Miscellaneous Missives

A dear friend and I left early this morning to kayak on a small lake.  It was only my second time in a kayak.  As the two of us maneuvered through the algae filled lake, we approached three men standing at the end of the dock.  They wanted to know who was the fastest.  After a short exchange, the men told us they would continue watching which was good for later conversation as my friend and I talked and kayaked.  Kayaking was a wonderful way to start the morning.  I need to kayak more often. 

Wednesday after my second day of morning biking, I posted to FB: It seems I was the only one on the bike trail today without a helmet, and I was the only one that stopped at intersections for cars (because the cars don't have to stop... stop sign for bikers not cars). Maybe if I buy a helmet I won't have to stop for cars. I had one response: Mary, for crying out loud, buy a freekin helmet! I crashed a couple times on my bike and split a helmet both times. Think of how much more I'd be messed up than I already am if I didn't wear a helmet. When it comes to two wheeled contraptions (bikes and motorcycles) there are only those who have crashed and those who are going to crash. Today I went to REI and bought a bike helmet.  As I entered the cycling section, I asked someone to help me find a helmet.  A young man helped me find a helmet that fit and one that had some color.  When I asked him what I was going to do with my hair, he pointed to his shor...

Since I've been listening to the same music during my workouts (forever), I decided to come up with an abbreviated playlist of July.  When I returned from my morning bike ride, I sat down at my computer and put together the list.  I'm pleased with my selections although I won't really know until I'm jogging or biking.  Here's my list (on shuffle): Crazy Train- Ozzy Osbourne  Scream- Usher Thunderstruck- Thunderstruck Part of Me- Katy Perry Call Me Maybe- Carly Rae Jepsen Stonger- Kanye West Back in Time- Pitbull Stronger- Kelly Clarkson Disturbia- Rihanna Fighter- Christina Aguilera  Sweet Child O' Mine- Guns N' Roses 'Cuz I Can- P!nk I Like It- Enrique Iglesias Mr. Brightside- The Killers Drive By- Train Domino- Jessie J Know Your Enemy- Green Day Bad Influence- P!nk I Do Not Hook Up- Kelly Clarkson Keeps Gettin' Better- Christina Aguilera The Fighter- Gym Class Heroes Raise Your Glass- P!nk What do you think?   It seem...

I love summer vacation when the days are beautiful like to day... sunny, upper 70s, gorgeous.  Reading in the sun, riding my bike, and playing golf were the day's activities. I have nothing to say, but I wanted to attach the photo of the city as seen from the golf course.

I decided to actually ride my bike this morning since the tires are pumped up (new tire pump).   Before I could get started, I needed to download music to my iPod.  It seems the last update didn't want to leave music on the iPod.  The blister on my toe needed attention.  KK was cranky and needed treats before I left.  My initial plan was to leave at 7:15, but I left a little before 8:00. Although I did bike for thirty minutes, there were some (more) problems difficulties. Seat slides side to side and up and down making for an interesting ride. Kick-stand (Yes, my bike has one, and I like it.) and/or bike lock rub against back tire. Bike could use a tune-up... don't remember last time I actually rode it. When I returned home from my adventurous bike ride, I was going to take the bike to the bike shop for a tune-up, so I could start each morning with a little bike ride.  Since the bike shop doesn't open until 10, I decided to varnish the windows tha...

Many were wondering if I was able to keep my running commentary of the incompetence of and my frustrations with one of my fellow AVID Summer Institute attendees to a minimum.  The answer is YES.  At one point I admitted to buying a filter at www.filter.com.  Another time I apologized for something I said and stated that my filter was coming yet wouldn't arrive until school started.  Did I take occasional jabs that went over Ms. Incompetence's head?  Yes.  Did I remove myself from her presence at most times? Yes.  Did I make sure that she wasn't around when I had something snarky to say?  Yes (except the one time).  It was difficult traveling and attending a learning experience with someone who personally makes my job, and those with whom I work, more difficult.  Listening to her continually talk about how wonderful she is and all she knows was taxing, but I think I did fairly well.  Do I still find her unprofessional, annoying an...

After today's session, perhaps the best of the three days, we decided to visit The Sixth Floor Museum .  In April I read Stephen King's 11.23.12 which made today's visit more engaging.  As my roomie in Dallas and colleague approached the ticket counter, she asked if there was a teacher discount.  For some reason she actually had her ID and lanyard in her purse.  Amazed that she paid $6 instead of $13, I approached the desk sheepishly and asked for the same discount explaining I didn't have my ID.  The ticket agent accepted my insurance card and photo ID.  Who knew?  Anyway, I was pleased with the visit to the museum.  Walking through the museum I was caught by the images of JFK.  Often I thought of presidents like Carter, Clinton, and Obama for various reasons.  I remember thinking Obama would be assassinated within the first months of his presidency.  My thoughts then went to JFK's presidency.  How was he able to get so m...