I tried to do some reflecting on the trip but just could not do it as it is all too fresh and is a big blur. It will take many days in the backyard hammock to get a handle on this trip! What I did get to thinking about though was how this trip has changed me. Now you might think this has to do with some new and significant insights into my being or my outlook on life, etc.. But, that is not the case. What I found myself thinking about was how many of my old routines have been absolutely trashed and replaced with new ones that help me to survive this challenge. Such as:
Old: I loved to “ease” into my mornings, sometimes taking 1 ½ hours or more. I would get up at 7’ish, start with a glass of orange juice, followed my 4-6 espressos, some granola, fruit, etc.. I would then “catch up” on the news on TV, check email, and begin to think about what I might choose to do.
New: The alarm goes off at 5:30, and I am up, dressed and heading to breakfast by 5:50. At breakfast I consume/inhale mass quantities of whatever is laid out on the buffet giving little thought to quality and only focusing on quantity. By 6:20 I am out the door caring a cup of coffee that I only drink ½ of while I finish packing my bags and prepare to get my bags in the truck so I can begin riding.I have not had an espresso since the day I left home and I miss it! The other night I had a dream about it. I entered a coffee bar. The barista resembled the devil. He welcomed me and said that he would give me unlimited shots of espresso in exchange for the soul of my first born son. I quickly agreed to his terms. At that point an angel (distinctly resembling Elizabeth) appeared and said, “Whoa big guy. You already gave your first born son away and he is mine. Get on the bike and start riding.”
Old: I used to live to eat. Quality ruled and I would savor every bite.
New: Now I eat to live. Quantity rules and I resemble a Hoover vacuum when eating.Old: The news, local, national and international, intrigued me and I obsessively tried to keep up with what is going on.
New: The only time I have paid any attention to the news is when Bin Laden was taken. I have no clue as to what is happening in the world. I do have some fantasies though: Congress has gotten its act together and balanced the budget so that Garrett and Ezra do not have to pay for our follies. The schools in Michigan will see an increase in the per pupil foundation allowance and there has been a cessation of attacks on teachers/public employees. Our troops will all be home from Iraq and Afghanistan by the time I return home. Libyan lead Khadafi has resigned and the U.S. agreed to relocate him. He now lives in Ann Arbor, smoking dope on the street corners during the day and working at Zingermans at night. Sarah Palin and Donald Trump have joined forces to prove that the Tea Party was not born in this country and therefore all members recently elected to office are ineligible to serve.Old: I used to feel good about 150 – 200 miles a week of bike riding. Riding a century/100 miles was a feat to beat my chest about.
New: If I do not ride 700 – 800 miles a week I am a slacker. And feeling good about conquering the 10 foot climb up the Munger hill is downright pathetic. Any ride of 100 miles or less is a light day.Old: You check the weather forecast before you make plans to go for a bike ride. If it is raining, you stay in bed.
New: You ride no matter what. Forecast for tomorrow is for mid-40’s, rain and 15 mph wind out of the NW, but it is only a 74 mile ride to Tuscola, IL. I have to get to bed.
Dinner with Lasse-da Viking, Craig, Daryl, Manny-da Bawwwston Mad Man, Jay, and Ohio Bob
Hey Big Brother! We now have even more in common. Your "new" eating style is exactly the same as my eating style!. When you get home, we'll have to meet at Pat & Jerry's in Auburn for their Friday Seafood all you can eat buffet and just destroy that thing! Welcome to my world - it is an awesome way to eat! :)
ReplyDeleteI am currently living your “OLD” lifestyle……….Sunday: nap, eat, nap, eat……………maybe a movie later……….or more napping and eating? ..........decisions decisions!
ReplyDeleteYou ride in the cold and rain & Jack plays soccer in the cold & rain. It was so bad at his game today (Saturday) that he was wiping frozen rain off his face. He was soaked to the bone & red in the face when the game was finally over (2-2 tie against Mt. Pleasant). Old: I would have been out in the rain watching & freezing. New: I stayed in the car & watched. The wind was blowing so hard the car was rocking. Old: yell & cheer support New: honk the horn. Old: freeze when we get home because someone turned the furnace off. New: crank up the heat
ReplyDeleteLeisa