Blessings

Lately, I have been thinking about blessings. Since perception is reality, blessings may be different for everyone, and I may see my blessings completely differently than you see my blessings. Also, I might view my blessings differently from one day to the next. Today, I can count my blessings as my friends (who leave supportive comments on my blog).

Yesterday, as I sat at Social Security, I met a man who can't read, and needed help reading some instructions. For the rest of day, my ability to read and comprehend felt like a blessing, simply because I was lucky enough to have been educated. Oh, and as I watched the lady at the MS Society count out money (we raised $300 from our bake sale!), I could see she was struggling, and I really wanted to help (cause I am impatient and I wanted to speed up the process). Then it occurred to me, perhaps she has MS, and the simple act of counting bills is an achievement. I sat back, smiled and worked on being patient. So, being able to count out $300 quickly, and be patient, probably both blessings.

In just over a month, I am going back to England to see my Mum and Dad. Wow, those two are a blessing, let me tell you! They let me vent, they listen to me whine, they set me straight and still, they love me! This year, I get to buy my own tickets. I know, doesn't sound like much, but when you have been struggling to get your career together, and raise your daughter, and pay your bills (not always on time!), and keep food on the table, the simple fact that you can take care of your own tickets to The Muvvaland for 3 weeks is HUGE!

All in all, I am blessed, and life is good, and that is AWESOME! Yay for me!

I want to ride my bicycle!

Yay for me, I got out on my bike today! It was my first ride of the summer, a 36 mile "warm-up" to my goal of a century next month. Whew, a century, I must be nuts! (BTW - many people have asked me what a "century" is - it's 100 miles, yeah, a CENTURY!)

It was great to get out and ride around the Valley. The Salt Lake Valley truly is a beautiful area, and today's ride took us through some great farm land north of Salt Lake. Quiet country roads, horses, cows, sheep, and great company. My friend Susan joined me, and she knows how to keep it entertaining.

Our primary goal today was to see how many times we would be passed. Ok, so maybe we don't take it as seriously as some of the wannabe racers out there, but I bet we had way more fun. I love to ride not just for the health benefit, but the mental benefit. Although it is something of a leisurely pace, we still have to keep a pace. That requires a modicum of focus, which means you can't be bothering yourself with your everyday worries (like, did you check the oil in your car? will you buy a house next year? when will your economic stimulus check get here, cause you want to spend it!). You just keep your eye on the road, glance at the bike computer from time to time, and try to keep up with the somewhat random banter coming from the super freak behind you. Awww, it's a super freak I love, so it is well worth it.

Asking yourself if you can do it? You can. I did it, and those who know me know that I am not sporty spice, I am more like, scary spice, with a little posh spice and ginger spice thrown in, just to keep things interesting. But definitely not sporty. Never have been. However, I can be determined from time to time, and cycling is one of those times. Once I start, I can't quit, and it feels oh so good!