70 miles of ass pounding goodness.

So I took Gigantor, My bicycle out to enjoy the good weather. Saturday, we went 40 miles, around town and the Gateway Trail. I met my friend, B, for part of the Gateway. It was really slow- but, its all good. Anything to encourage people to do things they like, and I really enjoyed talking to him. I like riding at a faster pace too, but I like the companionship. I am excited to hit the trail with him again- but we need to get his bike adjusted better for him. Maybe by the end of the summer we will do a 40 mile ride together.

Sunday, after church and breakfast, Gigantor and I went for a 30 mile jaunt. First, to the Library to return a couple of books- then an impromptu visit to ironmarie. I feel guilty when I stop by peoples' homes uninvited, but it hasn't stopped me from doing it! from there, I went up the diagonal trail to the U of MN, up to East River Road to Summit, and then Lexington to Mom and Dad's for Sunday Dinner.

This all leads to a sore saddle. I need to get in better shape, and form a butt callous. Biking goals this year: The Century. Biking to Stillwater for the day (I've done this before), hill workouts in Mendota, The Munger trail. I would also really like to get to know the Grand Rounds this year.

This weekend, I am going biking with Diane. (I hope she doesn't kick my ass)

I think I am going to make my triumphant return to running today. Ugh.

ALSO- I saw "Clash of the Titans" this weekend. Very Corny, and some of the special effects are lack-luster, but it was really entertaining, and I would not hesitate to see it again

yea, for balloons!

So, it was my birthday yesterday. it was good. When I got to work, Libgyrl presented me with a box containing 2 cupcakes and 1 macaroon. We shared one of the cupcakes, (and I ate the other one later). These cupcakes were delicious-with all of the substandard cupcakes in the world, these were a joy. After sitting at my desk for a couple hours doing minimal work, (hey, it was my birthday!), I got a card from KB, and I met Alyssa for lunch. Not only did she pay!, but she gave me a bag that had a mn hiking manual, a road biking manual (I guess they aren't manuals, rather guides to trails), and the MN biking map- which I have always wanted but have been too cheap to purchase. I returned to work, and was slightly more productive.

On my way home, I stopped at Party City to get some balloons for David, my twin brother. I figured, after dinner, he would be going to the bar, and if he carried balloons around, everyone would know it was his birthday and buy him drinks. So, I stopped at Mom and Dad's, played with the nieces and nephew, picked up David, and went to dinner with some friends/family at Little Szechuan. You get a free Entree on your Birthday! While there, I got a card, and an awesome new rolling pin.

Good Birthday

Long time no speak

I turn 29 tomorrow. For some reason, I find that horribly depressing, yet hey- I made it this far, time to move on.

Yesterday, I was in a funk, and took myself out for a sandwich at the Holy Land Deli- I highly recommend the Falafel Combination Sandwich. It is Falafel, lettuce, cucumbers, and deep-fried mixed vegetables in a pita with your choice of sauce. I picked the hot sauce. This sandwich is so large, that it could serve two as a meal, yet, being my Birthday week, I ate the whole thing- by myself. It was worth it.

Music Recap-
My Bach Passion went pretty well. I made a couple of flubs, but the story came accross, and that was the goal. Also, I made it through another Holy Week at "The Little French Church". Good Friday, I had to do the Intercessions with one of the priests, and Saturday, for the Vigil, I had to sing the Exultet (Easter Proclamation). What a beautiful Piece of Music, and Liturgy. Currently,
I am planning a couple of concerts- Airs de cours with Tom Walker, French Baroque Contemplative Music (Charpentier, Campra, Couperin) perhaps, at the "Little French Church" for next Spring. I also just found some Dufay, and Machaut (Macho, Macho Man), that I am itching to do, but I need to find another smart, clear-voiced, high tenor to sing it with.

I am working on some Bach for a concert in June, and I am having issues getting it in to my voice, but it will get there. It is very strange, as it is an aria, and a motet. I sing arias all the time, but I have spent so much of the last few months on Recitative, that an aria seems like it is a foreign musical language to me. Time to jump back on the cantabile band wagon.

I have been out a few times on my bike this season, and finally measured. It is four miles to the public library, 5.5, or 7 to get to the coop (Hampden Park, or Mississippi Market), and 11.8 to get to work. I really hope that I can reduce my driving once the singing season slows down.

Lots of Randomness, Hopefully I will have more to say in the coming months.

OOH- I am going to Little Szechuan for my Birthday with my Twin Brother tomorrow. It is possibly my favorite restaurant in the world. Not a bad way to spend a Birthday.