Standing at the Trailhead of Winter

Still no word on when the MRI will be scheduled, which is disappointing. I was told I would have news within 48 hours of my appointment with the neurology doctor, but here I am, nearly two weeks later with no news at all. I called the office last Tuesday and left a message, asking if an appointment had been set. No call back. I called the office again last Wednesday, asking again if an appointment had been set. No call back. I called again yesterday, letting the office know I was thoroughly disgusted at the lack of communication on their end, and lo and behold, two hours later I get a call saying they are still talking to the insurance company about getting the okay for the MRI. The woman I was speaking to said I should have a call by Wednesday, tomorrow, with information about the MRI appointment. I'm not holding my breath. Meanwhile, I am still experiencing excruciating pain in my hip, thigh, groin, and knee. I sleep about two hours at a time during the night, with an hour or two...

I am so full of joy right now after reading that one of my BTUSFMS teammates signed up to do the ride again for summer 2013. In his bio on the BTUSFMS website, he says the ride changed his perspective on so many things. I know exactly what he means. Yesterday I was chatting with a colleague, and I found myself thinking about the day we cycled the Blue Ridge Parkway. Out of nowhere came memories of cycling up the hill at Afton with three of my teammates. A little later in the day, while in class, thoughts about how hot it was the day we cycled to Tribune, KS filled my mind. Every day, the summer ride intrudes, making me stop whatever I'm working on to reminisce and dream of being back out on the road. I find myself impatient with my "real" world. Much of what makes up this "real" world seems purposeless now. I want out. I want to feel that sense of purpose I experienced all summer. So, I made a decision. I'm going to take the leap, leaving what makes me ...