Pissing Contests and Other Fun Stuff

There have been some fun things going on lately that needed a little shout out.  

This past weekend, I rode with Laura, Angie and Suzy.  Angie needed to do 4 hours, but since my #1 goal was to spend time with Dave over the weekend, I opted for the 2 hour plan.  Suzy, Laura, and I did one loop to cheer Angie on, and then left her out to dry and do her last loop alone.  Does it make us good friends that we did 1 loop with her or bad friends that we didn't do both?  I can't answer that one.  

At the end of our 1 loop, Suzy and I had what she calls a "pissing contest."  It is where you are not racing your friend, but you are not giving up any ground to her either.  Suzy and I were chugging up hills with our wheels trading off inches.  We both knew what was going on- the pissing contest- but neither of us said a word.  We just let the pace creep up and up until we got to the top of one hill and just started giggling and laughing.  I think Angie and Laura were like WTF are they doing?  I think it takes a special meeting of the minds to have fun little moments like that in a training ride where you are pushing each other and making it fun too.  Hilarious that we both knew what was going on but acted like nothing was going on.  Even funnier that we both can admit that we were engaged in a "pissing contest."  

My other fun moment is my new 50 yard PR that I just set at swim class.  The coach said I might even get fast if I learned any sort of technique, and he estimated I swam about 55 yards instead of 50.  I just ignored those comments- I mean, hey- technique, scmechnique.  Us non-swimmers don't even know what technique is.  Today he had us practice 12 x 25 underwater dolphin kicks (or whatever you call them, like I know) at 3 x our normal off of the wall amount.  I thought to myself- well if I normally do ZERO since I don't even know how to do them, then 3 x 0 = 0, right?  Hee hee ;)

Okay, okay.  Back to studying.  This was my mid-afternoon break for the day.  

Choices=Gift

D + is the grade I give myself for the past couple of weeks.  I have done a lousy job of handling stress, and I am writing a new book of lame excuses that I am using daily.  Unacceptable!  

I have so many changes and unknowns in my life right now- valid reasons for stress.  I must pass the PT Boards to get licensed so I can work.  I have to get a job to help support my family. I knew I would be facing these challenges as soon as I graduated.  I don't think I expected to have to choose between Memphis and New Orleans so soon...and it is not really MY choice, it is OUR choice.  Tough stuff.  

I don't think the long layoff from running has helped my attitude any either.  

Anyways, I have let the stress of choices and change push into my life.  What I forgot to recognize is that although choices bring some stress, they are a GIFT!  What a gift to be able to take a test, to search for a job, and consider a move.  Not everyone gets these chances. 

Dave and I spent most of our weekend together to talk and be a team, since we have some big team decisions to make.  Friday night we grilled out- Dave made turkey burgers and squash for me.  Saturday I opted to do a very short ride on Saturday and spend the rest of the day with Dave.  We worked on the pool, ate Mexican and drank margaritas, and had movie night at home.  Sunday we worked on the pool more, worked in the yard, watched the US almost pull off a Brazil upset, and played co-ed soccer together (well, he played and I mostly watched).  I know right now we have to be really strong and supportive of each other to make the right decisions.  

I can't wait for the day when I can run out my front door to relieve some stress.  I hope that day is around the corner!

Fortunately I have 2 GREAT buddies that remind me that kindness and doing things with zest and happiness are the keys to life.  There is no problem that can't be solved with a few extra kisses and a tummy rub.  

Two good thoughts for the week:

"If you always do what you have always done, you will always get what you have always got."

"It is hard to beat someone that won't give up."

 

Wednesday To Do's

This list is actually short- I think I can accomplish my to-do's today.  

To Do List For Wednesday:

1.  Go on pain free, short run.  

2.  Get on Dave Ramsey Show.

3.  Share a lane with Miles at master's swim.

4.  Call Jan and make lunch date for later this week :)

5.  Go see my new bike at Outdoors and decide on components and bars.

6.  Lock myself in public library study room to study for the boards.  

So far I have accomplished the first 4 items.  Yes, I will be on the Dave Ramsey show tonight.  You can also catch it in two weeks on hulu.com when they upload it on the internet.  I was literally in the middle of master's swim class when Dave called me.  I jumped out of the water in the middle of the set to ask Dave my question!  

okay, off to complete # 5 and #6...