Mushpots » bike

Blessings

Maren — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 22:02:25 +0000

I’ve been thinking about doing this post for a long time, and I really don’t know why I’ve been putting it off. The past several months have been really hard for me — I think I’ve cried more since March than I did my entire life up until then. But I’ve also had a chance to reflect on how blessed I am, and so, in no particular order, here are a few of the things I’m thankful for:

My family. Two parents, seven siblings, 15 and counting nieces and nephews. It’s a whole host of people who will be my best friends for the rest of my life. I’m so glad I get along well with all my brothers and sisters. I think it’s sad when people dread family visits — I don’t think that will ever be me. It has been extremely gratifying seeing everyone pull together to help each other through the hard times we’ve had this summer.
The gospel. Losing a sister is the hardest thing I’ve ever gone through. I know some people would say I’m weak for believing that we’ll be together again as sisters after this life. Then yes, I’m weak. But I’ll never give up the strength that the gospel gives me in times of trial.
Losing my job. The second-hardest thing in my life has been watching my mom go through chemotherapy for colon cancer, but I’m thankful I could be there to help her through part of it. I have some great memories from the four months I spent with her in Joseph City. The timing of the P-I’s closure couldn’t have worked out better for me.
Climb Ev’ry Mountain. The Hunt family singers all got together to perform for the first and last time at my mom’s farewell concert when she retired from Joseph City Elementary. I still cry every time I watch the video, but what a memory.
The drive to Mesa. After my mom’s concert, the whole family went to Mesa for Josh’s baby blessing that same weekend. I rode down with Celia and her two oldest girls and then stayed at Celia’s house Saturday night. I’m thankful I had the chance to spend a few more hours talking and laughing late into the night with one of my best friends.
Friends. Early in the summer I asked my dad if he felt a little like Job in the Old Testament. His reply was “Our friends haven’t forsaken us.” The love and support I’ve felt from my friends has been amazing. Thank you.
The Holbrook pool. It was difficult getting up at 5 all those mornings I went swimming with my mom, but I’m grateful I could watch the sun rise over an outdoor pool while my mom got heaps of healing fresh air, exercise and sunshine. My mile will be faster next summer, Mom.
My bike. I love it. I’m not even close to being on track to accomplish my mileage goal this year, alas. But riding is such a release for me. Hooray for two wheels!
Grad school. I haven’t started yet, but I’m thankful I got into grad school. And I’m thankful I got into UW. I can’t imagine how stressful it would have been to move across the country to Syracuse with everything else that has been going on. Thanks for accepting me, UW.
Books. Hooray for words on paper between two slabs of cardboard! So much more than the sum of their parts.

So, this isn’t by any means a comprehensive list. Maybe I’ll add to it from time to time. What are you thankful for?

Happy New Year! And a new goal

Maren — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 02:25:30 +0000

Last year I made a goal around the end of May to ride 1,000 miles by my birthday. The idea was that I would give myself permission to buy a nice road bike if I accomplished that. I blasted through my goal, but I never bought the bike because, well, journalism isn’t really a high-paying profession, so I haven’t scraped up enough money yet. Anyway, I’ve decided to put a set amount of money into a savings account for every mile I ride this year. I haven’t decided how much yet, but my goal is to ride at least 3,000 miles. If anyone wants to pledge money to the cause, I’d be more than happy to set up a PayPal account for it. o^-^o You can check on my miles here (starting from nothing again, sob!).

Physics problem

Maren — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:44:12 +0000

A bird rests on a telephone wire 25 feet above the road after feasting on juicy bugs all morning. At precisely 9 a.m. the bird sees a bicyclist a mile away approaching at 15 mph, enjoying the level road and lack of wind. What time should the bird poop in order to hit the cyclist’s shoulder 5 feet above the ground?

I haven’t figured out the answer yet, but the bird got it right on.

I did it!

Maren — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 05:57:05 +0000

If you frequent this blog, then you know that at the end of May I made a goal to ride 1,000 miles on my bike before my birthday. Well, last Wednesday I did it — with a week and a half to spare! Which means that I have formally given myself permission to buy a nice road bike. I think I’ll take my time choosing one and put some more miles on my faithful old velo in the meantime. You can check out my mileage and pictures I’ve taken on some of my rides right here.