A Name Change...

So...I changed my blog name to RideYourBike. Why? Well, I haven't been Iron Tri Chick in almost 2 years and I am really okay with that. Riding my bike is my thing lately. Maybe I'll go back to be a triathlete or runner or maybe not.

My friend, Ginger, started her blog and that reminded me about my blog and it's fantastic (as she is). I haven't regularly posted in a long time but I think I will start again.

Here is my little tidbit of wisdom...life is about change. Things change every day. We change too. Hopefully for the better! I've changed too in the past few years. Things that used to be SO important to me a few years ago are not now. I have noticed since I am nearing a birthday close to 40 but still a few years away, I am much more philosophical and relaxed. I don't take things so seriously. I think that is good. Some days I wish I was more focused and more determined but most days I am a-okay with being laid back. Here's what I have learned from that...it's much more fulfilling to share something you love with other people and if that means riding at 10 mph and having someone to learn to love cycling then I am all for that. If it means not being so focused that you miss the really important stuff then I am okay with that. If it means it is okay to take a week off to go to Las Vegas with your spouse and favorite friends, I'm okay with that too. If it means being able to change ride plans and not freak out, I'm okay too. If it means smiling more and laughing more...

Another thing I have learned is that people you love are not always here. They might die or they might just be distracted or gone. It doesn't mean you love them any less, it just means they are not here. Here is the thing I will tell you to do today...tell the people you love that you love them. Yes, I'm a softie and super affectionate. Saying the words I love you to a person you care about, whether it is your spouse, family or friend, could be all the difference. I try to hug my friends when I see them. It's important. I'm thankful to my mother for that. She is always affectionate to my sister and me and we never doubt for a second that she loves us. And honestly, I never doubted that my dad loved me either. I'm lucky that way...I have 3 parents that love me and show me affection...my mom, my dad and my step-dad. I am truly blessed.

Today, I realized something else. Being closer to 40 than I would like to be (shut up older people...I know, I'm still young and HOT), I realized that the relationship you have with your spouse is probably the most important relationship you will ever have. No, I am not taking away the relationship you have with your parents, children, or siblings but I am saying that is the person you are connected to, maybe not by blood but by love. This is the person you share your life with, your dreams with, your hopes, your fears...etc, etc. So, here is my advice on that...talk to your spouse and really really really listen to them. Don't ever let them doubt for one iota of a second that you love them. They will teach you about yourself and life and sometimes have a whole different perspective on things that you never thought of. Fortunately, I am lucky...I have the person that is my soul mate but sometimes it takes a few trys.

A friend of mine, Lee, has a bumper sticker on her car...Just Be Nice. Good advice and that's the closing of my infinite wisdom. Just be nice...smile when you don't want to, be nice to the sales clerk when you are tired of waiting in line, if you are in a bad mood then be nicer, don't take stuff so seriously, realize that you have NO idea what other people are going through.

So, in the spirit of change, I hope you change the things you want in 2011 but keep the wonderful person you are because you are indeed wonderful. Merry Christmas. And yes, remember the reason for the season...Jesus.