Another lovely Arizona day

This morning, K, M, K and I went on a bike ride to South Mountain and up to the TV towers on top. It's a nice ride, but it has been a few months since I've put in that kind of mileage (and that kind of hill-age), so I'm a little tired now. On our way back home, we stopped by a restaurant that has opened up in the area. It's run by a bike fanatic and is thus called Spokes. Bikers can bring their bikes inside while they eat--it's great! We had a delicious breakfast and started talking about our plans for the STP. Things are going to be a bit tricky for us because by the time of the ride (mid-July), it's too hot to be out riding in the middle of the day in Arizona. I can get away with hour-long rides, but not multiple-hour-long rides. I also learned that K's mom is going to do the STP with us as well! And thus our little group grows.

I tried going to the so-called bike co-op that's in my neighborhood again, but it was closed, again. This time the guy who lives there at least had the presence of mind to put up a Closed sign. I'm about ready to give up on that and stick with more reliable biking opportunities.

Now it's time to do some grading and get ready for school to start up again.

You know a movie is good when it comes back to you in sudden flashes

Last night figment80 and I watched Babel. It was another one of those experiences where there were moments where I felt like the thing was stretching a little, trying too hard, but it was altogether sublime and I keep recalling scenes and moments as I'm in the midst of doing other things. The poetic elements were the best; the moments that were gratuitous, but were included nonetheless, like the entire plotline about the deaf Japanese girl. Especially the moments in the nightclub. By the mere fact of its questionable inclusion it became a beautiful, necessary element.

Somehow, this whole weekend became an incredible expansion into something else entirely, an unexpected moment, and I'm grateful for that.