More evidence I am a really big nerd

Does anyone else have a favorite element?

I was watching TV a while ago (let me clarify this now, no I was not watching The Big Bang Theory, I really dislike that show and anyone that tells me I should watch it because I'd love it since they're all nerds.  I hate that show.) 

Anyways, I was watching a different show (can't remember what it was) and the characters started talking about their favorite numbers, and the one mentioned his was 4.  Then clarified it was really 4.002.  The atomic weight of helium (first clue I am a big dork, I knew this before anyone on the show mentioned it).  Apparently he was a big fan of that element. 

Then the other characters discussed THEIR favorite elements (carbon and tungsten), and I found myself disappointed that nobody mentioned molybdenum which just happens to be MY favorite element (atomic weight of 95.96 and atomic number is 42). 

Then, I realized, I have a favorite element (I just think it is a fun name and it's useful in making steel alloys).  I don't think this is normal.

But maybe I'm wrong?  Does anyone else have a favorite element?

My biking future

I mentioned a few posts ago that I lost my mind and signed up for the Bike to the Bay in September.  It's basically a 75 mile ride starting in Dover, DE and ending in Rehobeth, DE.  I have no idea why I decided to I could do this.  At the time I signed up, the last time I had been on a bike was in 2006ish (not exactly sure when) in Chicago with my sister when we did a bike tour of the city.  But, I guess I'm committed now. 

So, on that note, while we were in Austin, J and I decided to try and take a bike tour again.  Unfortunately, there were no tours available (SXSW apparently was interfering with our plans).  However, the day we arrived we were able to rent bikes and just ride the trails around the lake for a few hours.  We rented some cruisers (basic, one speed bikes with wide handlebars).  I was not good. 

I was worse than not good. 

I had a really hard time steering the bike.  I really hated the widespread handlebars.  I felt like I was trying to steer a yacht.  Of course, J had no problems and had no idea why I was such an idiot (to be honest, I have no idea why I had such a hard time either, but it was still funny).  I felt like I was riding with my dad.  Why don't you get it?  I'm not having any problems (she wasn't really being mean, I was more frustrated with myself, and I could tell she really didn't understand why I was so bad). 

I was finally starting to feel almost comfortable on the bike again, and we get to this weird section of the trail where you had to go on the road for all of 6 feet before going back on the trail.  There were people coming towards me taking up a lot of the space.  I tried to steer around them, and had major issues, and tried to overcorrect and failed.  I finally, just put my foot down to stop and catch myself, forgetting I was on the edge of the curb.  My foot just kept going down, and I flipped my bike off the curb into traffic. 

So, yeah, my first bike ride in about 7 years ends with me flipping my bike into traffic and I almost get run over.  Fun times.  Any time we got to a section that we had to go on the road again, I was terified.  Good thing I signed up for a bike ride that's entirely on the road.  You know, those things that cars drive on? 

But, I went to the bike shop yesterday and bought a bike, and I plan to get better before September.  Hope that works out for me.

Now, the only other thing to worry about is the fundraising.  If anyone wants to help contribute to my goal, you can go here and make a donation.  I appreciate any help you can give.  If you don't want to make an online donation, you can either comment (or send me an email, or call me if you have that info) and I will tell you how you can send in a donation via check or cash. 

Thanks everyone!

Matching mommy and little V hats.

I bought some yarn in Austin to make J and Little V matching hats.  They look so cute.  :)

I've lost my mind

I signed up for The Bike to the Bay in Delaware this year.  That's 75 miles on a bicycle.  I don't even OWN a bicycle.  (Guess what I plan to buy when I return from Austin).  At least it's not till September, but still.  Slightly terrified. 

As if that wasn't enough, I am planning to run the half marathon in Las Vegas in November. 

Like I said.  I've lost my mind. 

On a happy note, Yay Austin on Thursday! 

Random Updates

• I just got bit at the corner of my eye but some sort of gnat type bug.  It itches like a mother, and it's kind of swelling up.  Stupid bugs. 
• We leave for Austin in 9 days!
• JH came to visit me this weekend.  Yay! I hadn't seen her in it feels like FOREVER. 
• I went shopping this weekend with JH and bought a whole bunch of new clothes.  I wore one of the shirts and jeans today and got SO MANY compliments.  So, I really like the compliments obviously, but I always get a bit paranoid, do I normally look awful or something that this new outfit is SO OBVIOUSLY better?  Even better, I almost didn't buy the shirt, but JH convinced me it was cute and worked for me so I should get it.  I should go shopping with her more often apparently. 
• I ran 4 miles this weekend.  I haven't been running as often as I would like, but I have been doing cardio at the gym when I go, and I was pleasantly surprised that the 4 miles wasn't as hard as I thought it would be.  It was actually pretty fun. 
• I took a fitness test with the trainer today and was kind of surprised.  I lost 12" this past month (although 4 came from my boobs, so not sure how much that really counts), and I gained an inch in my hips (pretty much the one place I never need to gain anything), but I did lose 5" from the waist so at least I'm keeping the hourglass going?  Is that a good thing?
• Those results also explain my why my jeans fit weird.  My skinny day jeans have been fitting really well lately, but my fat day jeans have been feeling tight. So if you look at the jeans, they are cut differently.  The skinny day jeans have a narrower waist, but fuller hip area and my fat day jeans have a bigger waist but smaller hip area.  Right.  Total sense now. 
• People always complain they never know about the boys I date until after I'm done dating them.  So in interest of full disclosure...I have a date Tuesday night.  Wish me luck.  Maybe I'll even tell you about him if you're lucky. 

Not much else going on in my life.  I'm pretty freaking boring.  Hope everyone had a good weekend!

Austin

I'll be back in Austin in 11 days.  I am super stoked!