Dancing Dog

by Dr. Marian Fritzemeier, Ed.D. © 2014

Author, Speaker, Educator



Dancing Dog in Front Pack

It is 108°. The A/C is still not working. It's really too hot to do much of anything. I can't get much done sitting in front of the fan, so I sweat through the day doing what I can. I certainly can't ride my bike in this heat.

I'm going to ride in the morning. But that's my prime writing time, I argue with myself. But if I don't, I won't be primed to ride 40 miles at the Clear Lake Konocti Challenge in October.

I get up twenty minutes earlier. Throw on old clothes. Feed the dog. Feed the fish. Drink my Boost. Get my water. All I need now are my shoes and helmet. As I reach towards my bike shoes on the closet floor, I notice Dancing Dog. She's so excited anticipating that I'll take her on my bike ride, she pirouettes. Again. And again. And again.

 "Do you want to go on ride?" She pirouettes even faster; then races down the hallway towards the closet that stores her front pack.

"Stop dancing so I can put you in your pack." Then we're off for a morning ride. Dancing Dog takes it all in. She's observing what's going on, smelling the fresh air, and holding her head boldly while the wind blows on her face. She's simply taking in the moment.

I'm still grumbling. I'd rather ride in the late afternoon. I'm missing my writing time. Then I restate the truth. I'm delaying my writing time. I will write after my eight-mile ride.

With the writing dilemma settled, I focus on my ride and am in the moment, just like Dancing Dog.

"Dancing Dog, do you see the kitty?... Hi kitty cat," I sing-song as if both animals will answer. I'm now aware of the birds' songs in the quiet neighborhood. I observe a breeze, just enough to keep me comfortable.

Ahh, this is why I like bike riding. I'm in the fresh air enjoying God's nature and beauty. Oh yeah, and getting some exercise too.

Before I know it, we're heading home. Releasing Dancing Dog from the front pack, she reluctantly jumps out. I view emails as I cool down. Then I write. And Dancing Dog? She's lying next to me, living in the moment, yet anticipating our next adventure.

Something New

By Dr. Marian Fritzemeier, Ed.D. © 2013

Author, Speaker, Educator

On October 5th, I'm going to do something I've never done before.  For several months I've been exercising twice a week and doing some bike riding. My husband and I ride on some bike paths, but mostly I ride in our neighborhood by myself.  Well, almost by myself.

Dancing in Circles. I wear a front pack that carries my ferocious Chihuahua, Grace. Despite the fact that she barks all the time at home, she's the perfect bike passenger. She dances in circles when I ask, "Do you want to go on a bike ride?" and rarely makes a peep on the ride. I always feel safe when she rides with me.

Half-Way There. Today I'm proud of myself because I met my half way goal for my new adventure. I'll be riding a 20 mile bicycle "Fun Ride" at Clear Lake. I rode ten miles today. We're not discussing time here, just the distance. 

I Paid for That?. I've never done anything like this before. For those of you who know me, I'm not very coordinated and not even a teeny bit athletic. But I like riding my bike outside.  I love to see God's beauty and listen to the birds as I pedal along. I needed some kind of goal.

The Ride. I checked bike club rides but most are over 25 miles, so I had to start somewhere. I found this ride in a bike riding booklet. I even bought a pair of bike shorts. I never paid so much money for something so ugly. Oh, except for my hiking vest and pants when I started bird watching and hiking. I'm not sure which are the ugliest. 

What About You? So I'm doing something totally out of my comfort zone. What about you? or your children? Have your children or teens been talking about something they want to do...someday? Is there something you've thought about trying but decided not to? Schools started this week in Modesto. A new school year is the perfect time to choose to do something new. I'd like to hear your stories of your new adventures. I'll keep you posted on mine.

1. Image from: Stock.XCHNG www.sxc.hu/bike-route-both-directions-logo-1416709-m. Accessed 4/17/2014.