Hi and Thanks! and Tell me what's going on! [Archive] - Women's Cycling Discussion Forums

silver

05-20-2011, 10:48 AM

Hello Cyclists!

Just wanted to start a new thread so I wouldn't take away from Brandi's Thread. I have missed this place so much. I miss the cycle talk here.

I so appreciate the welcome backs I've gotten from OakLeaf, lph, crazycanuck, emily in nc, salsabike and lots of other private messages too.

It's been barely over a year since the divorce and lots has gone on with selling the joint house and buying a new house, working 4 jobs and trying to keep my head on straight. My cycling time has gone WAY down, but I'm trying to ride as much as possible.

Anyhoo, I love y'all and will be visiting in more often.

I would love to hear some updates!

redrhodie

05-20-2011, 11:09 AM

Yay silver! Welcome back. We missed you. Glad to hear you're still on the bike!

indysteel

05-20-2011, 11:09 AM

Hi Ho Silver and welcome back!

Pedal Wench

05-20-2011, 11:53 AM

Wow - sorry to hear about the divorce, but glad you managed to find time to come back and say hi to us!

If it's any consolation, I was in a similar boat - left horribly in debt after a divorce, working what felt like 7 jobs (was only 5 jobs) and struggling. But, after just a few years of hard work, everything turned around.

It does get better!

spokewench

05-20-2011, 12:16 PM

Welcome back Silver - glad to see you've come back. Now, tell us if you've been keeping upon on riding or not? No judgments, just wondering. You were getting so strong!

ASammy1

05-20-2011, 12:18 PM

I don't have much to add, but just wanted to say..... Welcome back! It's good to see you posting again :)

maillotpois

05-20-2011, 12:20 PM

Welcome back!!! :)

lph

05-20-2011, 12:55 PM

Welcome back indeed! It's great to see you here again. What's happened? Uh... I dunno. Usual chit-chat? I'm not good at picking up history :D Hang around and see!

SheFly

05-20-2011, 01:06 PM

I've been wondering where you went... Welcome back!

SheFly

OakLeaf

05-20-2011, 01:21 PM

Welcome back Silver. Glad you're finding some bike time. :)

Short version of my last year: two marathons, one bike crash, full recovery, couple of scars, one 5K PR, one TOSRV, and now it's too wet to do anything in the garden. :cool: What about you?

salsabike

05-20-2011, 01:34 PM

GLC1968

05-20-2011, 01:58 PM

Hi Silver, welcome back!

malkin

05-20-2011, 02:01 PM

Hi Ho Silver!

silver

05-20-2011, 02:17 PM

Oh, SUCH an excellent summary! Love it.

Oh Yes! Perfect! But...but....what marathons? How's the bike?

silver

05-20-2011, 02:29 PM

Here's Silver's short Summary

RaIN 2011, overheated, took all day,
moved from a 3400 sq. ft. house to a 1300 sq. ft. house,
still teach spin class 3 times week,
still coach beginners triathlon class 12 weeks in summer,
trying to get in a few miles on the bike, but not strong at all struggling with the weather and lack of training time,
still working at Chiropractor's office, work part time at a running shoe store, (Teach spin at gym, coach tri at Y) = 4 jobs. Teaching some LCI cycling classes, too.
No jewelry making: my workbench was sold with the house and lost my website in the divorce.

Pax

05-20-2011, 02:53 PM

CycleTherapy

05-20-2011, 02:59 PM

Silver, I'm sure you don't recognize me. I am here often but rarely post unless there's something I feel I can add to the thread. I did notice you were MIA and hoped you were healthy. I feel funny offering my condolences, not knowing whether it is something you feel is a positive in your life or not. It may not matter. It may be undefinable as to 'good' or 'bad' . Anyway, it's what you do with this new life, the new you, that is all that matters. I hope you recognize and honor your individual strength, spirit and independence.

I love this verse from poet Mary Oliver: "what I wanted was to be willing to be afraid-" from her poem "Starfish".
Go for it Silver.

~SO'G

jessmarimba

05-20-2011, 03:25 PM

Wanted to say hi! I joined after you went on hiatus but it's good to have you back!

pll

05-20-2011, 03:59 PM

I am very glad to see you back in the forum!

My short summary for last year: lost 30lbs (and I don't want to find them) and got a new bike.

solobiker

05-20-2011, 04:05 PM

I am happy you are back. I may not post here very much but I do spend time on this site and have always enjoyed your posts. Welcome back!!:D

My short update...went close to 1.5 years without being able to sleep. Only able to sleep about 2 hours a night. Ugh :-( Doing much better now with that.( stepped down from a management position) Keeping busy with work in the OT world with my geriatric pts. Keeping busy with all sorts of things including woodworking, quilting, of course my bike. And recently have lost 20#. Should make going up hills easier :-)

snapdragen

05-20-2011, 04:16 PM

Welcome back silver, it's good to see you here. Sorry to hear about the jewelry biz....maybe you can start up again later?

BleeckerSt_Girl

05-20-2011, 04:21 PM

Welcome back Sliver!!!! So, so glad you're back!

My cycling consists of riding my ancient beater Schwinn around the neighborhood, and trundling off to the food co-op to buy things to make for dinner. :D

I guess I can relate to Pax's cycling more than the others' riding habits. :rolleyes:
I ride my bikes, but tossed aside my bike computer in favor of just enjoying errands on my bike and shorter mostly less than 30 mile rides. Been doing more gardening and dancing and beekeeping in my spare time when not working. So at least I'm keeping somewhat active. Still love my 2 bikes though! :p

Hey divorces happen. Good to move forward with as little regret as possible.
My absolute favorite saying:
We must give up the life we had planned if we are to lead the life that lies before us.

Welcome back Silver!

crazycanuck

05-20-2011, 04:48 PM

Hey Hey Silver! I wondered if you'd continued on with tri's & yup you have!

Silly q...Can you get a new workbench & start from scratch somehow? It's a shame you have to give up something so cool :mad:

Since we last heard from you I got a new Titus :cool: & I lurve it :cool:. We have fun on de dirt :D

Welcome back!

OakLeaf

05-20-2011, 04:53 PM

what marathons? How's the bike?

Thanks for asking. :)

Cleveland (my first) and Columbus. I'm thinking about doing Columbus again in the fall, but haven't really committed to it mentally.

The bike's fine. I saved everything with my face and hands. :cool: The only damage is on a non-functional part of the brifters that I didn't even know what they were called ... Shimano's exploded diagram says "name plate." They're mashed on both sides. Definitely a part of a bicycle that is NOT supposed to land on the ground. :eek:

Mr. Bloom

05-20-2011, 05:07 PM

Yes silver, welcome back. You are an accomplished cyclist and will continue to offer a lot here.

While I am surprised to you alluding to our disputes, I intend to keep our interaction on this forum civil.

bmccasland

05-20-2011, 05:53 PM

Welcome back Silver! Missed you :D

The last year, Reader's Digest version:
Dog died, got hit by a car riding my bike to pick up her ashes resulting in torn ligaments in knee, bumps and bruises. Lots of PT. Transferred within my company and moved from the Big Easy to Seattle. After arriving both elderly kitties died. Road bike is still in it's packing crate :o.
And on Bike to Work Day, did I? Nope. But I did play hooky in the afternoon to enjoy the first warm and sunny day. ;)

Glad you're back!

Pax

05-20-2011, 06:27 PM

salsabike

05-20-2011, 06:29 PM

I was wondering how many work absences there were on this beautiful day in Seattle, Beth! I hope a LOT.:)

Lessee. Short version: did two sprint and two Olympic length triathlons last summer, fell in November and totally destroyed two finger joints which have now recovered to a moderate degree, am rebuilding from a couple of months off because of that, and starting to feel like the rebuilding is taking. Lost our elderly cat Nina last year and got two Aby kittens, brother and sister, who are a total hoot. 13123

Glad to see you back, Silver. And you can talk about anything you please.

smilingcat

05-20-2011, 06:57 PM

OMG!!! Welcome back!! I was wondering where you went.

Good see that you are still on your bike!

maillotpois

05-20-2011, 07:11 PM

These little summary updates are fun to read! Like readers digest version of TE.

My favorite so far is salsa bike's kitties.

sgtiger

05-20-2011, 07:36 PM

Welcome back, Silver!

Cataboo

05-20-2011, 11:37 PM

Welcome back Silver. Same old same old for me. Okay, maybe there's been a slight revolving door of bikes.

Yes silver, welcome back. You are an accomplished cyclist and will continue to offer a lot here.

While I am surprised to you alluding to our disputes, I intend to keep our interaction on this forum civil.

Dude, I still remember your fairly bitter thread where you announced your name change & the divorce. As I recall, Silver had the decency to not comment on it.

Please allow the female cyclist that was on this woman's cycling female forum first to tell her female friends how her last year has gone in her thread she started without unnecessary commentary.

crazycanuck

05-21-2011, 12:14 AM

+1 Cataboo! :cool:

Selkie

05-21-2011, 12:41 AM

Hi Silver - It's nice to see you posting. It's Velobambina---I'm still wearing those jerseys you hemmed for me!! You did a great job w/them. I get compliments on the lovely necklace you so graciously sent me (you are too talented not to get back into your art---this respite from it will fuel your creativity) .
I'm no longer grinding out 10K miles a year on the bike. After having a scary encounter w/a mentally ill person on the MUT, I've pretty much limited myself to trainer rides (Spinervals). As a consequence, I'm stronger than ever!! Work schedule/responsibilities are such that I cannot both ride outside during daylight hours and swim. The latter is my new passion, and I'm now slogging out lotsa yards in the water (210 miles so far this year).
I sold my MTB, donated one bike, and gave another to a swim pal who is new into triathlons and was slogging it on a hybrid. I'm down to five---thinking about selling another (either my Seven or Bianchi). Find myself wanting to shed possessions as I get closer to 50.
Sounds like you're busy, helping others reach their goals, and doing what you love. That's a good way to have a content, meaningful life. How are your kids?

lph

05-21-2011, 03:23 AM

Four jobs silver? Wow :eek: You're forgiven for not doing more riding...

But I'm sad to hear you're not making any jewelry at the moment. I've never seen any of it, but your silversmithing sounded like a major part of your personality.

Maybe that's all part of the challenge, trying out what it's like to focus on different things and cut down to the essentials, and then come back later to some interests if you have the chance and they still "fit" you.

Biciclista

05-21-2011, 05:54 AM

WELCOME BACK SILVER! You were missed. Get back on your bike and tell us all about it.

KnottedYet

05-21-2011, 09:10 AM

SILVER!!!!!!!!!! I missed you! Welcome back! :D

Red Rock

05-21-2011, 06:30 PM

I just wanted to give my welcome as well. I visit everyday but do not post all of the time -so not sure if you remember me or not. Anyhow, you always add to the discussions and make excellent points about most anything.

I hope you new life will allow for you to get back into your jewlery making (or whenever your ready). I remember seeing some examples of your work and it was excellent.

Keep doing those tri's when you can.

Glad your back.

Red Rock

Crankin

05-22-2011, 05:48 AM

Welcome back, Silver. I can't remember if I had changed my TE name before you dropped off of the forum... if not it's Robyn.
I just (yesterday) finished my Master's in clinical mental health counseling and I am looking for a job. Three years of studying and clinical work. Last year I rode my most miles ever, probably mostly because I rode every week with another TE member once a week, in addition my other rides.
Of course the weather is so crappy this spring, I doubt I will ever get those miles again :mad:.

owlice

05-22-2011, 07:15 AM

Welcome back! Hope you get to ride more!

jobob

05-22-2011, 07:46 AM

Silver, I am delighted to see you back.

Trek420

05-22-2011, 08:31 PM

Welcome back. Silver!! :D And I agree, you must find a way to do your creative work. You have a gift. Don't deny us access to the things only you can create, it's not fair of you. :cool: So you've got to find a way. :)

1 year wrap up? Knott and I still doing the long distance thing :( it's tough but we are a strong couple. I had an interview last week when I was up there that I'm cautiously hopefull about (I felt it went really well, got a good vibe from all 3 of the interviewers ... and I did look fabulous if I do say so myself).

Chile Pepper

05-23-2011, 07:29 AM

So glad you're back, Silver!

uforgot

05-23-2011, 07:59 AM

Welcome back! It's great to see you here again.

Trek420

05-23-2011, 04:02 PM

+1 cataboo! :cool:

+1,000.99 %

Owlie

05-23-2011, 05:53 PM

Hi Silver! I obviously haven't been around long enough to get to know you, but I remember you offering to hem jerseys for someone. (Was it Selkie? Funny, the things you remember...) Welcome back!

PinkBike

05-23-2011, 06:22 PM

i'm glad you decided to post again. the past is past, celebrate the future!
like salsabike i lost one cat and got 2 kitties, i also broke my thumb and have almost healed. unlike her, i have GAINED 30 POUNDS!! life goes on, we do what we can . . .

NbyNW

05-23-2011, 07:53 PM

welcome back!

Lessee .... I moved to Edmonton for a couple of years and now am trying to move back to Seattle. Having trouble making it stick but here's hoping.

Did 2 metric centuries for a weekend fundraiser last year but otherwise I found Edmonton to be terrifying for road bikes, so I am now trying to shed some weight!

salsabike

05-23-2011, 10:06 PM

These telegraphic updates are a hoot, you guys. Keep 'em coming!

jobob

05-24-2011, 07:03 PM

m'kay ...

I did half of the Death Ride last summer (I quit while it was still sort of fun).

I won second place in the Aquaphor Map My Ride Le Tour challenge last year, so last fall DH and I went on a dee-luxe Trek Travel wine country tour. It was awesome.

A few weeks before that wine country tour, I lost my job, which at the time was pretty traumatic. I was ready to dump my profession in the trash barrel and find something else to do (heh, I was brushing up on my "would you like fries with that?"), but right before Christmas I had lunch with a couple of co-workers from a job many moons ago, and they both offered me contract work at their new workplaces. So now I'm an independent contractor, and I enjoy it immensely. Living well really is the best revenge. :cool:

I haven't been riding very much this year, but I'm starting to get back into it.

Biciclista

05-24-2011, 07:45 PM

I decided I'm going to retire in April of 2012 That's less than 11 months from now.

Pax

05-24-2011, 07:54 PM

I decided I'm going to retire in April of 2012 That's less than 11 months from now.

That. is. awesome!!!!

Blueberry

05-25-2011, 05:58 AM

I decided I'm going to retire in April of 2012 That's less than 11 months from now.

Yay!! Congratulations:)

And welcome back Silver - please stay - we've missed you!!

Miranda

05-25-2011, 04:06 PM

:) Yay nice to see you! :cool:

So what did this jewelry look like?:confused: I just learned something as I didn't know you made jewelry. My bgf does some beading of stuff. She rips apart alot of old stuff, and remakes it anew. Just curious what you made.

I know not being able to cycle and train so much for you is a frustrating adjustment I'm sure. I have that from my century crash. Never been the same to ride. And teaching alot spin at the gyms. Hard to ever get recovered to work out for me. However, Silver, remember you and I both are still "fitter" than the average American by a long shot! I've tried to tell myself to be greatful for what I can do, and lessen my focus on what I can't.

Fwiw, I think you are doing great. Your life changes are huge. When one door closes, another one opens. It sounds easy, but somehow things have a way of working themselves out. You are a strong lady, all will settle well.

(((hugs)))
Miranda

sundial

05-26-2011, 05:20 AM

I have missed this place so much. I miss the cycle talk here.

It is so nice to hear from you again and I'm glad you are no longer a stranger. :)

I was thinking about you the other day when I reached for a jersey that had that pesky elastic around the waist. I remember how you were so kind to offer your time to mend a few of the TE'ers jerseys and you often coached us on how to remove the seams so that we could finally rid our jerseys of the unwanted elastic. You were so very supportive of those who were fallen or injured and you would craft a beautiful pendant and send it to them in a care package.

Have you thought of how much your ministry has touched the lives of many? :)

You took a terrible fall which resulted in life threatening injuries and when you were able to, you returned to your bike and you continued to train competitively. When you raced, you finished in the top of your division. Your steadfastness is remarkable and your recovery is motivating for those of us who face set backs due to injuries.

Silver, you are a caring, compassionate person who, along with Mr. Bloom, have instilled wonderful Christian qualities and values for your children. :)

I applaud you for your courage to rejoin TE and I hope you feel welcome here and continue to be a part of the discussions. I appreciate that Mr. Bloom has graciously extended his welcome as well.

My best to you as you continue on this fascinating journey in life.

tulip

05-26-2011, 05:27 AM

Sundial, that was the most gracious post I have ever read. I agree with every word! Thank you!

(welcome back Silver. Please accept my sentiments through Sundial's post)

Aggie_Ama

05-26-2011, 06:24 AM

Past year?

Hardly rode the road bike, haven't done anything longer than a metric. Found the dirty side, started racing mountain bikes which is so much fun, joined the shop's race team, had a car wreck that totaled my bike and got a new fabulous race bike. Decided I will start nursing school in the fall.

So glad you're back and hopefully once you get in the groove you can get back to all your passions. New starts are hard no matter what they are born from.

sandra

05-26-2011, 07:27 PM

emily_in_nc

05-26-2011, 08:02 PM

My hubby was diagnosed with multiply myeloma (cancer of the blood plasma) and I don't have much time to ride anymore. Life can change in an instant when you least expect it.

I'm so sorry to hear this, sandra. I've missed you here on TE too! Not to hijack silver's thread, but just wanted to say that.

pll

05-27-2011, 04:49 AM

I'm so sorry to hear this, sandra. I've missed you here on TE too! Not to hijack silver's thread, but just wanted to say that.

+1. Best wishes to you and your hubby.

Aggie_Ama

05-27-2011, 05:39 AM

Welcome back, Silver. I've been away myself and just happened to check in and see this post. I really do miss TE and all of the conversations here.

My hubby was diagnosed with multiply myeloma (cancer of the blood plasma) and I don't have much time to ride anymore. Life can change in an instant when you least expect it.

‎"Begin doing what you want to do now. We are not living in eternity. We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand - and melting like a snowflake." Marie Beyon Ra

Not to threadjack too but my husband's Grandma is currently in remission from the same type of cancer. The scary part is the high recurrence rate but she is doing good so far (6 months). It is beatable, keep fighting! Miss you Sandra.

Tri Girl

05-27-2011, 02:51 PM

Welcome back, Silver!!!! I wondered where you'd gone to, and was hoping that you'd eventually come back around. SO glad you did (I always liked reading what you had to say). I'm really sorry about the divorce for all of you involved, and hoping that things are better than ever before.
Hopefully you won't be a stranger anymore!!! :)

ClockworkOrange

05-28-2011, 02:23 PM

Hi Silver

Firstly, well done for getting back on here, always good to hear from old faces (hmmmm, that doesn't sound right)!

Lovely to see you back and look forward to future posts from you. :)

Brief synopsis of last year for me, lost my beloved little Bluey (budgie), broke my back, got a bike team up again and raised almost £10,000 for Leukaemia Research (although was unable to ride. Currently crap at most things, confidence rubbish on a bike but the swimming is going well. Oh yes, fell off bike again a couple of weeks ago. :rolleyes: ..........are you bored yet................lol

I always like to think of any relationship that ends that it is just going onto the next chapter in life, so I wish you well with whatever you do in the future.

Hugs.

ShubieGA

05-28-2011, 03:56 PM

:DWelcome back Silver. Just think about Jobob's quote "Living well is the best revenge". I need to borrow that!!!

What I love about this forum is all the support posted out here!!! :D

spindizzy

05-28-2011, 05:06 PM

I had a suspicion something happened....

Last year was mediocre for me. Did not PB one race- and I did lots. Made some changes over the winter and I have PB'd 3/3 events thus far this year.:)

I think you had just bought a new bike when we last heard from you.

Very glad you are back!