The Cypress tree at Pebble Beach.

I've been bicycling to the gym just about every day that I go work out. It's not all that far, and it gives me a bit more of a workout. I was about two-thirds of the way to the gym today though when it started to rain. I kept going, since I figured that by the time I turned around and went home to get the car I'd be soaked anyway, and then I would probably completely lose my motivation to work out. But the fates were smiling on me and it let up after just a few mintues, so I was merely a trifle damp when I reached the gym.

However, just as I was finishing up my workout I looked out the window and it was raining. I muttered a few choice curses, then sighed and decided that it wouldn't kill me to bicycle in the rain. And I was just going straight home anyway. But then, just as I was walking out, my dad showed up to see if I wanted a ride home. He'd borrowed my truck to get some lumber, but then decided not to since it was raining. I of course agreed to the offer of a ride and loaded my bike into the back of my truck.

Of course then, about two minutes after we left the gym, the skies cleared, the sun came out and the birds started singing. Figures. I still wasn't going to complain though. I'd done a lot of leg work, and I hadn't really been looking forward to biking back home anyway. On days like that my cycling involves lots and lots of coasting.

I went over to my parents's house yesterday to get some of the cool catalogs that my mother always gets in the mail. I haven't seen a darned blessed thing in any store that I'd be willing to give as a gift to the people on my (thankfully short) list this year, so was hoping to do the mail-order thing. But she'd thrown them all away! Waah! Back to square one. I keep hearing people say I should do my shopping online, but I don't know where online, and plus I like browsing, since I don't have firm gift ideas for anyone.

I'm pleased that my shopping list is short this year. Here's where having a ridiculously small family comes in handy. I need to buy for my parents, my sister's family, and a couple of other special people, and that's pretty much it. Nice!

By the way, I totally detest Xmas. Too much stress and pressure and obligation and disappointment and spending. My favorite holiday is Halloween. There's no pressure, no gifts, no dinners... just dressing up and having fun. About the only thing you need to buy is candy, and that's only if you have trick-or-treaters.

This week was also spent in finalizing plans and making reservations for my trip to DisneyWorld with Kent in February. My travel agent managed to score an amazingly good airfare for his flight to Orlando, and also managed to get me a flight that arrives in Orlando very close to when he arrives. Airport reunion and other mushy stuff. ;-)