Think back to the first time you and your friends tried mixing all the sodas in the pop fountain. You watched each different fizz cascade into the 64 oz. Big Gulp, mesmerized as the cola-colored puddle metamorphosed into a rust-colored, guaranteed gut-buster of a beverage. You thought to yourself, "Is this a good idea?"

And if you're anything like me, you said, "What the hell," and took a sip and even as you felt your Cheetoes and chocolate milk crawling back up your throat (with just a hint of Dr. Pepper), you swore to all your friends--you swore to God--that it was the "best thing ever made, try it, you gotta try it, just try it." And in the end, after fighting back your lunch, you decided it wasn't really that bad. And you took another sip.

That's what life is like in mredison's neighborhood. Welcome.

Monday, October 29, 2007

Back in the Saddle

I've finally kicked my double ear infection, and I celebrated by biking in to work for the first time in several weeks. Here are some thoughts:

1. In the last two weeks, the weather has changed significantly. The temperature this morning was 33 degrees when I left the house. Two weeks ago, I was wearing a tee or a jersery if I was feeling sassy. Always athletic shorts. Now there are leaves everywhere, and the sun is hiding somewhere beneath the surface of the lake. It is cold and dark.

2. Biking creates an intense windchill. I rode in with what I thought were appropriate layers: moisture-wicking fleece beneath a hoodie, track pants, and biking gloves. I've grown a walrus suit over the last few years, so the top and bottoms kept my core warm, but with my bike zipping along at 14 mps, my fingers froze from the breeze. I'll need to pick up some gloves before I ride home tonight.

3. The riders on the road today are a friendlier bunch than the fair-weather commuters. I get the nod or a "good morning" from most people on the trail.

4. I tried to be efficient this morning, so I brought all my clothes for the week with me along with a towel for showering at work. When it came time to shower, only cold water came out despite the cold valve shut completely off and the hot cranked all the way to the left. I jumped in, rinsed, jumped out and stood shivering, glad as hell that I had decided to get back on the saddle.
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