RAFL week 10 - Prairie Roots

That's great news Linda!

Good luck at the bike store. I hope the owner treats you the
way you deserve to be treated and helps you.

Congratulation for aclimating to the lack of kitchen and
bathroom AND making good food/portion choices.

Julie "Prairie Roots" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

My current weight: 158 lbs Weight change since my
last recorded weight: 1.6 lbs Total weight change to
date: -74 lbs

Good to be a loser again. The complacence that was
interfering with my ability to stay OP seems to be behind
me. This week making good food and portion choices wasn't
a struggle. However, if I'm going to reach my RAFL goal of
154 in two weeks, I'm going to have to kick it up a notch.

I'm settling into the disruption of not having a kitchen
or a bathroom. Seeing the 100% improvement that comes with
having both rooms completely gutted to the studs and
subflooring is such a relief. Different routines are
starting to form around the chaos, and I even managed to
work in some exercise this week.

My new kitchen sink and bathroom accessories delivered
this week. I could start shopping for kitchen appliances,
but since we're still a few weeks away from installation,
I'm going to give my bank account a break this weekend.
Instead I'm going to declutter the back porch and clean up
some of the construction dust.

Today I'm off to the bike shop to see what answers I can
get there. Warmer weather is on the way and I want to be
ready to join the other bicyclists on the chain of lakes
circuit. I've found several maps of bike routes in and
around the Twin Cities. I think biking is going to be a
great way for me to see some new local sites.

It's the best day of my life!
--
Linda P week 55: 232/158/WW goal 145 RAFL week 10:
167/158/154 next mini-goals: 157 (75 lbs total loss); 155
(10 lbs to WW goal); 154 ( RAFL goal) started WW 22-Feb-
2003 | 10% target: 1-May-2003 5'4" | 50 | F

[email hidden]

Good job. Have fun at the bike shop.

"Prairie Roots" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

My current weight: 158 lbs Weight change since my
last recorded weight: 1.6 lbs Total weight change to
date: -74 lbs

Good to be a loser again. The complacence that was
interfering with my ability to stay OP seems to be behind
me. This week making good food and portion choices wasn't
a struggle. However, if I'm going to reach my RAFL goal of
154 in two weeks, I'm going to have to kick it up a notch.

I'm settling into the disruption of not having a kitchen
or a bathroom. Seeing the 100% improvement that comes with
having both rooms completely gutted to the studs and
subflooring is such a relief. Different routines are
starting to form around the chaos, and I even managed to
work in some exercise this week.

My new kitchen sink and bathroom accessories delivered
this week. I could start shopping for kitchen appliances,
but since we're still a few weeks away from installation,
I'm going to give my bank account a break this weekend.
Instead I'm going to declutter the back porch and clean up
some of the construction dust.

Today I'm off to the bike shop to see what answers I can
get there. Warmer weather is on the way and I want to be
ready to join the other bicyclists on the chain of lakes
circuit. I've found several maps of bike routes in and
around the Twin Cities. I think biking is going to be a
great way for me to see some new local sites.

It's the best day of my life!
--
Linda P week 55: 232/158/WW goal 145 RAFL week 10:
167/158/154 next mini-goals: 157 (75 lbs total loss); 155
(10 lbs to WW goal); 154 ( RAFL goal) started WW 22-Feb-
2003 | 10% target: 1-May-2003 5'4" | 50 | F

[email hidden]

wow good job. You are now officially Under me, this week
anyway, and probably from now on unless you quit 🙂🙂🙂🙂
Congrats. Hope the bike is all fixed !!

"Prairie Roots" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

My current weight: 158 lbs Weight change since my
last recorded weight: 1.6 lbs Total weight change to
date: -74 lbs

Good to be a loser again. The complacence that was
interfering with my ability to stay OP seems to be behind
me. This week making good food and portion choices wasn't
a struggle. However, if I'm going to reach my RAFL goal of
154 in two weeks, I'm going to have to kick it up a notch.

I'm settling into the disruption of not having a kitchen
or a bathroom. Seeing the 100% improvement that comes with
having both rooms completely gutted to the studs and
subflooring is such a relief. Different routines are
starting to form around the chaos, and I even managed to
work in some exercise this week.

My new kitchen sink and bathroom accessories delivered
this week. I could start shopping for kitchen appliances,
but since we're still a few weeks away from installation,
I'm going to give my bank account a break this weekend.
Instead I'm going to declutter the back porch and clean up
some of the construction dust.

Today I'm off to the bike shop to see what answers I can
get there. Warmer weather is on the way and I want to be
ready to join the other bicyclists on the chain of lakes
circuit. I've found several maps of bike routes in and
around the Twin Cities. I think biking is going to be a
great way for me to see some new local sites.

It's the best day of my life!
--
Linda P week 55: 232/158/WW goal 145 RAFL week 10:
167/158/154 next mini-goals: 157 (75 lbs total loss); 155
(10 lbs to WW goal); 154 ( RAFL goal) started WW 22-Feb-
2003 | 10% target: 1-May-2003 5'4" | 50 | F

[email hidden]

Woohoo you! Fantastic recovery dear, what good news. And the
home remodeling sounds like you now are into the fun stages
... watching it all be created (instead of demolished). Have
fun on the bike trip! I do hope the weather is going to be a
bit better, has been cold cold cold here again.

Joyce

Prairie Roots said:

My current weight: 158 lbs Weight change since my
last recorded weight: 1.6 lbs Total weight change to
date: -74 lbs

Good to be a loser again. The complacence that was
interfering with my ability to stay OP seems to be behind
me. This week making good food and portion choices wasn't a
struggle. However, if I'm going to reach my RAFL goal of
154 in two weeks, I'm going to have to kick it up a notch.

I'm settling into the disruption of not having a kitchen or
a bathroom. Seeing the 100% improvement that comes with
having both rooms completely gutted to the studs and
subflooring is such a relief. Different routines are
starting to form around the chaos, and I even managed to
work in some exercise this week.

My new kitchen sink and bathroom accessories delivered this
week. I could start shopping for kitchen appliances, but
since we're still a few weeks away from installation, I'm
going to give my bank account a break this weekend. Instead
I'm going to declutter the back porch and clean up some of
the construction dust.

Today I'm off to the bike shop to see what answers I can
get there. Warmer weather is on the way and I want to be
ready to join the other bicyclists on the chain of lakes
circuit. I've found several maps of bike routes in and
around the Twin Cities. I think biking is going to be a
great way for me to see some new local sites.

It's the best day of my life!

Congrats on the loss and working with/around/through the
clutter and the mess. You do get use to it and paper plates
and plastic cups and utensils (G)

Hope the bike session went well. Sounds like you are
psyched for it.

And best on getting to the goal over the next two weeks -
you are so close.

Prairie Roots said:

My current weight: 158 lbs Weight change since my
last recorded weight: 1.6 lbs Total weight change to
date: -74 lbs

Good to be a loser again. The complacence that was
interfering with my ability to stay OP seems to be behind
me. This week making good food and portion choices wasn't a
struggle. However, if I'm going to reach my RAFL goal of
154 in two weeks, I'm going to have to kick it up a notch.

I'm settling into the disruption of not having a kitchen or
a bathroom. Seeing the 100% improvement that comes with
having both rooms completely gutted to the studs and
subflooring is such a relief. Different routines are
starting to form around the chaos, and I even managed to
work in some exercise this week.

My new kitchen sink and bathroom accessories delivered this
week. I could start shopping for kitchen appliances, but
since we're still a few weeks away from installation, I'm
going to give my bank account a break this weekend. Instead
I'm going to declutter the back porch and clean up some of
the construction dust.

Today I'm off to the bike shop to see what answers I can
get there. Warmer weather is on the way and I want to be
ready to join the other bicyclists on the chain of lakes
circuit. I've found several maps of bike routes in and
around the Twin Cities. I think biking is going to be a
great way for me to see some new local sites.

It's the best day of my life!

Dan's the MAN! He's the owner of the bike shop where I
bought my bike and took it back today for a getting-
acquainted session. Dan and I had a lovely come-to-Jesus
conversation, and he's now my new best friend. He introduced
me to his staff, to some of his neighborhood customers, and
told me about two of the bike clubs in the area that would
be appropriate for me. When I asked if they were comprised
mostly of young people so I'd end up feeling silly and out
of place and older than Methusaleh, he said, "Are you
kidding? You'll be one of the younger ones." That's when I
fell in love!

He's had his bike shop on that corner for 20 years, and he
does not want to be thought of as exclusively for racers,
even though his shop is the sponsor of a local racing club.
He gave me a couple of bungi cords for the bike rack for my
trouble. He adjusted the seat for my height and also tilted
it forward so that certain body parts won't get numb from
the pressure of sitting. After I asked, he returned to me
the bike's original red seat with the built-in rear light so
that once my own rear end gets used to biking, I can switch
back from the extra-cushy gel seat to the very cool red
Bianchi seat. I left the shop an expert on getting my front
tire on and off, and also on the quick release mechanism for
the front brake. Turns out the black accordion boot does NOT
go into the mechanism as I'd thought. I was doing it
correctly all along.

Needless to say, I was very satisfied with the service and
attention I received today from Dan. Don't know that I'll
bother with talking to any of the under-20 somethings, but
Dan can take my money anytime. Before I left the shop, I
bought a helmet cover and a Timbut2 backpack so Dan got
something out of today's deal too.

After the bike shop, I went to REI (for the 1st time ever!)
to buy some cool weather biking gear so I could ride today
in 41F and rain. What a store! I can see myself spending WAY
too much time and money there. <G> They have winter items on
clearance now so I ended up with padded below-the-knee
pants, leg warmers, and rain pants.

I managed to ride around Lake Nokomis one time today. It's
a small lake, about 4 miles on the bike path. First time on
a bike since high school, I didn't want to overdo it. It
felt SO GOOD. I'll be back there again tomorrow. I figure
once I can get around the lake three times without feeling
like I'm going to die, I'll be in good enough shape to
start commuting and maybe then I can check out one of the
bike clubs.

What a feeling! I'm actually biking! What I did today was no
mini-goal; it's no less than the realization of a dream.

Prairie Roots said:

Today I'm off to the bike shop to see what answers I can
get there. Warmer weather is on the way and I want to be
ready to join the other bicyclists on the chain of lakes
circuit. I've found several maps of bike routes in and
around the Twin Cities. I think biking is going to be a
great way for me to see some new local sites.

Linda P
232/158/WW goal 145 joined WW Online 22-Feb-2003

And I am so glad things are going better, I was in wal-mart early this
morning. I was in the appliance/kitchenware and DH told me they have
electric burners that might be a help in your current situation, one brand
was a single burner for around nine dollars and a two burner was twenty-four
dollars. I thought about you when he mentioned these, Lee
Prairie Roots <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

My current weight: 158 lbs Weight change since my
last recorded weight: 1.6 lbs Total weight change to
date: -74 lbs

Good to be a loser again. The complacence that was
interfering with my ability to stay OP seems to be behind
me. This week making good food and portion choices wasn't
a struggle. However, if I'm going to reach my RAFL goal of
154 in two weeks, I'm going to have to kick it up a notch.

I'm settling into the disruption of not having a kitchen
or a bathroom. Seeing the 100% improvement that comes with
having both rooms completely gutted to the studs and
subflooring is such a relief. Different routines are
starting to form around the chaos, and I even managed to
work in some exercise this week.

My new kitchen sink and bathroom accessories delivered
this week. I could start shopping for kitchen appliances,
but since we're still a few weeks away from installation,
I'm going to give my bank account a break this weekend.
Instead I'm going to declutter the back porch and clean up
some of the construction dust.

Today I'm off to the bike shop to see what answers I can
get there. Warmer weather is on the way and I want to be
ready to join the other bicyclists on the chain of lakes
circuit. I've found several maps of bike routes in and
around the Twin Cities. I think biking is going to be a
great way for me to see some new local sites.

It's the best day of my life!
--
Linda P week 55: 232/158/WW goal 145 RAFL week 10:
167/158/154 next mini-goals: 157 (75 lbs total loss); 155
(10 lbs to WW goal); 154 ( RAFL goal) started WW 22-Feb-
2003 | 10% target: 1-May-2003 5'4" | 50 | F

[email hidden]

Congrats on the loss, Linda!! Your house seems to be on it's
way!! I'm glad you haven't had any surprises!! Biking is
going to be great I hope you get all the answers you need
about your bike!!

--

Cheers,

Connie Walsh

241.5/197/155 RAFL 210.5/197/198.5 50 lbs off
241.5/197/191.5

Prairie Roots said:

My current weight: 158 lbs Weight change since my
last recorded weight: 1.6 lbs Total weight change to
date: -74 lbs

Good to be a loser again. The complacence that was
interfering with my ability to stay OP seems to be behind
me. This week making good food and portion choices wasn't
a struggle. However, if I'm going to reach my RAFL goal of
154 in two weeks, I'm going to have to kick it up a notch.

I'm settling into the disruption of not having a kitchen
or a bathroom. Seeing the 100% improvement that comes with
having both rooms completely gutted to the studs and
subflooring is such a relief. Different routines are
starting to form around the chaos, and I even managed to
work in some exercise this week.

My new kitchen sink and bathroom accessories delivered
this week. I could start shopping for kitchen appliances,
but since we're still a few weeks away from installation,
I'm going to give my bank account a break this weekend.
Instead I'm going to declutter the back porch and clean up
some of the construction dust.

Today I'm off to the bike shop to see what answers I can
get there. Warmer weather is on the way and I want to be
ready to join the other bicyclists on the chain of lakes
circuit. I've found several maps of bike routes in and
around the Twin Cities. I think biking is going to be a
great way for me to see some new local sites.

It's the best day of my life!
--
Linda P week 55: 232/158/WW goal 145 RAFL week 10:
167/158/154 next mini-goals: 157 (75 lbs total loss); 155
(10 lbs to WW goal); 154 ( RAFL goal) started WW 22-Feb-
2003 | 10% target: 1-May-2003 5'4" | 50 | F

[email hidden]

Yay, nice loss Linda! 🙂

--

~Kristin O~
272/235.2/172

"Prairie Roots" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

My current weight: 158 lbs Weight change since my
last recorded weight: 1.6 lbs Total weight change to
date: -74 lbs

Good to be a loser again. The complacence that was
interfering with my ability to stay OP seems to be behind
me. This week making good food and portion choices wasn't
a struggle. However, if I'm going to reach my RAFL goal of
154 in two weeks, I'm going to have to kick it up a notch.

I'm settling into the disruption of not having a kitchen
or a bathroom. Seeing the 100% improvement that comes with
having both rooms completely gutted to the studs and
subflooring is such a relief. Different routines are
starting to form around the chaos, and I even managed to
work in some exercise this week.

My new kitchen sink and bathroom accessories delivered
this week. I could start shopping for kitchen appliances,
but since we're still a few weeks away from installation,
I'm going to give my bank account a break this weekend.
Instead I'm going to declutter the back porch and clean up
some of the construction dust.

Today I'm off to the bike shop to see what answers I can
get there. Warmer weather is on the way and I want to be
ready to join the other bicyclists on the chain of lakes
circuit. I've found several maps of bike routes in and
around the Twin Cities. I think biking is going to be a
great way for me to see some new local sites.

It's the best day of my life!
--
Linda P week 55: 232/158/WW goal 145 RAFL week 10:
167/158/154 next mini-goals: 157 (75 lbs total loss); 155
(10 lbs to WW goal); 154 ( RAFL goal) started WW 22-Feb-
2003 | 10% target: 1-May-2003 5'4" | 50 | F

[email hidden]

Thanks. I think I'm also Under Fred, although with his
whoosh this week I can't be sure.

I want to be Under you because I'm Under you. Not because
you're Over
me. Get Down.

Linda P

Lesanne said:

wow good job. You are now officially Under me, this week
anyway, and probably from now on unless you quit 🙂🙂🙂🙂
Congrats. Hope the bike is all fixed !!

"Prairie Roots" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

My current weight: 158 lbs Weight change since my last
recorded weight: 1.6 lbs Total weight change to date:
-74 lbs

Good to be a loser again. The complacence that was
interfering with my ability to stay OP seems to be
behind me. This week making good food and portion
choices wasn't a struggle. However, if I'm going to
reach my RAFL goal of 154 in two weeks, I'm going to
have to kick it up a notch.

I'm settling into the disruption of not having a kitchen
or a bathroom. Seeing the 100% improvement that comes
with having both rooms completely gutted to the studs and
subflooring is such a relief. Different routines are
starting to form around the chaos, and I even managed to
work in some exercise this week.

My new kitchen sink and bathroom accessories delivered
this week. I could start shopping for kitchen appliances,
but since we're still a few weeks away from installation,
I'm going to give my bank account a break this weekend.
Instead I'm going to declutter the back porch and clean
up some of the construction dust.

Today I'm off to the bike shop to see what answers I can
get there. Warmer weather is on the way and I want to be
ready to join the other bicyclists on the chain of lakes
circuit. I've found several maps of bike routes in and
around the Twin Cities. I think biking is going to be a
great way for me to see some new local sites.

It's the best day of my life!
--
Linda P week 55: 232/158/WW goal 145 RAFL week 10:
167/158/154 next mini-goals: 157 (75 lbs total loss); 155
(10 lbs to WW goal); 154 ( RAFL goal) started WW 22-Feb-
2003 | 10% target: 1-May-2003 5'4" | 50 | F

[email hidden]

Linda that's awesome!!! I'm glad that the return trip to the
store was such a better experience for you. REI is
dangerous, but have a good time in there anyway.

Julie

"Prairie Roots" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Dan's the MAN! He's the owner of the bike shop where I
bought my bike and took it back today for a getting-
acquainted session. Dan and I had a lovely come-to-Jesus
conversation, and he's now my new best friend. He
introduced me to his staff, to some of his neighborhood
customers, and told me about two of the bike clubs in the
area that would be appropriate for me. When I asked if
they were comprised mostly of young people so I'd end up
feeling silly and out of place and older than Methusaleh,
he said, "Are you kidding? You'll be one of the younger
ones." That's when I fell in love!

He's had his bike shop on that corner for 20 years, and he
does not want to be thought of as exclusively for racers,
even though his shop is the sponsor of a local racing
club. He gave me a couple of bungi cords for the bike rack
for my trouble. He adjusted the seat for my height and
also tilted it forward so that certain body parts won't
get numb from the pressure of sitting. After I asked, he
returned to me the bike's original red seat with the built-
in rear light so that once my own rear end gets used to
biking, I can switch back from the extra-cushy gel seat to
the very cool red Bianchi seat. I left the shop an expert
on getting my front tire on and off, and also on the quick
release mechanism for the front brake. Turns out the black
accordion boot does NOT go into the mechanism as I'd
thought. I was doing it correctly all along.

Needless to say, I was very satisfied with the service and
attention I received today from Dan. Don't know that I'll
bother with talking to any of the under-20 somethings, but
Dan can take my money anytime. Before I left the shop, I
bought a helmet cover and a Timbut2 backpack so Dan got
something out of today's deal too.

After the bike shop, I went to REI (for the 1st time
ever!) to buy some cool weather biking gear so I could
ride today in 41F and rain. What a store! I can see myself
spending WAY too much time and money there. <G> They have
winter items on clearance now so I ended up with padded
below-the-knee pants, leg warmers, and rain pants.

I managed to ride around Lake Nokomis one time today. It's
a small lake, about 4 miles on the bike path. First time
on a bike since high school, I didn't want to overdo it.
It felt SO GOOD. I'll be back there again tomorrow. I
figure once I can get around the lake three times without
feeling like I'm going to die, I'll be in good enough
shape to start commuting and maybe then I can check out
one of the bike clubs.

What a feeling! I'm actually biking! What I did today
was no mini-goal; it's no less than the realization of
a dream.

Prairie Roots said:

Today I'm off to the bike shop to see what answers I can
get there. Warmer weather is on the way and I want to be
ready to join the other bicyclists on the chain of lakes
circuit. I've found several maps of bike routes in and
around the Twin Cities. I think biking is going to be a
great way for me to see some new local sites.

Linda P
232/158/WW goal 145 joined WW Online 22-Feb-2003

Halleluya (altho, you may have to explain for this person
"come-to-Jesus conversation (not a misspelled conversion???)

Altho, I would like to ask, how come you did not get decent
service the other day? No saddle tilt, not explanation? He
needs to train his staff a bit more.

And miracle-of-miracles, she actually rode 4 miles - IN DA
RAIN??? You are NUTS, Lady! (G) Oh, and I guess they are
right, once you learn to ride a bike, you never do forget.

I don't know what your commute route is like, but please,
please be careful. Unless it is a bike path like this
lake path, traffic needs lots of caution. Don't hug the
shoulder/curb/parked-cars too much since you need wiggle
room for broken glass, doors opening, pedestrians leaping
off the sidewalk and potholes. Get comfortable looking
over your shoulder while steering straight. And grow eyes
in back of your head, anyway.

Riding with a group can be lots of fun.

Ah, yes, REI. We have an appointment to go there tomorrow
and spend our dividends from last year - I have an REI visa
card and it earns additional dividends (it is a co-op and
pays on each purchase) and I bought house windows last year
along with lots of sushi and Trade Joe
(G). Annually, in March, if you use your dividend, you can
make one purchase and get 20% off. I always try
finding something big that I already don't have!!! (G)

Seattle is the HOME of REI.

So now I can say:

__o -\<, ( )( ) Keep on pedaling.

and mean it!

You are on your way to your first century (that's a 100 mile
bike ride!!!!!)

Prairie Roots said:

Dan's the MAN! He's the owner of the bike shop where I
bought my bike and took it back today for a getting-
acquainted session. Dan and I had a lovely come-to-Jesus
conversation, and he's now my new best friend. He
introduced me to his staff, to some of his neighborhood
customers, and told me about two of the bike clubs in the
area that would be appropriate for me. When I asked if they
were comprised mostly of young people so I'd end up feeling
silly and out of place and older than Methusaleh, he said,
"Are you kidding? You'll be one of the younger ones."
That's when I fell in love!

He's had his bike shop on that corner for 20 years, and he
does not want to be thought of as exclusively for racers,
even though his shop is the sponsor of a local racing club.
He gave me a couple of bungi cords for the bike rack for my
trouble. He adjusted the seat for my height and also tilted
it forward so that certain body parts won't get numb from
the pressure of sitting. After I asked, he returned to me
the bike's original red seat with the built-in rear light
so that once my own rear end gets used to biking, I can
switch back from the extra-cushy gel seat to the very cool
red Bianchi seat. I left the shop an expert on getting my
front tire on and off, and also on the quick release
mechanism for the front brake. Turns out the black
accordion boot does NOT go into the mechanism as I'd
thought. I was doing it correctly all along.

Needless to say, I was very satisfied with the service and
attention I received today from Dan. Don't know that I'll
bother with talking to any of the under-20 somethings, but
Dan can take my money anytime. Before I left the shop, I
bought a helmet cover and a Timbut2 backpack so Dan got
something out of today's deal too.

After the bike shop, I went to REI (for the 1st time ever!)
to buy some cool weather biking gear so I could ride today
in 41F and rain. What a store! I can see myself spending
WAY too much time and money there. <G> They have winter
items on clearance now so I ended up with padded below-the-
knee pants, leg warmers, and rain pants.

I managed to ride around Lake Nokomis one time today. It's
a small lake, about 4 miles on the bike path. First time on
a bike since high school, I didn't want to overdo it. It
felt SO GOOD. I'll be back there again tomorrow. I figure
once I can get around the lake three times without feeling
like I'm going to die, I'll be in good enough shape to
start commuting and maybe then I can check out one of the
bike clubs.

What a feeling! I'm actually biking! What I did today was
no mini-goal; it's no less than the realization of a dream.

Prairie Roots said:

Today I'm off to the bike shop to see what answers I can
get there. Warmer weather is on the way and I want to be
ready to join the other bicyclists on the chain of lakes
circuit. I've found several maps of bike routes in and
around the Twin Cities. I think biking is going to be a
great way for me to see some new local sites.

Linda P
232/158/WW goal 145 joined WW Online 22-Feb-2003

Wonderful PR, glad you finally did get some satistaction and
are once again a happy customer. It also is good for the
owner to know that some of his employees are much less than
helpful - definitely not good for his business. If you had
problems, I'd be willing to bet that others have also and
possibly not made the effort to give him the chance to make
ammends. I am so thrilled that this all worked out well.

Glad you enjoyed your very first bike ride, and I see many
many more in your future. It sure makes looking ahead to
springtime a lot more enjoyable. <G>

I have never been into REI, just noticed the other day that
we do have one store across the street from Costco. I tend
to go to Galyans, which is huge. It's a fun place to browse
around, tons of neat stuff there (as well as a rock climbing
wall). I figured if they don't have an item, I really must
not need it. <G> Of course, what do I really need to walk in
my basement. LOL

Joyce

Prairie Roots said:

Dan's the MAN! He's the owner of the bike shop where I
bought my bike and took it back today for a getting-
acquainted session. Dan and I had a lovely come-to-Jesus
conversation, and he's now my new best friend. He
introduced me to his staff, to some of his neighborhood
customers, and told me about two of the bike clubs in the
area that would be appropriate for me. When I asked if they
were comprised mostly of young people so I'd end up feeling
silly and out of place and older than Methusaleh, he said,
"Are you kidding? You'll be one of the younger ones."
That's when I fell in love!

He's had his bike shop on that corner for 20 years, and he
does not want to be thought of as exclusively for racers,
even though his shop is the sponsor of a local racing club.
He gave me a couple of bungi cords for the bike rack for my
trouble. He adjusted the seat for my height and also tilted
it forward so that certain body parts won't get numb from
the pressure of sitting. After I asked, he returned to me
the bike's original red seat with the built-in rear light
so that once my own rear end gets used to biking, I can
switch back from the extra-cushy gel seat to the very cool
red Bianchi seat. I left the shop an expert on getting my
front tire on and off, and also on the quick release
mechanism for the front brake. Turns out the black
accordion boot does NOT go into the mechanism as I'd
thought. I was doing it correctly all along.

Needless to say, I was very satisfied with the service and
attention I received today from Dan. Don't know that I'll
bother with talking to any of the under-20 somethings, but
Dan can take my money anytime. Before I left the shop, I
bought a helmet cover and a Timbut2 backpack so Dan got
something out of today's deal too.

After the bike shop, I went to REI (for the 1st time ever!)
to buy some cool weather biking gear so I could ride today
in 41F and rain. What a store! I can see myself spending
WAY too much time and money there. <G> They have winter
items on clearance now so I ended up with padded below-the-
knee pants, leg warmers, and rain pants.

I managed to ride around Lake Nokomis one time today. It's
a small lake, about 4 miles on the bike path. First time on
a bike since high school, I didn't want to overdo it. It
felt SO GOOD. I'll be back there again tomorrow. I figure
once I can get around the lake three times without feeling
like I'm going to die, I'll be in good enough shape to
start commuting and maybe then I can check out one of the
bike clubs.

What a feeling! I'm actually biking! What I did today was
no mini-goal; it's no less than the realization of a dream.

Prairie Roots said:

Today I'm off to the bike shop to see what answers I can
get there. Warmer weather is on the way and I want to be
ready to join the other bicyclists on the chain of lakes
circuit. I've found several maps of bike routes in and
around the Twin Cities. I think biking is going to be a
great way for me to see some new local sites.

Linda P
232/158/WW goal 145 joined WW Online 22-Feb-2003

This is just wonderful, I am proud of you and extremely pleased for you, Lee
Prairie Roots <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Dan's the MAN! He's the owner of the bike shop where I
bought my bike and took it back today for a getting-
acquainted session. Dan and I had a lovely come-to-Jesus
conversation, and he's now my new best friend. He
introduced me to his staff, to some of his neighborhood
customers, and told me about two of the bike clubs in the
area that would be appropriate for me. When I asked if
they were comprised mostly of young people so I'd end up
feeling silly and out of place and older than Methusaleh,
he said, "Are you kidding? You'll be one of the younger
ones." That's when I fell in love!

He's had his bike shop on that corner for 20 years, and he
does not want to be thought of as exclusively for racers,
even though his shop is the sponsor of a local racing
club. He gave me a couple of bungi cords for the bike rack
for my trouble. He adjusted the seat for my height and
also tilted it forward so that certain body parts won't
get numb from the pressure of sitting. After I asked, he
returned to me the bike's original red seat with the built-
in rear light so that once my own rear end gets used to
biking, I can switch back from the extra-cushy gel seat to
the very cool red Bianchi seat. I left the shop an expert
on getting my front tire on and off, and also on the quick
release mechanism for the front brake. Turns out the black
accordion boot does NOT go into the mechanism as I'd
thought. I was doing it correctly all along.

Needless to say, I was very satisfied with the service and
attention I received today from Dan. Don't know that I'll
bother with talking to any of the under-20 somethings, but
Dan can take my money anytime. Before I left the shop, I
bought a helmet cover and a Timbut2 backpack so Dan got
something out of today's deal too.

After the bike shop, I went to REI (for the 1st time
ever!) to buy some cool weather biking gear so I could
ride today in 41F and rain. What a store! I can see myself
spending WAY too much time and money there. <G> They have
winter items on clearance now so I ended up with padded
below-the-knee pants, leg warmers, and rain pants.

I managed to ride around Lake Nokomis one time today. It's
a small lake, about 4 miles on the bike path. First time
on a bike since high school, I didn't want to overdo it.
It felt SO GOOD. I'll be back there again tomorrow. I
figure once I can get around the lake three times without
feeling like I'm going to die, I'll be in good enough
shape to start commuting and maybe then I can check out
one of the bike clubs.

What a feeling! I'm actually biking! What I did today
was no mini-goal; it's no less than the realization of
a dream.

Prairie Roots said:

Today I'm off to the bike shop to see what answers I can
get there. Warmer weather is on the way and I want to be
ready to join the other bicyclists on the chain of lakes
circuit. I've found several maps of bike routes in and
around the Twin Cities. I think biking is going to be a
great way for me to see some new local sites.

Linda P
232/158/WW goal 145 joined WW Online 22-Feb-2003

Ooh, thanks for the idea. I'll keep it in mind if the
assortment of electric kitchen helpers I've assembled in the
basement turns out to be inadequate. I've got a coffee
maker, a Foreman grill, an electric skillet (purchased on
your suggestion!), microwave oven, a crockpot, and a
convection/toaster oven.

For once, my tendency to eat the same foods prepared in
similar ways comes in handy. Breakfast: cereal and fruit.
Lunch: soup made over the weekend in my crockpot, pretzels,
salad, and fruit. Dinner: grilled meat or seafood, microwave
or convection ovened baked potato (sweet or white), electric
skillet steamed vegetable.

My collection of appliances sits near one double electric
outlet, most of the appliances have short cords so I've
got an extension cord. All in all, not a setup that would
pass a safety inspection. But I'm only down there long
enough to prepare my meals and no one else goes down there
at all. Upstairs I keep an electric hot pot for boiling
water for tea.

Thanks for thinking of me. Linda P On Sun, 14 Mar 2004
08:14:12 -0600, "Miss Violette"

Quoted message said:

And I am so glad things are going better, I was in wal-mart
early this morning. I was in the appliance/kitchenware and
DH told me they have electric burners that might be a help
in your current situation, one brand was a single burner
for around nine dollars and a two burner was twenty-four
dollars. I thought about you when he mentioned these, Lee
Prairie Roots <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

My current weight: 158 lbs Weight change since my last
recorded weight: 1.6 lbs Total weight change to date:
-74 lbs

Good to be a loser again. The complacence that was
interfering with my ability to stay OP seems to be
behind me. This week making good food and portion
choices wasn't a struggle. However, if I'm going to
reach my RAFL goal of 154 in two weeks, I'm going to
have to kick it up a notch.

I'm settling into the disruption of not having a kitchen
or a bathroom. Seeing the 100% improvement that comes
with having both rooms completely gutted to the studs and
subflooring is such a relief. Different routines are
starting to form around the chaos, and I even managed to
work in some exercise this week.

My new kitchen sink and bathroom accessories delivered
this week. I could start shopping for kitchen appliances,
but since we're still a few weeks away from installation,
I'm going to give my bank account a break this weekend.
Instead I'm going to declutter the back porch and clean
up some of the construction dust.

Today I'm off to the bike shop to see what answers I can
get there. Warmer weather is on the way and I want to be
ready to join the other bicyclists on the chain of lakes
circuit. I've found several maps of bike routes in and
around the Twin Cities. I think biking is going to be a
great way for me to see some new local sites.

It's the best day of my life!
--
Linda P week 55: 232/158/WW goal 145 RAFL week 10:
167/158/154 next mini-goals: 157 (75 lbs total loss); 155
(10 lbs to WW goal); 154 ( RAFL goal) started WW 22-Feb-
2003 | 10% target: 1-May-2003 5'4" | 50 | F

[email hidden]

LOL and Really. I know. I don't know what got into me (liar
liar pants on fire, a whole box of Charleston Chews AND some
juicy beef stew the day before weigh in)

"Prairie Roots" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Thanks. I think I'm also Under Fred, although with his
whoosh this week I can't be sure.

I want to be Under you because I'm Under you. Not because
you're Over
me. Get Down.

Linda P

Lesanne said:

wow good job. You are now officially Under me, this week
anyway, and probably from now on unless you quit 🙂🙂🙂🙂
Congrats. Hope the bike

is

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

all fixed !!

"Prairie Roots" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

My current weight: 158 lbs Weight change since my last
recorded weight: 1.6 lbs Total weight change to date:
-74 lbs

Good to be a loser again. The complacence that was
interfering with my ability to stay OP seems to be
behind me. This week making good food and portion
choices wasn't a struggle. However, if I'm going to
reach my RAFL goal of 154 in two weeks, I'm going to
have to kick it up a notch.

I'm settling into the disruption of not having a
kitchen or a bathroom. Seeing the 100% improvement that
comes with having both rooms completely gutted to the
studs and subflooring is such a relief. Different
routines are starting to form around the chaos, and I
even managed to work in some exercise this week.

My new kitchen sink and bathroom accessories delivered
this week. I could start shopping for kitchen
appliances, but since we're still a few weeks away from
installation, I'm going to give my bank account a break
this weekend. Instead I'm going to declutter the back
porch and clean up some of the construction dust.

Today I'm off to the bike shop to see what answers I
can get there. Warmer weather is on the way and I want
to be ready to join the other bicyclists on the chain
of lakes circuit. I've found several maps of bike
routes in and around the Twin Cities. I think biking is
going to be a great way for me to see some new local
sites.

It's the best day of my life!
--
Linda P week 55: 232/158/WW goal 145 RAFL week 10:
167/158/154 next mini-goals: 157 (75 lbs total loss);
155 (10 lbs to WW goal); 154 ( RAFL goal) started WW
22-Feb-2003 | 10% target: 1-May-2003 5'4" | 50 | F

[email hidden]

Hot damn, I did not notice that little detail!!!!! You are
now officially UNDER me! (G)

I shall work to over, I mean undercome that! (g)

Have a great week in COMPETITION!

Prairie Roots said:

Thanks. I think I'm also Under Fred, although with his
whoosh this week I can't be sure.

I want to be Under you because I'm Under you. Not because
you're Over
me. Get Down.

Linda P

Lesanne said:

wow good job. You are now officially Under me, this week
anyway, and probably from now on unless you quit 🙂🙂🙂🙂
Congrats. Hope the bike is all fixed !!

"Prairie Roots" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

My current weight: 158 lbs Weight change since my last
recorded weight: 1.6 lbs Total weight change to date:
-74 lbs

Good to be a loser again. The complacence that was
interfering with my ability to stay OP seems to be
behind me. This week making good food and portion
choices wasn't a struggle. However, if I'm going to
reach my RAFL goal of 154 in two weeks, I'm going to
have to kick it up a notch.

I'm settling into the disruption of not having a kitchen
or a bathroom. Seeing the 100% improvement that comes
with having both rooms completely gutted to the studs
and subflooring is such a relief. Different routines are
starting to form around the chaos, and I even managed to
work in some exercise this week.

My new kitchen sink and bathroom accessories delivered
this week. I could start shopping for kitchen
appliances, but since we're still a few weeks away from
installation, I'm going to give my bank account a break
this weekend. Instead I'm going to declutter the back
porch and clean up some of the construction dust.

Today I'm off to the bike shop to see what answers I can
get there. Warmer weather is on the way and I want to be
ready to join the other bicyclists on the chain of lakes
circuit. I've found several maps of bike routes in and
around the Twin Cities. I think biking is going to be a
great way for me to see some new local sites.

It's the best day of my life!
--
Linda P week 55: 232/158/WW goal 145 RAFL week 10:
167/158/154 next mini-goals: 157 (75 lbs total loss);
155 (10 lbs to WW goal); 154 ( RAFL goal) started WW 22-Feb-
2003 | 10% target: 1-May-2003 5'4" | 50 | F

[email hidden]

On Sat, 13 Mar 2004 22:46:43 -0800, Fred <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

Halleluya (altho, you may have to explain for this person
"come-to-Jesus conversation (not a misspelled
conversion???)

Maybe this is just an expression limited in use to my
workplace (a Christian publisher). When someone who needs to
be set straight or their arrogance has gotten out of
control, and then has an eye-opening or humbling or "falling
from grace" experience, we call it a "come to Jesus" moment.

Quoted message said:

Altho, I would like to ask, how come you did not get decent
service the other day? No saddle tilt, not explanation? He
needs to train his staff a bit more.

Yes, I think he is now aware of just how little service I
received on my two previous visits to his fine
establishment. Both times, I was "helped" by 16-year olds,
who know lots about servicing bikes but nothing about
servicing customers. I hope Dan realizes he needs to spend
some quality time with his staff. As for me, I know that in
the future, I'll be calling ahead when I have a bike
question to find out who's working. If Dan or Jeff aren't
there, I'll not waste my time.

Quoted message said:

And miracle-of-miracles, she actually rode 4 miles - IN DA
RAIN??? You are NUTS, Lady! (G) Oh, and I guess they are
right, once you learn to ride a bike, you never do forget.

Well, before the rain, we had a snow pellet squall. Like
tiny hail that came down like a torrential rain. Turned to
rain eventually. By the time I went riding, the rain was
done. Lots of puddles though. And once, I tried to negotiate
my way through a patch of snow. Not successfully, though. I
had to get off and walk.

Quoted message said:

I don't know what your commute route is like, but please,
please be careful. Unless it is a bike path like this
lake path, traffic needs lots of caution. Don't hug the
shoulder/curb/parked-cars too much since you need wiggle
room for broken glass, doors opening, pedestrians leaping
off the sidewalk and potholes. Get comfortable looking
over your shoulder while steering straight. And grow eyes
in back of your head, anyway.

The route I'm planning to take is on surface roads, not a
bike trail. However, the main road I plan to use have bike
lanes where cars are prohibited from entering unless they're
turning. Yes, I hope to have more experience under my belt
before I start commuting. Let me tell you, not having to
shift will be very nice in that situation.

Quoted message said:

Riding with a group can be lots of fun.

I figure it'll be a great way to meet like-minded folks.

Quoted message said:

Ah, yes, REI. We have an appointment to go there tomorrow
and spend our dividends from last year - I have an REI visa
card and it earns additional dividends (it is a co-op and
pays on each purchase) and I bought house windows last year
along with lots of sushi and Trade Joe
(G). Annually, in March, if you use your dividend, you can
make one purchase and get 20% off. I always try
finding something big that I already don't have!!!
(G)

I joined REI yesterday while I was there and received the
20% off my most expensive regular-priced item. No credit
card, though. If I don't have the money in the bank, I
don't buy it. Been down that slippery slope more times than
I care to admit.

Quoted message said:

Seattle is the HOME of REI.

So now I can say:

__o -\<, ( )( ) Keep on pedaling.

and mean it!

You are on your way to your first century (that's a 100
mile bike ride!!!!!)

Prairie Roots said:

Dan's the MAN! He's the owner of the bike shop where I
bought my bike and took it back today for a getting-
acquainted session. Dan and I had a lovely come-to-Jesus
conversation, and he's now my new best friend. He
introduced me to his staff, to some of his neighborhood
customers, and told me about two of the bike clubs in the
area that would be appropriate for me. When I asked if
they were comprised mostly of young people so I'd end up
feeling silly and out of place and older than Methusaleh,
he said, "Are you kidding? You'll be one of the younger
ones." That's when I fell in love!

He's had his bike shop on that corner for 20 years, and he
does not want to be thought of as exclusively for racers,
even though his shop is the sponsor of a local racing
club. He gave me a couple of bungi cords for the bike rack
for my trouble. He adjusted the seat for my height and
also tilted it forward so that certain body parts won't
get numb from the pressure of sitting. After I asked, he
returned to me the bike's original red seat with the built-
in rear light so that once my own rear end gets used to
biking, I can switch back from the extra-cushy gel seat to
the very cool red Bianchi seat. I left the shop an expert
on getting my front tire on and off, and also on the quick
release mechanism for the front brake. Turns out the black
accordion boot does NOT go into the mechanism as I'd
thought. I was doing it correctly all along.

Needless to say, I was very satisfied with the service and
attention I received today from Dan. Don't know that I'll
bother with talking to any of the under-20 somethings, but
Dan can take my money anytime. Before I left the shop, I
bought a helmet cover and a Timbut2 backpack so Dan got
something out of today's deal too.

After the bike shop, I went to REI (for the 1st time
ever!) to buy some cool weather biking gear so I could
ride today in 41F and rain. What a store! I can see myself
spending WAY too much time and money there. <G> They have
winter items on clearance now so I ended up with padded
below-the-knee pants, leg warmers, and rain pants.

I managed to ride around Lake Nokomis one time today. It's
a small lake, about 4 miles on the bike path. First time
on a bike since high school, I didn't want to overdo it.
It felt SO GOOD. I'll be back there again tomorrow. I
figure once I can get around the lake three times without
feeling like I'm going to die, I'll be in good enough
shape to start commuting and maybe then I can check out
one of the bike clubs.

What a feeling! I'm actually biking! What I did today
was no mini-goal; it's no less than the realization of
a dream.

Prairie Roots said:

Today I'm off to the bike shop to see what answers I can
get there. Warmer weather is on the way and I want to be
ready to join the other bicyclists on the chain of lakes
circuit. I've found several maps of bike routes in and
around the Twin Cities. I think biking is going to be a
great way for me to see some new local sites.

Linda P
232/158/WW goal 145 joined WW Online 22-Feb-2003

Linda P
232/158/WW goal 145 joined WW Online 22-Feb-2003

Thanks Joyce. I've been wanting to bike for just years and
years and years. When my kids were little, I bought a bike
and commuted to work for about a week. Loved it. But I had
an accident (my bag got caught in my back tire and over I
went!) that resulted in a concussion and a totalled bike. My
next bike was a cheapie from Target that I rode maybe once
when I weighed 230+ lbs before storing it in the garage
until I gave it away last year to my nextdoor neighbor for
his elementary-age daughter. Reading last year about Kelly
J's adventures with bike riding got me started thinking that
maybe I could still do it too.

Galyan's is just across the street (OK, across an 8-lane
freeway!) from REI. I've been there before, but haven't
really explored what they have beyond winter clothing--
boots, socks, etc. They were next on my list if REI didn't
have what I needed. If they have as much stuff as you say, I
need to stay away!

Joyce said:

Wonderful PR, glad you finally did get some satistaction
and are once again a happy customer. It also is good for
the owner to know that some of his employees are much less
than helpful - definitely not good for his business. If
you had problems, I'd be willing to bet that others have
also and possibly not made the effort to give him the
chance to make ammends. I am so thrilled that this all
worked out well.

Glad you enjoyed your very first bike ride, and I see many
many more in your future. It sure makes looking ahead to
springtime a lot more enjoyable. <G>

I have never been into REI, just noticed the other day that
we do have one store across the street from Costco. I tend
to go to Galyans, which is huge. It's a fun place to browse
around, tons of neat stuff there (as well as a rock
climbing wall). I figured if they don't have an item, I
really must not need it. <G> Of course, what do I really
need to walk in my basement. LOL

Joyce

Prairie Roots said:

Dan's the MAN! He's the owner of the bike shop where I
bought my bike and took it back today for a getting-
acquainted session. Dan and I had a lovely come-to-Jesus
conversation, and he's now my new best friend. He
introduced me to his staff, to some of his neighborhood
customers, and told me about two of the bike clubs in the
area that would be appropriate for me. When I asked if
they were comprised mostly of young people so I'd end up
feeling silly and out of place and older than Methusaleh,
he said, "Are you kidding? You'll be one of the younger
ones." That's when I fell in love!

He's had his bike shop on that corner for 20 years, and he
does not want to be thought of as exclusively for racers,
even though his shop is the sponsor of a local racing
club. He gave me a couple of bungi cords for the bike rack
for my trouble. He adjusted the seat for my height and
also tilted it forward so that certain body parts won't
get numb from the pressure of sitting. After I asked, he
returned to me the bike's original red seat with the built-
in rear light so that once my own rear end gets used to
biking, I can switch back from the extra-cushy gel seat to
the very cool red Bianchi seat. I left the shop an expert
on getting my front tire on and off, and also on the quick
release mechanism for the front brake. Turns out the black
accordion boot does NOT go into the mechanism as I'd
thought. I was doing it correctly all along.

Needless to say, I was very satisfied with the service and
attention I received today from Dan. Don't know that I'll
bother with talking to any of the under-20 somethings, but
Dan can take my money anytime. Before I left the shop, I
bought a helmet cover and a Timbut2 backpack so Dan got
something out of today's deal too.

After the bike shop, I went to REI (for the 1st time
ever!) to buy some cool weather biking gear so I could
ride today in 41F and rain. What a store! I can see myself
spending WAY too much time and money there. <G> They have
winter items on clearance now so I ended up with padded
below-the-knee pants, leg warmers, and rain pants.

I managed to ride around Lake Nokomis one time today. It's
a small lake, about 4 miles on the bike path. First time
on a bike since high school, I didn't want to overdo it.
It felt SO GOOD. I'll be back there again tomorrow. I
figure once I can get around the lake three times without
feeling like I'm going to die, I'll be in good enough
shape to start commuting and maybe then I can check out
one of the bike clubs.

What a feeling! I'm actually biking! What I did today
was no mini-goal; it's no less than the realization of
a dream.

Prairie Roots said:

Today I'm off to the bike shop to see what answers I can
get there. Warmer weather is on the way and I want to be
ready to join the other bicyclists on the chain of lakes
circuit. I've found several maps of bike routes in and
around the Twin Cities. I think biking is going to be a
great way for me to see some new local sites.

Linda P
232/158/WW goal 145 joined WW Online 22-Feb-2003

Linda P
232/158/WW goal 145 joined WW Online 22-Feb-2003