Well over a week since my last update, not entirely that much happened. Things of note I suppose would be clocking in 46.5 hours at my part time job last week, part time my ass. Actually this week I only had 17 hours of work, but I’m back to 42.5 for next week. On the plus side there should definitely be a full time first shift position opening up, so I hope to be eligible for that. Bill has told his superiors at his exit interview, that they should really think about filling new full time positions with the part time folks, as he understands that part time isn’t the way to keep employees around. But I don’t know what that will do, since that is on his way out. Hopefully they take him at least somewhat seriously; I would really like a job with benefits. First shift would also give me my weekends back since it would be a rather standard work week.

Saturday night last week was the LATE ride, I performed that feat again with Todd. It was a great time, contrary to the fact that there are so many stupid riders in the Chicagoland area. I am really surprised that noone got smacked by a Taxi while riding this little ride. The change of route this year back through Lincoln Park and Old Town, was a mistake in my opinion, passing the bars around last call was a nightmare, all the drunken people piling out into the streets and further disrupting the bike traffic. Though there was a lot of wool walking around bar hopping and heading back to cars and apartments. We even got the treat of one girlie flashing us. But all in all it was a great time seeing the great numbers of riders, and the great scenery traveling with us, the pretty girls in spandex, what more could a guy ask for, well aside from watching the sunrise with a pretty lady rather than your buddy. There are pictures of the sunrise in the Gallery.

Sunday was a strange day, random sleeping hours, some packing, some chatting it was a great time. I also had the pleasure of hanging out with Al for a while this week. The week was spent catching up on sleep packing, and just hanging out with some people I don’t get the opportunity to all the time. Seeing Todd and JB was great. Some good times at the old pool hall, though I really like the new place in Crestwood, they have a liquor license which ought to make playing there more fun, and hopefully more selective to keep the riff-raff out. I got to hang out with Dad for a while and that was great. Got to get a sneak preview of the house, as the back door was unlocked when we drove past.

And finally and possibly least important, The Tour de France has been playing out, while Lance Armstrong held tight to his 6th place overall standings through the past week, today was his turn to make a move. During the first real stage of racing through the Pyrenees, he finished second in the stage, putting him second in the overall classification as well. During the final ascent he was able to reach deep and pull ahead of Ulrich and Hamilton, I believe putting about two minutes between himself and his main competition in the GC. As the final week rolls around I am very interested to see what happens, (in my best Superfan impression) and we will see if Lance can accomplish what no other rider has and pull off the six-peat.