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.