Since I got stomped last night I considered what I could do to improve myself - besides, or in conjunction with John D's offer to do interval training with me. I picked up a book which discusses women's cycling in all aspects.
I haven't started reading it yet (just got home a little bit ago) but will tackle that this weekend and see what other things I can do to improve myself.
Windy 60 is next weekend. Might be doing that one alone...not sure - haven't talked to anyone else who's riding it at this point. Not sure my kiddo is up for 60 miles.
Anyway, I'm off to take the kids for ice cream - that thunderstorm earlier didn't do a lot to alleviate the heat.
Oh yeah, and no ride tonight b/c we are under a thunderstorm warning until 7 p.m. So, I'll rest today and hopefully grab a ride with Karen or Cassy tomorrow.
I ended July with only 7 days off the bike - hoping to knock that number lower in August. As of today I have 96 commutes by bike to work for the year. I also have 1,632 miles of cycling under my belt so far this year. August and September should still be good months to ride alot and then I will continue commuting through the winter as long as there isn't too much snow or ice to get through. So, I think I should be able to hit the 2,500 mile goal I set for myself this year.
Ride Safe!
A blog about my exploits on my bike, my adventures with my camera, my life of rock and roll concerts, my 4 kids, and just about any other topic I think worth talking about.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Had your ass handed to you lately?
I have. Went out to ride with the group tonight, was happy to see some people (Mike) who I haven't seen in a while . A few minutes before we were getting ready to leave two of the fast guys (Brian and bearded Mike..I think those are their names) showed up. I knew immediately what would happen. They'd hammer it out (which equals their warm up) for about 5 miles before dropping me...and that's about what happened - I lasted a little longer than that - but not sure how much longer because at that point I had so much sweat falling into my eyes that I couldn't read my computer.
So, Karen was kind enough to hang back with me. We rode it - averaging 16.5 for the ride - that was a good speed for me! I'm sucking these days - not sure why - I wouldn't think that missing 1 ride - even for a couple of weeks would hurt me so badly but apparently it has. It's a little depressing.
Afterwards we changed at Karen's and headed up to Twins for Spaghetti and drinks. Tim and Mike were already there - I hate that I'm the slow one! We had a good time and some good laughs. It was nice hanging out with them. Gonna have to start bringing Cassy with me, although they are all now aware that I'm that slow - so it wouldn't do me any good!
Going to try drinking more water on the day of the ride - prior to getting to the ride. Hoping it's something simple like that - I feel like I'm actually sliding backwards - or at least progressing more slowly than before. Going to have to start doing those interval training rides (GASP).
OH yeah, I got to tell Karen about the latest sage with the In-laws. There is really no reason for a 60 year old woman to get arrested. It's all very sad and disturbing...Poor Bob is beside himself and I think wishes everyone would just not act like a nutter - guess that's too much to ask.
I think it was decided also that Mike H. is now going to be called Dad (by me anyway) lol - So as we left Twins I asked "dad" for a new bike for Christmas...I should have been more specific - Orbea Diva would be fabulous! I don't think I'm getting one though he said I've been a naughty girl LMAO! Probaby true!
Okay, Ride Safe folks - I'm jumping in the shower and heading to bed! Riding 20 miles tomorrow with John and Cassy at 5 from the bike shop if anyone wants to join.
So, Karen was kind enough to hang back with me. We rode it - averaging 16.5 for the ride - that was a good speed for me! I'm sucking these days - not sure why - I wouldn't think that missing 1 ride - even for a couple of weeks would hurt me so badly but apparently it has. It's a little depressing.
Afterwards we changed at Karen's and headed up to Twins for Spaghetti and drinks. Tim and Mike were already there - I hate that I'm the slow one! We had a good time and some good laughs. It was nice hanging out with them. Gonna have to start bringing Cassy with me, although they are all now aware that I'm that slow - so it wouldn't do me any good!
Going to try drinking more water on the day of the ride - prior to getting to the ride. Hoping it's something simple like that - I feel like I'm actually sliding backwards - or at least progressing more slowly than before. Going to have to start doing those interval training rides (GASP).
OH yeah, I got to tell Karen about the latest sage with the In-laws. There is really no reason for a 60 year old woman to get arrested. It's all very sad and disturbing...Poor Bob is beside himself and I think wishes everyone would just not act like a nutter - guess that's too much to ask.
I think it was decided also that Mike H. is now going to be called Dad (by me anyway) lol - So as we left Twins I asked "dad" for a new bike for Christmas...I should have been more specific - Orbea Diva would be fabulous! I don't think I'm getting one though he said I've been a naughty girl LMAO! Probaby true!
Okay, Ride Safe folks - I'm jumping in the shower and heading to bed! Riding 20 miles tomorrow with John and Cassy at 5 from the bike shop if anyone wants to join.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Surprise Ride
Well, another day at work with those people from the Federal Government hanging around - I can't complain too much considering it allowed me to keep my door shut all day (something with propping your door open with a chair being against building codes or some such thing ---eh...it's a nursing home). Having my door shut unfortunately doesn't mean not working (just in case you read that boss!) it simply means that I have less interruptions and fewer people trying to tell me stories I am not particularly interested in hearing (just in case the boss reads this and is under the impression I like people stopping to talk when I have work to do).
So, it's all fine and dandy with me - plus I can turn on the mp3 player and enjoy some music since the Administrator and maintenance man came and took my extension cord (another building code problem for nursing homes) and thus have left me without a place to plug in my radio.
After getting home (I had literally just sat down from riding home - took the long windy way home ---okay not so long, but a little longer than the straight to work and home thing)...so...as I was saying, after plopping down on the couch and discussing the day with the kids my phone rings ---I wasn't expecting any calls. It was John....who I hoped was calling for a ride- he didn't disappoint - asking me if I was interested in grabbing a ride on the bike this evening...nothing hard (he forgets I haven't been getting those good long rides in much lately). So, I meet him at the bike shop maybe 20 minutes after he called :) As I ride up he says What took so long? did you have to put your makeup on? (or something to that effect). So, off we went to Waterman - thankfully his knee was hurting so he had to take it easy- While I hope his knee feels better soon I was rather happy that I didn't have to pedal desperately hoping that I would be able to hang on a little longer...
On the way back it looked like rain - and upon getting back to the bike shop where I bought some new handlebar tape, since mine was unwinding - it began to pour! I rode home in the rain---I'm used to that. It was 91 or 92 degrees this afternoon so the rain felt good on the final couple of miles home.
After getting out of the shower I saw that Karen had called - she's back from RAGBRAI. She said it was fabulous - I'm a little envious - looking forward to the days when I can leave for a week without feeling guilty about taking a trip for my own enjoyment without the kids and hubby.
We are riding tomorrow night on the Wednesday night ride - hopefully they take it easy - although I've considered taking Cassy with me so that I have an excuse for riding slower lol - yes I know that's horrible - but it also saves me from being dropped...afterwards we will hit Twins for a post ride all you can eat spaghetti dinner ...no one can finish more than one plate - it's huge! They make out pretty good on that deal!
Cubs are winning in the bottom of the 7th inning and my dog is hiding because of the storm - this is a 50 pound German Short-haired Pointer who's hiding in a cabinet that isn't more than 2 feet wide and about 12 inches deep....crazy dog - I think he's scared of the thunder! Poor Brownie - he's very sweet - but not much of a guard dog! If someone ever breaks in he will bark at them and then run and hide someplace! LOL!
Below is a pic of my biking jersey (the back) which got very dirty during the ride home in the rain....where's that tide stick?
So, it's all fine and dandy with me - plus I can turn on the mp3 player and enjoy some music since the Administrator and maintenance man came and took my extension cord (another building code problem for nursing homes) and thus have left me without a place to plug in my radio.
After getting home (I had literally just sat down from riding home - took the long windy way home ---okay not so long, but a little longer than the straight to work and home thing)...so...as I was saying, after plopping down on the couch and discussing the day with the kids my phone rings ---I wasn't expecting any calls. It was John....who I hoped was calling for a ride- he didn't disappoint - asking me if I was interested in grabbing a ride on the bike this evening...nothing hard (he forgets I haven't been getting those good long rides in much lately). So, I meet him at the bike shop maybe 20 minutes after he called :) As I ride up he says What took so long? did you have to put your makeup on? (or something to that effect). So, off we went to Waterman - thankfully his knee was hurting so he had to take it easy- While I hope his knee feels better soon I was rather happy that I didn't have to pedal desperately hoping that I would be able to hang on a little longer...
On the way back it looked like rain - and upon getting back to the bike shop where I bought some new handlebar tape, since mine was unwinding - it began to pour! I rode home in the rain---I'm used to that. It was 91 or 92 degrees this afternoon so the rain felt good on the final couple of miles home.
After getting out of the shower I saw that Karen had called - she's back from RAGBRAI. She said it was fabulous - I'm a little envious - looking forward to the days when I can leave for a week without feeling guilty about taking a trip for my own enjoyment without the kids and hubby.
We are riding tomorrow night on the Wednesday night ride - hopefully they take it easy - although I've considered taking Cassy with me so that I have an excuse for riding slower lol - yes I know that's horrible - but it also saves me from being dropped...afterwards we will hit Twins for a post ride all you can eat spaghetti dinner ...no one can finish more than one plate - it's huge! They make out pretty good on that deal!
Cubs are winning in the bottom of the 7th inning and my dog is hiding because of the storm - this is a 50 pound German Short-haired Pointer who's hiding in a cabinet that isn't more than 2 feet wide and about 12 inches deep....crazy dog - I think he's scared of the thunder! Poor Brownie - he's very sweet - but not much of a guard dog! If someone ever breaks in he will bark at them and then run and hide someplace! LOL!
Below is a pic of my biking jersey (the back) which got very dirty during the ride home in the rain....where's that tide stick?
Ride Safe!
Monday, July 28, 2008
Forced Motivation
Okay, I know I've been a little lax - after that 100 mile beanzie ride I had a sore knee - then I just was tired - so I didn't do much riding - honestly it was a sickly pathetic week on the riding scale considering what nice weather we've had the past week.
Today I forced myself to get up at 5 a.m. - I swear that snooze button looked like a good idea -but I just couldn't. I grabbed my mp3 player and had the music on within about 3 minutes of rolling out of bed, mumbling and grumbling about being exhausted and feeling old. Got dressed and headed into work on the bike. Pushed it a little bit - not too much - just hit the hill hard -
Work was a long 9 hours but I did them and got out - rode home at a pretty good pace and hit the big hill by NIU (okay I'm a flatlander so anything that goes upwards and takes more than 10 seconds to get over qualifies as a hill here). After getting home I cooked dinner. We ate and Cassy and I jumped on the bikes and headed to Wal-mart on the bikes! Hit the hill in Hopkins and waited at the end of it for Cassy to catch up - yes she's my baby girl but I can't help but be a little competitive about it with her.
On the ride back Ithought she was going to try to get a jump on me at the end like she did last time and so I grabbed another gear and rode hard but she laughed and said I learned my lesson last time...oh well, I kept going to finish strong.
Fun times.
Gotta go - Ride Safe!
Today I forced myself to get up at 5 a.m. - I swear that snooze button looked like a good idea -but I just couldn't. I grabbed my mp3 player and had the music on within about 3 minutes of rolling out of bed, mumbling and grumbling about being exhausted and feeling old. Got dressed and headed into work on the bike. Pushed it a little bit - not too much - just hit the hill hard -
Work was a long 9 hours but I did them and got out - rode home at a pretty good pace and hit the big hill by NIU (okay I'm a flatlander so anything that goes upwards and takes more than 10 seconds to get over qualifies as a hill here). After getting home I cooked dinner. We ate and Cassy and I jumped on the bikes and headed to Wal-mart on the bikes! Hit the hill in Hopkins and waited at the end of it for Cassy to catch up - yes she's my baby girl but I can't help but be a little competitive about it with her.
On the ride back Ithought she was going to try to get a jump on me at the end like she did last time and so I grabbed another gear and rode hard but she laughed and said I learned my lesson last time...oh well, I kept going to finish strong.
Fun times.
Gotta go - Ride Safe!
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Sunday in the Park
Today I am unmotivated and feeling lazy. I just want to lie on the couch and relax...instead I got up and baked some blueberry muffins for the family. Later I'm having the rest of the family (mom, brothers) over for taco's. Luke and Zach are coming as well.
Bob made a bonfire last night - it was nice - I grabbed my blanket sat on my chair with my feet up and enjoyed it - the only bad thing - the bugs, I can't use bug spray - it makes me break out and usually makes me sick - so if the kids have it on I can't get too close to them. UGH!
Anyway, I had considered getting on the bike this morning and riding but I just can't pull together enough energy to do so...which sucks because I know once I'm out there I'm fine especially with my MP3 player - maybe I'll mention it to Cassy and we could take a ride around 11 or so.
That's about it for me - I spent so much money on groceries this week - but I still have pretty bare cupboards...sad! I still have to get bread and I'll need milk later in the week! Unreal!
I'm going to have to go sell a kidney or something!
All right - well I'm going to go enjoy a blueberry muffin with my coffee and then relax until everyone else wakes up!
Ride safe!
Bob made a bonfire last night - it was nice - I grabbed my blanket sat on my chair with my feet up and enjoyed it - the only bad thing - the bugs, I can't use bug spray - it makes me break out and usually makes me sick - so if the kids have it on I can't get too close to them. UGH!
Anyway, I had considered getting on the bike this morning and riding but I just can't pull together enough energy to do so...which sucks because I know once I'm out there I'm fine especially with my MP3 player - maybe I'll mention it to Cassy and we could take a ride around 11 or so.
That's about it for me - I spent so much money on groceries this week - but I still have pretty bare cupboards...sad! I still have to get bread and I'll need milk later in the week! Unreal!
I'm going to have to go sell a kidney or something!
All right - well I'm going to go enjoy a blueberry muffin with my coffee and then relax until everyone else wakes up!
Ride safe!
Saturday, July 26, 2008
New approach with the All - American Game
Today the boys and I went over to the park to throw the baseball around. As we were there the few kids who seem to have a predisposition towards violence were fighting amongst each other and seemed to decide even with me there they'd come and stand around watching us to see if they could intimidate the kids- (I say this because of repeated attempts to beat up my children and several others at the park, on the bus, and anywhere else they've caught kids they can intimidate and beat up) - they started laughing at them for bad throws, bad catches etc. So I asked them if they wanted to play - my kids almost fell over - they all said no ...I asked why not - since they were standing around doing nothing but talking crap why not come and show my boys how to play the right way...well what choice did they have because being the hard assses that they think they are they had been called out and had something to prove.
So, we split up into teams. I tell them I'm the umpire and we have at it - well these boys have never played baseball in their lives - I assure you - one tried to put on a glove on the wrong hand and backwards....I showed each of them what they needed to do in whatever area they were having trouble with - We played 7 innings of very fun baseball - the crap talking stopped because - well they all kind of sucked - but those boys were all high fiving - they were jumping up and down for each other when a good hit was made, or when a nice tag out happened - and afterwards they asked if we could play again tomorrow - I told them if they could play to stop by our house after 1:00 tomorrow afternoon -
As we were leaving the park all the boys were saying goodbye to each other - I doubt that this will resolve all the problems, or possibly not any of them - but for one afternoon they forgot who was white and who was black and who was tough and who was not and they played ball - it was pretty cool and a lot of fun.
Nothing much else today - the house is clean I still need to actually get real grocery shopping done as I only got a few things last night. Okay, have a super day and ride safe!
So, we split up into teams. I tell them I'm the umpire and we have at it - well these boys have never played baseball in their lives - I assure you - one tried to put on a glove on the wrong hand and backwards....I showed each of them what they needed to do in whatever area they were having trouble with - We played 7 innings of very fun baseball - the crap talking stopped because - well they all kind of sucked - but those boys were all high fiving - they were jumping up and down for each other when a good hit was made, or when a nice tag out happened - and afterwards they asked if we could play again tomorrow - I told them if they could play to stop by our house after 1:00 tomorrow afternoon -
As we were leaving the park all the boys were saying goodbye to each other - I doubt that this will resolve all the problems, or possibly not any of them - but for one afternoon they forgot who was white and who was black and who was tough and who was not and they played ball - it was pretty cool and a lot of fun.
Nothing much else today - the house is clean I still need to actually get real grocery shopping done as I only got a few things last night. Okay, have a super day and ride safe!
Friday, July 25, 2008
It never fails...!
What never fails you might be asking yourself? What never fails is that when I am the designated late manager at the facility things happen that just don't happen to the other managers.
In the 4 years I've been at the company on days I've been late or weekend manager the following is a short list of just a few of the things that have happened while I've been a manager on duty.
Example 1: Two nurses get into a verbal fight - that just keeps going and going...
Example 2: Whole groups of staaff just don't show up for work..I don't mean a couple of people, I mean so many people that departments aren't going to be able to do their jobs because they are so short handed.
Example 3: A nurse chases me down, gets in my face and starts yelling at me about something - that I have no clue about - ends up she thought I was someone else! HA!
So, tonight shouldn't be any different right? Right! I got to work at 6:15 a.m. I work all day, take a 30 minute lunch and then at the end of the day as everyone else is leaving inquire about possiblity of any admissions in the evening - of course the two admissions we were expecting during the day hadn't come - so both show up after most everyone else (management) is gone. I run around trying to get people settled in and all that jazz. I go round up dinner for them - the one family decides they are going to take the new resident out for dinner because they came from some distance away and are all hungry. I explain the visiting hour procedure, what happens if they aren't to the building in time and all that jazz...of course by this time it's already 30 minutes after I should have left the building for the night - instead I'm stuck waiting for them to come back to do paperwork...which they refused to do before leaving (believe me I tried to get it done before they left). At 8:15 they still weren't back. I finally just left - I was exhausted and my kids were very hungry for a decent meal. I don't know if the lady ever came back - yeesh! Other than that it was actually a very good day. I didn't get in trouble for anything. The administrator continued being kind...I think he's starting to mello out a bit (praying for this to be the case). All of my work is done, for now, I mean when I go back Monday there will be a whole new week worth of stuff to accomplish, but all in all, I've had a long, but productive and relatively calm day.
Anyway, I'm very tired - I'm going to hit the bed soon. Tomorrow I was planning on riding to Kirkland but after being at work so late tonight I may stay home with the kids and just take a quick trip out on the bike at 5:30a.m. head over to Waterman and then come back and bake some blueberry muffins for the kids and myself - I've now lost 20 lbs so I think I can eat 1 big fat blueberry muffin...right? RIGHT!
Ride safe -
In the 4 years I've been at the company on days I've been late or weekend manager the following is a short list of just a few of the things that have happened while I've been a manager on duty.
Example 1: Two nurses get into a verbal fight - that just keeps going and going...
Example 2: Whole groups of staaff just don't show up for work..I don't mean a couple of people, I mean so many people that departments aren't going to be able to do their jobs because they are so short handed.
Example 3: A nurse chases me down, gets in my face and starts yelling at me about something - that I have no clue about - ends up she thought I was someone else! HA!
So, tonight shouldn't be any different right? Right! I got to work at 6:15 a.m. I work all day, take a 30 minute lunch and then at the end of the day as everyone else is leaving inquire about possiblity of any admissions in the evening - of course the two admissions we were expecting during the day hadn't come - so both show up after most everyone else (management) is gone. I run around trying to get people settled in and all that jazz. I go round up dinner for them - the one family decides they are going to take the new resident out for dinner because they came from some distance away and are all hungry. I explain the visiting hour procedure, what happens if they aren't to the building in time and all that jazz...of course by this time it's already 30 minutes after I should have left the building for the night - instead I'm stuck waiting for them to come back to do paperwork...which they refused to do before leaving (believe me I tried to get it done before they left). At 8:15 they still weren't back. I finally just left - I was exhausted and my kids were very hungry for a decent meal. I don't know if the lady ever came back - yeesh! Other than that it was actually a very good day. I didn't get in trouble for anything. The administrator continued being kind...I think he's starting to mello out a bit (praying for this to be the case). All of my work is done, for now, I mean when I go back Monday there will be a whole new week worth of stuff to accomplish, but all in all, I've had a long, but productive and relatively calm day.
Anyway, I'm very tired - I'm going to hit the bed soon. Tomorrow I was planning on riding to Kirkland but after being at work so late tonight I may stay home with the kids and just take a quick trip out on the bike at 5:30a.m. head over to Waterman and then come back and bake some blueberry muffins for the kids and myself - I've now lost 20 lbs so I think I can eat 1 big fat blueberry muffin...right? RIGHT!
Ride safe -
Thursday, July 24, 2008
The music moves me...
I reloaded my mp3 player - threw some Skid Row and Poison on there. I haven't ridden with my mp3 player on in a long time but I did yesterday and I did today and I have to say ....the music moves me. I'm faster with my favorite tunes in my right ear.
Today I rode the Trek, mainly because I had to make a court appearance to pay that stupid ticket, and the G.F.W. is pretty heavy compared to the Trek. I also didn't want to leave all my crap in my panniers while I stood inside the court house waiting to give them my hard earned money. So I loaded the backpack, threw on my black capri sweatpants and one of Bob's 'wife beaters', turned on the mp3 player and rode to Sycamore on the bike path listening to Ozzy, Skid Row, Greenda, Poison and some other stuff. The ride into Sycamore averaged in at 16.5 mph and I wasn't really pushing too hard...(note to self: work on pedaling correctly instead of pushing so much).
After paying the outrages ticket fee, and bumping into only one person from high school, who happened to be someone I liked, I headed back over to my bike (which I had to park in front of the cycle shop in Sycamore because there isn't a bike rack at the courthouse...think I might have to send the city of Sycamore a letter about that), and rode into work , making a quick stop to get a large sweet tea at the McDonalds.
Worked till 5 p.m. Had a pretty good day as the Admin. was joking around and being nice to me today, apparently it wasn't pick on Patty day....unusual...maybe he's just holding out till tomorrow so he can really make the day miserable. I Concentrated on pedaling correctly, which increased my speed while keeping my legs from feeling so drained. Came across 5 guys on mountain bikes while on the path, who didn't bother to get out of my way even as we came onto the sidewalk at 1st street (I had a few choice words but kept my mouth shut)...so I cut across and headed down first street, praying I wouldn't get hit by people so eager to get home that they wouldn't notice me in the road. Thankfully I got home with no problems other than the occasional jackass who doesn't ever scoot over because they think they have the God given right to the road and I'm the horses pattoot that doesn't know where she belongs. Oh well.
I think the weekend is going to be nice...saturday I'll do the Kirkland route and have breakfast with the Blackhawk Club, hopefully John and/or Mary will show up - I'm not sure when Karen is getting back so, if no one else comes I'll ride it by myself. Sunday I intend to get up at 6a.m. and head out for at least 3o miles - I am not quite where I'd like to be for miles this year...falling behind on that goal.
Okay that's it for now. I'm going to go crawl into bed and go to sleep - will be working 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. tomorrow...BLAH!
Ride safe!
Today I rode the Trek, mainly because I had to make a court appearance to pay that stupid ticket, and the G.F.W. is pretty heavy compared to the Trek. I also didn't want to leave all my crap in my panniers while I stood inside the court house waiting to give them my hard earned money. So I loaded the backpack, threw on my black capri sweatpants and one of Bob's 'wife beaters', turned on the mp3 player and rode to Sycamore on the bike path listening to Ozzy, Skid Row, Greenda, Poison and some other stuff. The ride into Sycamore averaged in at 16.5 mph and I wasn't really pushing too hard...(note to self: work on pedaling correctly instead of pushing so much).
After paying the outrages ticket fee, and bumping into only one person from high school, who happened to be someone I liked, I headed back over to my bike (which I had to park in front of the cycle shop in Sycamore because there isn't a bike rack at the courthouse...think I might have to send the city of Sycamore a letter about that), and rode into work , making a quick stop to get a large sweet tea at the McDonalds.
Worked till 5 p.m. Had a pretty good day as the Admin. was joking around and being nice to me today, apparently it wasn't pick on Patty day....unusual...maybe he's just holding out till tomorrow so he can really make the day miserable. I Concentrated on pedaling correctly, which increased my speed while keeping my legs from feeling so drained. Came across 5 guys on mountain bikes while on the path, who didn't bother to get out of my way even as we came onto the sidewalk at 1st street (I had a few choice words but kept my mouth shut)...so I cut across and headed down first street, praying I wouldn't get hit by people so eager to get home that they wouldn't notice me in the road. Thankfully I got home with no problems other than the occasional jackass who doesn't ever scoot over because they think they have the God given right to the road and I'm the horses pattoot that doesn't know where she belongs. Oh well.
I think the weekend is going to be nice...saturday I'll do the Kirkland route and have breakfast with the Blackhawk Club, hopefully John and/or Mary will show up - I'm not sure when Karen is getting back so, if no one else comes I'll ride it by myself. Sunday I intend to get up at 6a.m. and head out for at least 3o miles - I am not quite where I'd like to be for miles this year...falling behind on that goal.
Okay that's it for now. I'm going to go crawl into bed and go to sleep - will be working 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. tomorrow...BLAH!
Ride safe!
Monday, July 21, 2008
Bicycling with Beanzie
Sunday morning (following dancing and jumping around at the concert) I jumped on my bike - met up with John from the weekly rides and rode the Bicycling with Beanzie ride. It was a 100 mile ride (a little more when you add the ride to the school, and the extra mileage that they never fully account for on the map). Anyway, it was a pretty muggy day and at mile 82 my right knee felt like it was going to explode! I actually got off the bike and sat on the side of the road for about 5 or so minutes - when I got to the next rest stop I took some Excedrin and finished off the ride without too many more problems. We averaged 14.9 mph for the ride ...I don't think that's too bad - especially considering that my knee was bothering me and it was so warm that eating was a little difficult.
Anyway, I don't have any pics - because I think that everyone thinks I'm insane for wanting to take pics. lol ....maybe next time - or maybe they will post some on the website that I can get a hold of.
Today my knee is still hurting like hell! I have my trusty ole brace on it and hopefully in the next few days it will stop hurting - it was fun and totally worth it - although I think I held John up some there at the end....
I did my normal work commute today - John emailed me to see if I did or not - apparently he thought I might wuss out! haha!
Ride safe!
Anyway, I don't have any pics - because I think that everyone thinks I'm insane for wanting to take pics. lol ....maybe next time - or maybe they will post some on the website that I can get a hold of.
Today my knee is still hurting like hell! I have my trusty ole brace on it and hopefully in the next few days it will stop hurting - it was fun and totally worth it - although I think I held John up some there at the end....
I did my normal work commute today - John emailed me to see if I did or not - apparently he thought I might wuss out! haha!
Ride safe!
Poison and Sebastian Bach
HELLO!!!! So, my exciting weekend:
Very first pic is Sebastian on the speakers getting the crowd riled up.
I GOT TO SEE POISON IN CONCERT WITH SEBASTIAN BACH OPENING UP FOR THEM!!!! It was fabulous!!!!!! I had a great time! Definately the most fun I've ever had at a concert!
Very first pic is Sebastian on the speakers getting the crowd riled up.
Second ic is C.C. and Bret Rocking out.
Third pic is Cassy and I at the end of the concert - a little tired, very sweaty but stoked!
Friday, July 18, 2008
So my baby's heart is breaking...
Well, apparently my daughter and her boyfriend have broken up. I was not aware of it - until a little bit ago - only because someone called me and said that her myspace page said something and they didn't understand it, so I went and looked and was a bit shocked.
I am a bit upset - mainly because she didn't even bother to tell me that they had broken up...I know that's a little selfish but it upsets me that she didn't tell me.
Anyway, now all the crying makes sense even though for the past 2 weeks she's been telling me that nothing is wrong - which obviously wasn't the case, but she and Luke have still been talking daily and all that so I thought it was just that she was getting upset about him leaving for Devry in a few weeks.
So weird.
I am a bit upset - mainly because she didn't even bother to tell me that they had broken up...I know that's a little selfish but it upsets me that she didn't tell me.
Anyway, now all the crying makes sense even though for the past 2 weeks she's been telling me that nothing is wrong - which obviously wasn't the case, but she and Luke have still been talking daily and all that so I thought it was just that she was getting upset about him leaving for Devry in a few weeks.
So weird.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Early Out
Well, today I didn't work my whole day. I was lucky and got to leave early....the reason? We had new carpet being installed and they were getting ready to do the side of the hall by my office- I would have been blocked in my office for the entire time they were there -Joyce is aware of how often I pee...lol. Anyway, she said I could go, if I wanted, and I did. As I was getting ready to pack it up cuz I saw that the guys were coming back the Administrator tells me to keep working and stay put...I ignored that - my boss offered me the opportunity to leave -I took it...I don't know why he worries about micromanaging our individual departments so much....it's very aggrivating.
Besides, I am already into overtime for the payperiod - (14 hours into overtime) and still have to go in tomorrow because tomorrow is my AP day - I have a deadline for getting my AP stuff entered into the computer system, printed off and signed off on by the Administrator and then sent out Fed Ex to the corporate office...
Our census sucks - they have 2 people in the Admissions office and they still can't get a decent census ....I'm sure there are factors out of their control but I'll tell you what the word on the street is - people think that most of the department heads in our facility are condescending and rude - as well as overeducated but lacking common sense. The exact verbage that I heard was highly trained, overpaid idiots. Okay, that's just funny. That assessment might not be too far off.
Don't get me wrong, I still love my job - I just think that a good many people in the higher management positions at our facility are too worried about nitpicking at the rest of us and too lax about the stuff that actually causes the problems within the facility - and when those of us who are aware of problems bring a potential resolution to the table we are hem hawed and dismissed...yes dismissed- they pretty much shoo us out of their offices. Sometimes a little first hand knowledge of the situation and first hand understanding are a lot more useful than years of training within the walls of a school.
Okay, off my soap box now.
All right, I'm off. Tomorrow is the last day of work before the big weekend. I think John and I are going to ride to Kirkland, so that will be 40 miles. I'll come home, shower, nap, then get ready for the Poison Concert. Hurray! After the concert, I'll come home, crash - get up at 6 a.m. grab a glass of O.J. put two bottles of water onto the bike and head to the high school for the Beanzie ride which I will also be riding with John. We are doing 101 miles. The weather man says we may get some random and very scattered thunderstorms- I'm hoping not.
Yesterday I ordered a skirt to go over those lovely spandex biking shorts - I really do appreciate the biking shorts and all the comfort they offer while in the saddle, however, my ass should not be in spandex---it's like, well, I simply don't have the body for that - so I bought a skirt so that others will not be subjected to looking at my large derierre while riding behind me...It should be in tomorrow and I'm excited to wear it - I'm praying that it fits well. Now I just need to get those road biking shoes for the trip (that won't happen before the ride this weekend but I do need a pair soon).
Okay, well I better go it's 11 p.m. and I have to be up at 4 with Bob.
Take care and ride safe!
Besides, I am already into overtime for the payperiod - (14 hours into overtime) and still have to go in tomorrow because tomorrow is my AP day - I have a deadline for getting my AP stuff entered into the computer system, printed off and signed off on by the Administrator and then sent out Fed Ex to the corporate office...
Our census sucks - they have 2 people in the Admissions office and they still can't get a decent census ....I'm sure there are factors out of their control but I'll tell you what the word on the street is - people think that most of the department heads in our facility are condescending and rude - as well as overeducated but lacking common sense. The exact verbage that I heard was highly trained, overpaid idiots. Okay, that's just funny. That assessment might not be too far off.
Don't get me wrong, I still love my job - I just think that a good many people in the higher management positions at our facility are too worried about nitpicking at the rest of us and too lax about the stuff that actually causes the problems within the facility - and when those of us who are aware of problems bring a potential resolution to the table we are hem hawed and dismissed...yes dismissed- they pretty much shoo us out of their offices. Sometimes a little first hand knowledge of the situation and first hand understanding are a lot more useful than years of training within the walls of a school.
Okay, off my soap box now.
All right, I'm off. Tomorrow is the last day of work before the big weekend. I think John and I are going to ride to Kirkland, so that will be 40 miles. I'll come home, shower, nap, then get ready for the Poison Concert. Hurray! After the concert, I'll come home, crash - get up at 6 a.m. grab a glass of O.J. put two bottles of water onto the bike and head to the high school for the Beanzie ride which I will also be riding with John. We are doing 101 miles. The weather man says we may get some random and very scattered thunderstorms- I'm hoping not.
Yesterday I ordered a skirt to go over those lovely spandex biking shorts - I really do appreciate the biking shorts and all the comfort they offer while in the saddle, however, my ass should not be in spandex---it's like, well, I simply don't have the body for that - so I bought a skirt so that others will not be subjected to looking at my large derierre while riding behind me...It should be in tomorrow and I'm excited to wear it - I'm praying that it fits well. Now I just need to get those road biking shoes for the trip (that won't happen before the ride this weekend but I do need a pair soon).
Okay, well I better go it's 11 p.m. and I have to be up at 4 with Bob.
Take care and ride safe!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Dr. Visit / weigh in today
I had another doctor visit today - you know the follow up etc. I'm still on the metformin which is being used to counteract the effects of the polycystic ovarian syndrome that I was diagnosed with a while back. The metformin (which is used by diabetics to help lower their blood sugar) has also been found to alleviate some of the symptoms that the PCOS has. So, as always he wanted to weigh me...this is my least favorite part - I always feel like a huge failure when it comes to having to jump on a scale. I was happy to find that I lost another 6 lbs in the month since I was last there - which brings my total weight loss close to 20 lbs. Not too bad! But, then again, it's summer - I've always dropped weight like mad in the summer just to put it back on in the winter - so the challenge this year will be to find something to do which will keep the weight off over the winter.
Anyway, I am glad that I've lost some weight though, it made me have a little more umph on the ride home! I rode faster and with a smile!
4 days left until the concert - 5 days left until the Beanzie Ride.
Tomorrow I'll find out if I've won the tickets to the Chicago Cubs game or not - and tomorrow afternoon I'm going to head online to grab some tickets to WWE wrestling - they are coming to town and the boys favorite wrestler is going to be there - so you know I have to get tickets - they will be in the nose bleed section but they would rather be able to go see it than to not see it at all. That will be their big treat for the summer - followed by the camping trip we will be taking the weekend of the twins birthday ... that's what they always want to do - go camping lol! If only they knew how much I appreciate not having to plan a big crazy party, although the pirate themed party last year was a blast and a huge hit and lots of fun for kids and adults - I much prefer the laid back camping approach!
All right - be safe and have fun!
Anyway, I am glad that I've lost some weight though, it made me have a little more umph on the ride home! I rode faster and with a smile!
4 days left until the concert - 5 days left until the Beanzie Ride.
Tomorrow I'll find out if I've won the tickets to the Chicago Cubs game or not - and tomorrow afternoon I'm going to head online to grab some tickets to WWE wrestling - they are coming to town and the boys favorite wrestler is going to be there - so you know I have to get tickets - they will be in the nose bleed section but they would rather be able to go see it than to not see it at all. That will be their big treat for the summer - followed by the camping trip we will be taking the weekend of the twins birthday ... that's what they always want to do - go camping lol! If only they knew how much I appreciate not having to plan a big crazy party, although the pirate themed party last year was a blast and a huge hit and lots of fun for kids and adults - I much prefer the laid back camping approach!
All right - be safe and have fun!
Monday, July 14, 2008
Countdown to Concert and Beanzie ride begins
Now it's Monday afternoon. I'll be leaving shortly to take the kids over to mom's for a nice evening of swimming.
As it's already Monday, the boss was back today - things went well, she was happy with what I did while she was gone and so I scrammed early!
There are 5 days until the Poison and Sebastian Bach Concert---hurray! Very excited! There are 6 days until the Biking with Beanzie Ride. I believe that John and I will be doing it together. He's never done a century ride and that's what we will be doing. It will be my first of the year - although there were a couple that I had planned on doing already - but things just didn't work out the way I needed them to! So, it should be interesting and fun! I'm hoping to make good time on it - even though I'll be wiped out afterwards. I'm also hoping for a gorgeous, not too hot, not to cold, rainfree and windfree day! I can hope right?
Anyway, that's about it - I'm heading out of here shortly to take the kids for a swim!
Ride safe!
As it's already Monday, the boss was back today - things went well, she was happy with what I did while she was gone and so I scrammed early!
There are 5 days until the Poison and Sebastian Bach Concert---hurray! Very excited! There are 6 days until the Biking with Beanzie Ride. I believe that John and I will be doing it together. He's never done a century ride and that's what we will be doing. It will be my first of the year - although there were a couple that I had planned on doing already - but things just didn't work out the way I needed them to! So, it should be interesting and fun! I'm hoping to make good time on it - even though I'll be wiped out afterwards. I'm also hoping for a gorgeous, not too hot, not to cold, rainfree and windfree day! I can hope right?
Anyway, that's about it - I'm heading out of here shortly to take the kids for a swim!
Ride safe!
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Another rained out ride!
So much for a ride this morning - we had planned a nice ride but the forecast wasn't looking too promising - but you know how these things go- better to wait and see how things pan out - bit 7:10 a.m. it was still raining. Oh well !
So, no bike ride - but I do have to work later today! I should probably get up and shower. I've spent the morning watching the doppler radar - until 7:10 a.m. then I made a pot of coffee, grabbed the laptop and took my cup o joe and my laptop to my bedroom, sat on the bed, put the pillows behind me and checked my emails, then got really comfy and cuddled up with my book - "Baggage" by Emily Barr. I'm now almost finished with it - pretty good read thus far and getting very interesting at this point. I'll finish it today, probably while at work, I have to work on the lesson for the last class for church this weekend.
Anyway, that's about it - the peace of the morning has been broken as the children have woken up and have realized that I am not out on the bike ride. So, no more sitting around doing nothing.
I have to get moving anyway as I have to meet my friend at 11 a.m.
Take care and safe riding!
Love me!
So, no bike ride - but I do have to work later today! I should probably get up and shower. I've spent the morning watching the doppler radar - until 7:10 a.m. then I made a pot of coffee, grabbed the laptop and took my cup o joe and my laptop to my bedroom, sat on the bed, put the pillows behind me and checked my emails, then got really comfy and cuddled up with my book - "Baggage" by Emily Barr. I'm now almost finished with it - pretty good read thus far and getting very interesting at this point. I'll finish it today, probably while at work, I have to work on the lesson for the last class for church this weekend.
Anyway, that's about it - the peace of the morning has been broken as the children have woken up and have realized that I am not out on the bike ride. So, no more sitting around doing nothing.
I have to get moving anyway as I have to meet my friend at 11 a.m.
Take care and safe riding!
Love me!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
When the Boss is gone...
my workload increases! There's no play taking place - who has time? She comes back on Monday - thank goodness.
Today we got some pretty intense rain - luckily it stopped shortly before I left work. This evening it has begun again! We are under a severe thunderstorm warning...which means the Kishwaukee River may be overflowing in the near future!
I'm looking for a used copy of the Rosetta Stone Portuguese - going to go on ebay and see if anyone has it for sale.
Has anyone seen the show Walking with Dinosaurs? It's supposed to be really good and Cody is really into Dinosaurs - so I'm going to try to get tickets for when they come to Chicago in August.
Okay, I'm taking off - gotta get some other things done.
Take care and ride safe!
Today we got some pretty intense rain - luckily it stopped shortly before I left work. This evening it has begun again! We are under a severe thunderstorm warning...which means the Kishwaukee River may be overflowing in the near future!
I'm looking for a used copy of the Rosetta Stone Portuguese - going to go on ebay and see if anyone has it for sale.
Has anyone seen the show Walking with Dinosaurs? It's supposed to be really good and Cody is really into Dinosaurs - so I'm going to try to get tickets for when they come to Chicago in August.
Okay, I'm taking off - gotta get some other things done.
Take care and ride safe!
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Fireworks
For the 4th of July we went to see the races at the racetrack which also had a fireworks show...here are a couple of pictures of the fireworks - bear with me on the so so quality - they were taken with my picture phone....
Some pictures
Okay, so I finally figured out how to send the pictures from that wonderful camera phone that I bought back in February - apparently when they programmed the new phone it didn't totally finish before the girl stopped it - so it wouldn't allow me to send the pics to my personal email - but that's all fixed now. So, here are a couple of pictures from the first ride of the year (for the club). Look at that snow still sitting on the ground! UGH!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Where do you belong?
A couple of pictures my cousin in the Azores sent me....
this is exactly where I belong - and yet here I am - land locked! Mom wants me to go over in August - do you think my pop will pay for the trip? Lord knows that paying $1200.00 for a plane ticket (round trip) is a heck of a lot cheaper than he could have had for me...I mean little girls cost way more than that over an 18 year period...so he'd be getting off cheap!
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Working for the Weekend...
Today I put in right about 14 hours at work. I'm exhausted - but mostly caught up! It was a very long day! Thankfully I am off work tomorrow although I am thinking about going in for a short period of time...My boss, Joyce left today for vacation and will be gone for 10 days. This means that I have to do a lot of her job while she's gone - part of her job is to do the Daily Census - which keeps track of the residents that have come into the building, left the building, switched rooms or payor sources. So, I am thinking about stopping by early in the morning when I head out to the store to get some groceries in the morning and update the census.
I am the weekend manager on Saturday so I can get all of the new month stuff entered. It will be a busy day even if I don't have to deal with people not showing up at work...so if I can get the census done even on my days off then I will be one step ahead and able to focus on other things during the day.
Okay, I have to run (well actually get upstairs and hit my bed!) - ride safe - and have a wonderful 4th of July - I'll be enjoying a cookout and relaxing tomorrow!
I am the weekend manager on Saturday so I can get all of the new month stuff entered. It will be a busy day even if I don't have to deal with people not showing up at work...so if I can get the census done even on my days off then I will be one step ahead and able to focus on other things during the day.
Okay, I have to run (well actually get upstairs and hit my bed!) - ride safe - and have a wonderful 4th of July - I'll be enjoying a cookout and relaxing tomorrow!
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Obstinate People
So, there is this lady who I work with that is obstinate - or dumb - or dumb like a fox. I have yet to be totally sure - the reason I am unsure you might wonder, is this....I can't wrap my mind around the idea that someone could possibly be as dumb as she seems to be.
Examples:
1. A resident of ours returned from the hospital but was going to be going to dialysis...this lady at work says "But, I thought she didn't have any kidney's."
...um....okay!
2. She constantly has to be told about the policies and procedures regarding different things. When a person says "I told you this the other day." She will look at them and any one else around with the most dumbfounded look on her face and say "You've never told me that before."
Okay, so you can possibly see how this is frustrating...but it gets better.
She wanted one of the girls that I'm in charge of to come work hours in her department. I told her that she could not work every Sunday in her department because the weekends are the hardest for me to cover...however, she could use her on Fridays during the day (she said she needed Friday's and Sunday's) and use her to fill in on the Sunday's that she wasn't scheduled to work in my department. She got bent and decided that if she couldn't use my girl in her department on the days that she wanted her then the girl who works both departments currently could no longer pick up hours in my department (let me also say that I hired this other girl, she's worked for me exclusively the past two years up until March or April when she began working hours in the other department).
Do you see how working or even talking to her can be frustrating?
Okay, so now we have an issue with something else...she can't follow the policies and procedures that my department has in place (she has to deal with us in regards to some things with the residents..) so today with approval from our Regional Director, I gave her a sheet of paper that explained all the policies and procedures of our department as they pertain to her (I emailed it to my regional and she emailed it back with approval to hand to this lady). Upon seeing the paper, which I even put in a sheet protector so that it would be kept in good shape, she freaked out...crossed out a bunch of stuff and was in the front office yelling about me and saying that I made up these policies and that she didn't have to follow them and then put it back in my mailbox with the "policies and procedures" as she feels they should be....
This is actually almost to the point of comic proportions except for the fact that I have to deal with her pain in the butt antics...it's a little frustrating but when I sit here and explain it I can't help but to laugh! She really can't be as dumb as she's coming off to be can she? C'mon people I want opinions....
Personally I wonder if she has a processing disorder that keeps her from being able to grasp even minimally complex directions.
Okay, that's my blog for the day! Fun times at work!
Take care and ride safe.
Examples:
1. A resident of ours returned from the hospital but was going to be going to dialysis...this lady at work says "But, I thought she didn't have any kidney's."
...um....okay!
2. She constantly has to be told about the policies and procedures regarding different things. When a person says "I told you this the other day." She will look at them and any one else around with the most dumbfounded look on her face and say "You've never told me that before."
Okay, so you can possibly see how this is frustrating...but it gets better.
She wanted one of the girls that I'm in charge of to come work hours in her department. I told her that she could not work every Sunday in her department because the weekends are the hardest for me to cover...however, she could use her on Fridays during the day (she said she needed Friday's and Sunday's) and use her to fill in on the Sunday's that she wasn't scheduled to work in my department. She got bent and decided that if she couldn't use my girl in her department on the days that she wanted her then the girl who works both departments currently could no longer pick up hours in my department (let me also say that I hired this other girl, she's worked for me exclusively the past two years up until March or April when she began working hours in the other department).
Do you see how working or even talking to her can be frustrating?
Okay, so now we have an issue with something else...she can't follow the policies and procedures that my department has in place (she has to deal with us in regards to some things with the residents..) so today with approval from our Regional Director, I gave her a sheet of paper that explained all the policies and procedures of our department as they pertain to her (I emailed it to my regional and she emailed it back with approval to hand to this lady). Upon seeing the paper, which I even put in a sheet protector so that it would be kept in good shape, she freaked out...crossed out a bunch of stuff and was in the front office yelling about me and saying that I made up these policies and that she didn't have to follow them and then put it back in my mailbox with the "policies and procedures" as she feels they should be....
This is actually almost to the point of comic proportions except for the fact that I have to deal with her pain in the butt antics...it's a little frustrating but when I sit here and explain it I can't help but to laugh! She really can't be as dumb as she's coming off to be can she? C'mon people I want opinions....
Personally I wonder if she has a processing disorder that keeps her from being able to grasp even minimally complex directions.
Okay, that's my blog for the day! Fun times at work!
Take care and ride safe.
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