGbUc

Simple but incredibly flavorful open-faced sandwich....

Kalamata Olive bread pan grilled with a touch of olive oil...

A juicy portion of the pork roast with au jou....

Fresh tomato slices with salt and pepper and TJ's 21 Season Salute.

This whole musical adventure into the Texas Hippie Coalition iHeart Station has opened up a whole new genre of music with a lot of great bands.....

Love this song!

Back Squats in a workout!  Finally.... I needed to see where my left knee was in the recovery process.

Followed up by a Fran of 95# Thrusters and Burpees.... that's a good combo.

The left knee held up just fine with 5 reps of 225#.

Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll has been a subject of a lot of Rock and Roll Songs but I really like this little story line.

"Sex & Drugs & Rock And Roll"

I come from the top shelf
Known to be bad for your health
Taste like medicine
I been known to strike like lightnin'

Bottled up, 90 proof
Red dirt, rattlesnake juice
To indulge is a sin
I love the taste of that poison

Tattoos, turn-ups, lipstick, and whiskey, twisted hippie chicks
And I'm about to break out the hammer, and give this one a lick

Sex and drugs and rock and roll, we'll all meet down at the crossroads
Sex and drugs and rock and roll, we'll tell the devil where he can go

(Sex and drugs, rock and roll
Sex and drugs, rock and roll)

Loud mouth, cotton mouth
Southern born, king of the south
Yes, I'm an old long-hair
The type to make ya stop and stare

Number one, big top gun
I've made the Devil's Run
Not a single drop to waste
And we'll let all the sinners taste

Tattoos, turn-ups, lipstick, and whiskey, twisted hippie chicks
And I'm about to break out the hammer, and give this one a lick

Sex and drugs and rock and roll, we'll all meet down at the crossroads
Sex and drugs and rock and roll, we'll tell the devil where he can go

Ain't no doubt.... this is Southern Rock and Roll.

It's called "Red Dirt Metal".

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Dirt_(music)

Red Dirt has also recently made its way into the heavier side of music. In 2008, Texas-based metal outfit Texas Hippie Coalition released their debut album Pride of Texas showcasing, and have continued to showcase, a much more heavier sound combined with "red dirt style" that had not been heard until then. Combining the image of outlaw country artists and styles with the influence of classic rock bands such as ZZ Top and metal bands the likes of Pantera, the band has become known as the founders of their self-dubbed "red dirt metal" genre.

Big Dad Ritch gave his own definition of Red Dirt Metal which is this genre of music....

“Take outlaw country, toss in a dash of Southern-fried classic rock and mix it with some potent Texas power grooves and you’ve got a combustible sonic cocktail on your hands”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_HRvpukWs0

Here's a few more YouTube offerings from THC:

Pissed Off and Mad about It!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQa6Z1xFq4E

Turn it Up!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rc6VANCNMjo

Leaving....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2BouT3rbwA

Love this guy's high-pitched voice.... reminds me of Brian Johnson of AC DC.

Last helping of Braised Pork Roast and au jou with kalamata olive bread and spring mix with carrots, radishes, tomatoes, balsamic, EVOO and cognac.

Road Trip to Albuquerque was a Wonderful Weekend

Have I mentioned that New Mexico seems to love their alchohol?

Even seen a walk-in beer room at a gas station?

How about a wall of liquor?

I rest my case.

I stayed at the Days Inn on Central Avenue in Albuquerque and made the short walk down Central.

Kind of a cool look at the walk under Broadway.

A view down Central Avenue in ABQ.

Went to the Launchpad on Central Avenue and caught a couple of the local bands.

But there was no dancing....

So I mosied back up Central to Effex which has 3 dance floors..... one of which is outside!

Yay... I loved dancing under the moonlight in the 55 degree temps!

And of course, there were the go-go dancers to accompany the dance crowd.

Apparently Central Avenue turns into a Block Party after 10:00 pm on Saturday night.

The police blocked off 2 blocks, the food trucks moved in and set up shop and all was right with the world.

This morning I got up and loaded up and eased down to the Coffee Shop on Central.

A simple bacon and egg breakfast with toast, butter and jam.

So a 2 day CrossFit competition, a night on the town and coffee and breakfast on Central Avenue.

I gotta tell you.... before this weekend I was kinda questioning my decision to move to Santa Fe and New Mexico in general.

This weekend put that decision back in the WIN column.