Made it through Christmas...

Well, like everyone else, I can breathe again without waking up thinking about what I have to do to chisle away another day before the big day arrives. No, instead I was awake to the tune of "can we go shopping with our gift cards?!", from my boys. That was a new one. And then what do I see on the news is that the gift card is the new holiday "gift giver". I'll have to agree in that it was easier to get those cards then the gift that's fully described-way-out-of-the-way-out-of-stock-popular present! It worked, and the Safeways' around town were great for that. They had the gift card mall for everything from Blockbuster to The Cheesecake Factory. And all within a few inches of each other, not much walking! Besides I have better things to do, like running the dog, swimming at the gym and riding my bike with the bike club. And after that, I'll make cookies, mail cards, wrap presents, eat everything that the wind blows my way and then when it's all over an done, I'll make resolutions like everyone else! Get more organized, not buy so much food (thanks to my Italian dad), not spend much money and lose weight. Sounds doable! Well, it's really going to be this year about the globe and the environment. How helpfully green can I get! So resolutions will be more along the lines of recycle more, use reusable bags instead of plastic or paper, take shorter showers (that's already in affect), buy items that don't have a lot of wrapping, and only buy what you need, ride more to get to work and groceries, maybe invest in a commuter bike and get a green car. We'll see what the year brings and what I can do for the year! Until then, smile more, give more, and relax when you need to. Loni

Happy Holidays...

As we all get ready for the holidays, we still have to get gifts, attend parties, donate to good causes, be with family and friends. All of which I love during this wonderful season. But before you can actually enjoy it, really truly enjoy it. You have to take care of you first. You have to do something you like to make the holidays enjoyable. So, make a promise to yourself to take a new class, dance at home, take a walk or a hike with a friend. Spring lake is beautiful and as is Anadel park this time of year. When at the mall, park farther and be proud to get some strides in before shopping. You'll be able to cope with all the demands that come. I think I'll swim tomorrow and then go for a run after. Then I'm going to get my Christmas tree and decorate the house. I can't wait.....sweet dreams, Loni Can you say sugar cookies!

Rainy sunday...

At least its not freezing today! I like the rain, it made me feel very lazy today. Went to the crafts faire at Finley Park. Saw many cute things for Christmas. Read the paper and saw the article about cyclists sharing the road with automobiles. It was very interesting to read the article and the comments that were posted on the website at Press Democrat. It was very alarming to read about some people who really don't like cyclists and would rather run them off the road into a ditch. These are the same people that have problems with other drivers as well. They are impatient and think they own the road, and think that none of the cyclists pay taxes since they are on a bike. Well, another prejudgment by people that are clueless. Cyclists ride to get exercise, use less gas (make a small carbon print on earth-who wants to pay $3.35 a gallon?), commute, socialize and get fresh air and scenery. I ride and drive and do pay taxes. I'm considerate to cyclists, drivers, pedestrians, people in line at the store, and the DMV (that's another story!). Those impatient people are just inconsiderate and disrespectful. I bet if their mom, dad, children, niece, nephew or close friend took up cycling, they'd rethink about the issues they have. Would they whiz by their aunt or uncle on a bike and push them into a ditch? Well you can see I'm passionate about this. People just need to get along and relax, no reason to stress yourself out and others, it's a waste of energy! Would you push me out of the way in line at a grocery store and say get out of the way, because you're in a hurry. If you answered yes, you have issues! It just seems that once one is behind the wheel of a 4,000 pound car, they all of a sudden own the rode. Think about that.....

Well, my day was all good later in the day, got to swim for an hour with the triclub and feel very sleepy all of a sudden. The passion (and caffiene) are wearing off! Time for shut eye! Sweet dreams....Loni

Brisk Saturday...

Went for a bike ride today, waited until this afternoon to get "warmer", and out of the 40 degree range. It made it to 54 degrees while I was out, wasn't bad. My tummy and hands were cold, so I pedaled faster to keep warm. Very pretty scenery around Sebastopol and vineyard areas. Went out to Cotati and back and then thru Sebastopol, making it a 35 mile ride. Couldn't go any faster! Cut it short. I hope it gets warmer. Yesterday ran 6 miles from home, to Willowside Creek and back. Felt good to get some stress relief. After going thru visa receipts and bank account statements, needed some R&R thru running, believe it or not. It makes for a restful sleep and some peace of mind. Tomorrow will be time to get the Christmas tree and decorate the house, I'm already getting grief from the boy's and hubby, but I know deep down inside they love it! And if not, bah hum bug to them! It's been a great weekend so far, looking forward to tomorrow's crisp morning. Is that coffee I smell brewing? Gotta go...coffee is great to get the day started and chocolate makes the day worth while! So enjoy that cup of java and that small piece of dark chocolate. Enjoy the 1st of December, it get's going fast from here! ....Loni