Slightly discouraged...

I brought my bike home today. Man, does it ever look nice. I really like it. So, I thought the best thing to do to get started would be to lean against a wall and just practice clipping in and out of the pedals. So, that is what I did. It was HARD at first, but it got easier with time. So, after a few minutes of this, I thought I was ready to take it for a spin around the driveway. Bad choice. Of course, the whole time my Dad is watching me and telling me what he thinks I should be doing. You need speed, he says. So, I got going, clipped one foot in, but couldn't get the other one in. So, I turned around and was heading back towards my Dad who was barking out orders, and of course, over I go. On the concrete. And my worst fear of the clipless pedals was realized: I was going over, and I couldn't get my foot out to break my fall. So, instead I got a nice scrape on my knee and knuckles and thought I sprained my wrist, but it has since gotten better.

So, I laid on the pavement for awhile with my Dad standing over me. When I decided nothing was broken and I could face the world again, I got up, dusted myself off, surveyed my injuries and decided I needed to alter my plan of attack. Obviously, I tried to do too much too soon. So, I thought I would take my bike out for a spin with regular shoes on. This worked much better. No more falling. I am slightly discouraged though. At this rate, I dont' think I'll be ready to do the Triathlon I was planning to on the 14th. But, I'm not giving up yet. It will just take some getting used to. Perhaps I should switch the pedals to normal pedals for the first little while.

Now, on to the boy talk. BD sent me an email today, and a portion of it went a little something like this: "I just wanted to say how much fun I had last night and how much I've been smiling since then... I couldn't imagine things going much better.... you're pretty amazing". Now, is he smitten with me, or what? Yay! I can't wait to see him again! I feel the exact same way about him, I've got it bad.

For those of you who are curious...

Date No. 3 with BD was last night and I had an awesome time again. We really get along well. We went bowling (and I realized how much I really do suck at bowling). But, it was fun nonetheless. Then we went out for dinner and the waiter spilled my beer on me! It was funny. He only spilled like maybe 1/4 of the beer, and I got a whole new free one, so I got almost 2 beers for the price of 1. Score! Sure, I had a little beer on my leg, but meh, oh well. What was really funny is the waiter said "I'm so sorry for spilling that on you...this isn't your first date, is it?" That was funny.

Then, since we were really close to the mini-golf place and didn't want the night to end quite yet, we had a re-match on the mini-golf course. He beat me, again, but it was much closer this time and I improved my score substantially from the last time.

At the end of the night, we were talking, and I think it was one of those situations where we both really wanted to end the night with a kiss, but we were both too chicken to make the first move. So, we ended with a hug instead. Booo. Oh well. If that's the only thing I can find wrong with him is the fact that he cares about what I think so much that he's afraid to do something that might offend me, I guess that's alright. I wish there was a way to let him know I want him to kiss me without saying it. Hmmm... Well, I think we're going to go out again early next week, so maybe by then we will both have snapped out of our state of chicken.

Going to pick up my bike tonight. Yay!

JetsGo refund - woohoo!

I FINALLY got my JetsGo refund. Yay! I am so happy that I got it. Now I have a credit on my mastercard, who would have thought? That's good though because I bought shoes and pedals for my bike and put that on my card, so it's like I'm getting them for free because I won't have to pay that money back - yay! And I still have almost $300 left of the credit, so I can buy some more bike accessories, tri shorts, and register for my 2 tris and will probably still have some left over.

I had a most excellent weekend with the exaggerator and lj up at my cottage. It was very relaxing and we had a lot of fun. The weather was really nice too. Of course, the weekend just flew by, I have no idea where it all went, but it was fun nonetheless.

It looks like date #3 with BD will be on Wednesday. He seems to be really keen to see me again, so that is never a bad thing. We're kind of in the whole "limbo-land" right now. Where I'm not sure whether this is a just a hang out as friends thing, or whether this is a dating thing, and if it's a dating thing, does he think it's a dating thing too, or does he think it's a friends thing. I wish I could read his mind and know whether he sees me as just a friend to hang out with or whether he sees me as someone he is dating. I certainly consider our outings dates, but I really don't know if he does. Makes it difficult. Maybe he hasn't kissed me yet is because he thinks we're just friends. Or maybe he wants to be more, but doesn't know how I feel, so doesn't want to make a move until he knows how I feel. It's all so unknown. Hmmm... Don't really know what to do about this. Probably just continue on how we're going and see where it leads.

Date # 2 was awesome!

I went out with BD again last night. It was a lot of fun. We had dinner, went mini-golfing (we were going to go bowling, but it closed too early, so we had to change our plans), and then went for ice cream. I had the best time! It was a perfect date. He is so funny and easy to talk to. We also have really great chemistry. We just "fit" somehow. The only thing that could have made it more perfect is if he had kissed me at the end of the night. But, oh well. I would rather him error on the side of cautious than go totally the other way. Hopefully next time though! Otherwise, I may have to get up enough courage to make the first move. And that's a hard thing to do!

I am WAY excited for lj and the exaggerator to come and visit me this weekend! I haven't seen the exaggerator in like 6 months, way too long! I hope they can make it here easily without too much traffic. I know all too well how frustrating it can be to drive into cottage country on a friday evening, but maybe they will somehow miss the traffic, or maybe it won't be all that bad today. *Keeping my fingers crossed*

I have a new arrival!

I bought a bike today. When I did my first triathlon 10 days ago, I had such a good time that I realized I wanted to keep doing them. So, considering that I did not want to be passed like crazy on the bike like I was on my last tri (I was on a mountain bike), I started doing some research into getting a road bike or a triathlon bike. So, with the help of lj, I did some internet research, found some ads for some used bikes, and went into a couple of the local bike shops here in town to see what they had. I had a certain price range in mind and all the new road bikes in that price range were entry-level bikes. So, I went home, did some research on the models in my price range, and went back in a few days later for some test rides. I was not all that impressed. They all just felt kinda cheap...hard to explain...the shifting just seemed all rickety and they were not very comfortable at all.

So, I was a little discouraged, but I wasn't going to give up my search for the perfect bike just yet. I still had a lead on a good used one in town to check out. So, I went to check it out on Sunday (but I couldn't ride it cuz the guy didn't have pedals on it). But, I asked him lots of questions about it, it was in really good condition, really good components, so it looked perfect. But, I didn't want to buy something without riding it, so the guy took into a bike shop where his friend works, so they could put some pedals on it. Last night, I took it for a ride, and right away, I knew it was the one. It was so comfortable and the shifting was worlds better than the new road bikes I tried. This one is also a triathlon bike, and a really good one at that. Here is a link to a review of it, and it has a picture too (mine looks identical to this, the only difference is on the tires, mine is red instead of yellow): http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/reviews/cervelo02.shtml

So, as soon as I got home from riding it last night, I called the guy up and told him I want it. I dropped the cheque off tonight and now it is officially mine! Yay! It is still at the store right now because I need to go in and pick out some pedals and I also want it to get a tune-up. I am SOOO excited!

In other news, which is equally exciting, I have date #2 with BD tomorrow night. Dinner and bowling it sounds like. Woohoo!

And then in other news, still equally exciting, I have a weekend with lj and the exaggerator planned at my cottage this weekend and it looks like it will be gorgeous weather. I can't wait to see them again! Yay!

The date went well...

I had a date with the new guy (initals BD) last night. It went really well. I was SOOOOOO nervous beforehand, I have never been that nervous before a first date in my whole life. I don't know why I was so nervous, I guess I just really wanted it to go well.

So, I was a complete nervous wreck getting ready for the date. But, I managed to pull myself together and head over to the movie theatre. Then, as soon as we met, most of my nervousness went away. He is really easy to talk to....and super-cute! Definately a hottie. He seemed to be nervous too, it was quite endearing seeing that he was nervous, showed he really cared about how it was going.

So, we saw "Wedding Crashers". What a funny movie! Definately made me laugh a lot. After the movie, we went to a restaurant patio to get some food. That was really nice. We must have been there for close to 2 hours, but the time just flew by! It was really great to do the movie thing first to break the ice a little, and then we talked for a couple hours after to get to know each other. He is SUCH a nice guy. And he makes me laugh as well. We have a lot in common, which was nice. Lots of things to talk about; there was only a few short awkward silences, and I think that's normal for a first date. And he wouldn't let me pay for anything. What a sweetie. I will have to twist his arm into letting me pay next time though.

I really like this guy. Of course, I was wondering afterward what he thought of me. When I woke up this morning, he had already sent me an email (he sent it when he got home last night) to let me know he had a really good time and that he would like to see me again. Yay! That was so sweet. So, I guess he is interested in me! YAY! Finally somebody that I am interested in is interested in me back! I think I am smitten.

A very hard and tearful day.

This morning, I had to take my cat (Caprice) to the Humane Society to be put down. She was 17 years old and was just getting so sick, that she was getting to the point where she was obviously in pain. It was such a difficult thing to do. But, I figure we did the right thing; it would have been selfish of us to keep her around when she is obviously in pain. She had really deteriorated a lot in the last few weeks. I just feel so much loss. We had her longer that we've had my brother! Since we got her when I was 7 years old, I don't really remember a time without her.

Caprice was a funny cat. She was never very cuddly, but when my mom was pregnant with my brother Tom, she would curl up with my mom. And when he was born, Caprice would always want to be around him. She slept on Tom's bed every day since he was born. So, of all of us, I would say that Tom is probably hit the hardest with this all. I was glad that he came with me this morning to take her in, I didn't want to go alone. Man, I've only been to the Humane Society twice now, both times to put a pet down, and I have been a crying mess both times. I guess they are used to it there, I bet people cry all the time when they bring their pets in to be put down. So, I cried the whole way there and the whole way home. Then, I managed to pull myself together and go into work. I got teary a few times at work, but was able to hide it well. I didn't want to start bawling at work.

I am just so sad. Caprice was a part of our family for 17 years and I hate to be without her. I miss her so much.

Let's try this fish on for size...

Well, I have another first date coming up this weekend. This one is a little different because it is with a guy I have never met. Although, we have been emailing back and forth for about 5 months now. Yes, I met him online, which I still feel a little strange about, just the whole concept of it, but I am going to have to get over that because it really is a good way of meeting new people. Totally non-threatening and you can really get to know someone before you decide if you want to meet. I guess I'm just old fashioned and still wish I would meet my future spouse by some chance encounter, but that really isn't all that realistic. So, I was just browsing around on a christian singles website back in february and I came across his ad and he was just too good to pass up. He's one of those "good on paper" guys. He has everything I'm looking for: He's a Christian, he likes hockey (even if he is a Red Wings fan, I could learn to live with that, at least it's not the habs, that would be a deal-breaker), he's tall, cute, likes working out, likes running, he seems like one of those really nice, sweet guys, and he lives about a half hour away, so that's a good bonus too. He's one of those guys that you wonder why on earth they are still single, but then again, why on earth am I still single?!? I am a good catch, I just haven't met the right guy yet. So, you never know.

So, once again, I am nervous. I am trying not to think about it too much. Since he is coming to my neck of the woods, I have to decide what to do. I made a few suggestions, like mini-golf, bowling, movie with a snack/beverage afterwards on a patio, and he was cool with all those "or a combination thereof" (maybe that means he's excited about seeing me and doesn't want the night to end too quickly). But, on the other hand, I don't want to do the whole marathon date thing, I want him to leave wanting more. So, given the impending heat, I'm thinking that either a movie with an outing afterwards or bowling sounds good. Bowling is so short though, I'd have to have another activity afterwards. Man, so much to think about!

I am getting so sick of dating. I want to be in a relationship already! But I'm not willing to settle for someone who I know is not right for me. I hate all the unknowns and insecurity of the dating world. But, it is exciting at the same time. You never know, the next first date may be the beginning of something special. Or not, only time will tell.

I've got the fever!

Tri sport fever, that is! I am hooked. I want to do more triathlons. There is one that is pretty close to Peterborough, it's in Cobourg on August 14th. It is a little longer than the one I did yesterday, but I think that with some training, I should be able to do it. The only issue is the fact that I don't want to use a mountain bike for the tri. I asked lj for some advice and she did some internet research for me and found some used tri bikes to inquire about. Hopefully I will be able to find something good for not too much money.

I can see why people really love triathlons! It is addicting!

I did it!

I sucessfully completed the Peterborough Sprint Triathlon this morning. It went well. Since it was my first one, I didn't set a time goal, I just wanted to try my best and finish the race. And I did that, so yay! The race consisted of a 750m swim, 20 km bike, and 5 km run. The swim started off well, it is a little scary when you are swimming with hundreds of people around you and people are kicking you, swimming right next to you, it was hard. I swallowed a little water at one point, had a minor panic attack, but I was able to calm down and catch my breath and keep going. So that was good. Then, after the swim, was the bike. Man, was it hard. The first half went really well, but when the second half just seemed to be so much longer than the first. And the fact that I was riding a mountain bike made it so much harder. People were passing me like crazy. But, I was expecting that, so it wasn't a big surprise. I just didn't think the type of bike would make a HUGE difference, but it did. I was working really hard on the bike, and people were just whizzing past me. That's alright though, I was just so happy to get to the end of the bike portion because my quads were killing me by that point. Then, it was on to the run. I was pooped right from the get-go on the run. But, lj was finished the race by this point (she did amazing, you should be so proud of yourself lj!), so she ran with me for my run portion. That was really sweet and encouraging, so that helped me get to the finish line. When I was running into the finish, the announcer called my name, and I saw my family and friends cheering for me, it was an awesome feeling. Worth all the hard work and sweat right there. I am SO happy to finish, I feel it is quite an accomplishment for me. Yay!

Why not me?

I just received the news that Michael Kuss got married (to someone other than me). The nerve! How could he think he could marry anyone but me; I have had a crush on him for years! For those of you who don't know, he is the Global TV meteorologist. We even had a brief, but very intense, email relationship. It all started when Pardora got me an autographed picture of him for my birthday. So, of course, I had to email him and thank him. I asked him some of the most intellegent questions I could think of (so he would know I wasn't just like every other airhead fan who just wants to get in his pants). But, I made sure I wasn't too boring either. And he emailed me back, thanking me for my support, but that's where it ended. I didn't email him after that. But, I did have a short relationship with a celebrity! If only I had met him in person...then he would marry me and not some idiot stick figure with no soul (Sex and the City reference there). I'm just kidding, I'm not bitter. I do wish him all the best.

Tomorrow I am heading out of town for a borehole drilling project for one of my landfills. I'll be back either Thursday night or Friday. I hope all goes well with the trip. I'm nervous about making a mistake, but I guess I will just have to be careful and trust myself.

To end on a happy note, I finally received the letter from the PEO that I passed the Professional Practice Exam that I wrote in April. Yay! I am so glad to have that off my chest. Now all that is standing in between me and P.Eng. is about 2.5 years experience. Everything else is all taken care of.

Great book!

Thanks for all your encouraging words in response to my last post. I am a believer that everything happens for a reason, and even though it didn't work out between J and me, I am still thankful for the time we spent together and I feel I am a stronger person because of what I went through with him.

I just spent the long weekend at the cottage and it was very relaxing. The weather was awesome, I got in lots of R&R, and even a little practicing of open water swimming for my tri that is in a week! Scary!

I read this book called "The Wealthy Barber" by David Chilton. What a great book! If you haven't read it already, I highly recommend it. It expains a very easy and affordable way that we can all be living a life of luxury and wealth in our retirement years if we just do a little financial planning while we're young (that's the key, start when you're young). That's the beauty of compound interest and dollar cost averaging. I think I will definately have to do that. I would highly recommend this book. It has a lot of great tips for all kinds of financial topics such as how to ensure you are wealthy in retirement (not just getting by, but stinkin rich), life insurance, RRSPs, wills, buying real estate, saving and credit management, investments, income tax, etc. This book is also written in a easy to understand and sometimes comical way. It's great!

Well, back to the grind tomorrow. Why is it that long weekends just seem to slip by us so darn quickly?!?!