Monday, August 18 5:19 pm | Temperature 74 F
Today at the lake, I skipped the water, feeling too fatigued.
Every day my body tries to get me to stay in bed later and later. First I was waking up at 9, then at 10, and now 11:30am. I am trying to live on a day schedule, but I’m completely fatigued and dull minded almost the entire time. Grrrr.
I spent a few hours out of my room today, working on admin stuff in the orangery, a glassed room with lots of tables, booths, chairs, and plants. I think some people work here, some take their breakfast here. It’s an all-purpose lounge that guests can use. I love it, but it’s very hot and they have music playing here and in the main lobby all day long. I find that distracting.
I got up and moved to the small eating area next of the reception desk. I could still here the music, but it was much cooler. I tried to get some things researched (like what’s the cheapest way to have my suitcase shipped to Goteborg, what’s the nearest clinic if the rash on my left arm and right hand don’t go away) and read some emails (almost all junk). I halfheartedly looked for more artist residencies, but I couldn’t focus because I was so tired.
I went back to my room and had a big bowl of oatmeal and muesli (awful, I need to find some gf muesli I actually want to eat), another cup of tea, and tried to figure out what I was going to do. I felt like I had to take a name because I couldn’t keep my eyes open. Just then there was a knock at the door. IT was the cleaning lady, wanting to get in. I told her I needed 5 minutes to get my shoes on and get gone.
Not sure what to do, I grabbed my bike helmet on the way out. If nothing else, I could ride to the bike store I saw the other day and see about getting some things on Pinky fixed. Somehow I can still ride a bike when tired, so I followed the instructions my Apple Map was giving me. Forty-five minutes later I realized I’d put the wrong into the map because I had no idea where ai was.
I pulled over and tried to reset the map for the bike store, but when I looked up I was actually standing right next to bike store in a cool old building. It has nice old wood floors, and was spacious, inviting. I walked in and asked the guy if he could fix my brake, straighten and lift my handlebars, and put air in my tires. He walked over and started working on my bike instantly. Yahoo.
As he struggled with the handlebars I told him that a guy yesterday had told me it wasn’t possible to adjust them because they were rusted in place. Not true; that guy was lazy. We chatted a bit, and he adjusted my bike in about four minutes, then suggested I give it a spin. I took it back outside and rode down the street. Raising the handlebars was a great idea. I dont’ have to reach as far, and the firmer tires felt so good. Smooth ride. I returned to the shop to tile him and to collect my locks, which I left on his counter. I noticed he had some framed photos of the Sweden photographer whose show I attended last time I was in Sweden. We chatted about that.
Lessons learned: Sometimes getting lost is the best thing to do. Sometimes people are nice and helpful. It feels good to connect over bikes and art.
I asked him what I owed him, and he said nothing, so I asked for a card so I could give his hope a great review.
One the way home I found this amazing park, Pildammsparken. Massive trees, trails, and a lake. Once I got to the other side of it I recognized the intersection, but instead of turning, I continued go move around the perimeter of the park. I found a pathway to enter the inner walking bath, and got off my bike. There was an outdoor game where a few guys were getting in their workouts. There were people here and there walking around the lake or siding on the benches.
I saw a couple stop walking so they could make out on the path. As I passed them I said, “LOVE” and threw my best victory fist in the air. They laughed. We need love in the air, on the pathways, all around. We need it more than ever.
I pedaled a bit farther then dismounted to take photos of the ducks. I was a bit bummed that the lake was so dark and full of algae; not gonna swim there. When I made it full circle I got bake onto the bike path, joining dozens of people, rushing to get to the next place. I saw busy commuters, people exercising, a couple of girls riding to soccer practice in their uniforms.
I was feeling very tired, but also pretty excited that I accidentally found an awesome bike guy and a park I’d breezed by but never explored. On the way back to the apartment I saw the cool sliver glitter sticker I saw the other day. This time I got off the bike to snap a photo. I wonder what it means or if it’s just some free art. I dig it, and I would put one on my car if I still had a car.
Now I am home. My tiny apartment is clean. And maybe my Amazon packages have arrived. I broke down and ordered a yoga mat today. I will never do yoga if I don’t have a mat, and I have so much down time that it would be nice to have a place to stretch my back.
I think the rashes on my arms and hand are from the bedding. Must be something in the detergent.
