My bike friends...

I have been blessed with some really cool friends, several of which have decided to join me on the 100 mile ride in October. These guys know exactly what they are in for too because they are also on the Saint Arnold Brewery cycling team for the MS 150. I have to admit though that I think they enjoy the beer more then the riding, but frankly, who wouldn’t??? I have picked up the number of days to ride recently after taking a short break while the Dixon clan invaded my house for a week. Leading up to the week of their stay, I was trying to busy myself with getting everything just so in preparation for their arrival. Therefore, little to no riding or working out at the gym was done. I didn’t actually work out, but (to use the phrase my colleague enjoys so much) I was busier then a one-armed paper hanger while they were in town, and I was too pooped to even think about getting up super early to ride or exert any unnecessary energy. Alas, I have taken a few steps back in the training.

I did ride on Sunday with the guys who will be joining me on the ride in October. We got doused with rain for half the time, but at least it wasn’t hot! When I mean rain, I mean rain like having a pitcher of water dumped on your head, or diving in a pool type of getting wet! We were all soaked to the core... shoes, socks, jerseys, hair, even the padding in my cycling shorts were, well... wet. I don’t think I need to go any further. It was fun though, and riding with these guys is always entertaining... usually non-stop banter. I particularly like watching them sprint ahead of each other and “race” for 100 yards or so, then crap out and slow down cause they aren’t in any shape to maintain that pace for more then 100 yards. I’m never worried about “racing” with them, I figure every time they will burn out and I’ll eventually catch up. One thing I noticed, no matter how old the man is, the ‘boy’ part of him never vacates the mind. They could have had riding big wheels for all they cared, but the older you get, the more expensive the toys!The video above is something I think my bike friends would do for fun...... ENJOY!

Blogs blogs and more blogs....

I read a lot of blogs, and I do write this one, but I have never posted a comment on any of those I read. Today was the exception. As I have mentioned before, I read NPR: My Cancer blog that’s written by Leroy Seivers. I even have a link to it off to the right too. I find pleasure in the way he writes and inspiration in the words. He seems to bring a different perspective to dealing with cancer. Anyway, I could go on and on praising his blog, but I wanted to post on this blog the comment I sent to his, so here you go.....

Leroy, I read every post you make. I have enjoyed and found inspiration in so many of them, but I have never felt the need to post a comment. Your entry today has been an exception. My mother called me on April 10, 2006 to tell me she was "sick", and that she was due to go to John’s Hopkins for tests in a few days. She never told me what was wrong with her, just that she was sick, and that she would know for sure what was wrong after the tests. She told me that she was having so much back pain that she finally had to break down and go to see a doctor. My mother was never one for doctors and now all of a sudden she was getting bombarded by them. Over the next few weeks, and many trips to Maryland from Texas, I don’t ever remember hearing the word cancer, not from the nurses, not from the doctors, not from those visiting her in the hospital. I don’t even remember the hospice nurses saying anything when she was finally allowed to go home. I know she never actually said it to me or around me. It seems like everyone just assumed, or was afraid to say the “c” word. Was it just me; was this the way I witnessed what was happening to my mother? Did people actually say the word and I tuned it out? She died from cancer; I know that, in her pancreas, liver and lungs, on May 5, 2006. Sometimes I think to myself that maybe her death was just my imagination too because everything happened so fast. I hoped for a long time that that was the case. No one ever said the word, maybe she never died. I miss her.
- Andrea Dixon, Houston
Ps, I blog my thoughts on cancer and memories of my mom at http://andreascyclingchronicles.blogspot.com

(If you have a chance, read what he wrote today... My comments above would make more sense. )

Over the last week I have been busy with family. So no training! Sorry about that! I have had a wonderful visit from my Dad, Nana, brother, sis-in-law, 3 nephews, and one sweet niece; definitely a house full! I didn't work out but did plenty of "work." Cooking for 10 people over a week is tough, and cleaning up after everyone is tougher. Thanks to Nana for all the help in the kitchen. I have gotten lots of culinary inspiration from her over the years and she never ceases to amaze me with her skill over the stove, and at 81, she was the firecracker of the whole group during the week! My nephew Liam is getting cuter and cuter by the minute, proof below:

Because of all the "work" being done over the last week, I really haven't checked my email. I did receive an update from Joy about her surgery on July 5th. Here's what she had to say!

Andrea, My surgery went very well with no problems. Came home today and have no restrictions at all. The doctor was very pleased with the outcome. I thank you for all your good wishes. Take care. I hope you have had notice of the donation I sent for you. I had an e-mail of them receiving it. Good luck. Joy Hild

So, as you can read above, I have received yet another donation for my cause, and that donation means a lot to me. It came from a lady who is fighting cancer, and so far seems to be battling it with an iron fist and winning!

In addition to Joy's donation, my mother's sisters Rose and Florence have each donated, and my father and grandmother contributed to the fundraising while they visited me in Texas. Thank you all so much for the encouragement!

It's back to the grind for me this week... I have some catch up exercise to do!