A Sad Day for all Virgina Tech Hokies April 16, 2007
Posted by Amber D. Evans in : Reflections, Blacksburg VA , 2 commentsSome of you have been asking … yes, I’m a Virginia Tech Graduate Student.
Firstly, I want to say thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and concerns. This has been quite a shocking day.
With the death toll over 30 and with at least 22 reported wounded … I don’t even know what to think or say. We still don’t really know anything. The initial rumor around campus concerning the 7:30 AM shooting in West Ambler Johnston Hall was thought to be a disgruntled ex-boyfriend related incident, but with the mass shooting in Norris … well … now no one really knows. They may or may not be related incidences. It appears that the cops are still trying to make sense of the whole morning. I have no doubt that our campus police and administration did everything in their power to protect us; I feel that they acted and executed orders with the best interest of the students and campus in mind.
I’m relieved to say that I’m safely back at home with my roommate and a friend as of 1:00 PM today. We’re still glued to the TV and still trying to get in touch with all of our engineering friends who had classes that day in Norris (where the mass shooting happened).
My friends and I know some of the folks involved in the tragic events, although no one we know has been one of the fatalities. Let’s hope that continues to be the case. What I can say is that a friend’s acquaintance was shot in the arm and also confirmed that a professor was shot in the head (and is presumed dead). Cell phone networks were continuously tied up and email, IM, and MySpace is currently the best way to get in touch.
I must say … I never expected this sort of thing to happen when I moved to this small, quaint town of Blacksburg, VA. Right about now, Chico is looking really nice and safe … I’ll keep you posted.
Amber
About Time to Tri! April 13, 2007
Posted by Amber D. Evans in : Reflections, Blacksburg VA, Training Stats , 1 comment so farI was kicking myself over not having the time and willpower to train for most of this academic year. Then about a month ago I said, “Forget it!” I’m actually really happy with this decision for now because there’s other things in my life that I enjoy just as much (and maybe even a little more)! Is that bad? Does it make me a poor excuse for a triathlete?
Maybe, but do I really care? Who am I competing against anyway? Deciding not to train hard during the semester felt as though a great weight was lifted from my shoulders … and I’ve been thinking about cycling centuries and triathlons ever since.
In a way, I think that is what you have to ask yourself! Are you trying to be something you cannot really commit to? Are you happy with everything else in your life right now? Once I figured out that I wouldn’t be doing any events during the actual semesters, I started enjoying all the little things (and friendships) that I’d neglected. It’s also made my group rides more entertaining and enjoyable, rather than about the numbers. In a way, it’s brought back the passion for “training” again! I’m now looking at upcoming events as close as this summer and as far away as Xmas Break and NEXT summer. It’s getting me excited at the thought of doing events again.
Lastly, I want to say that I officially put my arse into gear starting last Wednesday morning at 7:00 AM. I took Calen, the dog, out for a HILLY 2 mile run. (I still hurt!) Thursday, I swam a slow half-hour subsequently followed with another hour of VT TRIClub swim practice led by Michelle Lindsay, our own local professional triathlete! (I slept well, but woke up at 4:30 AM!) Today, I walked the dog for 30 minutes and am planning to go kill myself racing over the TT course this afternoon with some cycling buddies. I’m really looking forward to summer (and some evenings free of homework)!
Easter Dinner: 1; Workouts: 0 April 9, 2007
Posted by Amber D. Evans in : Reflections, Blacksburg VA , 1 comment so farEaster weekend!
No longer associated with Spring Break for school, it’s a tough weekend to coordinate. It’s especially a funky weekend to have to find somewhere for a semi-homeless west-coast transplant to cash in on a decent home-cooked Easter dinner! If I didn’t have the (few) friends that I do happen to have here in Blacksburg, I’d have been standing on the corner with a sign that read, “Will work for Easter Dinner!” (Luckily, I didn’t have to!)
This weekend, Calen (my dog) and I were productive and relaxed! He and I traversed the state (and a few more, I think) with friends to have a delicious home-cooked Easter dinner. I completed an article critique while riding in the car to our destination, and upon arriving a day early, I decided to help earn my keep; I helped fix the family’s computer and then I was able to get some PDF’s together and sent off to my (hopefully) soon-to-be-ex-husband, Josh. I was home-free after that task!
Sunday rolled around and I had a meal of ham, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes and gravy, yeasty bread rolls, fresh salty butter, corn, and a delicious grape salad made of cream cheese and cheddar. There may have been seconds taken, too! 
After dinner, I played around with the dogs and helped hunt for easter eggs. I mostly ate cookies, cookies, and more cookies, and had a very relaxing and fun weekend overall. It was quite possibly the most fun and jovial time I’ve had in months and the weather was even better! So, I didn’t get out and ride or run, but I did get out to smile and have fun! What a great way to start the week, don’t you think?