"Can You Run Him Back a 7UP And Put it on My Tab?"

The plan was to get up early this morning and go for a ride before work, but it's been raining since sometime last night and looks like it wants to persist. That's okay. I've had a pretty good week of workouts, so a day off is probably a good thing.

My right knee is feeling better this week than it has in months, and I'm so thankful for that. No doubt the Synvisc injection is helping, but one thing I've known for a while is that total rest for my knee doesn't necessarily mean it will feel better sooner. I need to work it, especially on the bike. It's at its healthiest when I'm out there several times each week putting in good efforts. I keep recalling the words my orthopedic doctor told me, that cycling is the best thing I can do for my knee's health. No more personal record attempts on our elliptical, though!

I'm enjoying my walks as much as ever. Typically, I'll walk while listening to music, but lately I've been out there with just my own thoughts. Some people thrive on the company of friends, while others seek solitude. I'm much more of a loner; it's nothing new, it's just the way I've always been.

Have I mentioned that we need a vacation? It's been 5 years since we've been on one, and we're definitely overdue! We have plans in the works for a drive out to western South Dakota this summer. I know it's not an "oh wow!" destination for most people, but it works for us. If we didn't retire in Lakeville, I would seriously consider Rapid City, SD, as a place to plant new roots.

My sister sent me an email this week with an article about how we learn our most difficult and important life lessons from our darker periods, far more than from a life without challenges. I agree. It was just a couple of days after sending me that email that she broke her ankle in 9 places, requiring surgery and 7 screws to piece it back together. I think this would qualify as a darker period in her life, but knowing Jackie, I know she'll come out of it a stronger person than she was before.

Rachel began her job as a medical scribe a couple of weeks ago and has progressed to working without a trainer shadowing her. She loves it. We were talking on the phone two nights ago, and she said she gets excited thinking about going to work. Wouldn't we all love to say that? We're happy for her and think this is such a good opportunity for her.

My brother left a message on my phone yesterday of an audio recording I'd made for him back in 1993. The message was cutting out a little, as cell phones will sometimes do these days, but I recognized my voice. The recording was of a conversation I'd had over the radio frequency at work with the pilot of United Airlines flight 555 all those years ago.

I knew that Bryan was on the flight as he made his way across the country from Chicago to Boise, but I didn't know if he'd be listening to the pilot-controller conversation, which is sometimes available through the on-board entertainment channels. I would find out later that he was. Keep in mind as you listen to the conversation (audio file below) that when he first heard my voice, he nudged the stranger sitting next to him and said something along the lines of "you can hear my brother on the frequency controlling the airspace we're flying in." I believe the guy may have given him a sideways glance out of the corner of his eye, seeming somewhat skeptical, but Bryan would prove to be no crackpot shortly after my conversation with the pilot ended.

Have a listen to find out why. (If you'd rather not listen to ATC talk, skip to 3:00 into the recording)