Yumyumyumyumyum– DELICIOSO!

Frankly, there are things I know in theory, like "math"(whatever) and "numbers" (gah), and things I know realistically, like "nutritional stuff." Not to brag or anything, but having a solid grasp of a training diet is kinda my gig.
I mean, on a daily basis people ask me really astute questions about my alimentary intake, hard-ball questions like, "What in the hell are you putting in your mouth?" and "Are you actually going to eat that?"

For those non-believers out there who have the gall to query my gastronomic practices, I'm just going to say that it is possible on some food pyramid SOMEWHERE, okay-- entirely possible that the Milky Way bar is at the apex. I will also add that it is possible-- nay, in this example, probable-- that this apex balances evenly atop healthy portions of Ruffles Potato Chips on one end (vegetable) and Hot Tamales on the other (fruit). Of course all this rests on a solid foundation of Trader Joes big Oatmeal-Raisin cookies.

End of discussion.

who are these people?

The joy of posting my ramblings can only be eclipsed by the sense of awe I feel reading the comments my readers make. Such brilliant, poignant notes as:

"Your blog is great If you have a paranormal issue, I'm sure you'd be interested in strange phenomenon There's lots of information about strange phenomenon."

Really touched my soul, that one did. I mean, the way he commented on my thoughts... Or, you know, this one:

"Howdy Traci,
I'm impressed with what you wrote here in your 'Tis better to give... post. I gave up my search for quicksilver rashguard information and wanted to hang out here on your blog - well done. I might make a blog like yours about quicksilver rashguard, but I wouldn't try to compete with you. You're doing a great job Traci. You got a great thing going... by friend."

Yes. Yes, been reading my fabulous blog, indeed. Because that steady rashguard competition I put out there is intense, by friend.

Besides the spammers, anybody else have anything constructive to say? Like, where I can find good bike parts cheap or what sport would be a particularly good cross-training regimen for a seven-day, 585-mile ride?

Anyone?

Bueller?

Bueller?

ouch…

The bike seat... it's cramping my style, both literally and figuratively. I understand that everyone develops sensitivities on the bike and, honestly, that Lance Armstrong developed testicular cancer comes as absolutely no surprise to me. They say that over time, with the riding, hot spots emerge-- places on the rumperoo that hurt or get irritated easily. I've been told not to worry about such things, as calluses develop over time and the pain ebbs.

Please for the love of GAWD I can handle almost anything, but there is no flippin' way I can abide the very thought of a callus there, on that pre-existing "hot spot." I like being a woman. I like being a woman most times because of that very spot. Hide it under a bush?! OH NO! I'm gunna let her shine!

Traci is on the market for a new bike seat, and padded shorts. Any advice is gladly welcomed.

Building the dream

When I first began talking to others about the AIDS/LifeCycle ride, my enthusiasm was fed by the enthusiasm of others. Virtually everyone I mentioned it to thought it was a great idea... or, at the very least, mildly entertaining. And even a few co-workers showed interest in hopping along for the ride.

I let my thoughts go wild. We could build a team! A team of Bee bikers, all travelling down life's big highway toward our happy goal, curing a horrible disease and wearing MATCHING JACKETS!

Immediately I had 4 people give me solid maybes. I was overjoyed. I decided to take the plunge and register. I began my training, my planning, and feeding my hopes.

Since then, 3 of the four have told me, ahhh--hmmm-- maybe next year. The fourth, my dearest girlfriend, was a strong maybe to begin with and won't know for certain for several months.

And so it is me. (It is I?) I am the one, the lonely rider preparing for a long journey into a new dawn... and off into the sunset.

HA! Suckers! You have no idea, the excitement that you're missing!

‘Tis better to give…

My AIDS/LIFECYCLE packet arrived in the mail yesterday, complete with t-shirt, bracelets and a booklet all about the race! (READ: fundraising strategies!)

For those who have given at the Fount of Traci (all 3 of you), thank you, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. For those who are still on the fence, unsure of how much to give or whether it is a better idea to give now, or to wait... let me simply state this:

If I raise $1,000 before December 31, I get a windbreaker. Got that?? An actual BREAKER of WIND. Uhm... I mean the jacket. I get a jacket. An AIDS/LIFECYCLE jacket! Do you know what that MEANS? I will OWN an ACTUAL jacket that MATCHES maybe HUNDREDS OF OTHERS!! It'll be like I'm part of a GANG or something!!!

Those who know me know it has been my lifelong ambition to own a matching jacket.... I envy those Teamsters like no other...

But if my story of personal desire is not enough to move your soul, or moreover, your wallets... take a look at these three, poor children.
Do you see their misery? Do you see how devastated they were when I told them I would be away from them for several days? Have you no pity for the little one without a body?

Please. Please give.