- It's like getting licked, head to toe, by a big, sweaty dog. Those of you who live with humidity, know what I'm talking about here. Although the thermometer may show an innocent 85 degrees Fahrenheit, you'll sweating like a pig in an oven. As someone who won the genetic lottery - I sweat so little I hardly ever use deodorant - humidity can be a bit disconcerting. On a sweltering, humid day, I feel like Superman after he got dosed with Kryptonite-infused Gatorade. Ugh. I took this picture this morning of Difficult Run. The stream looks so glassy and smooth - it's like the water itself is sweating...
- Eat your heart out, Hollywood. The Mars Rovers are simply cool. It's indisputable. Transformers relied on fancy film editing software and Shia LaBeouf to entertain us. But NASA's the real deal.
- A clan of suicidal turtles has moved into Wakefield. I took this picture last week - nearly nailed the poor guy. Not five minutes later, I practically assaulted his brother. Why do these little creatures have a death wish? The world may never know. One thing we can be certain of - they ain't gonna last long out there.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Thoughts from the Saddle: Humidity, Mars Rover, Suicidal Turtles
While I rode the Difficult Run/CCT loop this morning, a few thoughts made their way through my head:
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Open Letter to My Wife: I'm at Wakefield
Love,
As you know, I didn't get a job at Spokes this summer. I really wanted to work there for one simple reason: to earn some money to pay for bike stuff. Sure, I could get another job, but I'd probably have to drive there (ugh) and it would probably be lame (double ugh). Without that job, I've got no money and a lot of time on my hands.
As I see it, that leaves me with just one course of action. I've gotta ride long and I gotta ride hard. All day, every day. I have to ride my bikes into the ground. Chains are going to break at the clip-clomp of my cycling shoes. Hubs are going to melt as I mercilessly apply foot to pedal. Handlebars will cringe at my touch and collapse in my iron grip. Sooner than later, all that will be left of my bicycle stable will be a few mangled frames and smoldering pile of Shimano-stamped iron slugs.
"But don't you love your bikes?" you might protest. It's true. My bikes have earned a special place in my heart. But while I have enjoyed my bikes thoroughly, let's be honest: they are on their last legs, living on borrowed time. I have made the Sora components of my road bike last thousands of miles farther than Shimano ever intended. The hubs, drivetrain, and fork on my mountain bike are thisclose to giving up the ghost. I'm afraid it's time to take Old Yeller out back, as much as it pains me to do so.
And once I've properly put a bike to rest, I'll have to replace it, right? Right now, my bikes are like a three-legged dog - a serviceable companion if somewhat funny. But if I loose a bike? A Two-legged dog? That's just pitiful.
So, I'm sorry I didn't pick you up from the metro today. I'm riding at Wakefield. But I've included a map so you can meet me there! Once you arrive, just listen for creaking, rattling, and thudding - that's the sound of my mountain bike staggering once more down the trail.
love ya,
josh
View Larger Map
As you know, I didn't get a job at Spokes this summer. I really wanted to work there for one simple reason: to earn some money to pay for bike stuff. Sure, I could get another job, but I'd probably have to drive there (ugh) and it would probably be lame (double ugh). Without that job, I've got no money and a lot of time on my hands.
As I see it, that leaves me with just one course of action. I've gotta ride long and I gotta ride hard. All day, every day. I have to ride my bikes into the ground. Chains are going to break at the clip-clomp of my cycling shoes. Hubs are going to melt as I mercilessly apply foot to pedal. Handlebars will cringe at my touch and collapse in my iron grip. Sooner than later, all that will be left of my bicycle stable will be a few mangled frames and smoldering pile of Shimano-stamped iron slugs.
"But don't you love your bikes?" you might protest. It's true. My bikes have earned a special place in my heart. But while I have enjoyed my bikes thoroughly, let's be honest: they are on their last legs, living on borrowed time. I have made the Sora components of my road bike last thousands of miles farther than Shimano ever intended. The hubs, drivetrain, and fork on my mountain bike are thisclose to giving up the ghost. I'm afraid it's time to take Old Yeller out back, as much as it pains me to do so.
And once I've properly put a bike to rest, I'll have to replace it, right? Right now, my bikes are like a three-legged dog - a serviceable companion if somewhat funny. But if I loose a bike? A Two-legged dog? That's just pitiful.
So, I'm sorry I didn't pick you up from the metro today. I'm riding at Wakefield. But I've included a map so you can meet me there! Once you arrive, just listen for creaking, rattling, and thudding - that's the sound of my mountain bike staggering once more down the trail.
love ya,
josh
View Larger Map
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Loose Ends: 2007 Christmas Letter
I was tasked with writing the newsletter this last December. Here, for the sake of posterity, it is in its entirety:
Cali and I are enjoying life as DINKs (dual income, no kids) – which, factoring in the outrageous cost of living in the DC area and our chosen professions is less lucrative than it sounds. 2007 was an eventful year for us, full of firsts in marriage…
First Trip Beyond US Borders (Together): Our most exciting (and expensive) adventure of the year was visiting Cali’s sister Hannah in France. The trip coincided perfectly with our six month anniversary and a streak of miserable winter weather in DC. We stayed with Hannah in central France; with Hannah’s French friends in Biarritz, on the Atlantic coast near Spain; and with other friends in Paris. It was great to take in the culture, spend time together, and escape the humdrum of winter work.
First Master’s Degree: Cali graduated in May with a Masters in Public Administration (MPA) from The George Washington University. After graduation, Cali accepted a job offer from the non-profit organization where she had been interning, the Partnership for Public Service. At the Partnership Cali is learning much about our federal government and enjoys working with dedicated, smart co-workers in a comfortable work environment (including Friday afternoon snacks and Monday bagels). Not to be out-educated, I started a Masters in Science Education through Virginia Tech two days after Cali’s graduation. The program operates out of the Northern Virginia satellite campus; it’s fairly close to our apartment and is designed around a teacher’s schedule. I should finish in August, leading to another first – first VT grad without a clue of what a “Hokie” is! (OK, probably not a first…)
First Time Attending Church in Swimsuits: There’s only so much you can pack into the hot Arizona desert in July. A white shirt and tie didn’t make the cut, so when Cali and I went to church while visiting the Havasupai Indian Reservation we did so in swim trunks. Cali convinced her supervisors at work to give her six weeks of vacation this summer. We flew to Utah where we went mountain biking on Antelope Island, swimming in the Great Salt Lake, fly-fishing in the Weber “river,” backpacking in the Unitas, cliff jumping at Causey Reservoir, night hiking Grandeur Peak, scouring art galleries for affordable, original Utah paintings (we found one!), and visiting family and friends. We finished our trip by journeying to the Havasupai Reservation, in the bottom of the Grand Canyon, and exploring the beautiful waterfalls.
First Anniversary! Always true to the essentials of our relationship, Cali and I celebrated our one year anniversary mountain biking. It’s almost hard to believe we’ve been married for more than a year. It’s been a wonderful year though and we’re looking forward to many, many more. I have the most wonderful wife in the world.
First Time My Wife Cheered While I Was in Pain (probably not the last): We often have friends come visit us since we’re so close to our nation’s capital. During each visit, we usually take them downtown to see the sights. This year I decided to enjoy the sights in another format. The Marine Corp Marathon starts at Arlington National Cemetery and weaves 26.2 miles through the city before finishing at the Iwo Jima Memorial. It was a great race on a bright, clear, but windy day with 20,000 other runners. Favorite fan sign (at mile 19 while crossing back into Virginia): “You are NOT almost there! You still have 7 MILES to go!” At moments like those, I was especially glad to have my beautiful wife cheering me on in my first marathon as a married man! (Certainly, it won’t be my last!)
Now you’ve just read our first Ence Family Year-End Spam-O-Gram! May we all find joy and adventure in 2008!
Accompanying Photos:
Josh and Cali in Biarritz
Hannah, Josh, & Cali in front of Notre Dame
Josh on the Great Salt Lake
Cali and Josh on top of Bald Mountain (High Unitas)
2007: A Year of Firsts
Hello wonderful friends, family, and other well-wishers! Cali and I are enjoying life as DINKs (dual income, no kids) – which, factoring in the outrageous cost of living in the DC area and our chosen professions is less lucrative than it sounds. 2007 was an eventful year for us, full of firsts in marriage…
First Trip Beyond US Borders (Together): Our most exciting (and expensive) adventure of the year was visiting Cali’s sister Hannah in France. The trip coincided perfectly with our six month anniversary and a streak of miserable winter weather in DC. We stayed with Hannah in central France; with Hannah’s French friends in Biarritz, on the Atlantic coast near Spain; and with other friends in Paris. It was great to take in the culture, spend time together, and escape the humdrum of winter work.
First Master’s Degree: Cali graduated in May with a Masters in Public Administration (MPA) from The George Washington University. After graduation, Cali accepted a job offer from the non-profit organization where she had been interning, the Partnership for Public Service. At the Partnership Cali is learning much about our federal government and enjoys working with dedicated, smart co-workers in a comfortable work environment (including Friday afternoon snacks and Monday bagels). Not to be out-educated, I started a Masters in Science Education through Virginia Tech two days after Cali’s graduation. The program operates out of the Northern Virginia satellite campus; it’s fairly close to our apartment and is designed around a teacher’s schedule. I should finish in August, leading to another first – first VT grad without a clue of what a “Hokie” is! (OK, probably not a first…)
First Time Attending Church in Swimsuits: There’s only so much you can pack into the hot Arizona desert in July. A white shirt and tie didn’t make the cut, so when Cali and I went to church while visiting the Havasupai Indian Reservation we did so in swim trunks. Cali convinced her supervisors at work to give her six weeks of vacation this summer. We flew to Utah where we went mountain biking on Antelope Island, swimming in the Great Salt Lake, fly-fishing in the Weber “river,” backpacking in the Unitas, cliff jumping at Causey Reservoir, night hiking Grandeur Peak, scouring art galleries for affordable, original Utah paintings (we found one!), and visiting family and friends. We finished our trip by journeying to the Havasupai Reservation, in the bottom of the Grand Canyon, and exploring the beautiful waterfalls.
First Anniversary! Always true to the essentials of our relationship, Cali and I celebrated our one year anniversary mountain biking. It’s almost hard to believe we’ve been married for more than a year. It’s been a wonderful year though and we’re looking forward to many, many more. I have the most wonderful wife in the world.
First Time My Wife Cheered While I Was in Pain (probably not the last): We often have friends come visit us since we’re so close to our nation’s capital. During each visit, we usually take them downtown to see the sights. This year I decided to enjoy the sights in another format. The Marine Corp Marathon starts at Arlington National Cemetery and weaves 26.2 miles through the city before finishing at the Iwo Jima Memorial. It was a great race on a bright, clear, but windy day with 20,000 other runners. Favorite fan sign (at mile 19 while crossing back into Virginia): “You are NOT almost there! You still have 7 MILES to go!” At moments like those, I was especially glad to have my beautiful wife cheering me on in my first marathon as a married man! (Certainly, it won’t be my last!)
Now you’ve just read our first Ence Family Year-End Spam-O-Gram! May we all find joy and adventure in 2008!
Accompanying Photos:
Josh and Cali in Biarritz
Hannah, Josh, & Cali in front of Notre Dame
Josh on the Great Salt Lake
Cali and Josh on top of Bald Mountain (High Unitas)
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