Thursday, October 27, 2016

It really isn't hate love but...

It's really not a love hate thing, but this mantra or motto dawned on me yesterday.  Don't hate me because I have made a mistake.  Love me because I keep on trying.  

Celebrate the love. 



Help me wipe out cancer. http://profile.pmc.org/PH0134
Thank you,
Patty

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Asthma

Asthma is a strange beast. You want to breathe, but your lungs won't let you. 



Help me wipe out cancer. http://profile.pmc.org/PH0134
Thank you,
Patty

Monday, October 24, 2016

Just One

A small act of kindness to one can change two lives.  



Help me wipe out cancer. http://profile.pmc.org/PH0134
Thank you,
Patty

Friday, October 21, 2016

It's been a while

Since I've written.  Life is busy.  Long work days.  Up at 5 to exercise.  Work at 7. Out at 4 or after. Teaching. Taking a class.  Mom. Rider.  Woman.  



Help me wipe out cancer. http://profile.pmc.org/PH0134
Thank you,
Patty

Monday, September 26, 2016

Finally

Taking and making the time for my next project. 



Help me wipe out cancer. http://profile.pmc.org/PH0134
Thank you,
Patty

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Ready and Waiting

I hadn't mounted Babe since the Pan Mass Challenge.  Choosing to ride my other, my first road bike, Ruby.  But it's getting darker in the mornings.  The schedule does not permit long lovely AM rides, so it is back to the garage on weekdays.  Back to Babe, who hung patiently waiting for her turn to serve.  

She is an important part of the winter riding routine.  Braced in the trainer we will work together to prepare for the PMC2017 and she will be my faithful ride for the Boston Brain Tumor Ride in May. 

Can you have a therapy bike? Or in my fortunate situation, two?  I spend so much time alone with them.  Thinking and planning.  



Help me wipe out cancer. http://profile.pmc.org/PH0134
Thank you,
Patty

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Please don't think it's easy

A month ago I joined Weight Watchers as I had gained 20 pounds in two years. My clothes were not fitting and it was either new clothes or relearn to eat properly.  I love my clothes. They have tons on wearability still.  I chose WW.  



Help me wipe out cancer. http://profile.pmc.org/PH0134
Thank you,
Patty

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Thirty seven pounds of kindness

As community service project my religious education class collected flip tops to donate the recycled value to Daniel's Table, the organization in town which feeds hungry children.  We worked with the premise that each flip top represents an act of kindness.  

Think of the weight of a flip top.  Now think of thirty seven pounds of them.  That's a lot of kindness.  



Help me wipe out cancer. http://profile.pmc.org/PH0134
Thank you,
Patty

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

The family that rides together

Eight members of Team Kermit rode to support Angel Flights of New England.   This organization provides free flights for children and adults so they can get to their treatment centers. We are family. 



Help me wipe out cancer. http://profile.pmc.org/PH0134
Thank you,
Patty

Sunday, September 11, 2016

Ghost Bike

A Ghost Bike is dedicated to a rider who died on the road. Eugene Thornberg died on June 16, 2016 on this stretch of road.  A stretch I ride frequently.  For when I heard about this dedication I knew where it was being held and how to get there without a map.  Been there.  Ridden that.  Knew I had to attend, even though I didn't know him.  He was a cyclist.  

Heading there, by bike, of course, I rode the usual route. And as I past my friend's parents' home on Landham I noticed her car was in the driveway.  Two years ago she moved to New Hampshire.  I stopped. A quick chat. Two or three hugs and I was off, I had to.  Two miles more there was a cyclist stopped on the road. She was standing over a huge snapping turtle. I stopped.  And we try to move the huge beast to the side of the road with some branches.   Making some progress but meeting resistance from our new 20 pound friend a landscaper stops and a soccer family stops.  And with the landscaper's shovel and the branches we were able to move the snapper into the swamp next to the road.  I rode on.  Now pressed for time.  Knowing that I was heading for a solemn service, but celebrating life along the way. 

Ride safe.



Help me wipe out cancer. http://profile.pmc.org/PH0134
Thank you,
Patty

Saturday, September 10, 2016

Really?

Visiting my daughter at college we ventured to the local super store to secure food.  My sense is that if we give into market pressure we will poison ourselves.  A lot went on between mother daughter yesterday.  In the end I bought a bag of kale salad which was eaten like a bag of popcorn, some fruit and a probiotic beverage. Feasted while daughter upgraded her phone in her dorm room.  



Help me wipe out cancer. http://profile.pmc.org/PH0134
Thank you,
Patty

Thursday, September 08, 2016

Remarkable

I delivered a copy of my PMC2016 reflection to a donor from our parish.  A woman I didn't know. Who responded to my funding request in the bulletin.  She invited me into her home and we chatted for 30 minutes.   A lovely lady who when she heard the size of the PMC and that 46 million dollars was raised, offered to donate next year.   

I am so touched by her kindness. 



Help me wipe out cancer. http://profile.pmc.org/PH0134
Thank you,
Patty

Wednesday, September 07, 2016

Tuesday, September 06, 2016

Why?

Why carve a wooden spoon? To see if I could.  I can.  



Help me wipe out cancer. http://profile.pmc.org/PH0134
Thank you,
Patty

Saturday, September 03, 2016

We have had a great summer

I blinked and she grew up.  Tonight mother daughter sushi.  Tomorrow she moves into college. Where has the time gone?  

Best parenting moment? Today.  Best job in the world is being a mom. Blessed with three lovely young ladies.  Each determined, strong and loving.  



Help me wipe out cancer. http://profile.pmc.org/PH0134
Thank you,
Patty

Thursday, September 01, 2016

Going Out as I Came In

The Pan Mass Challenge was a month ago. There is one month left to  raise funds for PMC2016.  And as I started this journey in January so shall I end it.  Any dollar amount up to $1000 donated between now and October 1st, I will personally match.  

Please follow the link below.  Thank you. 

Help me and Kermit wipe out cancer. http://profile.pmc.org/PH0134
Patty

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Plant Your Onions In A Row

Probably easier than lining up ducks.  School is starting.  The exercise regime needs to switch.  No more 1.5 hour bike rides in the morning.  Have taken a couple of hour walks instead.  Out early.  Home to see the school bus is met. 



Help me wipe out cancer. http://profile.pmc.org/PH0134
Thank you,
Patty

Monday, August 15, 2016

When do you stop riding?

PMC2016 in the rear view, when do you stop riding?   Went out Sunday at 7 AM with fellow Kermit for a quick 40.  Had to get home for family.  This morning was out at 5:30 to ride before work...  An hour and a half ride squeezed in... In the last leg wondered about the early mornings, and  the push to ride. When will the training be over?

Answer: When I cannot pedal.  Gratitude for good health.  
Gratitude for two great bikes that roll like dreams.
Gratitude for cool morning rides instead of hot and humid afternoons. 
Gratitude for fellow Kermits with whom to ride. 



Help me wipe out cancer. http://profile.pmc.org/PH0134
Thank you,
Patty

Friday, August 12, 2016

The Ride Is Over But The Cause Continues

As fellow Team Kermit member, Alan Cantor, stated, the ride is over but the cause continues.  Our pedal partner Declan is living proof the Pan Mass Challenge is key to winning the war on childhood cancer.  Seeing him and reading the signs along the route which said, "Thank you I had cancer when I was (younger) and this August I'll be going to college" truly put power in my pedal stroke.   I can't help but ride again. 

A PMC advertisement showing a bike seat with the text  "We are sitting on the cure" could not be more true.  

The goal is to raise 46 million dollars by October 1.  

The ride is over.  But the cause continues.  



Help me wipe out cancer. http://profile.pmc.org/PH0134
Thank you,
Patty

Thursday, August 11, 2016

That First Morning

Up at 3 AM.  Out at 3:30 to stage our bikes and eat breakfast before the start.  



Help me wipe out cancer. http://profile.pmc.org/PH0134
Thank you,
Patty

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

It's 5 AM

Do you know where you staged your bike?   I was in the front row at 4 AM. But others staged ahead of the line.  They had to; there being 4500 bikes at the start.  This is serious.  



Help me wipe out cancer. http://profile.pmc.org/PH0134
Thank you,
Patty

Thursday, August 04, 2016

We are ready

Packed. Lubed.  Trained.  Prayed.  
#PMC2016 #TeamKermit



Help me wipe out cancer. http://profile.pmc.org/PH0134
Thank you,
Patty

Monday, August 01, 2016

Am I Strong?

Enough? Yes strong enough.  PMC2016 in 5 days. Gather Friday.  Start riding Saturday.  If I'm not ready now I never will be. Logistics and packing are all that remain.  And the ride. Breathe.  And pray. 

It's not easy being green. 



Help me wipe out cancer. http://profile.pmc.org/PH0134
Thank you,
Patty

Thursday, July 28, 2016

Kermit

Every Team Kermit member rides with a friend on their helmet.  Some highly decorated.  Mine not so much.  My friend has a helmet of course and two buttons.  Today's view is front facing: Showing an appreciation for warm hugs. Tomorrow's view will be the back.  



Help me wipe out cancer. http://profile.pmc.org/PH0134
Thank you,
Patty

Monday, July 25, 2016

The Blessing

To ride 45 miles Saturday, 80 miles Sunday and have Monday to ride the track. 



Help me wipe out cancer. http://profile.pmc.org/PH0134
Thank you,
Patty

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

The big PMC concern...

The ride is three weeks away. I am either ready or I am not.  For you can't really cram training.  There is time for two big rides approaching 100 mile days.  The rest will be sitting pretty at 25 to 40 miles.  With the truly BIG concern of how will my friend Kermit ride on my helmet and even more vexing is what will he wear?   



Help me wipe out cancer. http://profile.pmc.org/PH0134
Thank you,
Patty

Monday, July 11, 2016

Today's Training Ride

I stopped to watch a Great Blue Heron.  Remembering cancer patients who will not have such an opportunity for pause.  



Help me wipe out cancer. http://profile.pmc.org/PH0134
Thank you,
Patty

Sunday, July 10, 2016

Where is my super suit?

Lately I have been training with the Team Kermit kit on.  First of all, all I can hear, in my head is Frozone asking where his super suit has been placed.  And I laugh.  For the Kermit kit is my super suit. 

Second, I ride alone for the vast majority of my rides. And yesterday twice as I saw other groups of riders, individuals called out "Team Kermit" or "Green".  

The power of a super suit.



Help me wipe out cancer. http://profile.pmc.org/PH0134
Thank you,
Patty

Wednesday, July 06, 2016

So Blessed

Rode in Vermont/New York - 65 miles.  Truly blessed to have the health and time for such a training ride.  



Help me wipe out cancer. http://profile.pmc.org/PH0134
Thank you,
Patty

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

It's The Same

I spend Monday through Friday 7:30AM to 4:00PM in an office with no outside time. So early in the morning I ride my bike through areas that have water and fields and hopefully few cars.  

And when I see a roadkill I wonder if kids today, and many adults too, are desensitized to death and killing. That they don't see how precious life is anymore due to video games and media. It's just a frog, a squirrel, a hawk, a robin, a mouse or vole. We pass them by.

In the game, in the movies, death is clean. It's just a character, the enemy, the bad guy, a cartoon, a small trickle of blood. The body remains intact.

I'm tired of reading the bumper sticker Black Lives Matter.  Get real.  All Lives Matter. Yours. Theirs.   Catholic. Muslim.  Young. Old.  Depressed.   Imprisoned.   Holy.  Imfirmed.  Vibrant.  Jewish.   All.



Help me wipe out cancer. http://profile.pmc.org/PH0134
Thank you,
Patty

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Blessed

Blessed is knowing exactly where and how your food is grown.   Exactly.  



Help me wipe out cancer. http://profile.pmc.org/PH0134
Thank you,
Patty

From My Daughters

Came home last night to this great gift from my girls.  So.  True.  



Help me wipe out cancer. http://profile.pmc.org/PH0134
Thank you,
Patty

Saturday, June 25, 2016

Honor comes quietly

My dear friend and fellow World Youth Day pilgrim passed away recently from cancer. This morning, I was taking a pass through the cemetery, on a Pan Mass Challenge, training ride when I saw his grave marker.  I make these rides through to pay my respects and to visit a bit.  I stopped.  Remembered my dear friend and then saw the two stained glass windows I made for him.  

Such an honor to have small acts of kindness raised to such a high placement.  Proving the fact that we never truly know the power of kindnesses, big or small.  

Rest In Peace my dear friend.  I'll see you again on my next training ride.  



Help me wipe out cancer. http://profile.pmc.org/PH0134
Thank you,
Patty

Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Our Own Fire And Ice

It's summer.  Time for backyard fires and puzzles.  Love being with the girls and their friends.  



Help me wipe out cancer. http://profile.pmc.org/PH0134
Thank you,
Patty

Sunday, June 19, 2016

Babe in Brockton

Enjoying Father's Day with my dad.  



Help me wipe out cancer. http://profile.pmc.org/PH0134
Thank you,
Patty

PMC Red Sox Mariners

It was Sampson's first Major League appearance.  Wished him well. Met his mother.  Sat with some amazing people.  



Help me wipe out cancer. http://profile.pmc.org/PH0134
Thank you,
Patty

Thursday, June 16, 2016

We can't hide

Or curl up with a good book and pretend evil doesn't happen.  It's at these times we must dig deep and love all the more.  



Help me wipe out cancer. http://profile.pmc.org/PH0134
Thank you,
Patty

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Spin Spin Spin

Awoke yesterday with an appointment for a massage. Ended the day with a bike roadside flat.

Boss in pain, gifted my appointment.  Patrick the therapist is a miracle worker. Went for a bike ride instead.  Picked up a small shard of glass.  Changed the tube roadside. Another life's first.  



Help me wipe out cancer. http://profile.pmc.org/PH0134
Thank you,
Patty

Monday, June 13, 2016

Carving a Spoon

I saw a video where Dick Prentke carved a spoon for a friend's wife, as a thank you gift.  I was so amazed I had to try it myself. In two hours Mr Prentke had a spoon.  In two hours I had contentment and a few blisters.  

Think we will finish it today.  Or at least get closer. 

There is calm in handwork.  Prayers for all of us touched by the violence in Orlando. 



Help me wipe out cancer. http://profile.pmc.org/PH0134
Thank you,
Patty

Saturday, June 11, 2016

A Working Mom's Lament


A wonderful lady and mom with whom I work with commented that after she works in the office she still has a house to take care of and kids to love and manage.  

Talk about being over scheduled. All moms know the drill.  Work all day, come home to questions about dinner and a non stop request driven driving schedule.

I've learned flexibility. To shift boats mid stream.  It's not always pretty but  it is necessary.



Help me wipe out cancer. http://profile.pmc.org/PH0134
Thank you,
Patty

Wednesday, June 08, 2016

Gifts of Silver Linings

Long day yesterday.   Ride time came and I dragged to the bike.  Pan Mass Challenge.   Cancer patients don't have easy choices, no time for me to be a slacker.  

Ride review:  first time I truly nearly got whacked by a driver not paying attention.  I yelled and scared them.  Well they scared me first!  Afterwards I thought, I'm too young to die.  Silly thought. Cancer fighters die each day much younger than I.

Saw a huge turkey.  Always exciting. 

Got a bit further from home at dusk.  Thankful I have a headlight. 

Got caught in the rain.  Despite the thunder, it was a great ride.  Muddy and soaked I returned home safely.



Help me wipe out cancer. http://profile.pmc.org/PH0134
Thank you,
Patty

Tuesday, June 07, 2016

Active

At 5:30 AM this rainbow appeared.  I was outside gardening before work. Dawn is the best time of the day.  Thank God I get to experience it. 



Help me wipe out cancer. http://profile.pmc.org/PH0134
Thank you,
Patty

Monday, June 06, 2016

I Walked

Had a church meeting this evening. Did something different. Instead of driving, I walked.



Help me wipe out cancer. http://profile.pmc.org/PH0134
Thank you,
Patty

Saturday, June 04, 2016

It Takes A Team

Where a rider and their bike become one. The rider knows the bike and the bike fits the rider.  And they will roll happily ever after. 



Help me wipe out cancer. http://profile.pmc.org/PH0134
Thank you,
Patty