there is a big difference between impossible and difficult

it's huge. it's the difference between impossible and possible. things that are difficult are not impossible; they are only difficult. like carrying by bike 3 tomato plants across a long bridge, sometimes uphill, and most of the time windward. or eating something you don't like. i mean, it's impossible to eat a rock, but is only difficult to eat cow tongue. 

it's about the same difference as there is between painful and hurtful, let alone deadly. a lot of things that are painful, are only that and nothing more. 

and you know what? in reasonable doses, both difficult and painful is good for you. 

sidewalks

it wasn't until i started to bike in the city that i realized that people rarely walk straight, predictable lines. they are more likely to zigzag, waddle, wander about, and hardly ever take the trouble to look around. or pay attention to sounds, for that matter. you'd think my warning bell was big - and loud! - enough to draw anyone's attention, but no. people are totally oblivious. it really is safer to ride on the street with all the crazy cars than it is to ride the sidewalks...