2 cute, hey?

Tilia Pics

Finally, we have replaced our digital camera. Do I really need to say "digital" before camera anymore? It seems to e that since film cameras are used so infrequently that from now on, they should be referred to with an accompanied adjective (film) and "digital" cameras should now be referred to as simply cameras. Look for more pics soon. I just couldn't continue camera-less...If you need us we'll be out happily snapping the wonderful, yet fleeting moments that children bring.

Chicago Style Gymnastics Meet

Salix's team is all signed up. She is anxious - almost as much as Michelle. Join us in Chicago for a great weekend at Navy Pier. Dates - February 9, 2007 - February 11, 2007. If you've seen Salix lately, you know she's full of flips, spins, and splits-sogymnastics is perfect for her. We'll post more meet schedules when we hear about them. Oh...if you ordered a wreath,they should be in around the 19th.

Back2School Cyclocross - Northfield CX

Whoa...how do you say, difficult? This course had great variety in terrain and skills required. This was only my second race, but definitely the toughest. My favorite part?I caled it the "Nautilus". Riders went into a spiral set up and then out in a spiral - without crossing paths. It was a great place for me to gain time on some very fast riders. My least favorite area was the massive run-up, er...walk-up. This hill was terriblly long and steep. 90% of those in my race walked up the hill. I managed to not kick my wheel in and not crash! Mission accomplished. I'm through racing for the year. Maybe I'll ride my bike a bit in the winter months. We'll see.Anyone thinking of an Xmas/birthday idea for me?

More money to educate urban kids.

I just came across a ridiculous blog post attacking the notion that Urban public schools should receive as many per pupil dollars as they currently receive. Here is the answer:

Student A comes to Kindergarten knowing their name, most of the alphabet, and can do basic addition with their fingers, knows 5 shapes, 10+ colors, and can even write their name.

Student B comes to Kindergatern not knowing their name, knowing none of the alphabet, numbers up to 3, 1 shape(star), and cannot even begin to write their name (which they've just learned on the first day of school). I kid you not that some students in Urban areas are referred to by nicknames up until school begins - I'm not judging this, just stating a fact.

Which student will take longer/more effort to educate to an acceptable Kindergarten standard? Time + Effort = Money. Do the math.

We're Back On?

I apologize to no one...just a few issues with blogger this week, but isn't everybody?
Hopefully, all is good.

Acer came home with a pillow case full of candy the other night- as he should have. He then proceeded to sketch each type of candy(twix, 3 muskateers, M &M's, etc.) and write how many of each type he accumulated. Priceless - it took him a good hour to complete.

Como Park CX / Nature Valley Cyclocross...whichever.

So yes,this was my first cycling race (Those short triathlons are much different). I had a great time! I'm hoping to do one more race this year and try more next year.

Let's go through my pre-race "goals":
1. Don't cause anyone else to crash their pretty bike.

Accomplished- I started off very slowly (and only went downhill from there). This allowed all of the fast guys get out ahead and out of harm's way.

2. Don't drive my shin directly into a barrier.
Accomplished- Unfortunately, I did manage to somehow lodge my left foot in between two back spokes and the back of my frame. I said "Ouch", my bike said "What the F*#@k, you moron!"(That's a direct quote.) From that point on there was a permanent rear brake. I didn't need any help going slow!

3. Finish
Accomplished- I now have to bring my bike into the shop to replace a spoke and true the wheel.

Oh, I think I placed second to last in my cat 1 group. I'm okay with that right now. Next year? I'd like to place a little higher. I suppose that means I'll have to actually ride more than 500 miles next year.