I was waiting for a red light on my bicycle, when a SUV coming from the right made a right turn in front of a string of four approximately ten year old boys on their small bicycles. They were a whole lane away from him and with his window lowered he began to yell obsenities at them. I mean using the F word and shouting! "What the F the matter with you, don't you see the red light". He yells! This man was all mess up, should they had crossed when it they had a "green" light?
"It says 'walk'!" One kid says looking at the man, but not getting angry himself. The man proceeded with his turn in front of them as they had all stopped by this time. As he went on, the kids proceeded again in single file. The third kid and the smallest used the F word himself in reply after the driver of the SUV was long gone (that would have been me as a kid). This is when I had to laugh! Hail to the kids; they were gentlemen throughout the ordeal; they were in the right and knew it and held fast!
Now, I dont' know what kind of morning the driver of the SUV had; but it couldn't have been a very good one. I think this guy was just looking for a place to put his anger; and the kids just happened along. It was plain to see, to me, that the kids were no where near him, he could have easily made the turn; or he could have been polite enough to let the four boys pass by in front of him.
The kids were good kids, not messing around, just crossing the interesection with using the "walk light". Hail to the kids because they realized that they are on an even playing field with adults; that adults at times can act more like kids than kids.
Saturday, October 01, 2005
Nickel and Dimed in the USA
I just finished reading "Nickel and Dimed on (NOT) getting by in the America" by Barbara Ehrenreich. It is a rather depressing book but one that I think every middle class citizen should read; while you are still middle class!
It seems the poverty rate as risen 17% since G. W. Bush has been president. He has three more years. This is scary stuff! In the book the average wage was $7.00 an hour or less. These people had to work two jobs to get by. There was no way on earth that they could ever get ahead. There was not enough money being made that they could get put away for a rainy day, much less retirement.
The author, Barbara Ehrenreich, a journalist with a Ph.D. took the time to move about the country, alone with out children, to see if she could make a living on $7.00 per hour. She couldn't!
One of the things she ran into was employers usually hold back one week's pay; so how could she come up with the security deposit on an apartment? She had to pay week by week in a motel.
At one point she worked as a maid and a co-worker hurt her foot, actually, she broke a bone it appeared. It went untreated and the woman hobbled on it, still working every day. She had too, she could not avoid to take the time off without pay; her kids had to eat! There was no worker's compensation or any insurance for that matter provided by her employer. What was suggested was "work through it!" by him.
Besides spending long hard hours at work, many have no cars and must commute for a long ride, switching from train to bus, or from bus route transferring to another. It is very sad to read about these people knowing that they are stuck in their pedicament.
She stood for eleven hour shifts at Walmart with aching feet and her back hurting. She finally just gave up, because what money she had as a reserve (about $1200.) got used up
I can't imagine having to work two jobs just to make ends meet! "Only in America!" Clueless George proclaimed. What a shame he didn't have a clue what this mother was going through or even talking about!
So many of the good paying jobs are being out scourced to off shore companies where cheap labor can be had. Of course, corporation save money and claim that the product price stays lower; but, who will buy the cheaper product, here in this country, when people are being paid less than $7.00 per hour and spend all their available time working at two or more jobs to try to make ends meet.
It's a sad situation. There are some areas in the country where people working and still living below the poverty line (family of four living on $30,000) can get aid and food products.
It is such a sad sad situation;the youth of today better know that they must get well educated, and try to pick a profession, that you think can't be done by out-scourcing. Lots of luck! Today there are places where x-rays (your x-rays) are read overseas.
The middle class section of the population is becoming smaller and the poverty section is growing. The few rich are becoming more wealthy at lower class expenses.
Not on our goverment but more common middle class citizens are living more and more in debt. I think the average credit card debt per family is $10,000. or more. Not only this country's government, which is in high debt to China and Japan, but middle class people are living way beyond their means; and are barely making ends meet. Just how long can that last; just how long can things appear to be normal and people appear to be getting by before the truth comes out.
Recently I spoke with a realitor and a title company employee and they both said that they have stacks of "re-sales" on their desk waiting to be processed. In fact, they couldn't keep up with the work, so many people can't make the payments and they must sell their homes and either downgrade or move into an apartment.
We as Americans are reactive rather than proactive. We are a breed of "immediate gradificiation" seekers. We want it now! No one saves or plans for a rainy day. This all scares me about our economy; it looks good, but is it? When will we all fall on our "in denial" faces.
It seems the poverty rate as risen 17% since G. W. Bush has been president. He has three more years. This is scary stuff! In the book the average wage was $7.00 an hour or less. These people had to work two jobs to get by. There was no way on earth that they could ever get ahead. There was not enough money being made that they could get put away for a rainy day, much less retirement.
The author, Barbara Ehrenreich, a journalist with a Ph.D. took the time to move about the country, alone with out children, to see if she could make a living on $7.00 per hour. She couldn't!
One of the things she ran into was employers usually hold back one week's pay; so how could she come up with the security deposit on an apartment? She had to pay week by week in a motel.
At one point she worked as a maid and a co-worker hurt her foot, actually, she broke a bone it appeared. It went untreated and the woman hobbled on it, still working every day. She had too, she could not avoid to take the time off without pay; her kids had to eat! There was no worker's compensation or any insurance for that matter provided by her employer. What was suggested was "work through it!" by him.
Besides spending long hard hours at work, many have no cars and must commute for a long ride, switching from train to bus, or from bus route transferring to another. It is very sad to read about these people knowing that they are stuck in their pedicament.
She stood for eleven hour shifts at Walmart with aching feet and her back hurting. She finally just gave up, because what money she had as a reserve (about $1200.) got used up
I can't imagine having to work two jobs just to make ends meet! "Only in America!" Clueless George proclaimed. What a shame he didn't have a clue what this mother was going through or even talking about!
So many of the good paying jobs are being out scourced to off shore companies where cheap labor can be had. Of course, corporation save money and claim that the product price stays lower; but, who will buy the cheaper product, here in this country, when people are being paid less than $7.00 per hour and spend all their available time working at two or more jobs to try to make ends meet.
It's a sad situation. There are some areas in the country where people working and still living below the poverty line (family of four living on $30,000) can get aid and food products.
It is such a sad sad situation;the youth of today better know that they must get well educated, and try to pick a profession, that you think can't be done by out-scourcing. Lots of luck! Today there are places where x-rays (your x-rays) are read overseas.
The middle class section of the population is becoming smaller and the poverty section is growing. The few rich are becoming more wealthy at lower class expenses.
Not on our goverment but more common middle class citizens are living more and more in debt. I think the average credit card debt per family is $10,000. or more. Not only this country's government, which is in high debt to China and Japan, but middle class people are living way beyond their means; and are barely making ends meet. Just how long can that last; just how long can things appear to be normal and people appear to be getting by before the truth comes out.
Recently I spoke with a realitor and a title company employee and they both said that they have stacks of "re-sales" on their desk waiting to be processed. In fact, they couldn't keep up with the work, so many people can't make the payments and they must sell their homes and either downgrade or move into an apartment.
We as Americans are reactive rather than proactive. We are a breed of "immediate gradificiation" seekers. We want it now! No one saves or plans for a rainy day. This all scares me about our economy; it looks good, but is it? When will we all fall on our "in denial" faces.
Friday, September 30, 2005
Doctor's Visit - Beware!
Last year I went to my OB/GYN for my annual well woman's visit. But this year I had no particular complaints so I went to my regular family physician. Well actually a different one. You see the family physican moved away and before she left she introducted me to another doctor who would take over her practice. She seems nice enough. I was sorry to lose my doctor, but thought that I would give this other doctor a try when it was time for my annual well woman visit.
And what a visit that was; first of all the doctor that I went to see was not there. The receptionist and/or nurse suggested I see another doctor that was there that day. Okay, I really had no compliants in particular, I agreed to see the new doctor.
In the end I wasn't very thrilled. I told him that I run several miles or bicycle almost every day and workout on the weight equipment at the YMCA. He proceeded with his little light to look into my eyes, ears, nose and throat. He compliments me; told me I had nice teeth and clean ears. I was beginning to feel like a horse on the auction block.
The wipped out his double action special instrument that had a hammar at one end and a long needle at the other end. He knocks on my joints; arms and knee. An he proceeded to stick me all over the legs with the other end of that instrument. I was puzzled? First, of all I didn't have any compliants and second I just told him that I ran, biked and worked out! I'm active, of course, I can feel my legs. I certainly felt the prick of the pin; my knee jerk reflect just nearly missed his thigh.
The breast exam, could have been skipped all together for how swift unthrough that it was, although at this point, that was a good thing; because by now I'm thinking that I may have made a mistake.
Before I left the examination room, the nurse rolled out the EKG machine; I'm thinking that it was old or misfunctioning because my pulse was 48. My pulse has been that low? Before I left his office; he had a paper printout and pointed to the blockage that would probably demand a pace maker in a few years.
Okay, I'm ready to go now! I'm ready to get out of here! Later I wondered why didn't use his hand and his watch and re-check my pulse at my wrist, to verify the accuracy of the EKG machine?
You see I had compared my visit to the one I had with my OB/GYN last year. She spent an entire hour with me for first visit; not ten minutes. And she was very thorough and took her time with the exams. She was very pleasant and personal. And there was no EKG machine anywhere in sight? There was no hammar with a long needle at the other end either. I miss her - the good doctor! Next year I'm back to the OB/GYN.
I guess the moral of the story is - not all doctors are created equal. We need to be very careful about the doctors we choose. I think personal referrence by word of mouth is a good place to start.
And what a visit that was; first of all the doctor that I went to see was not there. The receptionist and/or nurse suggested I see another doctor that was there that day. Okay, I really had no compliants in particular, I agreed to see the new doctor.
In the end I wasn't very thrilled. I told him that I run several miles or bicycle almost every day and workout on the weight equipment at the YMCA. He proceeded with his little light to look into my eyes, ears, nose and throat. He compliments me; told me I had nice teeth and clean ears. I was beginning to feel like a horse on the auction block.
The wipped out his double action special instrument that had a hammar at one end and a long needle at the other end. He knocks on my joints; arms and knee. An he proceeded to stick me all over the legs with the other end of that instrument. I was puzzled? First, of all I didn't have any compliants and second I just told him that I ran, biked and worked out! I'm active, of course, I can feel my legs. I certainly felt the prick of the pin; my knee jerk reflect just nearly missed his thigh.
The breast exam, could have been skipped all together for how swift unthrough that it was, although at this point, that was a good thing; because by now I'm thinking that I may have made a mistake.
Before I left the examination room, the nurse rolled out the EKG machine; I'm thinking that it was old or misfunctioning because my pulse was 48. My pulse has been that low? Before I left his office; he had a paper printout and pointed to the blockage that would probably demand a pace maker in a few years.
Okay, I'm ready to go now! I'm ready to get out of here! Later I wondered why didn't use his hand and his watch and re-check my pulse at my wrist, to verify the accuracy of the EKG machine?
You see I had compared my visit to the one I had with my OB/GYN last year. She spent an entire hour with me for first visit; not ten minutes. And she was very thorough and took her time with the exams. She was very pleasant and personal. And there was no EKG machine anywhere in sight? There was no hammar with a long needle at the other end either. I miss her - the good doctor! Next year I'm back to the OB/GYN.
I guess the moral of the story is - not all doctors are created equal. We need to be very careful about the doctors we choose. I think personal referrence by word of mouth is a good place to start.
The Guilt Thing
I was running this morning and thinking, God, thank you for this most beautiful day. It is a perfect day! I am so happy! I'm so calm, peaceful and I feel love. The sky is crystal clear and bright blue. The air is brisk and dry. The sun glistens on the blades of fresh green grass; its thick and luscious and begs you to run through it. The world is wonderful! While I'm out there running with arms and legs pumping, I pray and express appreciation for my lack of pain, and the absence of any knee problems. I'm healthy, happy, and content. And it is usually, on my happiest days, that my mother has to rear her head and mess it all up for me!
From across the way, she sends her guilt tripping, controlling, obligating messages. God, that woman can't take a hint. Go away Arlene! Every once in a while I get a premonition that one day I will put an eye up to the peep hole of my front door and see her with my brother or sister or both. I guess I just won't answer that door if that happens!
I do not wish to associate with them; I guess they can't take a hint. I have been shy, quiet and nice for years; I was silented. I have gone along with the program to try to make nice; no longer can I do it! I am happy here, away from them, can't they see the obvious?
They are so negative; complaining all the time. I know their agenda! they want to rope me in to provide service; to live my life for her and to bring me down. Her agenda is to win! She must win and conquer; she must have her way. You see I'm the sick one here; there is obviously something wrong with me? It's been like this all of my life! She is very obstinate; once she sinks her teeth into something, she won't let up! I can't do it! I want desperately to be free of them. I want to be happy! I want this heavy weighted feeling to leave my gut. God, please help me!
I received a moanful birthday card; oh how she loves me, misses me. She demands: "Call me!" Let's have lunch and talk. Go away Arlene! Can't you take a hint! I owe you nothing! I have served you for for too many years already and I can't do it any more. You bring me down! You drain the life out of me! I'm in therapy because of you for God's sake, so away! So, now the guilt comes at me like a silent, slivering, snake crawling slowly up to me as I lay in the grass.
That good catholic upbringing will do it to you. My mother would wish evil on me! It would kill her to know that I am happy; she has such a negative attitude and likes to keep everyone down there with her. I can't stand to be in her company. I have to fight the catholic guilt that tells me now, since I haven't continued to "walk the line" that "no one" will ever love me and I will never find happiness; because I am being punished!
I have been trying to separate myself for months and "thought" that I had it accomplished. They drive me insane! I was doing fine; just getting to a good place and then this. Now, I'm flustered, desperate, angry and can't think straight; now my whole day is botched. I won't be able to concentrate to read, or do anything. God please make them go away! Please!
It is two hours later now, and I have just a tiny littl hint of guilt; I'm mostly just aggravated now. I just don't want them knocking at my door! I have no intentions of responding! I say, like I did when I was a kid. "Pretend I'm not here; pretend I don't exist, okay?" She never took the hint than either. To her, I'm a piece of property to treat anyway she wants. A servant; to make sure Arlene stays entertained!
There is no way that I am calling her! I have no desire to talk to the woman. She is only interested in "winning" and fixing me!
Please God help me!
From across the way, she sends her guilt tripping, controlling, obligating messages. God, that woman can't take a hint. Go away Arlene! Every once in a while I get a premonition that one day I will put an eye up to the peep hole of my front door and see her with my brother or sister or both. I guess I just won't answer that door if that happens!
I do not wish to associate with them; I guess they can't take a hint. I have been shy, quiet and nice for years; I was silented. I have gone along with the program to try to make nice; no longer can I do it! I am happy here, away from them, can't they see the obvious?
They are so negative; complaining all the time. I know their agenda! they want to rope me in to provide service; to live my life for her and to bring me down. Her agenda is to win! She must win and conquer; she must have her way. You see I'm the sick one here; there is obviously something wrong with me? It's been like this all of my life! She is very obstinate; once she sinks her teeth into something, she won't let up! I can't do it! I want desperately to be free of them. I want to be happy! I want this heavy weighted feeling to leave my gut. God, please help me!
I received a moanful birthday card; oh how she loves me, misses me. She demands: "Call me!" Let's have lunch and talk. Go away Arlene! Can't you take a hint! I owe you nothing! I have served you for for too many years already and I can't do it any more. You bring me down! You drain the life out of me! I'm in therapy because of you for God's sake, so away! So, now the guilt comes at me like a silent, slivering, snake crawling slowly up to me as I lay in the grass.
That good catholic upbringing will do it to you. My mother would wish evil on me! It would kill her to know that I am happy; she has such a negative attitude and likes to keep everyone down there with her. I can't stand to be in her company. I have to fight the catholic guilt that tells me now, since I haven't continued to "walk the line" that "no one" will ever love me and I will never find happiness; because I am being punished!
I have been trying to separate myself for months and "thought" that I had it accomplished. They drive me insane! I was doing fine; just getting to a good place and then this. Now, I'm flustered, desperate, angry and can't think straight; now my whole day is botched. I won't be able to concentrate to read, or do anything. God please make them go away! Please!
It is two hours later now, and I have just a tiny littl hint of guilt; I'm mostly just aggravated now. I just don't want them knocking at my door! I have no intentions of responding! I say, like I did when I was a kid. "Pretend I'm not here; pretend I don't exist, okay?" She never took the hint than either. To her, I'm a piece of property to treat anyway she wants. A servant; to make sure Arlene stays entertained!
There is no way that I am calling her! I have no desire to talk to the woman. She is only interested in "winning" and fixing me!
Please God help me!
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Seen and Not Heard
I lived in a world of authoritarianism and isolation as a kid. Don't make noise, don't move, don't speak until you are spoken to, were childhood messages. Adults were valued, children were tolerated and intrinsically evil beings who had to be trained. Their inherent bad habits had to be broken.
Affection, hugs, and kisses were withheld for fear of spoiling the child. I lived in a world where displaying affection, sensitivity and love were signs of weakness; but on the other hand, cruelty, displays of anger and violence were acceptable acts of behavior and signs of strength.
Authoritarianism, parental arguing, displays of hatefulness, drinking, and killing animals and pets opening were signs of strength and lessons to learn; walk the line and keep your mouth shut. Don't let the dog loose!
Males were valued over females by other males and even by mothers. Girls had their purpose though. Girls were taught to be caregivers, and docile beings ready to serve other people's needs. There was no fighting the system, I just did what I was told; it was better to just put your mind in neutral.
I lacked confidence and was shy, and I still am. At times I may appear to be confident. I'm more shy if I should happen to care. So, I try not too. But, I'm sensitive and a little intuitive and every once in a while I stumble and fall.
I learned at a very early age not to count on anyone but myself. I learned at an early, very early age, not to expect anything from anyone, certainly not my family, and certainly not love. I tried not to ask for anything from them; and ultimately became very self-sufficent. When I was a kid, I felt trapped; I just had to wait until I was old enough to move out and be on my own.
I love to learn, but was never encouraged to further my education. My parents were of little education, and controlling me meant keeping me down there with them, on the farm, to take care of them as they aged. Afer all that is what people had kids for, to take care of them!
Lessons I learned of life I learned by over hearing my parents complain about other people. I learned not to trust, anyone!
I was terribly shy at school. An older student, an eighth grader was assigned to me, she was very kind. Although, I wasn't sure what that feeling was, it felt good and warm to my heart. My first crush. I knew she would never feel the same, but go off to marry. Through my youth I found, I love girls, they love boys. When I was not interested in boys, my mother would say. "Don't hide in the house!" and "Don't be backward!" Eventually, I dated. I was cute and shy so unfortunately asked out a lot. I was taught to be docile, polite and did what was suggested. A natural peacekeeper!
Funny, how those core feelings stick with you - for life. I think it odd that I have the capacity to love as I do; and it is a sort of lifetime love, it doesn't go away, maybe it fads a little with heartache, but it doesn't really go away.
I try to cover it, but I'm shy in crowds. You'll never see me be the entertainer; I'm the one who laughs and listens to the entertainer. My thoughts get more confused when I'm put on the carpet. I've learned to ask people questions, to get them talking, that way I don't have to talk about myself. Most people talk about their siblings and parents and the things they do together. I can't because I don't associate any longer with mine.
Surprisingly enough, I was in a long term relationship. I lived it according to the lessons I learned in my youth. Therapist say we gravitate towards people who are like our mothers. Well, I did just that, I guess, I hate to admit. I trust her though and still do and still feel very close. She cares about me; but, I had to leave. I'm looking for something? I told her, it's bigger than both of us! I didn't know what that meant, I still don't. I feel like I'm on some kind of a mission. Maybe its just the sense of freedom. I love my independence - its safe! But, I have this little ache in my heart as if something, someone, were missing. I'm feeling a little uncertain, restless and posed to bolt!
Affection, hugs, and kisses were withheld for fear of spoiling the child. I lived in a world where displaying affection, sensitivity and love were signs of weakness; but on the other hand, cruelty, displays of anger and violence were acceptable acts of behavior and signs of strength.
Authoritarianism, parental arguing, displays of hatefulness, drinking, and killing animals and pets opening were signs of strength and lessons to learn; walk the line and keep your mouth shut. Don't let the dog loose!
Males were valued over females by other males and even by mothers. Girls had their purpose though. Girls were taught to be caregivers, and docile beings ready to serve other people's needs. There was no fighting the system, I just did what I was told; it was better to just put your mind in neutral.
I lacked confidence and was shy, and I still am. At times I may appear to be confident. I'm more shy if I should happen to care. So, I try not too. But, I'm sensitive and a little intuitive and every once in a while I stumble and fall.
I learned at a very early age not to count on anyone but myself. I learned at an early, very early age, not to expect anything from anyone, certainly not my family, and certainly not love. I tried not to ask for anything from them; and ultimately became very self-sufficent. When I was a kid, I felt trapped; I just had to wait until I was old enough to move out and be on my own.
I love to learn, but was never encouraged to further my education. My parents were of little education, and controlling me meant keeping me down there with them, on the farm, to take care of them as they aged. Afer all that is what people had kids for, to take care of them!
Lessons I learned of life I learned by over hearing my parents complain about other people. I learned not to trust, anyone!
I was terribly shy at school. An older student, an eighth grader was assigned to me, she was very kind. Although, I wasn't sure what that feeling was, it felt good and warm to my heart. My first crush. I knew she would never feel the same, but go off to marry. Through my youth I found, I love girls, they love boys. When I was not interested in boys, my mother would say. "Don't hide in the house!" and "Don't be backward!" Eventually, I dated. I was cute and shy so unfortunately asked out a lot. I was taught to be docile, polite and did what was suggested. A natural peacekeeper!
Funny, how those core feelings stick with you - for life. I think it odd that I have the capacity to love as I do; and it is a sort of lifetime love, it doesn't go away, maybe it fads a little with heartache, but it doesn't really go away.
I try to cover it, but I'm shy in crowds. You'll never see me be the entertainer; I'm the one who laughs and listens to the entertainer. My thoughts get more confused when I'm put on the carpet. I've learned to ask people questions, to get them talking, that way I don't have to talk about myself. Most people talk about their siblings and parents and the things they do together. I can't because I don't associate any longer with mine.
Surprisingly enough, I was in a long term relationship. I lived it according to the lessons I learned in my youth. Therapist say we gravitate towards people who are like our mothers. Well, I did just that, I guess, I hate to admit. I trust her though and still do and still feel very close. She cares about me; but, I had to leave. I'm looking for something? I told her, it's bigger than both of us! I didn't know what that meant, I still don't. I feel like I'm on some kind of a mission. Maybe its just the sense of freedom. I love my independence - its safe! But, I have this little ache in my heart as if something, someone, were missing. I'm feeling a little uncertain, restless and posed to bolt!
Sunday, September 25, 2005
My Brithday
It's late! I'm tired, but too happy to sleep! I'm having a wonderful birthday! What a loving heart!
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Bicycling
What is it about riding my bicycle that just brings out the kid in me? Is it the sense of freedom, the wind in my face, the air whistling around my ears. Or is it the ability to get some where under my own power. I think it the increase in endorphines and the blood flowing through my body; the oxygen working my muscles that become more efficient the more I ride.
It's the riders high; like a runners high, I can't wait to get back on the bicycle and do it again. My body slightly aches with appreciation; bring it on, it hollers, I can handle more; and more I'll give it.
Each hill is a challenge and a chance to further increase muscle potential. No motion goes unnoticed! My sense of balance improves, my strength, my mental alertness, and my mental attitude.
Riding in traffic on my road bike is indeed a challenge. Besides, keeping an eye on what is coming up from the rear in my helmet mirror, I must stay on the shoulder, watch out for holes, uneven pavement, big cracks, big rocks, glass, branches, loose and deep chat, opening car doors and metal grates.
Ocassionally, at an intersection, I need to get into the center lane in order to go forward and not block the right turn lane. I can sense the motorist's aggravation and tenseness behind me.
If you have never ridden a bicycle in traffic then you do not know what I am up against, and that is part of the appeal to the challenge. One of the challenges besides blowing horns and dirty looks is keeping dirt and dust out of your eyes, when a big trucks exhaust pipe sprews out exhaust and stirs up the dusk and dirt in the street, right up into my face.
I think that unless you are a walker, runner, or bicyclist you have no empathy or sympathy for someone who is out there. You have to experience it yourself I guess before you can understand how hard that hill is to pump up.
I can only hope that I help motivate people into getting about under their own strength rather than relying vehicles all the time. Look at all the gas you would save and the good health you would gain.
Keeping all this in mind. I am ready to go again tomorrow. Now, watch out for me! Remember I respect you, please do the same for me. Don't forget I'm slow going up hills and I will be looking for grates and other obstacles that are in my way, plus motorist making turns. So, please be patience.
See you out there!
It's the riders high; like a runners high, I can't wait to get back on the bicycle and do it again. My body slightly aches with appreciation; bring it on, it hollers, I can handle more; and more I'll give it.
Each hill is a challenge and a chance to further increase muscle potential. No motion goes unnoticed! My sense of balance improves, my strength, my mental alertness, and my mental attitude.
Riding in traffic on my road bike is indeed a challenge. Besides, keeping an eye on what is coming up from the rear in my helmet mirror, I must stay on the shoulder, watch out for holes, uneven pavement, big cracks, big rocks, glass, branches, loose and deep chat, opening car doors and metal grates.
Ocassionally, at an intersection, I need to get into the center lane in order to go forward and not block the right turn lane. I can sense the motorist's aggravation and tenseness behind me.
If you have never ridden a bicycle in traffic then you do not know what I am up against, and that is part of the appeal to the challenge. One of the challenges besides blowing horns and dirty looks is keeping dirt and dust out of your eyes, when a big trucks exhaust pipe sprews out exhaust and stirs up the dusk and dirt in the street, right up into my face.
I think that unless you are a walker, runner, or bicyclist you have no empathy or sympathy for someone who is out there. You have to experience it yourself I guess before you can understand how hard that hill is to pump up.
I can only hope that I help motivate people into getting about under their own strength rather than relying vehicles all the time. Look at all the gas you would save and the good health you would gain.
Keeping all this in mind. I am ready to go again tomorrow. Now, watch out for me! Remember I respect you, please do the same for me. Don't forget I'm slow going up hills and I will be looking for grates and other obstacles that are in my way, plus motorist making turns. So, please be patience.
See you out there!
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