Day 30--I did it!!!!

Well---30 days.....bike only as main mode of transport and I have to say--It was pretty easy. It was so easy, I've decided it's going to be my way of life. I am more aware, more alert, more healthy and more conscious riding a bike or walking everywhere. For those places that I can't get to in a jiffy on my bike or on my feet---I'll hop on a bus or a trolley. At last resort, I'll take a car... but...I have to tell you, I have been looking into selling my car. Anyone interested in a 2007 Nissan Versa? She's cute--she's cheap--and she's in great shape since I never driver her.

Biggest thing I've learned over the last 30 days.....PAY ATTENTION! Pay attention to everything.... people can be turning right, when you're cruising up to their right. Some drivers don't even pay any attention while driving because they're texting, or they're tourists, or they're totally lost--physically--or just lost in their mind from the wild day they had. So, do your part to pay attention. Second best thing I learned---San Diego is pretty amazing. There are so many nooks and crannies that one can never find unless on a bike or on foot...so, take some time, to pay attention to your surroundings. I bet you'd be amazed at the fantastic things, people, buildings, nuances that surround you once you stop, breathe, look left--look right--and just PAY ATTENTION to what's surrounding you. Life's too short to pass up the great opportunity to celebrate all that's great in your world...right now:)

Bikes, Balloons, Wind & Lip Gloss

Yes--I said lip gloss.... But, let's start with the important stuff. My gal pal's wedding shower was today. I committed a while back to pick up 20 multi colored balloons that would go with the Mexican theme. Now that I am doing my no car gig, I still had to get the balloons. I ventured off to Vons--which was 3 blocks north and 2 blocks east of Regan's house. I got the balloons, and tied them to the seat of my bike. I rode in the street--stayed clear of the side walks due to fear of the trees--I should have been more concerned about the wind. The wind blew those blessed balloons everywhere including in the spokes of the bike. We lost about 4 on the journey. The pop was loud. The laughs and stares from passers bye--even more loud. The most troublesome part of it all.... the ribbons from the balloons were long and curly...they were wavy in the wind, and kept flying up at my face and sticking to my lip gloss... I know...you're thinking, "Why are you riding a bike and wearing lip gloss"?? 2 months ago I may have said the same thing...but...normally I wear chap stick. 2 months ago my boss turned me onto lip gloss. She wears it all the time--everywhere--it's the same as putting on shoes for her... She never leaves the house, her office, anywhere without lip gloss. She inspired me to buy a bevvy of it..and I am hooked. I always have it on now. I love lip gloss.. So, I am guilty as charged--a bike riding commuting lip gloss addict. Anyway--it made for an interesting ride. I dropped the balloons to Regan's--as I pulled up, a man was holding his baby and she was saying "Ba-lllll-oooooo-nnn-s" I am pretty sure it was one of her 1st 5 words in her vocab. We made the world--and her vocab better today. As I left the balloon drop off spot--I almost barrelled over a very skinny man, on the side walk, wearing shiny black leather pants. He should have been riding my bike, wearing lip gloss with the balloons.....

In other news----I made it home in 14 minutes from downtown today. It normally takes 25 - 30 minutes-- The Presbyterians were not singing today. tomorrow is Sunday though, and I'll be on my bike by 8:15 A.....Church and Sabbath worship HAS to happen tomorrow...right?

Day 27--The Finger Wag....

Something I've gotten really good at over the last 27 days is the finger wag. Picture it... riding your bike, knowing you have the right of way because you stopped at the stop sign ions of time before the car at the other stop sign does...and guess what?? They start rolling through the stop sign... This is when I toss out a "finger wag"? You know what I mean... it's that 1 finger pointing at that person doing wrong, and shaking it at them... not rapidly, just slowly, with judging eyes, eye brows raised--just a shmidge...and a little smile.. Enough to tell them--"we both know you tried to roll through that stop sign", but, coy enough to not make them feel like they want to hit the gas pedal and run me over off my bike. It's a real simple--yet--effective technique...

So, I got to work in 13 minutes today..and home in 24. My time going home, up that hill is getting better. Riding through the ghetto, isn't as scary. Most of the homeless people just like to talk to themselves, and they can't chase me up that big ass hill anyway...I'm on a bike..and they have blankets and what not that hold them down should a chase scene pop up...so, I think the night ride home route is good. Tomorrow is a big day..... I will attempt to buy 20 multi colored balloons and ride them over to my gal pal's house where we're having a wedding shower. Imagine---1 girl, 1 bike, 20 multi colored balloons tied to the seat of my bike. If I can bring at least 1 smile or sense of wonder to a random passer-by...I will have done my work for the day...wish me luck...

Day 25...

Well, today was interesting......I walked into work---on my way I found a co-worker at the bus stop at Broadway and 21st. She was wearing dress shoes--slight heel. I asked, "Would you like to walk with me?" She said, "sure"...and away we walked. It was nice to have an unexpected walking companion in the AM. I left my house at 7:29, and got to work at 8:01 A....just in time for an all morning meeting with an AMAZING organization--that--can you believe it??? They promote Healthy living! The stars were aligned and I wore my tennies all day with my work gear. They were quite inspirational. Next.....I rode my bike to the gym. It was "cardio day"....so, I did 32 minutes. 7 minutes rower, 10 minutes running on treadmill and 15 minutes on the bike--as if I didn't have enough bike action for the last 25 days. You see...I thought I was going to take the bus home, so, I got my "bike on" in the gym instead of "on the road"....I left the gym drenched in sweat, and the moon was awesome..the night felt so good and I didn't want to deal with putting my bike on the front of that rack on the bus...so...I decided to ride home... Last ride home at night was awesome--and I took my favorite street--ISLAND--but--it was a little dark--and I was a little scared for my life on 12th - 24th streets...so, I opted for Broadway the whole way home. The hill on Broadway is more steep, but, it's way more lit and much more safe. Along the way as I rode I heard cheers of people between 3rd - 10th from various pubs. World Series is on tonight--Phillies vs. Yanks--and the cheers supported both teams at various times as I passed. I got to 16th and couldn't ride anymore. I was beat. I had a 3 mile walk to work, a 32 minute cardio session and now I was going to ride 10 more blocks up a huge incline??? What is wrong with me?? So, I walked my bike, and called my sis. She and her hubby are staying at my parent's house in FL for the week. She was tipsy and her hubster was watching the world series. She celebrated the great day she and my mom had. They went to a play in Florida with all the blue hairs. While in the bathroom at the play, my lil' sis discovered that the woman just one stall over had only 4 toes---GROSS--of course she took a photo of it and texted it to me with a caption: "Just saw someone that reminded me of you.....". To be clear, I have all my digits in tact--10 fingers, 10 toes...however, I do hate feet. They totally gross me out. Had I seen that sitch in the stall next to me, I would have barfed for sure. Better her than me...but still, was a great picture text to get midday today. Lil' sis asked me if I wanted to talk to her hubby. I gingerly declined and told her that would be a dude's worst nightmare to talk to his sister-in-law on the telephone in the middle of the world series. She claimed I was a better woman than she, and shortly after, we hung up. I did promise a shout out to her... so, there ya go--Vikki---you've been shouted outed!! I hopped back on my bike and was home in 5 minutes. The Presbyterians were up to no good though... I noticed all the lights on in the church, but this time--all the blinds were drawn....and no one was singing..... Seemed a little more serious and less gleeful tonight... I wonder what they're stirring up in there......

Day 24--still on the honeymoon...

I am still giddy and in love with riding my bike or walking as a mode of transport. 11 minutes flat to work today. Walking in to work tomorrow...need to be there a bit early for a meeting....but....looking forward to the workout and ride home tomorrow night. Something fun I learned that happens in my hood in the AM on the way in is that the Iglesia Presbyterian Hispanic church has a women's choir. They sing their hearts out. I am not quite sure when their practice is because I've heard them singing on the way home during week--appx. 730 p. I've heard them singing on the way in--appx. 715 a, and I've heard them singing on the weekends at various times of the day. As far as I'm concerned....it's a Choir Shelter for lady birds. Oh the things you become aware of along the way when you're not couped up in your car watching traffic, and you're in the fresh air, celebrating life and being concience of surroundings.....

Nostalgia

I should write an Ode to my Jansport. I realized today that I have had my Jansport back pack since I was a sophomore in college. Who wouldda thunk it would stick with me all this time and make this wacky bike journey. 14 years old...and it's as sturdy as the day I bought it. Cheers to you Jansport. I will not trade you in--even if you make me look like a butch lesbian on a bike.

I think I'm getting faster, and Island Street is still my favorite. Made it to work in 13 minutes today. 4.3 minutes per mile. Then...I rode to the gym, worked out for an hour, and rode home in the dark dark darkness of Island Street. I made it home and up that massive hill in 25 minutes flat. It totally helped that I rode like a bat out of hell on 17th street through 24th street since it was so dark and there were homeless people and gang members eye balling me the whole way. I should have taken the bus home, but, the moon was full, and it felt so good under that night air.

Oh the things we see along the way....

Day 22..Bike ride to Amy/Jay's today to have a date with Jaden. With my puffy letters, construction paper and musical instruments packed...I was ready for an afternoon with a 2 year old. 3.5 miles to their house, 20 minute ride...Still super slow--5.6 per mile. Dude, I'm light molasses. The positive is that I found a new route and there was so much beauty along the way...

I took 29th to Juniper to 32nd to University to Swift. Awesome Ride. the houses in the guts of Southpark on 29th and 32nd are amazing. Totally decked out for Halloween--still. Note to self....drive this route over xmas season...guaranteed to get any passer-by in the holiday spirit. Great ride there, great ride home. The plan was to go grocery shopping when I was done. I discovered I did not have any $$$ or id with me when I left Amy and Jay's...so....rode home-- 3.5 miles. Got shiznit...headed back out to grocery--2 miles RT. Overall it was a good, flat 9 mile trip on Baby Blue today. Amongst my travels I swear I saw a spitting image of Tyne Daly...remember her from Cagney and Lacey? Anyway...it was a brilliant Sunday! This week will be all about Bikes, Gym and Protein...