Report on Bike Riding Goal

There are four of us who bike together.  Lately, we've been doing 30 mile bike rides.  We've done most of the major bike trails around D.C.:  Capital Crescent Trail, W&OD, C&O Canal, Custis Trail, Mt. Vernon Trail, Rock Creek Trail, and a few lesser known ones such as the Metrobranch trail, Sligo Creek Trail, the Northwest Fork Trail.  We've been up to the Shady Grove metro stop, out to Ashburn and Reston, northwest on the C&O canal trail almost to Leesburg, down to Mt. Vernon.  It's been a great month of October to be outside a lot and enjoying the beautiful fall colors!  We still have the goal of completing 100 miles in two days and hope to complete that goal in November.

I've added a few things to my bike (actually, Paul's bike):  a bike rack in the back with a pannier and fenders.  I carry a nice tool set and extra tube just in case.  I trust that between the four of us, we could figure how to change a tire. . .

Fall colors on October 29

This is a September picture along the C&O canal at one of the Locks.

Here's a link that shows a map of many of the trails we've been on this fall:

http://www.commuterpage.com/biketrails.htm

11th Article of Faith

I had some moments yesterday on my drive back from Richmond to ponder this statement of belief in one of the Articles of Faith of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:  "We claim the privilege of worshipping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience and allow all men the same privilege to worship how, where and what they may."

There are some things that stand out to me.  It is the only article of faith that does not begin with "We believe".  Saying that "We CLAIM" is a big statement.  It is a right to worship in the way we feel is correct.  To me, that means we can stand up for what we believe in. Indeed, we SHOULD stand up for what we believe in, even taking political action to protect our beliefs.  We can oppose those who try to take aways our rights and privileges.  This example is given clearly in the Book of Mormon with Captain Moroni.  Some people in an effort to get their rights, end up threatening my rights to worship the way I feel is correct. . . I think we have to be on the alert for that.

The other word that really stands out to me is the word, "allow".  Others can worship in the way they feel is correct.  It doesn't mean that we will all worship the same, that we will all have the same conscience directing us to worship in a certain way.  It makes me think of tolerance for each other.

Now, I may feel that the way I worship is right, true, correct. . . the only correct way. . . and I may want to share that with others so they can enjoy the happiness, joy, and blessings that I have. . . but if they don't want it. . . that is their choice because they can follow the dictates of their conscience.

Just thoughts on a fall day. . . between Richmond and Arlington.

Out of Your Comfort Zone

What's good about doing things out of your comfort zone?  It makes you stretch and improve.

Recently, I spoke to about 50 members of Northern Virginia Music Teacher's Association about teaching music theory and making it fun for students.  I had had the assignment for about 8-10 months and had put much thought into the presentation.  I have a goal to not get nervous when I speak to large groups, to be able to remember what I was going to say, to say it succinctly, clearly and interestingly.  I think that only comes with practice.
I alluded to this opportunity in my blog about motivation.

It went well, I thought.  I had plenty to say for the amount of time I was given.  I enjoyed the presentation.  There was good audience participation, smiles, and some laughter.  I think everyone had fun.  I was glad to have had the opportunity.  Maybe I'll be able to do it again.

Grey Hair

My mom's hair turned grey early.  I remember when she colored her hair.  I used to give her a hard time about it.

But, I've been repentant about that for a number of years since I still do not feel old enough to have grey hair.

When "should" one go grey, given the opportunity to have some control over it?  Good question.

My grandma colored her red hair until she was about 80.  Then, she went abruptly white.

Jeff's hair is almost as grey as his dad's and his older brothers are only sporting a few gray hairs.  

Is it funny to have a husband with grey hair and a wife without grey hair?  Is it best to "grey" together?

Dancing and Scuba Diving

This is a 22 year old story:

As a child, my dad taught me many things.  I usually listened pretty carefully and was greatly influenced by his opinions.
(To the point that when my husband and I bought our first new car, I insisted that we not get automatic windows because my dad had always complained about how it was one more thing to break. . .  On our second new car however, we got automatic windows)  Another of my dad's opinions was agains scuba diving.  Two men in the stake had died in separate scuba diving incidences leaving behind young families.  It was truly a tragedy.  So, I grew up always thinking that scuba diving was extremely dangerous and irresponsible.  However, I married a man who had always dreamed of how wonderful it would be to scuba dive.

A year into my marriage with Jeff, we were at the Red Sea during a 6 month school-related trip to Israel and surrounding areas.  It is one of the prime snorkeling/scuba diving locations in the world.  Since Jeff wasn't scuba certified, we went snorkeling.  While we were out in the water, we got separated and I didn't see him for several very long minutes.  It seemed like 10-15 minutes to me at least.  I was sure that I was a widow.  I was so scared that Jeff decided that he wouldn't be going scuba diving.

While I was in college, I took lots of ballroom dance classes.  I loved them!  It was SO fun, so romantic.  I even talked Jeff into taking a latin dance class during the spring term before we got engaged.  He did well in the class, but didn't love it.  That was about the last dancing we did together.

He didn't scuba.  I didn't dance.  For 22 years.

Then, we took a western Caribbean cruise that included a stop at Roatan, Honduras---another scuba mecca.  I decided that I couldn't really say no for this second opportunity.  So, Jeff, Paul, and Eric took a scuba class that allowed them to go down about 40 feet into the water.  William went along too, but he was too young and just snorkeled.  They LOVED it!

Shortly after returning home, Jeff casually  mentioned that I could sign us up for a dance class.  I found one close to our house. . . unfortunately, the session was only 4 lessons long. . . but, that was good for now.

So, last week, we attended our first dance class.  We learned the tango and the waltz.  It was great fun!