Randon Pics

This is a picture of the cute little car I rented. I would so drive one of these except for the fact that I couldn't put anyone else in it besides a single passenger and with 4 kids that's just not going to work itself out!

This was a picture that Denise and I took following the last day of meetings in Springfield. The building was right by our training center and Denise kept looking out at it and asked me what it looked like - it took me a moment but then it dawned on me...and the giggling began!

Some Pics

Above is a picture of my best friend Kay, myself and then Emily - we all went to Grade School and Junior High together. I was able to stop by my hometown this afternoon while heading home from Springfield.

Right below is a picture of my elementary school the garage in the front of the building has been added sometime since the school shut down - I believe that the place was bought and converted into apartments at one point and perhaps the garage housed some things such as lawn mowers and such. Below is a picture of the house I grew up in...When I lived there there was a HUGE Pine cone tree in the front yard (plus the one you see in the picture) and the house was always kept painted...now it almost looks abandoned - but Richard still lives there apparently...the place has really gone downhill which is a shame because it used to be a really gorgeous property!

The last picture is of the farm from the side road leading up....

Meeting a Fellow Cyclist

The last two days have turned out to be rather good. In part to the fact that while I have enjoyed the entire conference Wednesday night Denise from Fair Oaks came down and amazingly she's Bob's age (2 years older than me is two years older than me...end of story!). So, we've been having a good time. She's very funny and I think we've formed a good bond. Last night we went swimming and hung out...which was much better than sitting around drinking wine with Joyce. No offense at all Joyce...you know I love you!

Last night I had just walked into my room when the phone started ringing - it was the front desk to tell me that someone named Mike Schwaab was in the lobby waiting for me...kinda cool. He's the cyclist from Springfield who sent me the route map. So, I got to meet him which was nice and we took a short little ride.

All in all this has been a super week. I've learned a lot. I've met new people and forged new friendships.

To top off the week this afternoon after we get out of meetings I get to head home. However, I will be making a little stop in Paxton to meet up with my best friend Kay as well as our old classmate from grade school and junior high Emily. Of course we will be meeting at Monical's Pizza (the best pizza place in the universe)! So, I am excited!

Tomorrow I have to take back my cute little rented Toyota Yaris- I highly recommend these cars or even the Prius. Wonderful cars to drive! Gas efficiency ROCKS!
Okay, I'm off to do my thing for the day! Have a super day! Ride safe and be good (or be good enough to get away with whatever bad you've done) :)

Finally a Ride

Well, last night I finally got a ride in. It was 94 degrees and extremely humid, but it felt so wonderful to get out on the bike! I didn't go for a long ride because I had talked to my boss a few minutes before heading out and she said she was going to be arriving soon and then we were all going to dinner. I took part of the route that Mike from Springfield had sent me. I only did 10 miles but it still felt wonderful, plus I knew I was only going to do 10 miles so I hit it hard...got back jumped in the shower and 15 minutes later we headed to the Olive Garden.

I'm amazed that I've lost any weight while down here but I have. Even my jeans which fit pretty comfortably are looser on me. Good stuff! I'm sure it helps that I'm on the bike almost daily, even if not while here, it has to have affected my metabolism.

I'm happy to report that there is finally someone my age down here. Denise got here last night and is about my age. Makes me a little happier.

Anyway, I'm really angling for a ride tonight with the bike club down here. They meet at 5:45 p.m. I'm just going to say no to the girls from work if they request dinner - so unless I'm given orders from Teri I'm riding damnit!

Oh, did I mention that Springfield has BIKE LANES? WOW! I can see the danger in having them as well as the benefit. I guess if we aren't cautious and if the motorists aren't cautious it doesn't matter how many amenities you put in place or how few. So, there it is again - ride and drive safe!

Okay, better get my slow butt moving this morning.
Ride safe!

Well Laid Plans

I woke up to the sound of pouring rain. Wind would whisper and I think of you....


Yes, I'm quoting Skid Row. This morning I jumped out of bed to get ready to hit the road and instead there is rain and more than a "whisper" of wind. I guess I'll try again later today - maybe I can get a ride in before Joyce and Gail get here.

So, I'm sitting here listening to Joyce Meyers, who I do enjoy listening to - even if she isn't Catholic.
Today she's talking about how we are told to honor others, especially our bosses - and how we fail to do this. It's actually a very interestin g talk.

Oh - hotel fun...
Yesterday I get up and head downstairs to grab a bite from the buffet, which I thoguht was one of those continental breakfasts that are included with the hotel stay---HA! I was wrong - as I get done eating this lady comes over to the table I happened to sit at which was occupied by a bunch of our Corporate people and asks how we are paying (seperate bills or together)- yeah I was a little shocked - I thought it was included - Teri said one bill and paid for everyone - THANKYOU TERI!

Okay, I better run!

Be safe - Ride when you can!

First Day of Conferences

Today was the first day of conferences. It was actually an extremely informative day! I learned so much! I mean, I have not been trained on alot of these things before - so a lot of it is new . It was also very nice to meet some of the people I talk to on the phone all the time - it's always good to put a name and face together.

Tomorrow is more of the same - new manuals and information to hear.

On a sad note - this is my second evening in this town and I have yet to get on my bike and go for a ride. This is upsetting to me. Tomorrow my boss and our head receptionist (who does payroll) will be coming down in the evening and I am supposed to meet them for dinner - so I'm not sure if I will manage to get myself out on the bike...that actually seems like a good plan - so in these few moments as I was typing and thinking this out the plan is now that I will go out and ride in the morning.

I am considering just getting up really early and heading out on the route that someone from town emailed me. I should have no problem getting back to the hotel in time to get cleaned up and get myself to the conference center...that is as long as I don't get lost! LOL!

The corporate people took us out to dinner tonight - to the Texas Roadhouse (or maybe it was the Texas Steakhouse) - I had steak and shrimp - YUM!

Okay, I think I'm going to get going - I should probably try hitting the bed pretty soon!

Okay, ride safe and wish me luck tomorrow!

Safe Arrival

Good evening! It's 4:30 p.m. on Monday evening. I have safely arrived in Springfield. It was a heck of a drive - especially for someone who rarely drives! Oh my gosh! It took about 3.5 hours if you take out the time it took to stop for a bathroom break and grab a quick bite to eat.

I had to cross the Illinois River - first, let me mention that I have always disliked the act of driving over a bridge. In all honesty I'd feel safer walking over a bridge - this may be a throw back to years in the back seat of the family Monte Carlo while my stepfather drove us on vacation while looking out the passenger side window - even while we were crossing bridges. I from the backseat would be worried sick that we were going to run into the people in front of us and cause them to go over the side of the bridge or that we would be the ones going over...so now I had to cross the river - not only do I rarely drive and dislike crossing rivers in the first place (it has more to do with high bridges) but the bridge is under construction ----thus, one lane that felt like the size of oh I don't know - an ice cream sandwich! Okay, exaggeration? yes. Of course but I was a little wigged out on the bridge! I made it over safely and gave a thanks to the angel set to watch over me! Other than that I made great time. The rental car rocks - I think I might have to look into buying one of them - it's a Toyota Yaris. Nice! I think Cassy would like it too!

So, here I am safe and sound - all by myself - but I think I'm going to go pick up some dinner soon and stop someplace to pick up a soda and a bag of sunflower seeds for later in the night while I'm sitting on my bed reading.

Oh, I also picked up the new Bret Michaels CD today so that I'd have something fun to listen to. I'm still listening to it - trying to decided how I feel about it - seems all right - some of the songs are so so but there are also a few that I really like. So, good buy I guess.

Okay, that's it - stay safe folks and if you're from Springfield and want to meet up and ride with me shoot me an email at gabriela168@yahoo.com.

Talk soon!