That was a week.

Times have been crazy around here!  First of all, the weather here in the Pacific Northwest keeps getting better.  Well, there have been a few thunder/hailstorms, but overall, it’s been “let’s do this” conditions and when it comes to going out for a ride or blogging away here, I’m going to choose the ride.  Every time, unless there have already been at least 5 of those rides in a row, then I’ll be back here for recovery day musings.

All things outside that can bloom, are blooming.  Don’t get me wrong, a beautiful time of year,
but I hate the control pollen has on me.  If I’m not on top of my regular dosage of allergy drugs and decongestant, my entire world shuts down with the sinus pressure headache.  The Oatmeal sums up an aspect of this in one of his many brilliant comics (if you haven’t come across The Oatmeal, after being forewarned that some of his content may not be safe for work, or all eyes, go check out his work) that I’ll provide here for your entertainment.

Also on the docket, last Monday I reported for my two days of summoned Jury Service.  Yes, it’s now encouraged that we refer to this as “Jury Service”, “Jury Duty” apparently had a lot of negative connotation behind it, and I’ll be honest, I was feeling that when I reported to the giant room filled with other lucky people such as me.  The first waiting room checked off many of my dislikes towards mass public places, seriously, there had to be easily over 500 of us crammed in there, set with loathing at this obligated deviation for our regular routines.  Let’s just say, as I increase in age each year, my tolerance for public germs decreases.  I like to know my germs, on a personal level!  At these times, I am actually thankful to be rolling in a wheelchair on account of having my own ready made seat with me, everywhere I go.  As it turned out, my time in the main jury assembly area was short lived as I was selected at random by the computers and stuff, to move up to the next rung of service specialness, the Grand Jury!

Oh the humanity!  After the next level orientation, and verifying with my employer that I would in fact get paid as normal by them, for the 4 week Grand Jury term, I was appointed, along with 6 other peers, to serve for 4 weeks, rather than the standard 2 days of service.  Showing up for my first day of service, there was still some of that loathing hanging on, but mostly, anxiousness as to what this was all about, it was my first Jury Service after all (I’ve been called off every other time).  After another quick, but more detailed orientation, we dived right into our first case, and my initial loathing and anxiousness, vanished.  I can’t and won’t talk about any more specifics to my term of service, but I will say that I am actually, really, enjoying this!  Apologies to my coworkers for having to pick-up my day to day work, but I am proudly fulfilling my civil service for another 3 weeks.  This is likely never convenient for anyone, but it is a needed and important contribution for everyone.

Returning to one of my previous posts, where I expressed interest in possibly pursuing triathlons (Some acronyms I’ve been discovering), well, I think I’ve found my next step in that whole process.  Turns out, we have an awesome non-profit organization located right here in Portland, that may be able to help!  Oregon Disability Sports (ODS), in partnership with United States Paralympic Committee, Wheelchair & Ambulatory Sports, USA and Disabled Sports USA, works to provide as many sports and recreational opportunities as possible to those seeking them.  Over the last week I’ve been able to correspond with the executive director and found out that they are putting on a Track & Field Clinic not far from where we live, in another couple weeks.  This event is geared towards younger adaptive sports athletes, but should be able to provide me with an opportunity to try out a race wheelchair, which, if I can hack it, would be used for the running portion of a triathlon, and with membership, they may be able to provide equipment loans, which would be crucial for me as these race chairs are prohibitively expensive.

The odds are surely stacked against me with this little endeavor of mine, and I may never end up doing a triathlon.  I think that Oregon Disability Sports will be able to help me find answers to my more specific questions, and regardless of whether or not I actually compete, this is an organization that I’m excited to hopefully start working with working with, and be a part of.  If you are, or know anyone who is interested in adaptive sports, Oregon Disability Sports looks like a great place to start.  Unless something comes up between now and then, I plan on attending  their free Track and Field Adaptive Sports clinic to find out more.

Stay tuned for an update, I’m trying to kippitmoving!