Day 1 trial of the jersey

Walking out the door, my co-worker makes a “Your mom” joke. (minus 1)

But man, it feels super great. (plus 1)

And the weather is perfect! (plus 2)

I left a little before 5, the worst possible time to try to get home. The sun is at an angle, and the roads are at their peak. (potential… how does that score?)

Usually, it is a harrowing feat to cross US70. Today, traffic stopped for me and let me thru to the turn lane. (plus 1)

I didn’t get a single honk, even for my #boobs … Which is weird. (plus 5)

Calling it a win.

What dream shall we live today?

In this moment I'm imagining the next version of me. This is me getting good with me.

It is tough to keep breathing calmly. Lots of things surface with change and growth. Lots of them hurt.

Ben Folds says - I'm going to make the best imitation of myself.

I spent the last 3 days on a pirate ship with my best friend, little guitars, incredible food, crushing laughter, heart break, soft silence, blinding light, and me.

Coming home was jarring. I want to do and see and be! What dream shall we live today?

I am someone's Mom

I've written a lot about the aggression I experience from people who drive cars. When we are sitting in a cafe at breakfast, it is a way less hostile exchange. Less dangerous. All around, just a better time.

I had this idea that if I wore a jersey with the word "MOM" on the back, maybe people driving the cars around me would be less... awful? nasty? dangerous?

I pay taxes and I have a job. I'm a mom and I volunteer. I shouldn't have to claim my place in society just to have this space of road. I have to get tow work. I would otherwise be using this same space with a car.

And then Rachel, one of my most beloved soul sisters, made me this.

http://ift.tt/20fitKw

True story

Today was the annual tweed ride in Durham. My friend joked that tweed was an assault on the eyes. I would rather think about it in more pro-life ways.

Let's just state the obvious fashion sensibility. Tweed styles often have a practicality that lends itself to cycling. My tweed pants are all cuffed higher than my chain ring. And you know how cyclists like their socks.

There's something to be said for the message that a costumed group ride makes. Drivers have been known to react badly to cyclists in team kit, but everyone we saw today thought we were in a parade. It made cycling appear to be the super fun, relaxed, happy pastime that it actually is.

The cemetery is a seemingly awesome place to hangout, given the right crowd. I'm thinking 100 cyclists dressed in tweed carrying pannier picnics is just that crowd. This picture bespoke my feelings about road safety for commuters. I have often thought to wear a jersey emblazoned with "MOM" in order to impede the anger of motorists.

I get impassioned when a driver feels compelled to pass at a way-too-close distance. Why would you do that? Do you know you are threatening my life? Do you mean to threaten my life? Why the profanity?

I'm not sure today meant a lot more than an excuse to ride bikes in costumes, but we got a lot of positive feedback from cars. This is a new experience for me.

Here, enjoy some more pictures on facebook.