I've been watching people slicing through the water in kayaks on Puget Sound, thinking how fun it looks. So, I decided it was high time I tried it! Trusting the weather man who swore it would be 65 and sunny today, I scheduled a 2 p.m. with Alki Beach Tours for Kayaking 101. I was the only student! Turned out to be a bit cloudy and drizzly, but there was no wind, so the water was calm, thank God.
My instructor, Ben, originally from Hawaii, has been sea kayaking for 30 years, teaching here for four years. He was very nice, very aware of safety, especially when I told him I really can't swim worth a darn! We spent an hour on the ground before we even hit the water, so I could learn about the boat, how to maintain proper balance once in the cockpit, putting on the PFD, etc. You do get wet...you have to get your feet in the water to get in the kayak. I wore aqua-socks that I've had for years, which was a smart move. However Ben had on a $400 dry suit - a total advantage. I was not as warm and cozy as he was! Didn't matter...once I got moving, I warmed up fast.
We were out on the bay about an hour, just learning the basics. I learned how to paddle of course, turn, go in a circle, go backwards, and stop. My upper back and shoulders are going to be sore tomorrow!
A large group was going out on a tour, and it was hilarious watching them. Half of them didn't know what the hell they were doing, and there was a lot of laughing as they headed out to God knows where. They were all two to three to a kayak - I was in my own, as was Ben. I really had a good time.
See, I have a pretty strong fear of water, so this was a big move for me. I don't think I'd do it in rough water, but on a nice day with calm water, this could be very therapeutic for me.
I love living here.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Putting it all in perspective - or - dead rat by the sidewalk
My car had been doing weird things. Idling really rough, stalling, oil light coming on and off intermittently, and then the dreaded check engine light.
I was about to take it to the BMW dealership, and my new boss said no! Take it next door to Big O - it will cost less and they're really good. I am aware the dealership really does sort of puff things up, and so I took my boss up on his suggestion. It took almost 2 days, but I got the car back and it runs like a new car! I'm so happy, even though it still cost me just over a grand.
Here's the deal. This car has been wonderful. This is the first really major thing to happen to it, and she's just about to hit 100,000 miles, an unheard of number for me. I usually get rid of them before that, but times such as they are, and the fact that it is such a wonderful car, which is paid for, well, what could I do.
The problem, I was told, was the PCV valve (positive crankcase ventilation aka oil separator). The mechanic said this is common in BMW's with substantial miles. It was totally clogged which also mucked up a bunch of valve covers. To get to this rascal, they had to practically tear the car apart (it's under the intake manifold). I went over several times, and at one point I could barely look - all I could think was, do they know where everything goes back? Anyway, all is well with the car now.
Yesterday the Big O folks gave me a ride home. But this morning I had to take the bus. Thank God I left early. After one transfer, I was dumped off by Safeco Field, and had to walk I bet a mile to work. It was cold, and early, and I had on wedgies.
So, off I go. Not the greatest stretch of road in the morning. First I see a dead rat in the dirt by the sidewalk. I stopped to mourn him. What a bummer to be a rat, and dead I thought. So, I go a little further and I notice something under an off-ramp. As I got closer, I realized it was a homeless person. He or she was sleeping, and I had to do a double take at how compact and organized his/her space was. But it made me sad. I wasn't afraid of any of this, just aware.
So, I'm a thousand bucks poorer. Big deal. I have a car and I'm not sleeping in it. Sure, I've had my challenges the last oh, 10 years, but I am blessed. I know this.
I was about to take it to the BMW dealership, and my new boss said no! Take it next door to Big O - it will cost less and they're really good. I am aware the dealership really does sort of puff things up, and so I took my boss up on his suggestion. It took almost 2 days, but I got the car back and it runs like a new car! I'm so happy, even though it still cost me just over a grand.
Here's the deal. This car has been wonderful. This is the first really major thing to happen to it, and she's just about to hit 100,000 miles, an unheard of number for me. I usually get rid of them before that, but times such as they are, and the fact that it is such a wonderful car, which is paid for, well, what could I do.
The problem, I was told, was the PCV valve (positive crankcase ventilation aka oil separator). The mechanic said this is common in BMW's with substantial miles. It was totally clogged which also mucked up a bunch of valve covers. To get to this rascal, they had to practically tear the car apart (it's under the intake manifold). I went over several times, and at one point I could barely look - all I could think was, do they know where everything goes back? Anyway, all is well with the car now.
Yesterday the Big O folks gave me a ride home. But this morning I had to take the bus. Thank God I left early. After one transfer, I was dumped off by Safeco Field, and had to walk I bet a mile to work. It was cold, and early, and I had on wedgies.
So, off I go. Not the greatest stretch of road in the morning. First I see a dead rat in the dirt by the sidewalk. I stopped to mourn him. What a bummer to be a rat, and dead I thought. So, I go a little further and I notice something under an off-ramp. As I got closer, I realized it was a homeless person. He or she was sleeping, and I had to do a double take at how compact and organized his/her space was. But it made me sad. I wasn't afraid of any of this, just aware.
So, I'm a thousand bucks poorer. Big deal. I have a car and I'm not sleeping in it. Sure, I've had my challenges the last oh, 10 years, but I am blessed. I know this.
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