Cat-Ter-ific
Topic: Active

This blog entry is dedicated to amazing cat feats.

• Cat predicts deaths
• Cat chases bear

scuba-a-go-go
Mood:  quizzical
Topic: Active

in 8 hours, 12 minutes, I'll be sitting in a dark, wet cold place somewhere south of Chicago under water.

 www.haighquarry.com

 3 days of intense reading

3 long days of lessons

followed by two long days at the bottom of the quarry. Scuba certification, here I come.

 Australia, you better be worth it!

 Thanks to www.chicagobluedolphins.com for teaching me how to swim in the first place! Fitz, couldn't have gotten this far without you.

South Shore Tri
Topic: Active

Just did my first race for the year, South Shore Tri, put on by Tri Masters. Tri-Masters is a not-for-profit organization that empowers at-risk children via triathlon in order to teach life lessons. As our youth athletes learn to swim, bike and run, they gain skills in goal-setting, conflict resolution, respect, responsibility, self-discipline and perseverance.

It was pretty nice, good race to get back into it. I swear though, that run was not 1.5 miles... It was probably more like 2.5/3 miles. We'll see how I did. For an enaugural race, they did a fab job:

• There were lots of people on the course helping out
• They had great sponsors.
• It's for a great cause
• The swim was shallow enough to walk
• It wasn't overcroweded
• Parking was right there (if you came early) - there seemed to be enough for everyone within a 2 block walk of the check in and transition area
• They had a nice stretch and warm up session - thanks Bally's Total Fitness!
• The road portion of the bike race was perfect!
• Some of the race was in the shade! I didn't get too hot because it was a cool day, by the lake, and partially in the shade.
• The food was good after the race
• Really the people who put this on are the best part. All the volunteers were so great and made this a fabulous experience.

 Here's what I'd change/what to be aware of:

• I hope next year, when you pick up your goodie bag, there is a course map in it. If I didn't know Chicago so well, I'd be lost. The location doesn't map well on any mapping service I tried last night. Also, you have no idea where the run/bike will be, which is not good for safety - it's good to memorize the streets/map so that you know more about when you are expected to turn, etc.
• Water prior to the swim start. It's hot out, they should have some water at the water start/there was no water available pre-race. First water on course was at the run. Now, it's too short to get dehyderated if you a. brought water or b. are fast, but if you didn't know to bring water and were slow, there could be issues. At the race talk, there is a warm-up sponsored by Bally's Total Fitness.
• Tell people that you are going to need to keep your cap with you/have that color for the race. I brought my silver cap with me because I didn't know. Had to run in and get the TYR (Thanks TYR for sponsoring another great event!!!, I just bought your new cap and it fits all my hair and doesn't slip or stick!) white one because just found out they weren't just give-aways at the race talk.
• A portion of the race takes place on sidewalk and lakefront. This area is not clear of people.  There was a close call with a recereational biker in my way going the "wrong way" on the course. AAAAA, and lots of sharp turns where you had to watch for pedestrians. So you can't go full out fast. But it's a great fun race.

Great Pumpkin Halloween Dodgeball Tournament
Mood:  a-ok
Topic: Active
I am Dodgeball virgin no more.
Our team, Clockwork Orange, was really cool, Jenny B did a great job putting it all together.

Dodgeball is a game where 6 players throw six balls at each other until time runs out or until the players on one team are eliminated, by having the opponent catch their thrown ball or by getting hit by a ball. You can check out the Dodgeball USA web site for real rules.

Not sure how the game evolved, but I do know one thing, it's fun. There is a lot more personality and strategy then in other ball sports. There is a lot of teamwork, and it's very athletic and demanding. More adrenaline then other sports that I play, by far. Definitely a must do for everyone who likes a little competition.

Throwing the ball was tough, need to buy balls and practice. Need to wear adventure running shoes to not slip. Gets really hot, but good to cover most skin for protection from falling. Good to wear tight clothing because if a ball grazes clothing it counts as a hit. I throw like a girl. It doesn't hurt when you get hit, at least not very. I got hit in the head. I think in the men's league, it's bad to get hit.
There were a lot of people in costume, very entertaining. The fat men and Cobra Kai were some of the highlights. Sportsmanship is good in this game. It's good to have a lot of people on your team to help you get stray balls. Lots of laughs from all the dodging and catching and falling. Very fun game. Makes you feel like a kid again. Lots of psychology too.

how to club in Chicago for free
Topic: Active
Chicago Clubs and how to get in for free or for cheap:

1. Soundbar - soundbar.com to rsvp, soundcard helps.

2. crowbar or transit, email bapresents@yahoo.com with an rsvp.
Usually comp till midnight, $10 after that. Open till 4.

3.narcise greg@narcisse.us

4.ontourage tommyz@tommyzproductions.com

5. rive gauche has free cover till midnight with rsvp at
http://rivechicago.com/email/index.htm get on the list +4, need to
call if more than 4 guests 312-738-9971)

6. whitestar free till 11 - they got COPA night - a night of latin
music, could be fun. Rsvp up to 10 on the site.

7. rednofive rsvp free before 11 on their site

8. zentra hate the club, but one can rsvp on their site for deals like this: FREE ADMISSION 9PM -10PM WITH RSVP
$5 ADMISSION FROM 10PM - 11PM WITH RSVP
$10 ADMISSION FROM 11PM - MIDNIGHT WITH RSVP

Shail away
Topic: Active
Went sailing with Terrin in nasty wind. Passed my man overboard, which is sooo freakin hard to do! I hope I never ever have to do it for real. In the ocean/or sea, I guess according to Terrin, if someone falls overboard, you only have a 20% chance of finding them again. Racers wear GPS to increase the chances. There's some movie out about that now, lost at sea or something. Hmm. I also learned how to do a quick stop. Hope never have to do that either that's freakin hard too. You break by creating tension between the Jib and the rotter. Yuck. I did get better with the whole thing and the driving of the boat. I didn't screw up on rigging the boat either, and I'm approved for the big racing class now. Yippie!

salining info
Topic: Active
ok, figured out the whole sunfish/boat rental thing. here are the options:

-north beach - unconfirmed - sunfish
-montrose beach - unconfirmed - sunfish

confirmed boats have two options:

1. Gillson Sailing Beach
http://www.wilmettepark.org/gillson.cfm#sailing
Gillson Sailing Beach
Lake Avenue at Lake Michigan
Lakefront Manager: Betty Duguid
Assistant Lakefront Manager: Rich LaVigne
General Information: 847/256-6100
Sailing Beach: 847/256-9662

The Sailing Beach opens Saturday, May 15

Rentals
May 29-September 6
Our Wilmette Park District fleet of Sunfish, Hobie Waves and Hobie getaways are available for rental whenever the boats are not being used for instruction. Kayaks will also be available for rental this season. Sailors may rent boats when their experience matches weather conditions on the day of rental. Staff is on hand to help sailors evaluate their skills and to assess weather conditions. Interested persons with no experience on the waters should consider our beginner's instructional program before renting boats. For safety, staff reserves the right to refuse rentals at anytime.

Rental Starting Times:
Saturday-Sunday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:45 p.m. (in by 6:45 p.m.)

Reservations and Payment: Reservations may be made at 847/256-9662, not more than 48 hours in advance. Reservations for weekend times may be made at 8:30 a.m., Thursday (for Saturday) and Friday (for Sunday). All non-refundable rental fees are paid immediately before the rental. A refundable $50 damage deposit also must be paid before rental. MasterCard, Visa, and Discover are accepted for Sailing Classes and Rental Fees.

Weekday Rates Weekends & Holidays Rates
Sunfish $30/hr. $35/hr.
$40/2 hrs. $50/2 hrs.

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Hobie Waves $35/hr. $50/hr.
$50/2 hrs. $65/2 hrs.

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Hobie Getaways $40/hr. $55/hr.
$55/2 hrs. $70/2 hrs.

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Kayak
Single Seat $25/hr. $30/hr.
Double Seat $30/hr. $35/hr.


Group Sailing Lessons
Ages 9-15
Students must be able to swim 50 feet. Classes meet regardless of weather. There are no make-up classes or adjustments.
Beginner lessons are for those who cannot sail a basic boat by themselves, even in good weather. Classes are limited to 20 students. Instruction is given on Sunfish sailboats. Lessons include the use of the boat, life preserver and instruction.
Intermediate lessons are for those who can sail by themselves but who need work sailing up-wind, righting a boat, changing course, or handling strong breezes. Also included will be Sunfish racing and racing techniques. Classes are limited to 20 students. Instruction is given on Sunfish sailboats or Hobie Waves. Sailors must have passed the Beginners or equivalent class.


Private Lessons
June 5th - August 15th
Individualized instruction by staff instructors provides the most flexible and constructive learning format for anyone learning a new sport. This approach is particularly appreciated by adults. Private lessons enable the instructor to adjust to the student's schedule and rate of adaptation to the sport. One-to-one lessons are given in sets of four one-hour sessions.

Three of the four lessons are normally on the water. For those signing up before the season begins there is a free dry-land orientation. The free lesson will be given at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 5th, at the Sailing Beach. By attending this free session you may be able to have all four lessons on the water. If you have not signed up by June 5th, you may do so between 9-10 a.m. that morning at the beach.

Students are responsible for scheduling private lessons. Refunds are not made if the private lessons set are not completed by Sunday, August 15th. Private lessons are not scheduled after this date. Students should pick up completion cards after completing their last lesson. Cards are not mailed.

Beginning students must be able to swim 50 feet. Consult the Sailing Supervisor if circumstances require exception to these rules. Upon completion of beginning lessons, students will be able to sail a basic sailboat confidently in good weather.

Intermediate lessons are for sailors who have basic skills but would like to improve these skills or gain experience on a Hobie Wave.

You may call the Sailing Beach to arrange a weekend day and time when the instructor you prefer is available. Please call 847/256-9662 any day between 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

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Chicago sailing club:
http://www.chicagosailingclub.com/rentdetails.html

Telephone: 773.871.7245

Fax: 773.871.7264

Email: ContactUs@chicagosailingclub.com

Mailing address:
2712 N Campbell Ave
Chicago, IL 60647

Our J/22s and J/30s are available for rent seven days a week, from morning to dusk, so you can enjoy sailing as often as you like. Take your friends sailing and show them the skyline. We use J/22 and J/30 keelboats for their quality, design and ease of handling. J/22s offer large, open cockpits and room for up to five adults. J/30s offer additional space and comfort. All are equipped with an outboard motor.

Upon qualification, you can sail as often as you like. You become qualified to rent by either successfully completing our Basic Sailing Course 101 or by demonstrating your sailing skills to our staff members during a brief evaluation and orientation.

Then you are off to enjoy the Chicago Lakefront as master of your own vessel. You can bring as many as four friends on a J/22 and as many as nine on the J/30, for an event they will always remember.

J/22 Rental Rates J/30 Rental Rates
Weekdays until 4:00pm $35/hr $70/hr
Weekday Evenings 4:00pm until dusk $45/hr $80/hr
Weekends $55/hr $90/hr
Full weekday until dusk $305 $520
Full weekend day until dusk $495 $710
Orientation fee (once seasonally)* $12 $20

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Hunter 326's Rental Rates C&C 34 Rental Rates
Weekdays until 4:00pm $80/hr $80/hr
Weekday Evenings 4:00pm until dusk $90/hr $90/hr
Weekends $100/hr $100/hr
Extended rental rates available upon request
* 2-hr minimum

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Catalina Rental Rates
Weekdays until 4:00pm $110/hr
Weekday Evenings 4:00pm until dusk $120/hr
Weekends $130/hr
Extended rental rates available upon request
* 2-hr minimum

Ask about pricing for extended rentals.
* In addition to the regular rental fee.

sailing in the rain again - day 5.
Mood:  a-ok
Now Playing: hot digidy
Topic: Active
went to school today. We had a better instructor today, Joe. No wind again and rain. Wish I had a camera on me - there were three rainbows at night at sunset, two to the south, and one to the east of us, as the sun was setting behind the stormy clouds and burining in the horizon when it cleared some. Never knew you could have rainbows at sunset like that.

1st day riding the 420 with Erin
Now Playing: My Bonnie
Topic: Active
My bonnie is over the ocean
My bonnie is over the sea
My bonnie is over the ocean
Oh bring back my bonnie to me
Bring back bring back bring back my bonnie to me to me.

One of the first songs I learned in English. Back in the Soviet Union.

Class today was great. I'm pretty sore from it though - great workout. When we got in, we walked straight to the dock and rigged our boats. Erin and I named our boat "Oh Shit!". Because that's what we said every 5 minutes while we were on it. The people in the class are really cool, lots of them are European college students.

Anyway, we got in the water and Erin made me play skipper. We did ok - no capsising, but Erin refused to drive. We switched and she panicked shortly after. She was shaking. She told me she was in some crappy boat accident and how people forced her to learn when she was younder. I took back over. Wish she said something before we embarked, maybe Kristin, our instructor, could have talked her through it. When we disembarked, Erin promiced she'll drive next time. She's skipping the class Wednesday - too bad.

Sailing School Day 2: Capsise test
Mood:  caffeinated
Now Playing: Something beach boys
Topic: Active
Today I had my second 420 class. Rigged the boat by myself - made two mistakes. Next time I won't. Did the capsise test. I forgot how much I am afraid of the water. Got a new life vest. I'm all about buying sports equipment right now - bikes, wet suits, fly fishing gear, golf stuff. Wow this stuff is expensive but worth it. Sailing class was a lot of fun! Next week we are actually sailing.