I never got a chance write about Day 2. The amazing thing about the rest of the ride to DC was going through the mountains in Pennsylvania. Indiana and Ohio are relatively uninteresting but Pennsylvania was worth the wait. The views were incredible. The mountains, valleys, rivers, and foliage were gorgeous. It was a great view with better weather than the first day of riding.
Getting into the Washington D.C. area was a bit stressful. The traffic moves at an unbelievably quick pace. If we were not going 20 mph over the limit, it was way too slow. Trying to navigate a map and not know where we were made it pretty tense. Once we got to the hotel, we just collapsed from exhaustion. The mileage on the bike was at 795.
Day 5
We got on the Metro very early. Our first tour of the day was the Library of Congress. What an amazing place. Every nook and cranny was developed and defined with deep meaning. Every decoration, statue, and painting had a reason for being there. I was truly in awe and the tour guide was so intelligent and detailed in her explanations. She injected humor into her descriptions and her love of the place was apparent in every word she spoke.
The next tour was the Supreme Court. The room was empty as there were no proceedings going on at that time. When the court is in session the public is welcome to listen in. The room was quiet and dark and I could feel a sense of how important this place was. There is so much history in this room.
Today we went to Arlington National Cemetery. We missed President Bush's speech at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by less than an hour. The procrastinator strikes again. We took the Metro to get around town. The city is so complicated and so crowded it's impossible to get around.
The cemetery was an amazing place. We started in the Women's Memorial where there was a tribute to those killed in Iraq. Each soldier was memorialized in a portrait. There were so many. They were arranged by date of death. We found a local girl's portrait and I took a picture of it.
I've read most articles written about her and I've seen the HBO special that her family was in. I feel like I know her, although superficially. I can't imagine the pain of such a loss.
We left the Women's Memorial and headed to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier followed by John F. Kennedy's grave and the eternal flame. We toured the place feeling a sense of enormous loss. Seeing the magnitude of the many rows and rows of tombstones gave me a heavy heart.
We ended our day at the Marine Memorial, the statue of Iwo Jima. It was stunning and impressive and larger than life.
The end of the day was spent at the Kennedy Center. We got a special tour and it was inspiring and more interesting than expected. The history of how the center was started and the events that led up to where it is now captivated us. President Kennedy's death brought the center many gifts from foreign countries. From the Italian tile, the Waterford crystal chandeliers from Ireland, the silk curtains from China, and the many, many other generous gifts, the Kennedy Center has become a place of world friendship and cooperation. It's too bad it had to take such tragedy to make this all happen.
The cemetery was an amazing place. We started in the Women's Memorial where there was a tribute to those killed in Iraq. Each soldier was memorialized in a portrait. There were so many. They were arranged by date of death. We found a local girl's portrait and I took a picture of it.
I've read most articles written about her and I've seen the HBO special that her family was in. I feel like I know her, although superficially. I can't imagine the pain of such a loss.
We left the Women's Memorial and headed to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier followed by John F. Kennedy's grave and the eternal flame. We toured the place feeling a sense of enormous loss. Seeing the magnitude of the many rows and rows of tombstones gave me a heavy heart.
We ended our day at the Marine Memorial, the statue of Iwo Jima. It was stunning and impressive and larger than life.
The end of the day was spent at the Kennedy Center. We got a special tour and it was inspiring and more interesting than expected. The history of how the center was started and the events that led up to where it is now captivated us. President Kennedy's death brought the center many gifts from foreign countries. From the Italian tile, the Waterford crystal chandeliers from Ireland, the silk curtains from China, and the many, many other generous gifts, the Kennedy Center has become a place of world friendship and cooperation. It's too bad it had to take such tragedy to make this all happen.
Today Jeff and I did the Rolling Thunder motorcycle event. It's a legal demonstration to promote the importance of benefits and government support for Veterans and more importantly to remember the POW/MIA's that are still not home. Jeff is very proud of his military experience and this event reinforces the already strong sense duty and honor he feels for his time served. Last night we sat outside the hotel watching bikers come in from around the country. Most staying in our hotel came from New Jersey and Ohio but there were a few other states also represented. Some older men were sitting on a park bench next to us discussing their military experience and comparing stories. When the conversation turned to Rolling Thunder they talked about how they preferred to go down by the mall and watch the motorcycles come in instead of actually do any riding in the event. One guy was pretty negative about the whole thing. He said he spent 5 hours just waiting in the Pentagon parking lot to ride the 30-minute route to the Vietnam Wall because there were 400,000 bikes there for the ride. He also said that the parking lot was enclosed by highway on all sides so it gets unbearably hot just sitting on the black asphalt as the sun beat down with no air circulation. On a positive note, he did mention the reward as you ride past about 150,000 clapping and cheering people lined up along the streets.
We were told by another rider to meet at the local Harley dealer at 10 AM for a police escort to the Pentagon parking lot. We thought that was a good idea so we didn't have to figure out the way to the Pentagon on our own. And a two hour wait for the start didn't sound so bad. The old man told us that it was a good idea to ride with the Harley group as they would end up in the North parking lot and the North lot goes first. With 400,000 bikes going down the streets in pairs, it would obviously take a long time for all of them to get out. So if we were located towards the beginning of the pack, the wait might only be a few hours instead of more than 5. The old guy claimed that he was still waiting at 4 in the afternoon to get to the Wall. Good thing we were going with the Harley group, because that sounded awful. He also mentioned that the ride from the Harley dealership left at 9, not 10 so we needed to be aware that if we got there at 10 we would be too late. Sounds like all good information to me.
We stopped at a McDonald’s for some coffee, as it turns out, their new coffee is fantastic. We met a couple from the area, Mike and Sippi. They were enthusiastic about Rolling Thunder but since they were locals they did mention that if it was raining they would have stayed in bed. Not an option for us. Mike gave us some good information for the touristy part of our visit then the couple headed out to the Harley dealership. We finished our coffee and looked forward to meeting up with them again.
We headed to the Harley dealer, but our directions from the HOG website were not quite accurate. Good thing we left way early because it was 8:40 by the time we got there. There was just enough time to hit the porta-potties and get back on the bike. As we waited in the line of bikes we were approached by Mike and Sippi. As it turns out, his tire blew out on the ride over to the dealership. Luckily they were ok, but unfortunately that was the end of their ride. I took their photo just before we rode away. I was disappointed that we wouldn’t get to know more about them.
The police escort was great, only I wish I would have paid more attention to how we got there to make the ride back easier. Oh well. When we got to the Pentagon lot we parked in the order that we arrived. We got off the bike and started to walk the lot checking out all the vendor booths along our path. As we crossed the road to the other parking lot we were in for a rude awakening. The North lot was not the first lot to go through the parade route, it was the last! This meant a long, long wait for our time to ride. But to bide our time we found a nice grassy spot to sit and view the bikes. We took lots of photos and met some people from Orlando. The conversation started out with, "What branch were you in?", followed by a discussion of service, the military, and the experiences encountered during that time. Over the years, I've discovered that this is as standard with veterans as the phrase, "how are you today?". The good conversation and the people-watching really made the time go by. We got there around 10 and here it was 11:45 already. The Rolling Thunder dignitaries were mounting their bikes, the blessing at the beginning of the ride was said, by then it was noon and they were off.
We watched the bikes start their ride to the Wall and said goodbye to our new Orlando friends. We sat on the divider wall in this grassy area for a long time, realizing that it wasn't as hot as the old man had mentioned because of the breeze blowing off the highway. This wasn't as bad as he had made it out to be. Before you knew it, most of the bikes were cleared out of the first lot and we thought we better head over to the North lot by our bike. We stopped in the shade for a while to watch the final bikes move out of the South lot. We met a man from Maryland while we were hanging out. He gave us great directions back to our hotel and we had an interesting discussion about September 11th and the events following the attack. He was really interesting. He showed us where the plane hit the Pentagon and talked about how tough his wife's commute to the city was. Before you knew it, we were running back to our bikes because it was our turn in the parade. And believe it or not, it wasn’t even 2:00. The old man was wrong again.
We rode down the city streets to a cheering crowd. There was a Marine in full dress blues standing in the middle of the street at attention, rifle and helmet strategically placed in front of him - a symbol of missing in action. The Marine was saluting as we passed by. He stood in that pose for the entire parade. Just the discipline to stand there for hours was pretty amazing but the intense heat with the temperature hovering around 85 must have made it more difficult. It has a moving effect that reminds us why we’re there. It was really fun to slap hands with the spectators, the interaction made it feel more personal. The streets weren’t as crowded as I had anticipated, again the old man was wrong. I would estimate the crowd in the low thousands but there’s no way 150,000 were watching us go by. Maybe that can be attributed to the heat and the length of the parade. Maybe there were more people during the first hour.
So far most information we’ve been given has been wrong. But that’s ok, his unhappiness in the experience was our gain. We really enjoyed being part of something as monumental and dramatic as this.
We parked our bike at the end of the parade and it was only 2:30 in the afternoon. We spent the rest of the day touring the mall. The Korean War memorial was impressive, to me even more so than the Vietnam Memorial Wall. Maybe that’s because my dad was in the Korean War. Just take a look at this picture and you can decide for yourself.
The World War II Memorial and the Vietnam Memorial Wall are both meaningful and unique in their creation. All of the memorials have their distinct features. I found the Korean War Memorial a passionate reflection of those who served; the World War II Memorial was massive in its representation, which really gave you this sense of the enormity of that war. The Vietnam Wall is a sight to behold; the seemingly never-ending names on the wall reflect those who have given their lives for our freedom and the somberness of the crowd is moving in itself. I traced the name of a co-worker’s dad; he was one of the early casualties of the war so he is located on the very first panel. I was sobbing by the time I finished.
We walked to the top of the Lincoln Memorial and strolled by the Washington Monument. 
Jeff just had to stick his hand in the reflection pool. Then we headed back to the hotel for a swim, dinner, and relaxation. It was a memorable experience that would remain in our hearts and minds for many years to come.
Day 1
I got up at 4, showered and dressed, had my morning coffee then headed out at 5:45. It was officially 5:46 when the motorcycle headed down the driveway. Jeff says it wasn't as early as he would have like, but then he is the only one to blame for that. He is such a procrastinator. We rode down I-94 to I-294 to avoid the Chicago construction and the major traffic jams that occur there. The traffic was still too heavy for my liking but we got through. We made a few stops along the way, always worrying about the weather. It was cool and overcast, rain threatened all day. Since the sun wasn't shining, the ride was on the chilly side, and full leathers were worth their weight. We hit a downpour for the first time around 1:30 so we put on the rainsuits and helmets and continued on. The rain cleared within half an hour but it still loomed. At 4:30 it started to rain again so we pulled off the road to find a hotel. We were in Newton Falls, Ohio. We were hoping to get to Youngstown but the rain put an end to that.
Day 1 is done and we logged 491 miles. We're more than halfway.
I got up at 4, showered and dressed, had my morning coffee then headed out at 5:45. It was officially 5:46 when the motorcycle headed down the driveway. Jeff says it wasn't as early as he would have like, but then he is the only one to blame for that. He is such a procrastinator. We rode down I-94 to I-294 to avoid the Chicago construction and the major traffic jams that occur there. The traffic was still too heavy for my liking but we got through. We made a few stops along the way, always worrying about the weather. It was cool and overcast, rain threatened all day. Since the sun wasn't shining, the ride was on the chilly side, and full leathers were worth their weight. We hit a downpour for the first time around 1:30 so we put on the rainsuits and helmets and continued on. The rain cleared within half an hour but it still loomed. At 4:30 it started to rain again so we pulled off the road to find a hotel. We were in Newton Falls, Ohio. We were hoping to get to Youngstown but the rain put an end to that.
Day 1 is done and we logged 491 miles. We're more than halfway.
I have a job interview in 15 minutes. I hate this, I am nervous, I have a zit on my chin, and I feel gassy and bloated. Can anything else go wrong? I just hope I don't make a fool out of myself. And do I really want this job? My job is so easy and I get paid plenty. Some days I really want more of a challenge but this coasting thing can be pretty cool too. I just don't know....
What am I saying? I am not a slacker, and I won't let my brain turn to mush. It's time!
What am I saying? I am not a slacker, and I won't let my brain turn to mush. It's time!
Why am I so compelled to chuckle at my friend's angst? Could it be because she brought it on herself? Is it that her overt bragging about her new important job with the big money increase and great benefits like 4 weeks' vacation isn't quite the bed of roses that she anticipated it would be? I know it sounds like jealousy but it's not. I've had my share of luck in the job market so I am grateful for where I am on my career path. And I want nothing but success for her too. But it takes a certain temperament to handle stressful situations on a daily basis and I'm not sure she is emotionally equipped to handle it.
From the beginning, I worried. She described the job in great detail. Running a department, managing other's schedules, planning weekly meetings, all while getting the responsibilities done that she is and always was qualified to do. Now I know there are many people who can fit the bill, after all, someone quit this job and moved on to a better one in order to make it available. But you have to understand my friend's personality traits. She is like a rollercoaster. The mood swings go up and down at an extremely fast pace. As soon as you get over a hill, we're flying down the opposite extreme. I've always labeled her as passionate. Whether good or bad, the emotions are clear, sharp, and distinctive. You will always know where you stand with her.
When she got the job I was happy for her. Working at Aurora is an awful thing. Every slacker and loser employee that I worked with at my last job got in with Aurora, they took all the leftovers nobody else wanted when our employer went out of business. That is why I will never take a job there. Don't want to be lumped in with all those crappy people.
With her emotions on her sleeve, my friend is clearly going to have trouble managing many, many tasks at one time. She is a hard worker, but one thing at a time is a better pace for her and the concept that you cannot possibly finish a task all at once will eventually put her over the edge. I think she's getting close to that edge.
When I mentioned my up-coming vacation to her today, her response was, " At least you can go on vacation."
What does that mean? I wondered.
So I asked her: "I thought you got lots of vacation in your new job."
She responded: " I do. Can't ever get away from here. I have committee meetings 3 times a month.....and different weeks and a million other tasks. If I'm not getting ready for some meeting, I'm working on credentialing. I have been pushing for an extra body. We are dealing with a change of command right now so nothing is really getting dealt with. "
Closer and closer to the edge.
The problem as I see it is that she has to let go. Come to terms with the idea that you cannot possibly complete everything and make that known to those you work with. Delegate back to others the stuff you can and try not to take control of everything. Things may not turn out exactly as you like them to but then you are not driving yourself crazy either. It takes a certain demeanor to be able to handle a multi-task environment and I'm afraid that she doesn't have what it takes. I do wish her well but when you're losing sleep over getting your job done, you have to ask yourself if it's all worth it.
I bet she starts looking for another job within the next year.
From the beginning, I worried. She described the job in great detail. Running a department, managing other's schedules, planning weekly meetings, all while getting the responsibilities done that she is and always was qualified to do. Now I know there are many people who can fit the bill, after all, someone quit this job and moved on to a better one in order to make it available. But you have to understand my friend's personality traits. She is like a rollercoaster. The mood swings go up and down at an extremely fast pace. As soon as you get over a hill, we're flying down the opposite extreme. I've always labeled her as passionate. Whether good or bad, the emotions are clear, sharp, and distinctive. You will always know where you stand with her.
When she got the job I was happy for her. Working at Aurora is an awful thing. Every slacker and loser employee that I worked with at my last job got in with Aurora, they took all the leftovers nobody else wanted when our employer went out of business. That is why I will never take a job there. Don't want to be lumped in with all those crappy people.
With her emotions on her sleeve, my friend is clearly going to have trouble managing many, many tasks at one time. She is a hard worker, but one thing at a time is a better pace for her and the concept that you cannot possibly finish a task all at once will eventually put her over the edge. I think she's getting close to that edge.
When I mentioned my up-coming vacation to her today, her response was, " At least you can go on vacation."
What does that mean? I wondered.
So I asked her: "I thought you got lots of vacation in your new job."
She responded: " I do. Can't ever get away from here. I have committee meetings 3 times a month.....and different weeks and a million other tasks. If I'm not getting ready for some meeting, I'm working on credentialing. I have been pushing for an extra body. We are dealing with a change of command right now so nothing is really getting dealt with. "
Closer and closer to the edge.
The problem as I see it is that she has to let go. Come to terms with the idea that you cannot possibly complete everything and make that known to those you work with. Delegate back to others the stuff you can and try not to take control of everything. Things may not turn out exactly as you like them to but then you are not driving yourself crazy either. It takes a certain demeanor to be able to handle a multi-task environment and I'm afraid that she doesn't have what it takes. I do wish her well but when you're losing sleep over getting your job done, you have to ask yourself if it's all worth it.
I bet she starts looking for another job within the next year.
Yesterday was my second bike run. I've ridden in an organized bike ride once before and it was only 25 miles which was incredibly easy. So I was really looking forward to this 100K Tour de Cure ride. I had my new bike and all the necessary gear. I was prepped for the long haul. The Diabetes Association is my family's charity of choice since Bailee's diagnosis when she was 9 years old.
Jeff and I got to the high school where the ride started and already there were little problems. I filled out the necessary waiver in advance and had the required monetary donation check written out. But I didn't have it in the proper envelope, so I had to fill one out. I didn't have my glasses on so I couldn't see the form so I obviously could not consider filling anything out. After Jeff took care of it for me we were on our way.
As we headed back to the car to drop off all the Tour de Cure pamphlets and unnecessary crap they gave us at the sign-in table, I couldn't find my sunglasses. I know I had them on my head when I went in so I must have left them on the table. I went back and they weren't there only I discovered I stuck them in my pocket and forgot. By the time all this was said and done, the 7:30 gun went off signifying the start of the ride. We still had to drop off the papers we were given before we could get started.
As we hopped on the bikes, mine was clanking from the sound of shifting gears. Jeff asked me if I wanted to stop at the repair booth before we got started but I really didn't want to hold him up anymore. He is an avid bike rider and he was already getting a late start because of me. So off we went, he was gaining speed much quicker than me and I told him to just go at his own pace as I would have done if we were running. But my bike was not cooperating. I've had problems with the gears before and I can usually shift my way out. I was struggling with this plan now. It would finally get into the right gear but it was taking more canoodling than usual to get there. Jeff saw me struggle and waited for me to catch up. I told him my complaint and we decided I would definitely have to stop at the repair booth at the first rest stop.
Unfortunately the first rest stop didn't come up until I had two major shifting problems. Both occurred during the steep inclines of hills. I ended up walking my bike up both because I could not get into gear at all. I now get the saying "spinning your wheels". Mine were spinning and I was going nowhere.
As I finally got to the first rest stop Jeff was there waiting. I asked him, “How many miles do we have done, 15?” He said eight. Oh my God! It took me an hour to go eight miles. How terribly disappointing. The repair guy quickly adjusted my gears and we were back on the road. I was thrilled to be able to ride without the nasty clicking sound of the changing of the gears even when I wasn’t changing gears. But I got to the next big hill, shifted to a higher gear and bam! The chain moved to a lower gear and the forward jerk nearly knocked me off my bike. Again, I was stopped mid-hill unable to pedal. I finally got started again as I could see Jeff’s backside disappear from view because he was so far ahead of me.
As I headed down the road, the signs to follow became somewhat confusing. A sag truck approached and asked if everything was OK. I said yes, except I wasn’t sure which direction I should be going. I was directed to head straight into the park ahead, go through the park, and I would end up back where I was standing. So I was to take a loop around to the right only to end up going to the left in order to get more mileage from the ride. Meanwhile, Jeff was heading down the road to the left when he saw me going straight. He headed all the way back thinking he was going in the wrong direction. He caught up to me in the park where I explained to him that he was actually heading in the right direction; he just missed the half-mile trek through the park. So we did it together which was kind of silly for him since he was pretty far ahead when he turned around to find me.
We rode together as I told him my latest saga on my ride up the hill. The next rest stop came up and I was back at the repair booth while Jeff waited for me. As soon as we headed out, turned the corner and went up a slight incline I was actually yelling as my chain popped into another gear. Another rider pulled up and asked me if I was OK. I said yes, just frustrated. After I explained the problem, he got out his tool kit and made an adjustment. He showed me what to do to tighten the slack so the gears would work better. After that, we were on the road again.
I apologized to Jeff for keeping him from his planned ride. He said it’s no big deal; he would worry if he got too far ahead since I’m having so many problems. He also mentioned that we would probably finish in six hours at the pace we are on. We planned on finishing in four. We kept going as the latest repair seemed to have worked (no thanks to the “professionals”) and we were picking up the pace. I felt like I was flying. We were moving at a great pace and things were going well. We weaved through the winding road effortlessly until we got the stop sign to cross the highway. I was moving at a very fast pace, not planning to stop unless there was a car coming. Jeff was a little freaked. He was behind me and he could see a car coming over the hill onto our path. I didn’t see it until I got to the other side of the trees much nearer the stop sign and I applied my brakes hard to make a quick stop. I loved how my bike reacted. I was having fun. Finally.
As I stopped, Jeff panicked as he was thinking I wasn’t going to stop. In the distraction he struggled to get out of his clips. They didn’t release and he toppled over on his side. I felt so bad because I’m sure this was my fault. At the same time I was annoyed because he spends too much time worrying about things he shouldn’t worry about. In this case I mean me. So he picked himself up, righted his bike and put the chain that fell off during the fall back on. So we were off again but this time a little more cautiously than before. As we headed through town we had to make many turns in and out of traffic which can be a little unnerving. The open road is much better where you can concentrate on your breathing and pedaling, forgetting about the distraction of traffic.
At the next corner, a group of 5 bikers waited with us for the next break in traffic to turn. As we waited, Jeff slipped again, tumbling into the biker next to him. Luckily he didn’t damage the other guy or his bike only this time Jeff was feeling a bit too beat up. Not only did this damage his self-confidence, he was scraped up pretty good. As he put the chain back on his bike again, we decided to make this a 50K ride instead of the 100K. He told me the only reason he was doing the 100K was because I wanted to, he originally was going to sign up for the 50K. So now I really felt bad. Not only did I ruin the start and his timing on this ride, I changed his plans for the length of his ride. With the decision made, things were feeling a little easier. We now felt like we were going to accomplish this within a reasonable amount of time and that it was almost over. So far this ride felt like and eternity but now… only 8 miles to go!
Jeff disappeared into the horizon almost as soon as we got going again. His swift pace is truly inspiring and I was hoping that he was enjoying this last leg of the ride since he wasn’t having much fun up to this point. As I pulled up to the finish line, he was standing there waiting for me. His kindness and patience is admirable, if it were me I would probably be pouting on the side of the road. We enjoyed some sandwiches and drinks handed out by the volunteers after the ride then headed home.
I wasn’t sure he would tell anyone about his difficult time, but he did. He didn’t have to; I wasn’t going to mention it. But after all it did feel better to talk about it. We enjoyed a soak in the hot tub when we got home to ease the pain of the bumps and bruises. It was nice to know we would have all afternoon to hang out at home. I made him a nice dinner and we moved on. He is already talking about next time so that’s good. I know I am looking forward to completing my first 100K but I don’t think it will be anytime soon.
Jeff and I got to the high school where the ride started and already there were little problems. I filled out the necessary waiver in advance and had the required monetary donation check written out. But I didn't have it in the proper envelope, so I had to fill one out. I didn't have my glasses on so I couldn't see the form so I obviously could not consider filling anything out. After Jeff took care of it for me we were on our way.
As we headed back to the car to drop off all the Tour de Cure pamphlets and unnecessary crap they gave us at the sign-in table, I couldn't find my sunglasses. I know I had them on my head when I went in so I must have left them on the table. I went back and they weren't there only I discovered I stuck them in my pocket and forgot. By the time all this was said and done, the 7:30 gun went off signifying the start of the ride. We still had to drop off the papers we were given before we could get started.
As we hopped on the bikes, mine was clanking from the sound of shifting gears. Jeff asked me if I wanted to stop at the repair booth before we got started but I really didn't want to hold him up anymore. He is an avid bike rider and he was already getting a late start because of me. So off we went, he was gaining speed much quicker than me and I told him to just go at his own pace as I would have done if we were running. But my bike was not cooperating. I've had problems with the gears before and I can usually shift my way out. I was struggling with this plan now. It would finally get into the right gear but it was taking more canoodling than usual to get there. Jeff saw me struggle and waited for me to catch up. I told him my complaint and we decided I would definitely have to stop at the repair booth at the first rest stop.
Unfortunately the first rest stop didn't come up until I had two major shifting problems. Both occurred during the steep inclines of hills. I ended up walking my bike up both because I could not get into gear at all. I now get the saying "spinning your wheels". Mine were spinning and I was going nowhere.
As I finally got to the first rest stop Jeff was there waiting. I asked him, “How many miles do we have done, 15?” He said eight. Oh my God! It took me an hour to go eight miles. How terribly disappointing. The repair guy quickly adjusted my gears and we were back on the road. I was thrilled to be able to ride without the nasty clicking sound of the changing of the gears even when I wasn’t changing gears. But I got to the next big hill, shifted to a higher gear and bam! The chain moved to a lower gear and the forward jerk nearly knocked me off my bike. Again, I was stopped mid-hill unable to pedal. I finally got started again as I could see Jeff’s backside disappear from view because he was so far ahead of me.
As I headed down the road, the signs to follow became somewhat confusing. A sag truck approached and asked if everything was OK. I said yes, except I wasn’t sure which direction I should be going. I was directed to head straight into the park ahead, go through the park, and I would end up back where I was standing. So I was to take a loop around to the right only to end up going to the left in order to get more mileage from the ride. Meanwhile, Jeff was heading down the road to the left when he saw me going straight. He headed all the way back thinking he was going in the wrong direction. He caught up to me in the park where I explained to him that he was actually heading in the right direction; he just missed the half-mile trek through the park. So we did it together which was kind of silly for him since he was pretty far ahead when he turned around to find me.
We rode together as I told him my latest saga on my ride up the hill. The next rest stop came up and I was back at the repair booth while Jeff waited for me. As soon as we headed out, turned the corner and went up a slight incline I was actually yelling as my chain popped into another gear. Another rider pulled up and asked me if I was OK. I said yes, just frustrated. After I explained the problem, he got out his tool kit and made an adjustment. He showed me what to do to tighten the slack so the gears would work better. After that, we were on the road again.
I apologized to Jeff for keeping him from his planned ride. He said it’s no big deal; he would worry if he got too far ahead since I’m having so many problems. He also mentioned that we would probably finish in six hours at the pace we are on. We planned on finishing in four. We kept going as the latest repair seemed to have worked (no thanks to the “professionals”) and we were picking up the pace. I felt like I was flying. We were moving at a great pace and things were going well. We weaved through the winding road effortlessly until we got the stop sign to cross the highway. I was moving at a very fast pace, not planning to stop unless there was a car coming. Jeff was a little freaked. He was behind me and he could see a car coming over the hill onto our path. I didn’t see it until I got to the other side of the trees much nearer the stop sign and I applied my brakes hard to make a quick stop. I loved how my bike reacted. I was having fun. Finally.
As I stopped, Jeff panicked as he was thinking I wasn’t going to stop. In the distraction he struggled to get out of his clips. They didn’t release and he toppled over on his side. I felt so bad because I’m sure this was my fault. At the same time I was annoyed because he spends too much time worrying about things he shouldn’t worry about. In this case I mean me. So he picked himself up, righted his bike and put the chain that fell off during the fall back on. So we were off again but this time a little more cautiously than before. As we headed through town we had to make many turns in and out of traffic which can be a little unnerving. The open road is much better where you can concentrate on your breathing and pedaling, forgetting about the distraction of traffic.
At the next corner, a group of 5 bikers waited with us for the next break in traffic to turn. As we waited, Jeff slipped again, tumbling into the biker next to him. Luckily he didn’t damage the other guy or his bike only this time Jeff was feeling a bit too beat up. Not only did this damage his self-confidence, he was scraped up pretty good. As he put the chain back on his bike again, we decided to make this a 50K ride instead of the 100K. He told me the only reason he was doing the 100K was because I wanted to, he originally was going to sign up for the 50K. So now I really felt bad. Not only did I ruin the start and his timing on this ride, I changed his plans for the length of his ride. With the decision made, things were feeling a little easier. We now felt like we were going to accomplish this within a reasonable amount of time and that it was almost over. So far this ride felt like and eternity but now… only 8 miles to go!
Jeff disappeared into the horizon almost as soon as we got going again. His swift pace is truly inspiring and I was hoping that he was enjoying this last leg of the ride since he wasn’t having much fun up to this point. As I pulled up to the finish line, he was standing there waiting for me. His kindness and patience is admirable, if it were me I would probably be pouting on the side of the road. We enjoyed some sandwiches and drinks handed out by the volunteers after the ride then headed home.
I wasn’t sure he would tell anyone about his difficult time, but he did. He didn’t have to; I wasn’t going to mention it. But after all it did feel better to talk about it. We enjoyed a soak in the hot tub when we got home to ease the pain of the bumps and bruises. It was nice to know we would have all afternoon to hang out at home. I made him a nice dinner and we moved on. He is already talking about next time so that’s good. I know I am looking forward to completing my first 100K but I don’t think it will be anytime soon.
1. Go to musicoutfitters.com .
2. Enter the year you graduated from high school (1974) in the search function and get the list of 100 most popular songs of that year.
3. Bold the songs you like, strike through the ones you hate and italicize your favorite. Do nothing to the ones you don't remember (or don't care about).
1. The Way We Were, Barbra Streisand
2. Seasons In The Sun, Terry Jacks
3. Love's Theme, Love Unlimited Orchestra
4. Come And Get Your Love, Redbone
5.Dancing Machine, Jackson 5
6. The Loco-Motion, Grand Funk Railroad
7. TSOP, MFSB
8.The Streak, Ray Stevens
9. Bennie And The Jets, Elton John
10. One Hell Of A Woman, Mac Davis
11. Until You Come Back To Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do), Aretha Franklin
12. Jungle Boogie, Kool and The Gang
13. Midnight At The Oasis, Maria Muldaur
14. You Make Me Feel Brand New, Stylistics
15. Show And Tell, Al Wilson
16. Spiders And Snakes, Jim Stafford
17. Rock On, David Essex
18. Sunshine On My Shoulder, John Denver
19. Sideshow, Blue Magic
20. Hooked On A Feeling, Blue Swede
21.Billy Don't Be A Hero, Bo Donaldson and The Heywoods
22. Band On The Run, Paul McCartney and Wings
23. The Most Beautiful Girl, Charlie Rich
24. Time In A Bottle, Jim Croce
25. Annie's Song, John Denver
26. Let Me Be There, Olivia Newton-John
27. Sundown, Gordon Lightfoot
28.(You're) Having My Baby, Paul Anka
29. Rock Me Gently, Andy Kim
30. Boogie Down, Eddie Kendricks
31. You're Sixteen, Ringo Starr
32. If You Love Me (Let Me Know), Olivia Newton-John
33. Dark Lady, Cher
34. Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me, Gladys Knight and The Pips
35. Feel Like Makin' Love, Roberta Flack
36. Just Dont Want To Be Lonely, Main Ingredient
37. Nothing From Nothing, Billy Preston
38. Rock Your Baby, George McCrae
39. Top Of The World, Carpenters
40. The Joker, Steve Miller Band
41. I've Got To Use My Imagination, Gladys Knight and The Pips
42. The Show Must Go On, Three Dog Night
43. Rock The Boat, Hues Corporation
44. Smokin' In The Boys Room, Brownsville Station
45. Living For The City, Stevie Wonder
46. The Night Chicago Died, Paper Lace
47. Then Came You, Dionne Warwick and The Spinners
48. The Entertainer, Marvin Hamlisch
49.Waterloo, Abba
50. The Air That I Breathe, Hollies
51. Rikki Don't Lose That Number, Steely Dan
52. Mockingbird, Carly Simon
53. Help Me, Joni Mitchell
54. You Won't See Me, Anne Murray
55. Never, Never Gonna Give You Up, Barry White
56. Tell Me Something Good, Rufus
57. You And Me Against The World, Helen Reddy
58. Rock And Roll Heaven, Righteous Brothers
59. Hollywood Swinging, Kool and The Gang
60. Be Thankful For What You Got, William Devaughn
61. Hang On In There Baby, Johnny Bristol
62.Eres Tu (Touch The Wind), Mocedades
63. Taking Care Of Business, Bachman-Turner Overdrive
64. Radar Love, Golden Earring
65. Please Come To Boston, Dave Loggins
66. Keep On Smilin', Wet Willie
67. Lookin' For Love, Bobby Womack
68. Put Your Hands Together, O'Jays
69. On And On, Gladys Knight and The Pips
70. Oh Very Young, Cat Stevens
71. Leave Me Alone (Ruby Red Dress), Helen Reddy
72. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Elton John
73. I've Been Searchin' So Long, Chicago
74. Oh My My, Ringo Starr
75. For The Love Of Money, O'Jays
76. I Shot The Sherrif, Eric Clapton
77.Jet, Paul McCartney and Wings
78. Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me, Elton John
79.Tubular Bells, Mike Oldfield
80. Love Song, Anne Murray
81. I'm Leaving It All Up To You, Donny and Marie Osmond
82. Hello, It's Me, Todd Rundgren
83. I Love, Tom T. Hall
84. Clap For The Wolfman, The Guess Who
85. I'll Have To Say I Love You In A Song, Jim Croce
86. The Lord's Prayer, Sister Janet Mead
87. Trying To Hold On To My Woman, Lamont Dozier
88. Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing, Stevie Wonder
89. A Very Special Love Song, Charlie Rich
90.My Girl Bill, Jim Stafford
91. My Mistake Was To Love You, Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye
92.Helen Wheels, Paul McCartney and Wings
93. Wildwood Weed, Jim Stafford
94. Beach Baby, First Class
95. Me And Baby Brother, War
96. Rockin' Roll Baby, Stylistics
97. I Honestly Love You, Olivia Newton-John
98. Call On Me, Chicago
99. Wild Thing, Fancy
100. Mighty Love, Pt. 1, Spinners
2. Enter the year you graduated from high school (1974) in the search function and get the list of 100 most popular songs of that year.
3. Bold the songs you like, strike through the ones you hate and italicize your favorite. Do nothing to the ones you don't remember (or don't care about).
1. The Way We Were, Barbra Streisand
2. Seasons In The Sun, Terry Jacks
3. Love's Theme, Love Unlimited Orchestra
4. Come And Get Your Love, Redbone
5.
6. The Loco-Motion, Grand Funk Railroad
7. TSOP, MFSB
8.
9. Bennie And The Jets, Elton John
10. One Hell Of A Woman, Mac Davis
11. Until You Come Back To Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do), Aretha Franklin
12. Jungle Boogie, Kool and The Gang
13. Midnight At The Oasis, Maria Muldaur
14. You Make Me Feel Brand New, Stylistics
15. Show And Tell, Al Wilson
16. Spiders And Snakes, Jim Stafford
17. Rock On, David Essex
18. Sunshine On My Shoulder, John Denver
19. Sideshow, Blue Magic
20. Hooked On A Feeling, Blue Swede
21.
22. Band On The Run, Paul McCartney and Wings
23. The Most Beautiful Girl, Charlie Rich
24. Time In A Bottle, Jim Croce
25. Annie's Song, John Denver
26. Let Me Be There, Olivia Newton-John
27. Sundown, Gordon Lightfoot
28.
29. Rock Me Gently, Andy Kim
30. Boogie Down, Eddie Kendricks
31. You're Sixteen, Ringo Starr
32. If You Love Me (Let Me Know), Olivia Newton-John
33.
34. Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me, Gladys Knight and The Pips
35. Feel Like Makin' Love, Roberta Flack
36. Just Dont Want To Be Lonely, Main Ingredient
37. Nothing From Nothing, Billy Preston
38. Rock Your Baby, George McCrae
39. Top Of The World, Carpenters
40. The Joker, Steve Miller Band
41. I've Got To Use My Imagination, Gladys Knight and The Pips
42. The Show Must Go On, Three Dog Night
43. Rock The Boat, Hues Corporation
44. Smokin' In The Boys Room, Brownsville Station
45. Living For The City, Stevie Wonder
46. The Night Chicago Died, Paper Lace
47. Then Came You, Dionne Warwick and The Spinners
48. The Entertainer, Marvin Hamlisch
49.
50. The Air That I Breathe, Hollies
51. Rikki Don't Lose That Number, Steely Dan
52. Mockingbird, Carly Simon
53. Help Me, Joni Mitchell
54. You Won't See Me, Anne Murray
55. Never, Never Gonna Give You Up, Barry White
56. Tell Me Something Good, Rufus
57. You And Me Against The World, Helen Reddy
58. Rock And Roll Heaven, Righteous Brothers
59. Hollywood Swinging, Kool and The Gang
60. Be Thankful For What You Got, William Devaughn
61. Hang On In There Baby, Johnny Bristol
62.
63. Taking Care Of Business, Bachman-Turner Overdrive
64. Radar Love, Golden Earring
65. Please Come To Boston, Dave Loggins
66. Keep On Smilin', Wet Willie
67. Lookin' For Love, Bobby Womack
68. Put Your Hands Together, O'Jays
69. On And On, Gladys Knight and The Pips
70. Oh Very Young, Cat Stevens
71. Leave Me Alone (Ruby Red Dress), Helen Reddy
72. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Elton John
73. I've Been Searchin' So Long, Chicago
74. Oh My My, Ringo Starr
75. For The Love Of Money, O'Jays
76. I Shot The Sherrif, Eric Clapton
77.
78. Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me, Elton John
79.
80. Love Song, Anne Murray
81. I'm Leaving It All Up To You, Donny and Marie Osmond
82. Hello, It's Me, Todd Rundgren
83. I Love, Tom T. Hall
84. Clap For The Wolfman, The Guess Who
85. I'll Have To Say I Love You In A Song, Jim Croce
86. The Lord's Prayer, Sister Janet Mead
87. Trying To Hold On To My Woman, Lamont Dozier
88. Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing, Stevie Wonder
89. A Very Special Love Song, Charlie Rich
90.
91. My Mistake Was To Love You, Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye
92.
93. Wildwood Weed, Jim Stafford
94. Beach Baby, First Class
95. Me And Baby Brother, War
96. Rockin' Roll Baby, Stylistics
97. I Honestly Love You, Olivia Newton-John
98. Call On Me, Chicago
99. Wild Thing, Fancy
100. Mighty Love, Pt. 1, Spinners
Yesterday I got to work and those around me could tell something was wrong. But I couldn't even dare to say it. Even as I am writing this, I feel my eyes welling up, unable to continue. It will eventually take me all day to finish but maybe by writing it down completely, I can get over the horror that I witnessed and move on. At least I hope I can.
The day started as it usually does, shower, coffee, get dressed and head out the door. I felt the usual distractions as I got in my car and headed down the driveway. When will I go workout? What do I want to do at lunchtime? Are there any errands I can get done on my way home? I find the drive to work boring so I tend to make lists of these things in my head. I was less than a mile from home, on the long stretch of Howell Avenue that takes me to I-794 when I noticed that the cars in the opposite direction were just stopped sort of in the middle of the street. Howell Avenue is six lanes across with a very wide median separating the northbound from the southbound lanes. So the expanse of lanes in the other direction tends to fade from view due to the distance from one side of the road to the other.
I couldn't help but look back to see what was holding up the traffic. And there it was. A goose, lying on its back flailing helplessly, neck straining in an attempt to get itself off of the cold, hard pavement. And to no avail, the bird flapped its large wings in a feeble attempt to right itself. It's mates stood in the median waiting patiently for the guy to get up. He strained and strained to get up.
I could see by its colors that it was a male. There were two females just waiting for him. He struggled and struggled as traffic watched in horror. All I could do was keep driving. The groan I let out at the sight of this poor creature would have been heard by others if I had my car window open. I immediately tried to fight back tears from the sorrowful sight of this struggle. But I could not contain my sadness. As I got to the next block and the red light, I almost bumped the car in front of me from trying to see through my tears.
I tried to convince myself that everything would be OK. With traffic all tied up a cop would show up and rescue the bird. Or maybe mother nature would be kind and the bird would just stop suffering. It's hard to think of nature taking its course when such an unnatural thing happens. It had to have gotten hit by a car or truck. And how could someone hit it and keep going? I did not understand. Maybe it was a truck that nicked it and didn't know, that had to be it. No one could be cruel enough to just leave, could they? Doesn't matter as long as it's rescued. So I pray for the bird.
Now if I could only get rid of that horrible image.
The day started as it usually does, shower, coffee, get dressed and head out the door. I felt the usual distractions as I got in my car and headed down the driveway. When will I go workout? What do I want to do at lunchtime? Are there any errands I can get done on my way home? I find the drive to work boring so I tend to make lists of these things in my head. I was less than a mile from home, on the long stretch of Howell Avenue that takes me to I-794 when I noticed that the cars in the opposite direction were just stopped sort of in the middle of the street. Howell Avenue is six lanes across with a very wide median separating the northbound from the southbound lanes. So the expanse of lanes in the other direction tends to fade from view due to the distance from one side of the road to the other.
I couldn't help but look back to see what was holding up the traffic. And there it was. A goose, lying on its back flailing helplessly, neck straining in an attempt to get itself off of the cold, hard pavement. And to no avail, the bird flapped its large wings in a feeble attempt to right itself. It's mates stood in the median waiting patiently for the guy to get up. He strained and strained to get up.
I could see by its colors that it was a male. There were two females just waiting for him. He struggled and struggled as traffic watched in horror. All I could do was keep driving. The groan I let out at the sight of this poor creature would have been heard by others if I had my car window open. I immediately tried to fight back tears from the sorrowful sight of this struggle. But I could not contain my sadness. As I got to the next block and the red light, I almost bumped the car in front of me from trying to see through my tears.
I tried to convince myself that everything would be OK. With traffic all tied up a cop would show up and rescue the bird. Or maybe mother nature would be kind and the bird would just stop suffering. It's hard to think of nature taking its course when such an unnatural thing happens. It had to have gotten hit by a car or truck. And how could someone hit it and keep going? I did not understand. Maybe it was a truck that nicked it and didn't know, that had to be it. No one could be cruel enough to just leave, could they? Doesn't matter as long as it's rescued. So I pray for the bird.
Now if I could only get rid of that horrible image.
Another day with not much to say, like the memes, here's one of those dumb lists that tell more about me. Or more about my strange desire to fill them out....
[1] What is your middlename: Beth
[2] What color is your mailbox: White
[3] What kind of car do you drive: 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe - aka SUV - aka Bin Laden Mobile.
[4] Have you ever hit a deer: No but a deer hit me once. I think his noggin took a floggin' and off he went into the woods to hide from the embarrassment.
[5] Do you have to drive over a bridge to get home: Yes. The infamous Hoan.
[6] Do you get the paper delivered to your house in the morning: No.
[7] Who checks the mail in your house: Jeff.
[8] Do you have a small driveway: It's short and fat so I guess that's not small at all.
[9] Do you know anyone with the same ringtone as you: Never paid attention to such mundane trivia.
[10] What do you do first in the morning: Pee.
[11] What brand is your printer: Canon.
[12] Do you enjoy fighting with people: No, I don't like the idea of losing control emotionally.
[13] Is your hair naturally straight or curly: Naturally curly.
[14] Who was your kindergarten teacher: I have no idea. That was so long ago.
[15] Are your teeth crooked: No, too far apart.
[16] Are you taller than your mother: No. And pretty much not taller than anyone else either.
[17] Do you have a favorite word: Onomatopoeia.
[18] What color is the interior of your car: Beige.
[19] What do you do to get over a broken heart: Remind myself that I will be stronger when I get through this.
[20] Do you have a deep dark secret: Yes.
[21] Do you know anyone who never rode a bike: Yes, my 5-month old baby niece, Aubrey.
[22] Do you enjoy writing in colored pens: Yes, more than I like to admit.
[23] Does anything hurt on your body right now: Yes, my shoulders from riding in a 50K bike ride yesterday.
[24] Do you often cry during movies: Yes, unfortunately I am a sap.
[25] Do you hate your life: No way.
[26] Do you get mad easily: Irritated and impatient, yes but mad, no.
[27] Do you drink to get drunk: No.
[28] What is your biggest pet peeve: When people ask you something and they don't listen for the answer.
[29] What is your away message: Call my cell phone and find out for yourself.
[30] Do any of your friends have kids: Yes. Most of them.
[32] Who should pay on the first date: The person who did the asking out.
[33] How many years older than you are you willing to date: I think the question should be how many years younger?
[34] Do you have any friends: Yes, but never enough.
[35] Do you have any mean friends: No, I am the mean friend to everyone else.
[36] What is the ugliest color in your opinion: Teal.
[37] Have you ever liked someone who all your friends couldn't stand: Yes, his name is Ray.
[38] Have you ever felt like driving off a cliff, seriously: Yes. Thank God for Lexapro.
[39] Have you ever been fired from a job: No.
[40] What year was your house built: 1989.
[41] When was the last time you slept in someone elses bed: Last Thanksgiving.
[43] How tall are you: 5'2".
[44] What is the closest green object: The plant on my bookshelf.
[45] What is on your feet: One shoe's on and the other's off.
[46] Do you always wear underwear: No.
[48] Do you want to have kids: No, I already have more than my fair share.
[49] How many years apart are you and your next sibling: If my brother was still alive I could say 3 years but since he's not the answer is 5 years.
[50] Who is the last friend you have, that you would ever expect to be gay: Sheila, the slut. Or maybe Stephanie, the maneater.
[51] When was the last time you had a girls night or guys night: Never. Sounds like a really bad idea.
[52] Whats your mothers middle name: Judith.
[53] Stupidest movie you ever saw: Hmmm, stupid - Howard the Duck.
[54] Do you collect comic books: No, just comic strips.
[55] Do you look like your dad: Yes.
[56] Do you have any TV shows on DVD: Yes, Northern Exposure.
[57] Are you wearing makeup: Yes.
[58] Do you have a tattoo: Yes, more than one.
[1] What is your middlename: Beth
[2] What color is your mailbox: White
[3] What kind of car do you drive: 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe - aka SUV - aka Bin Laden Mobile.
[4] Have you ever hit a deer: No but a deer hit me once. I think his noggin took a floggin' and off he went into the woods to hide from the embarrassment.
[5] Do you have to drive over a bridge to get home: Yes. The infamous Hoan.
[6] Do you get the paper delivered to your house in the morning: No.
[7] Who checks the mail in your house: Jeff.
[8] Do you have a small driveway: It's short and fat so I guess that's not small at all.
[9] Do you know anyone with the same ringtone as you: Never paid attention to such mundane trivia.
[10] What do you do first in the morning: Pee.
[11] What brand is your printer: Canon.
[12] Do you enjoy fighting with people: No, I don't like the idea of losing control emotionally.
[13] Is your hair naturally straight or curly: Naturally curly.
[14] Who was your kindergarten teacher: I have no idea. That was so long ago.
[15] Are your teeth crooked: No, too far apart.
[16] Are you taller than your mother: No. And pretty much not taller than anyone else either.
[17] Do you have a favorite word: Onomatopoeia.
[18] What color is the interior of your car: Beige.
[19] What do you do to get over a broken heart: Remind myself that I will be stronger when I get through this.
[20] Do you have a deep dark secret: Yes.
[21] Do you know anyone who never rode a bike: Yes, my 5-month old baby niece, Aubrey.
[22] Do you enjoy writing in colored pens: Yes, more than I like to admit.
[23] Does anything hurt on your body right now: Yes, my shoulders from riding in a 50K bike ride yesterday.
[24] Do you often cry during movies: Yes, unfortunately I am a sap.
[25] Do you hate your life: No way.
[26] Do you get mad easily: Irritated and impatient, yes but mad, no.
[27] Do you drink to get drunk: No.
[28] What is your biggest pet peeve: When people ask you something and they don't listen for the answer.
[29] What is your away message: Call my cell phone and find out for yourself.
[30] Do any of your friends have kids: Yes. Most of them.
[32] Who should pay on the first date: The person who did the asking out.
[33] How many years older than you are you willing to date: I think the question should be how many years younger?
[34] Do you have any friends: Yes, but never enough.
[35] Do you have any mean friends: No, I am the mean friend to everyone else.
[36] What is the ugliest color in your opinion: Teal.
[37] Have you ever liked someone who all your friends couldn't stand: Yes, his name is Ray.
[38] Have you ever felt like driving off a cliff, seriously: Yes. Thank God for Lexapro.
[39] Have you ever been fired from a job: No.
[40] What year was your house built: 1989.
[41] When was the last time you slept in someone elses bed: Last Thanksgiving.
[43] How tall are you: 5'2".
[44] What is the closest green object: The plant on my bookshelf.
[45] What is on your feet: One shoe's on and the other's off.
[46] Do you always wear underwear: No.
[48] Do you want to have kids: No, I already have more than my fair share.
[49] How many years apart are you and your next sibling: If my brother was still alive I could say 3 years but since he's not the answer is 5 years.
[50] Who is the last friend you have, that you would ever expect to be gay: Sheila, the slut. Or maybe Stephanie, the maneater.
[51] When was the last time you had a girls night or guys night: Never. Sounds like a really bad idea.
[52] Whats your mothers middle name: Judith.
[53] Stupidest movie you ever saw: Hmmm, stupid - Howard the Duck.
[54] Do you collect comic books: No, just comic strips.
[55] Do you look like your dad: Yes.
[56] Do you have any TV shows on DVD: Yes, Northern Exposure.
[57] Are you wearing makeup: Yes.
[58] Do you have a tattoo: Yes, more than one.
This show is getting old and unbearable. How can Jack continue to be at the right place at the right time and save the world? He gets into places no one else can and gets people to cooperate when it defies all logic. And what's with that whole tape recording? Why didn't he just play it over his phone into Chloe's voice mail so there was more than one copy? Then Chloe could play it for whoever is in charge at CTU this week. Geez. I could save the world more efficiently than these people. I don't know what makes me madder, this show's ability to insult my intelligence or my unwillingness to stop watching. I made a commitment in the beginning and I am hanging in until the end. Soon it will all be over. Thank God.
Mother's Day started out quietly just as I like it. I started the day with my favorite routine, the newspaper and a fresh pot of coffee. The kids said they would be by early in the afternoon so my quite time should last a while. I decided it would be nice to provide some lunch so we headed out to Grasch's for some hot ham and rolls. Along with many other wonderful items the little, exquisite grocery store has to offer.
On our way back home I decided to stop at the Nextel store. Both Grasch's and Nextel are on the same path, both happen to be out of the way from home though. Since we had gone out of the way already it seemed silly not to stop there too. We pulled into the lot at 10:05 wondering if they were open and it just happened they opened at 10. Perfect. Plus there is no one else here. That's even better. So I started my quest for a new cell phone. Jeff was busy with the clerk at the counter trying to get BJ's new Blackberry going. BJ spent close to two hours on the phone yesterday trying to get everything straightened out and they said his phone would be activated within 4 hours. Here it is Sunday and it's still not working. Part of the problem I think is that he got the phone from a friend so it seems setting up a third party phone is a little more complicated. The clerk, Heather was very helpful but the process was time consuming. Since BJ was at home it took two phone calls to get all the information off the phone to get it going. Plus a solid 45 minutes of computer work. Not to mention that Jeff had many questions about his new phone plan and what it was going to cost him to have three people on this new plan.
In the meantime, I narrowed down my phone choices by feature, price, and style. I had three picked out. The clerk came over and said she could probably help narrow my choices down even more. I pointed to the ones I was looking at. She picked up the first one and said the battery doesn't last as long as the others. She picked the second one up and said it's the one they get the most dropped call complaints about. So I said, "This one it is!" Pointing to the third phone in the group. I think she was a little shocked that I made it so easy. It's just a damn cell phone, I really don't care that much.
So we started the activation process all over with my new phone. Because we were transferring my old number over from Verizon, she needed some information from me and we got that going. Lastly, I picked out a phone for Bailee in the style she requested. Luckily that one was free. Since she wanted to remove herself from her ex-creepy boyfriend she had no interest in transferring her old number so this was the easiest activation of the three.
By the time we left it was 11:45. Almost two hours getting phones but at least it was finally done. I'm finally through with Verizon and all the problems with my old cell phone. We got home and Jen had already been by leaving a basket with tropical hibiscus plants and cute flamingo planters. There was also a bottle of Grey Goose and a Yankee candle on the table. Talk about great loot! My kids left me some very nice gifts but I missed them. And they said early afternoon. It's not even noon yet.
I turns out Jen's plans changed with her in-laws and she couldn't make it. I was sorry I missed them and I threw in my motherly guilt by telling them, " that's ok, I was going to make Matt some chocolate chip cookies so now I don't have to." Bailee came home at noon and BJ got his butt out of bed, we had some ham and rolls. Even Toby (aka Jeff) gave me a nice gift. The day was perfect.
On our way back home I decided to stop at the Nextel store. Both Grasch's and Nextel are on the same path, both happen to be out of the way from home though. Since we had gone out of the way already it seemed silly not to stop there too. We pulled into the lot at 10:05 wondering if they were open and it just happened they opened at 10. Perfect. Plus there is no one else here. That's even better. So I started my quest for a new cell phone. Jeff was busy with the clerk at the counter trying to get BJ's new Blackberry going. BJ spent close to two hours on the phone yesterday trying to get everything straightened out and they said his phone would be activated within 4 hours. Here it is Sunday and it's still not working. Part of the problem I think is that he got the phone from a friend so it seems setting up a third party phone is a little more complicated. The clerk, Heather was very helpful but the process was time consuming. Since BJ was at home it took two phone calls to get all the information off the phone to get it going. Plus a solid 45 minutes of computer work. Not to mention that Jeff had many questions about his new phone plan and what it was going to cost him to have three people on this new plan.
In the meantime, I narrowed down my phone choices by feature, price, and style. I had three picked out. The clerk came over and said she could probably help narrow my choices down even more. I pointed to the ones I was looking at. She picked up the first one and said the battery doesn't last as long as the others. She picked the second one up and said it's the one they get the most dropped call complaints about. So I said, "This one it is!" Pointing to the third phone in the group. I think she was a little shocked that I made it so easy. It's just a damn cell phone, I really don't care that much.
So we started the activation process all over with my new phone. Because we were transferring my old number over from Verizon, she needed some information from me and we got that going. Lastly, I picked out a phone for Bailee in the style she requested. Luckily that one was free. Since she wanted to remove herself from her ex-creepy boyfriend she had no interest in transferring her old number so this was the easiest activation of the three.
By the time we left it was 11:45. Almost two hours getting phones but at least it was finally done. I'm finally through with Verizon and all the problems with my old cell phone. We got home and Jen had already been by leaving a basket with tropical hibiscus plants and cute flamingo planters. There was also a bottle of Grey Goose and a Yankee candle on the table. Talk about great loot! My kids left me some very nice gifts but I missed them. And they said early afternoon. It's not even noon yet.
I turns out Jen's plans changed with her in-laws and she couldn't make it. I was sorry I missed them and I threw in my motherly guilt by telling them, " that's ok, I was going to make Matt some chocolate chip cookies so now I don't have to." Bailee came home at noon and BJ got his butt out of bed, we had some ham and rolls. Even Toby (aka Jeff) gave me a nice gift. The day was perfect.
The second Thursday of every month our church volunteers to feed the homeless. We meet in the parking lot at church and drive as a group to St. Vincent DePaul. It's located in a poorer, Hispanic area of Milwaukee. We bring the milk to serve with dinner. We carry in 50 gallons for tonight. The meal consists of chopped suey, rice, salad, jello, bread, and cake. Another larger church does all the meal preparation. They are responsible for serving the food, we are responsible for serving milk, coffee, and water. The St. Vinnie's staff is responsible for set-up, clean-up and getting the people they serve in and out. They are very strict about their rules.
We start the evening with prayer then take our assigned places as the line progresses. There are many older men, too many families with children, and some women. We wait until they get their food and find a seat then walk over and fill their glasses and coffee cups. It's simple work but very rewarding. You get to talk to many people, most look weathered and worn and I wish there was time to hear all their stories. But the rules are to get them in and get them out. We refill their glasses as many times as they wish in order to allow them to stay. They are all so very polite, some flirty, some talkative, and some introverted. I wish I knew Spanish to I can respond on a more personal level.
On this night there is leftover food. So the staff allows seconds and announces their availability. A young boy is happy and shows it by skipping back to his mother with a tray full of jello and cake. This is where I lose it. I just become a blubbering fool. The thought of this child, of all the children in this room having to hope they will get fed got to me. I have yet to be able to handle the enormity of their situations. I just can't toughen up. Maybe that's a good thing but I hate that I can't control it.
After we clean up and put the tables and chairs away we can go. The strange thing is I find it hard to leave. I want to know that everybody's ok. That they have a place to go. And it's raining outside. Are they cold? I'll be back here next month to make sure they're all ok. I guess that will have to do for now.
We start the evening with prayer then take our assigned places as the line progresses. There are many older men, too many families with children, and some women. We wait until they get their food and find a seat then walk over and fill their glasses and coffee cups. It's simple work but very rewarding. You get to talk to many people, most look weathered and worn and I wish there was time to hear all their stories. But the rules are to get them in and get them out. We refill their glasses as many times as they wish in order to allow them to stay. They are all so very polite, some flirty, some talkative, and some introverted. I wish I knew Spanish to I can respond on a more personal level.
On this night there is leftover food. So the staff allows seconds and announces their availability. A young boy is happy and shows it by skipping back to his mother with a tray full of jello and cake. This is where I lose it. I just become a blubbering fool. The thought of this child, of all the children in this room having to hope they will get fed got to me. I have yet to be able to handle the enormity of their situations. I just can't toughen up. Maybe that's a good thing but I hate that I can't control it.
After we clean up and put the tables and chairs away we can go. The strange thing is I find it hard to leave. I want to know that everybody's ok. That they have a place to go. And it's raining outside. Are they cold? I'll be back here next month to make sure they're all ok. I guess that will have to do for now.
Today I went for a simple diagnostic test, the mammogram. But for me they aren't really all that simple. I have fibrocystic disease so I'm lumpy and bumpy all the time. All that stuff about how important self-exams are goes out the window with me. I couldn't tell a new lump from an old one or a big one from a small one. I'm always hopeful that if there is something new and sinister growing in there that I will be able to tell the difference, but I'm not confident that it's possible.
This dilemma is solved when the physicians compare my test results to prior exams to make sure the lumpies and bumpies are all exactly the same as they were on the last mammogram. I suspect this isn't so easy for the doctors doing reviewing the films either since they make me come back every six months for another mammogram. Sometimes they even make me stay so they can do an ultrasound just to be safe.
So no changes means I am free and clear. And this time the nurse says, "Not only are you good to go, you've graduated back to the once-a year exam schedule." Yippee! Nothing like removing suspicion from all the lumpiness I feel. As I drove away from the hospital I was thinking about what the nurse said. You see I've graduated twice in the last two weeks, once from college and now from these constant diagnostic vigils. Somehow this graduation seems more important than the other one. Nothing like a sense of well-being to make me feel alive.
This dilemma is solved when the physicians compare my test results to prior exams to make sure the lumpies and bumpies are all exactly the same as they were on the last mammogram. I suspect this isn't so easy for the doctors doing reviewing the films either since they make me come back every six months for another mammogram. Sometimes they even make me stay so they can do an ultrasound just to be safe.
So no changes means I am free and clear. And this time the nurse says, "Not only are you good to go, you've graduated back to the once-a year exam schedule." Yippee! Nothing like removing suspicion from all the lumpiness I feel. As I drove away from the hospital I was thinking about what the nurse said. You see I've graduated twice in the last two weeks, once from college and now from these constant diagnostic vigils. Somehow this graduation seems more important than the other one. Nothing like a sense of well-being to make me feel alive.
Jeff ummped at Helfaer Park last night. The game was Varsity softball Greendale vs. South Milwaukee, a non-conference game. Greendale is ranked 2nd in the state so the odds were on them as favorites. The fans started packing the stands early. The game started at 7 pm, we got there at 6 and the place was already a quarter full. You could clearly see the team divisions, Greendale on the third base side and South Milwaukee on the first base side.
Helfaer Park is a Milwaukee landmark. It's on the hallowed ground of the old Milwaukee County Stadium and it overlooks the new Miller Park that replaced it. The view is grand. And home plate is the original that was in County Stadium. All I could think of was how Charlie Moore stood behind that plate and caught for the Brewers, Rollie Fingers threw fastballs over that plate, Robin Yount got hits there, and Gorman Thomas hit home runs from there. Yes, it's true, I was awestruck. And there was Jeff, brushing off the plate between innings. This was so cool.
The game is in play and South Milwaukee is leading right away in the first inning. Greendale eventually catches up and then takes the lead. It doesn't last though, South Milwaukee gets a few more runs in the last inning of the game. Greendale comes up to bat, with two runners on base, their star player does not come through. The game ends in an upset with South Milwaukee winning.
As we headed out to the parking lot after the game, a fan from the Greendale team yells, "Go back to umping JV. You guys suck!" It's always the umpire's fault. After we all get a chuckle I asked Jeff, "So how was it brushing off the plate where the Brewers played so long ago." He said, "Wow, I never thought about that. I was wondering why such a nice park had such a crappy home plate." Silly man. Didn't even know or think about that, which was probably better really. Otherwise it could have been a distraction for him and since he had such a great game, I hate to think of anything ruining it.
It's been quite a while since I watched Jeff ump a game. I forgot how good he is at it. And I'd forgotten how fun it was to watch a good softball game. Not to mention the people-watching in the stands. All those lousy opinions from people who don't know the rules makes good entertainment. You would think they'd learn something from watching so many games. Not that they matter. What mattered last night was the integrity of the umpires and the competition on the diamond.
It was a beautiful evening in a magnificent park and something that I will remember for a very long time.
Helfaer Park is a Milwaukee landmark. It's on the hallowed ground of the old Milwaukee County Stadium and it overlooks the new Miller Park that replaced it. The view is grand. And home plate is the original that was in County Stadium. All I could think of was how Charlie Moore stood behind that plate and caught for the Brewers, Rollie Fingers threw fastballs over that plate, Robin Yount got hits there, and Gorman Thomas hit home runs from there. Yes, it's true, I was awestruck. And there was Jeff, brushing off the plate between innings. This was so cool.
The game is in play and South Milwaukee is leading right away in the first inning. Greendale eventually catches up and then takes the lead. It doesn't last though, South Milwaukee gets a few more runs in the last inning of the game. Greendale comes up to bat, with two runners on base, their star player does not come through. The game ends in an upset with South Milwaukee winning.
As we headed out to the parking lot after the game, a fan from the Greendale team yells, "Go back to umping JV. You guys suck!" It's always the umpire's fault. After we all get a chuckle I asked Jeff, "So how was it brushing off the plate where the Brewers played so long ago." He said, "Wow, I never thought about that. I was wondering why such a nice park had such a crappy home plate." Silly man. Didn't even know or think about that, which was probably better really. Otherwise it could have been a distraction for him and since he had such a great game, I hate to think of anything ruining it.
It's been quite a while since I watched Jeff ump a game. I forgot how good he is at it. And I'd forgotten how fun it was to watch a good softball game. Not to mention the people-watching in the stands. All those lousy opinions from people who don't know the rules makes good entertainment. You would think they'd learn something from watching so many games. Not that they matter. What mattered last night was the integrity of the umpires and the competition on the diamond.
It was a beautiful evening in a magnificent park and something that I will remember for a very long time.
I want new cell phones but I can't get them. Actually I shouldn't say I can't get them. I am not willing to pay for them. I have a very old cell phone plan. It gives me 400 any time minutes to share with my daughter. I pay $29.99 for my phone and hers is an extra $9.99 charge. There is no cell phone plan that even remotely comes close to this. And the number of minutes don't really matter, the average usage for both of our phones is 15 minutes a month. So realistically I am paying an outrageous amount of money for little cell phone time.
My daughter's phone doesn't work anymore and mine is just old and ugly. My obsession with the color pink brings the new Razr phones onto my radar screen. I want one. I also want my daughter to have a phone. Her diabetes is always a concern and I like to know that I can find her when I need to. There's less worry when I know she's just a phone call away. So at the very least I need to get her a phone.
As I reviewed the available phones my carrier has to offer, I made the decision that since I am not under contract, I would be willing to sign a two-year agreement if I could keep my present plan just to get a good deal on the price of new phones. My daughter and I trekked down to Verizon on Saturday morning to make the deal. She picked out the phone she wanted and I picked mine. The pink Razr was $79 and her Samsung was $29. A reasonable amount to pay under a two-year deal.
When the sales rep looked up my account he discovered that there was nothing he could do for us. He said he could only make deals on the phones with contracts that start at $35 a month. In fact he said that share plans today start at $79 a month. Quite a bit more than my plan. He gave me a number to call and said they could get us the phones we wanted.
Today I called the number. I love the little tip he gave me. He said, "When you get the automated voice just press *00 and that will bypass the system and get me directly to a customer service representative. " It worked like a charm. I wonder if I can get that to work for any automated system. I will have to test that theory.
The customer service rep I called was quoting right from the book. He called up my account and told him that I wanted new phones and no change in my plan. I gave him the brand names and style numbers for the two new phones. He quoted me prices in the $400 range. And I mean for each phone. Not total for two, each phone!
I said, "That's insane. And considering my phone usage I see no reason to upgrade my plan."
He apologized and said he could not help. I asked him why the rep at the store told me to call him. He suggested that the rep did not want to be the bearer of bad news. So there was nothing they could do to help me.
This is when the rep says, "Is there anything else I can help you with?"
Hmmm....right out of the book.
My response, "But you didn't help me yet. What do you mean anything else?"
He said, "I know, and I am sorry."
Thanks for nothing.
He offered me refurbished phones but not in the styles that I requested because they are too new. When I asked more questions about refurbished phones he blew me off. Must have been an option that they didn't really want to waste time on. Now I have to decide. Do I cancel her phone since hers doesn't work at all? Do I get her a refurbished phone and just keep mine? Do I cancel the entire plan? I just don't know what to do. Part of me thinks it's all a waste of money anyway and another part of me thinks I shouldn't give up this great deal because I'm never going to get it back. I just don't know.....
My daughter's phone doesn't work anymore and mine is just old and ugly. My obsession with the color pink brings the new Razr phones onto my radar screen. I want one. I also want my daughter to have a phone. Her diabetes is always a concern and I like to know that I can find her when I need to. There's less worry when I know she's just a phone call away. So at the very least I need to get her a phone.
As I reviewed the available phones my carrier has to offer, I made the decision that since I am not under contract, I would be willing to sign a two-year agreement if I could keep my present plan just to get a good deal on the price of new phones. My daughter and I trekked down to Verizon on Saturday morning to make the deal. She picked out the phone she wanted and I picked mine. The pink Razr was $79 and her Samsung was $29. A reasonable amount to pay under a two-year deal.
When the sales rep looked up my account he discovered that there was nothing he could do for us. He said he could only make deals on the phones with contracts that start at $35 a month. In fact he said that share plans today start at $79 a month. Quite a bit more than my plan. He gave me a number to call and said they could get us the phones we wanted.
Today I called the number. I love the little tip he gave me. He said, "When you get the automated voice just press *00 and that will bypass the system and get me directly to a customer service representative. " It worked like a charm. I wonder if I can get that to work for any automated system. I will have to test that theory.
The customer service rep I called was quoting right from the book. He called up my account and told him that I wanted new phones and no change in my plan. I gave him the brand names and style numbers for the two new phones. He quoted me prices in the $400 range. And I mean for each phone. Not total for two, each phone!
I said, "That's insane. And considering my phone usage I see no reason to upgrade my plan."
He apologized and said he could not help. I asked him why the rep at the store told me to call him. He suggested that the rep did not want to be the bearer of bad news. So there was nothing they could do to help me.
This is when the rep says, "Is there anything else I can help you with?"
Hmmm....right out of the book.
My response, "But you didn't help me yet. What do you mean anything else?"
He said, "I know, and I am sorry."
Thanks for nothing.
He offered me refurbished phones but not in the styles that I requested because they are too new. When I asked more questions about refurbished phones he blew me off. Must have been an option that they didn't really want to waste time on. Now I have to decide. Do I cancel her phone since hers doesn't work at all? Do I get her a refurbished phone and just keep mine? Do I cancel the entire plan? I just don't know what to do. Part of me thinks it's all a waste of money anyway and another part of me thinks I shouldn't give up this great deal because I'm never going to get it back. I just don't know.....
Last night was volleyball night. It's a new season and I love to play volleyball. Over the winter I had forgotten how much I hate playing with this team. It all came back to me quickly. I have to find a way out.
The team captain is the nicest guy when he is not on the court. He scrambles for almost every play, therefore when he lets up we tend to miss because we assume he was gonna get it anyway. Of course that's always when he is closer to the ball than we are. I have nicknamed his wife 'The General". This chick is always quick to tell you how to play. "Square up and get behind the ball! Let it hit your forearms not your hands!" Unfortunately she cannot take her own advice. Then we have my co-worker who dragged me into the mess in the first place. She can hit the ball as long as it only requires one hand and she never has to move her feet. So when she misses (almost every time) she complains that conditions just weren't right. It sounds more like whining as the night goes on. Her friend, who works in another department here is about as wide as she is tall. At 4'11" she thinks she is taller than she really is. Always swinging and missing. There are two other guys on the team and if they would show up regularly we just might win a game or two. I have to learn to develop their attitude and come when I am in the mood (which would be almost never) just like they do.
I hate to complain and I know I am not that good. The captain calls me the superstar which I know I am not, but compared to the others it can be a sad but true statement. It's no surprise that they can't get enough players, no one would want to voluntarily join this band of misfits. And I don't mind losing if we had a good effort and could volley the ball. Our first week scores were 21-17, 21-2, 21-7. We suck. Even some of the other teams from last year were complaining about playing us, we don't give them any competition. What was I thinking? Uggghhhh.
The team captain is the nicest guy when he is not on the court. He scrambles for almost every play, therefore when he lets up we tend to miss because we assume he was gonna get it anyway. Of course that's always when he is closer to the ball than we are. I have nicknamed his wife 'The General". This chick is always quick to tell you how to play. "Square up and get behind the ball! Let it hit your forearms not your hands!" Unfortunately she cannot take her own advice. Then we have my co-worker who dragged me into the mess in the first place. She can hit the ball as long as it only requires one hand and she never has to move her feet. So when she misses (almost every time) she complains that conditions just weren't right. It sounds more like whining as the night goes on. Her friend, who works in another department here is about as wide as she is tall. At 4'11" she thinks she is taller than she really is. Always swinging and missing. There are two other guys on the team and if they would show up regularly we just might win a game or two. I have to learn to develop their attitude and come when I am in the mood (which would be almost never) just like they do.
I hate to complain and I know I am not that good. The captain calls me the superstar which I know I am not, but compared to the others it can be a sad but true statement. It's no surprise that they can't get enough players, no one would want to voluntarily join this band of misfits. And I don't mind losing if we had a good effort and could volley the ball. Our first week scores were 21-17, 21-2, 21-7. We suck. Even some of the other teams from last year were complaining about playing us, we don't give them any competition. What was I thinking? Uggghhhh.
1. What are your favorite colors? Do you use them in your everyday life (clothing, decor, etc)?
My favorite colors to view are pink and yellow. I wear pink but not yellow.
My favorite colors to wear are white, black, and beige.
My favorite colors for my decor is beige with dark green as a secondary color.
2. What is your favorite type of food? How do you incorporate it into your life?
My favorite type of food is vegetables. I incorporate them into salads, stir-fry, soups, and casseroles.
3. What are your favorite types of clothing? Why?
My favorite types of clothing are skirts and workout clothes. I love the way skirts make me feel, feminine and sexy, and sometimes a little dressed up depending on the skirt. I could live in workout clothes. I love to run and I love the comfort of the stretchy soft fabrics.
Bonus Question for Comments:
Ice cream! What are your favorite ice creams?
Don't really care for ice cream all that much. But if I have to pick a flavor mint chocolate chip would be number one followed by raspberry.
My favorite colors to view are pink and yellow. I wear pink but not yellow.
My favorite colors to wear are white, black, and beige.
My favorite colors for my decor is beige with dark green as a secondary color.
2. What is your favorite type of food? How do you incorporate it into your life?
My favorite type of food is vegetables. I incorporate them into salads, stir-fry, soups, and casseroles.
3. What are your favorite types of clothing? Why?
My favorite types of clothing are skirts and workout clothes. I love the way skirts make me feel, feminine and sexy, and sometimes a little dressed up depending on the skirt. I could live in workout clothes. I love to run and I love the comfort of the stretchy soft fabrics.
Bonus Question for Comments:
Ice cream! What are your favorite ice creams?
Don't really care for ice cream all that much. But if I have to pick a flavor mint chocolate chip would be number one followed by raspberry.
I rode my bicycle to work today. I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was. I must be in pretty good physical shape, I never struggled throughout the entire ride. Now dealing with traffic was another issue. There were a few times I thanked my guardian angel for protecting me as cars rode way too close. The sun was shining, the sky was clear, the temperature was comfortable, it was a beautiful morning, so all in all, the ride was great. I rode down Drexel Avenue to Howell Avenue to Kinnickinnic to First to Water, then to Clybourn and I was there. I know that sounds pretty complicated but Howell to KK to First to Water is really all one street with a name change as the neighborhood changes so it's not so bad. I was getting so comfortable with my bike shoes clipping into the pedals that I almost fell off my bike when I'd forgotten I was clipped in. As traffic picked up near downtown I got nervous once and couldn't clip back in very quickly. Those were the only two struggles I had on my ride in and the entire trip took me 45 minutes.
On the way home, an avid biker co-worker suggested that I take some back roads out of downtown. It was a good suggestion and the traffic wasn't that bad. I did get warm about halfway home since the sun was much hotter than the morning ride. My backpack started to feel heavy and sweaty against my back. The funny thing was that I ran into Jeff on my way. He was headed to the gas station to fill up his motorcycle. But I think he was really checking up on me to make sure I was OK. I discovered as the traffic passed me by that I liked being all alone on the road. Those instances when I caught up with the cars at the light made for more worry over close calls so I tried to fade back and avoid them. It did take me longer to get home. The ride took an entire hour. The euphoric feeling of accomplishment when I got home was well worth the effort and I look forward to my next opportunity to ride to work.
On the way home, an avid biker co-worker suggested that I take some back roads out of downtown. It was a good suggestion and the traffic wasn't that bad. I did get warm about halfway home since the sun was much hotter than the morning ride. My backpack started to feel heavy and sweaty against my back. The funny thing was that I ran into Jeff on my way. He was headed to the gas station to fill up his motorcycle. But I think he was really checking up on me to make sure I was OK. I discovered as the traffic passed me by that I liked being all alone on the road. Those instances when I caught up with the cars at the light made for more worry over close calls so I tried to fade back and avoid them. It did take me longer to get home. The ride took an entire hour. The euphoric feeling of accomplishment when I got home was well worth the effort and I look forward to my next opportunity to ride to work.
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