Friends Lynn and John Donches (heretofore referred to as ‘the Donchi’) gave me a ride home to see my folks last weekend. What a great trip!
I’m taking a little down time, so when I asked the Donchi what the in-flight meal was, much to my delight, Lynn pulled out a bag of pretzels, hershey’s kisses, m&m’s, peanuts, dried papaya . . . lots of goodies! I was a kid who didn’t know when to stop. Oh sweet indulgence!
I really, really enjoyed spending a few days with my folks with no holiday craziness to compete with. As the youngest, having them to myself is a rare experience.
My dad’s been facing Pulmonary Fibrosis like a prize fighter. For the first time, ever, Mom, Dad and I went to the gym together. It was good to get moving after the previous nights’ chocolate and salt orgy. Even more, it was good to see Dad so committed to his exercise program and mom joining him.
Light aerobic exercise seems to be one of the best ways to stay on top of the disease and keep it in check.
Dad uses a little monitor to keep track of his heart rate and oxygen levels. The goal is to keep the oxygen level in his blood above 90. He hasn’t had to use supplemental oxygen yet, which is a good thing. I’m so proud of how hard he’s working. I just hope the summer gets here quick so he can enjoy spending time outside and maybe hit a few golf balls with his buddies.
It felt strange watching the LA World Cup on my computer in my sisters’ bedroom—but home was definitely where I want to be right now. Fixed Gear Fever did such a good job calling the action, I kinda felt like I was there.
I’ve been on the road and preoccupied with cycling so much this past year that playing cards with my folks and watching my sister perform with the State College Choral Society seems precious to me right now.
Imagine 100 beautiful voices melting together on Vivaldi, Handel & Mozart backed by an orchestral ensemble in front of dancing stick figures! Magic!
Life is about as one dimensional as it gets trying to stay race ready for World Cup competition . . . especially when the season never ends. I’d describe the process as having ‘neutered’ my life the past few years.
Which is why it was so good to get home, so good to see my folks, great to be along for the ride and fun to be my sisters’ fan for a change.
