Thursday, August 21, 2008

Two Letters: One Written, One Received

I just sent this pissy e-mail to the president of Drymax Socks:

Dear Gus:

You held a contest for the general public. That’s nice.

The winners got some socks. Super.

I was one of the winners. Yay me.

There’s a problem. I thought you’d be sending a few pairs of socks. But you didn’t. You sent 44 freakin’ pairs. That’s 88 socks. THEN you sent some for my wife too! It’s great that you are so generous, but I’m left with 2 pet peeves:

1. I had no room for all those socks. You’re over-abundance of socks forced me to clean out my dresser. I don’t like cleaning. You made me clean.

2. Once I cleaned out my dresser, I realized I needed an ENTIRE DRAWER to house all the socks. (see attached photo) I need to go buy another dresser!

It’s great that you have such fabulous socks, but how dare you force them upon me like you did. Who do you think you are? Next time, think about the consequences of your actions. Jerk.

Sincerely,
Steve Stenzel

p.s. If you didn’t pick up on it, this letter is a joke. Well, it’s more of a “Thank You” for sending me so many GREAT socks. I seriously haven’t worn any other brand of sock since that magical package arrived in the mail. Drymax Socks are incredible! Thank you so much for the great gift!




Seriously, those socks rock. I really love the running socks for the summer heat. And I REALLY LOVE the thicker trail running socks for winter running (they are some the orange and red ones). If you didn't see the video that earned me those socks, here it is. The first 2 challenges are kinda boring, but the 3rd one is the one that got me the socks!


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A few weeks ago, I got this great e-mail from a complete stranger. It was regarding Steelhead 70.3 (where I was wearing that crazy outfit):

Hey Steve. I saw you at the Steelhead 70.3 this past weekend. You were one funny looking dude! Didn't quite know what to make of you (so that puts me dangerously close to the "old" category). I was hurting on the run...only smiled twice. You got the first one (the 2nd one was when a large motorcycle gang rode by and one burley guy had a small white poodle riding in one of the leather bags...didn't know what to make of that either!).

I accidentally found your blog and realized you're not just funny looking, you're funny! Great Blog!

In your race coverage blog I'm the guy in the picture right below where you talk about the cops not doing their jobs directing traffic. The tall guy in the foreground wearing the red jersey that looks like he's about to keel over (or maybe I just felt that way)....that's me.

Any chance you can send me that pic? Turned out better than any my wife took!

Thanks for making me laugh!

Jim


Here’s the photo he was talking about. He’s on the far left. What are the chances that he'd be in one of my photos and then he'd find my blog?!?



And I feel so good when someone can say “Thanks for making me laugh!” Thanks Jim! I’m glad you dropped me a note, and I hope you enjoy the photo!

30 comments:

  1. Hey just for you... I will come up for a BRAND new pose!! Ha ha, just watch out!

    And those socks...that is awesome!

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  2. you should send that guys some of your socks.

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  3. So, ahh, what size sock do you wear?

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  4. You ARE a very funny person, Steve. I would pay to read your blog. Ummm...wait a minute....I'm not suggesting that you start charging admission.

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  5. Jim don't be alarmed. I've been reading his blog for quite some time and still don't know what to make of him. But it's always good for a laugh.

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  6. Homie, you've made the big time when you get stalkers :P

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  7. So many socks... life is tough...

    (I heard that podcast before I started reading your blog- it's a small world. A small triathlon blogging/podcasting world.)

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  8. My suggestion? Send him 88 copies of his photo.

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  9. Please tell me you at least cleaned the toilet before plunging your socks... haha

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  10. You could award socks to the people that send in ideas for what you can wear/do during the 1/2 Iron....

    It is always interesting to me how people connect in funny ways or places. So kevin bacon...

    And, thanks for making us laugh.

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  11. Now, that's what I call a great reward for winning a contest!! You won't have to buy socks for the next 5 years!

    Very cool that the runner found is way through your blog, you really made an impression... so did you think about the outfit I suggested you?? I think you would make 3 great impressions lol

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  12. LOL Funny. Socks. And crazy that someone actually found your blog with his picture attached. Although not so crazy he found your blog--because you seem to be quite the popular blogger up in this neck of the woods.

    And the answer to your question on my blog-- I don't know a whole lot about the triathlon in Hudson. I have yet to throw in the biking and swimming to my mix so the running races are the only ones on my radar. But good luck if you decide to take it on!

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  13. thats really weird that he found you and his pic!!! its a small world after all!

    and i liked the video, you're nuts but you're funny

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  14. very cool steve, and lucky you that they sent you so many socks. i want some.

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  15. I will gladly send you my address for a box of those socks. I have PLENTY of room!!

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  16. Good lord that's a lotta socks!!

    I had an interesting race photo/in-person meet-up experience once too. My husband Zach and I met a guy out running and he said "Hey, I think I have a photo of you on my mantel!" Turns out, they finished right near each other in a race and Zach was in his finishing shot. Too funny!

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  17. So, you boasted about all those socks to us, but didn't offer to share?

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  18. so jealous of all those socks!!

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  19. Wow...40+ pairs of socks - you hit the jackpot! Until I win this contest, it's Costco socks for me :-(

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  20. I know where you can send any extra socks you can't squeeze in your drawer!! Only clean, non-used ones though please! :)

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  21. wow - i could use some socks....i have a drawer full, but they are all non-matching singles. you could probably come up with a lot of alternate uses for the extra socks!!!

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  22. Many socks...many runs. That is a wish!

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  23. Give your readers some sock love.

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  24. That is A LOT of socks!! Very cool that the guy was in your pic!!

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  25. Aww, Jim letter was so sweet. Well, sweet-ish (I am as old as that guy and I find you hil-ar-i-ous!), but I am certain that you lighten the day of many a racer at all events you attend!

    Keep making us laugh, keep reminding races the sport is about fun, and for God's sake keep the bowl full of sunshine DRY! ;o)

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  26. I'll comment later when I'm done laughing.

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  27. I want 44 new pairs of socks! That is so freakin' sweet! :)

    Glad to see Jim found you! You are one of a kind Mr. Steve Stenzel! :)

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  28. Socks-o-rama Steve...Wow!!!

    Great e-mail note you received from the fellow Steelhead participate...I told you that you brought a smile to our faces on a challenging day ;-)

    Brian

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  29. Ok, so I watched your sock vid and all I could think of was the toilet? He doesn't have a sink? And then I thought of that little sign in public washrooms: 'now wash your hands'. But ya didn't Steve, ya didn't wash ur hands...and you jus stuck those yucky puppies on ur feet...Your poor wife, how does she do it?!

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  30. I've never seen so many socks with one person!

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Thanks for your comments! Have a great day!