I've spent a lot of time wondering what the hell I want to be doing, and why the hell I'm not doing it? This has been frustrating to me. I started looking back through some of my posts and noticed that I have a several unfinished drafts about cycling and advocacy. Bike advocacy has been my goal for a while now, and as much as I think about bike advocacy I haven't really talked about it or formed a message.
What can I say that is unique to my experience? What do I have to offer to this field? Well I'm going to take this opportunity and the motivation that I possess right now at this very moment to try and clearly define my brand.
First thing, I'm going to be honest about how I feel about drivers and specifically drivers in Chicago. I think drivers should bear more responsibility period. If you live in the city and own a car, you have bought into something that is potentially destructive to the people and the world around you.
Second, I don't think infrastructure is going to solve every problem between cyclists and drivers. I'm glad whenever a new bike lane is added, however I don't believe they are the end all be all answer, nor do I think that they will eliminate fear. Experience, intuition and perception are a cyclists greatest tools.
Third, cycling is a holistic lifestyle that touches every aspect of your life.
We don't eliminate fear, we accept it. Cycling has touched every aspect of my life: physically, spiritually and emotionally. Cycling has changed my body and my outlook on mental health. I have come face to face with my own mortality and accepted it. It's not because I ride a bike, it's because I am a human being and being human is a dangerous business.
Fourth, I am a woman, a native Texan, and a Christian. I have set of experiences that are unique to me. For instance I hail from Houston, Texas and I have to date cycled through five Chicago winters. I like to look pretty and wear my favorite color pink. I hate wearing bike shorts and jerseys, but I love wearing skirts. I have a greater respect and understanding for humanity, because I have seen the best and the worst of it on my bike. I have seen Jesus in so many places along the road.
That's what you're going to get from me, you're going to get my story; my brand of bike advocacy. It's honest and brutal and doesn't allow for training wheels. It's the brand that I've built as my own lifestyle and it's the message that I want to preach.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Currently: Spring
This is the post that I have been dragging on for months. I love doing a currently post to really round up what I have been doing and what interests me at the moment. And I have to say that over the last few months that has changed a lot.
Currently Watching: I have plugged into YouTube big time. It's not just movie clips and music videos. There is a whole community of people dedicated to building up You Tube. I began with a couple beauty channels, then more lifestyle and nutrition, comedy and then yesterday I found workout videos.
Softball has kicked off and I couldn't be happier. This month has been all about softball games and practices. I only started a year ago, but I have noticed with more practice that I am improving. I think joining my church league last summer was one of the best things I ever did. Before this I didn't have a lot of contact with the other young adults in my church. Softball turned out to be a great way to make friends and have fun.
Current Projects:
-Patio garden, I bought soil and a new container for my tomatoes. I'm ready to plant this season. I found a few tea tins that I want to use for herbs. My dream for my patio is for it to become another living space this summer.
-Reduce, Re-Use, Recycle, I don't believe in hanging onto extra stuff. Every time I get things from friends or the thrift store, I make myself go through my things and weed out what I haven't used.
I did a fun project this weekend and cleaned out old burnt out candles and turned them into containers for my bathroom.
Current Book: The Painted Veil by Somerset Maugham. I saw the movie a few years back and loved it. Then last week I saw this thin little novel at the library. I've needed to get lost in a novel for awhile. I just finished this book Saturday. It's an easy read, but I wouldn't say this book is going to be in my favorites. And I can't believe the words I'm about to type, but I actually liked the movie more!
Walter is much more likeable and well developed in the movie. The book keeps their relationship very cold and sterile, and focuses mainly on Kitty's journey of "growing up." Walter is much more active in the movie, as opposed to the book where he stays in the background of Kitty's life. She and Walter reach a kind of peace, but the movie is much more passionate as they move towards a true reconciliation and realization of love.
Food and Drink:
I tried Chia but I still think the perfect drink at the end of a long spring day is Kombucha. The farmers market is up and going so that means lots of cheap veggies like broccoli, asparagus, and spinach. I also love keeping lemons, limes and cucumbers on hand.
Current Excitement: My travel plans in July to Boston and New York. I can't tell you how excited I am to be finally heading to the east coast. I have never been to either of these historic cities and I can't wait to sight see and catch up with old friends.
Currently Wearing: Now that summer is here I am all about sun protection. I just picked up a straw fedora from Payless. I have a favorite pair of sunglasses that I wear almost daily, but it's ideal to have about 3 pairs and rotate them.
I'm still having shoe issues. One pair of flats that I repaired is down for the count. This prompted me to browse around Payless. I had a specific pair of shoes in mind but couldn't locate a pair in my size. I kept wandering. One of the problems I noticed while trying on flats was that they would easy slip off my right foot. Now I've know for awhile that my right foot is smaller than my left, but until yesterday I didn't know how much. Turns out my right foot is a half size smaller than my left. I started trying on 7 1/2 shoes and they fit perfectly on my right. The next day I ended up buying a pair of flats sized 71/2. If history proves true then they'll stretch out with wear.
Biking:
Here's how things work in my brain; I was watching Pawn Stars and a guy brought in fossils to sell from Mazon Creek, Illinois. Apparently this area has a high collection of plant and softbodied bodied animal fossils. I found that intriguing, but I had no idea where is Mazon Creek was, how it was spelled, or how close it was to Chicago. So with a sleeping toddler on my lap, I pulled my computer over and started searching. Turns out that Mazon Creek is in Grundy County just outside Morris, IL and about 70 miles from Chicago. The quickest way to take the train to Joliet and ride the rest of the way by bike. Plans are forming and hopefully I will be able to do this trip in a couple weeks.
I have to say that what has been most encouraging to me in the last few weeks is the amount of bikes on the streets. I love seeing other people ride just as much as I like to ride. Even when I'm not on my bike, I want to start cheering people on and telling them how wonderful it is that they're riding their bike to work and school and play. All cyclists should know that what they're doing isn't just good for them, it's good for EVERYONE around them.
Thanks Ya'll
Currently Watching: I have plugged into YouTube big time. It's not just movie clips and music videos. There is a whole community of people dedicated to building up You Tube. I began with a couple beauty channels, then more lifestyle and nutrition, comedy and then yesterday I found workout videos.
Softball has kicked off and I couldn't be happier. This month has been all about softball games and practices. I only started a year ago, but I have noticed with more practice that I am improving. I think joining my church league last summer was one of the best things I ever did. Before this I didn't have a lot of contact with the other young adults in my church. Softball turned out to be a great way to make friends and have fun.
Current Projects:
-Patio garden, I bought soil and a new container for my tomatoes. I'm ready to plant this season. I found a few tea tins that I want to use for herbs. My dream for my patio is for it to become another living space this summer.
-Reduce, Re-Use, Recycle, I don't believe in hanging onto extra stuff. Every time I get things from friends or the thrift store, I make myself go through my things and weed out what I haven't used.
I did a fun project this weekend and cleaned out old burnt out candles and turned them into containers for my bathroom.
Current Book: The Painted Veil by Somerset Maugham. I saw the movie a few years back and loved it. Then last week I saw this thin little novel at the library. I've needed to get lost in a novel for awhile. I just finished this book Saturday. It's an easy read, but I wouldn't say this book is going to be in my favorites. And I can't believe the words I'm about to type, but I actually liked the movie more!
Walter is much more likeable and well developed in the movie. The book keeps their relationship very cold and sterile, and focuses mainly on Kitty's journey of "growing up." Walter is much more active in the movie, as opposed to the book where he stays in the background of Kitty's life. She and Walter reach a kind of peace, but the movie is much more passionate as they move towards a true reconciliation and realization of love.
Food and Drink:
I tried Chia but I still think the perfect drink at the end of a long spring day is Kombucha. The farmers market is up and going so that means lots of cheap veggies like broccoli, asparagus, and spinach. I also love keeping lemons, limes and cucumbers on hand.
Current Excitement: My travel plans in July to Boston and New York. I can't tell you how excited I am to be finally heading to the east coast. I have never been to either of these historic cities and I can't wait to sight see and catch up with old friends.
Currently Wearing: Now that summer is here I am all about sun protection. I just picked up a straw fedora from Payless. I have a favorite pair of sunglasses that I wear almost daily, but it's ideal to have about 3 pairs and rotate them.
I'm still having shoe issues. One pair of flats that I repaired is down for the count. This prompted me to browse around Payless. I had a specific pair of shoes in mind but couldn't locate a pair in my size. I kept wandering. One of the problems I noticed while trying on flats was that they would easy slip off my right foot. Now I've know for awhile that my right foot is smaller than my left, but until yesterday I didn't know how much. Turns out my right foot is a half size smaller than my left. I started trying on 7 1/2 shoes and they fit perfectly on my right. The next day I ended up buying a pair of flats sized 71/2. If history proves true then they'll stretch out with wear.
Biking:
Here's how things work in my brain; I was watching Pawn Stars and a guy brought in fossils to sell from Mazon Creek, Illinois. Apparently this area has a high collection of plant and softbodied bodied animal fossils. I found that intriguing, but I had no idea where is Mazon Creek was, how it was spelled, or how close it was to Chicago. So with a sleeping toddler on my lap, I pulled my computer over and started searching. Turns out that Mazon Creek is in Grundy County just outside Morris, IL and about 70 miles from Chicago. The quickest way to take the train to Joliet and ride the rest of the way by bike. Plans are forming and hopefully I will be able to do this trip in a couple weeks.
I have to say that what has been most encouraging to me in the last few weeks is the amount of bikes on the streets. I love seeing other people ride just as much as I like to ride. Even when I'm not on my bike, I want to start cheering people on and telling them how wonderful it is that they're riding their bike to work and school and play. All cyclists should know that what they're doing isn't just good for them, it's good for EVERYONE around them.
Thanks Ya'll
Monday, June 10, 2013
Coconut Oil V. Coconut Body Butter
It's no secret that I love coconut oil. It can be used for so many things: baking, moisturizing or lubricating, healing and protecting. I've even started "oil pulling" with it. I swish a teaspoon of the oil around in my mouth for 15 minutes to pull toxins from my body. I keep a jar in my pantry and in my bathroom.
I get my oil from Trader Joe's, and noticed in the last month or so that they have started offering a coconut body butter in their health and beauty section. This was intriguing and I wondered if I could get the same results from the body butter as I did from using the pure oil. So today I did a little experiment.
I usually put on the oil before bed. This morning after I showered I used the body butter. I'm going to compare these two on a few different levels.
Packaging, consistency, smell, texture,
First, packaging. The coconut oil comes in a jar and depending on the temperature the oil can be in various states of solidity. But as soon as the oil touches your skin it begins to melt. The only problem is that if the oil is soild it can be a little difficult to get out of the jar. Most time I either use a warm metal spoon or I heat the oil in the microwave for 30 seconds. I pour a little of the liquid oil into the lid and apply.
The body butter comes in a wide jar similar to other body butter product. However instead of have a twist of lid, this one has a flip-top (so much easier)
The consistency is quite bouncy. It stays in a creamy state and is easy to apply.
Using the oil on your skin can take a little while to get used to. It is oil after all and you can only apply a little bit at a time. But a little goes a long way with this stuff. Even if your skin feels "oily" afterward the coconut quickly absorbs into the skin.
The body butter also rubs in very smoothly. It's easy to pick up and apply, and has a nice supple result. However the body butter variety does have a few extra ingredients including some added "coconut" scent. I've either gotten used to the scent of coconut oil or it just doesn't have one. But the body butter has a similar scent to sunscreens like Banana Boat that smell "coconutty"
The body butter also has vitamin E and shea butter. I love these two moisturizers, but because it's in a creamy form there are lots of other chemicals and additives to this product. Where as the oil is one ingredient.
I think reaching a middle ground on this is totally doable. I will definitely go back to this body butter and use it. But I think when I need a little extra intense moisture I'm going to reach for the original. Quite frankly I know that I can use coconut oil for so many things in my kitchen and in my bathroom, having this body butter is only going to help slow down my consumption.
I usually put on the oil before bed. This morning after I showered I used the body butter. I'm going to compare these two on a few different levels.
Packaging, consistency, smell, texture,
First, packaging. The coconut oil comes in a jar and depending on the temperature the oil can be in various states of solidity. But as soon as the oil touches your skin it begins to melt. The only problem is that if the oil is soild it can be a little difficult to get out of the jar. Most time I either use a warm metal spoon or I heat the oil in the microwave for 30 seconds. I pour a little of the liquid oil into the lid and apply.
The body butter comes in a wide jar similar to other body butter product. However instead of have a twist of lid, this one has a flip-top (so much easier)
The consistency is quite bouncy. It stays in a creamy state and is easy to apply.
Using the oil on your skin can take a little while to get used to. It is oil after all and you can only apply a little bit at a time. But a little goes a long way with this stuff. Even if your skin feels "oily" afterward the coconut quickly absorbs into the skin.
The body butter also rubs in very smoothly. It's easy to pick up and apply, and has a nice supple result. However the body butter variety does have a few extra ingredients including some added "coconut" scent. I've either gotten used to the scent of coconut oil or it just doesn't have one. But the body butter has a similar scent to sunscreens like Banana Boat that smell "coconutty"
The body butter also has vitamin E and shea butter. I love these two moisturizers, but because it's in a creamy form there are lots of other chemicals and additives to this product. Where as the oil is one ingredient.
I think reaching a middle ground on this is totally doable. I will definitely go back to this body butter and use it. But I think when I need a little extra intense moisture I'm going to reach for the original. Quite frankly I know that I can use coconut oil for so many things in my kitchen and in my bathroom, having this body butter is only going to help slow down my consumption.
Friday, June 7, 2013
Chug That Chia
My mom first introduced me to this at Christmas (along with kombucha which I love)
But I wasn't excited about this and I left the bottle she bought me in the fridge and never gave it a second thought. I don't have many food aversions, in fact I will eat almost anything, BUT I do have a sensitive gag reflex. Furthermore I've never been a fan of heterogeneous drinks.
The first time I had orange juice with pulp, I remember having a serious five-year-old-WTF-moment. Drinking something with a suspended substance just isn't my cup of bubble tea.
But I saw a video by Mama Natural this week about chia and thought that I should give this a fair try. I still had my reservations up on hearing it described as "gelatinous."
Apparently Chia is the hot new superfood. Just like blueberries, acai, and salmon, this food is packed full of vitamins and nutrients like omega-3, potassium, anti-oxidants, fiber and calcium. It also makes a complete protein.
On our walk today I stopped by Whole Foods and picked up this bottle. I love their kombucha and this variety had some added giving it some probiotic properties.
BUT, I have to say my suspicions were correct. While I was able to drink the whole bottle and it was quite tasty, I did have to suppress my gag reflex a little. It helps to think of this as less of a drink and more of a food.
The texture issue is my personal preference. I also can't drink bubble tea. But if you like Bubble Tea, (and many people do) then you'll probably enjoy this.
My final thought is that I would try this again, but I probably will reach for the kombucha first.
exp-Hair-iments
I'm no good at hair.
Sometime around middle school, all the girls around me started to get creative with hair and make up. These girls seemed to have an ease with hair, knowing which sections to pick up and place, gracefully arranging hair, and showing perfect dexterity with tools like curling irons, blow dryers and straighteners.
When I use a blow dryer I look a dog sticking its head out of a car window.
I can successfully wash, towel dry, and comb my hair.
I've tried to develop my hair dressing skills over the last couple years; I've figured out how to put rollers in my hair and make myself look like a poodle. I can scrunch some gel into my hair and go for the messy look.
The truth is, that while I had great hair, I've never been able to do much with it. My hair has always been longish, layery, and thick. I've always considered myself "low-mantinence" and have never carved out the time to tend to my tresses. Plus: I am a responsible cyclist who wears a helmet. And while it preserves my brain, it does leave me with "helmet hair."
Well, now that I'm a grown up, it may be time for me to start paying more attention to my "do", especially since I spend so much energy on my face. I'm always excited to wear makeup, but when I'm done I'm usually left confounded by my hair.
I'm trying to change this. I recently acquired a straightener and a blow dryer. This last Monday I made a first attempt to straighten my hair. I burned my fingers a lot (from touching my hair not the iron.) Last week I stopped by CVS to pick up some hair ties (who like their close cousin Bobby Pins have a mysterious way of vanishing) I decided to breeze through the hair care aisles. To help me section off and separate my hair I got some nifty metal wave clips. And because they do disappear I got more hair pins and ties. Last but not least, a shower cap. This is always useful since I limit washing my hair to twice a week.
The newest hair craze I've seen on You Tube is Macadamia nut and argan oils. These are supposed to be reparative oils that leave your hair light, silky and shiny. Because I'm outside so much and my hair is exposed to sun and dirt, I think it's a good idea to put something good back into my hair.
Instead of committing to a bottle I grabbed a sample sized masque treatment. I tried it and certainly left my hair feeling light and silky. I'm intrigued and may go back to this.
I'll keep chipping away at this and see what comes.
Sometime around middle school, all the girls around me started to get creative with hair and make up. These girls seemed to have an ease with hair, knowing which sections to pick up and place, gracefully arranging hair, and showing perfect dexterity with tools like curling irons, blow dryers and straighteners.
When I use a blow dryer I look a dog sticking its head out of a car window.
I can successfully wash, towel dry, and comb my hair.
I've tried to develop my hair dressing skills over the last couple years; I've figured out how to put rollers in my hair and make myself look like a poodle. I can scrunch some gel into my hair and go for the messy look.
The truth is, that while I had great hair, I've never been able to do much with it. My hair has always been longish, layery, and thick. I've always considered myself "low-mantinence" and have never carved out the time to tend to my tresses. Plus: I am a responsible cyclist who wears a helmet. And while it preserves my brain, it does leave me with "helmet hair."
Well, now that I'm a grown up, it may be time for me to start paying more attention to my "do", especially since I spend so much energy on my face. I'm always excited to wear makeup, but when I'm done I'm usually left confounded by my hair.
I'm trying to change this. I recently acquired a straightener and a blow dryer. This last Monday I made a first attempt to straighten my hair. I burned my fingers a lot (from touching my hair not the iron.) Last week I stopped by CVS to pick up some hair ties (who like their close cousin Bobby Pins have a mysterious way of vanishing) I decided to breeze through the hair care aisles. To help me section off and separate my hair I got some nifty metal wave clips. And because they do disappear I got more hair pins and ties. Last but not least, a shower cap. This is always useful since I limit washing my hair to twice a week.
The newest hair craze I've seen on You Tube is Macadamia nut and argan oils. These are supposed to be reparative oils that leave your hair light, silky and shiny. Because I'm outside so much and my hair is exposed to sun and dirt, I think it's a good idea to put something good back into my hair.
Instead of committing to a bottle I grabbed a sample sized masque treatment. I tried it and certainly left my hair feeling light and silky. I'm intrigued and may go back to this.
I'll keep chipping away at this and see what comes.
Monday, May 27, 2013
Highlights from Biking the Drive
Yesterday I volunteered for Bike the Drive. My job was to "accommodate" other volunteers, by riding around and delivering food and assistance to the course marshals and other volunteers.
Now instead of creating a whole story about this, I figured I would just stick to the highlights.
Good Thing: Volunteering for an event instead of paying to participate
Bad Thing: Volunteering for a position that requires you to drag a trailer you don't have
Good Thing: Having church family friends to lend you their trailer
Bad Thing: Figuring out how to attach this thing to my bike and stop the wheels from squeaking
Good Thing: Making it down three flights of stairs with bike, trailer, and supplies
Bad thing: Having to wake up at 3:00am to do it.
Good Thing: Riding at 4:00am down an empty street with trailer
Bad Thing: Until the trailer starts to "bounce" rather than roll on its wheel
Even Worse Thing: Having to reattach a trailer wheel when you are less than a mile from your destination
Good Thing: Having my cute Pearl Izumi bike gear and merino wool socks ready to wear for the event
Bad Thing: Having to wear a ghastly yellow shirt provided for all volunteers
Good Thing: Getting to the event before it starts
Bad Thing: Knowing I should have gotten there a half hour earlier
Good Thing: Finding out that people just naturally like you if you bring them food
Bad Thing: Knowing more about the condition of Chicago streets and LSD than any driver ever will
Good Thing: Helping people. They like it when you are simply kind and stop to help them
Bad thing: Going up a big hill with gallons of water
Good Thing: Going down the other side really fast
Even Better Thing: Watching the sunrise over Lake Michigan
More Good Things: The free coffee for volunteers, lots of snacks and free food, not getting sunburned, generally making people feel happy and safe.
Worst Thing: Watching some girl manhandle my Cannondale at the bike valet
I had a wonderful time. It was satisfying not only to ride so much, but also to help the volunteers and participants enjoy themselves and feel safe. Active Trans is a great place to volunteer for. I would do it again and will do it again next year. And most of all I made it home in one piece and had a restful afternoon. (and got to keep a bunch of Oreos)
Now instead of creating a whole story about this, I figured I would just stick to the highlights.
Good Thing: Volunteering for an event instead of paying to participate
Bad Thing: Volunteering for a position that requires you to drag a trailer you don't have
Good Thing: Having church family friends to lend you their trailer
Bad Thing: Figuring out how to attach this thing to my bike and stop the wheels from squeaking
Good Thing: Making it down three flights of stairs with bike, trailer, and supplies
Bad thing: Having to wake up at 3:00am to do it.
Good Thing: Riding at 4:00am down an empty street with trailer
Bad Thing: Until the trailer starts to "bounce" rather than roll on its wheel
Even Worse Thing: Having to reattach a trailer wheel when you are less than a mile from your destination
Good Thing: Having my cute Pearl Izumi bike gear and merino wool socks ready to wear for the event
Bad Thing: Having to wear a ghastly yellow shirt provided for all volunteers
Good Thing: Getting to the event before it starts
Bad Thing: Knowing I should have gotten there a half hour earlier
Good Thing: Finding out that people just naturally like you if you bring them food
Bad Thing: Knowing more about the condition of Chicago streets and LSD than any driver ever will
Good Thing: Helping people. They like it when you are simply kind and stop to help them
Bad thing: Going up a big hill with gallons of water
Good Thing: Going down the other side really fast
Even Better Thing: Watching the sunrise over Lake Michigan
More Good Things: The free coffee for volunteers, lots of snacks and free food, not getting sunburned, generally making people feel happy and safe.
Worst Thing: Watching some girl manhandle my Cannondale at the bike valet
I had a wonderful time. It was satisfying not only to ride so much, but also to help the volunteers and participants enjoy themselves and feel safe. Active Trans is a great place to volunteer for. I would do it again and will do it again next year. And most of all I made it home in one piece and had a restful afternoon. (and got to keep a bunch of Oreos)
Friday, May 24, 2013
Weekend Warrior
I'm gearing up for an extra long weekend, and at the same time I'm still recovering from the last one.
I had a packed schedule all day last Saturday starting with volunteer training for Bike the Drive, then going straight to work for Odradek. Saturday night was our first art fest of the summer and it was incredible. We had three bands, a tap group, some stand up, and more art than you've ever seen in your life. I didn't get home until 3:00am. I took off my make up and slept until I had get up for church.
Sunday was a big deal, both Pentecost Sunday and a celebration service for our retiring Choir Director. The whole day was full of emotion both in the service and the reception after church. Music is near and dear to the people of my church, so this was an auspicious day. I was asked to read the scripture that morning. Knowing how important it was and with a few hours of sleep to go on, I was pretty nervous. One of the selections was Acts 2, the story of the Holy Spirit laying tongues on the apostles so that they start speaking multiple languages. This meant that I got to pronounce all sorts of fun words like Phrygia, Pamphylia and Cappadocia (on 5 hours of sleep.)
After a long day of specialness at church, I needed to decompress and be by myself. I went and saw the new Star Trek movie that afternoon, and ended up crying even more. This movie was much more emotionally taxing than the first, but still wonderful and enjoyable to any Star Trek fan.
I got a surprise yesterday and found out that I don't have to work today or Monday for Memorial Day weekend. This coming Sunday I'll be volunteering at Bike the Drive. I can't tell you how happy I will be to see thousands of bicycles taking over one of Chicago's major roadways.
Before Sunday comes I have a lot to do. I'm in spring cleaning mode. The seasons are switching (back and fourth) and that means getting out summer clothes, and of course sifting through my possessions and getting rid of stuff. But that doesn't mean that my weekends are all work and no play. I had my hair cut today, tomorrow I have softball practice and then catching up with friends on Monday. Let's do it.
I had a packed schedule all day last Saturday starting with volunteer training for Bike the Drive, then going straight to work for Odradek. Saturday night was our first art fest of the summer and it was incredible. We had three bands, a tap group, some stand up, and more art than you've ever seen in your life. I didn't get home until 3:00am. I took off my make up and slept until I had get up for church.
Sunday was a big deal, both Pentecost Sunday and a celebration service for our retiring Choir Director. The whole day was full of emotion both in the service and the reception after church. Music is near and dear to the people of my church, so this was an auspicious day. I was asked to read the scripture that morning. Knowing how important it was and with a few hours of sleep to go on, I was pretty nervous. One of the selections was Acts 2, the story of the Holy Spirit laying tongues on the apostles so that they start speaking multiple languages. This meant that I got to pronounce all sorts of fun words like Phrygia, Pamphylia and Cappadocia (on 5 hours of sleep.)
After a long day of specialness at church, I needed to decompress and be by myself. I went and saw the new Star Trek movie that afternoon, and ended up crying even more. This movie was much more emotionally taxing than the first, but still wonderful and enjoyable to any Star Trek fan.
I got a surprise yesterday and found out that I don't have to work today or Monday for Memorial Day weekend. This coming Sunday I'll be volunteering at Bike the Drive. I can't tell you how happy I will be to see thousands of bicycles taking over one of Chicago's major roadways.
Before Sunday comes I have a lot to do. I'm in spring cleaning mode. The seasons are switching (back and fourth) and that means getting out summer clothes, and of course sifting through my possessions and getting rid of stuff. But that doesn't mean that my weekends are all work and no play. I had my hair cut today, tomorrow I have softball practice and then catching up with friends on Monday. Let's do it.
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