Thursday, July 29, 2010

Road Rash - a.k.a. Bragging Rights


Evidence of my first bike wreck - one minute I was on the sidewalk, the next minute I was in the air falling in slow motion - hit the ground - skid, skid, skid. What a trip - literally. I only regret that Adam didn't get it on video!

My bike was fine, but the back break now drags and BOTH tires went flat. Looks like I'll be visiting the guys at the bike shop again... At least this all happened near the end of the ride - we did about 17 mi through Grapevine and it was great!

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Back from Redneck Land


I learned a lot of useful things in Louisiana (pronounced Loo-see-ana), such as how to pull potatoes, can corn, shell peas (which I did for 8hrs one day!), and how to scale & fry fish. I also learned some useful words:
  • Fussin' - to complain (ex. "Jed, quit fussin' about havin' to work on that barn today.")
  • Reckon - "do you think" (ex. "Where's Bekah, reckon?")
  • Jawing - talking (ex. "We had a great time at the party swimmin', eatin' and jawin'.")
  • Sir and Ma'am - term of respect I previously only ever used when in trouble and my mom called me by my full name (ex. "Katherine Anne Ryan, you come here right now!" --"Yes ma'am!") *However, after 3 mos in West Monroe, this is now an automatic response whenever anyone calls my name (ex. "Hey Katie?" --"Ma'am?")
and useful phrases:
  • Little Michael, go give Miss Tonya sugars before you leave. - i.e. Go give Miss Tonya a hug & kiss before you leave.
  • Those two favor - i.e. Those two look alike.
  • I come by it honest. (ex. Bekah: "Katie, don't ask me - I'm terrible with directions." Katie: "Whatever. Tonya, do you know how to get there?" Tonya: "Oh, don't ask me. I'm worse than she is!" Bekah: "See Katie! I come by it honest.")
Texans, folks from Louisiana may have an affinity for cammo, huntin' and deer meat that we don't quite understand, but I absolutely loved my time in Louisiana and I miss the amazing people I met there!