This Is Real!

Last night was fun for all at Fat Cats. I met Lynn, Matt, Pam and her boys at the Salomon Center for a little Thursday night fun. Fun it was. Just as we were wrapping things up in the arcade and moving toward mini-golf mode, Matt threw a couple of tokens into a machine. Things went well, so he threw in a couple more. Then he figured out that there is a bonus round and potential to win BIG if you do it right...

He did it right! He won over 1283 tickets! Standing in the prize line while he picked out his prizes was quite entertaining. Then, just for kicks and the "that could NEVER happen again factor" he bought 4 more tokens and gave it a shot......

Yep, he won again!!!! It was crazy and fun! Matt's ticket total for the night tallied at 2351. Impressive.

Another Georgia Story:

I went to Lynn and Matt's last night to learn more bike mechanic stuff, this time Matt did all the work though. When I arrived Lynn told me about her fun day of hiking since she had taken the day off of work. She said at the trail head her pooches were in the car and going a little crazy. When she looked around she realized it was because Georgia was walking by. Lynn has never met nor seen Kent, my roommate, but totally recognized Georgia! She asked Kent if that was Georgia and of course he was surprised and answered in the affirmative. I thought it was funny that Lynn recognized little Georgia and that is how she met my roommate.

Snips and Snails, and Puppy Dog Tails....

That's what little boys are made of!

Monday night I went to visit my friend, Sara, and her two kiddos, Kade and Kaley. They are all a blast to hang out with. I took Georgia with me so that Kade could earn some money to pay for his new bike by bathing/grooming her. He ended up with a new best friend. Georgia and Kade played hard together all evening. He washed her, she stood patiently. He brushed her, she stood patiently. Together they ran their little hearts out; around the block, to the park, around the park, and home again. Kade threw a stick, Georgia showed off her mad keep-away skills. She's not so good at the fetch thing.


Today I received a text message from Kade's mom, Sara. "Would you like to come over for dinner next Monday night in exchange for dog visitation?" Kade and Georgia make a great pair, they both are full of energy and totally love each other. Kade can have dog visitation whenever he wishes.

Drafting behind a garbage truck

is EXTREMELY smelly but VERY effective! This morning on my ride to work I was pedaling fast down 20th street, running a bit behind after stopping at the store to buy lunch materials. While pedaling I came upon a dump truck when he sped up I hopped in right behind him and managed to find that "sweet spot" where (due to the way the air flows) he was actually pulling me and I was doing very little work, yet traveling at about 35 MPH...it was nice, except for the smell.

Strength and Balance

were not lost but momentarily misplaced. I had this realization as I was lost deep in thought while pedaling Edna up some steep, gnarly hills yesterday in Eden. As I pedaled one thought continued to run through my mind, it was from a comment that a friend who has known me for a very long time left on last Wednesday's post.

"sometimes, when you are really tired, really sad, really angry, really...not you," not me...no that day I wasn't me and that happens to us sometimes, we're human beings. Ah ha, I get it. We're good now...sometimes I'm just a little slow.

Touched Moved and Inspired

I read the blog post of a friend this morning and it was awesome. She always writes great stuff and I look forward to her Friday posts which she refers to as "Whole Thoughts". I feel like I just chugged an energy drink for my soul. Today's post was about children and smiles and giggles, really about the purity and fullness of life. Something there resonated with me and I am better because of it. Go HERE to read today's "Whole Thought".

Falling on My Face

Yesterday's posts were those of honest expression; expression of real, raw, emotions. In the midst of those emotions a very funny thing happened, I will tell the story.

Yesterday a scene similar to that of Armageddon hit the office. People were on edge, worried, fearing for their jobs; just a weird environment. In the late afternoon I received a really funny email from a friend. As I'm reading/laughing out loud through this email I get a call. As I am helping the snowboard shop on the other end of the line set up a warranty for a snowboard I'm still giggling (only partially contained) at the email I had been reading when the phone rang. Mid-call my supervisor comes to me desk and says "meeting in the conference room, hurry on this call." It was then that I looked around and saw that both sides of my department had vacated all cubicles and I was the only one left on the floor. I knew what he meant by hurry. When I finished the call I slipped on my sandals (no time to buckle them), grabbed my water bottle (luckily the cap had been screwed on tight), and ran for the door toward the conference room. The conference room that is built of glass walls... just as I rounded the corner where all 35 of my colleagues in said conference room could see me, my unbuckled sandal caused me to trip over my very own two feet and hit the floor with a loud and very hard "THUD". As I laid on the floor with my head in my hands all I could think was, "Oh shit." Then I started to get up, realizing that I see these people for 9 hours every day I figured they see me make an ass out of myself all the time. Suddenly the situation was less embarassing...until I looked up at the group (who were all looking back at me) and I saw the CFO of our parent company sitting at the head of the table. Yeah, I was right the first time, this was embarassing. But I waved at everyone and then got on my feet and walked into the conference room.

I wish that my pride had been the only thing scathed but I have a large bruise and scrape on my hip and a scrape to an elbow. Surprisingly painful. I guess most of us stop taking tumbles like that when we're toddlers, makes sense that we would forget how badly it can hurt.

Fast-Forward Please

I would be perfectly content with not living this part of my life. I could happily hit the fast-forward button and whiz by without a regret; on to less emotional, more enjoyable parts of life. I suppose I could use the old cliche, "this is a test" and it would be true. I have learned a lot in recent months and weeks and here is my opportunity it put it to the test, when things seem shitty. I know the rules; live for the moment, every minute I spend angry and negative is a minute of my life I won't get back, this one thing doesn't ruin everything else that is good, blah blah blah. It sounds a whole lot easier to me to grab that gallon of Captain, order in a couple of pizzas from Pizza Hut, drink myself silly, eat myself sick, and call it a night.

Today I've forgotten why the hard work is so worth it, today I've lost sight of the vision that I live for. Today I feel alone. Those I love are a million miles away...okay so Idaho isn't a million miles but Ohio is close to it. Sure, I could make new friends and that would be dandy but right now I just want mine; nothing can take their place. And in the search for a new friend who knows what I'll find, I'm not good at that. And what about the one I gave up on, a relationship that ended months ago now feels like a devastating loss.

I sense the very real possibility of bitterness on the horizon. It would be so easy to be bitter and angry, and that would take away my responsibility to deal with life and move on. Bitterness is easy to come by for me these days as I sit at home and stare at a computer screen or watch that movie for the trillionth time. It could be considered a pitiful life when your social excitement is going to the plasma donation center twice a week.

Truth, I feel I've lost my balance and my strength. I had done well, kept it together, but I may not have that anymore. I don't think I want to give up. I have traveled far and worked hard to get there. Something may have broken that part of me that cares...then again maybe not.

Metaphors

If it weren't annoying enough that my damn mouth has been in pain for the last 5 days...I now have a painful hip because I fell flat on my face at work today (perfect metaphor for my life today also).

Striking a Particular Chord Today

From the album "Interventions and Lullabies" by The Format

What's left to lose?
You've done enough and if you fail well then you fail but not to us;
Cause these last three years, I know they've been hard;
But now it's time to get out of the desert and into the sun;
Even if it's alone.

Back in the Saddle

Today is my first day back on my bike since the wisdom tooth extraction last Friday...5 days, not bad. Today I am just commuting to and from work. Tomorrow I'm doing a 20 mile ride with a friend who is new to cycling. Friday I will do a 60...maybe farther if the mood strikes me. Maybe I should pack my sleeping bag in case I start riding and just never stop. It's good to be back on my bike. Edna has missed me and I have missed her, terribly.

Waiting to be "normal" again...

Today was not a good day in the healing process. I am a bit impatient when it comes to not being in 100% health. Today I was quite swollen and in the most pain I've experienced so far. I came home from work at 11:00am and slept the day away with no pain medication as it was making me nauseous so I woke up 5 hours later in a lot of pain and very grumpy. I sat around and felt sorry for myself for a bit, wished those that I love were here to make me tea or just be here, got mad that I couldn't eat food of any real substance, and then I got over it. I laughed myself right out of that funk when I saw the comments that Jaymee had left on the blog I entered on Sunday. If you haven't read them please do. I hope they can make you laugh half as hard as they made me laugh.

This sedation was a bit different than the one I experienced in November. This time I remember quite a bit more of what happened as I was coming out of it. The stories Jaymee tells I do vaguely remember bits and pieces of...and I remember how gross my teeth looked with blood all over, yet I still demanded to go to Albertson's! Hahahaha. Beyond the pain at least its something to laugh over!

My Weekend

My weekend was:
Queen sized beds in the middle of my living room
Eating lots of Top Ramen
Cuddles with Georgia my favorite pup
Very puffy cheeks
Percoset
More KFC mashed potatoes than one should consume in a lifetime
Jaymee's chocolate milk shakes
Too many movies to count


This time there was NO:
Swearing at the nurses
Removal of clothing
Vomiting

I didn't take into account.

I rode my bike to work in the rain today as I have for most of this week. No big deal. But today was "real" rain with water standing on the streets. The previous days this week have just been sprinkles falling on dry pavement. I have a waterproof jacket and the ride to work is only 10 minutes, no big deal. The one thing I didn't account for was how wet the back of my pants would get from the standing water on the roads. So now I sit here at my desk hoping that my ass dries soon and that it's not raining at 5 o'clock tonight when work is finished.

A Morsel of Advice on a Wednesday...

I feel as though its not wise or beneficial to one's mental state to watch a show about wisdom tooth extraction if you are going to have your own wisdom teeth removed in 3 days. Last night I was watching Jon & Kate plus 8 while cleaning my bike...I have to watch it in case they talk at all about their families latest "soap opera" situation. I like enjoying other people's drama, gives me no need for my own. When Jon & Kate plus 8 ended I was very into the bike thing and didn't need to change the TV channel, it was only there for background noise to keep me company. The next thing I knew there was a show called "18 Kids and Counting" on. This episode just so happened to be about two of their teenage girls having their wisdom teeth removed. I suddenly felt even more anxious about a procedure that already had me a little bit on edge.

Don't do it!

Clouds, Cold, Naps, Rain

This time around it's as if summer is declining our daily invitations. Where is the sun, the warmth, the calm...we beg. On the same token this cold, rainy, cloudy, windy weather is welcome in my world. Especially today, a day where going home and taking a long nap is my only desire. After napping I'll consider a healthy dinner to satisfy my hunger before crawling between my cozy sheets for the what remains of the night. Last night was less than desirable and deprived me of much sleep, tonight I will rest and claim the sleep that is mine.

Timely...
The countdown is on, I leave the office in 15 minutes for my 30 minute bike commute home. The rain has held since 10:00 this morning, I see the first new drop hit the window at my desk 15 minutes before I leave the office. One drop has turned to infinite numbers as I watch the down pour happen with only the office wall separating us, for now. In 15 minutes I'll leave the office to be separated from the rain only by my waterproof cycling jacket, I'm glad it works and only wish I had waterproof pants too!

For your viewing and listening pleasure

a slideshow of Saturdays ride can be found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-bGLQ4pvoc

Todays Post

can be found at www.pedalingwithapurpose.blogspot.com. Thanks for stopping by.

This morning at work...

I danced on my desk while listening to "The Best of John Travolta". The beginning of being pumped up for tomorrow.

Today's quote from The Office:

I work hard all day. I like knowing there's going to be a break. Most days I just sit and wait for the break.

-Kevin

Tuesday Randomness

-Last night Matt began teaching me how to completely disassemble my bike in order to clean and maintain it. Super fun.

-I'm pining a bit for winter lately...may seem crazy. I'll be ready for the snow when it returns.

-Success has been found with new eating habits. So far I haven't even missed soda or fast food!

-Tomorrow will be my last ride to prepare for the century, Thursday and Friday will be rest and carb loading.

-Wondering how I'll feel after my wisdom teeth are out next Friday. I can only hope for a sedation as entertaining as this one and a fast, healthy recovery.

-I've been reading an Alaska blog today. It excites my sense of adventure to read about the people, the culture, and the land. Thanks to Dawn for turning me onto The Tundra PA's blog. Over the past couple of months I have read the entire account of her first year in Alaska, quite inspiring.

-My car has been for sale for nearly a week and there have been no interested buyers to date. Lynn is glad. She says its a bad idea to sell it.

-Going to Ohio in 4 weeks and 2 days...VERY excited for that.

-Looking forward to hanging out with my friends at the plasma center after work.

Motivational Quote for Today:

Today I had a triumph of the human body. My guts. My heart. While I eventually puked my guts out, I never puked my heart out. And I am very, very proud of that.
-Michael

My BFF is now a biker biker too!!!

It is a very cool thing when your best friend discovers they like cycling a lot too. Jaymee went on an experimental road ride last week and had so much fun she bought herself a road bike! She came to visit this weekend and we had fun riding around Ogden.

Today*

Today discouragement looms, what if I can't do it?
There are many things I can do but THIS I don't know. While I question I also know failure is not an option, making me wonder the depth of the pain I'll endure to succeed. Soon I will know. Defeat and failure dance on my brain as I consider, "I could give up." Then I remember, when Kara battled a most devastating battle she didn't give up, she fought and her pain I will never comprehend. I am pedaling for Kara, I will fight, I will feel pain and I will remember her. I will honor her.

Today I miss those that I love...I miss you more than normal, today it's almost painful that you're not here. Today I need your hug, the one you give when life seems hard, the one that says "I can't fix it, I can't make it better, but I can love you." That hug makes me feel as though I am the most important thing in the world to you at that moment, and that's all I need...just a moment.

Today nature is calling me. The vista is magnificent. Today the sun shines, the mountains are green, the sky is blue and the fluffy clouds seem to dance as they happily pass by. While life happens my world is still good, still peaceful, and there is still joy. I am surrounded by beauty and I see it in all directions. I am very lucky, lucky to live this life, lucky that I get it...some never do. Today I'll go to the mountain, there I can be peaceful, quiet, thoughtful...there I can just simply be.

*Maybe this blog should have been titled "Today...sappy and emotional" This is to be expected on occasion after all, I am a girl.

Pushing Limits

After work Friday was a road ride, an attempt to prepare for this week's century...that's 100 miles. Friday we rode 73 miles. From the office to Antelope Island, the island road and then back to Ogden.

Being the weakest link in the group this was my view for most of the day...the asses of Lynn and Amanda.

Lynn "the powerhouse" Hewitt.

Amanda looking the way I felt.

Typical Brooke.

One highlight from the day was seeing this Antelope up close and personal. It was my first and it got very close to us. Cool.