Monday, September 19, 2011

Wwwwhhhhhhheeeeeee!

Here we come!
Happy Monday!

I am sure, like most folks, you make the most of your weekends. Often to short, I try to pack in a punch!

This past Saturday I had the opportunity to visit Six Flags Great America with Someone Special. Located between Chicago and Milwaukee in Gurnee, IL, this is a place that neither one of us has visited since 1993. Walking forward it was grounds for instant nostalgia and moments to quickly reminisce about the last time we walked through these gates. As we were approaching the entrance, I started to get a little nervous, I mean, I hadn't been on a roller coaster since I was 18. Needless to say, I am no where near 18 now and all I could think was, this may hurt tomorrow! Reassured by Someone Special that it would be fun and I will enjoy all the rides, we proceeded forward.

We could NOT of picked a better day! The lines were literally non-existent! There were several times where we walked right up and got in the waiting car. The first ride, "The Whizzer," was a nice "warm-up" of what lay head for our day's journey. As we proceed up the stairs, from ride to ride, to wait briefly to take our car together, I started to reflect on my past two years.

 I am now, totally living in Milwaukee-- job + art = living. I mean, I have an actual zip code folks, so there is no running back to the rolling hills of Tennessee! Well, at least no time soon. I started thinking how in some ways, just like on these crazy rides, I have been thrown about from side to side, but had friends and family in the "same car" with me. Holding on, cheering me on, encouraging me along the way.  I still wonder sometimes how I ended up back in the Mil, but I am often reminded... all things work together (Romans 8:28) and while it may not feel like it, it still does. And even when I would exit from a few of these rides, disoriented and trying to get my balance again, Someone Special was right there to hold my arm, my hand, and hold me up right!

I am glad to report, one of the last rides of the day was "The Superman!" I can't explain it, but I was really exited to get on this ride. Maybe because I love comics and Wonder Woman and Superman are two of my favorites. (Side Note, why doesn't WW have her own ride!?) Perhaps it's because you really had the chance to feel like you were flying, like you were on top of the world! And yes, here comes the analogy... Life IS like a roller coaster with all it's ups and downs and swirls, quick starts and stops, big climbs and steep drops--- It is a little better when you can have Someone Special to hold your arm, your hand, you up right and remind you it will be fun and you will enjoy the ride! Oh, and a Cinnamon Churro for the walk back to the car.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Back in the Saddle...

Hello Family, 
So, I am Back in the Saddle Again! After taking a few years off from triathlon, living abroad and such, I am back participating and training in a sport I truly enjoy!With any sport, comes training and exercise--a vital thing needed to continue and improve or just not pass out as you attempt to cross the finish line. 

Well, here is a lesson learned quickly on a weekly ride I took this past Monday. I was excited to enjoy one of the last days of summer (at least around these parts) with a 13.5mile bike ride. Seeing as though I knew the route, I didn't think it necessary to take my phone. I mean, for what, I only use it to track my distances.  Yeah, can you see where this is going...

On the route, which is a lovely bike path called the Oak Leaf Trail, I have the opportunity to cross several bridges. Typically no issue, but on Monday, I hit the bridge with an awkward BOOM! Still riding along, all seemed well and no damage done. Pausing to take a drink, the furthest point from my apartment, I find myself moving slower and slower. I have a rear flat! No worries, I think, I have the emergency kit, I'm good. 

Keep in mind, this is an emergency kit I haven't practiced with in years and am not really sure where to begin. Fortunately  chivalry is alive in the Midwest! Casey and R.C., who happened to build motor-bikes, like the ones of Harley- Davidson fame (also born and bred in Milwaukee), assist with the change. And I am up and off again! 20 feet later, I realize I not only had one flat, but TWO! Are you kidding me? Yes, both tires popped and only one spare and no phone. 

Sadly, with every noise you can imagine, I made my way, riding my bike, back to the house. Praying each way, each pump of the pedal, "Dear God, PLEASE let me make it home!" Great thing about the Oak Leaf Trail is it's all shadowed; so you stay cool on hot days. Scary thing, when you are on a flat, heading home at dusk, is it's all shadowed! 

I am thankful to report I made it home, the rim is still in tacked and I still need a new tire. Needless to say, I ran yesterday and did Cross Training today!