January 15, 2009

Today's bonus blog subject: Composting



Yes, we are now a composting family, thanks to the People's Republic of Boulder. See, in our socialist little town, you don't get to choose your trash service. There's one main provider and they give you the choice of what size trash can you would like to pay for. Oh, I suppose you don't have to use the recycling or composting bins, but you are still paying for them. (And really, I suppose you don't have to have trash service at all, you could store it in your yard and haul it to the dump yourself quarterly.) Anyway, last December we finally got a composting bin. The City of Boulder had been debating the service for quite a while because they were worried about animals. Question: Is it that animals are too lazy to sort through the trash to get to the food? Beause that's where most of my compost that wasn't going down the disposal was going anyway.

Anyway, I am very glad for this new service. I've wanted to start composting for the last few years, but could never get past the getting a bin part (and I think there's more after that). And now we are all set. My goal (because you know how I like goals) is to have one paper grocery sack of trash a week. Where the composting is really going to matter is yard waste - we can do lawn clippings and leaves and small branch bundles too (no Dad, you may not drop off your lawn clippings at my house). And perhaps a subject for another day - how creepy is streamlined recycling - all paper and cans and plastic just mingling together?

And onto today's post. This morning I had my last fall swim workout and next week the winter plan starts. I'll probably still be swimming Thursday mornings for the next few months. I had a good workout today, I did a 1000 yd time trial. I haven't swam 1000 yds in a pool since before my last tri last summer, but today I was able to do it, and do it fast. My coach said my bike and swim are fine now, WORK ON THE RUN. Argh.

When I got home, Ariel and I ate breakfast (she does not care for Rice Crispies or toast) and then we took a shower. Ariel also got a little pedicure and french braids. After we were all prettied up, I went out to buy a bike seat. Last night was the Tri Babes Season Opener party and I won a bike fit in the raffle. I haven't had a bike fit since I bought the bike 10 years ago, so I was pretty excited. Also, it gave me an excuse to replace my old saddle, which has been held together with duct tape for 2 years.

Last night I asked Jeremy for help (ok, I asked him to buy me a saddle) and he told me to take care of it myself. So I went to Colorado Multi-Sport and bought the one they recommended. And was extremely surprised by the price tag of $140. I called Jeremy after the fact and asked how much one *should* spend and he said under $100 so I need to take it back. But it just goes to show Jeremy should have done it for me in the first place. Just like he needs to deal with all my computer tech issues. (PS - Jeremy is now on the computer and has found me many nice saddles for under $75. Takes a little spending to shock him into action).

Next, Ariel and I went to the bird store for more feed and Ariel charmed the employees with her, "Bright eyes and charming manner." Well, she was very well behaved. And then we didn't have quiet enough time to go home so we went to Starbucks instead. Ariel got a hot chocolate:



The gratuitous bandaid above the eye is for the Adam-induced cut below it. Adam is going to spend the next 14 years in his room if he can't learn to keep his hands to himself.

Then we picked up Adam and came home for lunch. Ariel did not eat much (belly full of milk???) Ariel went down for a nap around 1:00 and woke up around 3:00. I went in to get her but she told me she was waiting for Mommy. After another 15 minutes, she was ready to accept me. She joined Alex and Adam in listening to some Disney books on CD:



The books didn't hold her interest as long as the boys, but she was distracted enough to let me clean up the kitchen.

Pick up at 4:00.