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From waterfalls to snow-capped peaks, setting sun to leis, why did I have to ride my bike and crash before the race?


Pithy poem goes here.


In masks and gowns we haunt the street and knock on doors for trick or treat.

 

Today I am the Fairy Queen, for oh tonight it's Halloween!


If you want to ride in the Pyrenees, we'll give you some advice for free.
You'll find the best cycling if you go, but first click
here to see our photos.


Fastlane

Our box of blue The Fastlane in. It calls to us. The waves begin.


Holiday 2005

Yes, we love the Christmas time. Best of all the year. We have waited for it so long. Now, at last, it's here.


Renee as a Ballerina Witch, Halloween 2005

In masks and gowns we haunt the street and knock on doors for trick or treat.


Ray racing in the Bahamas

The stench of chlorine assaulted my nose, crashing into the pool of water below.


Sharpened pencils, desks all in a row. It's the first day of school and ALL 3 kids must go.


Our Pez is cool. Our Pez is fun. Our Pez is loved by everyone.


The Skaggses brought me home today cradled in their arms. They cuddled me and smiled at me, and said I was full of charm.


For more pictures, click here.

May 13, 2008 It seems like a lot of blogging folks recently or are about to start a family. Now, when I read about couples who are undergoing what we went through almost 15 years ago, I sigh a big relief that we are over that hump. I guess that is why I marvel that these guys are still having kids. Sure they’re a few years younger than us, but for goodness sakes, they need to stop procreating!

Gosh, those early years were enough to make me pschizophrenic. Now that I’m in my 40s, enduring the toddler phase seems an impossible task. Today, there is no way I could drive my car, feed the kids, and change a baby all at the same time. Pregnancy hormones really make a woman the ultimate multi-tasker. I give a lot of credit to those of you having kids in your late 30s or early 40s. It’s a long, rough ride ahead, that’s definitely worth it of course, but having youth on your side makes it a lot smoother.


May 10, 2008 Nicole, Ray and I had to endure another all-day swim meet (Rob lucked out with only babysitting duties). Up at 6 a.m., sit for 8 hours in the searing sun to watch approximately 15 minutes of my kids' swimming, and then back at home by 4 p.m. I know I should stop complaining but, after all, this is my website and it makes me feel better to vent.

We finally received a notice from the Clerk of the Court earlier this week. Our stay at this pre-foreclosure property is nearing its end. The hearing is set for May 29th at 1:30 p.m. We'll be in attendance, of course, to try and talk to the lender in order to buy more time. We waffle back and forth about making a low-ball cash offer but as time ticks on, that doesn't seem to fit in our plans. Our current situation is so sticky right now because the last thing we want to do is uproot our kids but everything seems to be saying, "Go west, young man." At least, that is what the headhunters are telling Rob except for the "young" part.


May 7, 2008 Every morning this week we've been walking through the neighborhood of Hyde Park. But instead of strolling through the sidewalks we've decided to meander through the back alleys. It's been quite a dichotomy, really, to see unkempt pathways littered with dilapidated detached structures behind Hyde Park's McMansions. The conditions we've come across behind these pristine facades kind of surprises us. These alleys remind us of the streets on Key West, the Grove and Bimini (pre-1990s, of course): everything is overgrown, roads are crooked or unpaved (and too narrow for today's SUVs), and there are cats everywhere. I have to admit, the views evoke memories of days of yore. I guess we're experiencing nostalgia.

I've been in the saddle for 6 days in a row. Knowing I don't have to be makes for an awfully nice bike ride. Life is good.


May 5, 2008

Deep…
Darkness descending
Along the miles I walked
In the distance, I can still feel the sea
If I were to stop moving
Stand still, just listening
I could hear the waves
As the sun falls below the horizon
Into the waters
Extinguished
Indistinguishable from the other stars in the sky

Everything takes on the same glaze
Shadows dance, shadows play
Along the miles I found myself traveling
I turn to see the moon rise
And I am drawn
To where I began
Silver essence flowing
Smell the change on the sea
Smell the darkness that opens the pores
And creates inspiration

It was too hot today…
It was too much like every other day
At least at night
There are no expectations
There are only invitations
To breathe, to blend, to bleed
To descend, to deepen, to dream
I will return to the sea
To find what I have left behind
Because it became too heavy with the sun

The poem above embodies the current feeling Rob and I share about triathlons. We've been traveling the same path for awhile now and racing has become "too heavy." Maybe our blasé attitude is a result of the early arrival of Florida's summer; maybe we both have ADD; or, maybe it's the stinkin' outrageous entry fees!  Ugh.

Although we still enjoy hopping on our bikes together—feeling our hearts pumping, the wind rushing through our faces, and talking about our retirement years, I think we're both yearning for a change. Following the same training schedules, enduring the same routes, and racing the same races have become totally mundane. Most importantly, as our kids continue to grow into mini-adults, following a training log every day, while also trying to spend time with them, makes us feel like we're breaking one of the ten commandments.

Anyway, maybe if we both "just stood still and listened to the waves" our ennui would be eased. If not, we may be looking for an environment that will reenergize our healthy lifestyle.


April posts

 

 BLOGS I READ:

Dave Z

Gordo Byrn

DaHoyles.com

Kathy Frailing

Marty & Brianne Gaal

Val T

 PLACES I VISIT:

Best of the Bay Cyclists

Cyclingnews.com

Florida Cycling

Florida Race Place Magazine

Footworks, Miami

Giant for Women

Go Cycling Maui

Hillman Wonders of the World

Ironman Live

Let'sRun.com

Massage Therapy by Travis Skaggs

Outspokin Family Bicycles

Pam Kallio

Sheldon Brown (Harris Cyclery)

St. Anthony's Triathlon

St. Pete Mad Dogs

Tampa Bay Aquatics

VeloNews

Windermere Roadies Forum


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