A simple thought

Snake Curled

in the shade
of some bushes

It watched
Eagle
gliding
on waves of wind

It heard
Yellow Finch
singing

It saw
Coyote
scamper through
the long grass

I am only a snake
Snake said

What can I do but crawl
over the Earth
while others are singing and Flying
running and jumping?

I know, it doesn't seem like much of a poem. Not really. You have to pay attention to what it is saying. "Feel" the meaning of the words, not as individuals, but as a whole. An entirety.

Any child, teen, adult, human or even non-human (yep, even a Vulcan--I'm a geek) who has ever felt as if they were nothing compared to all those around them can grasp the simple depth of the message.

This short construction of words, simple and clear, sets forth a commonality, an essence that we all share. And therein lies its strength.

If we were to look at the same scene through the eyes of Eagle, Yellow Finch or Coyote I'm certain we would find that they're thought of their selves is similar to how Snake sees himself.

Wow! The donations are flowing in

THANK YOU!!! to everyone who has contributed so far. Yes, I know I've already thanked each and everyone of you in person, but I just had to say it again. :-)

I promised to keep you updated on my progress, so here we go. You can see how the fund raising is going by taking a look at the thermometer in my sidebar. We've exceeded expectations. YIPPEE!! Please, though, if you planned on donating and haven't had a chance yet, please still do. Every dollar helps.

Training is being held up by the unexpected wet weather this week. Well, that and I discovered yesterday that my bike computer is a front wheel rather than a rear wheel model. The problem? A rear wheel model is required for use on a stationary trainer. For now, that problem is resolved by using my room-mates bike when on the trainer. He has a rear wheel computer. The problem number 2? I just discovered that assembly of the trainer requires an adjustable wrench or 13mm box wrench. Of course, this is one of the tools that I don't have handy. So, after my appointment with the eye doctor today, I will try to remember to pick up a wrench. Then I will finish assembling the trainer and see if I can get some biking and strength training in today.

Weather? We are expecting rain again today. Ok, it was starting to rain when I came in from my outdoor workout area a few minutes ago. This could slow training down a bit too, though at the very least I might be able to bring my dumbbells inside and at least do some upper body work.

I hope to hit the 15-20 mile distance mark this holiday weekend.

Tour date is June 14.

Tour de Cure--Please Donate

I recently accepted the challenge of cycling in the American Diabetes Association's Tour de Cure fund-raising event. The Tour de Cure is a series of cycling events held in over 80 cities nationwide. The Tour is a ride, not a race; it features different route lengths from a leisurely 10-mile course to a demanding 100-mile journey. I have joined thousands of others to pedal in support of the Association's mission: to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.Because I only have a month to prepare for the Long Beach, CA event, I will be riding in the 35 mile tour.

I am asking you, my friends and family, to help by supporting my fund-raising efforts with a donation. Your tax-deductible gift will make a difference in the lives of more than 20 million Americans who suffer from diabetes and another 54 million people in the United States with pre-diabetes. Chances are that you know at least one of them.

It's fast and easy to support this great cause - you can make your donation online by selecting this "Click to Support Me" link. Watch the thermometer (comimg soon) in the sidebar for progress updates.

Any amount, great or small, helps in the fight against this deadly disease. I greatly appreciate your support and will keep you posted on my progress. If you want to do even more to help, please consider joining me in this great event. Our efforts will help set the pace in the fight against diabetes.

More information on the American Diabetes Association, its programs and diabetes in general can be found at the Association's Web site: www.diabetes.org

For more information on Tour de Cure, please visit www.diabetes.org/tour.

Another toy

Yesterday we went bike shopping. Yes, I already own a beach cruiser that is badly in need of repair and a tune up. Beach cruisers are not much use on the road or for distance or speed, but they have their place and can be a lot of fun too. And while I love my little blue wide tired, low speed baby, I have now added a sleeker, speedier model to my bicycle stable.



I am now the proud owner of a Scattante 660, complete with a fluid trainer for those days when I can't hit the road. The bike can turn on a dime at full speed. I love it. I tested several bikes, even one with a full carbon frame, and I liked this one the best.

Was this a frivolous purchase? Perhaps. I plan to make use of her though, starting with the Tour de Cure in a few weeks. I'm also considering joining Team in Training, but the amount of money and time involved may be a problem in my already tight schedule.