Townsend Pedaling

Recently I visited my brother in Townsend, Tenn. Andy, a mountain biking enthusiast, has been oneof my biggest influences in cycling. From helping me pick out my first bike (the Jamis) to talking me through taking off my back wheel and showing me how to lube the chain, he's been not only a great teacher but a HUGE supporter, and he has worked in bike shops since I can remember. Most recently, he works with Luke at the Fountain City Peddler.

I still think his main love and passion in life is cycling. Maybe followed by turtles.

So Sunday J and I drove out to Townsend for a visit, and we got to ride, all together, down the greenway there. I'm still impressed by his skills and jumps and fast downhill stuff (though our ride only included the former...). The ride was relaxing, and we stopped by the Little River, where I waded around to cool off.

I hope to return prepared for a road ride-because Townsend is perfect for that. Regardless of where we go though, riding with my brother remains a very special occasion. I wouldn't be the cyclist I am today without Andy!

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Almost.

I lay under smokey clothes on my bed for what I hope to be the last time. I'm awake at an ungodly hour again, which seems to be the norm for me these days. Lets see... 8:30 a.m. EST... translates to... 5:30 a.m. PST?!

heh. That might take some adjusting.

So will many things on the West Coast, I'm sure. I'm ready for the change, the introduction, the peaceful transition. Our great country is experiencing one right now, and damnit, so will I. The music of the moment? The Dodos. Thank heavens to Stelth the couch surfin' clean hobo who gave me some damn fine tunes. In turn, we dropped him off at a truck stop in West Knoxville. They were headed for Nashville. It was a nice celebration of friends and birthdays.

A sweet friend gifted me some of the most beautiful dresses and clothes last night. It's like a new Oregon wardrobe...which means I'll have to pack again, but that's OK. This is incentive to leave old clothes behind that simply won't make the cut and shouldn't have in the first place.

I laughed last night at the dinner I ate out with my folks. We attempted to go to this new restaurant in Chattanooga, the Terminal, on Market Street. It's a three-story, triangle building deal that seemed to have a nice brew pup atmosphere. That unfortunately came with an hour-long wait. Knowing my own lack of patience for crowded spaces and standing among folks eating while attempting to drink, I didn't want to stay. Before I got a chace to voice that though, there was an exchange between my dad and stepmom that made me laugh inside. It was my dad's own intolerance of the very same crowded spaces and his sensitivity to a comment that I internalized, I saved for myself. It's not every day I see myself in my dad so clearly.

And just the mention of "Laura's last night" brought a flash of tears to my eyes. They didn't last; the excitement took over after an IPA (uuuugh) at Big River. Oregon this, Oregon that. New music from old friends, random encounters planned for Monday afternoon, romanticism over the top (incomplete love? so says Robert Bass), and...the biggest sigh of relief (and some tears) about turning over a (big) new leaf.

It's here! I'm moving across the country on Tuesday! And I'm bringing a hot red dress, pink dress, blue skirt, red skirt and comfy smokin' hot jeans to boot (and boots)! Eeehehehe...

The city center of Knoxville seemed so calm as I drove away yesterday, tears and all as I blasted Belle and Sebastian one more time. It seemed like I could pinpoint all of my friends and cohorts within the city, each buzzing around, each energy in it's appropriate place. I left a place I love so much.

Now I'm at my parents house, fresh from a morning workout and ready for a hike with the pups. I don't think Beau, the new, tiny member of the family (above), will be coming. He's spoiled, but amazingly cute. I repacked all my stuff and I think it will fit. The car is still packed to the brim; I'm unloading at Mom's house tomorrow probably after church.

Cozy, calm and collected. Being with family in Chattanooga is the perfect way to blastoff. I couldn't handle the good-byes from Knoxville. It honestly would be too hard to leave. I'll be nearly overdue by Tuesday here though.

no sleep

Being with my family is amazing. Truly amazing.

I am always awestruck at the conversations and interactions that happen in such a short period of time. And they have such great emotional IMPACT, the encounters seem to mean so much...

till I step back for an hour or two and remind myself that everyday life isn't always like this. These emotions are buzzing with such high frequency as to buzz me right out of my shoes and seat. Laying in bed in my parent's house is feeling surreal, too. I feel like I should be in my home now. But this is where I'm FROM. These folks gave BIRTH to me...

buzzing thoughts as all the lights buzz out in the house.

Haaaahahaha..

The cookies also are a nice touch for the holidays. I really, really enjoy cookies. They might possibly be my favorite desert. Not as rich and creamy as cupcakes, but a high-impact desert. Perfect consistency, great for dipping in drinks and easy to carry around or balance on the top of my coffee.

WHAT?!?! The Mercury is hiring a news editor? Jesus christ, I can't rest a fucking minute. I gotta get that reusme up and runnin' and out the door... like, tomorrow! Even if it means I'm doing more grunt work at some lowly publication. I'm doin it!