I believe I have been stockpiling love and experiences for a year.

ONE YEAR. Last Valentine's Day weekend I took the train to Amy's in Eugene. We drank delicious beers and hiked a butte.

This Valentine's Day weekend started with the best 10 hours of sleep a girl could get! After waking early to a snowy front yard, I joined my crazy friends in the track club for my final 10 mile jaunt before the 1/2 marathon in two weeks. My recovery was slow, and after a bit of unnecessary whining, I turned down a short bike ride around town. Too cold, too tired, too whiney.

Now I'm beginning to stockpile for bicycle touring this spring and summer. J and I have been shopping around for racks and panniers to fit on my new beautiful Bianchi Volpe. Yes, a new bike entered my life last weekend. Even gearing up to buy a bike was an emotional and exciting event for me. As a carless wonder, my sweet old Jamis has taken me to work, to the store, to meet friends countless times. Who knows how many miles I put on Ellie, the commuter bike that could. But with a lighter, faster, better-fitted upgrade, I'm eagerly anticipating warmer days filled with long rides and crazy camping adventures.

In the past year, I've tested my ability to travel and live on the fly, to pack (somewhat) lightly and then to live and work in Chattanooga. These were all succesful operations. I've become aquainted with a partner who makes me excited about waking up in the morning just so we can laugh and talk and learn and do more together. I have held a job in the publishing industry for going on nine months. This position has taught me a lot about starting at the "bottom" of a company; also about custom publications that serve the client, and the client only. While we pride ourselves on the work that's accomplished, I feel like I benefit very little from the company's successes. Especially given that I AM the product. But it seems that work play such a small role in my life; while certain jobs provide for a certain lifestyle I still am able to cut loose and adventure, live without a job and without a care in the world for a few months. Somehow that makes the 9-5 bullshit more tolerable and OK.

It also allows me to purchase a new bicycle and camping gear this spring. Heh heh.

I have been liberated from that which holds me down every day. From oppresive attitudes and opinions and expressions and ideals and tasks. (I like all the 'and's because it excuses me from complying to one comma rule or the other.)

Extensive saddle time is in my future.