For those of you unfamiliar - those are the opening words to the song Adam Sandler sings in Billy Madison...it continues....
I got my lunch packed up...My shoes tied tight....I hope I don't get in a fight...back to school...back to school...back to school.
Not that I'm worried about getting into a fight with anyone this weekend - but I am all packed up and ready to go to Virginny! I am a little paranoid at the moment - my car is parked at school (safely, I hope) - as it is full of stuff for camp, including Falco. Part of me thinks I should bring him in to my office - but I think it would be a royal pain since he's tucked away within a cocoon of bags, food, coolers, and other crap that I have to drag down there with me! ARGH!
Anyway...only 5 hours until we are officially on the road! OOOOh, I just can't wait! :)
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Monday, April 07, 2008
Conference Recap
I have returned to the land of the cold and dreary, unfortunately. Yesterday, I was sitting on the beach, 80 degrees and sunny. Today, I am bundled up in wool pants and leaning forward into the chilly winds of the Northeast! Oh...how I look forward to the warm weather of late spring.
Anywho...the Conference was great! I presented early Friday morning to a much larger audience than expected. I got some incredible feedback from scholars like Janice Simon and Jennifer Greenhill. All in all, I was really pleased with how my talk went and the responses I got. It seemed as though my argument was cohesive and convincing, which means a lot. Now, I just have to try to publish the paper! I have my eye on a few prime journals for that!
We spent Saturday afternoon checking out aligators in the Everglades! It was an interesting ride through the park and we sighted tons of aligators, babies and VERY large full grown animals, anhingas, double-crested cormorants, turtles of varying types, and a water mocassin snake! Pretty groovy!
I was very lucky to have crossed paths early on Thursday with a grad student from Williams in MA named Erin. We were partners in crime the whole weekend - we ate many delicious meals together and had an excellent time getting to know one another. How wonderful it was to spend time meeting new people!
I'll post photos when I can...although it may not be until after this weekend.
By the way...Training camp? We leave in TWO DAYS! :)
Anywho...the Conference was great! I presented early Friday morning to a much larger audience than expected. I got some incredible feedback from scholars like Janice Simon and Jennifer Greenhill. All in all, I was really pleased with how my talk went and the responses I got. It seemed as though my argument was cohesive and convincing, which means a lot. Now, I just have to try to publish the paper! I have my eye on a few prime journals for that!
We spent Saturday afternoon checking out aligators in the Everglades! It was an interesting ride through the park and we sighted tons of aligators, babies and VERY large full grown animals, anhingas, double-crested cormorants, turtles of varying types, and a water mocassin snake! Pretty groovy!
I was very lucky to have crossed paths early on Thursday with a grad student from Williams in MA named Erin. We were partners in crime the whole weekend - we ate many delicious meals together and had an excellent time getting to know one another. How wonderful it was to spend time meeting new people!
I'll post photos when I can...although it may not be until after this weekend.
By the way...Training camp? We leave in TWO DAYS! :)
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Crisis #1 - Averted!
Let's hope there's no Crisis #2. #1 was pretty funny, though. I arrived in Miami this morning with no problems. I got a shuttle to the hotel and ended up with a great tour of South Beach as the driver dropped others off at hotels south of mine. I saw J. Lo's house, Oprah's house, Gloria Estefan's house...boy, Miami is just a hotbed for giant, ridiculous celebrity homes!
I arrived at the hotel and went to the desk to check in. There, I was told that my reservation had been cancelled! Cancelled? What? The funny part is that the girl working the desk just keeps saying to me, "Well, yes, it's cancelled." I'm saying, "hello! I'm standing right here, clearly it should not be cancelled." She just keeps saying, "Well, yes, it's cancelled." Finally, she tells me that I was supposed to check in yesterday and when I didn't show, they cancelled me. I said, "Uh, no...not checking in yesterday." And she says, "Well, yes, it's cancelled." Eventually, I get her to do something - which is essentially to tell me if I have a room or not. "Well, yes, there are other rooms available." DUH - can I have one of those?!?!?!??! Crazy - why didn't she just say that in the first place! I'M STANDING IN FRONT OF HER! Clearly, I am not going anywhere! So, anyway...Crisis #1 Averted!
I arrived at the hotel and went to the desk to check in. There, I was told that my reservation had been cancelled! Cancelled? What? The funny part is that the girl working the desk just keeps saying to me, "Well, yes, it's cancelled." I'm saying, "hello! I'm standing right here, clearly it should not be cancelled." She just keeps saying, "Well, yes, it's cancelled." Finally, she tells me that I was supposed to check in yesterday and when I didn't show, they cancelled me. I said, "Uh, no...not checking in yesterday." And she says, "Well, yes, it's cancelled." Eventually, I get her to do something - which is essentially to tell me if I have a room or not. "Well, yes, there are other rooms available." DUH - can I have one of those?!?!?!??! Crazy - why didn't she just say that in the first place! I'M STANDING IN FRONT OF HER! Clearly, I am not going anywhere! So, anyway...Crisis #1 Averted!
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Really Crappy News!
I am very, very bummed. My favorite race of the season has been essentially removed from the schedule. The Tour de Toona has been relegated to a one day crit race rather than a stage race. And, that's not just for the amateurs, but for the Pros, too. BOO HISS!!!!!
Since the race is 4 hours away, I don't think we'll be traveling there for a crit! I can only hope that they manage, as the article states, to pull it back together for next summer.
The most disappointing part of the article may be the rude and ridiculous comments from the people on the newspaper website. I don't think I will ever get used to the pure hatred that some people bear towards cyclists.
Since the race is 4 hours away, I don't think we'll be traveling there for a crit! I can only hope that they manage, as the article states, to pull it back together for next summer.
The most disappointing part of the article may be the rude and ridiculous comments from the people on the newspaper website. I don't think I will ever get used to the pure hatred that some people bear towards cyclists.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
April Fool's!
Well, here it is...April Fool's Day is over, and I attempted a whopping ZERO gags, goofs, or other types of spoofs on reality. I just couldn't get creative enough today with all of my other obligations for the day and the week.
I did catch some good ones from other folks, however. The great minds at GMail never fail to impress on April 1st - today they announced their new feature in which you can set an email so that it appears to have arrived earlier than it actually has. In other words, if I know that my deadline is 6pm, but I didn't get my work done until 7:30, I can pre-date my email to arrive in your inbox at 5:30pm! Hilarious - and the best part were the testimonials! HA! Very clever!
Of course, there were other good ones on Velonews about creating your very own super cycling fetus by mixing genetic properties of your favorite cycling heroes, and news of Astana being banned from yet another set of races. Again - very funny stuff, guys!
I, however, was feeling less than motivated to come up with a good trick. Oh, well...I guess I'll have to think of a good one for next year! :)
I did catch some good ones from other folks, however. The great minds at GMail never fail to impress on April 1st - today they announced their new feature in which you can set an email so that it appears to have arrived earlier than it actually has. In other words, if I know that my deadline is 6pm, but I didn't get my work done until 7:30, I can pre-date my email to arrive in your inbox at 5:30pm! Hilarious - and the best part were the testimonials! HA! Very clever!
Of course, there were other good ones on Velonews about creating your very own super cycling fetus by mixing genetic properties of your favorite cycling heroes, and news of Astana being banned from yet another set of races. Again - very funny stuff, guys!
I, however, was feeling less than motivated to come up with a good trick. Oh, well...I guess I'll have to think of a good one for next year! :)
Sunday, March 30, 2008
75 miles!
You'd think that the day after my 1st race, I might take it easy. Nope - I'm such a toughie! ;) I met up with some of the crew in Center city and we rode out to the Lower Providence crit course near Valley Forge. After the 2 hour training there and ride back, I logged 75 miles today!
We had team training today. Our first big team race will be the Lower Providence crit the 3rd week in April. I wish I could race this one as a Cat 4 with the majority of the team - to make up for flatting out last year! That group is going to have so much fun playing with tactics and controlling the field. It worked great last year with Sally taking 2nd in the race!
Today, we worked on cornering drills, race tactics and pack riding. It was so great to get out there with the team - it feels like forever since I got to ride with everyone. At the end, we did a short race simulation, where I got to be the protected rider for my squad. It was so much fun to work with a small group to try to "win" the race. I ended up sprinting to the line against Liz - who is SOOOO strong! We were pretty much wheel and wheel at the end, but she definitely got me! :) Not for a lack of trying on my part! I was actually amazed at the strength that I had left in my legs today. I'm so excited to realize how much stronger I am this year than last! I'm also in a much tougher field, but it's so great to know that I have improved within myself, regardless of how I do in races. I'm really excited for this season to get underway!
By the way...10 days until we leave for camp! :)
We had team training today. Our first big team race will be the Lower Providence crit the 3rd week in April. I wish I could race this one as a Cat 4 with the majority of the team - to make up for flatting out last year! That group is going to have so much fun playing with tactics and controlling the field. It worked great last year with Sally taking 2nd in the race!
Today, we worked on cornering drills, race tactics and pack riding. It was so great to get out there with the team - it feels like forever since I got to ride with everyone. At the end, we did a short race simulation, where I got to be the protected rider for my squad. It was so much fun to work with a small group to try to "win" the race. I ended up sprinting to the line against Liz - who is SOOOO strong! We were pretty much wheel and wheel at the end, but she definitely got me! :) Not for a lack of trying on my part! I was actually amazed at the strength that I had left in my legs today. I'm so excited to realize how much stronger I am this year than last! I'm also in a much tougher field, but it's so great to know that I have improved within myself, regardless of how I do in races. I'm really excited for this season to get underway!
By the way...10 days until we leave for camp! :)
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Kirkwood Race Report
I'm sending you all to the Sturdy Girl Blog to read my report. Enjoy!
Josh - I hope your race went well! I was looking for you as you guys climbed that hill after the final turn, but talked to Jen when I got back to the car and realized I wasn't going to see you - since I thought you were wearing blue and she said you had on red and black. Ooops! So, here's a belated cheer to get you up that climb - "Go, Josh!!! Kick this hill's butt into next Sunday! WOOOOO-HOOOOO!" Hope it went well! :)
Josh - I hope your race went well! I was looking for you as you guys climbed that hill after the final turn, but talked to Jen when I got back to the car and realized I wasn't going to see you - since I thought you were wearing blue and she said you had on red and black. Ooops! So, here's a belated cheer to get you up that climb - "Go, Josh!!! Kick this hill's butt into next Sunday! WOOOOO-HOOOOO!" Hope it went well! :)
Friday, March 28, 2008
Getting My Speedy Sleep
It's a lot like beauty sleep, only for cyclists! I'm going to act like an old lady tonight - some would say I'm not acting, but I'm actually an old lady - and go to sleep at 9:30. I've been a little tired all day and have my first race tomorrow, so I need my speedy sleep. Hope it works!
Off to Kirkwood in the morning - can't wait to race with Jen! Race report to follow!
Off to Kirkwood in the morning - can't wait to race with Jen! Race report to follow!
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Standoff
As I type this, I can hear the rumble of helicopters above my house. A strange distant sound that seeps through my windows is a reminder of the reality of the world in which we live. See...just a few miles away on the Walt Whitman Bridge, a man is in a standoff with police. What began as an high-speed state police chase has ended with a hostage situation. According to reports, the man has a child and woman in the car with him - and a large Rottweiler who didn't garner mention in the news coverage, but could clearly be seen sticking his head out of an open window in the footage. It's now 7:02 and the standoff has been going on since just after 5pm.
It makes me wonder about the sadness that must be prevalent in some people's lives. My life is NOT perfect. No where near. But...I'm happy. I could never consider hurting myself at this stage in my life - nor could I knowingly hurt someone else. I can only imagine what could lead someone to find themselves in the middle of a bridge...seriously contemplating what this man is contemplating.
UPDATE - My brother-in-law was called into work early - he's a police officer for one of the departments involved in the activity on the bridge. The standoff ended around 8:30pm with the man being taken into police custody. No injuries, thank goodness. I'm sure we'll hear more details on the 10 o'clock news...at this point, I just hope for a sense of peace for those involved - on all levels.
It makes me wonder about the sadness that must be prevalent in some people's lives. My life is NOT perfect. No where near. But...I'm happy. I could never consider hurting myself at this stage in my life - nor could I knowingly hurt someone else. I can only imagine what could lead someone to find themselves in the middle of a bridge...seriously contemplating what this man is contemplating.
UPDATE - My brother-in-law was called into work early - he's a police officer for one of the departments involved in the activity on the bridge. The standoff ended around 8:30pm with the man being taken into police custody. No injuries, thank goodness. I'm sure we'll hear more details on the 10 o'clock news...at this point, I just hope for a sense of peace for those involved - on all levels.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Countdown Continues
OK...
So one week from tomorrow morning, I will be headed to my conference in Miami. I am very excited to be heading to warmer climes and to be presenting my paper at such a prestigious conference. It's quite funny that my innocent little discussion about children and the 1893 World's Fair ended up sandwiched between these two lectures: "Of Milk and Homeland: Breastfeeding, Immigrant Mothers, and Eugenics at Castle Garden" and "Gender and the Politics of Spouse Killing in Victorian England." It's funny how they decide that these work together! :) It makes me wonder what our audience is going to be like?! I can't wait!
And then...in exactly 14 days, I will be on the road to this lush cycling playground!
Mountains are fun...mountains are great! Falco is going to be in HEAVEN! :)
So one week from tomorrow morning, I will be headed to my conference in Miami. I am very excited to be heading to warmer climes and to be presenting my paper at such a prestigious conference. It's quite funny that my innocent little discussion about children and the 1893 World's Fair ended up sandwiched between these two lectures: "Of Milk and Homeland: Breastfeeding, Immigrant Mothers, and Eugenics at Castle Garden" and "Gender and the Politics of Spouse Killing in Victorian England." It's funny how they decide that these work together! :) It makes me wonder what our audience is going to be like?! I can't wait!
And then...in exactly 14 days, I will be on the road to this lush cycling playground!
Mountains are fun...mountains are great! Falco is going to be in HEAVEN! :)Politics...
tend to leave a bad taste in my mouth. I've never really been INTO politics. I've always had friends that were into it enough for the both of us - thanks, Barks! :)
As I've gotten older and wiser (haha), I have become more invested in politics. After all, I pay income taxes, property taxes, health insurance, car insurance, and the politicians have a say in all of this. So, of course, I have become interested in the issues at hand.
Did you hear that? I'm interested in The ISSUES, people! And let me tell you something....THESE are NOT the ISSUES!
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23797072/?GT1=43001
I mean, really - I don't give a rat's butt that McCain is the 6th cousin 13 times removed of Lindsay Lohan...doesn't make him a good presidential candidate. And the fact that Obama is indirectly related to George Washington will not make him less "scary" in the eyes of thousands of Americans who find him scary...hence my second non-issue...
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/02/28/tennessee.gop/
In the day when children are being named Kal-El after Superman and Apple after fruit - is it really such a big deal that the guy's middle name happens to be the same as a former leader of a foreign country? It's not as if he was named AFTER Saddam Hussein - they just happen to share a name. My husband's name is Charles - oh, crap...he must be just like Charles Manson - maybe I should up and leave?
OK...climbing down off my soap box here...wow, I can't wait to post about riding my bike! :) Politics stink!
As I've gotten older and wiser (haha), I have become more invested in politics. After all, I pay income taxes, property taxes, health insurance, car insurance, and the politicians have a say in all of this. So, of course, I have become interested in the issues at hand.
Did you hear that? I'm interested in The ISSUES, people! And let me tell you something....THESE are NOT the ISSUES!
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23797072/?GT1=43001
I mean, really - I don't give a rat's butt that McCain is the 6th cousin 13 times removed of Lindsay Lohan...doesn't make him a good presidential candidate. And the fact that Obama is indirectly related to George Washington will not make him less "scary" in the eyes of thousands of Americans who find him scary...hence my second non-issue...
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/02/28/tennessee.gop/
In the day when children are being named Kal-El after Superman and Apple after fruit - is it really such a big deal that the guy's middle name happens to be the same as a former leader of a foreign country? It's not as if he was named AFTER Saddam Hussein - they just happen to share a name. My husband's name is Charles - oh, crap...he must be just like Charles Manson - maybe I should up and leave?
OK...climbing down off my soap box here...wow, I can't wait to post about riding my bike! :) Politics stink!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Coffee and Greg Brown
I spoke once about not having a good memory about things. I'm not sure that's entirely true. I think that my way of remembering things that have happened in my past is wound up in sensation, emotion, feeling...rather than exact recall of moments.
I was on the train this morning, quietly engrossed in my iPod when Greg Brown's Just By Myself began to play. I replayed that song 4 times on my way to school today because it brought back a wonderful memory for me.
I had a great roommate in college. We swam on the swim team together. We had known one another for a looong time before rooming together. He was the best roommate.
We used to wake up in the morning, make a steaming hot pot of coffee, put Greg Brown on the CD player and just sit. We had this great apartment with huge windows...the sun would seep in through the vertical blinds, casting warmth and light across the floor. We would take turns making breakfast - crazy egg mixtures, pancakes, french toast - and whoever cooked would never have to clean the dishes!
That was the best year for me. I always had someone to come home to, someone who really understood me and would really listen. Someone who gave fantastic advice about dumb boys, swimming, and life. Someone who was always capable of getting the crazy muscle knots out of my shoulders!
I really miss rooming with my brother.
That was the best year for me.
I was on the train this morning, quietly engrossed in my iPod when Greg Brown's Just By Myself began to play. I replayed that song 4 times on my way to school today because it brought back a wonderful memory for me.
I had a great roommate in college. We swam on the swim team together. We had known one another for a looong time before rooming together. He was the best roommate.
We used to wake up in the morning, make a steaming hot pot of coffee, put Greg Brown on the CD player and just sit. We had this great apartment with huge windows...the sun would seep in through the vertical blinds, casting warmth and light across the floor. We would take turns making breakfast - crazy egg mixtures, pancakes, french toast - and whoever cooked would never have to clean the dishes!
That was the best year for me. I always had someone to come home to, someone who really understood me and would really listen. Someone who gave fantastic advice about dumb boys, swimming, and life. Someone who was always capable of getting the crazy muscle knots out of my shoulders!
I really miss rooming with my brother.
That was the best year for me.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
90% chance of snow showers my butt!
Yeah, ok...so we had to cancel our team training today because we were assured by every weather channel on the planet that we were going to get snow overnight. By this morning, there was a total of ZERO snow, rain, wetness of any type on the ground ANYWHERE in our area. So, the weather channels then let us know that we will be getting snow around noon and heading into the evening. Let me tell you that it is currently 11:59 am and the sun is shining outside.
Maybe they forgot a decimal point? It should have been .90%?????? :)
At least Candace and I got out there and whoooopppped our butts around Knight's Park with some rockin' intervals. I'm pooped! :) Thanks, Candace!
Maybe they forgot a decimal point? It should have been .90%?????? :)
At least Candace and I got out there and whoooopppped our butts around Knight's Park with some rockin' intervals. I'm pooped! :) Thanks, Candace!
Friday, March 21, 2008
Registered!
Ok...it's official. I have registered for my first race of the season! And, it's next weekend! :)
I decided just to go for it this year. I'm not sure that I am in the best shape at the moment, in fact, I know that I'm not...but, Falco wants to get out there and I want to get out there, so...here goes!
I think that I've convinced one teammate to come along - thank you Jen Sands. :) I would have done it on my own, but it will be nice to have a friendly face out there sharing in the joy of pain! So, next Saturday morning, we are heading to Christiana for the Kirkwood Road Race. The course looks good - challenging, with a lot of small climbs (a few look pretty steep) - but nothing that's going to wipe me out (oh, the memories of Mount Joy come flooding back!).
Here's the profile for Kirkwood - I'm digging that first major decent! :)
Of course, now that I have registered - the Weather Channel is saying a 60% chance of rain all that day. Should be fun! You know what...I am totally up for the challenge! I am really going to hunker down this week, get myself mentally and physically prepared, and just rock it out! Kirkwood, here we come! :)
I decided just to go for it this year. I'm not sure that I am in the best shape at the moment, in fact, I know that I'm not...but, Falco wants to get out there and I want to get out there, so...here goes!
I think that I've convinced one teammate to come along - thank you Jen Sands. :) I would have done it on my own, but it will be nice to have a friendly face out there sharing in the joy of pain! So, next Saturday morning, we are heading to Christiana for the Kirkwood Road Race. The course looks good - challenging, with a lot of small climbs (a few look pretty steep) - but nothing that's going to wipe me out (oh, the memories of Mount Joy come flooding back!).
Here's the profile for Kirkwood - I'm digging that first major decent! :)
Of course, now that I have registered - the Weather Channel is saying a 60% chance of rain all that day. Should be fun! You know what...I am totally up for the challenge! I am really going to hunker down this week, get myself mentally and physically prepared, and just rock it out! Kirkwood, here we come! :)
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Happy 1st Day of Spring!
Happy 1st Day of Spring!
I could be grumpy and complain about the 45-50 mph wind gusts, overcast sky, and dropping temps today (wait, I just did)...but I won't...I'll simply look at Monet's beautiful painting of the Garden at Giverny and smile. Spring is in the air! Thank goodness! :)Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Training Camp Countdown!
Today marks the first official day of the Sturdy Girl 1st Annual Training Camp Countdown. In exactly 3 weeks (21 days) I will be on the road to Virginia!
I'm really excited about this camp for several reasons. #1 - it's a GREAT opportunity to be on my bike for an extended period of time for several days straight. I love to ride, I love to train, and this fits me perfectly. #2 - it's an opportunity to get to know some of my teammates better. Not everyone can make it, but it will be a rare chance to spend a lot of time with those who are able to attend. #3 - beautiful scenery! I'm lucky to live and ride in a place like Philly. Once you travel outside of the city, the scenery is very pretty and the riding is really great. But, this will be much different. It will be so fun to climb 3,600 ft, get to ride on quiet roads in the hills and mountains and enjoy professional style SAG! :)
So, anyway...here it is, official countdown begins...
I'm really excited about this camp for several reasons. #1 - it's a GREAT opportunity to be on my bike for an extended period of time for several days straight. I love to ride, I love to train, and this fits me perfectly. #2 - it's an opportunity to get to know some of my teammates better. Not everyone can make it, but it will be a rare chance to spend a lot of time with those who are able to attend. #3 - beautiful scenery! I'm lucky to live and ride in a place like Philly. Once you travel outside of the city, the scenery is very pretty and the riding is really great. But, this will be much different. It will be so fun to climb 3,600 ft, get to ride on quiet roads in the hills and mountains and enjoy professional style SAG! :)
So, anyway...here it is, official countdown begins...
21 Days!
New Venture for Good Friends
Our close friends Jim and Jeanne have started a new business venture. I'll simply let the web site speak for itself...
Check them out HERE!
Check them out HERE!
Monday, March 17, 2008
Bike Boxes!
I just received a link for this...Bike Boxes in Portland.
What a fantastic idea...I'm particularly partial to this as I just saw a young woman cyclist get hit by a car turning right at a stoplight last week. She pulled up to the red light. The car pulled up next to her. The light turned green, she started to pedal and the guy simply made his turn and ran her down. Fortunately, she was not hurt. Can't say the same for the bike. Best part? There was a police officer DIRECTLY behind the guy that hit her. Ouch...not good.
Wouldn't it be nice if these bike lanes appeared everywhere? Imagine how many people might benefit...and not just the cyclists...people like the guy in my story who might not have a senseless accident like that!
Sunday, March 16, 2008
First Weekend Home
My first weekend home from Mexico has been really nice. I got to sleep in a bit and get out on my bike with Luly yesterday. It was nice to ride with her, catch up, get some coffee and enjoy a nice Spring day (well, almost Spring...first official day is THURSDAY!). I'm hoping that our recent change in the weather - this week is supposed to be above 40 every day - reflects the status of a new season to our region. I'm very ready for Winter to head out of the area and leave us with the smells, sounds, and warmth of one of my favorite times of the year.
I'm excited to get my veggie garden up and running again - we're planning to expand to a second bed for this year, so I should be overflowing with delicious squash, tomatoes, and purple carrots this year (I hope!). I was surprised how well it went last year - I'm not really graced with a truly green thumb, it's more like the Crayola crayon labeled as yellow-green. I hope that this year's attempt is equally successful!
I'm excited to get my veggie garden up and running again - we're planning to expand to a second bed for this year, so I should be overflowing with delicious squash, tomatoes, and purple carrots this year (I hope!). I was surprised how well it went last year - I'm not really graced with a truly green thumb, it's more like the Crayola crayon labeled as yellow-green. I hope that this year's attempt is equally successful!
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Mexico Pics
Talk about doing a wheelie!
El Castillo at Chichen Itza viewed from the Ball Court
Marissa, Oliver and Laura
Ivy, Me, Zulette and Marissa
A lovely pic from Progresso...ahhh....the beach!Some Photos from Mexico
Part of our group with the students at the Agricultural School.
Just a really nice shot of a local house.
I love the wooden bike seats for kids.
Chris is just soooo cute in this photo, isn't he?!
This is from our hotel...very exotic!Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Uxmal
Our first day was spent at the site of Uxmal. This is one of my favorite stops on the trip. Imagine that your first sight of ancient Maya culture is the famed Magician's House - famous for the legend that it was built in one night....by a dwarf. You come to the top of the path and there, before you, is this structure:
You realize at that moment that you really have been transported to another place and, essentially, another time. Your mind wanders and your imagination takes control as you picture the thousands of people who lived on this site wandering along the paved streets and weaving through the incredible structures that surround you.
This site also boasts one large pyramid where you can climb to the top and get a view out over the scrubby landscape that covers this part of the Yucatan. Even though the underbrush is dense and once covered over many of these sites before their excavation, you feel as though you can see forever.
After a day trekking through the site, we returned to the hotel for a dip in the pool and our first night's dinner at Pancho's. It was incredible....the best Soupa Azteca in the city! It's such a nice place. A little campy - the waiters are dressed in Revolutionary garb with bullet bandoliers and Mexican style cowboy hats. It's definitely a tourist trap...BUT...the food is phenomenal and the atmosphere is fun. There are certainly better places to eat a more traditional meal, but you can't beat Pancho's for the fun.
You realize at that moment that you really have been transported to another place and, essentially, another time. Your mind wanders and your imagination takes control as you picture the thousands of people who lived on this site wandering along the paved streets and weaving through the incredible structures that surround you.This site also boasts one large pyramid where you can climb to the top and get a view out over the scrubby landscape that covers this part of the Yucatan. Even though the underbrush is dense and once covered over many of these sites before their excavation, you feel as though you can see forever.
After a day trekking through the site, we returned to the hotel for a dip in the pool and our first night's dinner at Pancho's. It was incredible....the best Soupa Azteca in the city! It's such a nice place. A little campy - the waiters are dressed in Revolutionary garb with bullet bandoliers and Mexican style cowboy hats. It's definitely a tourist trap...BUT...the food is phenomenal and the atmosphere is fun. There are certainly better places to eat a more traditional meal, but you can't beat Pancho's for the fun.
Mexico Recap!
Ok...here's a bit to whet the palette. I'll post some photos later on.
We left for Mexico on Saturday afternoon. Getting out of the states was easy and quick...everyone was on time, and we had plenty of time at the airport! We arrived in Merida after dark, which was different from last year. It was interesting to see the area from the sky at night. Unlike the states, where the city sprawls outward and you can trace the lights across most of the landscape, the Mexican landscape had these small pockets of lit areas surrounded by the pitch blackness of the scrub brush. It was a reminder for me of where we were headed and what the topography of the area was like.
We arrived at the Hotel San Juan and got to our rooms. It was very nice. Clean, non-smelly, and Suzanne and I settled right in to our roomie-routine. We hit an open air cafe with Chris, Matt, Stan, Elizabeth and Zulette for some grub and drinks and started off the trip on the right foot!
Sunday morning was our first big day and we headed out to Uxmal to visit some ruins!
What was incredible about this year was that within minutes, I knew that it was going to be radically different from last year. The students were so engaged! They weren't detached or full of attitude, just really excited and open and ready for any and all challenges that were to be laid before them. And trust me, we had a LOT of challenges to lay before them.
We left for Mexico on Saturday afternoon. Getting out of the states was easy and quick...everyone was on time, and we had plenty of time at the airport! We arrived in Merida after dark, which was different from last year. It was interesting to see the area from the sky at night. Unlike the states, where the city sprawls outward and you can trace the lights across most of the landscape, the Mexican landscape had these small pockets of lit areas surrounded by the pitch blackness of the scrub brush. It was a reminder for me of where we were headed and what the topography of the area was like.
We arrived at the Hotel San Juan and got to our rooms. It was very nice. Clean, non-smelly, and Suzanne and I settled right in to our roomie-routine. We hit an open air cafe with Chris, Matt, Stan, Elizabeth and Zulette for some grub and drinks and started off the trip on the right foot!
Sunday morning was our first big day and we headed out to Uxmal to visit some ruins!
What was incredible about this year was that within minutes, I knew that it was going to be radically different from last year. The students were so engaged! They weren't detached or full of attitude, just really excited and open and ready for any and all challenges that were to be laid before them. And trust me, we had a LOT of challenges to lay before them.
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Rock on JOB!
JOB in South Jersey Magazine!
I know, I know...I owe y'all an update on the Mexico trip...it's a-comin'!
I know, I know...I owe y'all an update on the Mexico trip...it's a-comin'!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Red Stick Ramblers
As I sit in my office on a quiet Thursday (I'm the only one teaching today, so it's always quiet around here!), I'm jamming to the Red Stick Ramblers on my iTunes. I'm getting in the mood for my night out with Whitney! We're going to go see the band at the World Cafe Live! :) I love hanging out with her like this...she's a great concert going partner!
Can't wait to see these guys live again - the last time was when they played with the Wilders out in PA somewhere. That was the first I had ever heard of them, but I was immediately hooked. Can't beat cajun, swing, jazz, bluegrass (or something like that!)!
P.S. I was going to edit my To Do List again, until I realized that the only thing I'd be able to change is that I slept last night. Not so good! :)
Can't wait to see these guys live again - the last time was when they played with the Wilders out in PA somewhere. That was the first I had ever heard of them, but I was immediately hooked. Can't beat cajun, swing, jazz, bluegrass (or something like that!)!
P.S. I was going to edit my To Do List again, until I realized that the only thing I'd be able to change is that I slept last night. Not so good! :)
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
My To Do List, edited to reflect things done (those in white) and still to do (in pink)! :)
- prepare lecture about NAFTA for Mexico
- prepare practice talk lecture for Thursday (as in tomorrow!)
- read and take notes on prelims stuff
- ride my bike
- grade papers for two 103 and one 104 class
- finish up Barnes Foundation Micro-Grant documents
- practice my Spanish
- ride my bike
- grocery shop so Chuck has food to eat while I am in Mexico
- do last minute Mexico shopping (clothing, toiletries, etc.)
- pack for Mexico
- do laundry so that I have clothes to pack for Mexico!
- go to the gym
- get a new battery for my heart rate monitor strap
- get a new battery for my watch
- ride my bike
- contact the bank to let them know I will be out of the country and using my debit card!
- teach
- eat
- sleep
- did I mention ride my bike?
How did I get so little done in one day?! Or, did I get a lot done?! Totally not sure! :)
- prepare lecture about NAFTA for Mexico
- prepare practice talk lecture for Thursday (as in tomorrow!)
- read and take notes on prelims stuff
- ride my bike
- grade papers for two 103 and one 104 class
- finish up Barnes Foundation Micro-Grant documents
- practice my Spanish
- ride my bike
- grocery shop so Chuck has food to eat while I am in Mexico
- do last minute Mexico shopping (clothing, toiletries, etc.)
- pack for Mexico
- do laundry so that I have clothes to pack for Mexico!
- go to the gym
- get a new battery for my heart rate monitor strap
- get a new battery for my watch
- ride my bike
- contact the bank to let them know I will be out of the country and using my debit card!
- teach
- eat
- sleep
- did I mention ride my bike?
How did I get so little done in one day?! Or, did I get a lot done?! Totally not sure! :)
To Do List:
In no particular order, although most of these need to be completed within the next two days!
- prepare lecture about NAFTA for Mexico
- prepare practice talk lecture for Thursday (as in tomorrow!)
- read and take notes on prelims stuff
- ride my bike
- grade papers for two 103 and one 104 class
- finish up Barnes Foundation Micro-Grant documents
- practice my Spanish
- ride my bike
- grocery shop so Chuck has food to eat while I am in Mexico
- do last minute Mexico shopping (clothing, toiletries, etc.)
- pack for Mexico
- do laundry so that I have clothes to pack for Mexico!
- go to the gym
- get a new battery for my heart rate monitor strap
- get a new battery for my watch
- ride my bike
- contact the bank to let them know I will be out of the country and using my debit card!
- teach
- eat
- sleep
- did I mention ride my bike?
- prepare lecture about NAFTA for Mexico
- prepare practice talk lecture for Thursday (as in tomorrow!)
- read and take notes on prelims stuff
- ride my bike
- grade papers for two 103 and one 104 class
- finish up Barnes Foundation Micro-Grant documents
- practice my Spanish
- ride my bike
- grocery shop so Chuck has food to eat while I am in Mexico
- do last minute Mexico shopping (clothing, toiletries, etc.)
- pack for Mexico
- do laundry so that I have clothes to pack for Mexico!
- go to the gym
- get a new battery for my heart rate monitor strap
- get a new battery for my watch
- ride my bike
- contact the bank to let them know I will be out of the country and using my debit card!
- teach
- eat
- sleep
- did I mention ride my bike?
Sunday, February 24, 2008
No Riding!
While the temps are perfect for a team ride off into the hills of Montgomery County, they are also perfect for melting just enough snow to make the roads a slush covered wonderland! Not so perfect for crusing along on our skinny-tired bicycles at 18 mph! So, alas, our training day has been postponed.This is particularly poopy for me, as I am leaving next Saturday for Mexico, not to return until after the following weekend. Which means, in short hand speak, I can't ride with the gals for at least 2-3 weeks! :( Boo Hiss! I was really looking forward to today's ride.
Know what else I am looking forward to? WARM TEMPERATURES! I can only hope that by some grace of God (you listening, up there????), when I return from balmy Mexico, I managed to bring some of the nice warm and sunny temps back to the chilly northeast with me! I'll be keeping my fingers crossed!!!!
Saturday, February 23, 2008
I'm Gonna Regret This!
I went to the gym with Chuck this morning to lift weights. I really need to do this more often, because I tend to go once in a while and not consistently, and then I just live to regret it for the next three days! :) So, anyway...I went....and I lifted. I did some arms, I did some legs and squats, and then I came home and rode for an hour.
And then we made the next mistake that I will regret in the morning...
Chuck and I just got home from bowling with Bernadette and Glenn. We had a great time, as we always do with these two. I beat Chuck in 3 of the 4 games that we played. Since Chuck went to college on a bowling scholarship and, as all who have bowled with him know, is still very good, it was a LOT of fun to kick his butt! :) Actually, the last game was awesome for me. I bowled 4 strikes in a row and ended up with my second highest score ever of a 177! Woo hoo!
We always have such a great time with Glenn and Bern. They are expecting twins sometime this summer, which is highly exciting since they have been through a lot to get to this point! It was fun to talk about baby names and hear how excited they both are for this new adventure. They have decided to not find out the gender of the babies, which I think is really cool. In this day and age, when there are so few surprises left in the world, this is one that I hope to experience one day - the absolute joy and surprise of hearing a doctor say, "Congratulations...it's a ----!" How cool.
And then we made the next mistake that I will regret in the morning...
Chuck and I just got home from bowling with Bernadette and Glenn. We had a great time, as we always do with these two. I beat Chuck in 3 of the 4 games that we played. Since Chuck went to college on a bowling scholarship and, as all who have bowled with him know, is still very good, it was a LOT of fun to kick his butt! :) Actually, the last game was awesome for me. I bowled 4 strikes in a row and ended up with my second highest score ever of a 177! Woo hoo!
We always have such a great time with Glenn and Bern. They are expecting twins sometime this summer, which is highly exciting since they have been through a lot to get to this point! It was fun to talk about baby names and hear how excited they both are for this new adventure. They have decided to not find out the gender of the babies, which I think is really cool. In this day and age, when there are so few surprises left in the world, this is one that I hope to experience one day - the absolute joy and surprise of hearing a doctor say, "Congratulations...it's a ----!" How cool.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Early Dismissal?
I have never quite understood early dismissal at schools. Chuck had to get up this morning and drive through all of that crap, just to get to school to be told that they were going to dismiss everyone at noon. I fail to understand this. The snow has stopped at this point. It is raining a little and the temps are expected to rise above freezing, effectively melting the nasty-wasty snow. Hmmmm....
The worst part? He still has to wait around for me to get finished here at 1:15 before he can go home!
P.S. GREAT info on the MSN page this morning regarding one of my favorite foods...quinoa! Yum, yum, yummy! Check it out!
The worst part? He still has to wait around for me to get finished here at 1:15 before he can go home!
P.S. GREAT info on the MSN page this morning regarding one of my favorite foods...quinoa! Yum, yum, yummy! Check it out!
PHEW!
We got pummeled last night. With snow. At least, pummeled for this area - if I were home in Michigan, we'd call it a light dusting! ;) What's funny out here is the fact that all you hear on the radio is how we knew this was coming and so the crews were out "all night" working on clearing and salting the streets. Yet, somehow...the roads are still a disastrous mess. They are covered in slick snow and slush and extremely dangerous (even by Michigan standards!).
Much to my surprise, Chuck had school this morning. Not sure how that worked out, but I must say, considering our drive in, I'm pretty glad that he did have to go to work.
About a half a mile from our house, we have a 90+ degree right turn to make. Just as Chuck finishes the turn and starts to straighten out the wheel, the car decides that it likes the look of the guard-rail and begins heading straight for it! Keep in mind, this is only a two lane road with virtually NO shoulder.
I swear to you, if I had been driving, our car would currently be pinned up against a guardrail in New Jersey. SOMEHOW, Chuck manages to miss the rail by a few inches - and I am NOT exaggerating here. I was pre-emptively hearing the sound of the crunch of our front wheelwell just before the car sidled up to the side of the railing and stopped. I guess those defensive driving lessons he took when he thought he was going to be a cop paid off.
So, despite the near collision, we managed to both make it to school safe and in one, undented piece. I only hope that the ride home is less exciting! :)
Much to my surprise, Chuck had school this morning. Not sure how that worked out, but I must say, considering our drive in, I'm pretty glad that he did have to go to work.
About a half a mile from our house, we have a 90+ degree right turn to make. Just as Chuck finishes the turn and starts to straighten out the wheel, the car decides that it likes the look of the guard-rail and begins heading straight for it! Keep in mind, this is only a two lane road with virtually NO shoulder.
I swear to you, if I had been driving, our car would currently be pinned up against a guardrail in New Jersey. SOMEHOW, Chuck manages to miss the rail by a few inches - and I am NOT exaggerating here. I was pre-emptively hearing the sound of the crunch of our front wheelwell just before the car sidled up to the side of the railing and stopped. I guess those defensive driving lessons he took when he thought he was going to be a cop paid off.
So, despite the near collision, we managed to both make it to school safe and in one, undented piece. I only hope that the ride home is less exciting! :)
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Lunar Eclipse
It was an incredible sight last night. It's not often that one gets to see the moon turn red.
I suppose we were lucky. Despite a terrible day in terms of weather, it cleared up just in time for us to be able to stand on the front porch and view this wonderful event.
I suppose we were lucky. Despite a terrible day in terms of weather, it cleared up just in time for us to be able to stand on the front porch and view this wonderful event.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Congrats!
Many congratulations to my alma mater swim team. The Wayne State Warriors Women's team won the GLIAC championships for the third year running last weekend. And Sean Peters, my former coach, won coach of the year for the third straight time.
It's amazing to see such incredible things come out of a team that once referred to ourselves in glittering gold paint on a banner as "Ghetto Superstars." We were straight out of Detroit...the warmups that I wore my first two years must have been from the late 70s, and we only got new ones when they changed the mascot from the Tartars to the Warriors! We were the team that often got accused of stealing things when we were at meets. I mean, it was often true (some ladies will recall our visit to Northern Michigan University!), but we got accused of it because we were from D-Town.
I wish I could have been a part of such a winning squad, but I'm happy to know that I was instrumental in establishing the base upon which this mighty team now stands. Congrats again, ladies...way to rock the pool!
It's amazing to see such incredible things come out of a team that once referred to ourselves in glittering gold paint on a banner as "Ghetto Superstars." We were straight out of Detroit...the warmups that I wore my first two years must have been from the late 70s, and we only got new ones when they changed the mascot from the Tartars to the Warriors! We were the team that often got accused of stealing things when we were at meets. I mean, it was often true (some ladies will recall our visit to Northern Michigan University!), but we got accused of it because we were from D-Town.
I wish I could have been a part of such a winning squad, but I'm happy to know that I was instrumental in establishing the base upon which this mighty team now stands. Congrats again, ladies...way to rock the pool!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
VERY IMPORTANT
Ok...so I have a VERY IMPORTANT request for any and all blog readers out there with a keen aesthetic eye. Honestly, this is an issue of great importance. Ready?
What color water bottle cages should I go with for Falco? (Told you! MAJORLY important issue here!)
Do I go with two blue cages? Two white cages? Or do I maintain my eclecticism by having one of each?
What color water bottle cages should I go with for Falco? (Told you! MAJORLY important issue here!)
Do I go with two blue cages? Two white cages? Or do I maintain my eclecticism by having one of each?
Come on now, folks...I need your help on this! :)
Sunday, February 17, 2008
3 hours and 45 minutes
That's how long I was on my bike today, 3 hours and 45 minutes. 60 miles and one flat after leaving Center City, we returned...very hungry, a little chilly, but feeling great from a few hours in the saddle, I am still so thrilled with my new bike. I can admit that, since my body is in a new position on the bike, my legs are FEELING it! Of course, this could also be the pleasurable pain of getting my BUTT back in RACING shape! hee, hee....I love it.
I can't wait for the season to start! I know that I am already so far ahead of last season in terms of training and readiness. Now, I am getting the urge to really put the training pedal to the metal. My goals for this year are highly personal - working on challenging my limits to see where they are and where they can be, helping my teammates get podium spots and upgrade points, and just generally improving my racing skills. While I hope to be a podium contender myself at some races, I must admit that it's kind of nice to think of the season more in terms of these personal challenges than where I am on finish lines. I think that these issues will actually make for a much more difficult, frustrating, and rewarding season for me.
I can't wait for the season to start! I know that I am already so far ahead of last season in terms of training and readiness. Now, I am getting the urge to really put the training pedal to the metal. My goals for this year are highly personal - working on challenging my limits to see where they are and where they can be, helping my teammates get podium spots and upgrade points, and just generally improving my racing skills. While I hope to be a podium contender myself at some races, I must admit that it's kind of nice to think of the season more in terms of these personal challenges than where I am on finish lines. I think that these issues will actually make for a much more difficult, frustrating, and rewarding season for me.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Maiden Voyage!
I got home a short while ago from the Maiden Voyage of my new bike! It was a gorgeous day out - not a cloud in the sky, so even though the weather channel said that it was only 34 degrees while we were on the road, there were actually moments when I was a little too warm in my thermal jacket. We did a nice ride out past Haverford college - some nice climbs, some swift decents, and some great company (Josh and Jen - it was GREAT to meet you!)!
Oh, but I guess you want to hear about the bike. It was ok.
JUST KIDDING!!!! It was AWESOME!!!!!!!!!
Sorry...I know that my enthusiasm is a bit goofy, but think about it....while I love my Felt, I went from a 22 pound, aluminum frame with carbon stays and fork, 105 component, 2 sizes too big for me bike to a 15 pound, full carbon fiber, Dura-Ace, fits like a glove bike. People asked if it was really so different, and I just shook my head and said, "It is a different WORLD on this bike."
The ride today was great. I was comfortable, the hills felt so easy and fast, and the way this bike reacts to pressure on the pedals is really incredible. When you push down, he reacts, reacts quickly, and reacts FAST.
So, all in all, the maiden voyage was really incredible. Best yet...I now know his name, too! As I was riding today, a name simply popped into my head - perhaps it was inspired by the three hawks that crossed my path today. I wasn't sure at first that it was actually his name, but I realized on the way home that it was.
His name is...
Falco.
Yes, like the 80s guy who sang Ammadeus. And like the last name of Keanu Reeves character in the Replacements (Shane Falco). But his name refers to his swift ability to attack his prey - not unlike a falcon!
Welcome to the family, Falco. :)
Oh, but I guess you want to hear about the bike. It was ok.
JUST KIDDING!!!! It was AWESOME!!!!!!!!!
Sorry...I know that my enthusiasm is a bit goofy, but think about it....while I love my Felt, I went from a 22 pound, aluminum frame with carbon stays and fork, 105 component, 2 sizes too big for me bike to a 15 pound, full carbon fiber, Dura-Ace, fits like a glove bike. People asked if it was really so different, and I just shook my head and said, "It is a different WORLD on this bike."
The ride today was great. I was comfortable, the hills felt so easy and fast, and the way this bike reacts to pressure on the pedals is really incredible. When you push down, he reacts, reacts quickly, and reacts FAST.
So, all in all, the maiden voyage was really incredible. Best yet...I now know his name, too! As I was riding today, a name simply popped into my head - perhaps it was inspired by the three hawks that crossed my path today. I wasn't sure at first that it was actually his name, but I realized on the way home that it was.
His name is...
Falco.
Yes, like the 80s guy who sang Ammadeus. And like the last name of Keanu Reeves character in the Replacements (Shane Falco). But his name refers to his swift ability to attack his prey - not unlike a falcon!
Welcome to the family, Falco. :)
Fundraiser Follow-Up!
What a night, what a night!!!
We had an incredibly successful Cockatil Party last night at the BEAUTIFUL home of Molly and Jo. Sally had the head count at 105! 105 people attended the soiree and brought with them even more incredible raffle prizes and fantastically positive vibes.
I got to thank Mike from Specialized for their sponsorship of our team and for helping to hook us up with some SWEET rides! Thank you, Mike!
Here's the place prior to the inundation of bodies! :) I think my decorations were pretty darn hip!
We had an incredibly successful Cockatil Party last night at the BEAUTIFUL home of Molly and Jo. Sally had the head count at 105! 105 people attended the soiree and brought with them even more incredible raffle prizes and fantastically positive vibes.
I got to thank Mike from Specialized for their sponsorship of our team and for helping to hook us up with some SWEET rides! Thank you, Mike!
Here's the place prior to the inundation of bodies! :) I think my decorations were pretty darn hip!
The lovely Robin and Dana!
Ben and Doreen Crowle 
Anne and Lenore!
Visit their blogs, these two are GREAT!
Keep an eye on Lenore Pipes this year, girls...she's going to knock our socks off this season!
Sally and Luly!
Co-Founder and Raffle Coordinator extraordinare.
We had a great time at the party! And, I came home with some pretty cool raffle prizes - a beautiful necklace and earring set, $20 in gift certificates to the Reading Terminal Market and an homemade scarf! Candace won a Sturdy Girl goodie bag, Doreen won the Team Ultralink goodie bag and Krysia...the lucky ducky...won a brand new set of Roval Fusee SL wheels! The same wheels that came on my Tarmac...I tried to win them, but I'm happy with my prizes.
Thanks to all the incredible folks who came out to support Sturdy Girl Cycling, to Dana and Sally for creating such an incredible club and team, and to my teammates for being fantastic people that I adore!
Friday, February 15, 2008
Sturdy Party!
Tonight is the big
Sturdy Girl Cycling Cocktail Party fundraiser!
I'm in charge of decorations...which is quite nerve wracking, I tell ya! When I decorated for my birthday party - mind you, I had about 3 hours notice - I was warned (lovingly of course) by Dana that my decorations for the Cocktail party had better outshine my birthday decor. Uh-oh! :) Such pressure! So, I went bananas...I picked up all kinds of fun goodies to toss around Molly's house for tonight. I did control myself and put back the hot pink and yellow maracas...but it was a tough move. :)
The Cocktail party is a fun night. I went last year, although it was a little strange because I didn't really know anyone. This year, though...I'm sure I'll have an even better time because I'm no longer a newbie! I've got my camera - digital disk empty, batteries fully charged, so I'll be sure to take lots of pictures and post them to this site and the Sturdy Girl Racing Blog.
There's a rockin' raffle tonight and I'm gonna win me some stuff!
I'll be seeing some of you Wild and Crazy Gals later! :)
I'll be seeing some of you Wild and Crazy Gals later! :)
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Happy Valentine's Day...
Boy, I hate Valentine's Day! I used to think that I only hated it when I didn't have a "Someone Special" to share it with. Turns out, I just don't like it. Why is it that we need a holiday to tell someone we love them or buy them a card and flowers? Don't get me wrong....I love the fact that my friend Heather's Hallmark store does a KILLING around this time of the year, but REALLY....doesn't it seem a bit hollow when someone tells you they love you today simply because it's marked on the calendar that they are supposed to?
Deep thoughts, eh? Or not! :)
Deep thoughts, eh? Or not! :)
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
He Has Arrived!
I just got home from Keswick. I'm happy to have brought this beautiful boy home with me. He's currently unnamed, but I'm sure after a few rides, he will reveal his inner Sturdy title.
He's a little self-conscious about the fact that he has pink bar tape and pink cable caps, but I assured him that real men can wear pink with pride and not lose any of their masculinity! :)
He's a little self-conscious about the fact that he has pink bar tape and pink cable caps, but I assured him that real men can wear pink with pride and not lose any of their masculinity! :)
Dura-Ace deraillure and pink cable cap!
As Paris Hilton would drawl (complete with vacant look), "It's Hot."
Finally HERE!
My new bike has finally arrived! I'm planning to stop by the bike shop tonight after work to pick it up! :):):)
Now if I could only figure out how to make it stop raining, make the streets dry up and be free of slush, and somehow turn this afternoon into the perfect day for riding my new toy, I'd be truly content! :)
Alas, I'll just have to settle for being really, really excited and happy!
Now if I could only figure out how to make it stop raining, make the streets dry up and be free of slush, and somehow turn this afternoon into the perfect day for riding my new toy, I'd be truly content! :)
Alas, I'll just have to settle for being really, really excited and happy!
Monday, February 11, 2008
Dreams are Strange
When I was young, I had a friend. A Best Friend. And then, one day, she just wasn't. My best friend, I mean. To this day, I can't really understand what happened to our friendship. It just suddenly ceased to exist. There were times when I tried to rekindle the connection that we had, but it just never happened. It was over.
Last night I had a strange, strange dream! I was walking along, on my way to the library at Temple. I reached in my bag to pull out my ID and realized that it wasn't my ID in there. Instead, the ID held the countenance of my friend of all those years ago. In addition, there was text scrawled all over the ID. It started, "To my EX-Best Friend," (ouch) It then continued on to tell me in politely scathing terms that "if you ever try to look me up again, I swear I'll..." Most of it is lost to the foggy realities of waking up, but I remember the card being covered with phrases that sounded friendly at first, but on closer inspection, were cruel reminders of a friendship gone wrong. I also remember that, again, I woke up not knowing WHY we were no longer friends.
Friends come and go...this is a fact of life. Sometimes, this happens purely by accident or circumstance. I dearly miss my friend Molly, but I live on the East Coast, she lives in Canada - it's hard to see one another, hard to make international phone calls, and sometimes just hard to keep up. But, we've lost touch out of these issues, not because of some great conflagration of words.
Then there's the friends that you lose and you don't know why. I haven't thought of this dream person in years, and yet, here she is...in my dream as clear as day...dredging up this question of why? I know that I will never know why she and I are no longer friends. I imagine that in her mind, the fault lay with me. The fact is, if I saw her tomorrow, I would be truly happy to see her and happy to hear about her life. I wonder if she could say the same?
Last night I had a strange, strange dream! I was walking along, on my way to the library at Temple. I reached in my bag to pull out my ID and realized that it wasn't my ID in there. Instead, the ID held the countenance of my friend of all those years ago. In addition, there was text scrawled all over the ID. It started, "To my EX-Best Friend," (ouch) It then continued on to tell me in politely scathing terms that "if you ever try to look me up again, I swear I'll..." Most of it is lost to the foggy realities of waking up, but I remember the card being covered with phrases that sounded friendly at first, but on closer inspection, were cruel reminders of a friendship gone wrong. I also remember that, again, I woke up not knowing WHY we were no longer friends.
Friends come and go...this is a fact of life. Sometimes, this happens purely by accident or circumstance. I dearly miss my friend Molly, but I live on the East Coast, she lives in Canada - it's hard to see one another, hard to make international phone calls, and sometimes just hard to keep up. But, we've lost touch out of these issues, not because of some great conflagration of words.
Then there's the friends that you lose and you don't know why. I haven't thought of this dream person in years, and yet, here she is...in my dream as clear as day...dredging up this question of why? I know that I will never know why she and I are no longer friends. I imagine that in her mind, the fault lay with me. The fact is, if I saw her tomorrow, I would be truly happy to see her and happy to hear about her life. I wonder if she could say the same?
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Green Eyed Monster!
I should preface this post with two statements. #1 - My bike has not yet arrived! :( #2 - I'm not REALLY jealous, but it's fun to think that I am!
Ok...so, I took a chance on the weather this morning and slipped into Philly to ride with the gals. It was a small but cheerful group that hit the street this morning under questionably dreary skies that seemed more than eager to open up a rainy can of whoop-ass on our butts.
Fortunately, it did not and though it was chilly at times, we ended up with a great ride out to Blue Bell and back.
Upon arrival, I meet up with Naomi's altar ego Mountain Bike Takahashi, who is heading out to meet the other Dirty Girls on the trail, George and Sally, Dana, and Roy and Candace. This is where the Green Eyed Monster arrives!
Candace shows up on her brand new Specialized Tarmac SL! :):) She ordered hers just a day or so before me, so I know that mine is "in the mail" as they say, but I was a bit jealous that she was riding her speedy little demon today! :) She loved it, which makes me so happy to hear! It's great to see a teammate on a new ride that she is totally stoked about.
Can't wait to get mine so that I can turn everyone else into a Green Eyed Monster! :)
Oh...my other funny story from the day was my parking experience. I was sitting in my car, early for the ride as usual, and I was on the phone with my dad. As I'm talking to him I tell him that I may have to get off the phone soon. He says "Why?" I say, "Because the old woman trying to park in front of me is about to hit my car."
Sure enough, not two seconds later, my car rocks backward as she bumps the front end trying to parallel park. So, as I sit there, she pulls forward, and then backs up and hits me AGAIN!!! This time, I lay on my horn. What does she do? Yes, you have it, she WAVES at me!!! She then proceeds to get out of her car and walk away as I am standing there making sure my bumper was ok. I was like, "Hello????" The least you could do is apologize!
Anyway...it was only my Escort and she only bumped me, but seriously people, I was SITTING IN THE FRONT SEAT!!!! Crazy! FUNNY!
Ok...so, I took a chance on the weather this morning and slipped into Philly to ride with the gals. It was a small but cheerful group that hit the street this morning under questionably dreary skies that seemed more than eager to open up a rainy can of whoop-ass on our butts.
Fortunately, it did not and though it was chilly at times, we ended up with a great ride out to Blue Bell and back.
Upon arrival, I meet up with Naomi's altar ego Mountain Bike Takahashi, who is heading out to meet the other Dirty Girls on the trail, George and Sally, Dana, and Roy and Candace. This is where the Green Eyed Monster arrives!
Candace shows up on her brand new Specialized Tarmac SL! :):) She ordered hers just a day or so before me, so I know that mine is "in the mail" as they say, but I was a bit jealous that she was riding her speedy little demon today! :) She loved it, which makes me so happy to hear! It's great to see a teammate on a new ride that she is totally stoked about.
Can't wait to get mine so that I can turn everyone else into a Green Eyed Monster! :)
Oh...my other funny story from the day was my parking experience. I was sitting in my car, early for the ride as usual, and I was on the phone with my dad. As I'm talking to him I tell him that I may have to get off the phone soon. He says "Why?" I say, "Because the old woman trying to park in front of me is about to hit my car."
Sure enough, not two seconds later, my car rocks backward as she bumps the front end trying to parallel park. So, as I sit there, she pulls forward, and then backs up and hits me AGAIN!!! This time, I lay on my horn. What does she do? Yes, you have it, she WAVES at me!!! She then proceeds to get out of her car and walk away as I am standing there making sure my bumper was ok. I was like, "Hello????" The least you could do is apologize!
Anyway...it was only my Escort and she only bumped me, but seriously people, I was SITTING IN THE FRONT SEAT!!!! Crazy! FUNNY!
Friday, February 08, 2008
A Nice Surprise
As I was leaving school today, I had the pleasure of encountering a very nice surprise, although it started out with a bit of a scare.
I headed out from my office for my 2 1/2 block walk to the train station. I had my headphones on and was jamming to some rockin' 80s tunes. I got to the intersection of 16th street and waited for my light to turn green. It changed and with a pack of pedestrians, I began to cross the street. Just as I was halfway across, this woman in a maroon Mercedes (you know who you are :) ) came barreling towards the line and slams on the breaks in time to avoid hitting said pack of pedestrians and yours truly! Obviously, I notice this car coming at me and quickly stop walking. She does end up stopping, although well into the crosswalk, and all of the foot-traffic continues across the street. (This was the scary part)
As I continue walking, this young man next to me asks if I am OK.
I say , "Yes, thank you! I was really not sure if she was going to stop...it was a bit of a scare."
We then continue to walk together to the train station, chatting about living in the city and the things that you learn as you grow and mature in that environment - he made a joke about how, as a kid, he would have just strolled in front of that car with the belief that she WOULD stop, not the hope that she might!
The last two blocks of my walk to the station were filled with a wonderful conversation with this gentleman, who went North when I went South. I hope that the rest of his day went well and I wish that he knew that he really made my day today with his genuine concern and congenial company.
I headed out from my office for my 2 1/2 block walk to the train station. I had my headphones on and was jamming to some rockin' 80s tunes. I got to the intersection of 16th street and waited for my light to turn green. It changed and with a pack of pedestrians, I began to cross the street. Just as I was halfway across, this woman in a maroon Mercedes (you know who you are :) ) came barreling towards the line and slams on the breaks in time to avoid hitting said pack of pedestrians and yours truly! Obviously, I notice this car coming at me and quickly stop walking. She does end up stopping, although well into the crosswalk, and all of the foot-traffic continues across the street. (This was the scary part)
As I continue walking, this young man next to me asks if I am OK.
I say , "Yes, thank you! I was really not sure if she was going to stop...it was a bit of a scare."
We then continue to walk together to the train station, chatting about living in the city and the things that you learn as you grow and mature in that environment - he made a joke about how, as a kid, he would have just strolled in front of that car with the belief that she WOULD stop, not the hope that she might!
The last two blocks of my walk to the station were filled with a wonderful conversation with this gentleman, who went North when I went South. I hope that the rest of his day went well and I wish that he knew that he really made my day today with his genuine concern and congenial company.
Candide and Stuff
I have been reading a lot lately. Not just scholarly articles on boys with squirrels, but also novels and other things.
I recently reread Voltaire's Candide. I remember reading this years ago and enjoying the tale of this character whose life is devoted to the optimisitc search for the explanation of the human condition. I reread it now with a more refined understanding of the philosophical issues of transcendental thought, the folly of optimisim, the contradictions of satire and Panglossian idea that "everything is for the best."
This is actually a text that has a lot of relevance to my current life and that of the world around me. Candide's journey, wrought with trial, tribulation, joy, sorrow, love and hate and his journey toward self-awareness and understanding seems very close to my current search for self-awareness and acceptance. I continue to be reactive to the fact that I grew up uncomfortable with myself and being made uncomfortable by others around me. I rarely felt truly at home in my own skin, although I have continued to grow more and more aware of myself as I leave behind my 20s and move into a new decade of my life.
I also find that I tend to question the "reason" behind events in life, even though reason often has nothing to do with it. I fail to believe that "everything is for the best" in a pure sense, although it seems that even when things go wrong, they tend to somehow influence an aspect of life that ends up "right." For Voltaire, Pangloss is as mislead as many of the philosophers of the Englightenment who believed that God existed and as a perfect being, he created a perfect world and was incapable of mistake or imperfection. Voltaire's continual punishment of the main characters suggests that God, if one exists, is (as Jim Carrey put it in Bruce Almighty) simply a "mean kid with a magnifying glass. And we're the ants."
So, I continue my search. I continue to look at my own person - trying to make me better. Better to me, better to others, better all around. And, I continue to deal with my spirituality, which has always been strong, if someone undirected. Who knows...I may find something out there!
Thanks to Dana, who gave me a great book for my birthday that is helping me move from the satirically sadistic world of Candide to a more introspective sense of spirituality...more about that another time, I suppose - still have to finish reading! :)
I recently reread Voltaire's Candide. I remember reading this years ago and enjoying the tale of this character whose life is devoted to the optimisitc search for the explanation of the human condition. I reread it now with a more refined understanding of the philosophical issues of transcendental thought, the folly of optimisim, the contradictions of satire and Panglossian idea that "everything is for the best."
This is actually a text that has a lot of relevance to my current life and that of the world around me. Candide's journey, wrought with trial, tribulation, joy, sorrow, love and hate and his journey toward self-awareness and understanding seems very close to my current search for self-awareness and acceptance. I continue to be reactive to the fact that I grew up uncomfortable with myself and being made uncomfortable by others around me. I rarely felt truly at home in my own skin, although I have continued to grow more and more aware of myself as I leave behind my 20s and move into a new decade of my life.
I also find that I tend to question the "reason" behind events in life, even though reason often has nothing to do with it. I fail to believe that "everything is for the best" in a pure sense, although it seems that even when things go wrong, they tend to somehow influence an aspect of life that ends up "right." For Voltaire, Pangloss is as mislead as many of the philosophers of the Englightenment who believed that God existed and as a perfect being, he created a perfect world and was incapable of mistake or imperfection. Voltaire's continual punishment of the main characters suggests that God, if one exists, is (as Jim Carrey put it in Bruce Almighty) simply a "mean kid with a magnifying glass. And we're the ants."
So, I continue my search. I continue to look at my own person - trying to make me better. Better to me, better to others, better all around. And, I continue to deal with my spirituality, which has always been strong, if someone undirected. Who knows...I may find something out there!
Thanks to Dana, who gave me a great book for my birthday that is helping me move from the satirically sadistic world of Candide to a more introspective sense of spirituality...more about that another time, I suppose - still have to finish reading! :)
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Cat Food Run!!!
So, last night, around 8:30pm, Chuck reminds me that we have no cat food left. Oh, crap! Since our kitties are treated right and fed good-for-you, yummy, mainly meat product food, I decided to run to the nearest Petco to pick up their dinner. All is well and I am on my way home. I notice the police car behind me and I become very aware that I am settled in at a decent, albeit above the speed limit, 30 mph in a 25. Sure enough, the lights start to flash, and the daggon cop pulls me over. I was sitting there thinking, what the heck is wrong with this guy until I realize....
it's my friend Glen! :) The big goof pulled me over so we could chat! :)
it's my friend Glen! :) The big goof pulled me over so we could chat! :)
Oh, to be a boy in the 18th century...
What fun it would have been to sit and play with my very own flying squirrel...on a chain. Do you think that they are well behaved when you take them for a walk? Yep, this is what I have been immersing myself in lately at school.
I have begun studying for my prelims, starting with articles dealing with the late 1700s and heading into the turn of the century. In about 8 months, I will spend 14 hours answering questions about the work I'm doing now. 8 hours of written testing and 6 hours of oral testing will grant me my candidacy, and I will be on my way to becoming Dr. Sarah. Now, I just have to study my rear end off and make sure that I pass.
I am currently reading Jennifer Roberts' article on this image by Copley and how it symbolically represents the ideas of travel and the "dilemma of transit." This work, done in 1765, was shipped to London as Copley's first major international exhibit. It came back to rave reviews of its beauty, with only slight criticisms of its "over minuteness." All in all, she makes some interesting connections between elements of Copley's painting and the activity of travel to which the work was exposed. Interesting, and a great example of the ways in which American scholars of today are drawing connections where earlier scholars have only hinted or skimmed.
Well, done with the musings and back to my readings....
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Sitting, Waiting, Wishing
Sometimes I question my reaction to things. I have tried in the last couple of years of my life to learn to balance my passion with a sense of control so as to not let emotional reaction get the best of me. I find that, for the most part, I manage to do this pretty well.
Often, I am envious of those who are more detached, who can hear a comment that is offensive or impolite and allow it to roll of their backs and not bother them. Sometimes I can do this, other times, not so much. I find that at times like now, when things are BUSY, life is CRAZY, and I am stretched to the extent of what I think I can take - the passion rises up and I have a very tough time letting things go. Other times, when I feel content, secure, solid, grounded - you can say pretty much anything to me and I can simply follow through with a witty retort and forget the event.
So, here I sit, attempting to determine what it is that irks me so much about certain comments and why I let them impact my life. I know that, to some extent, I feel engulfed by people who do not really know or understand me. Worse than that, they have no interest in knowing or understanding me. Yet, they are intent on projecting their goals and ideas about what I should be doing upon my life.
I also know that sometimes I envy the lives of those who have it different than me. I would love to be like my sister-in-law...raising three great kids and being there to watch them grow and change...there are times when I am very envious of the life she has and the struggles that no doubt come with it. So, when comments are made to me about having kids (often rudely like "Why don't you have any kids?" or "Isn't it about time for you to have a baby?"), I'm tired of politely trying to explain why they don't fit into my life. My life is hard to explain to some people - I work hard at work, I work harder at home, I study my tail off, I play as much as I can, I enjoy my marriage, I enjoy my cat-kids, I like my life as is...for now.
So, my February resolution is this...brush 'em off. Take the snide comments, the rude questions, the condesending tones, and brush 'em off. Feel good for others without feeling crappy about me.
...hope it works!
Often, I am envious of those who are more detached, who can hear a comment that is offensive or impolite and allow it to roll of their backs and not bother them. Sometimes I can do this, other times, not so much. I find that at times like now, when things are BUSY, life is CRAZY, and I am stretched to the extent of what I think I can take - the passion rises up and I have a very tough time letting things go. Other times, when I feel content, secure, solid, grounded - you can say pretty much anything to me and I can simply follow through with a witty retort and forget the event.
So, here I sit, attempting to determine what it is that irks me so much about certain comments and why I let them impact my life. I know that, to some extent, I feel engulfed by people who do not really know or understand me. Worse than that, they have no interest in knowing or understanding me. Yet, they are intent on projecting their goals and ideas about what I should be doing upon my life.
I also know that sometimes I envy the lives of those who have it different than me. I would love to be like my sister-in-law...raising three great kids and being there to watch them grow and change...there are times when I am very envious of the life she has and the struggles that no doubt come with it. So, when comments are made to me about having kids (often rudely like "Why don't you have any kids?" or "Isn't it about time for you to have a baby?"), I'm tired of politely trying to explain why they don't fit into my life. My life is hard to explain to some people - I work hard at work, I work harder at home, I study my tail off, I play as much as I can, I enjoy my marriage, I enjoy my cat-kids, I like my life as is...for now.
So, my February resolution is this...brush 'em off. Take the snide comments, the rude questions, the condesending tones, and brush 'em off. Feel good for others without feeling crappy about me.
...hope it works!
Friday, February 01, 2008
Why music?
I'm honestly hoping that someone out there, stumbling upon my simple ramblings, might help me to answer this question...
Why do some web designers insist on adding music to their sites? Maybe I'm the only person who finds this obnoxious, but I hate going to a website only to have it start singing to me. It's very embarrasing to be at work - doing legitimate searches, mind you - and suddenly, the computer starts belting out some jazzy tune. Why do this? Unless they're visiting a website of a musical group or band, most people don't want to hear the music, they want to read the content. Some of the sites graciously allow you to turn the music off (thank you, thank you!), but many don't - it just starts up without warning. Just something I encountered while doing research today and thought I would open up for comments!
On another interesting web-related note - Dave Zabriskie finally came back to the blog! :) Hooray...we again get to read his crazy notes about riding and visiting action figure manufacturing companies??? God, I love this guy! Keep on writing, Dave. And, race your heiny off in that rockin' Argyle kit! :)
Why do some web designers insist on adding music to their sites? Maybe I'm the only person who finds this obnoxious, but I hate going to a website only to have it start singing to me. It's very embarrasing to be at work - doing legitimate searches, mind you - and suddenly, the computer starts belting out some jazzy tune. Why do this? Unless they're visiting a website of a musical group or band, most people don't want to hear the music, they want to read the content. Some of the sites graciously allow you to turn the music off (thank you, thank you!), but many don't - it just starts up without warning. Just something I encountered while doing research today and thought I would open up for comments!
On another interesting web-related note - Dave Zabriskie finally came back to the blog! :) Hooray...we again get to read his crazy notes about riding and visiting action figure manufacturing companies??? God, I love this guy! Keep on writing, Dave. And, race your heiny off in that rockin' Argyle kit! :)
At an End...
The week is at an end. And, it's ending on a very sloppy note! Today is chilly and rainy - YUCK! I don't mind rain in the spring and summer, when part of you desire taking a long walk in it just to enjoy the feeling of warm rain, but cold rain is another story entirely. I don't think that I would make a very good Pacific Northwesterner - although the incredible landscape is a strong draw!
Yesterday was great! I got out on the road with Luly and Leah for some incline repeats. We had a nice time and enjoyed trying out some different tactics on the hill and pushing one another to attack the incline each time we went up. I'm looking to do some more hill work on Sunday, since it will be a beautiful day and I can't make the club ride tomorrow.
Tomorrow is Uncle Matt's funeral. Funerals are so strange, I think. They're sad, by nature. Yet, they are a chance to spend time with family and friends that you tend to neglect due to life. And, you feel the love and kindness of so many people in one day. So, in some ways, they're kind of uplifting.
My grandfather's funeral was an amazing spectacle. Unfortunately, I have been to MANY funerals in my time. But his...it was the most incredible celebration of a long and inspirational life. The church ceremony was held in a large cathedral in Cincinnati where my mom and dad were married. It was FULL of people. And, I mean FULL. There were people in every pew, standing in the aisles, and even up in the choir. It AMAZED me that so many people were there to say goodbye to a man that I knew only as my grandpa. That he had managed to touch the lives of all of these people in some way was truly moving and powerful. I hope that I can touch lives like he did.
But, I digress...Sunday is SuperBowl Sunday and Museum Day (my very own holiday). I'll be taking my class to the Museum and then (I hope) hopping on the bike for a few more hill repeats. I'm going to CRUSH those hills this year! :) Then, it's off to the Mother-In-Law's house for football and birthday cake for Chuck's Grandpop. Should be an interesting weekend...is that even considered a weekend? hmmm. :)
Yesterday was great! I got out on the road with Luly and Leah for some incline repeats. We had a nice time and enjoyed trying out some different tactics on the hill and pushing one another to attack the incline each time we went up. I'm looking to do some more hill work on Sunday, since it will be a beautiful day and I can't make the club ride tomorrow.
Tomorrow is Uncle Matt's funeral. Funerals are so strange, I think. They're sad, by nature. Yet, they are a chance to spend time with family and friends that you tend to neglect due to life. And, you feel the love and kindness of so many people in one day. So, in some ways, they're kind of uplifting.
My grandfather's funeral was an amazing spectacle. Unfortunately, I have been to MANY funerals in my time. But his...it was the most incredible celebration of a long and inspirational life. The church ceremony was held in a large cathedral in Cincinnati where my mom and dad were married. It was FULL of people. And, I mean FULL. There were people in every pew, standing in the aisles, and even up in the choir. It AMAZED me that so many people were there to say goodbye to a man that I knew only as my grandpa. That he had managed to touch the lives of all of these people in some way was truly moving and powerful. I hope that I can touch lives like he did.
But, I digress...Sunday is SuperBowl Sunday and Museum Day (my very own holiday). I'll be taking my class to the Museum and then (I hope) hopping on the bike for a few more hill repeats. I'm going to CRUSH those hills this year! :) Then, it's off to the Mother-In-Law's house for football and birthday cake for Chuck's Grandpop. Should be an interesting weekend...is that even considered a weekend? hmmm. :)
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Only $18,000
That's right...for only $18,000, you can have your very own, fully loaded, convertible, two-seater...
SMART CAR!
At about 2 1/2 feet in length, you, too, can squeeze into ANY parrallel parking spot in the NATION. Of course, it's pretty hard to fit a bicycle in/on a car that's smaller than your bicycle, but hey...it's a Smart Car! Come to think of it...my bicycle probably has more horsepower than the smart car! :) hee, hee!Honestly, I think these things are really cool! I'm honestly not sure about the practicality of everyday life with one, but how awesome if you live in a city or don't do a ton of long distance driving. Of course, if I were to get one, it would have to be massively pimped out and badass, otherwise, it would just be silly! :)
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Sad News
Chuck and I found out yesterday that his Uncle Matt passed away early in the morning. In some ways, we still don't know the details about this. He has been sick for a while - liver failure - but was holding his own and doing ok. Even still, his death was pretty sudden and everyone is reeling a bit. So, we have a funeral to attend this weekend. He was a nice man and we will miss him.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Horoscope Wrap Up
Oh, the irony! For the past several days, since my initial horoscopic post, I have been keeping an eye on my future via the back page of the news! Funny that EVERY horoscope since then has mentioned some sort of financial windfall coming my way! HA! I think Chuck and I will be playing the lotto tonight...just in case the winds of change are right! :)
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Wool Weenie!
Ok...now, I should start by saying that I have never ridden outside in the winter as much as I have since becoming Sturdy. However, I am certainly what you would refer to as a full-fledged Wool Weenie. I HATE being cold. I would rather be so drenched with sweat that people think I went swimming with my bike than so cold that I lose feeling in my fingers, toes and nose!
This weekend, with temps hovering just around freezing, is a huge step up from last weekend, where the wind chill was in the single digits. The good thing about living here on the east coast is that it doesn't stay cold for very long. The bad part about it (as a cyclist especially) is that we tend to get most of our snow in February - and since races are in March, it stinks to spend the last month before race season cooped up on a trainer.
But, I digress....we have our second training session tomorrow, and I'm already getting my wooly socks, under armor, toe warmers, shoe covers, balaclava, lobster gloves, and winter jacket ready. It's going to be a chilly one! :)
This weekend, with temps hovering just around freezing, is a huge step up from last weekend, where the wind chill was in the single digits. The good thing about living here on the east coast is that it doesn't stay cold for very long. The bad part about it (as a cyclist especially) is that we tend to get most of our snow in February - and since races are in March, it stinks to spend the last month before race season cooped up on a trainer.
But, I digress....we have our second training session tomorrow, and I'm already getting my wooly socks, under armor, toe warmers, shoe covers, balaclava, lobster gloves, and winter jacket ready. It's going to be a chilly one! :)
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Horoscopes
Now, I've never put a whole lot of stock in Horoscopes, although I have always enjoyed reading them...just to see what they say. Today, however, I have to admit that my horoscope seems oddly fitting.
It said something like, "Keep things in perspective. Do not let your emotions get the best of you, as it will certainly be your downfall."
Now, allow me to explain the relevance to my life this morning (and please keep in mind that it is only 7:47 am as I write this!).
I woke up this morning in a bit of anxiety. See my last post! The anxiety is caused by the combination of excitement about purchasing my new bike and the terror of knowing that I'm spending more money in two weeks than I have spent on myself in the last two years or so! Anxiety abound!! But, hey...keep it in perspective. I don't spend money like this on a regular basis, so I should be able to restore my savings in no time. And, after all, it's only money! I have a job, so more comes in every couple of weeks, right? Right! Phew...there's one thing off my shoulders.
Next, I realized that I had left my jump drive in the classroom computer...AGAIN! I seem to have a need to have this thing glued to my butt, so I don't forget it everywhere. No big deal right? WRONG! That drive has my entire graduate career on it! My bibliography for studying for prelims, my working dissertation bib, everything. So, I had the anxiety blues again as I worried about whether or not it would be in the computer when I arrive at school. But, hey...keep it in perspective. If it's there, then I am worrying about nothing. If it's not, I was the last one in the room last night, which has been locked ever since, except for cleaning crews, so they probably picked it up and put it in lost and found. No big deal, right? By the way, it was still in the computer, so all is well!
THEN...I was rushing out of the house this morning and I left my phone on the mantle. Normally, no big deal. Today, though...I am going to be at school from roughly 8am to 7:30pm. And, intending on taking the train home and the hubster picking me up, I usually call him from the bridge. But, now I can't. But, hey...keep it in perspective. I lived for years without a cell phone. I can use a pay phone, or call him from Philly before I leave, or something. No problemo. Issue solved.
So, oddly enough, it looks as though my horoscope is actually somewhat apropos today. Interesting...strange...fun! Maybe tomorrow's will tell me that we're going to win the lottery and all our troubles will be over FOREVER! :)
It said something like, "Keep things in perspective. Do not let your emotions get the best of you, as it will certainly be your downfall."
Now, allow me to explain the relevance to my life this morning (and please keep in mind that it is only 7:47 am as I write this!).
I woke up this morning in a bit of anxiety. See my last post! The anxiety is caused by the combination of excitement about purchasing my new bike and the terror of knowing that I'm spending more money in two weeks than I have spent on myself in the last two years or so! Anxiety abound!! But, hey...keep it in perspective. I don't spend money like this on a regular basis, so I should be able to restore my savings in no time. And, after all, it's only money! I have a job, so more comes in every couple of weeks, right? Right! Phew...there's one thing off my shoulders.
Next, I realized that I had left my jump drive in the classroom computer...AGAIN! I seem to have a need to have this thing glued to my butt, so I don't forget it everywhere. No big deal right? WRONG! That drive has my entire graduate career on it! My bibliography for studying for prelims, my working dissertation bib, everything. So, I had the anxiety blues again as I worried about whether or not it would be in the computer when I arrive at school. But, hey...keep it in perspective. If it's there, then I am worrying about nothing. If it's not, I was the last one in the room last night, which has been locked ever since, except for cleaning crews, so they probably picked it up and put it in lost and found. No big deal, right? By the way, it was still in the computer, so all is well!
THEN...I was rushing out of the house this morning and I left my phone on the mantle. Normally, no big deal. Today, though...I am going to be at school from roughly 8am to 7:30pm. And, intending on taking the train home and the hubster picking me up, I usually call him from the bridge. But, now I can't. But, hey...keep it in perspective. I lived for years without a cell phone. I can use a pay phone, or call him from Philly before I leave, or something. No problemo. Issue solved.
So, oddly enough, it looks as though my horoscope is actually somewhat apropos today. Interesting...strange...fun! Maybe tomorrow's will tell me that we're going to win the lottery and all our troubles will be over FOREVER! :)
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Well...I did it!
Well...my pocketbook is a bit lighter this evening...since I just put a downpayment on my new SPECIALIZED TARMAC SL!!!!!!!!! :)
Ooooooh, baby! The best part is that it may be here in a week or two...I wasn't expecting it for a while. Did I say a good thing? Unless, of course, you consider that I have to pay the remainder before I can take him home! :)
One of the guys at the shop suggested selling my car to pay for it. The funny part is...my 95 Escort WAGON is worth less than half of what I'm paying for my bike! :) Guess that won't work, eh? Hee, hee!
All I know is this...I'm getting a new, speedy, snappy, purty bike...SOON!
Ooooooh, baby! The best part is that it may be here in a week or two...I wasn't expecting it for a while. Did I say a good thing? Unless, of course, you consider that I have to pay the remainder before I can take him home! :)
One of the guys at the shop suggested selling my car to pay for it. The funny part is...my 95 Escort WAGON is worth less than half of what I'm paying for my bike! :) Guess that won't work, eh? Hee, hee!
All I know is this...I'm getting a new, speedy, snappy, purty bike...SOON!
Sunday, January 20, 2008
When Looks are VERY Deceiving
I want to go outside and ride my bike. It's a beautiful morning...the sun is out, the sky is clear, there's not much of a noticeable breeze. What's the problem? It's hovering somewhere around 15-20 degrees out there. BRRRRRRR! Something tells me that I'll stay inside today! Maybe I'll head over to the shop to get fit for my new bike?! :) Might be a nice, bike-related indoor activity! :)
Friday, January 18, 2008
Slipstream Rocks!
A really great article about the Slipstream Cycling team...on ESPN no less.
OK, I take back SOME of the things I said about you, ESPN. Keep paying attention to my boys, now!!!
OK, I take back SOME of the things I said about you, ESPN. Keep paying attention to my boys, now!!!
Looooong Weekend
This weekend is MLK day weekend. I have bad memories of this holiday...as my 16th Birthday fell on a Monday (way back when), and I couldn't get my driver's license until the next day because all Federal service offices were closed. But, I digress...Now, however, I welcome the looooong weekend that we're going to have. I wish that it was going to be fun-filled and full of riding my bike, but I don't think that's going to happen with wind chills in the teens for Sunday and Monday and temps just above freezing on Saturday. Looks like a weekend of sitting my butt on the trainer and watching episodes of Rome! :)
Of course, there are benefits to frigid outdoor temps...fires in the fireplace! :) We've already moved a bunch of wood onto the back porch for easy access, and I would imagine that most of Sunday will consist of stoking the fire and reading in the living room. Oh, the cats will be in heaven! :)
So, to all of you out there...stay warm, stay happy, and enjoy your weekend.
Of course, there are benefits to frigid outdoor temps...fires in the fireplace! :) We've already moved a bunch of wood onto the back porch for easy access, and I would imagine that most of Sunday will consist of stoking the fire and reading in the living room. Oh, the cats will be in heaven! :)
So, to all of you out there...stay warm, stay happy, and enjoy your weekend.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Birthday Wrap-Up!
That's it! Another year under my belt....considering that I feel better than I did at 21, I'd say I'm doing pretty well for myself. I thought about it today...Where did I think I'd be when I hit (dare I say it) 30?
- I have a job - full time, with benefits, and I enjoy going to work everyday
- I have a husband - a great man who takes care of me, especially when I don't really think I need taking care of (but I do!)
- I have a house - a cute, little house that I love working on and love living in
- I have my health - and more - I ride my bike every day and LOVE every pedal stroke, I race my bike every spring and summer, and LOVE crossing the finish line (or not, as sometimes happens!)
- I have my family and friends - an INCREDIBLE circle of people who accept and love me for...well, me (and I know that can't always be easy!)
So, my birthday has come (and is about to go) on a great note. I got to have dinner at my favorite restaurant complete with a nice bottle o' vino, I had birthday cake with the hubs and the in-laws, and I got some gift cards to put towards my new Tarmac! What more could a gal want?
Thanks to all of my birthday well-wishers....it was great to receive so many emails, phone calls, and renditions of "Happy Birthday" (Matthew...I think yours was the winner!!!)!
- I have a job - full time, with benefits, and I enjoy going to work everyday
- I have a husband - a great man who takes care of me, especially when I don't really think I need taking care of (but I do!)
- I have a house - a cute, little house that I love working on and love living in
- I have my health - and more - I ride my bike every day and LOVE every pedal stroke, I race my bike every spring and summer, and LOVE crossing the finish line (or not, as sometimes happens!)
- I have my family and friends - an INCREDIBLE circle of people who accept and love me for...well, me (and I know that can't always be easy!)
So, my birthday has come (and is about to go) on a great note. I got to have dinner at my favorite restaurant complete with a nice bottle o' vino, I had birthday cake with the hubs and the in-laws, and I got some gift cards to put towards my new Tarmac! What more could a gal want?
Thanks to all of my birthday well-wishers....it was great to receive so many emails, phone calls, and renditions of "Happy Birthday" (Matthew...I think yours was the winner!!!)!
hmmmmm....
very quiet now....like a fish...
happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me, happy birthday to meeee, happy birthday to me.
that's it....
happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me, happy birthday to meeee, happy birthday to me.
that's it....
Monday, January 14, 2008
Bikes, bikes, bike-y bikes!
I have gone from patient, to anxious, to impatient, to patient, and back to anxious...and it's all paying off. The Sturdy Girl Race team has struck a deal...with a bike company! Very exciting! It looks like I will be purchasing, in the very near future, I hope, a brand, spankin' new Specialized Tarmac that will look something like this! :)
Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy! Doesn't he just look F-A-S-T?!?!?! Or is it a she? Not sure yet...I'll find out soon enough. All I know is that the wait on this is almost over and I am ever so THANKFUL to my teammates and our sponsor for taking the time, energy and patience to see this amazing deal to fruition! So, I have to send out a big
Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy! Doesn't he just look F-A-S-T?!?!?! Or is it a she? Not sure yet...I'll find out soon enough. All I know is that the wait on this is almost over and I am ever so THANKFUL to my teammates and our sponsor for taking the time, energy and patience to see this amazing deal to fruition! So, I have to send out a bigTHANK YOU
to
Specialized Bikes,
Dana and Sally
and
KESWICK CYCLE!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Nostalgia...
In the strangest places.
Isn't it interesting how certain smells or tastes make us think of things from our past? I've always been fascinated with the memories that get stored away. In all honesty, I am TERRIBLE with remembering things. I don't mean studying or remembering what's going on next week or last week. But, I am really BAD at remembering things that happened years ago. My mom and dad tell great stories of things when they were younger - growing up in a home heated by actual coal and the cold mornings when the coal had died out. They remember jumping out from under the covers and getting dressed on top of the heating grate so that they didn't have to stand out in the cold too long. I can barely remember things that happened in college! I'm not sure why my memory is like this, but I think it's unfortunate for me. Then there are things that are so unbelievably clear to me that I can not get them out of my head, even if I try.
Anywho...back to the issue of nostalgia...and smells.
One smell that I will NEVER forget is the smell of chlorine. Having been a swimmer since the age of 6, that smell is one that I love and loathe simultaneously...but mostly love. The other day, I arrived at the Manayunk Diner for a morning ride. I was early, so I went over to the diner to use the restroom (and buy a bagel, since I always feel weird using the bathroom and the parking lot without buying something!). Anyway...I open the door to the bathroom (which, by the way, is the CLEANEST facility I have EVER used in public) and I am struck by memory. Mainly because the bathroom smells like a swimming pool. Not the smell that you get when your on deck or sitting in the bleachers of the pool, but the smell that wafts down the hallways of the school letting you know that somewhere behind those concrete walls is a watery, 25 yard haven. Somewhere around the corner or down a stairwell, the cool water of a competition pool awaits that first dive that disrupts the silence of the surface. I was always amazed that I could smell a pool even outside...just knowing that it was inside those doors. Amazed that the perfume of chemicals could penetrate even cinderblock...no wonder it hangs on your skin and hair and clothing.
Imagine...all that by walking into a bathroom....in a diner...in Manayunk.
Isn't it interesting how certain smells or tastes make us think of things from our past? I've always been fascinated with the memories that get stored away. In all honesty, I am TERRIBLE with remembering things. I don't mean studying or remembering what's going on next week or last week. But, I am really BAD at remembering things that happened years ago. My mom and dad tell great stories of things when they were younger - growing up in a home heated by actual coal and the cold mornings when the coal had died out. They remember jumping out from under the covers and getting dressed on top of the heating grate so that they didn't have to stand out in the cold too long. I can barely remember things that happened in college! I'm not sure why my memory is like this, but I think it's unfortunate for me. Then there are things that are so unbelievably clear to me that I can not get them out of my head, even if I try.
Anywho...back to the issue of nostalgia...and smells.
One smell that I will NEVER forget is the smell of chlorine. Having been a swimmer since the age of 6, that smell is one that I love and loathe simultaneously...but mostly love. The other day, I arrived at the Manayunk Diner for a morning ride. I was early, so I went over to the diner to use the restroom (and buy a bagel, since I always feel weird using the bathroom and the parking lot without buying something!). Anyway...I open the door to the bathroom (which, by the way, is the CLEANEST facility I have EVER used in public) and I am struck by memory. Mainly because the bathroom smells like a swimming pool. Not the smell that you get when your on deck or sitting in the bleachers of the pool, but the smell that wafts down the hallways of the school letting you know that somewhere behind those concrete walls is a watery, 25 yard haven. Somewhere around the corner or down a stairwell, the cool water of a competition pool awaits that first dive that disrupts the silence of the surface. I was always amazed that I could smell a pool even outside...just knowing that it was inside those doors. Amazed that the perfume of chemicals could penetrate even cinderblock...no wonder it hangs on your skin and hair and clothing.
Imagine...all that by walking into a bathroom....in a diner...in Manayunk.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Recap Additions
I can't believe that I forgot to mention Gertie in my last post. How terrible of me! Gertie was one of the gifts that Chuck and I received from his mom and family...a GARMIN! :) They got us a GPS Navigator for the car! It's sooo cool! You plug her in and tell her where you want to go and BINGO...she gives you turn by turn directions - and talks to you, no less! We used it to get down to Washington, and it was GREAT! On the way home, there was a traffic backup on one of the main highways. The message appeared on one of the big light up signs over the highway and it must have been sent my satelite because Gertie changed our course to get around it. Way rockin'!
I can't wait to use Gertie to get to my races next summer - I won't get lost anymore...WOO HOO!
I can't wait to use Gertie to get to my races next summer - I won't get lost anymore...WOO HOO!
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Recap!
Holiday Recap!
Mom and Dad came in on the 19th to spend the holidays with us. It was a blast from the start! We shopped, we cooked, we baked, we ate, we played cards, and we had a WONDERFUL time together.
The 20th and 21st, Chuck still had to finish school...so it was me and the 'rents! We did a bunch of last minute Christmas shopping to get the last of Chuck's gifts purchased and wrapped. We had a nice time just walking the shops in Collingswood and Haddonfield. We went to the Candlelight Shopping and picked up some neat things on sale.
Then, the holidays got rolling. Breakfast with Charlie on Christmas Eve morning, dinner with Mickie. Breakfast with Mickie on Christmas Day with a huge turkey dinner here on Christmas Day night. So much food in 48 hours, I could barely walk. I have a LOT of bike riding to do to make up for it!
Santa Claus was VERY good to us this year. Among other goodies that came my way were a new sewing machine (totally cool - I already made curtains for all of my basement windows and a new tablecloth for the dining room!), and Chuck bought me diamonds!!! A TOTAL surprise, he got me two new stacking rings for my wedding band. I now have the original three bands and two more - when I can get a decent photo of it, I'll post! It looks cool and it was very exciting and cute to get something so nice!
We all got a little sick during the vacation. I was holed up on the couch for a day on the 26th with a nasty bronchitis type of thing. Thanks to some kickin' antibiotics, I was well enough on the 27th for our big day trip to Washington D.C.. My mom and dad had never been, so we drove down in the morning and spent the day checking out the memorials and the Natural History Museum. It was a beautiful, sunny day in DC and we had a great time!
Mom and Dad came in on the 19th to spend the holidays with us. It was a blast from the start! We shopped, we cooked, we baked, we ate, we played cards, and we had a WONDERFUL time together.
The 20th and 21st, Chuck still had to finish school...so it was me and the 'rents! We did a bunch of last minute Christmas shopping to get the last of Chuck's gifts purchased and wrapped. We had a nice time just walking the shops in Collingswood and Haddonfield. We went to the Candlelight Shopping and picked up some neat things on sale.
Then, the holidays got rolling. Breakfast with Charlie on Christmas Eve morning, dinner with Mickie. Breakfast with Mickie on Christmas Day with a huge turkey dinner here on Christmas Day night. So much food in 48 hours, I could barely walk. I have a LOT of bike riding to do to make up for it!
Santa Claus was VERY good to us this year. Among other goodies that came my way were a new sewing machine (totally cool - I already made curtains for all of my basement windows and a new tablecloth for the dining room!), and Chuck bought me diamonds!!! A TOTAL surprise, he got me two new stacking rings for my wedding band. I now have the original three bands and two more - when I can get a decent photo of it, I'll post! It looks cool and it was very exciting and cute to get something so nice!
We all got a little sick during the vacation. I was holed up on the couch for a day on the 26th with a nasty bronchitis type of thing. Thanks to some kickin' antibiotics, I was well enough on the 27th for our big day trip to Washington D.C.. My mom and dad had never been, so we drove down in the morning and spent the day checking out the memorials and the Natural History Museum. It was a beautiful, sunny day in DC and we had a great time!
New Addition
OK...so, shortly after I posted about the surprise that I couldn't share until my mom and dad arrived, my friend Karyn calls. Turns out, my post was not as innocuous as I had anticipated and poor Karyn was under the suspicion that our surprise had to do with the pitter patter of little feet. She was not completely wrong about that. What she was wrong about was the type of feet that would be pitter-pattering around our house. Yep...the crazy cat lovers have added another furry feline to the roost! Please welcome Cuchulainn (pronounced Coo-Hool-Lin) to our family!
Her name (Chuck's choice) is that of an Irish hero well known for having fits of rage during which he becomes invincible. The name fits every time she jumps on the head of her 14 pound brother in a galant attempt to wrestle! He flips her over and she just jumps up and attacks again! Of course, her name has been shortened to numerous nicknames like: Coo, Cuey, Cootie, Cutie, Chewy, and Cujo. She's a Torby, which means she's part tortoise-shell and part tabby cat. She's striped, but then she also has patches of colors. She's quite pretty and has a funny little brown mark on her pink nose that makes it look like her nose is dirty!
Her name (Chuck's choice) is that of an Irish hero well known for having fits of rage during which he becomes invincible. The name fits every time she jumps on the head of her 14 pound brother in a galant attempt to wrestle! He flips her over and she just jumps up and attacks again! Of course, her name has been shortened to numerous nicknames like: Coo, Cuey, Cootie, Cutie, Chewy, and Cujo. She's a Torby, which means she's part tortoise-shell and part tabby cat. She's striped, but then she also has patches of colors. She's quite pretty and has a funny little brown mark on her pink nose that makes it look like her nose is dirty!
Her first adventure included climbing into the middle of our Christmas tree!!!
Cute! She's a sweet cat...loves to sleep on your head, loves to play, has already started fetching toys and bringing them back, and the others all love her. She's a great addition to the family. And my mom and dad loved her, too! Even if my mom (rightly) thinks we're insane for now having FOUR cats! Thank god I'm married, or I might end up a lonely old cat lady! :)
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
And a Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to all...although I'm a bit blue at the moment. My mom and dad are headed back to Michigan at the moment (I hope that they make it home ok since D-town got hit with more snow today!). It always makes me sad to have to say goodbye to them after they have come to visit. Even though we had such a WONDERFUL time during their visit...Chuck and I are sitting around tonight lamenting the fact that with only the two of us, we can't very well play a good game of Shanghai Rummy. It was an incredible visit and I'll post a recap and pictures as soon as I can.
And, yes, I will disclose my little secret with a set of photos in my next post. For now...I have to spend some quality alone time with the hubster!
Cheers!
And, yes, I will disclose my little secret with a set of photos in my next post. For now...I have to spend some quality alone time with the hubster!
Cheers!
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