Speechless

There's absolutely nothing to talk about here; however over here is a totally different story!

Pillow Talk

Conversation with myself this morning:

Ugh! Its early. I can do ten more minutes. (hit snooze)

(alarm goes off again) I'm really not feeling too well. I didn't sleep well last night. Six days a week is a lot. Maybe I'll do five days a week: Monday, Tuesday, rest Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday long ride, rest Sunday. That sounds like a good schedule. I might hurt myself otherwise. Don't want to overdo it. Its supposed to rain today. That means it will be cooler this afternoon. Maybe I'll mix things up and do a late afternoon ride. Yeah, that would work. Leslie, are your rationalizing? Leslie, are you talking to yourself?

Then I got up and rode my bike.

Queen of the Grill

I hate to cook. I've always been too busy to have the time for the basics, which is a shame since my mother and my grandmother are such incredible cooks. I've always carried a bit of guilt over the fact that I don't enjoy the process, but this summer has been different. In an attempt to cook healthier and more wholesome foods, I have gotten quite attached to our grill. Its the saddest little hibachi grill, but it does the job. We're getting quite adept at the whole marinating in the morning and grilling in the afternoon, sometimes even in the rain.

And on the seventh day . . . she rested

Mon - 5.6 miles
Tues - 5.6 miles
Wed - 5.6 miles
Thurs - 5.6 miles
Fri - 6.5 miles
Sat - 15.4 miles
Sun - No bike for me :(

Samuel's observation on yesterday's long ride:
Me: Uh-oh, Sam. Here comes the hill from hell. (1/2 mile of steady incline)
Sam: Well, think of it this way, Mom. On the way back, it'll be the hill from heaven.

Good thing one of us is positive on the hard stretches of road!

We went to see Evan Almighty this weekend. You really can't see it as a follow up to Bruce Almighty. It targets a different audience; this one was much more kid friendly. Not a bad movie, some great quotable lines from "God", kids loved it. Its hard to go wrong with Steve Carell.

Then on the advice of my friend Sandy, I rented The Italian. Amazing. The film is in Russian so be prepared for subtitles. Much of it looked and sounded painfully familiar. Worth a rent.

We scored free tickets to the sneak preview of Disney's new movie Ratatouille before it comes out in theatres. The kid movie venue wears on me, so I hope this one's good. Still haven't been impressed with this summer's movie offerings. While Pirates 3 is in its own category, I couldn't help but be disappointed with the storyline. The boys are looking forward to the Transformer movie and we're all anxious to see the new Harry Potter movie next month. We'll see that one on the BIG screen on I-Drive. If anyone sees anything else worth seeing, let us know.

Got Spin?

Those are my slightly fatigued feet at the Heathrow Panera where Sam and
I have stopped to refill our water bottles before heading back down the
trail. I am shocked at how easy the ride here seemed. Tip of the day:
adolescent boys do not appreciate their moms singing Justin Timberlake's
Bringing Sexy Back. Just a thought . . .

Passionate

Kim, Cindy, and I decided to hang out at Starbucks for a change of pace last night. I stood there staring at the menu of lattes and fraps with whipped cream and drizzled chocolate options. For the first time, I tried to find something that I wouldn't regret the next morning as my legs burned while climbing a hill. Don't get me wrong, I still love caramel frappaccinos. But I am realizing how certain foods make me feel, particularly when I need energy and don't want to feel weighed down. The girl behind the counter drummed her fingers impatiently as I scanned the menu one more time before settling on a bottled water. Then I saw the new iced tea line, and particularly, the Orange Passion Ice Tea. I ordered it, a little skeptical, but willing to give it a try. It definitely hit the spot! I'm sure the bottled water would have been better for me, but its all about options!

Brothers' Keeper

We've been back and forth to the doctor's office over the last few weeks to get everyone in for their school physicals and updated immunizations. Today was Samuel and Nathanael's turn. Normal procedure: blood pressure, weight, pulse, height. It was the height thing that got me. Samuel measured in at 5' 5 1/2"; Nathanael was a full 5' 6". When did that happen?? I'm a very statuesque 5'5". When did they pass up mom?



I'm really enjoying this phase of life with my 12 year old twins. They've grown into funny, humble, handsome young men. I love that we are able to talk about things of depth and laugh at silly things still. We went to the movie the other day and Robert actually shushed Sam and I because we were whispering throughout the film. I love the character and uniqueness that God has gifted each of them with. I do miss having a little one around the house. I adored the younger years, but I would never trade this incredible time of watching God shape two young men in His image.

The Hills Are Alive With the Sound of . . .

. . . pain, not music! Hills are not my friend; at least they haven't been this week. A vicious summer cold has been making its way through our family, so Sam and I were the only ones feeling well enough to venture out this morning. We headed back to the Seminole Wekiva Trail to see how we would fare. I've managed to bike every day except yesterday since last weekend. I was hoping it would make a difference in my stamina on the trail. That and the addition of a biking buddy that challenges me made a huge difference. Even with the heat, we made it 15.4 miles round trip before we threw in the towel. Since last weekend, that makes 58.8 miles for me. I know! Who'd have thunk??? I may never get on that bike again, but this week was quite a ride!

As the Wheel Turns

So for some unexplainable reason, Hannah and I rode Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday this week. And there's a good chance we will go out again tomorrow. We're covering roughly 4.7 miles each day. That's not a lot in the world of cycling, but its a lot to us! So since Saturday, that brings us to just over 33.1 miles. From what I understand, that's what most cyclists cover in one ride! Its been good bonding time and hopefully it helps our fitness level.

Oddly enough, June 9th was significant in the world of cycling. Apparently it was World Naked Bike Day. What is that you ask? People rode bikes naked to celebrate cycling and the human body. The ride demonstrates the "vulnerability of cyclists on the road and is a protest against car culture". Ironically, if you ride naked, wouldn't that increase your vulnerability on the road??? I hope they wore helmets. Something should be protected . . .

Gotta Love Free Stuff

The site is Picaboo.com You can make a 20 page photo album. It is $39.99 but with the coupon it is free!! The coupon expires on June 30, 2007 so hurry! Coupon Code: 1pflgb-bbc

Thanks, Tami!

Piece of Cake

Today we added another five miles to our total miles cycled this weekend. That brings us to a round 19 miles. I would feel really good about that except Robert and Hannah decided to bake a cake this evening. Sigh.

Maybe a Little Like Lance

We woke up early this morning and headed for the San Sebastian trail head of the Wekiva Trail on 436 in Altamonte Springs. Robert was determined to see how far we could get. Granted, it was HOT even early this morning (8 am). We managed to make it 14 miles round trip. We rode from the trailhead to the Heathrow Panera at Lake Mary Blvd. (a little over 7 miles) and had brunch at 10:30. It wasn't without a generous portion of whining (no, not from me) and sore legs, but everyone was proud of their accomplishment. We were home by 12:30 and recharged with cold showers and the promise of half a day still left!

Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler!

Robert decided that he wanted a little taste of home this afternoon which led to an impromptu Cajun Shrimp Boil. A trip to Publix and several pounds of seafood later and we had a party on our hands. Cajun boiled shrimp, crab legs, corn, potatoes, onions, garlic, and more cayenne pepper than most people north of Mississippi can handle gave way to one fun evening! Add a view of the Space Shuttle launch and the summer has started with a bang!