Nashville

Nashville was an exciting time for me. I haven't left yet, but I do leave tomorrow morning. I miss my bike and hope to be back on it on Wednesday.

NASHVILLE HERE I COME

So I found out yesterday from my friend at Martin Guitar that I can go to Nashville with them on Tuesday! I'm so excited! I'm going to a NAMM conference and will be there for a week. This trip should be an incredible opportunity! I'm so excited!

Big NEWS!

So, two items of big news today!

1. I will hit 1000 miles on my bike for this summer today with 28 miles today. (I can't believe how fast it all adds up!)

2. I have a meeting on Friday at 9 AM with someone who may be willing to sponsor my trip or help me find sponsors to Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam!

I'm going to need some advice: I need to make sure I have a solid plan.

The reason for the trip
The supplies
The Cost
Insurance
Transport of Information
All that stuff.

So, let the planning begin! This is going to be exciting! Give me all your wisdom and advice!

Tennis and Bikes

Today I went to play tennis with my mom and I realized that I'm not so good... I would like to be though. It is really a fun sport to play. On our way home, we saw my old Cross Country and Track coach riding his bike. We stopped and I asked him if he wanted to go on a ride. We went for a 14 mile bike ride. It was fun to catch up with him and I enjoyed the much slower pace. It is fun to meet up with old friends and make new friends and I thinking biking is a great way to do it!

Time Trial

Today I rode the Kampeska Classic Time Trial. It was a nice fun 14 mile ride... This course has a few hills, but nothing to the likes of Nebraska. I had a time of 45.21 which I was hoping to break 44, but I had a major error as I turned a corner and almost crashed. It took me a lot to regain my speed of 23 mph, but I'm glad I didn't crash. I won my age division and broke the course record today for my age group, but I got beat. I'm kinda disappointed about that. I didn't even know that there was another women ahead of me that I was competing with. She had a time of 42.57, so I'm pretty sure I couldn't have beaten her, but more props to her! It was fun to work that hard and have a lot of speed. I've had some challenging riding this spring already and can only hope for more this summer.

43 miles

I went for a 43 mile ride today. It was nice and chilly out there... After I rode, I came back made me a whole box of Annie's Mac and Cheese (Organic, good for the Environment, 25 grams of protein, 560 calories.) Pretty sure it was one of the best things I've eaten ever.

Lewis and Clark

Today I went hiking at Lewis and Clark lake with Eric. It was beautiful! My new plan is to ride my bike to the park, run the nature trail and swim in the lake. Maybe a tri or two would be a fun thing to do this summer. (A mini) I have been training for a half marathon, but, I'm going to have to get up earlier because it gets warmer and my runs are taking longer... So, I'm excited to maybe get some swimming in too! Life is good right now. Love my Job, Love where I live, Love it... Life is good.

I've been running lately trying to build up my miles so I can kick some butt in a Tri this summer... But I've been riding too... On Friday, Eric and I took a spin on the Twin Schwinn. This bike has it all. The bells and the whistles. If you saw us riding the twin schwinn around in Vermillion, Pretty sure there would have been a smile on your face. We brightened the day of countless people. Hopefully this picture will make you smile.

Monday I went for a LSD ride. Long Slow Distance. Long= the amount of time it took. Slow= the speed at which I was moving. and Distance= to Elk Point and back. Sort of a recovery ride I guess. It was nice and relaxing and I felt very strong going into the wind because it was only blowing 12 mph. Yesterday I went for a 4 mile run, which was also Long and Slow. But I'm ok with that. It gives me time to think. I started my first day of work yesterday and I think I have found my calling... A waitress/bartender. Ha. Just kidding. Although I did have a good time. It is a lot of work and although one may not realize it, I'm too short for the job. :) I can barely see above the bar and reaching into the cooler I just about fall in. All is good though. Maybe I'll be stretched out and get taller out of the deal. I gave away my pet Gecko's to Jaimie last night. This was a little sad, but I think they will have a better home. Now at Pete and Jan's I live with 3 dogs and 2 cats. It makes for a busy but fun house. I'm going to like it. So I'm off for another morning ride. It sucks that most of you have day jobs and can't join me! But I always get the best weather!

We are still talking about it...

I had a friend stop by while I was blogging and finished my post early, but after the Bob's to Bunyan's to Bob's ride, Eric, his parents and I all went to the Chinese Student Association's benefit for the Earthquake. (Yes we rode our bikes there) It was amazing to me that Saturday morning I was riding my bike and my only cares in the world was finishing the ride and having fun with those who rode along with me. Yet, some of the Chinese students that put on the benefit for their country probably had family that died, or were buried under rubble. And maybe some didn't even know anyone that was there, but they felt an allegiance to their people. It is interesting to me that people will band together in times of difficulty--Thats promising to me because I think we may have a tough time ahead of our country and our world. With climate change, rising prices and food shortages things are going to be difficult, but maybe if we all work together--African Americans, Native Americans, Caucasians, Chinese, Europeans, Iraqis, Arabs, Jews, Muslims, Africans--the entire world, maybe then we can co-exist in peace. I guess I think that until we find a way to have renewable resources, we will continue to fight resource wars unless somehow we can work together and solve these problems together. Its simple, I know. But does a solution have to complicated? Can't we just put our differences aside and learn to love people for who they are? Maybe I'm dreaming, but why can't it be a reality?

Bunyan's to Bob's

Yesterday I went on a great ride and learned a TON about myself and uncommon friendships. A group of us road from Bunyan's to Bob's and a smaller group of us made if from Bob's back to Bunyan's. The night before I hadn't been feeling well and threw up once, but I drank a lot of water and put on my big girl panties and rode anyways. That may not have been the wisest decision. I really wasn't feeling well for quite a while on the ride, but I tried to stay in good spirits and learned that cycling is a mental sport. But then I learned that I was insane. Who in their right mind would ride thirty some miles to go to a place that served huge burgers? Who would ride when they were a Vegetarian? So getting to Bob's was really enjoyable and I had fun meeting new people and getting to know old friends better. The 7 miles into the wind when we turned on to highway 9 were foreshadowing what was to come on the return trip. It wasn't easy thats for sure but it was a character builder. So at Bob's I enjoyed cheese balls (A HUGE AMOUNT!) and a free grilled cheese, but better than anything was drinking water and telling the war stories of the ride. It felt good being among friends who experienced something else that no one in the world could experience if they weren't there. After learning that Bob's didn't have a sink in the bathroom, we watched people who left the bathroom without washing their hands (GROSS) and laughed at them. After our bellies were full, we hopped back on our bikes hoping for the wind to changes directions. Our hope was wrong and for 7 miles we went with the wind but for the remainder of the trip we battled the wind sometimes going at turtle-crawling speed. There was times that I hardly keep my bike vertical as I battled the intense 25 mph wind. For a few miles the sag wagon drove in front of me letting me take the draft. It was excellent and it helped me out so much! As I arrived in New Castle I got a second wind. I took a little rest and hopped back on my bike. As we were biking we caught a couple of other riders who were stopped. A derailleur had exploded. My friend Ed caught me and we peddled together for a ways. This was really fun for me because the uncommon friendship that Ed and I have had for the past year from Carey's and Church was solidified a bit more through biking.He encouraged me and we kept our spirits high and soon, we were over the bridge. Even though e peddling downhill, and were still working hard, we had a good time. The last two miles of the trip were the hardest. Our speed dropped to less the 7 mph at times and I struggled to keep pedaling but as we rounded the corner to go up Winery hill, the wind's force finally was in our favor and pushed us up to Bunyan's. Our ride was complete. I celebrated with a beer. I was happy. I learned that despite all odds, I could finish even when I doubted myself. It was tough but it was a character builder.

How about riding my bike from North Vietnam through Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand. Then fly to South Africa and hang out there for a while and then to Morocco and ride to Portugal. Then take the train to Spain and Paris. And from Paris fly back to the states. Sounds like a plan an excellent plan.

I need an adventure...

I want to do something crazy... absolutely nuts... Maybe like going to Papua New Guinea and working in an aids clinic for a while... Or biking across Japan? Maybe Loas? I just want to learn and live and see and do and help for a while... Change people but mostly change myself.

Done...

Isn't it funny that when one thing is over it affects something else so much that something new starts? I'm in need of adventure. Maybe something like this beach outing? I'm thinking something really crazy... Absolutely nuts. Extreme. And why not? I would rather live to day and take advantage of my youth, health, and freedom... I want to do something that is risky, dangerous and UNCERTAIN EXPERIENCES! I really don't want my life to be boring nor do I want to miss out on exciting opportunities I can dream up! Part of me wants to do these adventures for me but a much bigger part of me wants to do these adventures to better where we live... The world. Joining, uniting, loving, caring, helping and learning... thats what I want my adventure to entail. Life... as we should aspire to live it...

Sometimes life has its downer moments... Today I had mine... Even though I tried and gave something my best, I still failed... And that feeling of failure sucks... But what sucks worse is disappointment. Because I failed I disappointed my parents and myself. Even though I gave it my best shot. Yes, I'll try again. I have to... But, what happens if I fail then? I gave it my best shot... I prepared as much as I could, but still failed. And unfortunately it effects so much more than it should... Just one failure... My friend said it will all work out, well, it might, but what if it doesn't... It very well might not work out too... Then I guess something else will work out and even though I've worked so hard for one thing, I'll end up getting something less than what I wanted. My heart is heavy with this burden and it sucks because this is the time in life I shouldn't be burdened by anything... I should be soaring and flying and living life with no strings and nothing holding me back... But unfortunately thats not the case.

combos.

Yesterday I went for a bike ride with Ben... I love when I get the chance to go out on a really nice day and spend it outside and its even better when I get to be in the company of one of my friends. Right now, its close to Thunder Storming outside... I do enjoy a good thunderstorm and a book. Together there is no better combination. Bicycling with friends, books and Thunderstorms, life is great with all the endless possibilities of combos.

"So many people live withing unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to a life of security, conformity, and conservatism, all of which may appear to give one peace of mind, but in reality nothing is more damaging to the adventurous spirit within a man than a secure future. The very basic core of a man's living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun." --Chris "Alex Supertramp" McCandless

Today was my Senior Flute recital... Next week I graduate... Life is going to change... I don't know what will happen in the next months ahead. But I do know that I don't want to lose my adventure.

I have to make some decisions soon, and unfortunately, either decision I make will make someone unhappy... And that is never easy... I have to wonder what the best decision is for me... It isn't clear cut, it isn't shouting out to me, and I just want to be happy... But what is happy?? It seems that I can be happy with whatever situation I am presented with, but could that mean I haven't found true happiness? Maybe because I don't know what happiness is?

Or maybe I do know happiness... Maybe I know it better than other people that I'm not willing to sacrifice it for something I don't love...

Laundry...

Isn't it funny that no matter how adventurous a persons life is, they still have to do mundane and boring things like laundry? I guess cleaning and laundry have to be a part of a person's life because if we had everything exciting we wouldn't know what exciting was anymore... Just a thought.

In the Air

So, my life is still in the air... But today, I met someone whose life was also still in the air and is finishing school in May too. That made me feel great. I don't know anyone who doesn't have a plan. I hear from other people that its OK that I don't have a plan, and really, I think it is, but everyone who is telling me that has a plan or is well established. I think it is much easier for them to say that than to live by not having a plan.

I am actually OK with not having a plan, but I would like some stability in my life. Not having a job, a boyfriend, a house, a pet, (my Geckos don't count) Well, I guess I don't have to take care of anything besides myself and that makes me incredibly free. But, I think it also makes me vulnerable. Vulnerable in the fact that I may be more willing to jump at a chance to take an opportunity that may not be the best for me. (I haven't done that yet, but, just sayin)

But not knowing exactly what I'm going to do in right now in my life also offers excitement and adventure. I can surprise myself into what I can become. I can work hard for something I really want. I can change the outcome of something bigger than myself. I can make a difference. When life is so planned out there isn't any room for left turns of the "right" path.

Woody didn't have a plan, he didn't have an itinerary. He hopped trains and just took what he could from life and gave it back to the people who loved it most. He made a difference by seeing a problem and attempting to fix it. Why can't I do that?

If I could do anything in life I would help people. I would inspire them to make a difference in their own life and the lives of others. I would instill passion for things that are not material. I would foster love through music. I would change attitudes towards people of different faiths, different races, and different ideas. I would support tolerance and encourage acceptance.

I think I can do these things... I just have to put these ideas into practice. I just have to make this idea into a product. I think Grins for Guthrie may be developing... I just need to make this plan a reality.

Happy Earth Day!

I love Earth Day!

http://www.kmeg14.com/

Something to Come my Way

I'm hoping for something to come my way. I'm not sure what it is, or where it will take me, but I'm still hoping. Here's to hope.

Maryland!

I'm currently in Salisbury, Maryland. It is pretty enjoyable! I'm hear for NCUR, a research conference and I have learned so much and have done some risky things...

Day one: We left at 2 AM to fly from Omaha. We then flew into Chicago and then to Reagan in D.C. I was extremely excited to find that it was green and the flowers and trees were in full blossom. The 40hr day was a little tough, and I still don't think I've caught up on all my sleep!

Day Two: I went to the conference and learned a lot about so many things. The Environment, Bob Dylan, Farm Subsidies, tons of stuff.

Day Three: I presented and had a great session of other performers. Korean Drumming, Ethiopian Music, and Progressive Sax. Good stuff. The presentation was so full of energy and it was great to see others with the same kind of passion for their project as I had for mine!

Today: I went to some more presentations and learned more. So far so good.

So you may be wondering what the risky things I did were... Well, Crossing the street was really risky. We crossed a huge highway that didn't have a crosswalk and was really busy. (Yeah, this town doesn't have sidewalks either!) I thought we were going to be in trouble for sure!

Anyways, hope you like the pictures!

Que Sera Sera

It's been a week since I last posted. And an adventurous one at that. I was all set a month ago that I was going to go to Graduate School for music. But things change... And that one may have changed, who knows. I might also have the opportunity to keep singing to kids about Woody Guthrie. I really do enjoy that and think that it might be an interesting possibility as well. I've attached a video of the k-12 artwork that comes out of my programs. Its pretty cute. Anyways, I'm not really sure where my life is going to take me, but thats an adventure all on its own. Last night, a friend told me that he always thought that this time in your life is always exciting and fun. It is exciting right now but fun, I would have to disagree with. I'm not sure he really knows what he means by that. (PS, Ben, that wasn't you who said that!)


I guess I'm just feeling a little overwhelmed right now. A month ago I had a plan. Now, I just have ideas. And maybe I am more passionate about my ideas than I was my plans. But the whole thing is, if I don't pursue my plan, will I regret it? But if I don't pursue my ideas, will I disappointed myself?

Normally I just let go and say, Que Sera Sera, I'm trying, but for some reason if I keep saying "whatever will be, will be" I wonder if anything will ever happen or if I'll just be continually stuck and never get out of a rut. It's heavy on my heart right now, but I think that if we only knew happiness and no pain, we would never really know what true happiness really was.

People say, "Follow your heart" but how do you follow your heart if it doesn't direct you one way or the other? So, here it goes again with a deep breathe: Que Sera Sera.

April Fools Day

Happy April Fools Day. I haven't done anything foolish yet, but I probably will. You know how that goes. I've had a couple of busy days, but am glad to have most of the hassles out of the way for this week.

I presented today for IdeaFest with very little sleep. I finished my presentation at 1:00 am, and work up at 6:00 to get ready to present. I didn't really get a chance to run through it before hand too much, but over all, it went OK. I have a few things to shape up before I take it to NCUR.

I'm not really feelin this blog right now, so maybe I'll write more tonight. Who knows.

Washboard

The last couple of days have been really busy with music! Last night I had a good time on the Regular Friday night Carey's gig and played the washboard. I kinda fell in love with it and had a great time! I'm going to have to keep washboarding it up!

Moshi

I dreamed last night. Something not unusual for me--But what I dreamed was disturbing.

I dreamed I was in another country. I'm not sure what I was there for, but a little girl about 6 or 7 came up to me and smiled at me. I asked her what her name was in a different language I didn't know I could speak. She responded Moshi. Swahili for Smoke. I asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up, and suddenly, the light the shined in her eyes was gone. She pointed to he bloated stomach. Moshi was starving and knew she would never grow up. Suddenly, other children appeared and one by one shouted out there names. Each of these children were from different countries than Moshi, but all had a bloated belly. After all the names were spoken, they suddenly grew thinner by the minute, until nothing was left except their bones. All stacked in a pile with no identity. I tried to help the, but there were invisible barriers that I couldn't get past, I watched in horror as they died. Then there mothers one by one appeared and said to me in their native language: "Couldn't you have helped them?"

I awoke from my terrible dream, but I couldn't forget the graphic detail of it. Does it mean I'm supposed to do something in my life where I can help these children?

Vermillion

I'm glad to be back in Vermillion. Being home was nice, and this may have been on of the first visits where I wasn't really ready to leave, but being back to Vermillion feels right. I went for a long run today, took a nap and worked.

I'm watching The Hot Zone Documentary right now. It's very interesting. Kevin Sites will be the key note speaker at Ideafest. I'm excited to see him speak. Check out his site. hotzone.yahoo.com

Easter

It's Easter. Well it was anyways, it is 12:01 Am. Its funny to me--Easter is a holiday, but it wasn't any more special than any other day for me. Yes, we went to church like my family does every Sunday, heard the story of the Resurrection like every Easter, and ate a bunch of food like every Holiday and every Sunday that I'm home. (Which is very rarely.) But ya know, it was nice. Nice to take a break, nice to relax and hang out with my family, nice to eat good food that was prepared especially for me (I'm a Vegetarian, but my family is not!) Nice to take a Sunday afternoon nap. Although I didn't maybe take any risks today besides wear high heels in the snow, it was a good day.

Horton Hears a Who

Dr. Seuss is one of my favorites. Horton Hears a Who was a very enjoyable movie and like the story has a great message. "A person is a person no matter how small." My favorite thing about the movie was the who's that were powering themselves with a kite and a blow dryer. That makes me think of my day today.

At around 10:00 this morning, my dad and I went out to the frozen like. The wind was blowing 18 mph, and the deceivingly powder soft snow lay like a blanket on the cold hard ice below. Kampeska. The lake I grew up on. Waterskiing, Ice Boating, Windsurfing, Wakeboarding. The waters of Kampeska have enveloped me time and time again--Swimming in her small waves to cool off my warm body in the summer heat, waterskiing at high speeds feeling the spray from my ski in my face, being thrown off a tube at 30 mph with my brother driving the boat, learning to windsurf--The lake has taught me many lessons and has bestowed upon me numerous memories.

Today Kampeska once again showed her mighty strength. I learned to kite when the wind was blowing 10 to 12 mph. 18 mph was a bit much for me. I flew the kite above me, high in the sky and maneuvered it to the left and right and headed down wind. I tried to turn into the wind to go to my starting destination, but was continually pulled to the other side of the lake. I couldn't make it back. And then I crashed. The kite went end over end, and it drug me with it like a rag doll drug behind the hand of a careless little girl. After the kite settle for a few moments, a gust of wind picked up the kite, taking me with it about 4 feet off the ground. I landed hard, in the deceiving powder that covered the brutal and impenetrable ice below biting my tongue. The kite had settled. I looked around me to try to figure out what happened tasting the blood that filled my mouth. I spit, and the pristine whiteness of the snow was tainted with orange. I stood, untangled my lines, and lifted my kite into the sky.

I had been beaten, and was beaten again after I continued to try, and will be beat again until someday I finally die, but until then, I will continue to welcome the challenge of the wind, the lake, and the speed that everyday life throws at me.

Garden Carrots gone bad...

So, I'm still working on paying my bike off. My parents agreed to pay for my bike repairs if I worked for them. I cleaned the garage, basement, folded my Dad's underwear, (RISKY!) only 2 more hours left.

More Kiting

Today I worked and worked so I could pay off my bike. $126. Ouch. Oh well.

I went kiting today again! WAY FUN! You really can get going crazy fast. I think it might be one of my new favorite sports.

Not much new to say, Wish I had some money. Thats about it.

Kiting

Today was a good day. I finished a great book at 1:40 this morning called The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. It was comical and down to earth. A must read. I woke up, went shopping with my mom, bought some new jeans, got a new pair of running shoes. Good stuff.

Then Bruce from the bike shop called and told me I could come down and watch him fix my bike so I could learn how to adjust things if need be. Pretty good stuff. I learned a lot. Unfortunately, my bikes going to cost a few bucks to fix though.

Then I went kiting with my dad. Kiting is incredibly fun! Here is a video if you've never kited before or seen it done. One of the craziest thing about it is when you are just standing still, you can hear the ice pop and crackle. It's kinda erie, but very cool. Flying a kite that big is pretty hard, bu after you figure it out it is really fun! Once it even lifted me off the ground. There is definitely a lot of power in that kite! The winds were only blowing 12-14mph.

I'm hoping that I can go out again tomorrow, and that my bike will be finished too. Then I can ride and kite. Two very exciting things!

Nothing risky today.

The last two days of my life have been anything but risky. The most risky thing I did today was go to the dentist. (Which I hate.) The sounds are terrible. I also tried a new recipe. Pretty boring. Wish I had more to say. My bike is in the shop, and won't be fixed until Thursday or later... And I have to work for my parents to pay it off. Absolute bummer, but sometimes, you just gotta do what you gotta do. But, it will be nice to get it finished!

I'm at home now for spring break and am so far enjoying it. (Besides the two hours in the drilling chair.) My parents are so funny together. They crack me up. I think now that us kids are gone, it has forced them to love each other even more. I didn't think that was possible.

I'm hoping tomorrow I can go out kiting with my dad after work, because that would be pretty fun and risky. Something to get my adrenalin moving again. I don't think I will look like this when I first start though, (or ever!) but, It will be really really fun! Unless the ice breaks, or a break my arm, but hey, it is a risk worth taking!

Pi Day!

Yesterday was Pi Day. Not a particularly risky day, but fun none the less. Because of the intense bike ride on Thursday, I couldn't sleep very well Thursday night. So, I was kinda crabby all day.

I took a history test that I wasn't prepared for, that was risky. Ate lunch with Conor on my Fire escape, Went for a bike ride, and then had to play at a concert. I came for the dress rehearsal and played for 10 minutes then played the concert. I sight read the piece. Pretty risky.

But the big deal of yesterday was Pi Day. 3.14 (March 14th) Conor and Liz and Mike and I made pie. Apple Pie and Pecan Pie. We had homemade whipped cream, Homemade Carmel Sauce, ate ice cream, and drank wine. It was a good good pi day. The risk was that I might become a type 2 diabetic because I hate so many sweets. (Just kidding... I'll be OK!) I just had a good time with friends.

My neighbor that lives above me had his music on so loud that I couldn't sleep after that, so I went downtown and met Ben there. He came over for tea, and knocked on the door nicely, my neighbor didn't answer, Ben knocked again louder, no answer. Then, Big Bad Ben, Pounded on the door, and the music was finally stopped. Techno and eighties is never a good combo.

My day may not have been that risky, but it was a good day. I'm fortunate to have great friends who are crazy enough to have Pi day and pound on your Neighbor's door!

31.6 Miles... Half in Pitch Black

Today started like a normal day. Woke up at 8:00, did a little Yoga, ate Kashi with Soy Milk (RISKY I KNOW!), Took a test, practiced, went to class, ate a sandwich for lunch. Nothing risky besides the Soy Milk.

And then, I decided I was going to hang out on my fire escape. Now, to get to the fire escape, one must climb out of my bathroom window or climb up stairs. I decided to climb out of my window. Now the fire escape is a lovely part of my roof and doesn't look at all stable, but it held me and a friend while we chatted, supported me during a nap and reading, and was very stable for me. I'm excited to spend more time out there. On the way back in, I climbed back through the window and almost put my foot in the toilet.

I thought that might be the riskiest part of my day, but it wasn't. At 5:30, two friends of mine (Ben and Letsche) and I went on a bike ride. Being that it was the first ride of the year we weren't planning to go far, maybe just 12 miles or so. We headed to the Vermillion-New Castle Bridge in Nebraska and road over the Missouri River. At that point, we decided to continue on because it was such a nice day! There was very little wind, it was warm enough for shorts and a long sleeve shirt. So we road farther into Nebraska a came to the junction of HWY 19 and 12. A few of my friends passed us, and cheered us on! We were all indecisive on whether we should continue on, but then we saw a sign that said Maskell, Nebraska 3 Miles. Now, I knew that Maskell had the smallest City Hall in the US, but none of us had ever seen it before so we decided to ride. We continued to ride, and my friends made a loop and once again cheered us on. When we arrived at Maskell, we headed North for 3 blocks and there it was: The Smallest City Hall in America. It looks about the size of a Port-a-Potty.

We rode out of Maskell still feeling great about the day. It's still nice out, and we've only been riding for about 45 minutes. Ahead we see a sign that says New Castle 6 miles, once again we all are pretty indecisive. Letsche and I know that there is a good place to eat there called the Copper Stop that has buffet, and we think we can ride there, eat, and then ride home before it gets too dark. So we ride the longest 6 miles of the trip which are mostly uphill, but we finally get there. We walk into the Copper Stop and see that there isn't a buffet, so we order off the menu. (Being in a small town in Nebraska, there wasn't anything Vegetarian on the Menu... So grilled cheese for me.) Our bodies welcomed the break, but we are all freezing because we are no longer moving. It takes a little longer than expected to get our food, but the salad bar was great because it had Cookie's-N-Cream moose. Being that we burned around 500 calories, it tasted pretty great. When we were finishing, Ben looked out the window and saw that it was very dusk.

Once again, we hopped back on our bikes and rode. It got pretty dark, pretty fast. Because none of us had lights on our bikes and very little reflective gear, every time a car approached from behind, we headed off the road into the soft, muddy, ditch. We did this probably five or six times. It was a little bothersome not knowing if the driver saw you or not. Once we stopped, and I saw deer tracks. We looked up and the car that had just passed us, just about hit a few deer. Good thing they slowed down for us, because the deer and their vehicle may not have been so lucky otherwise.

The next challenge was riding on the bridge. This was really scary, but really really cool! Now, the bridge doesn't have much of a shoulder, and if a car doesn't see you, you've got a fall to your death down into the river. We made it past the bridge and no cars passed us luckily. We continued to ride and made it back into Vermillion. As we were going up our final hill on Dakota street, someone drove extremely close to us. We were all OK and made it, but it was a little too close for comfort after riding with a high stress level on the way home. We made it though, and I'm glad we took the chances.

Now I'm working in the Library. Working as in sitting. I'm glad for the chair. My body is tired. My shoulders and neck are sore. But I feel good, and I'm happy. I'm glad for the friendship with Ben and Letsche, and I'm glad we took every opportunity to go farther. I really like this quote by Muhammad Ali: "Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It's not something you learn in school. But if you haven't learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven't learned anything." I know that friendship is making decisions that are absolutely crazy sometimes, but experiencing them together makes it worth every minute. I know that when I try to explain this adventure to anyone else, that only Ben, Letsche, and I will ever really understand exactly what it was like--our fears, our laughter, our tired aching bodies, the two clumps of Cookie's-N-Cream moose--but my hope is that each of you that read this experience that same type of friendship.

31.6 miles. Half in the dark. Ben pointed out that it sets the bar pretty high for our next ride. As I sit here eating my rice cake with Peanut Butter, I wonder what I'll do for tomorrow's risk?

Risk

Risk: exposure to the chance of injury or loss; a hazard or dangerous chance.

Each day, we all make decisions. Some are simple, such as what we are to wear, some are more difficult such as what career choice we should pursue, and frankly, some are just risky.

Everyday I strive to take a risk. I like the challenge, I like the adventure, and I like the adrenaline rush. But what happens when normal risks like riding your road bike in the snow are no longer risky? Bigger and Better risks are pursued.

Last night I took a long ride out to the river and I realized how much the river has changed, but mostly how much the river has changed me. Everyday for the last 4 years, the Missouri has flowed past Vermillion and I've enjoyed its beauty. And each year I pursue more endeavors on the river. Last year I Kayaked and Canoed it almost everyday. I canoed 59 continues miles down the last wild stretch and saw her beauty and her power. She dared me to be more daring and challenged me to more adventures than I thought I could I could do.

The ride I took last night was my risk and I didn't feel that risky. 18 miles at dusk. But the risk had more to do with gravel on the road and the drivers than it did with me. But in the end it felt good.

Lately I've been itching to take a risk that is really risky. I want to ride my bike from South Dakota to Boston. --By myself. I'm not sure if I'll do it yet, but I willing to take that risk.

I think challenging yourself and risking it all, makes you realize how precious life really is. The closer you are to losing it, the closer you are to finding its meaning.