DMZ

4/30/2011 4:54 PM(5:54 AM 5/1/2011 Seoul, Korea time) As I write this, I am sitting in my husband’s apartment in Seoul, Korea. It’s early and somehow after almost a week my body is still on good ole USA time.

A few days ago, we visited the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) and this really got me to thinking. Korea fought for decades to get their freedom from Japan. In 1945, they finally did! In 1950, South and North Korea engaged in an all-out civil war. They ARE still fighting this war and are the only country in the entire world that is divided currently. On the 38th parallel is where the country is divided. Along this there are huge barbed wire fences with armed guards and if you cross the 38th parallel, you will either be shocked or shot. This is truly a site to be seen. There are tunnels underground from North Korea that were literally made with dynamite and were intended to launch a full attack on Seoul. South Korea requires their young men to spend 23 months in the ROK Army (Republic of Korea) and North Korea requires their young men to spend almost 10 years in military service.

The DMZ is a 2 mile zone on each side of the 38th parallel. This is a buffer zone between the two sides. Now, we might just think this is a line…but this line divides families, friends, and people of the same country. Very few people are allowed to cross the 38th parallel and if and when they do, it is really restricted as to where they can go.

As we were lucky to see this area, it got me to thinking how lucky we are as Americans. Most of us have never seen any effects of a true war. We very rarely think of those who are fighting in a war and while we truly appreciate them, we can never know what that might be like. We take for granted that we can usually go and see our families and friends with little government restriction. We do not have to look at armed guards every day that are trained to shoot on site. We go about our daily business and dwell on what we think is important and dwell on injustices or something someone did or said to us. I am one who is very guilty of both these things. My own husband has fought in a war that I don’t even want to think about what he does while I am mad because my grass isn’t perfect or someone didn’t invite me to go on a bike ride. REALLY?!?! The DMZ really opened my eyes to how lucky we are all in the USA. Most of us were not alive when the last war was fought on US soil and we usually feel no effects (except rising gas costs which we complain about) so we have no idea what it is like to be in a country truly divided. We really don’t understand how lucky we are. We go about our business without any thought to people who have given their lives so we can go about our business without any thought.

In the Korean War alone, over 100,000 AMERICANS gave their lives to help ensure freedom for South Korea. What does this mean to us? We don’t live in Korea…but it ensures free trade from Korea (more products than you can imagine come from Korea) and an ally if we should come under attack. If you are in the military service, it could mean you might be stationed here and it ensures that Korean people treat you extremely kindly and are very friendly!

So, here’s what I can do about this…I can learn more about this war and appreciate those who gave their lives. I can share this knowledge with others. AND most importantly, I can stop to realize how lucky I am and how good my life is. I will probably keep complaining about my yard and bike rides. But I am going to try and keep it all in perspective and be thankful that I am an American and that God has afforded me opportunities that some people will never have. Here’s the challenge to you…can you do that? Stop! Think about how lucky we are and then be thankful for our lives as Americans and not complain about things that we are extremely lucky to have?!?! We have never really seen a true war and we can see anyone we want without government restriction. We do not have to be afraid of crossing from Texas into Oklahoma (or any other state) without being shot. We do not have to see armed guards daily and be separated by a 2 mile DMZ with nasty looking barbed wire…We can ride our bikes across the entire country if we wanted to!!!!

So, today, think about how lucky we are and be thankful! That’s what I am going to try and do!

More stuff you can actually use...

So, yesterday, I got in my April Century.  My friend, Lou, somehow convinced me to join UMCA - Ultra Marathon Cycling Association-Year Rounder Challenge (http://www.ultracycling.com/standings/umc.html)%20so so I have been trying to get a century a month.  Fortunately, they let you count a century over 90 miles because I ran out of daylight and my get-up and go-got up and went!  While I was riding, the front of my knee hurt like the dickens (and how bad does the dickens hurt??? hmmmmm....).  Now, I have made several changes to my bike so last night I went to actually look for a chart that would help me narrow it down.  I found one and it was very helpful and thought it might be worth sharing.  Now, do NOT take this in lieu of a professional fitting which you can get at a professional bicycle fitter/shop near you.  But here is a chart that may be helpful if you are trying to get dialed in or can't figure out what it could be at midnight...

 Directly From http://www.caree.org/bike101bikefit.htm

 

Troubleshooting Common Bike-Fit Problems

 

Symptom/Likely Cause /Solution

 

You’re always scooting forward on the seat /Stem may be too long so you pull yourself forward as you ride; saddle nose may be tipped down too much/Install a shorter stem; level saddle

 

You’re always scooting back on the seat /Stem may be too short so you feel cramped and push yourself back; saddle nose may be tipped back; saddle may be too far forward on the rails /Install a longer stem; level the seat and center it on the rails; move your seat back

Lower back hurts /Stem too low or too long; must strain back to reach bars; or seat may be too high, causing rocking when pedaling /Try raising the stem/handlebars; still hurts? try shorter stem; check and adjust seat height

 

Neck hurts /Stem too low; must crane neck to see/ Raise the stem/bars

 

Hands hurt /Stem too low; too much weight on hands; saddle may be pointed down /Raise the stem/bars; level saddle

 

Front of knee hurts /Seat too low and/or too far forward, straining knees /Raise seat; may need to move seat further back as well

 

Back of knee hurts /Seat too high, over-extending leg /Lower seat

 

Numb bum all the time /Too much weight on the seat; may need to slide back a little on the seat. /Try to sit such that you feel the weight on your sit bones rather than the front or center of your crotch Lower handlebar position; check seat height as it may be too high; May need to try another brand of shorts and or seat; lose weight

 

Achilles tendon hurts/ Pedaling too much on your toes; cleats too far forward on your shoes; feet may not be forward enough over the pedal /Keep the balls of your feet over the pedals when you’re pedaling; move cleats back.

 

Bad gas/ Eating too many energy bars /Ride at the back of the pack

 

Extra Bike-Fit Tips

•  How you ride has a lot to do with comfort, too. The number one problem for many cyclists is what I call the vulture riding position, because it resembles that animal’s posture. It’s what a cyclist looks like when he locks his elbows and raises his shoulders, a position even hard-core pedalers often develop. You’ll feel a lot better if you RELAX. Every few miles, shrug your shoulders and let them drop and keep those elbows bent.
• Never raise any bike part too high because it can lead to failure and a crash. Parts are usually marked with limit lines that, when exposed, indicate that the part is too high. Heed these markings.
• Once you’ve found the correct seat height, mark the seat post. Please do this before you travel. This way—if the post slips, or when you pack the bike for shipping—you’ll quickly be able to get it back in the right spot.
• Likewise, measure from the top of the saddle to the center of the pedal axle (put the pedal at the bottom of its stroke, down around six o’clock) and memorize and jot down the number where you can find it. It’ll come in handy if you have to set up another bike, say a rental or borrowed one.
• Early in the season you’re not as flexible and you’ll probably enjoy a higher handlebar position. As you ride more regularly, you’ll gain flexibility and may want to lower the bars to stretch out a bit more.
• Women often require additional changes such as narrower handlebars, shorter stems and easier to operate brake levers.

 

 

 

 

 

A post you can actually use-how to pack your bike bag

As I was repacking my bike bag to ride this morning, I thought of my dear friend, Ginger.  She taught me this valuable trick some time ago and while I would love to say I thought of it, I didn't!! However, it is extremely valuable and thought I would share it with you!

How to pack your bike bag that goes on your bike:

1. Gather your supplies.  I carry two tubes, two Co2s, two Co2 heads, 3 tire levers and an alien tool.  Why?  1) I have gotten two flats on one ride, 2) if a friend has a flat you have spare stuff, 3) if you have one flat and forget to reload your bag, you still have one set of repair supplies, 4) if you lose one Co2 head on the road, you still have an extra.

So, how do you get all this stuff in that little bag...here's Ginger's trick...take the tubes and wrap them in plastic wrap.  It gets all the air out and makes them smaller.  So, I actually hate plastic wrap so if that doesn't work, use aluminum foil.  You can still squeeze the tube together tight. It is not quite as effective but it will work in a pinch.  As you can see I have one in plastic wrap and one in aluminum foil. 

2. It depends on the size of your bag but usually putting the tubes at the bottom and a Co2 cartridge in the middle works for me.  Then work the rest of the goodies into the bag.  See, I have my tubes at the bottom, one Co2 on the bottom.  My alien tool, other Co2 and tire levers are on top.  You can't see this but there is a pocket on the inside of the flap and that's where one of the Co2 heads are and one is actually on Co2 cartridge to save a little more space. It might be a tight squeeze but you can do it now the tubes are much smaller!  Thanks again Ginger!  Do you really need all this stuff?  Maybe not the additional Co2 head but the rest I would take!

3. Yes, I really do have all this stuff in my bag and on my bike.  Stop me and I will show barring I don't have a flat and forget to repack it.  Not only do I have it on my bike, I have bottle holders on the back of my bike and my bag is tucked under that.  This is very useful also because in the summer, I go on long rides with few stops and I drink a ton of water/electrolytes. 

Now, go ride your bike! 

Opportunity...

The past year and a half I have had many struggles that made me wrestle with the meaning of life and the whys and whats???  Today, I was presented with an opportunity that at first I wasn't sure but then I thought "What a once in a lifetime opportunity!"  Before I reveal it, I am still in the discovery stage and working it out with my family.  However, I will say that I am honored that the person who asked me is someone who I like very much and have a ton of respect for.  This means this person trusts my ability.  I also am honored that the person that had the idea recommended me.  She is a person I feel that we are kindred spirits.  Don't ask why because I don't know.  Anyway, I am in the process of discussing it with my Doodle Bug and learning more about it. 

This made me think that it is true...all things happen for a reason.  I lost my job I loved last year and it literally broke my heart. I went from making $1000+ a month to making A LOT less.  My spirit was broken.  But today this made me think about what this has actually done for me.  Before Atticus died, I spent a lot of time with him.  I am able to go to Korea soon.  I may take this once in a lifetime opportunity.

So, before you are like me to say NO right off the bat, look at things as an opportunity and not as a problem....

Time flies when you are having fun.

Tomorrow is our 14th wedding anniversary.  Time flies when you are having fun!  So, I thought I would share 10 things I have learned from 14 years of marriage.
1) Be yourself.  If you are as lucky as I am, your spouse really does love you for you, no matter your flaws.
2) Learn how to be alone.  This sounds crazy.  My husband is often gone 9-10 months out of the year.  I have to be alone.  So, I try (and don't always succeed) to embrace that.
3) People shouldn't be able to have a $10,000+ wedding or any wedding until they have been married at least 5 years.  Why?  Really those are the years you figure out if you can be with that person forever!
4) Learn how to be self-supporting and how to call the mechanic, do 12 things at once, figure out how to get to work and get your car to the shop and somehow have time to ride your bicycle, etc, etc, I often say if I waited on a man to do something then I would be waiting til I was dead.  That sounds mean but it's not.  The more you are self-supporting and know how to do things, you will feel better and your significant other will feel better if they are called away. 
5) It's okay to love someone with your whole heart and just know that you are #1 in their life.  NO MATTER WHAT!  This is hard for me...sometimes I feel unimportant but my husband makes me feel like I am the most important thing in his life and every decision he makes is for us, not just him.
6) Get over the little stuff...when you are young and newly married, you often get all jacked up over stuff that doesn't really matter. 
7) It's okay to miss the way your husband/wife smells. Sometimes I will run across something that smells like my Doodle Bug and it is the best smell.
8) Love your in-laws.  These are the people who made your spouse who they are.  They, like you, only want the best for their child.  A lot of times, it has nothing to do with you.
9) Make sure your spouse always kiss you good night. I go to bed way earlier than my husband and every night he is here, he tucks me in and kisses me good night.  Even if you are mad at them, because that one kiss makes everything okay.  I even bought a sign that hangs close to my bed that says Kiss Me Good Night!
10) Despite popular opinion, walk away when you are mad.  This will benefit you and your spouse in many ways.  In our house, when we argue and walk away...our house is crazy clean.  Or I have rode my bicycle to China and back.   Really, I usually only stay really mad for an hour or so.  Then I am done with it.  So, embrace it, deal with it right away and move on.

Thanks for letting me share this.  Every marriage is different. I am thankful for having a husband who loves me for me.

Say what you need to say

Okay, if you didn't know this, John Mayer is absolutely my favorite artist.  I don't know if it is because he can play the s**t of a guitar or his lyrics. Probably the lyrics, I am lyric person and I think very deeply sometimes.  A therapist once told me that I carry others' baggage-whether I know them or not...anyhow, there is one song of John Mayer's I love but I don't listen to very often but tonight the vino won the battle between me and this song.  The song is Say.  If you saw the movie The Bucket List, you might understand.  Shortly before this was released, my Dad died from lung cancer and my mother warned me not to watch it but I did and somehow Jack Nicholson looked and acted like my Dad.  The details of that part of life are boring but would look good on Jerry Springer.  Say...it's hard to listen to because it says lots of things we don't want to hear.  So here it is in black and white...so please say what you need to say to those you love because you just never know.  We all hear that all the time.  But REALLY do it.  Trust me, you won't be sorry. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQtGqmi2O2U
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tX4jBL29aic

Take all of your wasted honor,
Every little past frustration
Take all of your so-called problems
Better put 'em in quotations...

Walkin' like a one man army
Fighting with the shadows in your head
Living out the same old moments
Knowin' you'd be better off instead
If You Could Only SAY what you need to say...

This is the hardest lyric for me because sometimes I can see my Dad's eyes closing even though I wasn't there and often my faith is broken...
Even if your hands are shaking
And your faith is broken
Even as the eyes are closing
Do it with a heart wide open, wide...

People!  Put the BS behind you because the person you care about the most might not be here tomorrow. If you have never had someone close to you die, you might not have any idea but those who have, they do know.  Don't waste one second. We all do it but really really really try to do better.  I will and I hope you will too.   Cause, "You better know that in the end, it's better to say too much then to never say what you need to say again."

You know how you say, we need to plan to get together again, but never do.

Today, my Mom sent me an email about one of her former co-workers, Ruffin.  He passed yesterday and she wrote me this today about him, "You know how you say, we need to plan to get together again, but never do."  Ruffin was a kind, gentle man in my mind and I think my parents are really sad about his passing.

So, this got me to thinking about what she said, "You know how you say, we need to plan to get together again, but never do."  When I was in high school, I had a boyfriend, John K., whose Mom passed while we were dating and this actually taught me a lot.  It taught me to always say I love you and get together when you should.  So, I have always tried to say I love you and get together when I could.  I have not always succeeded but I am human.  Today, we had a car wash and when I left I made Bob M. hug me and said "because you just never know"  and you don't.  So, hug the ones you love and get together with the folks you want to because you just never know.

What does this have to do with riding a bike?  Honestly, I don't know.  I can only think of saying we should ride and then don't and then what if something happened?  How would you feel?  So what if that person is faster, slower, etc, etc.  Life is short!  People are gone before you know it.  Maybe not just through death but moving or changing hobbies.  Who knows?  So, if you care about someone or want to ride, DO IT!!!!!!!!    You don't know and you might end up with regrets.  Don't do that. 

Besides the obvious, this thought makes me so sad.  My husband is active duty military.  While I am so proud of him for serving and giving up probably 5-7 years apart from his family (and people probably shooting at him), I know this means we will probably be moving within the year and this makes me so sad.  Sad because I have been blessed with lots of cycling friends that I may never see again.  Do they care? I hope so.  I care.  I have been inspired by lots of cycling friends that I may never say that to or see after I leave.  And like my Mom I say we will get together or stay in touch but I know that we probably won't.  Not out of some mean intention but life tends to get in the way.  Soon, we will have less memories of each other but then one day we will wish we shoulda, woulda, coulda and it's too late.   Don't do it folks.  Love the people you care about and do get together.  I am going to do my best to do that because it's important and I don't want to be a shoulda, woulda, coulda.  You don't do it either.  Life is short!