Miranda

Miranda is in Midwives, (in a "serious" role) the TV programme on Sunday night.  Last night she fell off a bike.  Pretty much like I did.    It's not a good copy, but yep pretty much in some ways is how I fell - to the right.

http://www.youtube.com/embed/stsxSK3VYDY"

In real life Miranda raised a heap load of money for charity in a long  bike ride.  I like her comedy series and her humour...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=UTf17cmPl0I

she also falls over a lot - in her show - which I guess is the basis for the fall in Midwives...


I went to my GP today.  She confirmed what I already knew.  My knee is sprained, but it is healing.  She said it would take between 2-3 weeks ...

Today at lunchtime I observed this guy ride his bike up to the steps of the parliamentary library, park it up by the steps and then take several photos of it. From my observations it was an expensive bike with carbon wheels.  I couldn't see the significance of why the photos had to be taken there.  It was odd really.  But in the absence of being able to ride a bike or do rpm at the moment kept me semi amused.

Lifecycle

I can't wait until I can get back to RPM, and Sunday road rides again - (although I'm still a little nervous I may also have the opportunity to do weekday rides soon too....still, if that happens, then I take it as an opportunity).

I think my self assessment is as there is still what feels like a small ball under my knee in terms of swelling, it wont be this week.  Still, I can't wait!  And the thing is if I let my knee heal, I will be able to.  Will see what the GP says tomorrow in terms of a medical opionion.

In the meantime, this is very cool, warms my heart and makes me smile:

http://video.bicycling.com/video/Holstee-Manifesto-Lifecycle-Vid

It pretty much captures what I try and live by.  It doesn't always feel like I achieve it, but having reflected on stuff over the weekend, maybe I am more aligned and closer to it.  And that for me is a good thing.

Lawnmower

To celebrate getting my lawnmover fixed today, and being able to mow my lawn - both because the lawnmower is fixed (don't leave in the rain ;-)) and the my knee is improving. here's a video I quite like I found on the Morgueman's site.

I actually really like mowing lawns - considerably more than housework!

And I've even been able to insert it as it should be!

I think it visually encapsulates how I felt yesterday - and still feel to some extent.

*BOOM*

Favourite line of a Tracy Chapman song is this:  "Don't be tempted by the shiny apple, don't you eat of the bitter fruit, because all that you have is your soul"....hunger only for a taste of justice.....actually, this is an original fav track from way back...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4hbQj8NK1g
Well, yeah, I think its wrong if a colleague is bullied.  And I said so.

Yeah, I think it is wrong if a colleague is asked to change their work portfolio because they are pregnant in the year 2012.

I took a "seated stand".  My contract wont be renewed I was advised today.  This is a reverse on previous discussions, and in part when I asked, it's attributed to my taking a stand, not my work...go figure.

I should feel confident in the position I took.  For me it was about principles.

And yeah I do. I can live with my actions and principles.  But inside its still like taking a helluva leap as to what next. There's that massive gulp feeling.  It should be "yay, I have a blank page", and I'm not locked in to the stupidity and injustice that can exist in some workplace and how that can drain positive energy. It feel tho a little like jumping off a cliff, and well, with a bung knee, there are reservation using that analogy.

8 weeks to find a new job.  And I also need to hold it together in term of not letting rip with a certain colleague.  That perhaps concerns me more than the what next question.

My knee needs to heal so I can manage my stress with physical exercise.  It's slowly getting better.  Almost walking at 80-90%.

Going to have the knee checked on Monday by the GP.  A week late, but better late than never.

Friday *BOOM* feeling.

ANZAC

This is my great uncle.  My Dad's uncle.  I'm named after him.  I guess if I'd been a boy I would have been called Nicholas.

I find it bit odd that my Dad was so proud of his uncle, and yet he never went to war.  Something to do with having to stay in New Zealand to provide essential services - although I'm not sure NZ rail was an essential service.  I think it had more to do with that my Dad was a Pacifist at heart and didn't want to go to fight the war.

One of the things my Dad would say if things seemed tough was "Remember your a Nicholas".  I guess it was his way of saying show some fight back and be couragous in your actions.

I used to think honouring war, the returned soldiers etc was an acceptance that war is ok. 

Now that I'm older, my views have changed.  I remember ther war, and hope I never have to see one in my lifetime.

There's quite an impresseive bronze statue of my great uncle by the river Avon in Christchurch.  It was errected a few years ago and had a primo view looking out to the central city.  Now it just looks out onto all the destruction.  But hey, it survived 100% in tact, and hopefully it will remain there to see some impressive rebuild.

Here's the official bio of my great uncle:
Henry Nicholas arrived in France in September 1916 and saw action at the Somme. He was involved in many of the actions fought by the New Zealand Division in 1917, including the successful attack on Messines ridge on 7 June. He missed the battle of Passchendaele due to illness but rejoined his Canterbury Regiment in time for the Polderhoek attack on 3 December. His actions there earned him the Victoria Cross.

Henry Nicholas's funeral

During the advance on Polderhoek, Nicholas’s section was held up by heavy machine-gun and rifle fire. He single-handedly rushed the enemy position from the rear, threw a grenade and shot the officer. He then charged the remaining occupants with his bayonet. When the smoke cleared, 12 Germans lay dead. Four survivors were taken prisoner. Recommending him for an award, his commanding officer noted 'His fearless example and devotion to duty, commands him to special recognition.'

Henry Nicholas memorial

In mid-1918, while in England on leave, Nicholas was invested with his Victoria Cross by the King. After his return to the front in September 1918, the Canterbury Regiment was charged with holding the town of Beaudignies, a short distance from Le Quesnoy. On 23 October a German patrol blundered into Nicholas’s post on a flank guarding a bridge over the River Ecaillon. During this skirmish, Nicholas was killed by heavy machine-gun fire from the high ground of Le Quesnoy. He was posthumously awarded the Military Medal for his bravery during this action.
See also: painting of Henry Nicholas on the Archives NZ War Art website.


Knee update:
The part of my knee that is hurting now is behind my knee - and this morning I noticed it is quite swollen - which is probably not surprising given I've walked on it a fair bit - out of necessity having to walk to the station and back :-/  Less hopeful of making it to the bodybalance on Fri now...

Beautiful ay for a bike ride.  Still I just have to remember the injury is tempoary and I can use this to do other stuff.

Given the swelling, if its still swollen tomorrow I may go and see my GP, or a physio - I don't know if you can see a physio without a GP referral?   Should be a ACC claim, and it might pay to have some professional manipulation.

Template

Blogger.com has changed the template.  This is going to stretch my blogging for a little while.  Apparently it is supposed to be more easier to use.  I don't really find it so.  Guess I'll just have to persevere.

My knee is improving and therefore my overall mobility.  I wont be running any 100 metre sprints in the next few days, although I wasn't going to be running any 100 metre sprints if I hadn't fallen off my bike.   Hopefully, I'll at least make it to Bodybalacne on Friday.

I have new screws to affix my bike pump.

The front tyre seems has deflated.  Really quite pissed about that, as I am OVER changing tyres.

Still, the knee thing has made me appeciate the gift of mobility a little more.  I can't be defeated or deflated by the tyre thing.  I'll try pumping it up.  If that fails, then I guess I'll just change it, again.  There is possibility I guess I could have punctured it when I crashe the bike in the shingle.

Knee

My knee is stuffed.  Most serious cycling injury to date - even with my "serious" falls. I may look for my deceased grandfather's walking stick - in the spare cupboard - could make access around the house easier.  I'll contemplate taking it to work, although today it has been enough people "watching" me shuffle along.... In the meantime I am shuffling along and overdosing on Neurofen.  I don't really know how to manage injuries.  Taking Neurofen is helping, I think.

In looking at this picuture of a knee, I would self diagnose that the part of my knee I injured was the Articular cartialage. So, I guess I should be glad it wasn't the kneecap.

 

I don't think the knee is broken or anything. Just seriously sprained.  I wont be riding to Martinborough on Wednesday, and not sure if I will get to the gym this week, or Martinborough on Saturday.

Contemplated going to my GP, but I've been having a GP sabbatical.....and that would mean fronting up to my weight gain - which I will do, just not today. 

I remind myself, these are small scarifices.  Only though the injuries do you build the resilence, and learn.  Or something like that.

Short Sunday ride

Missed the early start (again) today. 

Went up around Gladstone - thought I'd turn into a farm driveway to turn around - and fell off, to my right side.  I note falling off to my right an onto my knee is I think more painful than the huge bruise I got on my thigh a few weeks ago.  So falling advice: try not to fall at all, but if you do, aim to fall on your left thigh, as even if you are heavy it "takes the fall".  Falling on the knee is the fall of all falls to be avoided.

I think there were two reasons I fell off.  Firstly, I miscalculated the gravel and gradient. Secondly, although perhaps it is the primary reason, I am not completely in control of my bike as I was.  This of course only improves with regular riding..

The screws to affix my pump are the wrong sort, so I used the velcro.  It worked but its not completely ideal.

So, wasn't a beautiful ride.  Started off well.  But with the "fall" and quite heavy end of day traffic.  It was quite stressful.

I  was aiing to make make an early morning ride thing work on Anzac day.   I may need to review that as my knee, a few hours later, is actually quite sore and sore to walk on.  Hmmm

Oh well, if I get a gardening day in on Weds, that will free me up for next Sat.

Aiming to get to the gym more than once this week.  Hopefully 3 x.  Will need to reasess what that 3x comprises of ase on how the knee is feeling tomorrow.

Now I need to find that tube of arnica cream again!

Alice

Not a great week gym wise.   Was busy at work today, and also not really up to a BB session.  Met S in the lift - sometimes we go to the same rpm classes.  I think she was feeling how I was today - at least in terms of not making it to the gym, for perhaps similar reasons.

Went to R&R bike place after work.  Got two new *free* screws, to affix my bike pump.  Friendly guy.  I'm trying to keep my bike shop options open.  So far I rate R&R and Penny Farthing the best in terms of service.  I guess the sales pitch is two free screws could result in a larger purchase...

This song was in the DomPost today quiz.  It really belongs to yesterday's posting.  But the neighbour thing has been on my mind:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcVLeUFW-AM

The thing on my mind is not so much connected to the neighbours as such - but more the where that kind of five year reflection thing: where did the last five years go?  What will the next five years bring?  There is a reality that in some areas of life, while I have made really good progress in some areas, I have also put some things, and things that are fundamentally important to me (such as travel, new friends, new experiences etc) on hold....

Anyway, I better get a couple of good rides in this weekend.

Sabbatical.

Today I recieved a delayed broadacast that my head coach is taking a sabbatical.  I am naturally gutted by this.   I guess though it opens up the possibility to revisit my training schedule. 

I've had a bit of a sabbatical myself, so understand sometimes you just have to do that...cos well yeah, sometimes you do - I'm hoping its a few months, not nine months or more?~!.

I have sort of a pattern established.  PT Tuesday, HuttGirl Weds, Young American Thursday.  So there will be some "stability" there.  I like stability!  This will alllow me to go the Body Balance lady's classes more regualrly.  But yeah, there will be  big gap there as far as I am concerned.  BIG ;-/

Um tonight I went to my neighbours party.  It was good.  I felt "at home".  Well, sort of in terms of revisiting the social contacts I had when I learnt German.  Oh my goodness.  My neighbours are *nice*.  Very *nice*.  Here's the scary punchline though.  They  have lived there FIVE years.  Thats' FIVE, and apparently nearly SIX years, and we have never previously spoken.  Weird, becasuse we can so easily have so much to talk about.  Gardening, travel,  FOOD.  Marvin is in the hospo trade, and his wife J works in interior design.  House and Garden house.   They used to work on cruise ships, so people stuff is their thing.  

I want to get to know them better, and I think we will.

I met a lady at the party who quite randomly told me she had given up TV watching for 3 months!  Spooky.  I told her I had lasted 3 days....

And omg, M who is the mother of one of the former RPM instructors, who is now residing in Akl used to be an opera singer.  I worked with M for over 10 years, and never knew that.  I just thought she played the cello.

Met a nice podiatrist from Masterton at the party.  Seriously.  v. nice.  And he has a golden labador.  That could be handy. Not necessarily the dog, but knowing A the Podiatrist.

Must. get. out. more.

Dentist Day

Today was a dentist day so didn't get to the gym.

My new dentist at my old dental practice resurrected the notes of my my former dentist, and repeated what my former dentist for years tried to get me to do - wear a mouthguard at night.

Apparently, I grind my teeth.  The chip on my tooth opened up this discussion. I did not enjoy it - the discussion.  I'm not though going to be wearing a mouthguard to bed.  Still the evidence my teeth have issues from the grinding is pretty compelling.  There are cracklines down the front of my teeth.  Not visible to other people really, but really visible on the x rays.  And no one wants really to have no front teeth eh?

The new dentist did a pretty good job repairing the tooth for now.  There were though a few tense moments when basically I f***d up the x-ray though not holding still, and also felt like I was choking when she was trying to do the replacement.  Weird, I've never really never lost it like that before at the dentist, even though I have dental issues.  So the dentist thought my angst could be solved by an Il Divo video.  It sort of was.

I filled in a ACC claim form - because if the tooth doesn't hold the repair, i could use it for a future claim re having fallen over.  I've only ever had one ACC claim before in my life, and that was when I fell off the ladder.

Tense moment at reception.  The receptionist advised me I was in credit.  Then explained that I had been overcharged last time.  So, I said "yeah, well I thought that was a truckload of money I paid for a clean and polish. and actually I was pretty angry about it and have been thinking about changing practice".  Hmm not really the best point of negotiation.

I actually do have a mouthguard that I had made when I was boxing fairly seriously with TC.  Its nota wear to bed mouthguard though.

Witnessed a sad scene on the train tonight.  Two guys had taken their children (about aged say 8-12) on to town for the school holidays and were going home.  All good, and the kids seemed happy and content.  But the guys were completely trolleyed, and making further plans to get trollyed - and stoned once they got to Masterton.  I wanted to say "don't you think you've had enough all ready?"  I didn't.  I just thought it was sad. The kids just seem to take it as BAU.

Holby City  - UK TV.  Favourite programme of the week.  TV amenesty over!!!  Yeah, the fact that hospital programme is my fav programme, I think reminds me that "Health" is still in my heart.  I just have to find a way back - in reality.

second

night tv free.  although today I decided the tv thing abstinence needs to be not about abstinence but moderated tv viewing, or deliberately selective.  Still will bag one more tv free night.

had  a massive headache today - who wouldve thought t-doxing fro tv would result in that.  Although I think it is stress work induced...I'm still not really sure how I can get out of the crosswinds on that front.  Today. I felt like going to the gym, and not going back to work afterwards.  Its sad, becasue I use to love my workplace and work, but now I'm finding I'm letting it suck energy.  Its also sad to because there remain some awesome people, but I'm not finding my work "meaningful" or purposeful.  Hmmmmmmm.  And i get most frustrated at people who just appear to have no values and a basic collegial respect.  Rant~!  Or maybe I get frustrated most at that I feel I cant change the situation I am in, but I need to protect myself in terms of "what next".

Went to the PT's rpm session today.  yeah, it was ok.  He played an ALL  standing track 3,  And track 7 was pretty much all standing also.  What this teaches me is: Sometimes, you have to break the rules ? (although some people would argue: you must at all times obey the rules.  Struggling with this~!

Sat next door to the BBL.  She's got pretty good rythm.  I like and respect that.  Sometimes I reckon she cruises in RPM, but that's simply because she does other hard workouts - like instruct BBL.  Today though I reckon she was pretty much giving it all she had.  So, that kind of helped me lift my ride too.  I reckon I can pedal faster than she can - go figure, I don't really understand that - or maybe its just becasue I have longer legs! although I certainly can't stretch like she can!

First

night deliberately TV free.  Not sure how long this will last.  But giving it a go - random goal may be until I get a new job, or husband.....become fluent in Spainish.   Hmmm, or mabe until something significant in my life changes - for the better.   Although tonight I spent quite a lot of time on the time on the computer, which I concede is a TV alternative.

It's actually not just a tv thing.  It's partly because I watch tv in my bedroom, in bed.  So not watching Tv means I stay out of bed, and I use the space (and energy) in my body, and in my house differently.

Tonight I managed to do the basics like pack my gym bag, iron my clothes for tomorrow, and make my lunch.  Basic stuff that makes me just that little more organised.

Also aiming to try and increase my sleep by one or two hours each night.  I get by on aout 4-6 hours sleep, and I'm sure if can get a little more sleep, then I can push my body further exercise wise, and it will appreciate it.

The tv thing is random, but its more fundamental than that.  I think I am getting my focus back.  I also need to be strong re work at the moment, and the best way I know to do that is to be focuss in other areas of my life - it simply helps with the resilence factor.

Sunday

I woke up to a beautiful Sunday morning, and thought "wow, great morning for a bike ride".  It was.  Only problem was my bike was with its front tyre off as it has been for the last couple of weeks.  By the time I phaffed around (finally) changing the inner  tube, pumping it up, oiling and greasing the bike, cleaning the bike (note to self: make sure the next bike is not a white bike!)....and hanging out the washing etc, it was mid day.

A had a false start with the tyre.  I didn't *blow* it up today - but I didn't get the seal right, so had to start again.  I hope this tyre thing gets easier.  I then went to affix the new hand pump I've purchased to the bike but lost the screw when it fell into the soil.  So, now I am short of a screw. I know, not a big task, but like finding a needle in a haystack.  I didn't find it. I think I've got the tyre thing sorted out through trial and error....I really hope its not necessary to change tyres for some time again now though,

The little seat carrier is affixed though.  Not much point though when I still need to carry a pump in a backpack.  So, I'll aim to get the pump thing fixed during the week.  Will have to go and buy a new screw...

Went for a small dusk ride - 10km or so, just to check the bike was riding Ok - the distance thing didn't seem to be clicking over but the rpm was, and I managed to reach 85rpm pretty quickly, which is a little above my last few rides.  A combination of getting back to the gym, eating and drinking a lot "cleaner", and a short ride. It felt good - that feeling where riding a bike just feels awesome because there is just something in the momentum....and the bike definitely better for the *maintenance*.  It's nice too not to ride with a backpack on - which given I was going a short distance, I not only went without a backpack, but also in my *gardening* clothes, because I couldn't be arsed changing!

Now the bike is all parked up and ready to go to Martinborough return next weekend.  I'm going to aim to leave as early as I can next weekend - and maybe get back by say 10am. The strawhouse people were away this weekend, so not much incentive to ride over, plus I wanted to tidy the front garden up in the afternoon, because actually it has been looking very messy! - part of it still is, but I'm making progress, slowly.

I've been mulling over *stuff* lately.  And I've decided if I want to get more out of my weekends, and life in general then I have to make room to let new stuff (and people) in. It's basic principle, but it means not doing stuff that wastes time or is not rewarding.  eg watching tv.  I've already seriously reduced my tv hours, but I'm going to try and reduce the tv hours some more.

Zen

I was right.  The BBL (Body Balance Lady) was surprised to see me in her class today.  So at the beginning of the class she gives me a "shout out" and um publically notes I am in her class.  Not by name.  "So your not sitting on seat 20 today - neither am I".

Next to me was a former colleague.  This made me a little uncomfortable.  Not becasue we have any issues, but well she's just one of those people I feel consious of my weight with.  I don't know why that is really.  Also it was giving me flashbacks to the workplace we shared.

So, anyway, I positioned myself "gracefully and majestically" and executed 45 minutes of graceful exchange with the universe, including those moments where I felt like a "swan".  This was the 45 minutes of reward for the week that was.  Well,that was something along the lines of the BBL's inteneded direction.  Except I didn't feel graceful or like a swan!

The reality is I find body balance hard.  And awkward actually.  I can't do simple stretches - not even the simple stretchs the pregnant women in the room get assigned.  Something like putting your left hand over you left shoulder and having your right hand behind your back join hands.  Or, holding the leg with hands.  So, there is the physical angst of merely not being able to do the stretches, and then the mental frustration and connection that the reason is I am carrying too much weight.

Still, I have a certain confidence now, where I don't worry about what other people think.  The thing is I was there.  Despite the frustrations, the body does feel better for strecthing.

I remembered during the last of the session to keep my eyes close while the BBL walked the room.  She proably guessed I was faking being in deep serenity, but at least I didn't have to face her.

Actually, at one point I wanted to vomit which is totally un Zen or BBL.  I rarely get that feeling in RPM even when I push myself.  I think its a reflection that "manoureving" my body is actually a harder ask of my body than sitting on a stationery bike.

I'm sure the BBL would give me some guidance on best moves I should focus on while I ease myself back into this stretching "stuff".

There is some kind of awakeing in the body doing stretches.  Despite the challenges I face with Body Balance, I know it does help - physically and mentally.

Must. do. more. often!

Thursday

The Young American didn't take todays session. KT took it. I've never been to one of her classes. She is a good instructor.   I've seen her in class before. So, it was one of those sessions, where I felt she was watching me. Um, becasue I think she was.  That newbie/fresh meat feeling - or maybe Elephant in the room feeling.

Anyway, I would "try again" so to speak.  And it was a good workout.

Thinking of trying the Body Balance Lady's class tomorrow.  Need a bit of zen in the middle of the day.   Will be interesting (to me!) to see how it goes.  Mainly becasue I think now that we sort of know each other from RPM, um I wont really be able to sneak annonymously to the back of her class.

I think it will be good to have a "proper" directed stretch out.  Bit concious that in a non darkened room the bruise on my leg will be visible, but I wont let that get in the way.  Treating it with arnica, so it it is healing.  Now it just looks worse than it is.

Blood

I was booked in to rpm today. But there was a Fuel/coffee engagement overrun. So there would have been an empty seat.  Instead I gave blood at the Cathedral, lit a couple of candles at the back alter, and briefly prayed.

I need more prayers than brief prayers right now. But its a start reconnecting comms with God.

Yeah, that makes a change from RPM.

I do mean to give blood more than I do. It's important to me. It kind of connects me with Mum's memory, given she died of Leukemia. Also, the *public health* aspects that remain important to me.Its such an easy thing to do  - to give blood.

Anyway, my knees were actually a bit sore today - although the bruise is healing on my leg.

Four

Good RPM session today.  I note the T lady played an old school set.  Although I am old school, so it was a set I like.  Only 4 people in class.  Small class. 

My left leg/knee hurt a little, which is kind of not surprising given the magnitude of the bruise that is there.  I should really keep a photo journal of my "bruises", but I have temporaily lost my connection to the camera.  The bruise is the biggest I have since falling off a ladder some years ago – over five or so.  My legs are definitely not Californian bikini legs at the moment.  A combination of falling and being "bitten" by insects in the garden.  Need to get some new long gardening "trousers"

First time in two weeks I’ve managed to get a decent sweat, again.  I think if I am being honest though, that was in part due to a good class but also detoxing – sugar and alcohol wise from the weekend.  Yeah, that’s not what Easter is about.  But I kind of overdosed on socialising at the weekend, which meant a combination of good food and alcohol.

I now have a chipped bottom front tooth – slightly annoying. I noticed it for the first time after the rpm workout today. I think in my random theory, its probably from falling over so much over the last few days.  Once on the grass, and twice down the floor trap – the pressure has probably accelerated what was already loose.  Hmmm, hate to think what else the fall may have unleased!

Anyway, though the workout today, when my leg was hurting, I just had think one of the Les Mills mantras “ Pain is temporary”.  And on the scale of pain, it is tempoary.

Bruised

The bruise on my leg from yesterday is impressive.    A long storm cloud down my left leg.

Added to this: today I feel through the "trap door" by my back door.  For some reason after seven years, it has become loose.  I fixed it then fell through it again a few hours lated *duh*.   It is, I note, more painful falling though a trapdoor than falling on grass - primarily I guess becuase your leg gets stuck and you fall hard on floor boards.  Now I have a serious graze under my left knee.  I nearly cried :-( it hurt that much.

I'm a bit over this falling thing.

I'll eed to get the trapdoor adjusted as its located by the backdoor, so kind of a hazard now, until I can adjust back to its original position.

Pump revisited

In inspired moment, and buoyed by my success of changing my my back tyre, and pumping it up primo, I thought I'd practice on my front tyre.  Yeah, not so sucessful.  First tube was not the right valve.  Second tube I blew up - re the gunshot sound.  That's $8.0 a tyre.  I've been having a look ata few you tube clips.  I need to get the bike back on the road for next weekend.

So, now my bike sits sadly with its front wheel off.  Tomorrow I'll have another "shot" so to speak.  I'll also clean and grease the bike.  Hopefully I'll be more sucessful. 

It's frustrating, but I need to persereve, as once I know I have mastered the completed change tyre and pump it up, I know I'll have more independence and confidence on the road.

I triped over in the garden today. *BooM* A bruise on my left leg of the proportion when I fell off the bike when learning how ride in cleats.  You get bruises like this when your body takes the weight of your fall.  I'm actually pretty good at *falling*.  If I put my hand up, stretch my fingers out. the length of the bruise is from my thumb to my little finger - that's pretty wide.  Its like a large faultline running down my leg, so its not just a bruise, but a double bump/bruise.

My garden is way overgrown, so I'll be spending the day in the garden tomorrow, even I do get the tyre functioning again.  Looking forward to that.  And even if I do get the tyre sorted tomorrow, given the magnitude of the bruise I have, I don't think it would be a good idea to put too much strain on it tomorrow.  It should be ok for the gym though.

This is a long clip - but kind of cool - kind of pars back cycling to the basics, which I like

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=p0ewL8iuQG8

Ok, so the email I wrote to the Council last night was a bit of a rage one. I feel passionate about trees, the environment etc.  I concede though I was probably venting in the the email because of some residual work complexities.

Anyway, today I had a long conversation with the Council tree man.  He told me, among other things, he too feels passionate about trees, he is after all a qualified horticulturist.  It turns out he had knocked on all my neighbours door across the street, and they consented to having the trees removed.  One even bought him a 6 pack of beer.  What I loved most in our conversation  this morning was how the tree man is so passionate about his job, and he basically could whakapapa all the publically owned trees in Carterton.

Um, I think he thought when he rang me, I was going to be a "nutter" so was maybe a bit surprised too at our conversation.   As it turns out, the trees on my side of the street have "immunity" for now.  So now I live in a street that has had its liquid ambers removed, and my side has trees.  Although the tree man knowing the whakapapa of my tree did explain that it is growing above power lines, so while it is safe for now, he couldn't guarantee it. I liked the fact he had suggested to Council for every tree chopped down, there be a plan to plant other trees.  So, in summary, I loved his passion and commitment. And the fact that he was totally willing to talk for hours about trees. 

It turned out to be a welcome distraction for me from the work stuff - which is still simmering, although as one has to remember in these situations, people eventually do "dumb" things, that will totally trip themeselves up, and I think that may have happened today.

Other highlight of the day was RPM.  It was the Young American's RPM 54 assessment, so I got to hear the whole playlist for the first time.  Her assessor was Hutt Girl 2 - an instructor whose class I have been to in the Hutt a few times.  I nearly didn't recognise her because I think her hair is lighted and longer and she was "dressed".  Hehe but I couldn't forget because a) she's quite a good instructor, and b) I will always love the comment she made something like "is it wrong to want to smash someone and give them a bit of biff in a netball game, and c) she has pretty fricken awesome abs - although probbaly all RPM instructors do!

yeah, Ok session.  getting back into it. Definitely easier to do a single session after a double earlier in the week.  Thank goodness the Young American didn't use the get away from your grand kids line today.

Looking forward to the long weekend - my 0800 breakdown peeps are away.  But I'm not going to let that deter me getting on the bike.  Besides i have a new inner tube, new pump, co 2 cartridge.

Woop - long weekend.

Trees

I had a cool post in mind on "rules" for todays post, related to cycling and LIFE and also how I have not moved desks.  But Shit - remember, if you have been following the plot, how I had a dream the other night about all the trees on my property disappearing?  EEK.  Tonight I walked home from work, and half the trees down my street have been cut down.  So, here's my letter/email to all councilors and the mayor I have just sent.

This is spooky - I have never ever had one of these preemptive type dreams :-) Spooky!

It was on the cards a year or so ago this was going to happen, but I didn't realise - until my dream the other night it would seem) this is happening - in my street.  I'm now kicking myself, beause I vowed at the time I was going to make it my community "cause".  But I didn't.  I became complacent,

I spend some of my working life, writing to "nutters" and the public.  But this is the first time I have written to "people in office.

trees.  Yeah I feel passionate about them,but also democratic process and all that.

So here's my email:
Kia ora tatou

Tonight when I walked home from the railway station I noticed all the trees on one side of my street have been cut down.

I don't recall getting any notification in my mail, or letterbox re this.  I don't attend council meetings or always read the local newspapers, so how am I supposed to be informed?  At the very least, if a council decision has been made to proceed to cut all the trees down in my street, you know, as a ratepayer, I would expect to get some form of notifciation as for the rationale.

I recall there were discussions on the matter because of the drainage, but I had not realised it was going ahead.

Basically, I think it sucks.  Big time.  Where does this policy fit with the landscape policy?

One of the reasons I purchased my house in Wyndham St 7 years ago was becasue of the trees - and now they are just cut down?   

Will the tree outside my house be cut down tomorrow while I am work?  What I am I supposed to do?  Suck it up?  or stay home from work and loose a days pay?

Basically, I suspect there is little I can do now - especially now one side of the street has had its trees chopped down.  However, could you please let me know if:

a) there was a council vote on this matter, and if there was whether you voted for the trees to be cut down.

I certainly wont be giving you my vote if you did vote to have the trees chopped down in furture elections, no matter what the logic, becasue you did not consult me.

Oh yeah, and if my tree is going to be cut down tomorrow while I am work, I would like the wood left on the property as even though it will pain me to use it for firewood, I think I at least should have that option.

I intend to live in my house and Carterton for the rest of my life - it is a good community.  I have to say though, this kind of Council action, really makes me question how the Council operates in terms of following some basic communication and consultation with 'affected' ratepayers.

I know how these things work, so don't really expect answers to my questions - although I really do want to know whether you supported the decision to cut the trees.

In summary, two words: Really disappointed.




Nicola Chapple
3 Wyndham St

The rooster is in the hallway

I have no idea what "the rooster is in the hallway" means.  It is though in one of the rpm tracks,  Today I heard it twice.

RPM 1: With the young American because the T lady has "man flu"?  Sorry T, man flu does not exist.  Although serious colds that suck do ;-)  Anyway, so the Young Amercian makes this comment like "use this time to get away from work, your children,.....your grandchildren"  "Your grandchildren"????  Wtf there were I think a few older people in the room - me included, but I'm not sure we were grandparent age.  Although technically, I am old enough to be a grandparent, I don't like it referenced in rpm!

RPM 2:  Rpm 2 followed rpm 1 with the PT.  Not really sure it was the best of ideas to try a double, but *oh well*  At one point I  didn't think I would vomit, but I did feel like my feet were going to explode. This is becasue my rpm shoes are slightly smaller that they should be. Doesn't matter for a single session.  But it does for a double.  Contributing to this was the PT doing the rooster in the hallways track as a complete standing track.  Probably fine if I hadn't done the session before.  I did stand but my feet and legs were feeling it.

Second session was a bit hard actually.  But I'm glad I forced myself to do a double today,

Did some cycle related shopping:

New pump, little bag for the back of the seat, c02 capsules, new inner tubes and a cleaning kit.

Most excited by the co2 capsules and the little bag for the back of the seat.  Will fit the bag and pump, and then the aim is to ride without my backpack.  That means drinking less water, and I can't carry granny smiths home from Martinborough.  But real cyclists don't wear packbacks?!- and you know, thats what I'm working towards, being a better cyclist.

I caught up on some cyling mag reading at the Library.  There was a poll in one of the mags about what you do when you get a pucnture.  Something like only 4% call someone to pick them up.  I wont need to now either! - subject to using the c0 2 capsule correctly.  Although the bike pump has a higher psi ability.  So I am set.

I didn't really overheart in class today.  But I am now!  I think that's from not drinking enough water post riding.

Postscript:  Have just completed an experiment with pumping up my tyre in the kitchen.  The cannister exploded.  *Boom*.  Like a cheap firework it lost all its air. Yeah, don't think my technique was quite right.  The hand pump works though when I practiced with a spare inner tube.  So I have some assurance on that.  And I think the cannister will work. on um an empty tube.  Now I understand why someone was inspired to write about zen and bike maintenance - maybe!

The morning after

Today I when I woke up, I remembered a dream where all my trees (no all plant life!) on my property had been cut down.  Which you know, in my world is about as bad as it can get!  Hmm, not sure what that relates to - maybe some sense of loss.  Today is the anniversary of my Dad's death.  Maybe it just relates to that in some abstract way.  Eleven years ago, but I still remember.

Or, maybe it relates to the decsision I've made to have a follow up conversation with my Manager, about how I see moving desks as a superficial solution to the "situation" at work.  That wont be an easy conversation, but I am resolved to have it when I go back to work on Wednesday.  To a degree it could mean I cut my losses, but for me, its about making a stand and being true to principles I hold.

I also woke up with sore shoulders and thighs.  That has not happened for some time.  It's weird how you can feel sore, but at the same time that can give your body a buzz.  Like your body is thanking you! So even though my body feels a little sore, it feels good.

I still need to master the 80/20 rule.  That changing my body is 80% nutrition and 20 % exercise.  I've really been off course nutrition/and alcohol wise.  Its how I've been coping with the stress at work.  Its my default option, but I need to make the exercise thing my default option.

Plan on doing a double RPM tomorrow as I have a few things to do in "town", including buying a bike pump and some new inner tubes!

And even though I didn't quite completely change the tyre thing yesterday, I'm confident now, that "next time" I will be able to execute the whole change the tyre thing

Martinborough 2012

First ride to Martinborough for the year.  Easy peasy. Lemon squeezy.  Hmmm.  Nearly.

I rode over via the Ponatahi route/Mushroom Factory route.  The hills I used to find easy were not so easy today.  Took me about an hour and a half to get there.

Following lunch, and packing my backpack with granny smiths, tomatos and passionfruit from Mr and Mrs Strawhouse, I decided to come back via Greytown, as its a slightly easier ride.

I got just out of Greytown and then viola - a flatty on my back wheel.  So I changed it, got the tyre in, and was feeling pretty pleased, except even though I had a pump I couldn't pump it up.  Buggar.  I'm subsequently managed to pump it up now I am home with the floor pump,  but the floor pump is not an option when on the road.

So at least I know I can change a tyre now.  I just need to be able to also pump the tyre up on the road
 ;-/  All part of the rite of passage of becoming a "real cyclist"

I actually couldn't get the tyre back on for ages, and then realised one of the caps was missing.  I guess out of neccesity I perhaps would have eventually worked out how to pump the tyre up on the road.

Mrs Strawhouse came and picked me up and took me and the bike home.  Lucky that was an option today. 

As for the stats, well I was keeping those until I broke down - something like 60km, average speed about 19km, and RPM about 65- 70.  Bordeline stats.  The thing is I got back on the bike, and now I just need to master the last step of changing the tyre and it should give me more confidence for riding on the rural roads.