Monday, April 06, 2009

Finally Spring!

Hello Everyone!

So, Spring came to Calgary this weekend. We're suppose to have a week of double digits and I'm happy. Today was the first day I pulled out a Spring outfit to work and it feels great to wear it.

A bit of a funny weekend. Went indoor climbing with Jerry on Friday. I had got him a gift certificate for the both of us for Christmas (so he'd have a partner - lol) with a month of unlimited facility useage. It was fun and I now know how to belay. I found it a bit difficult when I reached the top and I had to look down and wait while he finished securing me before I could let go. I didn't have a fear of heights as a kid - it's something that's come up in the past few years. I guess it's me realizing my own mortality. So, we're going to do a bunch of climbing and although Jerry wants to do some outdoor stuff this year, I'm a bit hesitant. Maybe next year. And we've already got a busy enough summer without throwing in additional climbing courses.

Saw Watchmen on Saturday. It was all right but I couldn't get into it. Didn't care about the characters and hadn't read the comic books. But Jerry's good about seeing my choices so it wasn't much of a sacrifice - and I got free popcorn and twizzlers. Then met up with his sister & husband and went to Jack Astor's for dinner. I have never been there and the food was really good. They have yummy bread the comes out in a frying pan soaked in garlic butter and covered in melted cheese. So unhealthy and very delicious.

Slept most of Sunday. I was battling a bit of a cold but it also may have been the prelude to the Chinook that came through this morning. Got my bathroom done - first room completely organized to my liking. Planted tomatos, melon, watermelon and corn in jiffy soil. Picked up a tray at Home Depot since we were a bit behind getting the seedlings going. Spoke to the girls upstairs and they were fine with sharing the garden. We may even get more since they weren't sure how much planting they'd be doing. William, the rosebush is getting new growth on him so he survived the transplant in the cold weather. Now, he just needs to survive Mike, who really likes chewing on him. I also need to somehow protect the strawberry plants that are also apparently quite tasty. We will have a fully garden, doing the bio-intensive/square foot gardening this year and will hopefully do more preserving (Jerry) and freezing (me).

I kept my studded tire on the rear but I'll take it off tonight. We were a bit unsure of the side streets but they were clear this morning. It'll be nice to get full speed again. A bit of tlc on Charlotte and more climbing tonight. I have my Can-Bike exam on Wednesday over lunch (class was cancelled but I had already done the road section last summer). That way I can start my volunteering with the City right away. Basically, I ride on the pathways, let people know the by-laws and answer questions.

Haven't heard yet about my rewrite final. Hopefully have news later this week. If not, it'll be next week. Heading to Lethbridge for the weekend. Dropping off Jerry's roommate at Castle Mountain so we can borrow his truck for the weekend. Turkey with Jerry's family on Friday (and Jerry's going to a service somewhere with me in the morning), not sure if snowboarding at Castle on Sat & Sun or just Sunday. It'll depend on Jerry's family. It'll be my last time out this year. Snow getting soft so although Jerry's got another month to go, I'm ready for spring.

Have a great day!

2 comments:

Anne said...

You scared of heights?? I recall you walking across the top of the jungle gym. Funny as I age i am less scared of heights.
CanBike??
Jack asters bread= yummy

Karen said...

Yep - I lived in trees as a kid but as an adult it's started to creep up on me. I've had a few exposure incidents that got me into trouble and I think that's what caused it.

Can-Bike www.canbike.net is a national program run by The Canadian Cycling Association. It has a series of courses on all aspects of cyling safely and enjoyably on the road. It's a requirement if you volunteer or work for the City of Calgary while riding a bike. I think it's mandatory for couriers in Vancouver.

I need it partially for the volunteer requirement and mostly because I want my instructor's certification. The Calgary couriers are trying to get organized and show their legitimacy as a career. Unfortunately, they've run into road blocks from the City and the commuter population. They've been actively discouraged from taking the course. I'm more than willing to work with both groups to find a compromise.

I took the first course 2 years ago when I first started riding a bike in the city. It made a huge difference in my confidence level and lane positioning. I had been riding too close to the curb (dangerous and common mistake) and learned a number of great handling skills.