What a wonderful birthday

Hi Everyone!

What a wonderful weekend I had! I've never celebrated my birthday with anyone before and it felt great to be pampered. Jerry took me out for Indian (my choice) and even got dressed up for it! I've only ever seen him in a dress shirt a couple times and it was rather nice to put on a dress and pretty shoes when going out with him rather than my bike clothes. Mind you, it was pouring rain so I wore my bike clothes over top and pulled them off out front of the restaurant.

He gave me a picnic backpack with the offer of weekly picnics (and him willing to provide the food). We had talked about picnics a few times already but thmye weather hasn't been co-operating. We had even been looking at baskets a couple weeks ago and I was planning to buy one next weekend!

Inside the backpack was a Brooks saddle. For all non-cyclists, it's an English made, all leather, high quality bicycle seat. He's had it soaking in Dubbin for about a month and has been working on it to make it comfortable. Both him and his roommate use this type of saddle and they say it's the most amazing seat to ride. They've also done trial break-ins and this method seems to be the quickest/most effective. Eventually the seat will mold to my bone structure and you'll be able to see where my tail bone sits (a dent) and my hip bone placement. I've ridden Jerry's bike once and found it very uncomfortable since it's already at the molded stage and males and females have different bone structures. I tried out my seat on Saturday and already found it more comfortable than what I've been riding. Over the next couple weeks I'll be making small adjustments so it'll be all set up for the MS ride.

My final present will be latin dance lessons this summer. He's mentioned it a few times and we'll take some classes downtown. His roommate and fiancee are planning to sign up for some also so we'll all do it as a fun couples activity. I've never taken formal dance lessons - just gym class so I'm rather excited. Jerry's quite interesting to watch when he's listening to music. He really gets into things and will be moving around, bobbing his head, tapping his fingers to the rhythm etc. I'm more subdued (we just appreciate music in different ways) and love watching people loose themselves in music.

On Saturday, we spent most of the day just hanging out. It had been months since we've just been together with no commitments for the day. It was so wonderful - no rushing, no list of things to do.

On Sunday, I worked with the youth group to prepare them for the service next week. They're running everything and they're getting quite excited. I'm very proud of the work they've done and I think it will be a great service. I also let them know I won't be continuing as a youth leader. Their main reaction was one of abandonment (which I understand) but we talked about it and I've let them know I will still be there when they need someone to talk to. They really liked their last leader and I know they were hurt when she didn't keep in touch with them. Mind you, she wasn't a member of our congregation and she started a teaching job last year so I can understand her busy year. They seemed more upset that she ignored all their attempts of contacting her. It's difficult for them. It took several months before they warmed up to me (although they were always polite) and then to have someone who was an important part of their life suddenly cut them out is a huge rejection. For me, although I will be church shopping, I will still stay a part of St. Matthew's over the next year and will make an effort to stay in their lives. Youth are the future of the church and it's important for everyone (congregation and youth) to give them a sense of community. So, I'm glad I was the one to tell them (I've already given the Board my resignation) and although they don't like it, I think they understand my reasons.

I've got a busy week ahead. With the rain we've had, we haven't been able to put in the garden yet. It should taper off tomorrow so we'll put in the garden likely around the middle/end of the week. I'll be happy to get my window sills back and I think the plants will be happy to have more space for deeper roots. My little garden out front has some seedlings coming up. Only one of two cucumber plants survived the transplant (although I'm not surprised - they can be fussy) and I have 3 ripe strawberries I'll eat tomorrow.

Have a great day!

PS - I got Boston cream pie at work for my birthday. Yum!