Since my recent stay in ICU I have been cleared to rodeo again. It has been an uphill battle regaining my strength and trying to pack on the pounds but I’m determined to get back in the shape I was prior to my hospital stay.
I was a little curious regarding how I would hold up at my first rodeo since the kidney surgery. The doctors cleared me to rodeo on 2 June and by 7 pm on 6 June I was headed to New Jersey to fight bulls at the historic Cowtown ProRodeo Series.
The flight was delayed due to engine trouble resulting in our arrival being pushed back an hour-and-a-half making a midnight arrival even later. Knowing the plane you’re about to be on for the next four hours has engine trouble makes for a real relaxed mind. Needless to say, I didn’t get much sleep.
It was my first trip to the Northeast with the exception of a taping for the CBS show “Power of 10” with Drew Carey in New York City last summer. I landed in Philadelphia and was able to see the baseball stadium but all in all that was the extent of sightseeing in the Liberty City. I didn’t even have time for a real Philly cheese steak.
New Jersey was nothing like I had imagined. The Cowtown Rodeo is merely 30 miles from Philadelphia. However, driving east you leave the big city behind and enter lush countryside and rural communities. The weather was exceptionally hot - 105 degrees with 100% humidity!
After a little R&R at the Harris’ Ranch it was time for the rodeo.
I picked up a day sheet to see how many contestants were entered and to my surprise several of the cowboys entered were guys I’d rodeo’d with in previous years. That’s what I love about rodeo. No matter where you are you’re always with friends. And get this: three of the guys participating were from the Cowboy State!
All things considered, I thought I held up pretty well. It certainly gave me a much needed confidence boost helping reassure me that my body is ready for the upcoming College National Finals Rodeo next week.
After the rodeo, I caught a ride to the airport. I’m not much for sleeping in airports but it beats missing an early morning flight. I couldn’t afford to miss this flight back home as I was scheduled to speak at the 2008 Wyoming Boys State in Douglas, Wyoming.
The American Legion and various Wyoming legislators are responsible for ensuring the states’ best and brightest high school students are offered this leadership opportunity. Kudos to Dan Zwonitzer and his staff for putting on a first-class event and making me feel very welcome.
After my speech I opened the floor to questions. I’m used to the typical “How many bones have you broken? Is bullfighting dangerous?” etc, etc…but one student, having recognized the Wyoming logo on my shirt, asked, “Would you rather be sponsored by your birth state or by Wyoming?” My reply was simple, “Wyoming! Nothing compares to a cowboy getting to represent the Cowboy State.”
Well, I’m back in the office for four days and then it’s off to one of the best rodeos in Wyoming – the College National Finals which is held in Casper. Stay updated as I blog from the CNFR.
Forever West,
Jeremy
I was a little curious regarding how I would hold up at my first rodeo since the kidney surgery. The doctors cleared me to rodeo on 2 June and by 7 pm on 6 June I was headed to New Jersey to fight bulls at the historic Cowtown ProRodeo Series.
The flight was delayed due to engine trouble resulting in our arrival being pushed back an hour-and-a-half making a midnight arrival even later. Knowing the plane you’re about to be on for the next four hours has engine trouble makes for a real relaxed mind. Needless to say, I didn’t get much sleep.
It was my first trip to the Northeast with the exception of a taping for the CBS show “Power of 10” with Drew Carey in New York City last summer. I landed in Philadelphia and was able to see the baseball stadium but all in all that was the extent of sightseeing in the Liberty City. I didn’t even have time for a real Philly cheese steak.
New Jersey was nothing like I had imagined. The Cowtown Rodeo is merely 30 miles from Philadelphia. However, driving east you leave the big city behind and enter lush countryside and rural communities. The weather was exceptionally hot - 105 degrees with 100% humidity!
After a little R&R at the Harris’ Ranch it was time for the rodeo.
I picked up a day sheet to see how many contestants were entered and to my surprise several of the cowboys entered were guys I’d rodeo’d with in previous years. That’s what I love about rodeo. No matter where you are you’re always with friends. And get this: three of the guys participating were from the Cowboy State!
All things considered, I thought I held up pretty well. It certainly gave me a much needed confidence boost helping reassure me that my body is ready for the upcoming College National Finals Rodeo next week.
After the rodeo, I caught a ride to the airport. I’m not much for sleeping in airports but it beats missing an early morning flight. I couldn’t afford to miss this flight back home as I was scheduled to speak at the 2008 Wyoming Boys State in Douglas, Wyoming.
The American Legion and various Wyoming legislators are responsible for ensuring the states’ best and brightest high school students are offered this leadership opportunity. Kudos to Dan Zwonitzer and his staff for putting on a first-class event and making me feel very welcome.
After my speech I opened the floor to questions. I’m used to the typical “How many bones have you broken? Is bullfighting dangerous?” etc, etc…but one student, having recognized the Wyoming logo on my shirt, asked, “Would you rather be sponsored by your birth state or by Wyoming?” My reply was simple, “Wyoming! Nothing compares to a cowboy getting to represent the Cowboy State.”
Well, I’m back in the office for four days and then it’s off to one of the best rodeos in Wyoming – the College National Finals which is held in Casper. Stay updated as I blog from the CNFR.
Forever West,
Jeremy
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