January 30, 2008
THE LOVEMAN IS LEAVING ME
While I was in the Bahamas the Loveman was pretty sick and did the majority of his weekend childcare from his bed. Of course I felt horrible when I heard this. There is nothing worse than watching four kids when you feel like someone has beat the crap out of you.
Today he left work early and went to the doctor. When he walked in the door he looked pretty bad. He told me that he had strep throat and the doctor said he had to stay home for at least 24 hours. He was truly bummed about this but relieved to know that this was why he had been so sick.
About 20 minutes before he walked in the door I received an email from Trek letting me know that my brand spanking shiny new 2008 Madone 6.5 WSD was on its way to my house. After reading this email I just about cried. I started thinking about where it would live in the garage, how I would feel when I saw it, what would I wear when I rode it and would my helmet and shoes match the bike. I felt like a new mom bringing a baby home from the hospital. I was so excited I could barely contain myself!
So after Jim told me about the strep he said, "Well, how was your day?" I didn't know what to say. I hated to hit a man while he was down but I was overflowing with joy and happiness...so I told him. "My new bike is on its way!" He stared at me in disbelief for about five minutes. Finally he cleared his soar scratchy throat and said, "You suck." I clearly wasn't feeling the love. He then told me he was going lick my keyboard, steering wheel and anything else that I was about to come in contact with. He was not so pleased with his bike spoiled Woman Who Rides.
The bike should be here in a day or two and I trying to butter him up and get him ready to assemble the bike as quickly as humanly possible. I guess putting up with his crankiness for a little while is a small price to pay for a fabulous new 2008 Madone 6.5 WSD. I'm thinking about letting him take it out for a spin. We'll see.
January 28, 2008
FIRST GRADE SAYS IT ALL
Back when I was 5 years old I met three girls in Chicago. They were cute, sweet, fun, mischievous and full of life. I ended up spending my grade school and most of my high school years with them. We were in each other's weddings, been through 15 kids between us, family deaths, personal illnesses, relationship issues, anxiety issues and any other crap we could come up with. We've been through a lot and have always remained friends and have stayed in touch. These girls are my best friends.
The older you get the less time you spend with your friends from home. Everyone moves on in there lives and makes new friends. Out with the old in with the new, you know the story. But for some strange reason we never ditched each other....and believe me there were times we could have...but we hung in there.
We've always lived in different places and inevitably its near impossible to see each other when we are home visiting family. So, a long time ago we decided we would take a trip every once in a while so we could spend a few days together and divert back to our days when we were cheerleaders. It's crazy how quickly that immaturity comes back to us...well maybe not all of us. Did I mention that none of them can sing but they still think they can?
We've been to Illinois, Connecticut, Wisconsin, Michigan, Florida, Arizona and now the Bahamas! As usual our trip was a blast and the girls were as nutty as ever. Our personalities are all quite different so hanging with them is always a bit educational as well. I learn how to boost my fashion and update my look from Mary Beth, the fashionista (who's actually a librarian, no joke). Then I learn how to switch up my work out and improve my personal training from Mary Pat, the workout guru (who's a personal trainer and women's workout club manager) and I learn how to eat right and take the right vitamins to help me boost my health and weight loss from Meg, the dietitian (who's actually an educator and a fund raiser).
So bottom line, the weekend is more a self help weekend for me. But after a few drinks, all that goes out the window and anything goes. Don't ask me what they told me because all I remember is that it sounded good when they were telling me. My goal on these weekends is to eat, drink, dance, gamble and party as much as humanly possible. I definitely accomplished that goal and then some.
And what do they learn from me? I'm the comic relief. They laugh their asses off at me.
January 26, 2008
THE QUEEN OF WSD BIRTHS BABY LIESEL
Have there ever been days when you have thought to yourself, "Who are the brains behind the WSD brand and the Women Who Ride?" "Who actually comes up with all this cool stuff for women?" Well today is your lucky day because I've got the answer for you! Her name is Krista Rettig and she rocks, runs and rules the WSD world. She is the WSD Queen! Since the day I met Krista I have always admired all that she represents and has done for women in the biking community as well as women in general. Just the thought of Krista inspires me to be better in all that I do in every aspect of my life. She is an accomplished athlete, an amazing business woman, a major bike advocate, a supporter of all women athletes AND a new mom!!!
On January 24th she gave birth to a beautiful baby girl named Liesel. Liesel joins proud big brother Pavel. I am so happy for Krista and her family and I'm sure she'll handle baby #2 with the greatest of ease. I'm looking forward to the day when I get to go riding with her as she embodies all the qualities of a Women Who Rides and then some! Congratulations Krista! You're the best!
January 24, 2008
IT'S BETTER IN THE BAHAMAS
My life could be worse. I could be home in Baltimore freezing my butt off in the single digits in Baltimore but I'm not. Currently I am on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. I am here working (don't smirk) for a week.
Yes, I have had a little play time while here but the majority of the time I'm working. I am staying at the Atlantis which is a cross between Vegas and Orlando except you're totally surrounded by water. It is a big playground and believe me people come from all over the world to check out this place.
Regular folks like myself come here but it is also a big hang out for the celebrities. Just this week we've seen Michael Jordon, Dr. J., Brad Pitt, Gabrielle Union and the list goes on. After a while you realize they are just like you and me. They are actually pretty normal, its their publicists that are the freaks.
What I am always reminded of when I travel to these fancy schmancy resorts is don't let someone's level of fame or expertise intimidate you from being yourself or trying something new. I'm not saying I would walk the runway with Gabrielle Union or play basketball with Michael Jordan but I would try and that's all I'm asking.
So if you've been reading my blog thinking its entertaining (on certain days) but don't ride or own a bike yet. It's time. There are lots of 2008 WSD Trek bikes out there ready and waiting for you. Don't let anyone or anything intimidate you. Get a bike and ride at your own speed, on your own time. We're all celebrities and are capable of anything, just believe!
January 22, 2008
ONE WORLD, TWO WHEELS
Trek has a wonderful bike advocacy program, One World, Two Wheels. One World, Two Wheels is a movement supported by those who believe the bicycle can be a vehicle for positive change in the world.
There are so many pressing issues in the world; global warming, escalating child and adult obesity, increasing congestion. The bicycle is the answer to these problems and the only we can help make it happen is by getting involved. Trek president, Jon Burke gave a passionate and moving speech this past August in Madison when he initially introduced this program. He made is crystal clear as to how each and every one of us can get involved in our community. Please read this powerful speech as what he did that day was really impressive.
Go to the One World, Two Wheels website and see what you can do in your own community. We are so much more powerful than we know. Each and every one of us can make a difference. Get involved. Whatever you do, no matter how big or small, let me know!
January 20, 2008
I DON'T KNOW IF I CAN MAKE IT
I love Sweetness, my 2007 WSD 5.9 Madone, and I always will. I love to look at him, ride him and introduce him to all of my bike junkie friends. He really is incredible and has been so good to me. I still look forward to every ride I take with Sweetness.
As part of being a Women Who Rides we get to demo bikes and sometimes even keep them (i.e. Sweetness). When I started this gig I was told I would be receiving a the 2008 WSD 6.5 Madone. I still can't believe that I am going to be getting this bike! I've heard that this bike is out of this world!
I have been doing research and checking out what the word on the street is from those already riding this incredible bike. I want to know what kind of a ride I am in for. I found this article on Team Estrogen's website and it says it all! Now I can't wait to get mine!!!! Lighter, faster, stronger...it's a dream come true! Check out this review and if you have a Trek WSD 6.5 Madone, let me know what you think so I can share it with the world!
January 18, 2008
DON’T MAKE FUN
A couple of months ago I received a Trek care package and in it was a bright yellow florescent all weather jacket. When I modeled it for the Loveman he chuckled and made fun of it a little bit.
When I spoke to Krista, the Trek WSD brand manager she said, “Tell him it’s not for fashion but for safety.” Yes, the Loveman knew that but he just felt the need to tease me a little.
Well low and behold the first day the Loveman commuted to work he wore the jacket and looked great! When he walked in the door that night he was glowing in my bright yellow fluorescent jacket. He loves it and won’t commute without it! I definitely don't have to worry about people not seeing him! Safety first!
January 16, 2008
ALWAYS BE CAREFUL
A few months ago I wrote a blog about my friend Leah who has Leukemia. In September she went into the hospital for 2 months of chemo and was sent home for a few weeks before returning to the hospital on December 26th for a bone marrow transplant.
While she was out of the hospital I planned a benefit in NYC with a couple of our friends. It was a wonderful evening. Roxi Starr (a.k.a. me) performed her cabaret act and was the MC, there was a silent auction, a play reading and several performances. We made over $12,000 and the best part was that Leah was able to attend. Even though she wasn’t feeling great she stayed for the entire evening and watched every performance with a big smile on her face.
She received the transplant on January 6th and she’s hanging in there as best she can. Last week her brother was hit by a car while out walking and died 2 days later. As usual Leah is showing her strength and generosity through this difficult time. She is really an amazing person.
Every day we get on our bike, go for a walk or drive a vehicle. Remember to be careful, be safe and be aware of what is around you. Be the person that takes the extra time to see what’s in front of you, behind you or right next to you. Take care of those you love and everyone else around you…and appreciate your life.
January 15, 2008
CELEBRATE
Today was the first day I had been out for a ride since Christmas. Truth be told, I really didn't want to ride. I woke up cold and cranky. I looked outside and thought, "There's no way I'm riding", but with a little bit of encouragement from the Loveman i was ready to go.
Once I was on the bike I started reflecting on life, the holiday season and all of my fabulous friends. Then I realized I hadn't seen a lot of them since before Christmas. Once I got home I made sure to contact each and every one of them to invite them over for an impromptu gathering.
Believe it or not, everyone had the evening free! We had at least 50 people and the kids played in the rain while the adults partied and caught up. I was so happy to see all of my friends. I was in my glory and so was my family.
Here's to the road for opening up your heart. Don't you feel like having a party?
January 13, 2008
PARTY POOPERS
For the past 4 years the Loveman and I have hosted the Harford Velo Cycling Club parties. We usually have a party over the summer and one at Christmas. The Christmas party is usually on a Monday or Tuesday in December.
This year we decided to do it on a weekend in January. The idea was that people would be able to stay later and really "party" if we had it on a weekend. The party started out with a bang and people seemed to be having a great time. We passed out our new jerseys, tasting some home brew beer and had a wine tasting. At about 9pm people were slowly trickling out. By 10pm the place was pretty much cleared out with the exception of one other couple, Chris and Heather.
We thought it was pretty funny (or lame) that we were the sole survivors so we thought we would take a group photo. Then we realized we couldn't do that because we were the only people there!
Weeknight or weekend the cyclists are a pretty quiet group that like their beauty sleep...and I'm sure they were all up riding at 6am the next morning. Needless to say the 4 survivors partied til after 1am to make up for the rest of the group. Sometimes you have to take one for the team.
