Today as I rode to work with my wheels literally and figuratively spinning, I was thinking about the safety of cyclists on the roads. I might not obey every rule but there are a few things that are "must do's" if you are cruisin the roads on two wheels. Below are my top 5.
1. WEAR A HELMET. I don't care if you just got your hair done or you have to run a quick errand. I am sure a lot of people are quite fond of your noggin and you should keep it safe. It worries me when I see perfectly intelligent people zooming on Mt. Vernon trail without one. Also, it doesn't count if your helmet is hanging from your handle bars or the chin strap undone. Each of these will not protect you from a rouge squirrel attack causing you to wreck your bike.
2. PASS ON THE LEFT. This is interesting because you should naturally feel comfortable doing this since that is the appropriate way to do it in a vehicle. But some people have a stroke of pure genius and pass on the right and get clobbered by the cyclist they are passing because they were slowing down to make a right hand turn. Idiots.
3. PEDESTRIANS, WATCH OUT! I am sure you all remember my run in with the high school bitches that caused last summer's bike accident and left me the scars on my leg and hand. I do agree that they have the right of way, but when I have a green light and Hill staffers are compelled to cross the street, I am gonna yell at them. I don't care what side of the isle they are - move it or you will get hit with my front tire. You will be both red and blue when I am finished with you.
4. DON'T DOUBLE UP IN CURVES. Ok, I think it is precious when I see a couple riding together on the trail. It is such a lovely activity for couples and can suit almost any skill level. I mean the Squid will even ride with me and resist the urge to ZOOM just to have my company. That's love. Anyway, when you are coming into a high traffic area with multiple turns, get single file. If you don't it won't be me yelling at you, it will be the 6 man cycling team that knocks you on your ass as they round the corner screaming "move outta the way!" Trust me, it is terrifying. They also might hunt you down and slash your tires.
5. EYES ON THE ROAD. So there is one portion of my commute to work that travels past the airport. There is nothing cooler than watching planes take off and land. But if you are going to watch, PLEASE get off the trail. It makes it more difficult for all of us to maneuver around your bike and then when you get your eyes back on the road are pissed that we are passing you.
I still consider myself a cycling novice, but I certainly am learning my way around the road. Just make sure you are not ever pulling jerk moves because what goes around comes around. Oh, and if you are newly engaged, make sure to wear fingerless gloves so you still have a good view of your gorgeous ring.
Happy pedal pushing!
Friday, June 15, 2012
Thursday, June 14, 2012
So many questions after THE question.
So in the aftermath of this incredible moment I had a thought, after all the weddings I have planned, the weddings I have been to and been in, I have some opinions about what is acceptable and obviously NOT. I think these are the things that blushing brides are afraid to say, but you know me...I can't keep my opinions to myself.
Question 1: So, when are you getting married??
For women who have been planning their weddings there whole live, this is easy. Most have already pick out the spot and put down the appropriate deposit amount, along with cutting out the size and shape of their groom. I am not criticizing there choices, but none of us can accurately predict that what you have chosen is going to be what you as "a couple" like.
As for me (and some other friends I might add,) I have no freakin clue! It doesn't matter how "in the wedding industry" you are, you can't make these decisions without the groom in mind and in hand. So many of us get lost on what we should do, where we should marry, and frankly who we should be marrying, but all that matters in the end is that you are spending the rest of your life with the one special person who was lucky enough to get you to say yes. I can picture former boyfriends and immediately pick out the wedding stereotype to go along with them. When I see the Squid, all I can see is him. It doesn't matter about everything else. However for those of you chomping at the bit, we are hoping to pick a time and place in the next few weeks.
Question 2: So, I am invited to the wedding, right?
Ok, I have to admit - I have actually asked this question before. But I think I asked my mom or sister NOT a casual acquaintance or random person in a bar! This is so awful. Not because you don't want to invite that particular person, its because how in the world do you even answer?!? Especially when you haven't event figured out where you are getting married. I know understand the dilemma of all my fabulous married friends who have gone through this before. We should all ban together and come up with an answer so equally absurd that it screeches that runaway train to a halt. "So, I am invited to the wedding right?" Oh, well most likely if you can acquire a pet monkey to play symbols for the processional...
Question 3: Can I see the ring?
Alright person interested in the ring viewing - you can ONLY see it if you can keep your facial muscles still or have amazing Botox. I am so sick of the faces and speechlessness of people after they grab my hand. So in my particular situation, please let me clarify my ring:
Yes, its an Emerald (and also my birthstone) and it's family ring that has been passed down for 40 years in the Squid's family and the diamonds are real. (Seriously, someone asked.) Also, if you are unaware, colored stones are all the rage for engagement rings these days. :) Thank you Martha Stewart.
My final note on this particular question - its not on your finger, so you don't have to like it.
Question 4: How involved does the Groom want to be?
What kind of question is this? I know a lot of men would like to just show up, take a swing of bourbon (or Tequila in the Squids case,) put on tailored clothing and walk down the isle. It should be that simple, but when you have a Groom that has a lot of opinions about what he wants and a Bride that just wants everyone to be happy, its important to get everyone on the same page. Also, if you just want to show up to your wedding and not really participate, is that how you will be during the marriage? I don't know about you, but that scares me.
For us, the short answer is VERY involved. The long is this, he wants this to be an experience for both of us. It is important that our wedding speaks to us and about us. Even through there is an "I" in marriage, there isn't in team. And that is what the Squid and I are, a team that can get through anything together. So, as hard as this process has been, and as much as I am compelled to make decisions on my own, if at the end of all of this he doesn't want to come to our own wedding, I have a real problem.
So these are Questions d'jour, but I am sure there will be more that pop up. I am excited about this process and can't wait to share more about everything happening in our lives. I couldn't be more lucky in love...I am so happy!
Question 1: So, when are you getting married??
This is the question I get ALL the time! I mean, I
have been engaged for three weeks and everyone is like “pick a date already” it
took me 29 years to find the guy! Geeze!
For women who have been planning their weddings there whole live, this is easy. Most have already pick out the spot and put down the appropriate deposit amount, along with cutting out the size and shape of their groom. I am not criticizing there choices, but none of us can accurately predict that what you have chosen is going to be what you as "a couple" like.
As for me (and some other friends I might add,) I have no freakin clue! It doesn't matter how "in the wedding industry" you are, you can't make these decisions without the groom in mind and in hand. So many of us get lost on what we should do, where we should marry, and frankly who we should be marrying, but all that matters in the end is that you are spending the rest of your life with the one special person who was lucky enough to get you to say yes. I can picture former boyfriends and immediately pick out the wedding stereotype to go along with them. When I see the Squid, all I can see is him. It doesn't matter about everything else. However for those of you chomping at the bit, we are hoping to pick a time and place in the next few weeks.
Question 2: So, I am invited to the wedding, right?
Ok, I have to admit - I have actually asked this question before. But I think I asked my mom or sister NOT a casual acquaintance or random person in a bar! This is so awful. Not because you don't want to invite that particular person, its because how in the world do you even answer?!? Especially when you haven't event figured out where you are getting married. I know understand the dilemma of all my fabulous married friends who have gone through this before. We should all ban together and come up with an answer so equally absurd that it screeches that runaway train to a halt. "So, I am invited to the wedding right?" Oh, well most likely if you can acquire a pet monkey to play symbols for the processional...
Question 3: Can I see the ring?
Alright person interested in the ring viewing - you can ONLY see it if you can keep your facial muscles still or have amazing Botox. I am so sick of the faces and speechlessness of people after they grab my hand. So in my particular situation, please let me clarify my ring:
Yes, its an Emerald (and also my birthstone) and it's family ring that has been passed down for 40 years in the Squid's family and the diamonds are real. (Seriously, someone asked.) Also, if you are unaware, colored stones are all the rage for engagement rings these days. :) Thank you Martha Stewart.
My final note on this particular question - its not on your finger, so you don't have to like it.
Question 4: How involved does the Groom want to be?
What kind of question is this? I know a lot of men would like to just show up, take a swing of bourbon (or Tequila in the Squids case,) put on tailored clothing and walk down the isle. It should be that simple, but when you have a Groom that has a lot of opinions about what he wants and a Bride that just wants everyone to be happy, its important to get everyone on the same page. Also, if you just want to show up to your wedding and not really participate, is that how you will be during the marriage? I don't know about you, but that scares me.
For us, the short answer is VERY involved. The long is this, he wants this to be an experience for both of us. It is important that our wedding speaks to us and about us. Even through there is an "I" in marriage, there isn't in team. And that is what the Squid and I are, a team that can get through anything together. So, as hard as this process has been, and as much as I am compelled to make decisions on my own, if at the end of all of this he doesn't want to come to our own wedding, I have a real problem.
So these are Questions d'jour, but I am sure there will be more that pop up. I am excited about this process and can't wait to share more about everything happening in our lives. I couldn't be more lucky in love...I am so happy!
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Three weeks, still glowing...
What a whirlwind I have been through! I can't believe it has been exactly three weeks since the Squid popped the question and it has taken me this long to sort out my thoughts to write this post!
Picture the best birthday ever (even though it was two days shy of my 29th)
The Backdrop: The Langham Hotel in Pasadena, California.
The Orchestrators: Diane, one photographer and an videographer
The Unknowingly Happiest People on Earth: Austin and Lacy
The Scene: A proposal behind a rock
The Outcome: A resounding YES! Prefaced by "are you serious?"
I think to appreciate, you have to watch the video below. Please note that the video quality can't be blamed on the guys shooting, Austin ran out of things to say and couldn't wait to pop the question. Can you imagine, the Squid speechless? It was a once in a lifetime moment that I am thrilled I can share with the people I love.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
Picture the best birthday ever (even though it was two days shy of my 29th)
The Backdrop: The Langham Hotel in Pasadena, California.
The Orchestrators: Diane, one photographer and an videographer
The Unknowingly Happiest People on Earth: Austin and Lacy
The Scene: A proposal behind a rock
The Outcome: A resounding YES! Prefaced by "are you serious?"
I think to appreciate, you have to watch the video below. Please note that the video quality can't be blamed on the guys shooting, Austin ran out of things to say and couldn't wait to pop the question. Can you imagine, the Squid speechless? It was a once in a lifetime moment that I am thrilled I can share with the people I love.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
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