The Elf's inconveniently-timed extended spring break 2010 actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise. While I may have gotten on my two friends' last damn nerve pining away for my one true love, the Elf-Therapist, his absence forced me to remove the training wheels, pedal like mad, and learn to ride the big-girl bike.When you're learning to ride a bike, you typically stick close to home. You don't show up at, say, Lake Calhoun on a sunny July Saturday and get on the bike path, unless you are either a delusional optimist or actively trying to piss off as many people as possible. You don't suddenly start riding your bike in downtown traffic, either, unless you have a death wish on top of everything else. Unless, of course, the bike in question is a metaphor and your name is Princess D.
I may very well be one of the most boring people I know. My life is just not that exciting - which is fine by me. A typical day in the life of the princess consists of things like getting out of bed, working out, showering, walking the dog, going to work, doing school work, eating, peeing, and occasionally watching TV or reading a book. A five star day for me is when I can find a suitable dining companion to enjoy a meal with. If said suitable dining companion will indulge in wine and dessert, even better. And if said suitable dining companion can whomp up a home-cooked meal, well - that's pretty much my idea of nirvana. (Sidebar: apparently, I find food very exciting. In every way.)
Due to the aforementioned "boring" classification, I didn't expect excitement to ensue the second the Elf-Therapist printed his e-ticket, but that's exactly what happened. Let's just say I had plenty of opportunities to practice my bike riding skills. I reconnected with two old and dear friends after years and years of being out of touch. I made peace with my past and decided that the best place for it is behind me. Permanently. I promoted an acquaintance to friend (A competitive benefits package is also available - although that has led to no small amount of awkwardness, anxiety and near-nail biting for the princess. Until I realized, without any elf-help, that sometimes, it's okay not to know all the answers and to just roll with it in the moment.) I invited my parents over for dinner - and cooked a meal that didn't food poison anyone. I broke a frog's heart when I told him I wouldn't be his bride. I finally said I'm sorry for things I should have apologized for years ago. I faced a crossroads in my career and at my job, and I made good decisions about my future. I failed a class. I made a friend cry when I meant to help. I completed a detox/cleanse. And I stared a scary anniversary date straight in the eye and finally realized the meaning of "a misty morning does not necessarily signify a cloudy day."
Waking up in the morning and realizing that no matter what, everything is going to be okay doesn't sound like a big deal to most people. It was a huge deal to me. It's been so long since I've felt just plain okay that I almost didn't recognize it. And that's when I realized it was time to take the training wheels off the bike. Of course, you know me. While it may or may not be safe for me to ride without training wheels, I think we all know that a helmet and knee pads are still required to ensure my own safety and the safety of those around me.
© 2010 Princess D
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