Wednesday: Omens in the wind, adding a slice of lemon

So in Los Angeles right now, we are being swept away by mighty winds that descended upon us with a vengeance just last night. That's exactly when I was trying to make my way to Bikerowave. I made it as far as Santa Monica Boulevard and Sepulveda. The plan was to take the bus to Santa Monica and Bundy, then drop three miles down to Venice, but some strange occurrences on board made me skip off a mile early, figuring I'd just ride the rest. Little did I know I had placed myself right in the maw of the storm, and after several failed attempts to ride in gusts of up to twenty miles per hour, I decided it was time to go home

Naturally, I was frustrated. It did not help that the bus home was late and the wind kept tugging at my little bike. Another girl sat with her bicycle, and I lamented the prospect of a full rack and another thirty minutes in the wind.

Fortunately, the next bus arrived free of bicycles, and as I went to haul my bike up onto the rack, the girl said to me, "I'm really glad there are no bikes on here. I would have hated for one of us to miss the bus."

It was not until we were both on board that we recognized each other! Admittedly, Veronica and I have met in person only once or twice before, but after speaking with her and listening to pieces of her own life adventure, the omen became clear to me, and she is someone I would like to see more of. An evening I first took for a disaster turned into destiny, and a reminder that it is important to remain positive in the face of adversity.

As you can imagine, however, my sinuses are dreadful! Maybe I should take some advice from The Jungle Book.



Itching for a ride, I braved the wind and allergens and rode ten miles to work this morning. It was ridiculously refreshing, especially after a decadent breakfast, and with a slice of lemon and a slice of cucumber added to my water bottle!





When life feels its most absurd, that's when I feel it's important to treat yourself well with simple small gifts. Wake up early enough to enjoy breakfast, ride ten miles (Or five or fifteen or even just one), make a glass of water an event, use some fragrant soap, read a book during lunch, or just sit and listen to the world for a moment. Eventually the little things add up, and before you know it, you're rich with pleasure.

And now it's time for a cup of tea and some dinner - I'm pretty excited about the heirloom tomatoes I bought last night.