Home for the Holidays

We traveled North to Indiana for Christmas. We were met by frigid 20 degree temperatures, 30 mph winds, and snow. Our transplant southern adapted blood could barley handle the cold. We had a great time with family and friends, although happy with our return to warmer weather.

Indiana

Barn Raising

The fall is officially over although the temperatures have been in the 70s. Sean finished building the barn (out building) for Andi in Pendleton and I wrapped up the semester at school. We are off to Indiana for Christmas. Will post some frigid pictures to make you Southerners thankful for your sunny skies and warm breezes.

Barn Building

It Ain't No Chicken Ride

Saturday we decided to join a cookie ride near Claxton, GA and ride bandit style. 75 miles later, 2 red neck store stops, and a few near bonk arguments made us realize we aren't in Kansas anymore. We'll be back in the Upstate soon to join the Chicken Ride and WBL's. We did enjoy the beautiful scenery of cotton and walnut pick'in!

Fall for Greenville Weekend

We had a great time in GVL last weekend for the Cycling Classic. The absolute end to the cycling season! Now Sean gets to play BB and soccer with boys half his age in the Recreation Center and I get to train for that half marathon people always talk me into signing up for.

Fall for Greenville

Stop the Misery!

I have a theory that continues to hold true. Every time we move to a new area in the country a debilitating flu/illness awaits us. We don’t have the antibodies of the locals to fight off the everyday bug so it waits for us newbie’s, attacks, and makes us miserable for days, weeks, etc. Sean and I both got the local flu. We have spent a week in bed shivering, sniffling, coughing, just waiting for it to run its course and leave. After a week I am finally feeling like coming into the office and working, a very necessary task. While Sean took the day to race in a local series to see how he felt. His luck continues to be low when he t-boned into a down rider on the course. He saw a few guys in the break swing left wondering what was going on. The down rider was not even part of the road race and made a bone head move of looking back to see who was coming. Luckily, he only has some starches and a bruised back. He managed to get back in and finish with the break. Is this week over yet?

A bike with one wheel?

It's a good thing Sean has two wheels on his bike! Trying to ride Terry's unicycle proved to be a task even the multi-talented super athlete Sean could not conquer. It was sure fun watching him try!

Pictures

Labor Day

Although we may have moved, we are close enough to Greenville to come back often. This weekend we were back for the SC State Road Race Championships (which both Sean and my team took the SC titles), US Pro Races, and a little playing in Clemson. Thanks to everyone for their hospitality. We had a great time!

The End of Summer

Good Times and A New Name

I am finally roping life in and taking time to update the blog. It's been a whirlwind of a month moving, going on vacation, graduating, and starting school. We enjoyed a short visit at the beach with my family although my older brother experienced a serious illness and will be recovering in the hospital for some time. Luckily, they were able to move him to his home hospital at UVA, making the situation more comfortable for the family. He is expected to have a full recovery. On a lighter note gradation was a blast! The lake, party, and ceremonies were great! Thanks to everyone who brought food to share. And of course, Danna's cake was to die for. In fact, we almost had another cake incident when I brought Sean a piece and at the very moment he ate the last bite he looked at me and said in great fear, "OMG I forgot to save you any!" In anticipation of this I had already sneaked a piece. It was nice to see him sweat though! I got so busy visiting at the party I forgot to take pictures, so see beach, lake, and graduation pics above. We are back in the 'Boro now, melting in the extreme heat. Looking forward to the SC State RR and US Pro Events. Thanks Cass for the blog recommendation. I think it will work great!

First Week in Town

We’ve enjoyed our first week in the ‘boro, although it is much different than Clemson. A few observations include:

1. There are gnats!
2. There are gnats!
3. Just because the map indicates a road, there is a good chance the road may be dirt.
4. When you have to turn around multiple times on roads, due to dirt, you increase your chances of running into trashy neighborhoods and viscous dogs.
5. When a bull mastiff the size of your bike runs towards you and your husband yells, “Go MELISSA!” You sprint, ready or not!
6. It’s not as hot as Augusta, but its sure close!
7. People stare because you are not overweight.
8. They only stock Bud Light and Budweiser at the grocery store, no exotic beers!
9. No one knows what organic means.
10. Did I mention, there are gnats!

Lisa came down for a weekend visit and we explored Savannah. Someone there must know how sweet I am and felt so strong they posted a sign! Surprising to some, I know...

The Move to the 'boro

We made it to Statesboro on Monday. You can see below we didn’t get a big enough truck and had to sell things before we drove off. A county sheriff was interested in a few items and Sean was happy to help. I looked out the window and figured he was in trouble with the law, again! It was a good laugh! The rest of the pictures are of the house. Tomorrow I head to school to get bona fide. Will keep you posted on the new adventure. Thanks to everyone along the way that helped!

Moving Pictures

A Night to Remember…

Not because I decided to partake in Rae’s superliquored margaritas, but because we have been blessed with so many great friends. Rae and Steve hosted a good luck party (not goodbye) for us last night. The food was amazing, the liquored poured freely, and no one talked about goodbyes. After a long dry spell of not drinking, for numerous reasons, I decided to celebrate a little. It’s been a long time, but I remembered quickly after Rae handed me one of her fancy margaritas, alcohol can hit fast on an empty stomach. That theme continued through the evening and that pretty margarita glass had had enough of me by night’s fall when it jumped out of my hands and broke on the deck. I will apologize in advance to Rae and Steve for the soon to be flat bike tires! I think Sean decided a few beers was enough, after Steve gave him some extra strong suds, and when my inside voice was no longer. You can see from the pictures we had a great time! Caroline made an amazing pound cake, Danna made her famous wedding cookies (which I can’t walk by without popping one in my mouth=1,000 calories a piece thank you very much), and Rae had my favorite, strawberry cake. And despite bets that I would be in the loo or hung-over today, neither happened. I actually got a great night’s sleep, woke up earlier enough to catch Meet the Press and Face the Nation, and post the party pictures on the blog. Thanks to everyone who organized and came. We couldn’t have asked for better luck!

Good Luck Party Pictures

Good Times but No Stars and Stripes

Sean and teammates (Josh, Darby, Rodney, and Weaver) returned this week from the Seven Springs Road Festival and put in strong efforts to win a National Title, in both the 30-34 and 35-39 age groups. Team members placed in the top twenty in both the road and criterium events, but the only place that counts is #1. Now I get to listen for another year about how he could have won if he had more time to train. I feel a request for the Summer of Sean III approaching.

The Fat Man Hand off to Masters

Today Sean left for Masters Nationals taking place in Seven Springs, PA (a flat place I hear!). He, Rodney, and Shane will all be competing in the 35-39 age group, which currently has over 100 riders registered. As Sean checked the roster last night of registered racers, he said it was the, "who’s, who’s of pro and national champions." I guess at 35 you realize you are not going to win the Tour de France and decide to get a Masters Title. Right before he left he was stung by a few nasty looking wasp and the fat hand you see below was the result. I didn’t care to look at it, or for it to touch me. I know, shallow I am. Anyway, hopefully someone from Greenville will come back with a stars and stripe jersey!

Racing Pictures

Racing Fun

The Southeast Mountain Bike Championships were held at Issaqueena this past weekend. Two teammates and a few friends raced. Afterward we had some great chicken at Z’s, thanks Tammy & Z. Emily entered her first mtn bike race and placed 3^rd out of 12 women. Ian and Z won, of course. All the gals came out to support the gang. Great racing everyone! Hope I can be on the bike next time. Also, above are pictures from the Mellowdrome track in Asheville. I was a supporter, again. Sean, Shane, Jim, Rodney as well as Dawn and Bo raced. We represented Greenville well!

Defended but Defenseless…

How long did it take me to get my PhD? Although to some of you reading this (especially Sean) it may seem like an eternity; however, it has only been four years, which is admirable in grad student terms. I am relieved to have everything behind me and thankful to my friends and family for their support. Unfortunately, I was diagnosed with mononucleosis the day before my defense. The doctor had the great idea of shooting me up with prednisone to help me make it through the day. There is nothing like the feeling of passing out in a public presentation because of all the synthetic adrenaline running through your body. In hindsight though, now that the shot is wearing off, I am happy I listened to him. The aches, pains, and fatigue have returned leaving me helpless on the couch. So, my big plans of mountain biking and swimming in the waterfalls I’ve missed the past few years, are no longer. But, I figure after my weight loss extravaganza and steroid shots I should be in good shape this fall for the end of the cycling season. At least USCF doesn't test us girls for doping, so maybe I can end on a good note. If you are in the area feel free to drop in. You know where I’ll be.

Love in the Air

This weekend we were invited to share Susan and Greg’s special day at Pretty Place, NC. As you can see from below, the view was amazing. We had a great time at the wedding and afterward went to Hooker Falls and swam in the waterfalls. What a perfect day!

Susan and Greg's Wedding

Susan and Greg's Wedding

We went north this past weekend to visit family and attend our niece’s high school graduation. We had a relatively uneventful trip, with one exception. Sean decided to take the scenic route and hop off the interstate for a section of our trip. Being concerned with sleepy towns, traffic lights, and old people driving Cutlass Supremes, I was not enthusiastic about the idea, but conceded. After a quick trip to the 1950s Dairy Queen, where every table had a foil ashtray and the customers were using them, we (or I should say Sean) was pulled over by the local police. Sean requested (in an assertive tone) I not say a word. Being the good, well-behaved wife that I am, I didn’t. I think in 2 minutes, or less the officer returned with a ticket and drove off. We were both in shock! And I didn’t say a word, for a few hours, although Sean said my face said it all. Needless to say, we did not visit Pineville on our return trip and stuck to the interstates where other people were driving just as fast and reckless as Sean and he would not be noticed

We had a great time visiting family and attending graduation. We sat in the yard enjoying the thick, green grass without any red ants (my mortal enemy number 1), completed my birthday month with the infamous strawberry cake, visited with my brother and sister-in-law, who are now expecting (YEAH!), and saw my best friends, (Raeanne) from home, new foal. Enjoy the pictures!

Indiana Pictures

Indiana

Atlanta Heat and Smok’in Race Weekend

We traveled to Atlanta this weekend for the Sandy Springs races. Saturday I was the official feed zone coordinator. This job is not an easy one! Between avoiding newbie’s who throw the water bottles at the cyclist, the hot sun, and red ant attacks, the job is a stressful one, to say the least. After doing some research about the road course, I opted not to race, so I slept in and saved my legs for Sunday. Sean and Rodney raced the Pro 1, 2, riding a delightful 80 miles at 2:30 in 90 degree weather. My job consisted of a total of 30 seconds in a 3 ½ hour time frame, but the guys were happy to have cold water. Sean finished a strong 6^th although was in a bad place at the finish when both legs came out of the clips and the lock down started, a sign of pain to come later in the evening. I made it out in good shape with a nice summer tan (trying to work off the cycling tan-a sign I'm a strong cyclist, which I don't want to give people that imprecision) and only a few red ant bites.

Sunday morning came earlier than we thought. We woke to the smell of homemade biscuits and bacon that my Aunt and Uncle prepared for breakfast. I will admit I was not particularly stoked to race. If I had not prepaid I may have headed back to Clemson. And as I walked outside to leave, the thick smoke from the forest fires confirmed those thoughts. I thought to myself, “How could I possible race in a chimney?” I bucked up and tried to get myself ready for the 40 minutes of hell I was getting ready to endure. When I got to the course and got my number I realized they had reversed the course. This isn’t good, I thought to myself. I called Sean and got the confirmation, “Oh, that’s not good for you.” The race had around 15 girls and was run extremely well. The girls who run the Algabra Women’s Cat 4 series are always friendly and run a great series. I rode the first part of the race smart, at least I thought. There was a fast downhill and a long uphill that turned into the wind. I focused on being the first on the downhill and into the tight turn, but ended up pulling entirely too much on the uphill. Note, photo above. Thanks to True Speed Photo for great pictures! I got spit out the back with 4 laps to go and according the results got 12^th. We feel pretty confident I got more like 9^th, but at that point it didn’t really matter. I won a prime of bars, which I figure comes out to me paying approximately $2 a lap to race. So in hindsight, due to my lack of legs, fatigue, pulling to much, and inability to breathe quality oxygen, I just didn’t have it. Luckily, Sean finished a strong 8^th in the Pro 1, 2 race and won some money for us. At least he paid for the gas and I have some food to eat for the week. We head to Indiana this week for a short trip and the bikes will be staying at home for some much needed R & R. Oh, did I mention Sunday was our 6 year anniversary? And we were at a bike race... And I am writing this on Memorial Day because I have to work and Clemson doesn't consider it a holiday. How Unamerican!!!!!!

I didn't show up for class...

This may not seem to be a big deal to most of you, however, when you are the professor and you don’t show up for the first day of class, its really tacky! It really was a calendar mix up! I feel my life has slowly gone down the shitter now. Sean eats all my cookies, cake, and moldy cheese, I throw hissy fits over the smallest things, I forget to show up to class, and I can barely remember how to shift my bike. I think I am going to give it all up and become a Professional Aquaglider. I know my lackey will be down with it!

Cowboy Up

Sean told me when I moved from the farm and settled down with him my dreams of a big truck with dual exhaust, tractors, and the wearing of a cowboy hat needed to end. After almost a decade I think I am breaking him down. He is still wearing Rudy’s, cycling socks, and playing an Ipod, but I’ll take it! I think the boots will be next.

Frostbite in May?

The question of the Saturday morning ride was, “is 50 degrees the same temperature in January as it is in May?” Although there were differing opinions, my hands said yes and were proof that it is indeed the same temperature; red, swollen, and fingernails turning blue. Scott showed up to the ride in all winter gear, warm and happy! Becky wore only a sleeveless jersey, admitting it was a little cool while Patty, Emily, and me dressed more conservative with long sleeves. Luckily, it did warm up and turned out to be a great day to be in the saddle. I was happy my bike boy finally took er' to the shop to put on my new components, which have been sitting in the bike room for over 2 months, only after loosing my chain numerous times, riding with clicking sounds, and people dodging bike parts in the pack. Carolina Triathlon added the special touch with a hot pink cable end and already people have noticed the new pizzazz!

Living the Buy Nothing Life

I am taking a break this morning from drowning in statistical outputs and finishing my damn dissertation to post an interesting article. Adbusters is a magazine I enjoy to rummage through and they featured the compact lifestyle blog I referenced about questing the real motives behind your daily purchases.

Stated in the article, “Money and debts seem to be ruling our life,” observes Rúna Björg Gartharsdóttir, a Compacter in Iceland. She explains to Adbusters that she joined the Compact to escape what she calls the “vicious cycle” of consumerism – the chronic overwork to be able to spend more; the social disintegration resulting from overwork; the environmental damage caused by consumer waste; conflict over resources to supply consumer demand. In other words, a myriad of problems loosely bound by the innocent desire for an iPod or a luxury car collection.

I don't think I could have said it better! Not that I have the money (since most of it goes towards the pro cycling fund), so I will stick with my trailer, recycle, and shop at thrift stores.

Our Home in the Boro

Although we were excited about the blue smurf home, we could not agree on the contract, i.e. closing date, etc. As a result we have decided to rent from a faculty member in our college who recently built a home. It is 2 miles from campus, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, wood floors, and a great backyard for the woofs. It was such a relief to get this taken care of and in hindsight, not buy a home. I have to focus on graduating and Sean has a summer of cycling to train for. All in all, a good decision. As always, you all are welcome. Plenty of queen beds and bike racks.

New Home in Statesboro

Georgia House

Pink Envy

I realize after chatting with various cyclist Tuesday at Donaldson there may be pink envy circulating the cycling scene. One rider commented there was so much pink in the pack it looked like camouflage and he couldn’t tell us apart. Another cyclist, for anonymity purposes I won’t name names, Cass, made a dig at my new ultra hip retro Smith sunglasses by saying as she rode off, “and they’re pink!” So as a result I thought I would take inventory of everything I owned pink. I don’t know if it makes us ride faster or not, but we sure look good doing it! And don’t worry, our new kits will be here soon, so it will be even pinker at Donaldson, plus who knows maybe we'll get a pink team car (although I refuse to sell MaryKay!)

Pink:
Helmet
Accent color in cycling shoes
Handlebar tape
Water bottles
Kit
Sunglasses (Multiple pairs)
Chaco’s
Dress shirts and skirts
Caroline’s sprinkles and icing on baked goods

Road Racing 101

I will admit I have been racing for over 8 years and feel I’ve seen it all. Road race starts in downpours, criteriums in parking lots, women smoking after beating me in a mountain bike race, men crying at 3am during 24 hours of Snowshoe, to name a few, however, the Walnut Grove road race in Spartanburg was a first for me. I had no thoughts of grandeur starting this race. One lap was 27 miles (we did 2) and a teammate (Dawn) warned me not to pre-ride the course, which was my first indication there were hills. A Southerner would call this course rolling and a Midwesterner would call it hilly as shit! I will side with the ladder. I was hoping to stay in the race long enough to help some teammates get up the road (Susan in particular). I made it about 15 miles until the long, almost 1 mile, hill and intense climbing pace spit me out the back. I know I am not a climber and was fine riding the course without the pack. I finished the first lap with Madonna, who pulled off fearing her mechanical would get worse and I decided to ride the 2^nd loop solo. The clouds were clearing and the sun was shining…what a beautiful day to ride!

At the start of the race we were informed there would be no wheel truck or support however, there would be a race official with us and corner marshals. I did regret not attaching my spare tire pack on the seat, but it was too late. According to USCF rules the race needed to be 60 miles to get a feed, we only did 52, so I had just enough to finish the race (2 water bottles, one GU, one bar, and 6 cliff shot gummy squares). On the 2^nd lap, about 10 miles in, I missed a crucial turn. The course was not marked and the corner marshal left. I thought the turn looked familiar, but couldn’t imagine a marshal not being there. So I kept going, and going, and with a strong tailwind…going. I reached a T in the road and realized nothing looked familiar and I was officially lost! (If I would have turned onto HWY 146 I would have ended up in Woodruff.) On a serious note my vulnerability hit me at that moment. I had no cell phone, map of the course, or spare tire in addition, no idea where I was or where the parking lot was. I decided to turn around and head back to the missed turn. Fuming, climbing into a fierce headwind I stirred up a vulture in the woods feasting. I feared it was another lost lone rider and reassured myself I would not join the carnage. I picked up another cyclist lost and quickly corrected his mistake. I’m sure he thought he found a real gem when I yelled the F word everything other pedal stroke. Needless to say I found the course and navigated my way back to the finish. Paul and Caroline gave me a much needed illegal feed 5 miles from the finish. I rode over 10 miles out of my way and was without water for 45 minutes. I realize it may look funny to start a race with my mountain bike MacGyverette kit, which looks like a camelback, but would be well worth the heckling. It has a first aid kit, spare tubes, pump, extra food, maps of the course, sunscreen, coffee maker, etc. (you get the picture!). Fortunately, I did finish the race, DFL, and other riders lost the course found their way back as well. Our team rode a great race on a very hard course! Questions to ask at the start line next time:

1) Do I need a que sheet?

2) Is the course marked?

3) Should I bring my touring bike with baskets to carry my gear?

Summer of Sean II

Yes, there was a Summer of Sean I, where his sole focus was cycling. We ate little, cut off the air conditioning, and mooched food from friends (thanks Caroline & Paul). It was the final summer he would have to really focus on cycling and not work. Surprisingly, two summers later, we have reintroduced the Summer of Sean, season II. Again, his focus is solely on cycling, specifically racing Pro 1,2, although the purpose of this summer is to stay in shape for those races since next summer he may only race Masters (again, yeah right!). After riding all day with other highly focused cyclist that also do not have employment, (I’m not going to name names Thad) he sits on the couch and recovers for the next days ride. However, there has been a glitch in the system. We are moving at the end of the summer and can’t afford the luxury of not working, so Sean has taken up hard labor. A friend does remodeling, maintenance, etc. for the local realtors and Sean decided to earn a little extra cash to help the moving fund. He initially thought it would be small jobs that included painting, whistling at women walkerbys, and long lunches, but it’s turned out to brick laying, power washing, heavy lifting, and no lunch. As a result he called in sick today to catch up on sleep and put some miles in on the bike. I knew nothing could stop the Summer of Sean II! Stayed tuned to see how Sean balances work and cycling...

Trailer Bling, Bling

Pressure to keep up with the Jones’ is extreme, add a trailer and it’s just plain brutal. The weeds in the fence line, multiple satellite dishes on the roof, and expensive cars in the yard wasn’t enough. We needed some bling, bling and after winning our gold medals, we knew where to showcase them. Now you’re talkn’ dog…

Weddells Accused of Using EPO

After a weekend of victories in Charleston, SC the rumor mill began to circulate that the Weddell family may have doped to win their SC criterium championships. I placed 2^nd in the Women’s Cat 4 race and first for SC. Sean took home a gold medal as well in the Masters 35+ race while placing 2^nd in the race. After my performance from the day before (Saturday) of being shelled in the women’s open race, rumors that I partook in an overnight illegal cocktail began to circulate among the Greenville racers. This rumor intensified after Sean won gold, although he had a spectacular performance the day before placing 12^th in the Men’s Pro 1,2 race, suggesting he had a cocktail Friday night. Some even speculated living the simple life in our trailer has forded us the opportunity to enhance our fitness however, I will state for the record, “We have never used any illegal, banned, or performance enhancing substances.” Congrats to NathOn for his win in the Pro 1,2 race and SC crit champion as well. Looks like the Clemson Chicken Riders Rocked the lowcountry!

Can't Judge a Book by it's cover.....or it's Brick Foundation!

We have moved now let's see.... a total of six times in the last 8 years. She has moved to many of these locations without so much as picture of the house or trailer we are moving into. Each of these homes have had their appeal. Some much more than others. However, the one thing they all had in common was Melissa's skill to make even the smallest and simplest of places (trailer) seem like a home. I can honestly say that the trailer has become quite homey and is even missed on long weekends away that include me chasing the Summer of Sean 2. (Yes for many of you reading there was a Summer of Sean 1). I have included a few pics of our home to show off Mel's talents and to honestly say she is the Shisell....Snoop Dog 1999!(Dawn is this missspelled?)

A Weekend of Leisure

With the cold chill of the Arctic air sweeping through the Upstate my “well intentioned” plans of putting in some miles quickly changed. Saturday I slept in, ran errands, and visited a few thrift stores. Sunday, after ready my trashy southern novel (I highly recommend Mary Kay Andrews) about Savannah, the Mr. and I decided brave the weather and go mountain biking. Perhaps after lying around most of the weekend, being vertical was a shock for my body. I hit most trees, missed turns on the trail, and said profanities under my breath the majority of the ride. Sean soon stopped asking me if I was alright. Even though it was a rough day in the saddle the weather was beautiful! The grass was green and the blooms open and full of color. There aren’t too many places where in about 4 miles on your mountain bike you can be in 20,000 acres of smooth single track. (OK, so it wasn’t that cold, it just felt like it!) Welcome Spring!

Chain tool anyone...

Sean and I escorted a Clemson mountain bike course to DuPont State Forest for an afternoon of riding Thursday. The weather was perfect! Clear skies, low humidity, and a temperature of around 50 degrees. For many of us, this was our first time at DuPont and our initial efforts yielded little single track riding. We rode on private property and fenced in areas with gravel fire roads. Luckily, we stumbled onto a security guard who was most helpful and gave us a map. Mental note, when you take a group into the woods have a map! After this we were able to navigate and find some awesome trails. I broke my chain close to the end of the ride and was thankful a student was so quick at helping me fix it. I get so frustrated fixing a chain, so I put the chain in my hand and started running. I realized I had so many problems in the past because a small component had been missing from my tool! DUH! Needless to say we all got out safe before dark. Enjoy the pictures!

DuPont Mountain Biking Trip 4.07

DuPont State Forest April 2007

While a friend went fox hunting for the weekend, I stayed at her home to farm sit. Of course, I called Caroline and told her I was bailing on the long ride in the mountains to enjoy the simple life. Twin lambs were born a few days before I arrived and were so cute! She also has eight Great Pyrenees, seven ewes, one ram, and a donkey (named frisky). It was hectic trying to feed everyone at 7am. They all knew the routine and wanted to know who the crazy lady was incapable of doing it like their owner. Enjoy the pictures! Happy Easter!

Farm Weekend

Farm Weekend

You know you are a Redneck if...

...you live in a trailer and your cars are worth more than your home.

Our First Home Offer

Our short home tour in Statesboro was a success. Our first round did not provide us with homes that met our criteria, i.e. doors that were not locked using nail concoctshuns, trees in yards, roaming dogs with pups around the neighborhood; I think you get the idea. We regrouped and took the advice of the realtor to expand our search range, i.e. bigger mortgage. We were able to find a few homes that met our standards, although from living in a trailer park you would think they were low, but apparently not. We found a great house in a well established community that will yield a solid return. I will admit it’s not our dream home on 20 acres with a pond and horses, but it’s a start. The home is almost 2,000 sq.ft. with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. I will admit the blue siding is not my favorite feature, but I’ll take a smurf home over a cheap trailer any day! The home is also by the country club, so I am looking forward to contrasting our poverty like, slum living with uppity, suit wearing, benz driving aristocratics’. Enjoy the photo album!

House Hunting in Statesboro, GA

Statesboro Visit

A Walk with Dogs in the Trailer Park

I decided to take the dogs on a stroll around the trailer park after their looks of neglect got to me. The trailer park is U shaped and approximately 0.8 miles. The trailers located along the U are fairly spread apart on 1-2 acres plots, what some call Plantation Style Living. It’s always an adventure! The first obstacle is the kid zone. These are unruly children who speak what seems to be a foreign language to us. Their mountain draws are so strong we are unable to interpret their gibberish. They are known to throw balls, kites, toys, etc. at the dogs through the fence, so I apologize if I sound callas. The next barriers on our stroll are two small loose yappy dogs. Their size conceals their rage! One gets so frustrated he attacks his partner in crime and they roll around in the middle of road until they realize their original mission. These monsters scare both our 80lb. labs, so we have to stand in between the snarling yabsters and Cooper and Maya. The rest of the stroll is relatively uneventful, although every trailer seems to have an average of 10 dogs chained to all available trees. As a result, you can trace our stroll by the barking. I think Sean, the dogs, and me are always relieved to arrive home unscathed. We are widely known in the trailer park since we are the only ones who don’t arrive home, lock their doors, and peek out the windows, but rather walk our dogs with our Chaco’s and designer dog collars and leashes. Sean always told me he would make my dreams come true! Just another day in paradise.

You know you live in a trailer if…

The temperature outside is the same temperature inside. Although you may have what appears to be a heating system and air conditioning unit, it’s only for temporary air flow.

You have two satellite dishes, one on the front deck and one on the back, but neither work. It’s high pressure to keep up with the Jones’s!

You don’t worry about parking or driving on your lawn.

When there are thunderstorms you hope your home will get blown away so you can be on the 6 o’clock news.

There isn’t pressure to cut your lawn because the neighbors’ length standards are very high!

Neighbors’ family feuds often take place in driveways, allowing for live Jerry Springer episodes.

And, you don’t call the popo (police) when they are fighting; you sit on your deck and enjoy the show!

More Reasons to Thrift Shop

One of my favorite hobbies takes place Saturday mornings in garages and yards; the buying and selling of other people’s stuff (even when I am riding my bike I put a deposit down and return later with the truck)! Although Sean (and other friends) joke with me about my antique (junk, thrift, etc.) shopping habit, I persevere. I get great furniture, home supplies, and clothes for outrageously low prices. I love bargains, but also I love the planet. The Compact blog discusses going beyond recycling by borrowing, bartering, or buying used goods instead of new. The main goal is to reduce waste, but also fight Americans’ consumer culture of buying and having more ‘stuff.’ This blog helps us reflect on our consumption and how it affects our planet.

http://sfcompact.blogspot.com/

The Improved Weddell Bike Trailer Blog

I decided to change the theme of our blog after viewing other people’s creative blogs. Of course, any time spent pondering over details of my life that do not include school, my dissertation, and future mortgage payments is a method of procrastination I enjoy! I came to the conclusion that our blog is boring! We post pictures of our adventures to stay in touch with families and friends and as it appears our life is picture perfect, but as we all know, nothing is perfect. So, I am going to post our secret; we live in a trailer park in rural South Carolina. How did we get here? That is a long story that goes back five states (sorry for all the address book changes). The short version is we needed a place to live fast and a friend of a friend had a nice trailer on 1 acre of land. It’s really been a great situation however, there are numerous amusing stories we want to share about our experience, not only living in the trailer, but the trailer park community. So look for these stories as we reflect on our past year in a culture we opened our minds to explore.

Cycling Season is Upon Us

Cycling Weekend

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 2006

I have been organizing photos and wanted to share our trip to Milwaukee, Wisconsin for SuperWeek. It is 2 weeks of bike racing all over WI. Sean place in the top 25 which is awesome considering all the pro teams in attendance. We had a great time staying at a teammates lake cottage in cheese country. Enjoy!

SuperWeek, WI July 2006

SuperWeek 2006

Snow in South Carolina?

Yes, it happens once in a while. We received almost 3 inches of snow Thursday. The town shut down and we enjoyed a day of play. Posted below are some pictures of the white stuff in the South. Enjoy!

Snow Storm 2007

Snowstorm 2007

The Best of 2006

The Best of 2006

Welcome!

Welcome to our blog! We wanted a place to share stories and pictures with our family and friends as we embark on new adventures in our life . The best pictures of 2006 are posted. Let’s hope 2007 will be just as great! Thanks for visiting.

Melissa & Sean