Notes from the Kitchen Counter

Well, I didn’t win the Madsen. (sigh) But there’s really nothing wrong with my purple mountain bike. In fact, it has its own distinguished history. (16 years old! Purchased in Boulder, Colorado!) So I’m still riding to work on most days, and I’ve learned a few things about commuting on a bike. Once the novelty had worn off, and the route became routine, I noticed that I started approaching the ride home as a non-event. That is to say, I did not prepare for it physically or mentally. It was as if I were just hopping in the car to drive the 1.8 miles home. Who prepares for that tiny trip? I do. And this is what I’ve learned:

• Always go to the bathroom before leaving. Of course, you can hold it for 10 minutes until you get home, but your poor bladder will feel every little bump and hole in the road.
• Eating a granola bar on the way home is not easy. I know you see Tour riders doing this all the time, but steering one-handed can be tricky.
• Make your phone calls and text messages ahead of time. This goes for driving too, for obvious reasons.
• Wear your sunglasses, even on cloudy days. It is preferable to a bug in the eye.
• Pack your bag carefully. That sharp thing in your backpack that’s digging into the base of your spine needs to go in a different pocket.
• Wear a longer jacket when riding in a skirt. Unless you want to give everyone some cheap thrills along the way.
• While staying perspiration-free is ideal on the ride to work, there’s no excuse for taking it easy on the way home.

I’m sure I have plenty more to learn, especially when it comes to colder weather or rain. So I will keep you posted on new lessons learned in the bike lane.

Okay, this is serious now. I really need this bike because I started a new job last week, and I’m actually commuting by bicycle. It’s less than 2 miles away, which is a perfect way to gear up for work without actually breaking a sweat. The problem is that I bring too much stuff with me to fit comfortably in a backpack or messenger bag. There’s my lunch, and my purse - yes, I need all that junk - and the occasional package to go to UPS, and my jacket on the ride home… By the time I’m all packed up to leave I look like a sherpa heading out of base camp.

The Madsen contest ends tomorrow. Could you click one more time for good luck? Please, my back is killing me.

I love finding new uses for old things. Not only does it save some space in the landfill, but I love the rough-around-the-edges character that old things contribute to a room. There’s nothing like filling your home with brand new store-bought items to make it feel like you live inside a magazine. Yuck!

My brother-in-law, Steve, has been transforming old windows into works of art. He paints and etches on both sides of the glass, adding depth to the art that you couldn’t achieve on another surface. Hung in front of a window, or lit from behind, the effect is amazing and the colors spring to life. If you’re interested in purchasing one, send me an email and I will put you in touch with Steve.