A Lovely Life

I feel like I find myself thinking this on a regular basis lately.  Like, a TON. I've recently increased my time on the bike trying to get in at least 3-4 days per week.  To some, that's not much, but to me it's a big improvement over nothing.  While riding has brought on feelings of empowerment, it's also brought on some other not-so-great feelings.  If you aren't aware, my life pretty much revolves around this industry (hence, the desire to actually RIDE more) and my renewed love in the sport has also begun to shine a light on some of the more judgmental side of this sport I love. Since starting out on a "real bike" in 2003, I've always just enjoyed the ride.  I started it because I "knew a guy" and continue it because riding has introduced me to some pretty awesome people and a career I never imagined...  I've never been into going fast or timing myself or paying attention to my heart rate zones.  It's just not my thing. That t...

After a long weekend, I'm lucky to say I have a short work week!  Hooray!  We kicked off Summer this weekend and, in the spirit of warmer (H-O-T) days, I thought I'd share some fun Summer quotes. Here's to a warm and sunny next few months! "Ah, Summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it." -- Russell Baker “Spring passes and one remembers one's innocence. Summer passes and one remembers one's exuberance. Autumn passes and one remembers one's reverence. Winter passes and one remembers one's perseverance.”  -- Yoko Ono The summer night is like a perfection of thought.  -- Wallace Stevens

Thank you to the service men and women whose strength and courage makes my whole world possible.  I am forever in debt to those who sacrificed their lives so that I can live mine as I wish.   "Memorial Day this year is especially important as we are reminded almost daily of the great sacrifices that the men and women of the armed services make to defend our way of life." -- Robin Hayes

I was so proud of myself for doing a couple of blogs a week and then I kind of dropped off the Earth for a bit. Sorry about that. We're slowly easing back into "normal" (whatever that means) at work which means I've been able to spend more time at home, on my bike and with my 2 favorites: J & Frank. One big thing we've been project we've been involved in is a complete overhaul of our landscaping. This week marks week #8 of a 3 week project, so I have yet to show you a complete set of before, during and after pictures because we're still in the "during" process.  I'm told that dealing with contractors and their apparent lack of time is normal, but EIGHT weeks? C'mon! It's our first interaction with contractors and we've learned a couple of lessons like: 1. Get EVERYTHING in writing 2. Get CHANGES in writing 3. Explain that for every day they go over their estimated day, we'll be taking $25 off their bill.  (we didn...

Sorry for the absence, y'all.  We've been working on our home, enjoying each other and getting back to normal after a pretty intense Winter with work.  More on all of that later!  For now, I hope you have a lovely day! "I hope everyone that is reading this is having a really good day. And if you are not, just know that in every new minute that passes you have an opportunity to change that." -- Gillian Anderson "Probably the worst time in a person's life is when they have to kill a family member because they are the devil. But otherwise it's been a pretty good day." -- Emo Philips "You have to remember that the hard days are what make you stronger. The bad days make you realize what a good day is. If you never had any bad days, you would never have that sense of accomplishment!" -- Aly Raisman Quote Source