Typhoon Sinlaku

Seems to be mostly tons and tons of rain for us, not sure what it has done elsewhere in Taiwan. We'll more than likely be inside all weekend, then get to go back to school on Monday.

Short Solo Sunday

Hmmm, strange how I had lots of energy yesterday, and not so much today. I had planned on doing some hill repeats up past the National Palace Museum, but I settled for the short donut (Jianaan Road) hill climb and back into Tienmu via the bike path and Chung Shan past the ACC. I did finally stop for a picture of the National Palace Museum from the hill...it is a more striking view in person, but I'm happy enough with this shot that I'm including it here.

Finally, a September Bike Ride

When I have to set the alarm to wake up for a Saturday morning ride, I wonder if it's worth it. I actually was hoping for rain this morning. But, it turned out to be a very nice morning, and a fantastic ride with Karen P. and Chen Li. We took off from school and decided to go up a hill. Not a big one, mind you!

Did the donut hill, then descended into Neihu, and rode over to the bike paths. After deciding we needed to extend our ride, we headed for parts left, walked up the elevator bridge, crossed the river, then headed home via the other side of the river.

I finally felt good and almost strong. Still coughing from being sick last weekend, but had lots of energy and the heat didn't fry me like it did the Saturday two weeks ago. I'm so happy this was a ride I enjoyed. Now I'm pumped to get back out and push myself.


Ya know, Taiwan does have it's moments, and today was no exception. We ran across a place along the bike path with some great looking flowers, AND the fountain was on at the dog park. Best part of that? No dogs.

The photos below are of Karen and Chen Li. Found some nice flowers along the bike path today, and the fountain at the dog walking park was on. If you look closely, you can see the Grand Hotel in the background.

Don't Tease Me, Russell!

At one point in our Skype conversation this morning, Russ mentioned that I could be going back to Nebraska sooner than my original plan. Bring it on...I'm ready.

Saturday Morning Ride

We decided to leave TAS at 6:30 yesterday, instead of our more established 7:00, in order to try and beat the worst of the heat. Since I had gotten overheated last week, I thought I'd try wearing a light cotton shirt instead of my ROC'n jersey. Mistake. I was early, so after I made a quick ride around the block, I ran back up to my apartment and put on proper bike clothes.

The air was so heavy with humidity that we could barely see the buildings across the river. I wasn't hopeful for a relaxing, fun ride. However, I was quite mistaken! Before Gretchen, Karen P., and I started out, two other new members of the TAS family saw us in front of school and came over to chat. After a bit of conversation and introductions, they decided to join us so we could show them how to get to the bike path. They stayed with us just to the "t" where the bike path splits. I'm hoping they will join us again, because one of the most fun things for me to do is to introduce people to the great biking in Taipei. Guess I'd better send out an all-school email and let people know we still explore on Saturday mornings.

Once the three of us got to Dadaocheng Wharf, we decided to stop in at Dante Coffee for a bit of a refueling. I very much enjoyed a wee pastry and a large frozen mango smoothie. Gave all of us enough energy to face the sea of humanity and the grueling sun on the way back home. Nah, it wasn't that bad.

Some days we get lots of waves and smiles. Yesterday was no exception. Seems almost everybody had to give us a morning greeting along with gigantic smiles. It was a lot of fun. Karen set a nice pace...we've decided (at least I have) that when the temp and humidity make the index over 100 degrees, that we need to slow our pace down. I'm looking forward to October when the temp is more humane.

Big OOPS. I've been reorganizing my photos on my computer and inadvertently deleted the photo with Gretchen, Karen, Tina, and Dan. Sorry guys! The one lone photo remaining of Saturday's bike ride is just a shot of colorful barrels from some sort of business near the bike path.

After School Ride

Nope, I didn't get up at 4:30 to ride with the early group, but I did get out after school. I got around 13-16 miles. Not sure because my computer went wacko. I had it wired to the back wheel last winter so I could use my trainer and count miles. Found out I hated the trainer, and the stand I park my bike on messed with the sensor so it was always out of adjustment. Stopped at Giant after a laborious ride out toward Dadaocheng Wharf and one of the nice young new helpers put the sensor on the front fork. Cost...about $1.50 US. Why would I do it myself for that price???

Traffic was whizzing this afternoon...one of the bad things about riding in the afternoon instead of in the morning. But at least I don't have to rush to get home in time for a quick shower and a bite of breakfast before heading to school. I only had a couple close calls...pretty typical for Taipei.

Today was rather nice because school was dismissed at 2:00 instead of our normal 2:30. (now don't go thinking them's all the hours we work, cuz we routinely work till 5:00, get to school before 7:00 am, take work home with us and work on the weekends)

Taipei was holding an air raid drill, which means all traffic stops, and nobody is allowed out in the city streets. School buses needed to run earlier in order to get the kiddos home. I got a bit of work done, visited with a former 5th grade student who will soon be on her way to a boarding school in Switzerland, and left school at 3:30. It was nice to be on the bike by 3:50. It wasn't nice because I had a bonker of a ride...sore muscles from Jillian's workout, plus not having had much lunch (not enough time) and the heat did me in again. At least I got out, and I expect the heat will improve day by day, so I won't have that excuse to whine before too long.

Bikejournal Blog

One reason I started blogging was to chronicle my bike rides. I've been logging my rides on bikejournal.com since 2004, and now I am blogging there as well. This is a new service that Sean is providing, and since it so very easy to write and add photos, I decided it was well worth $20 a year to remain a premier member.

Some of the forum threads and posts get to be a bit testy for me, so I'm not reading nearly as many as I used to. And I post very infrequently these days. But, I remain a member because of some very nice folks I've met in person or in cyber space. They make my visits to bikejournal fun.

My "not so very exciting to anybody but me and sometimes not even me" blog can be found by clicking on the "blog."

Olympic Coverage

I'm so pleased that Taiwan has had some television coverage of Olympic events, as they had none during the last winter Olympics. I've been especially riveted on the table tennis, badminton, Taekwondo, and tonight...synchronized swimming! Can my heart take the excitement???

Looks like it's all over...I'm watching what looks to be the closing ceremony right now. (in between working on setting up OneNote notebooks for anecdotal records.)

Bloody hot ride yesterday!

Yes, I like the blue sky. No, I don't like to ride in the sun in Taipei when the temperature is 95 degrees and the humidity is 49%, which makes the heat index 105. It feels hotter than that because of all the concrete and asphalt...not like in Nebraska where I ride in wide open spaces. Yesterday was a tough ride for me. Karen P. and I took off from TAS, and met up with Chen Li at Guandu.

Keeping up a pretty good clip, we rode around the Archaeological Museum and stopped at the Giant bike shop before heading back to Bali. I started feeling the heat just before we got to the wharf, so stopping for cranberry juice and Pocari Sweat was just what I needed. Once we rested, we took off again for home, but I couldn't keep the pace that Karen was setting. Heat was just too much, so I finally stopped, Karen and Chen Li came back and I told them to go on ahead. After that I stopped in the shade occasionally, and kept a slow, steady pace home. I didn't get overheated that way, and I recovered quickly when I got home.

Other than the heat, it was a nice ride. We're going to start going out at 6:00 am next week, though, to avoid some of the worst of the heat.

Karen and I saw this dead little critter just as we were turning a corner to get onto the bike path. I had to turn around and get a picture because we rarely see these things in this kind of condition. That's my cell phone beside it.



Karen and Chen Li in action on the bike path.



When it's hot and sunny here, nobody stops right at the intersections to wait for red lights. We all stop and wait far behind, wherever there is a hint of shade.

Small Update

Well, I am back in Taipei, but still recovering from jet lag and preparing for the new school year, so updates will have to wait. I've got to unpack the boxes from my old room into my new classroom today, and since there isn't much space, it looks like I'll need to bring a lot of the stuff home. Yep, looking forward to walking to and from school a dozen times with my bag lady cart in Taipei's heat and humidity. Ugh.

Update...NOT!

I've been having too much fun to do any updates to my blog...looks like that is going to have to wait until I get back to dreary old Taipei. Gotta run, my quilting is calling my name.

Riding in the country

I really do love riding my bike in this area of Nebraska...the people are friendly, there isn't a lot of traffic, the sky is incredibly blue, and I've got miles and miles of paved country roads. I think this first picture is of the road north of Brady.



This is a shot of another open road.

Welcome Home!

Back in the USA, and loving it. Yep, it's summer, and that means a bit of freedom from work and the congestion and noise of Taipei. Looks like a good storm may be brewing in the west, along with really ferocious wind, so probably no bike ride this morning. Got the tires aired up, the chain lubed, and the tiny bit of dust wiped off the bike, though, so it is ready to roll. And right now I finally feel like hopping on the bike and going for at least a 20 mile ride. I've been fighting a bit of non-motivation these past few weeks in Taipei, so it's nice to have the desire again.

So, what shall I do today? I unpacked yesterday, organized my sewing and biking things in the the closets and furniture Russ made for me, and enjoyed a nice long nap. Oh yeah, and visited with mom and dad for just a bit. Will head over there again sometime today. It's so very nice to have them just two houses away from us. So today...maybe read and watch tv. Yep, sounds like a good plan to me.n

ROC'n Jerseys

This photo shows five of us in Taiwan wearing Randonneurs of China cycling t-shirts. They are definitely eye-catching, especially here. Yep, they even come with a rendition of the Chinese flag on the back. A guy hollered at Meredith and her group when they returned to their apartment building to NOT wear the Chinese flag. Hmmm, seems some Taiwanese folks still don't like China. I may yet cover up the flag on my t-shirt, since I'm not too fond of China's politics and policies myself. Uh oh, I mentioned Taiwan and China in the same post...will this blog now self-destruct???

Take a Kid Biking Day

A couple of guys who rode regularly with Dave Wittry decided to put together this ride as a memorial and fund-raiser for his family. It was a beautiful day in which to ride, and about 30 people showed up, including plenty of kids. Dave's wife Jody, and his two children were also in attendance. The ride went from Guandu to Tanshui and back again, not a great distance, but plenty for all the kids. The first photo is of all the riders.



The second photo is of me leading Tru back to Guandu.

Early AM...Apparently Not

I have to laugh...I set my alarm clock every night to go off at 4:30 am. And every morning before the appointed hour, I reset it to 5:30. So, that's it. I guess I am no longer an early morning rider. Why fight it?

I did leave school early yesterday...just a bit after 3:00...and enjoyed a very windy 22 mile ride. Was quite nice, I knew the wind was howling...just decided I needed to get out anyway. The only fly in the ointment was the heinous traffic on the roads once I got off the bike path to make my way to my apartment. Buses, cars, scooters...so many folks out on the roads. And so many of them breaking all manner of traffic laws.

Bring on that old highway in Nebraska where I may see half a dozen cars if I'm lucky. I can head out my door and if the traffic is really light, not have to get off my bike until I roll back into my driveway 20 miles later.

Motivation, or Lack Of

It rained a bunch here on Saturday, and I was actually glad, because I didn't feel like going out for a bike ride. Sunday was a decent day, although the relentless wind was once again howling. I could have easily ridden in it because the temp was fantastic. So what did I do? I very deliberately chose to remain indoors, except for when I walked over to school in the morning and evening to make sure the darn guinea pig had food and water.

It felt good to play hooky from the bike. It felt good to vegetate and watch far too much tv and eat too much junk food. This morning when I got up, I was ready to ride. Unfortunately I didn't have enough time before school, and I stayed too long at school this afternoon to get in a ride. Tomorrow? Who knows? I have decided to NOT ride with the gals who go at 5:00 am because they will head up to Rifle Range, and I know I'm not ready for that yet. I should get up at 4:30, head out the door by 4:45 and ride a flat route for an hour. I should do that, but I'm not sure I will.

This Sunday will be a very short riding day for me because it is "Take a Kid Biking Day" in honor of our fallen colleague, Dave W. I'll go from here to Guandu, then see what I can do to help the organizers, so mileage shouldn't be over 15 miles. This should be a good day, although I am very sorry we have a need for it.

Playing with Poetry

One friend and I have had recent conversations about the state of our psyches. These two poems (kind of) describe mine. Which one will I be tomorrow?

The View

Lenses are grey
Diffusing my soul
Frustration grows
Daily
Weekly
Year by year
Till the lenses darken
To a deadly dull
Emptiness
Hopelessness
Lifelessness
Pack it all in
Let there be
No more tomorrows
No more light
No more no more no more.


The View

Lenses are rose
Uplifting my soul
Joy grows
Daily
Weekly
Year by year
Till the lenses brighten
To amazing
Exuberance
Delight
Laughter
Open it all up
Let there be
Tomorrows
Light
More more more.

A Good Friend

One of my good teacher friends was so upset over something yesterday that she couldn't even talk about it. That's the way it is sometimes at our school. I wonder if it will be the same for me in the states in two or three years. If I am able to get a job in my area, and it ends up being half as stressful as here, I am getting out of the classroom and going to work at a factory. I'm tired of always thinking. Even during vacations, I think about what to do in the classroom. Yikes, it just never stops.

Why do we do it? For the money, of course. (all teachers will get the sarcasm) No, wait, it's not just about the salary. We do it to see the light in kids' eyes every once in awhile when they "get" a new math concept. Or when they get their hands on some Oobleck or dry ice and have a blast with experiments. Or when their writing turns out to be exemplary. Or when a formerly quiet as a mouse student has a breakthrough and starts talking loudly enough to need to be shushed. Or when ESL students soar. Or when confidence blooms. Or when they actually get my witticisms. (Third graders probably won't get my jokes)

So to my friend, I say, "I'm here when and if you are ready to talk about it."

Sleepless in Taipei

Hmph, for the third night this week, I'm wide awake far too early. One night it was 1:00 am, another 1:30, today I woke up at 2:30 am. Wide awake. Not the awake that just gets you to the bathroom and then back to sleep right away. Nope, this is a full-blown attack of stress and worries about upcoming events at school that are keeping me from my beauty sleep.

First it was sleeplessness over who was going to make the 5th grade recognition concert DVD. Once I decided that I would do it, with Greg's and Dan's help, one less stressor was out of the way. Or so I thought. I booked the projector and DVD player, but now am thinking about the actual event night. Who will run the DVD player and projector? Who will make sure the screen is down? Will the DVD run properly? Dan will burn the DVD on Monday, make copies, and I will test it on my computer. I'll ask Greg to work the projector and DVD player. I'll run up backstage and work the screen. OK, problems solved. Go back to bed. Guess not, I'm still wide awake.

This really is a big night. We have all 180 5th graders, as well as their parents, music teachers, and us 5th grade teachers together for the event, so I don't want any glitches. I'm envisioning my photos being grainy, fuzzy, or semi-out of focus on the big screen. Why? I guess because I take after my maternal grandmother, and worry about all kinds of little things. For some reason, I often imagine the worst.

But maybe that's not a bad thing, because it means I do prepare in advance for most really important things. Which is why for the first time in the five years I've been in 5th grade, the DVD will be finished four days early, instead of the day of. Or in last year's case, minutes before. (Thank you Dan and Greg!!!)

Best thing...no more worries after this year for this event, since I'll no longer be in 5th grade. Third grade, here I come!

After School Ride

In trying to ramp up my miserly miles, I've tried to get out after school a few times a week, and before school (at 5:00 am) a few times as well. One of my favorite after school places is to ride the bike path that goes in front of the Grand Hotel along the Keelung (I think) River. It's easy to get to without having to navigate too much insane traffic, and after school it's not ridiculously busy. I was riding happily along two weeks ago when I saw these kayakers out practicing. I like the colors of the kayaks and Taipei 101 in the background.


And this is an amazing photo because there is no one in it! It is not often there is a stretch of clear pavement.

Weekend Rides

Talk about a weekend of contrasts. Saturday's weather was glorious and virtually wind-free. Two brand-new people joined our regular Saturday morning bike path ride, and one old-timer joined us, which gave us six riders for the morning. The bike paths weren't even too crowded, so consequently, we had a completely enjoyable morning. This first photo was taken "on the fly" and I was able to capture the group as they were rounding a corner passing a few other riders.


We found some rowers who had finished their practice, and one happily took this group photo of us. From left to right: Adelle, Brenda, Gretchen, Karen W., Karen J., and Karen P. This was under the bridge at the Dragon Boat racing/practice area.


And imagine our surprise when we came to the end of one path, only to find this blockade "preventing" us from crossing the intersection to get onto the path that connected with the one we just got off. Karen P. ran up ahead to see if we could go around three different barriers, and she happily reported that all was clear once we cleared them. Funny part? As we were going through one area, one of the construction crew members came and held the tape for us so we could get through easier.


Sunday is my solo, usually long-distance day. However, I settled for 30 miles today due to the crowds on the roads, the wind along the coast (and everywhere else), and the hills that crushed me. I am happy to say I kept a good attitude and just enjoyed the last of the ride once I decided to pack it in. I've been eying this rice for sometime, and today was the day to capture it with the camera.

Gave up on the Metric Today

I had fully intended on getting in 62.3 miles today for my second metric century of the year, but winds, traffic, and unknown riding areas kept me from completing my task. I had started out toward the National Palace Museum, but decided to change direction and go towards the coast. For some reason, I missed the turn to go in the scooter lane toward Tanshui, so I ended up going to Bali in the traffic over the Red Bridge. Not a task for the faint of heart!

Since I wanted to avoid bike paths as much as possible, I just went where the road took me. And it took me into areas I had not been in before. It did take me to a new to me bike path as well, which I followed to the very end. Got off to follow some bikers and rode the road for awhile and marveled at the insane traffic. The bikers stopped to drink and I was able to ask where the road was going. Inge? Nope, better not go there today, but it's nice to know where the road went.

I turned around and sort of followed my same way back, but stayed more on the road than the bike path, which was far too busy for my comfort. I wasn't entirely sure where I was, so when I came to the place where I needed to carry my bike up a ramp to get on a bridge that would take me to one of my normal bike path rides, I was pretty ecstatic. I did get off the path at Dadaocheng Wharf, and after stopping at a convenience market for a much-needed snack, proceeded to take the roads home.

I complain about the traffic a lot here, but today was one of the worst days ever. Yes, I had a few too close scooters and buses, but I made it home unscathed, and thanked God for the safe trip. I had one really hairy event when I was heading up a bridge in one scooter lane, which merged with another scooter lane, and as I was looking for traffic, my front tire got caught in a gap in a metal plate in the road. Since I didn't over-react and steered in the direction of my skid (think ice) I made it out of the situation easily. And luckily, there were no scooters close to me as I was swerving.

I watched these clouds for a long while before I finally found a halfway decent spot to take a photo.



I needed to walk my bike to the convenience mart because the traffic was so heavy and thought these Chinese mushrooms and other energy enhancers looked pretty cool.

Just a bit of riding...

Karen J. and Karen P. and I normally set out each and every Saturday morning for a bike path ride. Sometimes we just stick to the old tried and true areas, but sometimes we are able to find a bit more adventure. We didn't set out to discover new things this morning, but due to thousands of walkers all over our Bali bike path, we were forced to stay on the road. Karen was leading us around the Archaeological Museum when she noticed the throng ahead, and instead followed a small group of bikers who seemed to know where they were going. We found a new bike path, unfinished, but fun anyway. Coming back the other way (because the walkers really were blocking our progress) we went to the end of the unfinished path and found this canal.


This is a photo from last week's ride in softly falling rain. Bikes were a total mess, as was the back of Karen P.'s jersey. Pretty sure mine was too, but I didn't even bother to look.


This last photo shows Karen and Karen at the end of what will be a nice addition to the bike paths in Bali.

Bikejournal

Where are you this morning? I've got some time on my hands before I need to get ready for our normal Saturday bike ride, but you aren't here. How am I going to start my day without reading new posts by cyber friends? I guess I am well and truly addicted to the site. Guess I'll go clean some of the muck off my Saturday bike, air up the tires, eat some breakfast and get ready to ride. And hope bikejournal.com is up and running by the time I get home.

Yeah, Me.

Another restless night...man, I just can't seem to sleep through the night any longer. I hit the snooze button on the alarm three times, then shut the annoying thing off. Darn near decided to just go back to sleep, but I actually crawled out of bed, got dressed, and went out for a decent little bike ride. Rode up and over Jianaan Road, a small 500 foot climb, which darn near did me in, what with the ridiculous headwind and my lack of conditioning. However, I DID make it over without stopping. From there I headed downhill around all the switchbacks to the Grand Hotel bike path, and back to Tienmu.

The wind was fierce again today, but the temperature was great and I even needed a light jacket. This was a good biking morning. Now I get to spend the day at school sans students because it is the last professional development day of the school year. What does that mean? Moronic meetings and lots of nonsense. Speaking of which, I guess I'd better get a shower and head to school.

Ramblings

I am very much behind in my miles compared to the previous three years. I'm trying to play a little bit of catch up because of my late start due to the knee injury, but have discovered that I'm lazy right now. I should be able to go out most days before school from 4:45-5:45 and get in a decent 10-12 miles. I should also be able to go out some days after school for 15-20 miles each time. So what do I usually do? Yep, I wake up, look at the clock, and reset the alarm for an hour later. And after school, I come home, take a nap, or watch really bad tv.

I'm not giving up on myself just yet, though. I did ride Tuesday morning before school, and today after school. I would have ridden this morning, but a rare thunderstorm was still in existence. Even though I managed just 15 miles after school today, I was still pleased because I fought the wind all the way out past the Grand Hotel and then some.

My knee seems to have mostly healed, but I am still bothered by either plantar fasciitis or fat pad syndrome on my right foot. That's been going on for a long time...probably half a year or more, and is a result of wearing LL Bean summer sneakers everywhere for months on end. Yes, I knew they didn't have enough support, but I liked them enough I wore them anyway. Nope, haven't seen a doctor about the foot, but have been doing some stretching and icing. I also have started wearing Birkenstock's, which seem to help a bit. I can't seem to stop walking and carrying bunches of stuff in my backpack, so until I'm able to do that, I don't think I'll have good healing.

Back to my original thought...my mileage. My goal for the year is still 5,000 miles, and if I reach that, it will be the most miles I've ever ridden in a year. And if I am to reach that goal, I had better get off my duff a lot more often.

A Break from Taipei

The EARCOS teacher conference for 2008 was in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and since one of my very dear friends had moved there, I thought it prudent I go. Karen J. was kind enough to be my partner in crime, and David J. showed us a lot of places around the city. The first picture is of a little known Malaysian delicacy, KFC. Wonder if I can get that in the states this summer?


This photo is of myself, David, and Karen at an outdoor market in Mont Kiara, the suburb of KL in which David lives.


I took this shot so Karen and I would have a point of reference to find our way back to the rapid transit system. It also shows some of KL's nutso traffic.


At the Shrangri-La Hotel, one of the most interesting items for breakfast was fruit dipped in chocolate from this fountain. Nope, neither Karen nor myself had this treat for breakfast.


After the conference, I headed to Hua Hin, Thailand to a quiet hotel to spend some time with friends currently teaching at TAS, and friends who retired last year. The next two shots are of some of the goodies at the wet Thai market where we went for sublime mangoes and sticky rice.



I had a rough time looking out my second floor balcony at the sunrise over the ocean.


The hotel was a sweet little place, right on the beach, laid-back, and inexpensive.


Here are Doug and Judy, looking totally relaxed as they enjoy both their vacation and retirement.


I'm looking pretty relaxed as well, although I have to go back to work on Monday.

The Last Time

When was the last time you
lifted your face to
the warmth of the sun?
Wiggled your bare toes
in freshly mowed grass?
Made an angel
in pure white snow?
Celebrated the warmth
of a family Christmas?
Shared a thought
with your far-flung sister?
When was the last time you
had a dream?
enjoyed a bear-hug?
had
HOPE?

Why did you make March 15, 2008
Your
Final
Last
Time?

Brothers Two

Brian and Bruce

There to greet your oldest brother,
you envelop him with love and acceptance.
Your velvet brown eyes lock onto his blue ones
as you renew the family bond
that had been severed
fourteen years ago when you, the fourth-born, succumbed to the year and a half long coma
and left Earth at a far too young 28.
Your oldest brother, the first-born, always remembered you with love
and wished he had spent more time
at your bedside.
He joins you now, (time stopped for him at 54)
his tattered soul completely healed and free.
Lead the way, Brian.
Show Bruce God’s peace.
The eleven years that separated your births
no longer matter.
They have disappeared into the
timelessness of eternity.
Dance and sing, brothers two.
Oh yes, dance and sing.

Changes

Guess it's time to do some changing to the scrapbook photo album I made for mom and dad a few years ago. Need to take out my brother Bill's ex-wife and add in his wife, Maureen. And I need to update my brother Bruce's page to reflect his last day on earth, Friday, March 14, 2008.

Didn't see that coming, so I was surprised when Russ called me while I was out with Karen and Karen on a Taiwan bike adventure. Am I sad about it? That's a tough question. Not sad that he is finally at rest. Sad that he never could break the cycle of addiction and really didn't have much of a life for quite some time. Sad for mom and dad to lose another son, this time their first-born. Not sad that mom and dad no longer have to wait for the phone call in the middle of the night. Sad that Bruce took his own life instead of being able to die from natural causes. Sad that he and I hadn't had much of a relationship for a long, long time, and that can never be changed.

Be at peace, finally, Bruce.

I hate it when I do that

It looked to be a decent riding morning when I got up and looked at the road five floors down. No rain. No wind. Excellent. By the time I got moving and out the door, the streets were wet. I figured I'd better show up at school anyway, just in case anybody else came for a ride. I was pretty sure Karen J. would snuggle back into bed, and the only other person who told me she was planning on coming was Karen P. I was a little surprised when she showed up, because by then it was raining a bit more than before. We decided to venture out anyway, and it pretty much dried out for us all the way from Tienmu to Bali.

I took it very easy on my knee, and didn't ride up any inclines. Karen, of course, with her muscles, powered up what few inclines we had. After riding around the Archaeological Museum, and back to the famous donut place, we decided we were still too early for the mango smoothie place. So, taking our fresh donuts, we bought a ticket for the ferry and headed across the river to Tanshui. At a diagonal. Instead of a straight line. Because the water was really choppy and the current was running really fast. Every once in awhile I wonder if the ferry will make it across the river. This was one of those times.

But it did, and so did we. Rode the short distance to Starbuck's where a hot latte was enjoyed by Karen and I gulped down a hot chocolate. From there, we took to the road for a bit before climbing back onto the bike path for the ride back into Tienmu. We were pummeled by some big raindrops falling sideways because of typhoonish winds. Still, we both enjoyed being outside, I was happy my knee was doing ok, and we were both laughing about the weather and the nutso drivers once we got off the path and onto the streets.

Well, laughing until one 285 bus driver decided we had no business being in front of him and blasted his horn in an annoyingly rude way.

So rude, that as he made his move to pull out alongside us, I waved him on, and then flipped him off.

I hate it when I do that.

Nice long walk this morning

Felt almost like a bike ride because I walked up just past the National Palace Museum, crossed the street to the "biker heaven" 7 Eleven, had a bit of a snack, and then walked back home. ( walked for about two hours) Was nice to see all the bikers out. The day was actually quite nice as well...the sun even peeked out just as I was about a half mile from my apartment. This picture is just off the main road to the museum, a path I used to walk regularly.

Farewell

The founder of the biking website posted this message and photo of Dave. It's a fitting farewell for a good friend.

STOP THE NOISE!

All caps in the title means I am yelling. The noise pollution in Taipei is my biggest complaint about the place. (the seemingly constant gray skies is my second biggest complaint) We just celebrated Chinese New Year, and if you know anything at all about Chinese culture, you know they shoot off firecrackers to ward off evil spirits. Most nights of the celebration found me listening to a plethora of noisy firecrackers and watching some pretty good fireworks. No problem, it's time to celebrate. What bugs me is the continuation of the firecrackers into this week, and at odd times of the day. Like 5:00 AM. Or 3:30 AM. Excuse me, but I need my beauty sleep.

I live across from a sports park. Nice place. Jogging track, trees, tennis courts, etc. And exercisers that crank up their music at 6:30 each morning. So loudly that I can hear it two blocks away when I walk to school. I woke up this morning around 5:30, and since it was Saturday, thought I could burrow back underneath my three blankets for a little extra shut-eye. Once I decided I couldn't block out the sound of the music, I decided to just get up and go walk the track at school for awhile. Needed to do that anyway.

Each evening, another group of exercisers lovingly shares their special music from about 8:30 to 9:30. Not to be outdone, there is usually a small group of folks meditating (and trying to get donations for their cult) with their music (that term is used rather loosely here) competing with the exercisers. So nice.

And most recently, the saxophonist has returned to the park. He so loves to practice each day after school, and on a good day, I don't mind the melancholy melodies. At least he departs before I go to bed.

Right now I've got the sound of bus engines straining to pick up steam after stopping to pick up or drop off passengers, scooters whose owners think the road is a highway, and the nightly firecrackers. Just a normal night around here.

I Are an Idjit

So I didn't exactly follow doctor's orders and now I can tell I got back on the bike too soon. (Stupid marble floors in Taiwan.) I will now force myself to ignore my desire to ride and instead do some brisk walking, which should lead up to some pain free jogging in the next few weeks. And, like the good doc told me, when I can jog for 15 minutes without my knee bothering me, then, and ONLY then, will I hop back on my two wheels. Yippee yay.

Went Out Anyway

Yep, the streets were wet, as were the bike paths, but the heavy rain had stopped, so I went out for a short bike ride. Just went out past the Grand Hotel a bit, then headed back in to Tienmu. Just before the baseball fields, my tire started to flat. The front, thankfully. This is the first flat I've had on the Freeda so it gave me a chance to learn how to disconnect different brakes than I am used to. Got the wheel off easy enough, tube out, tube in, then struggled with getting the tire back over the rim. Gotta get some hand strength going! At any rate, even with the little old man peering over my shoulder for awhile, I got everything situated just fine and continued on home.
Of course I had to take a photo of the bike, sans front tire!


Happy day...this is a new addition that will get us onto the bike path without having to go through one of our most heinous intersections.


I do hope the child who discarded this stuffed animal received a new one for Chinese New Year.


Uh, no, no idea what it says. Guess I should have someone translate it for me.

More of the Blasted Same

Yep, it's a week off here in Taiwan for the beloved Chinese New Year, and what has the weather brought? Rain. Rain. Oh, and more rain. Happens most every vacation. Which is why I have a bicycle trainer set up in the apartment. It's not the same as riding outside. And don't be fooled by the temperature here, either. It's cold. The dampness has a chill that goes right through. I've actually been wearing gloves and my heavy winter coat. And on the bed I've got a comforter and TWO blankets. I may have to break down next year and actually buy a heater. For this year, however, I'll just keep complaining!


Now here is what Russ has to contend with in the middle of Nebraska in the middle of the winter. Who's got the better weather???

It Can't Be True

No names just yet, but one of my favorite people suffered heart failure (at age 41) and died this morning while training in the ocean for a triathlon. We were just talking a few weeks ago about firming up plans to finally ride together before too much more time passed. Now I can ride with him in spirit only. Godspeed, my friend. My next bike ride is dedicated to you.

Looks Like Two More

At least the knee is improving, but no riding just yet. A week of 15-20 minutes brisk walking, then a week of flat surface jogging. Once I can jog for 15 minutes without my knee hollering at me, then I can ride. Got some ground to make up if I want to reach that 5,000 mile goal!

Bit of Chinese New Year Clean-Up

One of the great customs here is at different times every few weeks preceeding Chinese New Year, people are able to throw out all kinds of junk on various street corners in the city. Last week, at 5:30 am, I hauled out some electronics that no longer worked. They lasted about five minutes before they were snatched up. Good, nice to have them out of here and hopefully they went to someone who could fix them or at least use the parts.

I've been wanting to get rid of the spare room old stained carpet for about three years, but somehow Russ and I never figured out the right nights for dumping. Well, tonight I was in the front bedroom, reading the bikejournal.com forum, and watching American Idol and the Australian Open, when I heard a bunch of noise emanating from the street below. Hmmm, could it be my moment? I looked out over the balcony and saw the dumping pile growing. Yes! Tonight was it.

First, of course, I had to partially empty the room of overloaded bookcases, bicycles, and various other paraphernalia before I could roll up the carpet. Got that done. Rolled the carpet, tied it with some string, then proceeded to muscle it through my apartment, slide it down five flights of stairs, out the two entry doors, and then drag it a short distance down the street. (By my tough old broad self.) I was definitely huffing and puffing pretty good, and I can still feel the effort in my arms, but it is so nice to be rid of it. Now to put back the furniture in a less than haphazard manner. Sounds like a weekend job.

Some Winter Break Photos

These are the three gals that I met while waiting for our flight from DIA to LBF. It was eventually cancelled, so the four of us spent the night in Denver hotel rooms and then shared the shuttle and subsequent morning flight to North Platte.


Flying this leg of the trip is actually my favorite, twin prop airplane and all. Every seat is both an aisle AND a window.


Now this is first class when you can put down the back of the seat in front of you and really get a stretch on.


Early morning frost on the trees. The first picture is a view across the street from our house and the second one is a view down the street. Really, it wasn't as cold as it looks!

Nope, not yet.

Knee still demands my attention, and Dr. Hang remained adamant about me not riding yet. At least another week, but I'm betting more like two to three more. Hopefully I can get out during my week off at Chinese New Year.

On a more positive note, I'm changing grade levels for next year. While I really do enjoy the 5th graders, and the people I work with, I need a change. So for next year...3rd grade. Youngsters again. We'll see how it goes.

Geez, I really need to go on a bike ride so I have something to blog about!

Off the Bike for Two Weeks?

So, two weeks ago, I was enjoying a nap after our half day of school, and was in a deep deep slumber. The phone rang, and as I groped around trying to figure out which phone it was and where it was, I actually rolled out of bed and landed knee first on the hard marble floor. I iced it right away, and didn't think too much more about it, except for occasional bouts of severe pain on the airplane to the states whenever I accidentally bumped it. I could walk fine most of the time, so I didn't think I hurt it too badly. I discovered, however, that I could put no weight directly on it, painful enough to bring tears to my eyes.

I will always put off going to see a doctor for as long as I can, but I decided since I still couldn't put direct weight on my kneecap (yes I tried kneeling today to see what would happen.) I figured I had at least better check it out, so I headed over to a sports doctor I had seen before. I was lucky enough to get in to see him at 1:00, so I only had an hour to kill, which I did by going to Hola and B&Q.

When I got in to see Dr. Hang, I was semi-apologetic, thinking I didn't really need to be there. Turned out it was good that I went because I walked out with orders to remain off my bike for a minimum of two weeks, no walking up or down stairs, a few exercises to stretcth my hamstrings and further strengthen my quads, anti-imflammatories for a week, and an appointment for next Friday to see how things are progressing.

What's funny is that I rode this morning and dedicated my miles to the Rouge Croix riders on bikejournal.com. It's odd to see the red cross by my name on the forum, but it should be gone soon.

Overnight in...no not Denver...San Francisco

I was freshly ensonced in my hotel room when I thought I had better phone Great Lakes and give them my flight information so they could go ahead and handwrite my luggage tag to save time the next morning. Got that done and had just settled down to watch the Food Network when the phone rang. Guess who was on the line? Vickie from Great Lakes with the good news that my flight the next morning had been cancelled, but if I could get to the airport, I could take the two-hour delayed flight to Denver. Well, what could I do? I had to get to DIA so I could get my connecting flight to San Francisco by 8:23 the next morning, so I checked out of the hotel that I had enjoyed for three hours, and made my way to the airport with the off-duty shuttle driver who was nice enough to come and get me.

I had already decided to just spend the night at the Denver airport instead of a hotel so I didn't have to get my luggage and go through Denver security early the next morning, but Vickie gave me a hotel voucher anyway and told me to make sure I collected my bag. Once I convinced her that I wasn't going to do that, she took the voucher back, and changed my luggage tag back to the original.

Got to Denver and decided to see if I could fly standby on the 8:50 San Francisco flight. (I figured getting to SF that night was better than hanging out at the Denver airport all night.) Yep, got that. When I asked about my bag, I was told that it probably would be forwarded on the next morning. Probably? Probably?????

Got to San Francisco close to midnight. Nothing open. Nowhere to go. Hung around the international terminal. About 5:00 am I decided to call United and see if they could tell me where my bag was. Nope. Nothing in the system. Told to go to baggage claim and talk with an attnedant. So, took the AirTrain over to terminal 3 and told the lady there my tale of woe. She sent info to Great Lakes and United and I sat down to wait. Checked again about 45 minutes later. Nope, nothing yet.

I decided to not worry about it, and headed back to the international terminal since it was almost time for them to open up the ticket counters. Got ticketed, went through security into the terminal in search of something good to eat for breakfast. Nope, nothing open. Went to the domestic terminal, once again had to go through security, but found a decent breakfast place. Well, not decent, but Burger King was open, so I had breakfast, then went on back to the international terminal. Yes, through security once again. Checked the departure screen, nothing listed for Taipei, so I decided just to sit and wait. Pretty soon, I heard the announcement that Taipei would be leaving at Gate 93. So to Gate 93 I went. And waited. And waited some more. Finally, it was almost time to board. Even the flight crew had gotten on the airplane.

And gotten off. And had to go to gate 97. This is the first time I've seen a flight crew get on and get back off to go to a different gate. Finally, it was our turn to board. I got on, got settled, put the seat belt on and tightened it up. It loosened. I tightened it up. It loosened again. I hit the call light. Flight attendants all busy. I stood up and looked around and caught the eye of one attendant at the door. She came, tried the belt, and called a mechanic. Ten minutes later a new seat belt had been quickly installed. Much better.

I got settled in once again. Five minutes later more mechanics boarded, this time carrying a ladder. Cripes, what now? Oh, the pilot announced that they were there to get the communication system working. Good, that might just come in handy. That took about 15 minutes, then we were actually cleared to take off. The rest of the flight was pretty uneventful, although incredibly long. I napped a few times, watched a couple movies, and walked around a bit. Good thing I had seen the three half decent movies because my tv had decided to stop transmitting a picture. I forgot to tell them when I got off, so I imagine that the person who got my seat for the next morning's flight wasn't too happy!

Once through immigration, Gerry and I headed for baggage claim and the bathroom. (she had been lucky enough to fly standby from SF to Taipei. She wasn't sure if her husband had gotten the word to our local airport pick up service, so I told her if she didn't have a car waiting, she could ride along with me.) First stop, the baggage carousel. What? My bag was there. Amazing. Gerry got hers, we headed for the waiting area. No car for her. No problem. Luggage all put in mine and we set off with one of the worst drivers I've ever had in Taipei. And that is saying a lot. But...we made it back safely, and my long long long long experience of travel from Gothenburg, Nebraska to Taipei, Taiwan was finally over. I have five months to forget how bad a travel time I had this year. Moral of story? Be kind to airline personnel, and don't travel on the holidays.