you're not that hard

An email conversation between mother and I sets the tone for the whole trip.

Mother@aol.com: Anna - Do you care to tell me when you are going to Paris?

Anna@hotmail.com: July. beginning.

Mother@aol.com: Will you be safe? Do you know the route? Are you aware HOW FAR AWAY paris is?

Mother@aol.com: Fine, don't tell me. I know it is because you haven't planned a route or done any training.

Anna@homail.com: Of course we have planned a route. And I cycle to work and back everyday, that's at least 10 miles.

Mother@aol.com: Paris is further than 10 miles.

Mother@aol.com: Are you the only girl doing this?

Anna@hotmail.com: yes. But I'm hard.

Mother@aol.com: you're not that hard.