Still Counting Down

I have an extra 25 minutes before the start of my next class, so I thought I would do a quick entry. I have a 41/2 hour break between my last two classes, so I have been using it for studying. So far it has been working out great to study during this time. It's amazing how much work I can get done when I sit myself down in the library and just focus on what I need to do. Everyone says it won't last though, saying I will not want to use that time for studying, but they are wrong. Every little bit of studying I can get done on campus means I don't have to try and do it at night after my girls go to bed. It also frees up my time a lot in the evenings, allowing me to help get the house clean or ride on the bike for an hour or two.
My first community clinical starts tomorrow and I have to admit I am a bit nervous about it. I am not the most keen on going into a situation not knowing anything about it and that is exactly what I am doing. I am sure it will go well, but I will have to wait and see.
So far the semester seems like it will be pretty enjoyable. It's really early to say that but from what I have seen and learned I am really enjoying my classes, but I will be really happy when I graduate!
It looks like my new bike will be here by the end of the week! If I am lucky it will be nice out this weekend and I will get to take it for a spin. When I say nice I am talking about 30-35 degrees and warmer without any precipitation of any kind. That is about all I could expect during January, but it would be better then -10. It will be pretty cool getting a new bike, something I have not had the luxury to do in a long time. Looking over the racing season I am a little nervous about how I might do. It seems Endevour is a pretty good team, and I hope I have something to offer them when the time comes.
Off to class, until next time.

113 and counting

113 days until graduation! It seems so far away, but at the same time it is right around the corner. I finally was able to attend all my classes, being that it was a short week it made things a little more difficult. Now I now know what lays ahead of me for the semester. Some how I need to incorporate all of my school work, bicycle riding time, family (with kids) and work into my days. Wow, when you think of it in those terms it seems beyond overwhelming, but I think it might go easier than I anticipate. I feel getting a schedule down will help things smooth out, kind of remove the rough edges.
One of the things I am looking forward to is racing this year. Racing for UW-Madison in the spring and then for Endeavour Cycling. Even more exciting for me is that I get to get a new bike this year. My 1988 Cannondale will finally put to pasture, but I will still use it for indoor stuff where it won't matter much. The bike has been amazing, but with metal fatigue setting in it just makes me a little nervous to actually race on the thing. The bike I am getting is the Schwinn Fastback Pro. Yah, I know what you are already thinking, "a Schwinn, don't they sell those at department stores?" and the answer is yes. But, Schwinn has two divisions and their high end bikes are VERY solid. Just take a look at the specs on the thing, they rock. Also, they are the UW Cycling teams sponsor, so getting a great bike for a bit less helps as well. I just can't wait to get it and get out and ride. So far I have been putting in some ok hours on the bike for pre-season, ranging anywhere from 8 - 14 per week. Nothing spectacular, but more than I have put in this early previous years. Off to ride now, later!