Continue Reading 12 comments July 5th, 2008

Spring has sprung, and with it came the return of sunshine and flowers. It’s at this time of year even the thoughts of a ninja may turn to love. This phenomenon is evidenced by the fact that one such Ninja, my best friend in the whole wide world, is soon to wed.

I want to extend my congratulations, bestow my blessings, and let the future Mrs. Ninja know that she is one very lucky lady. (Though I presume she has discovered this already.) Because her beloved Ninja just happens to be one of the finest humans alive.

Continue Reading Add comment May 7th, 2008

After two years of riding my bike I figured it was high time I entered a competitive cycling event. Since I’m still not super confident riding closely in a peloton, it was decided that my ideal premiere would be an individual time trial. On my own going as fast as I can for a specific duration. Competing with others to achieve the best time without risking getting tangled up in the fray.

The results: I finished 4th… Out of 4.

That last-place finish doesn’t do much for my ego, but I learned a lot from the experience. Mainly that when you’re nervous it makes you have to pee. A lot! And wearing bib shorts, having no restrooms in the vicinity, showing up too late to warm up, and riding an unfamiliar course, are all things that don’t help.

Not only that, but it should also be mentioned that in many womens cycling events they group all categories together since there are so few women involved in the sport. So where men might race with no more than 2 categories, my pathetic little category 4 slow newbie ass is up against professional and semi-professional female cyclists from all over. Kind-of makes that 4th place finish not sound so bad after all.

Since I have that first event under my belt, I’ll be trying a few more throughout the season. Maybe even a road race and/or a criterium toward the end of this month, and I’ll keep you posted on my results as they come. Originally my goal was not to be dead last, but I think I’ll set my sights a bit lower from now on… Finishing at all is good!

Watch me jinx even that.       PS: Happy Birthday Jordan!!! XOXOX

8 comments April 17th, 2008

So, the Ninja and I hopped in the car and drove to Vegas. We stayed at the Signature at MGM Grand, which was made even more enjoyable thanks to a free upgrade to a penthouse suite. Pretty nifty. Not that we spent a lot of time there, since we were in the other city that never sleeps, and there’s no shortage of fun things to do and see.

However, the whole point was to meet Misty, Dena, Shelly, Lisa, Gina, Monica, Tasha, and Salena. Regrettably, only 5/8ths of that goal was achieved because (despite my best effort) I couldn’t track down the last three. However, it was lovely meeting those first five special ladies. Turns out your blogs very accurately portray who you are and what you’re all about… You’re each as fantastic as I’d imagined, and more!

Now that I know how awesome you are, I wish that Virginia Beach were right next door to Southern California. Though the Ninja and I are a couple of premature (yet immature) fuddy-duddies who don’t drink, smoke, or gamble, we hope there will be many more fun times to spend together soon. Maybe with hubbies and kids even… No? …Or not.

I should have done this in person, but I didn’t want to get all serious on you in the midst of all the fun, so listen: Blogger friendships may seem too distant or detached from outsider perspectives, but the laughter and support we share means a lot me. Thank you for sticking around through some very tough times, and for never forgetting that I exist even when my posts dwindle down to once or twice a month.

You’re each amazing, wonderful people, and I love you… XOXOX!

13 comments March 31st, 2008

We’re hitting the road one weekend after another in March. Last weekend we went up the California coast to participate in the Solvang Century. It was my first time riding over 100 miles in a single day, and boy was I beat when it was over. Seven hours of riding, and a significant stretch of it fighting strong headwinds on uphill climbs. Looking back, I’m proud of that accomplishment, but it’s not something I’d enjoy doing on a regular basis.

(The bunny on my handlebars helps though.)

Normally, I prefer 30-50 mile rides while surrounded by ten to twenty of my other road biking buddies, and of course, the one and only Jordan. I’m stoked that we’re once again enjoying daylight savings time (also known as cycling season). My office life sucks, but it’s made more tolerable when I can ride off the stress after work.

This weekend we’re heading out for yet another road trip. We’re gearing up for Las Vegas where we’ll be meeting a few of my favorite peeps on earth! I’m so excited. Good thing I’ve been so busy lately, otherwise I’d be obsessing over what to pack, dreaming about the fun we’ll have, and stressing that I’ll be too shy to enjoy it all.

As it stands, I’m worried about not having appropriate shoes for all the walking required in that town, so I wrote to Manolo the Shoeblogger for advice. To my great pleasure, he wrote about it and made suggestions. I’ll try and head over to a nearby Cole Haan boutique later tonight and find some of those Nike Air heels he recommends.

See you gals soon! XOXOX

18 comments March 13th, 2008