Dear So and So

[OakLeaf]

Heh. My lucky race-day lei is orange, too. Maybe there's something to this.

[Becky]

Dear USAC-

I need a $60 annual license to compete in a single event that, as a Cat 3 racer, I don't even need to qualify for? How does that build grassroots racing?

Signed,
Confused and conflicted

[SheFly]

Becky - as a Cat 3, you should be able to purchase a 1 day license onsite for $10.

SheFly

[Becky]

Becky - as a Cat 3, you should be able to purchase a 1 day license onsite for $10.

SheFly

Not for Nationals. That single event requires an annual license even if you're a Cat 3. I've been doing the one-day license thing for my other races. Nationals won't be this close to home for awhile and it would be really cool to experience it once while it's within a few hours' drive....but as I read more, I'm increasingly failing to see the point of it all.

Racing rules make my head spin....

[SheFly]

Ah - didn't realize that was THE event. I also have to qualify to race at MTB Nationals. And yes, the rules are a challenge to get through, I agree! It is nice that they are close to home this year, and we will likely be making the trek as we both qualified by finishing well in our state championship races last year. I have the added question of eligibility given that I am not a citizen, but this is one of the first years you can race as a master if you are a permanent resident (which is also the case for CX), which I am.

Sorry to hear that this has you so bummed. And it is puzzling that you have to have an annual license if you don't have to qualify for the event.

SheFly

[Catrin]

Dear Right Shoulder,

Were you jealous of all the attention my left shoulder has received? You got the same amount of work most of the time...so why are you suddenly acting like my left shoulder. IT is strong, now you are all painful and irritated. I know your rotator cuff needs strengthening, I can rehab you but this is frustrating. Both of you were doing so well until we did bench presses the other day - and I did NOT overdo things...sigh. Apparently my efforts to prevent imbalances between my two shoulders failed - I am thankful I know what you need. I've been down this road before.

Signed,
Frustrated

[Owlie]

Dear Catrin's shoulders:

Behave!

[malkin]

Dear HR Department:

Thank you for not using the word "empowered" to describe how you think I should feel about having our new health insurance out of pocket EXCEED THE MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE CONTRIBUTION TO AN HSA, although it might have been appropriate for you to at least mention that fact in your presentation.

[jobob]

Well, look at the bright side -- you probably don't have to foot the full cost of the monthly premiums as well.

[Becky]

Ah - didn't realize that was THE event. I also have to qualify to race at MTB Nationals. And yes, the rules are a challenge to get through, I agree! It is nice that they are close to home this year, and we will likely be making the trek as we both qualified by finishing well in our state championship races last year. I have the added question of eligibility given that I am not a citizen, but this is one of the first years you can race as a master if you are a permanent resident (which is also the case for CX), which I am.

Sorry to hear that this has you so bummed. And it is puzzling that you have to have an annual license if you don't have to qualify for the event.

SheFly

Congrats on qualifying! I may go do the PA State Championships at Bear Creek on a single-day license, just to check out the course, and then make my decision from there.

[luvmyguys]

Dear Motivation -

I have a lot to do this week. Would you mind showing your happy self up so I can get it done?

Sincerely,

Me

[NbyNW]

Dear Ears, Nose and Throat:

It's been three weeks. Please clear up already.

[OakLeaf]

Ugh. I have fired actually *two* doctors, one of whom I really liked, because their staff made it impossible. Not having me in the book when I showed up for my appointment, calling me for "missed" appointments that I didn't and wouldn't have scheduled, billing weirdness that I'm pretty sure was some kind of insurance fraud... Hope you can get things worked out with your vet!

[Becky]

Nevermind.

[withm]

Dear Poison Ivy,

Please stop itching. Please stop oozing. Please just go away.