ofearthandstars | On the Go

This morning I pulled out my bike and decided to clean it up. It's been in our shed for a long while, after I rode it all over town and a pedal fell off sometime last year. I'm not sure why I procrastinated so long on fixing it, but I finally picked up a new set of pedals. This morning I installed them, brought the seat up a bit, put air in the tires, and generally gave her a tune-up. Then I rode her down to the public library, checked out a few books, and then rode her back. It was about 4.4 miles, and not a bad trip, even though my legs aren't quite use to that sort of muscle work (it's different from running).

Pictured: My bike, which cleans up nicely.
There's something about fixing and riding my bike that helps me to feel in control of things. Even if it's rainy/misty out, I can feel the wind in my face. Mostly, it will be good to have some local transportation (not my aging car) again. I don't live in a particularly bike-friendly area, but I do like to take my bike to the downtown when possible.

I'm thinking that, weather permitting, I'd like to ride on the days I'm not running, since I do better in the winter (emotionally) when I'm not cooped in the house. On the days it's too messy, maybe I can commit to yoga? It remains to be seen.

Since it's cool and damp here today, I'm making a simple pumpkin butter and trying to go easy on myself. I found out earlier today that I'll be furloughed after Monday (until the government re-opens). Next week it'll be the fun of applying for unemployment benefits. In the meantime, I think I'm just going to try to take some quiet gratitude in the people and blessings I have around me, and try to keep in mind that, no matter how this goes, I am capable of handling it.

♥