more randomness

1. I forgot to mention that my new-found commitment to riding my bike (spent a couple of hours on it again, today, although some of that was getting lost) was inspired in part by Rebecca. She trained on her bike (and kick-boxed!) right through breast cancer treatment.

2. It was also inspired by the fact that I dropped a whack of money (in violation of our current austerity measures) on a fancy lap-top bag that attaches to my bike rack. I have to ride instead of taking the bus or a taxi, in order to justify it. The first time I used the bag, it flew off while I was riding on a busy street (now lap top in it, thank goodness). I have since figured out how to secure it properly (don't you love instructions that read like they have been put through a universal translator?). I spent almost two hours on my bike today. Some of that was getting lost. I have absolutely no sense of direction. I had to pull out my bike map many, many times and I still took a few wrong turns.

3. I had a routine echocardiogram today. The woman who did the test explained what we saw on the screen in response to my questions (she compared the mitral valve to a fish). We also chatted about a bunch of stuff. I have never felt so relaxed while being tested or had an echo go by so quickly. She also told me that all is well. This experience was in such stark contrast to others I have had that I found her before I left to thank her for treating me "like a person." I told her that it meant a lot.

4. My father in law pointed out to me the other day that the Amazon.ca link to my book had it classified under "astrology." That has been fixed.

5. Yesterday, I had to chase the puppy around to cut out something that was matted in her fur (don't ask). My 10 year old stopped me, patiently turned the scissors around and said, firmly but calmly, "Could you please hold the scissors properly, if you are going to run with them?" I know that sometimes children and their parents reverse roles. I just didn't expect it to happen so soon.

6. As I was riding to the hospital today, a car pulled up beside me at an intersection. The car's window was open and the guy inside was snapping his fingers and bopping along with a big smile on his face (it was "Dancing Cheek to Cheek." I think it was Ella singing but I'm not sure). He must have felt my glance , because he turned to me and asked, "Are we going to have a good day?"

"I am now," I replied, with a big smile on my face.