Crazy Weekend

As you've probably gathered from my previous two posts, I had a very interesting weekend. Saturday, I knew I had to get stuff done for my trip and just done in general. I got up and gave a half hearted attempt to clean up the house. I was to be at the MLK Jr Statue downtown at 3pm to go door-to-door for the Obama campaign. When I arrived, I met a couple of guys who have been working for the campaign here for 4 months. Neither were from Roanoke originally, so they seemed excited to meet local people. I also got to meet one of the advance press people for the campaign. It seems her job is to be on site a day or two ahead of speakers such as President Clinton, Michelle Obama, Joe Biden etc. She's kind of the liason between the campaign and the local organizers and planners. She mentioned that they needed volunteers to help with the Clinton Event that was upcoming on Sunday. I had already thought about trying to get downtown to see him, but volunteering to work the event would guarantee me at least entry into the event if not more. So I agreed to be at HQ at 7pm for a meeting of volunteers.

I went door-to-door for 2.5 hours meeting people or leaving literature at their homes about the candidates (Obama, Warner and Rasoul). After I walked like 6 or 7 blocks, all I had left were some apartments. I elected not to go there by myself and returned to the MLK Statue where I met up with the campaign staffers again. I shared my experiences and my tally sheet with them and told them I'd try to be back by 7. I had to go meet my Mom and get supplies from Walmart for our trip. I blew through Walmart like my feet were on fire. At 655, I left Bonsack to get back to Campbell Ave. I arrived there around 710 for the organizational meeting. During the meeting, volunteers were split up into teams. I volunteered for the ADA team. Since I'm used to working with patients, I figured it wouldn't be so bad to help them at this event.

I wanted to stay longer, but remembered as my stomach was growling that I hadn't eaten all day plus I still had some other errands to run. So I left and headed home. I picked up my Mom and we headed out again. This time to look for something at the Salem Walmart that the other didn't have and to drop by a Walgreens. I did finally get to eat then to both stores. I think we got home around 10pm.

So on Sunday, the trainers from the gym were hosting a picnic at 1pm for us, "trainees." I wanted to ride my bike as well. I headed out on my Single Speed for a ride around the neighborhood streets. After riding for 7 miles or so, I was at Preston Park, so I headed over the empty basketball courts to practice some "slow drills" as I call them. I do a few things.

1. Ride as slow as you can down the sidelines. Try to keep a wheel on the sideline.
2. Track stands at the foul line or in the midcourt circle.
3. Practice riding in a circle in the midcourt circle.

I can track stand on my SS for about 10 seconds (standing, less sitting). Slow riding is a challenge, but I'm getting better at it. And riding in circles in the circles should help me with switchbacks. I can ride more times going to the left than the right (15-8). I ride as many times as I can before getting too dizzy. My goal is to not ride outside of the circle. It's fun, try it.

Anyway, after my ride, I headed home to fix some baked mac&cheese for the picnic. For some reason it didn't want to cook right and I wound up being 10 minutes late to the picnic. HA! Oh well, this turned out to be a fun time. I hung out with some other chickys from the gym and my trainer of course. We all had a great time. I left the picnic at 250p because I was cold and wanted to get a jacket before heading to the Clinton Event. I had to be there at 345p.

I drove by my house, grabbed a jacket and then went downtown. TO BE CONTINUED... I need to do some other things.