Dear bike--
It's always something, isn't it? You're getting to be rather expensive, you know.

Dear guy at new (to me) shop--
You're awesome, and you didn't treat me like I'm an idiot when I popped in to look at bikes. If I were guaranteed to be in Cincinnati after I finish this damn MS, and if Trek actually fits me (jury is out), I would probably buy my graduation-present Madone from you.