Pretty in Pink

So pink is no longer my favorite color. In fact, it never was. But the color green had been taken by my older sister, and so I was more or less assigned the color pink. This weekend I got back to my pink roots when picking out a motorcycle helmet. The one I liked best was available in pink or black, but the black had to be ordered in my size. Always a fan of instant gratification I opted for pink.

That night we went for my first real ride on the bike (the test drive through a housing development hardly counts). The first couple miles were bordering on terrifying. I was chilled from the wind and super tense. When I finally relaxed, I found myself able to warm up some and enjoy myself. I even kept my eyes open during the last turn into our neighborhood. Probably a good thing we didn't go out on any of the local highways...

I can't wait to go out again as soon as the rain stops and the temperatures warm. Maybe I need a pink riding jacket and some pink riding gloves...

Done for Now

I went on my second birth as a doula last night. It didn't work out as well as I hoped. I got the call at 10:30 in the morning, but I couldn't leave work because three of the other managers were out. I was doula-sharing, so the other doula headed to the hospital without me, and I called my back-up. Unfortunately she was in an induction and couldn't attend my birth. By the time I got there around 5:30, the mom was almost ready to push. I felt bad about leaving the other doula hanging and not being able to fulfill my commitment to the mom. The experience helped to reinforce a decision I'd already made. Doula-ing just doesn't work in my life right now. Even though my employer is flexible about it, I can't always just up and leave. I'm also not dealing well with the possibility of having to be awakened at any moment in at least a three week window around a due date. I want less stress in my life right now, not more. So I won't be taking on any new clients. Maybe someday my life will be better suited to being a doula and I can take it up again. Because I like doing it. And I think I am good at it.