66 Miles

Two weekends ago a friend invited me to ride 26 miles with a group of people on small folding bikes. They were preparing for El Tour de Tucson - our city's annual cycling race. It was fun - fun to ride that much and fun to see different parts of the city. Then last weekend, I decided I wanted to ride more, so I went for a 40 mile ride. When I came home, I looked up rides in Tucson to see if there were more people I could join. I found a training ride for the Tour put on by the Greater Arizona Bicycling Association (GABA) happening this weekend. They had three options: 35 miles, 66 miles, and 101 miles. I thought I could do the 35 miles, but could I do 66? On Sunday (the day after I did 40 miles) I decided to ride the 35 mile route. It was challenging and there was definitely a heart-attack hill to climb, but it didn't kill me, so I signed up for the longer one.

Then the preparation and worry began. Let's be clear - I've never ridden 66 miles straight. I ride an average of 10 miles/hr (not very fast) and we have a total of 9 hours to complete the route. This includes bathroom breaks, bike maintenance time (if that should befall you), eating (stands are set up along the way), or changing clothes. Two and a half extra hours seems like plenty of leeway, but there were sections of my ride on Sunday where I was definitely going below my average; uphill I was practically crawling. I've got the back and forth volley going: Can I do this? Yes I can. But can I really? I want to do it. Icarus said the same thing.

Since I'm doing this ride (it isn't even a race), I even went out and bought some cycling shorts, knickers, and a jersey. I figured I should try to look like a cyclist, instead of wearing my oversized, $2.50 jeans from Goodwill and hiking shirt (which are both admittedly comfortable). My bike is a Trek hybrid - not even a road bike - so I'm hoping it can handle the trip as well.

I think the reason I'm doing this in the first place is because I have a competitiveness that comes out every so often. My coworker told me about a former resident and fellow who a few months ago had completed 70 miles on a bicycle. This girl can't be over five feet tall. She's a tiny thing that never exercised, wore only high heels and skirts, and had a long, blonde, wavy ponytail that swished around when she walked. She looked like a doll from the land of cupcakes. If she can do 70 miles, so can I.

On the other side of the coin, I also just like to push myself physically, because it feels good and I'm curious. I'll do something - like ride up a giant hill - and ask myself, "Can I do more? What would happen if I kept going?" There's also that awesome feeling of flying down a steep hill and leaning into a turn. Feeling fast is an adrenaline rush for me.

Right now, cycling and a little strength training is about all I can manage right now. It's cheap and I have to do it anyway, because I'm carless. However, I enjoy feeling competitive again, even if it's only against Yesterday Amy. It's a neat feeling to look back at a hill and say, "I just climbed that," or look at a map and see the distance I covered. Tomorrow is the day and I hope all goes well. I hope I can walk on Monday. I'll keep you posted.

Riding from the North

I took an express bus to a road in north Tucson called, "Sunrise." The temperature was supposed to reach its zenith of an estimated 109 by the time I finished work, so I opted for a $2 bus fare instead of cycling across town and up hills. The express stops two miles north of my destination, but riding downhill for two miles beats riding uphill in 100+ degree weather.

As the bus climbed the road leading into the foothills, I watched the sunlight enhance every plunge and profile of the terrain around me. I actually felt anticipation. I'd ridden this path in a car before and I enjoyed it. However, I've never ridden it on a bike, where there is no barrier between you and everything you see.

The ride down was awesome. There was no stopping and almost no pedaling, because the hill let me accelerate the whole way. I could see over Tucson, a low city mostly hidden by light green trees and shrubs. The mountains glowed orange and red-brown in the distance, as the sun moved toward the western horizon. I continued to go faster and faster and hoped the two miles wouldn't end quickly. Being within two different speeds - the fast pace of everything blurring around you and the slowly approaching horizon in the distance - magnifies your senses. There is no glass to interrupt your sense of smell, touch, sight, and sound; and less stability on a bike puts your mind in potential "danger" status...all making you increasingly aware and increasingly present. The northern part of town is already beautiful, but the experience is even greater when you travel like this, unenclosed.

There are times when I really dislike Tucson. The pace is slow, the culture lacks sophistication, the city is too flat and too hot, the population is old, there isn't enough to do, everything is spread out and the transit system cannot make up for it. However, experiences like these let me see its hidden beauty. It can't convince me to stay forever, but it does make me glad I'm here.

Adventure: Durian Fruit in Tucson

The last time I had a durian fruit was in 2009 in a botany class taught by the famed Tim Allen. It's notorious for having a terrible smell but amazing-tasting flesh inside. "King of Fruits," I've heard it called and it grows in Southeast Asia. I became interested in eating one again when I discovered that Tucson had a large Asian market on the north side. I finally made it out there last weekend and bought myself a durian...which was definitely an adventure.

After finding my way around the surprisingly-organized grocery store (the Asian markets I'm familiar with are a bit of an overwhelming hodgepodge), I took a few laps around the produce section. However, after searching for 10 minutes, I couldn't find one anywhere. I asked one of the staff members, but he didn't speak English very well and said that they didn't sell them. Disappointed, I was about to leave.

But then I became determined. I had read on a blog post that they WERE there...so I looked it up on my phone and continued to wander. The writer said, "The most unusual fruit is inconspicuously placed in the far right back corner inside a freezer chest box. The chest box contains frozen durian fruit individually placed in green plastic netting."

I excitedly went to the back corner of the store and THERE THEY WERE! Dozens of durians!!

I pulled one out carefully - its spikes made it slightly dangerous. The checkout woman wrapped it in newspaper and then double-bagged it. I walked out very pleased with myself and my find. I felt like I was holding a treasure-bomb. 

I waited a day and a half to let it thaw out. Its frozen state kept it from smelling bad in my refrigerator, but I knew that I could not store it once I cut it open. I had been reading horror stories about people who had to throw out their fridges because the smell absorbed into the plastic.

I went outside at 7:00 in the morning on Sunday before work (and the day before trash day) with a huge knife, some newspaper and growing anticipation. I had no idea what I would find inside. 

I sliced it, but it was still frozen. When they are ripe and not frozen, they look like this:

Mine looked like this:

The photo is a little offensive, I understand. But I was so excited I didn't care! It still didn't smell because it was half-frozen. The inside is a cream and tasted like banana and vanilla custard. It was so delicious and well-worth the cost, trip, and risk of ruining my fridge. 

You can eat them plain or cook with them. It is popular to turn them into smoothies or shakes:

I don't know when I'll have a durian again...probably when I can get a bunch of people together and we can make a party out of it. That way we can eat it all together and maybe make shakes. The best time to buy them, by the way, is in the spring when they are in season and the prices are low ($10-15 vs $20-30). 

I also recommend buying them at least two days in advance to let them thaw, if they are frozen, and to eat it the night before trash day. I'm sure my roommates appreciated my planning on that one.

Amy + Car = OMGCOMMITMENTFEAR

My final months of Wisconsin-living were plagued with 45-minute to one-hour commutes in my car to and from work. I was determined to only cycle, walk, or take public transportation wherever I lived next. Better for my body. Owning a car would also be expensive (gas + insurance + maintenance) and without one, I could put my money toward other things.

Of course, I imagined I would be living in New York...or Europe...not Tucson.

So far, being carless in Arizona has been pretty ok. I've managed to deal with multiple grocery runs every week and a serious impedance on travel. Tucson is spread out and public transportation is not very convenient - the buses close down EARLY on weekends (?!). But being a cyclist, I don't often worry about traffic, parking, speeding tickets, gas expense, car accidents, insurance, or anything related to a car. Living has been pretty manageable. 

However, the longer I am in Tucson, the more I want to meet people and DO THINGS. To do more, I must travel faster. To travel faster, I need a car. In the past, I've cut my losses: "Oh well, I just won't go to X or try to get a job at Y or skip out on Q...something that I like doing :(." I figured that it would all work out in the end. I also figured I wouldn't be here for too long and buying a car would be a hinderance to my moving. 

Yet here I am. Still in Tucson...with limited funds to move anywhere else and a desire to build a better life and some savings right now. 

So I've been thinking about buying a car once I can afford it...which means that I probably won't try to move away soon...which means I'll be here longer...which means previous dreams of living in a different, more cosmopolitan city are questioned now... :-/ 

And there will be more hot-hot summers in my life...ugh. Committing to Tucson in order to build some life is not a pleasant thought, but I think right now it has to be done. 

So here's to buying a car within the next two years. 

It's Hot Again

If 100+ temperatures were a crime, Tucson would be a felon. It's averaging 104 this week with a 108 spike on Friday. I've realized that if I'm not out of my house by 5:15 AM, any chance of decent exercise is gone for 14 hours. Unless I go to the mall just to walk around...which I do.

My diet has also changed because my body is desperate for water. I add lemon to my water now to replace electrolytes and eat celery for salt. I also crave vegetables like crazy...and they are taking up 2/3 or my daily food intake.  This is great in terms of healthy eating, but my refrigerator empties more quickly now. Instead of going to the store twice a week, for instance, I now need to go 3-4 times a week (I can only carry so much in my backpack). Is it really worth the extra effort? My time/money accountants are still working on that one. 

I don't care much for the heat, to be honest. I envy people who head north into the mountains for the summer. The worst part is, it's June 4th and this is only the beginning :-P.

I Decided That I Want Friends

And so I searched for ways to make instant friends that was friendly for my budget, time, and professional aspirations. After exhausting some possibilities throught MeetUp.com, I landed on toastmasters. I've been a part of toastmasters in the past and thought I would give it another shot. It's not entirely young-friend oriented, but I figured it would help me with my speaking skills and give me some kind of socialization, which I crave like a chain-smoker who wants a cigarette.

"Either" And "Or"

One of the best things about my job is learning about the interesting clientele. Whenever I send a therapist out to a home visit, for instance, I always ask how the treatment goes. Sometimes I care about the health of the patient, but sometimes I want to live vicariously through the LMT and imagine the places they go. Last night was the latter. I scheduled a home visit for a calligraphy teacher and the therapist who went out there is great at describing people and places. 

"How was the home visit??" I asked.

"It was great! She's a wonderful woman. She had all kinds of artwork in her house."

"Yeah! She's a calligraphy teacher!"

"Well, she's a medical researcher at the university actually, and she teaches calligraphy on the side. But the artwork...there were all these amazing paintings on the walls. It turns out they were all done by her son, who's been painting since he was five years old. He's 18 now and he's going to school for engineering."

This made me stop. Here were two very talented artists whose careers were/will be in scientific fields. In one of my last posts, I wrote about being useful and doing something you enjoy. It seemed to me that some of the most well-off people were those who had a "useful" job and some kind of hobby on the side. I like that combination because it seems balanced. However, I don't know where I want to put my usefulness. I don't know how I want to be beneficial to society. How do I choose? I kind of want to do everything and try everything. 

While I ponder that, I'll also think about taking one or two calligraphy lessons. It's been on my mind lately and I couldn't believe that a teacher essentially came right to me. I can't really afford it, but I'm trying to convince myself I can go without new work clothes or a pair of tennis shoes: shabby chic still has merit and barefoot running is in vogue anyway right?

Tucson Photo Update!

Whole Foods

I know you all were dying to see this after the post I wrote in January. 

The photo doesn't do the outside justice, but it's the best I have.

I remember saying something about seven soups at this new store, but there were actually nine.

Hot Food Bar.

Salad Bar.

Dairy + Juice

Smoothie/Gelato Bar.

 Sandwich Bar.

 Store shot.

Produce.

Bulk Foods + Wine Bar.

This whole stretch of glass that you see is all meat: fish, beef, pork, and poultry. The pre-made food section is way down at the other end of the store along another wall...you can kind of see the beginning of it in this photo. 

You can eat inside... 

outside...

or both!? Yes. Both at the same time.

Sabino Canyon

Cindy and I go walking/hiking in Sabino every once in a while. 

Here are some photos from our excursions. 

You can take the road...

or a side trail.

Cindy in Sabino.

The arms on this Saguaro has arms! How old is this plant!? 

(It takes 75 years for it to grow one arm.)

Tumamoc Hill

This is another place where I go hiking every once in a while.

View of Tucson coming down.
The mountains you see are the Catalinas.

Snow

We had snow in February.

The Whole Foods GRAND OPENING!

Today was the "GRAND OPENING at 9 AM!"of a Whole Foods Market just up the street from us (10 min bike ride). It's the social event of the month for midtown Tucson, so OF COURSE Cindy and I went to check it out. We arrived at 9:20 and the parking lot was packed; everyone plus their grandmothers were there. Actually, since this is Tucson in January, it's more like "grandmothers plus everyone else" were there. There were photographers from the paper scribbling notes about customers views on the chicken; video crewmen doing interviews in the cafe; progressive upper middle class Tucsonians scouting for prime fatless, carb-less, entrees; middle-to-lower class Tucsonians gathering every coupon and free give-away, and people like me who aren't there to buy anything but who enjoy being part of the event (read: in everyone else's way). The only people missing were students. They had school. Suckers. "Busy day today," I said to a cashier. "Yeah!" he responded, "It's like the Superbowl of Whole Foods!"

I've never been to an opening of a grocery store, but this place sparkled. The salad bar was perfect - all the tongs were placed at strategic 45 degree angles in each tray, full of chopped, colorful vegetables. Not a stray pepper or olive slice could be found. Every sandwich and dessert looked like a model, as if they had been painstakingly prepared for hours and set out only moments after the cooks applied the finishing touches. The soup bar had SEVEN different kinds of soups (I opened and smelled every one) and led to a mountain of cornbread at the end. All the cuts of meat (fish, chicken, pork, beef) were perfectly aligned down the display cases and garneshed with greens. The Michael Buble remix-sounding tracks made me think I was in some kind of foodie Wonderland. I half-expected the chickens to start dancing.

Speaking of Whole Foods employees, they were incredibly energetic. In the deli and bakery departments, they yelled, "CAN I GET ANYONE A FREE SAMPLE OF ANYTHING??" On the floor, crew members dashed about to and fro for canned fish, macaroni, or portabella mushrooms. The "higher ups" walked around with headsets ("How's the gruyere cheese display looking in aisle nine?") or coached their subordinates in WF posse circles ("If a customer asks for something that they have in the other stores, say blah-blah-blah"). Regardless of status or position, though, they were all thrilled to give you anything you asked for: "I'm not sure that I like this carb-free, Chinese cabbage pork wrap...can I taste-test the rest of your sandwiches?" ("Of course!") "Can I get the tofu lasagne bake that's second from the top and third from my left in the display?" ("My pleasure!") "I'm hoping you carry this obscure product that no one has ever heard of and none of the other stores have, but since you're so enthusiastic about helping -"("I thought you'd never ask!")

I made it through the checkout line with a free bottle of chemical-free dish soap and some frozen vegetables, and then went to relax. But where? I had my choice of the smoothie bar, wine bar, or the cafe dining area decorated with desert flowers and cacti. I chose the cafe and joined my fellow Whole Fooders in browsing the literature of coupons. Cindy and I eventually found each other minutes later - thank goodness for cell phones - and we headed out. All in all, it was a successful trip - we made it out alive with free stuff! I'm looking forward to having this new store around, even if I only shop there sparingly. Now if only a new Target would open in the same vicinity...THAT would be epic...

Fourth Ave Street Fair, December Edition

The famed Fourth Avenue in Tucson has two street fairs per year, 

and I - luckily - had a Saturday off to enjoy it.

The artwork is the best.

Be it material

or people...

Incense is kind of a big deal here

but I love glycerin bar soap.

Visited the booth of my favorite sunglasses man, Todd.

I thought these glasses were totally me, but I ended up choosing more practical eyewear for biking.

I thought this guy sported them a little better, anyway:

That's all for now ~ until spring!

The Unwanted Guest

An acquaintance of Cindy's - John - is looking at property in the area and asked to stay at the house while he's in town. This is not a good weekend for a visit, though - she's behind on her work and has commitments for the next several days. She felt John had been a little inconsiderate in his request, but Cindy's not one who likes to leave people hanging, so she let him stay on the couch.

I try to be considerate when I can, but I find that I'm not such a considerate person if it means walking on eggshells for someone else. Cindy, Rae, and I are all early risers. We usually start our day around 5 AM and are all in bed by 9. This morning, though, I happened to wake up early.

Clock: 4:42 AM.
Amy: I'm hungry...but someone is sleeping in the living room. It would be rude to wake him while I tromp around the kitchen. I should wait a little longer. 
Clock: 4:53.
Amy: That's long enough.

I made breakfast and turned the kitchen light on, which didn't spare the living room any of it's beaming rays. Rae came in a little later and was as considerate as a mouse - not saying anything and only pouring herself a glass of water. Cindy came in right after me. I decided to finish my breakfast in my room, because Rae's good behavior made me feel guilty. After I closed my door, though, I heard vegetables being chopped, the faucet running, the microwave going, and the dishes clanging. I should have just stayed at the table with all the racket going on! I came in minutes later to wash my dishes and every pot and pan from the night before had been washed and was sitting in the rack. Cindy spared no pains for John.

New Home

With my short-term lease being up, I set out on Craig’s List and found an inexpensive room to rent about 20 minutes by bike from where I worked. I now live in a small, but really cute home near the northern part of town with a woman, “Cindy,” and her daughter, “Rae.” Cindy is an event coordinator for a historic building, where many weddings are held, and Rae is a high school student and classical violinist. The other two occupants include a dog named Reese, and a cat named ZeeZee.

I personally love this house. Cindy has been living in it since the 1980s, and she loves to decorate it and be a homemaker. In fact, she redid my room a few times before I moved in – matching bed sheets, pillows, furniture, and decor with the painted walls.  I received updates via email on every new change. Then after I settled in, she told me to always ask before I went out and bought something, because they probably had extra on hand. Cindy and Rae aren’t wealthy, but they’ve hosted several visitors in the past (foreign students and friends in transition), and they all tend to leave things behind. This is great for Cindy, Rae, and now me: we have tons of extra toiletries, hangers, and more blankets and pillows than we know what to do with.

Another thing I love about my new house is the tile work. Cindy’s brother tiled the kitchen and bathroom walls, making them into works of art. The kitchen has a landscape of Tucson and the entire bathroom shower has the ocean, with sailboats and seagulls. I mention these features specifically, but the whole house is filled with little works of art, and each has a story.

Finally, I enjoy each neighborhood I’ve lived even more than the last and this one seems to top them all. First, the hostel was in a historic district, and then the apartment was in an eclectic, progressive part of town. This home resides in a middle class area and close to the mountains. I love getting up in the morning and seeing the mountains so close to me now…like they’re literally just down the street. At night, they disappear from view, but the tiny lights from houses light up the foothills. Day or night, it’s picturesque.

I wasn’t sure how I would adapt to a new home with roommates, but so far I love it – Cindy is a cheerful person and Rae is “cool” doing her own thing. The amenities are an upgrade for me, too: I have my own room, refrigerator, and bathroom. I have a full kitchen to use, a washing machine to do laundry, and a front yard to hang my clothes. The neighborhood is pretty quiet and domesticated, with grocery stores and two libraries near by. I also don’t have to park my bike next to my bed anymore out of fear someone will take it if I lock it up outside. There’s no end date for how long I’ll be here and Cindy and Rae have taken me in like a family member. I imagine I’ll stay for a few months…until I’m ready to move on to my next adventure J.

P.S. As soon as I find my camera, I’ll post photos…

The Painted 'Hood

My neighborhood is a quirky and artsy place. Every corner has something interesting about it, whether it's metal art or a house with a giant bird cage or murals or an old church. 

Metal plant art is very popular around here.

This community has it's own organic garden. You can sign up to join at any time, and they offer information on the best time to plant which vegetables and herbs. 

 Tucson is a city of murals; people are always painting the walls and streets of the city.

 Love this. 

 More metal plant art.

 This is a mini free library I found while walking around.

 Take a book, leave a book.

 Community happenings.

 A mural of the neighborhood. I found a few of the buildings they painted on here....

 like Jim's Market (white building far right).

"We have these weekly parades where the neighbors come out..." ;)

 Jim's! I don't know if it's an actual market anymore, though. I tried to find an entrance, but I think I was venturing into someone's home... :-/

 Bottom sign = awesome.

House.

 Lizard metal art!

Cute House.

A newly-built playground area at a park near my apartment. While I enjoy monkeybars and swings, my favorite part is the rubbery ground...

 that I unashamedly jump around on for several minutes at a time.
Definitely good exercise for the day :)