TGIF - Is it Spring yet?

Happy Friday!

Fun fact: Polar Bears have small ears to keep them warm

Unless you are part polar bear I'm guessing most of you can commiserate with this statement: I'm tired of being cold. Or, in Spanish -Estoy cansado de tener frio.

(Reference a prior post noting that I'm desperately trying to learn and retain Spanish language). I haven't had any takers in this crowd to help with the process so I've turned to an online program called Baselang. The concept is you can schedule sessions with live tutors - most of whom are located in Venezuela and are either natives there or from Columbia.You control the pace and what you want to learn. I don't care as much for grammar as some might, I just want to be able to communicate and carry basic conversation. The jury is still out on the program - I like talking to live people - apps like Babbel and Duolingo don't really provide accurate feedback on pronunciation and phrasing. The two issues I've had are connection (we're talking Venezuela here) and getting time slots when I want them. 

Another kinda big deal this week - I started my new job! I was actually dreading going back to work, a girl could get used to sleeping in, getting coffee when I want to, meeting up with friends - and let's not forget traveling to tropical temperatures without a care in the world.

All that said, the new job is fantastic with a couple of exceptions: As I've stated before I'm directionally challenged. The advent of GPS not just a gift to me, it was a blessing for my friends and family who go the calls "hey, google me here".
My trips to Springfield from Baltimore often wound up with me lost in Anacostia. So the new gig is just torture. The parking garage is linked to several office buildings. So far I've visited 3 different lobbies. When I finally get to the office .... it's a maze. They've taken the action to color code the different working divisions - I'm in the green-zone - but I haven't figured out how to get from that zone to the blue zone (where both the rest room and the exit live) without walking a circle around the office. The upside is I'm meeting new people as they see me randomly wandering around.

Finally, I'm back on zwift with my normal complications. I had to update the app (NBD), I lost my connections, my computer didn't tie in immediately, I needed a new battery in the quarq and the chain needed lube. I know, first world issues. I pulled up the wrong workout but did what I needed to do with some help from Marcel the Kitten. 

Enjoy the weekend -  I heard it's going to 70° Sunday. And raining. Le sigh.

San Juan 2019 - Diving, Beaching and Touristing

Alternative title is: I didn't want to come back.

Some of you might have seen a few pictures of sun and sand last week from me on FB. If this doesn't explain the alternative title above I can't help you.

By nature I'm a planner. Trips to Majorca in March were planned by October. Tour of California in May is already in the works. Thanksgiving travel to Florida is planned at least two months in advance. This trip to San Juan was planned (mostly by my cousin) about a week in advance - and only then because I had to to get a flight out of DC for the following week. In other words, this wasn't my style but after giving notice at work and saying goodbye to the last three years of constant work stress, I was all in.

Two minor - but could have been major - travel issues:

1) Weather delayed landing for my connection in Miami. After 1/2 hr in a holding pattern due to weather we landed too late to make the PR flight. Thankfully I got one of the last seats on the next flight (sorry, not sorry to those who didn't high-tail it to the re-booking gate like I did). Of course this was a rare instance when I checked a bag (for my dive fins). Thankfully another blessing - the inbound flight was too late to transfer luggage so my bag arrived when I did. 

This isn't a real turtle (see below)

2) Upon arrival (about 3.5hrs later than expected) I took a taxi to our AirBnb. Apparently the Taxi unions do not allow Uber to pick up passengers at the airport. It's like Hotel California for Uber - you can bring a passenger to the airport but you can't take them out. It was 30° in DC when I left. It was 80+ in PR so I could be forgiven for leaving my favorite hoodie in the taxi (after a detour- the driver talked so much he missed the exit). While I could have sadly written off the hoodie, it had a credit card in the pocket. We all know how much of a PITA that can be. After a call to the taxi company and a complimentary trip back to the airport I listened to but didn't understand the 3 Puerto Rican women talking and joking with each other in Spanish trying to figure out who the driver was, if anyone had his contact and what vehicle he was in. Long story short it was (please pardon my french) shit-dumb-luck that when we finally gave up we pulled in to park RIGHT NEXT TO THE DRIVER WE WERE LOOKING FOR. I retrieved my hoodie and the ladies celebrated like they had just won the Olympic Team Pursuit. It was awesome.

Photo Credit to Random Guy who dived with us

Ever notice fish always seem to be smiling?

We took our first shore dive - and my first ever real ocean dive- in PR for Valentines Day. It was not a deep dive in Escambron Park so we had plenty of time at the bottom to enjoy the scenery. After the dive we went to Old San Juan, a really awesome place to hang out with lots of variety in entertainment, food and drinks. Everyone seemed friendly and accommodating to two non-Spanish Speaking tourists.


Day 1 was a success after a meal at "The Chapel". We were both travel-worn and ready for a good night's sleep. 

Not my best look but tell me how you'd look right after diving

Day 2: We were up and at it early with a scheduled Boat Dive. This would be my first dive off of a perfectly sound boat. The dives - Sandslide and Cayo Diablo -were absolutely awesome. My challenge was getting back INTO the boat. First, you take off your fins before getting on the ladder. You're either keeping one in your hand trying to get the other off or you're trying to throw the fin on the boat to take off the other one while staying near - but not in shin-bashing distance* -to the ladder. Note: fins float away with the waves.

 *I have bruises to show for this lesson.

Real Turtle! Photo Cred: Cousin Teena

It was a great day with a great dive master. We saw turtles, fish, more fish and some other fish. (I really need to up my marine biology game). These fish were in brilliant colors and the turtles were huge-mongus! I'm happy to say I was pretty comfortable down there (70ft). I'm starting to understand the beauty of diving (as opposed to being completely terrified). #progress

There are no good pictures of me diving. In fact, this might not even be me.

After diving we went back into Old San Juan to find the joint (La Cueva del Mar) where the Piña Colada was invented. This was WELL worth the effort. The waitress gave up the secret to the not-so-sweet, goes down a little too easy -recipe. And I believe it ruined me for future Piña Coladas. I will not confirm or deny that we went back the next day for another round.

 We laid low on Saturday. Napping, beaching, groceries and (see last sentence above). 

Sunday was a very windy day - a kitesurfer's paradise. I suppose it was "chilly" for the locals. I knew what I was coming back to so we made the best of it with some beach time in between car logistics (Potential lost keys to the rental car. These keys were found right after a spare set was delivered - at a price).

I really didn't want to leave. It was warm and sunny. Everyone we encountered was kind, helpful and seemed happy. I appreciated the warm welcome at every turn. Despite language and cultural differences we were respectfully treated as fellow Americans. 

I realize there are large parts of the island (non-tourist areas) that are still rebuilding, at best, and still suffering at worst. I can only hope that our visit somehow contributed to the economy on the whole. I also realize that's probably not how it works given the state of Puerto Rico's government.

To close this tome, I'm back on my mission to learn Spanish. I've tried in vain a few times but I'm really looking to give it a go this time. Advice and/or Tutors are welcome and encouraged!

View prior to diving

 

Onward

Happy Monday!

I woke up this morning without an alarm. I went to the gym. Made my morning shake. Checked the mail and caught up on the sh*t-show that is our current "new normal" news cycle.

While I would like some better weather, a girl could get used to this.

This past week was I was a serious short-timer with 2hr bike rides  Monday and Tuesday - because it was 70 degrees in February (I was actually in bib-shorts on Tuesday!!) for more #winning - followed by farewell lunches and dinners the rest of the week. Again, a girl could get used to this!

Turning in my computer Friday morning was strangely unemotional. I walked out for last time observing bare walls with slight shadows and thumbtack holes where calendars, certifications, pictures and memorabilia previously hung to brighten our days these past 4 years. I drove out of the garage with a smile - the changes happening now do not diminish the memories of good times or the amazing relationships we built.

One of the highlights of the weekend was a GNO with Dana and Claudia - our schedules haven't aligned in the past few months so it was a treat to have time together at my local joint - City Kitchen - in Alexandria.

GNO - So many reasons

Onward with a few weeks off before I start a new gig. My first adventure will be a dive trip in San Juan. I'm looking forward to my first salt-water dives and considering taking the course to get certified for wreck-diving. We'll see. It's a short trip but the weather is going to be amazing (mid-80s for high, low 70's for lows). Any recommendations in San Juan PR are welcome and encouraged!

When I return from PR next week I'll be looking to find somewhere warm to ride my bike. Because I'll be damned if I don't make the best of this break.


 

#winning in February

Someone told me over the weekend that the day after the Superbowl marks the single highest percentage of employees calling in sick. I haven't verified this statement but it does make sense. If you suddenly came down with the "flu" this morning you are definitely not alone.

Yesterday was an amazing day considering 1) it's 50degrees in February and 2) we've been in a deep freeze for at least a month. If you were out on the bike (as you should have been!) and saw some chick in Colavita colors with an obnoxiously giddy smile, that would have been me. Maybe you waved or maybe you looked away so as to not stare at this "special" kid. Either way I was one happy camper.

With my recent change in status as a short-timer at work my level of stress has decreased, like a thousand percent. I'm not exactly sure what to do with myself. Riding is my comfort zone - a little more uncomfortable than I'd like it to be right now but definitely my go-to.  Thanks to Bicycle Pro Shop in Alexandria, my BMC was spiffed up and ready to tackle the challenge; both my lack of fitness and the sh*t-show of our roads. I know it's been a while since I've had the pleasure of riding out-of-doors but ... damn.

It was even warmer today than yesterday and yes(!) I rode outside. TWO DAYS IN A ROW! I know that's no-big for most of my cycling brethren and I'll hopefully look back on this post and ask myself why I wrote that in all caps, as though it was a BFD. Right now, it is!

Another appreciation point: I took myself for a walk around the neighborhood last night. It was cool but not cold, crisp but in a good way. These pics are from a park on the edge of the community. Not a bad way to enjoy the evening.

Partially Frozen lake - Ducks finding the warmer weather

Ducks

Water Features in Ben Brenman Park

Ice and Snow on the Lake at night

Enjoy one last day of unseasonably warm temperatures. As I've heard and often repeated: It's the Mid- Atlantic, if you don't like the weather - just wait a minute.

The End of an Era

I've been consumed by work over the past 3 years. I sacrificed sleep and time with those I care about. My dear friends and loved ones continually heard about it and too often heard the words "I can't, I have to work".  I like to think I'm dedicated to my commitments and push myself pretty hard trying to do the right thing but this was beyond the pale .

life is better on two wheels

I was too busy or too tired to train which means I essentially missed out on three training seasons which translated to missing two race seasons. As many of you can relate, the bike is therapy, I'm a better person when I can ride and train. I'm an even better person when I am fast and can hang with the big girls and boys.  

Why do we do this to ourselves, placing work ahead of living life? Some of it is sheer obstinance. I don't like to fail. (As an aside this has been an issue in relationships that clearly weren't healthy. I digress).

Much of it was trying to maintain and protect my accounting/contracts team. We have been working together for years like a well oiled machine, taking on anything we needed to do by successfully conquering constant obstacles. We laughed together and cried together but we always looked out for each other.  It was my job to fight for our team.

Leadership in the company failed us and as of last Thursday our company was acquired. The new owners said nothing would change Day 1 and they didn't *technically* lie. The changes began on Day 3. They have a thousand managers of managers in the accounting department. Lack of communication and instability abound. Our merry band wasn't going to survive as a team.  They're going to shut down our office in Shirlington. My right hand guy found a new opportunity. Three of the others are being relocated to Chantilly (!).

I chose to make a clean break after 6 years on this road show. I finally realize I need to put on the oxygen mask first before helping others put on theirs.



Change is hard. The upside is this chapter is done. I'm blessed to have built long-lasting relationships with some amazing people. Now I have the opportunity to change my world view, to find and rediscover life outside of work. 


Thankfully I will have a few weeks to reset. I want to ride my bike - Jim Gross, I'm looking at you in AZ! I want to go diving (not on my bike). I want to catch up with friends, catch up on sleep and generally catch up with life outside of work.

I hear there really is life outside of work. I plan on coming for it like a spider monkey.

New Year, Irony and Whipped Cream

Welcome to 2019 and the latest edition of the Month of Wendy!

I had you at Whipped Cream, didn't I?

I've been inspired to get back to writing this blog for various reasons, not the least of which is that I just miss writing. I often find myself in funny, ironic or otherwise noteworthy situations and I think - I should share this with someone! So, here I am sharing.

Unfortunately I can't share much about cycling these days. Life kinda got in the way of training these past two years. Not in any particular order: bought a house, lost Cassius the Cat, ended a roller coaster relationship last year, rescued two adorable kittens, went on a road trip, worked the Tour of California, almost quit my job, got promoted at my company and spent the last 6-8months trying to sell the company.

That's just the highlights.

I find humor in irony and I've witnessed plenty of that in both work and personal life. My most recent venture could be viewed as ironic: as of last week I completed my entry level Diving Certification. Yes, you read that right. I even completed the coursework for the Advanced Certification. The instructor noted at the end of that course that I need to work on getting streamlined- he said it looks like I'm trying to ride a bicycle underwater.

Apparently it's a thing.

I need another 15 dives to get the official certification so in the unlikely case someone reading this blog is interested in entertaining a noob, please feel free to reach out. 

Maybe not irony but just bad luck - I woke up the Friday before the New Year Holiday without a voice. Literally, no voice. Laryngitis. I've never had it, it's really weird not being able to talk. My kittens - in the "no", "stop that", "no claws", "get down from there" phase- were perplexed that I was clapping or banging the table to get their attention. They looked at me quizzically before deciding to stay the course of whatever they were doing.

Meet Cato and Marcel

I ordered some Bourbon from overseas (Blanton's - really hard to get unless you're standing at the loading dock at the liquor store when it's delivered. People judge you on that kind of move.) Anyway, it came in the day before and needed a signature, there was no way I was going to risk losing it.

They're super cute when they do things like this

I grabbed a notebook and wrote down my situation:

Hi, my name is Wendy Ulmer. 

I lost my voice yesterday. I have a package (tracking # here) that needs signature. They said they tried to deliver yesterday but I was home all day and no one rang. 

Thank you for your help.



The lady at Fedex greeted me and asked how she could help me. I laid the notebook on the counter and stood there with a stupid smile because I felt like an idiot. She looked at the notebook and says "what is this?". At that time I realized a common MO for robberies is handing the front desk person a note.

I quickly pointed out the first sentence and pulled out my ID. She responded by whispering "Oh, okay, I can get that for you". I laughed to myself thinking " I'M THE ONE WHO LOST MY VOICE, MY EARS ARE JUST FINE". 

Given my luck I needed to make sure the lost voice wasn't something worse. Also, WEBMD told me there can be two types of Laryngitis, viral (not a big deal) and bacterial (kinda big deal). Again, given my luck ... so I walked into Urgent Care with another note. I figured they didn't have a strong history of being held up with a note. Her response was the same - whispered "The doctor will be right with you". I would have laughed out loud if I could.

Finally, for your amusement I've added a couple of pictures from my birthday dinner with the
family. Yes, for my birthday I got a surprise plate of whip-cream in the face.

We love our family, don't we?

Happy 2019!