Miscellaneous Missives

WAM This week I spent three days at the WAM (Weisman Art Museum) Teacher Institute.  We talked about art and writing and teaching and... Act I:  Participants and Presenters On Tuesday I was pleasantly surprised to see a former co-worker in the room.  She's been home raising her babies who are off to kindergarten this year.  It was great to see and talk to her during the three days of workshop.  In addition, one of the presenters was also a former co-worker.  It was a grand three days! Act II:  Ideas and More Ideas Although I already use the Perceive activity , I thought of new ways to expand these critical thinking questions in my classroom.  We were given a folder of resources and new activities which is currently sitting on my table.  For one of the final day's activities we were supposed to share an idea that we would incorporate in our lesson.  My idea will be used on the first day of school (?), so I'm not thinking about s...

I don't really know how to put the RAGBRAI experience into words, so this is my last post about the ride.  My guess is that everyone's already heard enough anyway. Act I:  Team Wimpy Would I cycle all seven days of RAGBRAI again? Absolutely.  I would ride with the same team because of the variety of riders.  There were super fast riders, slow riders, drinkers, heavy drinkers, and non drinkers.  It truly was a eclectic mix of people.  I rode with some of the heavier drinkers, but I was able to moderate my drinking and enjoy the festivities.  Each night a circle was formed.  It was similar to a campfire with no fire (since we were staying on someone's lawn).  This was a great time for me to connect with the cyclists I didn't see during the day. Act II:  Small Town Love One of my favorite small town activities of the week was not the water slides set up in various farm ditches, but the throwing of cow pies in Ackley, Iowa.  It...

The worst part of camping was living out of the two totes. Everything was always damp and smelly. When I decided I was in for the full seven days (and nights) of RAGBRAI , I started to freak out (really freak out) about the camping aspect since I'd never slept in a tent.  Actually, I sat in a tent for approximately 30 minutes for the first time two or three summers ago.  While I could prepare for the cycling, I had no way to prepare for the camping.  Friends helped me with the needed materials (tent, pad, sleeping bag, tent light...).  At one point I needed to go to Midwest Mountaineering for a couple additional supplies, the guy helping me asked if it would be a good idea to spend a night in the tent before I left.  I told him I was freaked out and thought it best to wait until I had no way of backing out.  I'm proud to report that I handled the camping fairly well.  Fist to five = solid 3! Our first night was an amazing location next to ...

I wish I had a picture from Saturday because one could literally see the heavy air caused by heat and humidity.  It's difficult to stop for a picture when one's trying to keep riding. While we were setting up camp the first night of RAGBRAI (the night before the first riding day), a handful of " The unauthorized and unofficial BAR GUIDE XLIII " were delivered to our site by Brewhaha:  Ride Hard.  Party Harder.  Not only did they give bar locations in every town with a list of the craft beer locations, they also gave the mileage and climb between each town.  It was a great resource to have in order to gauge the toughness of the days route. Before RAGBRAI, training tips were posted on the RAGBRAI blog .  One talked about the four H's of RAGBRAI (hills, heat, humidity and headwinds).  In my mind, I only really battled three of the four, but some of the hard riding has disappeared from my memory leaving only fun memories. I can't seem to ge...

For those that think Iowa is completely flat... The people (thousands and thousands) of RAGBRAI really make it more than a bike ride.  Although I could tell story after story of the kindness on the ride, I only have three events for TAL.  As far as towns and locations, the week seems to have blurred together. Act One:  Wednesday's ride brought riders hanging out at the nursing home.  The nursing home had signs welcoming RAGBRAI riders to come in for an indoor bathroom and a place to relax in the shade.  They also invited riders to stop and talk to the residents.  As we rode past, we witnessed riders sitting next to residents.  It was so sweet.  Later I wished that I had actually stopped and talked with the residents.  It's a great idea.  RAGBRAI is about more than riding; it's about talking to people and enjoying the stories of others. Act Two:  One Thursday (?) I was struggling with my asthma.  It'd been fairly control...

People pulling off the road for breakfast at Slipstream Organics Over the next couple of days I'll try to share my RAGBRAI experience although it'll be difficult to put into words.  Instead of going grocery shopping tonight, I set up a breakfast meeting for tomorrow morning.  I'll gradually have to get back into reality. Basically, my food and drinks from the last week have come from vendors on RAGBRAI.  Three of the vendors were my staples! Act I:   Slipstream Organics Each morning I stopped for coffee at a fair trade coffee stand next to Slipstream Organics.  They were always within the first ten miles of town.  Before I left camp I would have a Morning Round with peanut butter to get me started, then I would stop with some of the fellow " Wimps " for coffee.  It was the perfect way to start the day. Act II:   Mr. Pork Chop Mr. Pork Chop is a RAGBRAI legend.  It seems everyone must have at least one pork chop from Mr. Por...

My tire light has been on, so I decided to take my car to the nearest mechanic to make sure there were no leaks in any of the tires.  Since it's within walking distance (as is my hair stylist), I dropped it off at 12:30 on the way to my hair appointment.  When I was done with my hair appointment, I walked home and waited to hear from the service guy.  Since I don't have a lot of patience I called back about an hour later. Act I:  Brake Pads  According to the mechanic my brake pads were at 2 mm instead of 10 mm, so he suggested I buy new brake pads.  I said it was fine and asked when my car was going to be finished.  The estimated time was an hour, but they would call. Act II:  Rotors After waiting for 90 minutes, I called again asking about the progress with my car.  "I'm glad you called.  I was just getting ready to call you,"  said the service guy.  It seems one of my rotors had a "groove."  They could change the p...

Friday, I will leave for a Team Wimpy pre-ride party in Cedar Falls.  Saturday, I will take the Team Wimpy bus (I really think it's a painted school bus) to Sioux City.  Sunday, will be the first day (1 of 7) of riding.  It's all about preparations. Act One:  Camping  As I've stated before, this will be my first time sleeping in a tent, and the idea freaks me out.  I have borrowed a tent, a sleeping bag, and a sleeping pad.  Today I was given lessons on how to fill the sleeping bag (merely open the valve and let it fill with air).  My friends who camped when they were younger find my camping preparations to be amusing.  Most don't feel twenty tents in someone's backyard is camping.  Since I will need to be in a tent without use of any indoor amenities with a portable shower, a garden house, and a kybo  (last night I realized everyone is not aware of the term kybo), it's camping.   Small bright lights were even bought, ...

I love the Hennepin County trail system.  The trails are a wonderful basically safe way of biking.  Most of my rides are on these trails.  While these trails make me happy, there are some major irritants to my rides! Act One:  Segways I HATE segways.  Some would say that HATE is a strong word, but I would say when it comes to segways on trails, I need something more powerful.  Why are a motorized vehicle such as the segway even allowed on the trail?  I HATE the segway and the lazy, stupid, fat assed people who ride them.  Yep, I did stereotype (and probably inaccurately) an entire group of people.  The fat assed might not be fair, but I'm standing my ground on lazy and stupid.  Hey segway people, two segways next to each other impedes travel on the trail. Act Two:  Parents of Children on Bikes I feel sorry for parents of children learning to bike because there's not really a safe place to learn.  If one is, however, going...

My biking buddy commented that we did rides in May (Fulton Gran Fondo), June (University of Okoboji Campus Ride), July (Tour D'Amico), and had planned one for September (Headwaters- Park Rapids).  I was informed that we needed a ride for August.  I've seen riders attempting the Powderhorn 24 as I frequent the Midtown Farmer's Market on Saturdays, and it looks entertaining.  I suggested we get a team together and also found another August ride .    BTW- We're completely in it "For the fun!" and not "For the win!" Act One:  Facebook I posted an invite on Facebook.  One person replied, "Not it."  Others were curious.  It does require someone from the team riding for 24 hours.  Another rider (harassed in person and on FB) was taking a break from all night endurance events.  Facebook is a wonderful opportunity to put the information out to the people, but sometimes to form a team it takes a little more. Act Two:  A Team Af...

I love going back home to Okoboji.  It's a great time to hang with friends and visit local establishments.  While I'm home, I feel like I'm on a mini-vacation. Act One:   Transportation I typically bring my bike to Okoboji.   I like to ride the hills while I'm home.  The bike fits fine in the back of my Rav 4. Recently, I received a call from the dry cleaner in Bojii.  I take my sweaters to the local dry cleaner because I save about $50.  The call asked if I had forgotten my dry cleaning which I had. Anyway, I picked up my dry cleaning which was problematic since I was unable to transport all of my sweaters and my bike.  The dry cleaning had to stay in Boji! Act Two:  Local Businesses  Each time I go home in the summer I make sure to visit the Taco House and the Sugar Shack.  If I have time I also visit a local cafe and Lisa's Bake Shop.  I save Godfather's Pizza for the winter when the Taco House is closed. As I ...

J and I planned a ride to Stillwater using the Gateway State Trail.  Any ride that requires a new route and or navigation requires I ride with J. (not literally word for word... too old to remember exact verbiage) Act 1:  Minnesota State Capitol Our ride started at my house.  We then took trails to the Minnesota State Capitol. M: "It says turn right, but it's a dead end." J:  "Did you follow the directions?  These directions are for the other side of the capitol.  We need to start from the other side of the Capitol." J obviously can read the map that I printed out and follow basic directions.  I, on the other hand, only can look confused and follow along. Act II:  Freight House We stopped at the Freight House for lunch.  The sign says No Bikes on the Deck. Yes, I say can instead of may, and I'm an English major. M:  "Can we bring our bikes up on the deck?" Server:  "No.  Bikes aren't allowed on the deck. ...

Between Hole 8 and Hole 9 My golf game is the good, the bad, and the ugly.  Each Wednesday evening I play a round of golf, and each Wednesday evening the outcome is about the same.  Sometimes I wonder why I keep playing.  Often I wonder why I'm not better until I realize I never, ever, ever, practice, never. Act One:  Salted Nut Roll I play at Hiawatha, and since we show up each Wednesday, the employees know us.  As I drove in to the parking lot tonight, M waved a big wave at me.  Actually, something about M is a bit creepy, but I think he's harmless.  As I was on the second hole, I was feeling disappointed that I didn't buy a Salted Nut Roll while I was in the clubhouse.  Due to last year's flooding, there are only nine holes and no beverage cart.  M was the ranger guy and appeared as I was thinking about a Salted Nut Roll.  "Hey, M, will you go to the clubhouse and get me a Salted Nut Roll?" I asked as I waved him over. "Here, ...

My goal is to read as much as I can during the summer.  Young adult literature is my focus, but I have a plan.  As of today, I've read 32 books which is admirable (IMHO).  My goal is to read three or four YA books for each adult (?) I read. Act One:  Blog For each YA book I read, I blog about it on the school's book blog.  It follows a format which makes it easy to post.  For each book I read, I try to write something positive even if I think the book is dumb.  After all, middle school boys have a different sense of humor than I do.  Sometimes I wonder if it's reaching the audience (VVM middle school students) and being helpful to young readers, but it's also good for me to try to find something positive in each book I read. Act Two:  My Favorite YA Books of the Summer (So Far) I've really struggled this year with some of the YA books I've chosen to read, but three books stand out as amazing. 1) Bird by Crystal Chan  Although ...

A new blog challenge was started days ago, and I'm going to try to participate.  Honestly, my goal is eight entries for the month of July.  Basically, it follows This American Life.  Pick a theme and choose three stories.  Although it maybe lame, it's what I feel I can do.  Speaking of Lame, it's my theme for today. Act One:  Blogging I've realized my blogging needs help, so I'm trying to follow the TAL Challenge.  Basically, since my life isn't super exciting, it's difficult for my blog to reach heights of greatness.  Following a format could help me. Act Two:  Photos Typically, I post a picture with each post.  Today I was going to add a picture and realized most of my pictures lately have been taken on my bike rides.  I need to work on my photos.  I live in a great city with a lot to offer, so my pictures should be amazing. Act Three:  Creativity Perhaps creativity goes with blogging and photos, but I'm not fe...

Finish Line Today was another group/organized ride.  We participated in the Tour D'Amico.  Prior to the ride, I had looked at their website.  It advertised potato chips and Salted Nut Rolls.  At the end of the ride I was disappointed that there were neither on the ride.  Not that the giant molasses cookie wasn't delightful.  It was, and I ate 1.5 cookies. As we sat at the D'Amico after the race, I went to the registration table to complain.  In fact, I told J she might want to wait and not join me because I was going to complain.  The wonderful people at the table were gracious as they said they would listen to my complaint.  "All I wanted all ride was a Salted Nut Roll and a bag of chips as advertised," I complained.  The gracious duo explained that they were at the Hopkins stop.  "Oh yeah, we missed that stop, so I guess it's my fault,"  I replied.  Sooooo, the one stop we miss was the stop that had everything I ever...

I realize it's July 1st and that gratitude thing is over, but I have more for which to be thankful.  On the way home from golf I couldn't help but think of gratitudes.  After all, I read and played golf today.  Plus, this happened... 1) I filled my car up with gas (BP (yuck) 36th and Lyndale) for $2.57.  It's $2.75 in most locations.  Although I'm not a BP fan, I'm a fan of saving money. 2) As I was leaving BP, two different people stopped to let me know that my gas door (I don't know what it's called) was open.  Complete strangers wanted to help me out, to notify me of a problem. 3) Continuing west towards home, I noticed the sunrise.  It was absolutely beautiful, so I stopped to take a picture.