Hello, friends!
I'm writing this blog because my pants have finally dried. =0). Say what?! Well, here's what happened.
I met with a friend of mine this morning to hang out like I always do. My friend Bob only lives about a quarter mile from my place so I normally walk or take my bike. Today it was cold but pretty gorgeous outside so I walked and had a great time.
The plan for the day was to go donate plasma then head to campus to do work, get in a workout, and then head home so I could get ready to babysit my same friend's little one while he and his wife went to a work party.
What I didn't anticipate was freezing rain. I thought I had timed it well enough so that I would get to campus before it started sleeting and that I would be able to stay inside until it was time to go, in which case it would be raining lightly. Instead, as soon as I got out from donating plasma, I saw the sleet. One really wet ride later, here I am.
There were a number of poor decisions made here. Let's run through them:
- Assuming I had the timing of the weather right.
- Not bringing my waterproof backpack
- Hitting snooze, causing me to start my day 10 minutes late.
- Wearing my beanie instead of a hat to protect from the rain
I'm sure there were other things I did wrong to put myself in a very wet situation but I guess that happens, right? =0). The important thing is that I'm getting in some hours and thus saving some money.
Stats since my last post:
Distance: 8 miles ($.65)
Meters: 4 hours downtown ($2.40) + 10 hours on campus ($10)
Total: $13.05
Grand Total: $226.43
Left to Save: $146.60
Happy Biking!
~Adam
The story of a guy trying to rationalize the money he spent on his bike and other random thoughts.
Friday, December 13, 2013
Friday, November 22, 2013
Lost Consequences...
Hello, friends!
It's been a bad week for losing stuff here at La Casa Leong. In the past week, I've misplaced a kindle, a box of pens for ACF (since found), my St. Louis Blues cap (since found), a presentation clicker we hadn't even used for ACF yet, and one of the ear buds on my headphones. However, that isn't the worst of it. The worst of it is that I don't know where my ear muffs are.
You may be thinking to yourself, "self, why does he care about ear muffs?" Well, friends. It's cold and I like biking. What I don't like are cold ears while I am biking. A beanie doesn't fit well under my helmet and none of my beanies have visors so I can't block on the sun (or rain) as well with a beanie as opposed to a hat and earmuffs, like I normally do.
All this losing stuff has brought to my attention that losing stuff may be my number one pet peeve. Megan will tell you that this week I have not been in the best of moods and I have been randomly looking places for these lost items, hoping they will turn up somehow. I've been told that lunacy can be defined as trying the same action over and over again but expecting a different result. I'll tell you what. If it wasn't in my nightstand drawer the first time I looked, there's a pretty good chance it won't be in there this time too. =0).
So, my friends, that's my latest biking story. I've been biking on a dumpy bike and my ears are cold. It's not even December and I'm already ready for Spring to be here. Alas, back to looking!
Stats:
Distance: 6 miles ($.52)
Meters: 5 hours on campus ($5) + 2 hours downtown ($1.20)
Total: $6.72
Grand Total: $423.38
Left to Save: $159.65
Happy Biking!
It's been a bad week for losing stuff here at La Casa Leong. In the past week, I've misplaced a kindle, a box of pens for ACF (since found), my St. Louis Blues cap (since found), a presentation clicker we hadn't even used for ACF yet, and one of the ear buds on my headphones. However, that isn't the worst of it. The worst of it is that I don't know where my ear muffs are.
You may be thinking to yourself, "self, why does he care about ear muffs?" Well, friends. It's cold and I like biking. What I don't like are cold ears while I am biking. A beanie doesn't fit well under my helmet and none of my beanies have visors so I can't block on the sun (or rain) as well with a beanie as opposed to a hat and earmuffs, like I normally do.
All this losing stuff has brought to my attention that losing stuff may be my number one pet peeve. Megan will tell you that this week I have not been in the best of moods and I have been randomly looking places for these lost items, hoping they will turn up somehow. I've been told that lunacy can be defined as trying the same action over and over again but expecting a different result. I'll tell you what. If it wasn't in my nightstand drawer the first time I looked, there's a pretty good chance it won't be in there this time too. =0).
So, my friends, that's my latest biking story. I've been biking on a dumpy bike and my ears are cold. It's not even December and I'm already ready for Spring to be here. Alas, back to looking!
Stats:
Distance: 6 miles ($.52)
Meters: 5 hours on campus ($5) + 2 hours downtown ($1.20)
Total: $6.72
Grand Total: $423.38
Left to Save: $159.65
Happy Biking!
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
The Greatest Round of Golf Ever...
Hello, friends!
Monday is my day off and since I don't have a softball league this year, I decided to play golf as a way to do something athletic and spend a few hours walking with Jesus.
Let's be clear: I am a terrible golfer. Well, I won't say that I'm the worst golfer in the world, just that I am terribly inconsistent and don't score very well. I am at my worst 30 yards from the green and closer. I cannot hit those shots to save my life.
Golf has taught me many lessons about life. One of which has been to not do too much. I used to carry a full compliment of clubs with me on my rounds but I found that I actually only know how to hit 3 or 4 of them well at all, so now those are the clubs I carry. It ain't pretty golf but it sure is fun. =0).
Yesterday, I golfed the greatest round of golf in my life. I started on the back 9, holes 10-18 and shot a decent score (for me anyway) but it was on the front 9 that I really put some good holes together. I was hitting the fairway. I was judging distances well. I was hitting putts! I even learned a new shot, where I choke up on my 5-wood to hit the ball about 130 and straight. I finished the round and was torn as to whether I should try again next week to do even better, or end the season on a high note. I'm still trying to decide.
What does this have to do with biking? Absolutely nothing. I just figured that I hadn't posted all month and I needed to brag about my round. =0).
Stats (Since Halloween)
Distance: 10 miles ($.83)
Meters: 4 hours downtown ($2.40) + 12 hours on campus ($12)
Total: $15.23
Grand Total: $416.66
Left to Save: $166.37
Happy Biking!
~Adam
Monday is my day off and since I don't have a softball league this year, I decided to play golf as a way to do something athletic and spend a few hours walking with Jesus.
Let's be clear: I am a terrible golfer. Well, I won't say that I'm the worst golfer in the world, just that I am terribly inconsistent and don't score very well. I am at my worst 30 yards from the green and closer. I cannot hit those shots to save my life.
Golf has taught me many lessons about life. One of which has been to not do too much. I used to carry a full compliment of clubs with me on my rounds but I found that I actually only know how to hit 3 or 4 of them well at all, so now those are the clubs I carry. It ain't pretty golf but it sure is fun. =0).
Yesterday, I golfed the greatest round of golf in my life. I started on the back 9, holes 10-18 and shot a decent score (for me anyway) but it was on the front 9 that I really put some good holes together. I was hitting the fairway. I was judging distances well. I was hitting putts! I even learned a new shot, where I choke up on my 5-wood to hit the ball about 130 and straight. I finished the round and was torn as to whether I should try again next week to do even better, or end the season on a high note. I'm still trying to decide.
What does this have to do with biking? Absolutely nothing. I just figured that I hadn't posted all month and I needed to brag about my round. =0).
Stats (Since Halloween)
Distance: 10 miles ($.83)
Meters: 4 hours downtown ($2.40) + 12 hours on campus ($12)
Total: $15.23
Grand Total: $416.66
Left to Save: $166.37
Happy Biking!
~Adam
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Happy Halloween!!!
Hello, friends!
Today, depending on who you ask, is either Halloween, All Hallow's Eve, All Saint's Day, Reformation Day, or Thursday. Either way, it's raining and Megan and I have a bunch of stuff we want to give away to kids. =0).
I was thinking about it today and I realized that I have a kind of up and down history with Halloween. From what I can tell, we used to be all about it but then the family kind of waned from it. But then we got back into it. And then we weren't. And here we are. Here's a brief history:
0-4: As far as I know, there are no photos of me being dressed up in funny costumes as a baby so I am going to assume that isn't the case.
5-8: I believe this was the time in elementary school when we had the Halloween parade. All the grades would walk around the playground while their parents took photos. I don't remember what I was for most of the years but it must not have been very memorable. Well, that's not true. One time I think I was a clown (this was pre-my discovery that they are evil) and one year I think I wrapped myself in bandages and called myself "injured." Good times.
9-11: For a few years our church did a "Harvest Night," which apparently is pretty popular around these parts in Columbia. I've always been torn about these. I think they are actually great opportunities to keep kids safe and also outreach to the local community. On the other hand, it also has the potential to be an insular kind of thing. Either way, I think we did those until for a while, which was fine.
12-13: This would be the years where I was too cool to dress up but still wanted candy. It was a rough time. My friends and I still hit the streets but now that I think about it, we weren't much more than a street gang. Our favorite spots were the ones where folk just left the bowls outside and said "take one." Guess who usually took more than one. =0).
After that, I'm not sure that I did anything for Halloween more than 3 or 4 times in the last 15 years or so. Maybe I did, maybe I didn't. Either way, it stopped being a big deal for me. I'm not opposed to it or anything. I just don't like spending money on costumes I suppose.
But, of course, don't let me rain on your parade! Enjoy dressing up! Have fun eating boatloads of candy and getting spooked at haunted houses. As for me, I'll just be biking in the fall weather, happy that it isn't too hot and waiting for the snow to fall.
Stats:
Distance: 6.5 miles ($.51)
Meters: 2 hours downtown ($1.20) + 10 hours on campus ($10)
Total: $11.71
Grand Total: $401.43
Left to Save: $181.60
Happy Biking!
~Adam
Today, depending on who you ask, is either Halloween, All Hallow's Eve, All Saint's Day, Reformation Day, or Thursday. Either way, it's raining and Megan and I have a bunch of stuff we want to give away to kids. =0).
I was thinking about it today and I realized that I have a kind of up and down history with Halloween. From what I can tell, we used to be all about it but then the family kind of waned from it. But then we got back into it. And then we weren't. And here we are. Here's a brief history:
0-4: As far as I know, there are no photos of me being dressed up in funny costumes as a baby so I am going to assume that isn't the case.
5-8: I believe this was the time in elementary school when we had the Halloween parade. All the grades would walk around the playground while their parents took photos. I don't remember what I was for most of the years but it must not have been very memorable. Well, that's not true. One time I think I was a clown (this was pre-my discovery that they are evil) and one year I think I wrapped myself in bandages and called myself "injured." Good times.
9-11: For a few years our church did a "Harvest Night," which apparently is pretty popular around these parts in Columbia. I've always been torn about these. I think they are actually great opportunities to keep kids safe and also outreach to the local community. On the other hand, it also has the potential to be an insular kind of thing. Either way, I think we did those until for a while, which was fine.
12-13: This would be the years where I was too cool to dress up but still wanted candy. It was a rough time. My friends and I still hit the streets but now that I think about it, we weren't much more than a street gang. Our favorite spots were the ones where folk just left the bowls outside and said "take one." Guess who usually took more than one. =0).
After that, I'm not sure that I did anything for Halloween more than 3 or 4 times in the last 15 years or so. Maybe I did, maybe I didn't. Either way, it stopped being a big deal for me. I'm not opposed to it or anything. I just don't like spending money on costumes I suppose.
But, of course, don't let me rain on your parade! Enjoy dressing up! Have fun eating boatloads of candy and getting spooked at haunted houses. As for me, I'll just be biking in the fall weather, happy that it isn't too hot and waiting for the snow to fall.
Stats:
Distance: 6.5 miles ($.51)
Meters: 2 hours downtown ($1.20) + 10 hours on campus ($10)
Total: $11.71
Grand Total: $401.43
Left to Save: $181.60
Happy Biking!
~Adam
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Winter Clothes...
Hello, friends!
Today the high in Columbia was supposed to be 47 degrees. I am going to assume that we got there but I can tell you that it certainly didn't feel like it from my vantage point. Biking in such cold weather is no fun at all. It could be that I've become a bit of a wimp. It could be that since I've lost some weight I no longer have any fat to keep me warm. Either way, what I do know is that for the past few days, I have been rocking my winter gear while biking.
I actually have three levels of winter clothes. Right now we are in Level 1 of winter clothes, which is pretty much my medium jacket, my light gloves, and my earmuffs. Level 2 will add the scarf, the winter coat and the balaclava. Level 3 is when things get really fun. That's when we throw in the long underwear and possibly wearing the sweatpants over the regular pants. It's been a while since we've gotten to Level 3 but I'm already rockin' Level 1 here in October so come January, things may be a little different.
Here's what I've learned is the hardest thing about biking in the cold. It's not actually wearing all the extra clothing. It's not the wind chill or your hands getting a little numb. It's not even the prospect of rain, snow, or ice being on your path, although that is pretty dangerous. No, friends, the hardest thing about biking in the cold is that my glasses get fogged up. =0).
When I'm in Level 2 or Level 3 of winter clothes, I'm wearing a scarf that covers my neck and face or a balaclava that does the same. Sometimes I'll even wear both. When this happens, breathing becomes a little hazardous. When I breathe through my nose, the hot breath hits the face covering and shoots back up to my glasses where they fog. It happens less so when I'm breathing through my mouth but then you have the hazard of your face freezing because the balaclava or scarf get wet with breath then frozen by the outside. Thankfully, I've never crashed because of my glasses being fogged (although I've crashed for lots of other reasons). Let's hope that this streak continues.
Stats:
Distance: 4.5 miles ($.38)
Meters: 5 hours on campus ($5) + 2.5 hours downtown ($1.5)
Total: $6.88
Grand Total: $389.72
Left to Save: $193.31 (hooray!!!)
Happy Biking!
~Adam
Today the high in Columbia was supposed to be 47 degrees. I am going to assume that we got there but I can tell you that it certainly didn't feel like it from my vantage point. Biking in such cold weather is no fun at all. It could be that I've become a bit of a wimp. It could be that since I've lost some weight I no longer have any fat to keep me warm. Either way, what I do know is that for the past few days, I have been rocking my winter gear while biking.
I actually have three levels of winter clothes. Right now we are in Level 1 of winter clothes, which is pretty much my medium jacket, my light gloves, and my earmuffs. Level 2 will add the scarf, the winter coat and the balaclava. Level 3 is when things get really fun. That's when we throw in the long underwear and possibly wearing the sweatpants over the regular pants. It's been a while since we've gotten to Level 3 but I'm already rockin' Level 1 here in October so come January, things may be a little different.
Here's what I've learned is the hardest thing about biking in the cold. It's not actually wearing all the extra clothing. It's not the wind chill or your hands getting a little numb. It's not even the prospect of rain, snow, or ice being on your path, although that is pretty dangerous. No, friends, the hardest thing about biking in the cold is that my glasses get fogged up. =0).
When I'm in Level 2 or Level 3 of winter clothes, I'm wearing a scarf that covers my neck and face or a balaclava that does the same. Sometimes I'll even wear both. When this happens, breathing becomes a little hazardous. When I breathe through my nose, the hot breath hits the face covering and shoots back up to my glasses where they fog. It happens less so when I'm breathing through my mouth but then you have the hazard of your face freezing because the balaclava or scarf get wet with breath then frozen by the outside. Thankfully, I've never crashed because of my glasses being fogged (although I've crashed for lots of other reasons). Let's hope that this streak continues.
Stats:
Distance: 4.5 miles ($.38)
Meters: 5 hours on campus ($5) + 2.5 hours downtown ($1.5)
Total: $6.88
Grand Total: $389.72
Left to Save: $193.31 (hooray!!!)
Happy Biking!
~Adam
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Ok, We're Back!!!
Hello, friends!
It's been over a month since Sulu was hijacked and so far there has been no sign of him. I'm still holding out hope that he'll be recovered at some point but it is time to move on.
There was a serious question from me as to whether or not how I should continue with this blog. The purpose of the blog was to justify the purchase of Sulu by documenting all the miles I bike and hours I spend not doing meters. With Sulu gone, does that mean I should stop blogging since I'm not saving any money by using Sulu? If I use another bike, does it mean that my efforts do not count toward the original purpose of the blog?
As I thought and prayed about it more, I decided that really, this blog was about more than just one bike. It was about me attempting to adopt a healthier and more efficient lifestyle. Biking has been such a blessing to me, not only in terms of money saved but also in making me think more intentionally about my health and my time.
So, I have decided to keep going. Thanks to a generous gift from someone who knew about my bike being stolen, I was able to get most of the costs of getting my old bike repaired covered. I've also spent some time on campus and downtown in the past week or so to recoup pretty much all of the sunk costs.
Of course, there are lessons to be learned from all this. Locking up my bike, especially when it is out in the open, is a high priority. (Duh). But I think the big takeaway for me is what is happening moving forward from here.
Here's the new goal: +$600 so I can buy a new bike. I'm going to stick with the bike I have until I can save up enough to buy a new bike. We'll see how this goes. =0).
Stats:
Bike repair: $79.60
Gift: $65
Distances: 9 miles ($.75)
Meters: 4 hours downtown ($4.80) + 10 hours on campus ($10)
Total: $.95
Grand Total: $382.84
Left to Save: $200.19
Happy Biking!
~Adam
It's been over a month since Sulu was hijacked and so far there has been no sign of him. I'm still holding out hope that he'll be recovered at some point but it is time to move on.
There was a serious question from me as to whether or not how I should continue with this blog. The purpose of the blog was to justify the purchase of Sulu by documenting all the miles I bike and hours I spend not doing meters. With Sulu gone, does that mean I should stop blogging since I'm not saving any money by using Sulu? If I use another bike, does it mean that my efforts do not count toward the original purpose of the blog?
As I thought and prayed about it more, I decided that really, this blog was about more than just one bike. It was about me attempting to adopt a healthier and more efficient lifestyle. Biking has been such a blessing to me, not only in terms of money saved but also in making me think more intentionally about my health and my time.
So, I have decided to keep going. Thanks to a generous gift from someone who knew about my bike being stolen, I was able to get most of the costs of getting my old bike repaired covered. I've also spent some time on campus and downtown in the past week or so to recoup pretty much all of the sunk costs.
Of course, there are lessons to be learned from all this. Locking up my bike, especially when it is out in the open, is a high priority. (Duh). But I think the big takeaway for me is what is happening moving forward from here.
Here's the new goal: +$600 so I can buy a new bike. I'm going to stick with the bike I have until I can save up enough to buy a new bike. We'll see how this goes. =0).
Stats:
Bike repair: $79.60
Gift: $65
Distances: 9 miles ($.75)
Meters: 4 hours downtown ($4.80) + 10 hours on campus ($10)
Total: $.95
Grand Total: $382.84
Left to Save: $200.19
Happy Biking!
~Adam
Friday, September 13, 2013
Closing Time?
Hello, friends!
Friends, I have some really bad news... sometime between 2-6pm on Wednesday, Sulu was stolen... I don't know where he is but I really want him back. Here's what happened:
Our story actually starts on Tuesday. The plan was for me hang out with a student @ 5, go to dinner with some other students @ 6, and then have another meeting with students @ 7. It was going to be a tight fit but I was going to make it!
Well, maybe not. =0). My 5pm was a 30 second ride from my house so I biked there with the intention of biking downtown to my 6 then back up home for my 7. The thing was that I was meeting with a female student and my rule is that if I am meeting with a female student, we are either meeting in a public space or all the doors in the room are open. I thought her roommate was going to be there but it turned out that she wasn't. It was 95 degrees outside so instead of overworking her air conditioning, we decided to walk back to my place.
After that, time just got in the way. I wanted to leave right away so I left Sulu on the front porch and didn't lock it so I could just rock and roll. My 5pm ran a little long and my 6pm actually got canceled but I had to pick up a student for the 7pm, which means that Sulu was left on the porch for a few hours. Thankfully, no one took him during that time. Unfortunately, it also means that I completely forgot that he was on the porch and not in the garage like normal.
What we know is that Megan and I both saw Sulu @ 11am when we left the house. What is unclear is if we was still there when we returned. I think he was but I can't say for sure. What I can say for sure is that at 5:45 I left for Wednesday Night Large Group. I realized I forgot something at home so I returned @ 5:48. When I rolled back up to the house, I saw my bike lock on the ground alongside my helmet. Sulu was nowhere to be found.
I have filed the police report and am hopeful that he will be returned. But until then, I am not sure what is going to happen with me riding to campus and what is going to happen to this blog.
Honestly, I'm not sure what bothers me more. On the one hand, I am pissed because someone stole my bike. Every time this happens (I've had 3 bikes stolen now, one twice), it sucks. On the other hand, I am pissed at myself for not locking up Sulu. It would have been so simple but I just blew it. The blame is on me as much as it is on the jerk who took him.
One last piece that really bothers me is that I really wanted to finish this blog. This blog has been so much fun to write and it's been really motivating too. I hope and pray that the bike is recovered.
Anyway, happy biking! Here's hoping you hear from me (and Sulu) again...
~Adam
Friends, I have some really bad news... sometime between 2-6pm on Wednesday, Sulu was stolen... I don't know where he is but I really want him back. Here's what happened:
Our story actually starts on Tuesday. The plan was for me hang out with a student @ 5, go to dinner with some other students @ 6, and then have another meeting with students @ 7. It was going to be a tight fit but I was going to make it!
Well, maybe not. =0). My 5pm was a 30 second ride from my house so I biked there with the intention of biking downtown to my 6 then back up home for my 7. The thing was that I was meeting with a female student and my rule is that if I am meeting with a female student, we are either meeting in a public space or all the doors in the room are open. I thought her roommate was going to be there but it turned out that she wasn't. It was 95 degrees outside so instead of overworking her air conditioning, we decided to walk back to my place.
After that, time just got in the way. I wanted to leave right away so I left Sulu on the front porch and didn't lock it so I could just rock and roll. My 5pm ran a little long and my 6pm actually got canceled but I had to pick up a student for the 7pm, which means that Sulu was left on the porch for a few hours. Thankfully, no one took him during that time. Unfortunately, it also means that I completely forgot that he was on the porch and not in the garage like normal.
What we know is that Megan and I both saw Sulu @ 11am when we left the house. What is unclear is if we was still there when we returned. I think he was but I can't say for sure. What I can say for sure is that at 5:45 I left for Wednesday Night Large Group. I realized I forgot something at home so I returned @ 5:48. When I rolled back up to the house, I saw my bike lock on the ground alongside my helmet. Sulu was nowhere to be found.
I have filed the police report and am hopeful that he will be returned. But until then, I am not sure what is going to happen with me riding to campus and what is going to happen to this blog.
Honestly, I'm not sure what bothers me more. On the one hand, I am pissed because someone stole my bike. Every time this happens (I've had 3 bikes stolen now, one twice), it sucks. On the other hand, I am pissed at myself for not locking up Sulu. It would have been so simple but I just blew it. The blame is on me as much as it is on the jerk who took him.
One last piece that really bothers me is that I really wanted to finish this blog. This blog has been so much fun to write and it's been really motivating too. I hope and pray that the bike is recovered.
Anyway, happy biking! Here's hoping you hear from me (and Sulu) again...
~Adam
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
The Great Read Begins Again...
Hello, friends!
Ever since I joined InterVarsity, I've adjusted my calendar so that for me, the new year actually starts on July 1 instead of January 1 to match the InterVarsity fiscal calendar. I know, it's odd of me, but that's how things go.
Because of this every July I set my goals for the year. I talk about what I want to see happen on campus and things like that. One section of my goals is for personal goals, which usually have to do with physical, relational, and mental health. (One of my favorites from a few years ago was when my goal was to "get a girlfriend."). One goal that I've had for the past few years has been to read 30 books, as a way for me to keep myself motivated to read. A few years ago I hit that goal but last year I fell WAY short. Right now, it's already 2 months into the year and I've only read 2 books. Things are not starting well.
As I was thinking back on why I reached the goal the time that I did and I didn't the time that I didn't was that last year I wasn't actually keeping track of my books read (I lost count a few times) and I wasn't actually recalling what I was reading. The year that I totally nailed it was when I blogged (or rather, Facebook posted) about my books. It led to some interesting conversations and motivated me to read more.
So, in an attempt to get back on the horse, I've decided to start blogging about my books again. With any luck, this will lead to more reading. At worse, you'll still get to see my biking stats at the end. =0).
Why this blog and not my other one? Well, honestly, there are two major reasons. One is because of space. So much happens on the other blog that trying to fit some book reviews in there would only make things more crowded. Especially with the new school year and new roles and such, it made more sense to move the reading here.
Added to that, I think I like the idea of pairing physical health with mental (or academic) health. I bike not just because it is more efficient or good for the environment but also because it is good for me. It burns calories and improves my stamina. Biking also lets me focus on other areas of my triathlon training when I go to the gym. Reading is one of those things that keeps me sane. I read how-to books, biographies, fiction, non-fiction, etc., and all of it stimulates my brain and offers a chance to relax a little.
So, while this blog is still about my pursuit of miles and meter money, occasionally you'll see a blurb or two about something that I've read. Don't be alarmed, you're still at the right blog. =0).
Stats:
Distance: 8.98 miles ($.87)
Meters: 4 hours on campus ($4) + 4 hours downtown ($2.40)
Total: $7.27
Grand Total: $381.89
Left to Save: $201.14
I'll see you next time!
~Adam
Ever since I joined InterVarsity, I've adjusted my calendar so that for me, the new year actually starts on July 1 instead of January 1 to match the InterVarsity fiscal calendar. I know, it's odd of me, but that's how things go.
Because of this every July I set my goals for the year. I talk about what I want to see happen on campus and things like that. One section of my goals is for personal goals, which usually have to do with physical, relational, and mental health. (One of my favorites from a few years ago was when my goal was to "get a girlfriend."). One goal that I've had for the past few years has been to read 30 books, as a way for me to keep myself motivated to read. A few years ago I hit that goal but last year I fell WAY short. Right now, it's already 2 months into the year and I've only read 2 books. Things are not starting well.
As I was thinking back on why I reached the goal the time that I did and I didn't the time that I didn't was that last year I wasn't actually keeping track of my books read (I lost count a few times) and I wasn't actually recalling what I was reading. The year that I totally nailed it was when I blogged (or rather, Facebook posted) about my books. It led to some interesting conversations and motivated me to read more.
So, in an attempt to get back on the horse, I've decided to start blogging about my books again. With any luck, this will lead to more reading. At worse, you'll still get to see my biking stats at the end. =0).
Why this blog and not my other one? Well, honestly, there are two major reasons. One is because of space. So much happens on the other blog that trying to fit some book reviews in there would only make things more crowded. Especially with the new school year and new roles and such, it made more sense to move the reading here.
Added to that, I think I like the idea of pairing physical health with mental (or academic) health. I bike not just because it is more efficient or good for the environment but also because it is good for me. It burns calories and improves my stamina. Biking also lets me focus on other areas of my triathlon training when I go to the gym. Reading is one of those things that keeps me sane. I read how-to books, biographies, fiction, non-fiction, etc., and all of it stimulates my brain and offers a chance to relax a little.
So, while this blog is still about my pursuit of miles and meter money, occasionally you'll see a blurb or two about something that I've read. Don't be alarmed, you're still at the right blog. =0).
Stats:
Distance: 8.98 miles ($.87)
Meters: 4 hours on campus ($4) + 4 hours downtown ($2.40)
Total: $7.27
Grand Total: $381.89
Left to Save: $201.14
I'll see you next time!
~Adam
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
A New Way Home...
Hello, friends!
I have a funny story to tell you, and by funny I mean "shake your head" funny and not "laugh out loud" funny.
We're in the middle of New Student Outreach right now, which means long days and even longer nights. Today I was on campus until about 9:30, which meant biking home in the dark. (It also meant lots of hours saving money on meters, but that's for a little later).
The route that I take home is pretty much the same route every time. I bike up Hitt Street, turn right on University, make a left on college, then a right on Walnut, cut through Stephens College (thanks, ladies!) make a right on Widsor, a left on Ripley, a right on Hinkson, a left on William, a right on Amelia, a left on Mount Vernon, and BAM! I'm home. (In case that wasn't confusing enough, here's the map).
Overall, it's a bunch of side streets and a pretty safe ride. The one stretch that is the most dangerous is going north on College avenue. It's a pretty busy street with lots of cars traveling at pretty decent speeds. Bikers, and some pedestrians have gotten hit along that road for as long as I can remember.
As I was biking up the street tonight, thinking thoughts and such, I heard the unmistakable sound of something falling out of my bag. I had my gym bag strapped to the back of my bike and I must have left it a little bit open because something definitely hit the street.
Friends, it was decision time. What do I do? I sounded like plastic so it was probably one of two things. Either it was my almost empty shampoo bottle, in which case I could leave it without a second thought, save for a guilty conscience for littering, or it was my pair of swim goggles, which cost me $15 and would require another trip to the store to buy a new pair. I couldn't risk losing the goggles so I had to pull over and run back to pick up what I dropped.
It was the shampoo bottle...
Slightly relieved that the goggles weren't broken and slightly miffed that I had to stop for a bottle of shampoo, I hopped back on Sulu and rode the rest of the way. There, my wonderful wife had just arrived home and was unloading the car.
Funny thing... she was on college the same time I was, so she saw me pull over and run back for my lost shampoo bottle. Needless to say, she was less that pleased.
As my way of showing my love for her and taking her concern into consideration, I will be taking a different, safer but longer, route back home after the sun goes down. I haven't figured out what that route is yet but I suppose it makes sense. Sulu getting crushed by a car seems like the sort of thing that would make this blog a little bit useless. =0).
Stats:
Distance: 10.8 miles ($1.00)
Meters: 12 hours on campus ($12) + 2 hours downtown ($1.20)
Total: $14.20
Grand Total: $374.62
Left to Save: $208.41
Happy Biking!
~Adam
I have a funny story to tell you, and by funny I mean "shake your head" funny and not "laugh out loud" funny.
We're in the middle of New Student Outreach right now, which means long days and even longer nights. Today I was on campus until about 9:30, which meant biking home in the dark. (It also meant lots of hours saving money on meters, but that's for a little later).
The route that I take home is pretty much the same route every time. I bike up Hitt Street, turn right on University, make a left on college, then a right on Walnut, cut through Stephens College (thanks, ladies!) make a right on Widsor, a left on Ripley, a right on Hinkson, a left on William, a right on Amelia, a left on Mount Vernon, and BAM! I'm home. (In case that wasn't confusing enough, here's the map).
Overall, it's a bunch of side streets and a pretty safe ride. The one stretch that is the most dangerous is going north on College avenue. It's a pretty busy street with lots of cars traveling at pretty decent speeds. Bikers, and some pedestrians have gotten hit along that road for as long as I can remember.
As I was biking up the street tonight, thinking thoughts and such, I heard the unmistakable sound of something falling out of my bag. I had my gym bag strapped to the back of my bike and I must have left it a little bit open because something definitely hit the street.
Friends, it was decision time. What do I do? I sounded like plastic so it was probably one of two things. Either it was my almost empty shampoo bottle, in which case I could leave it without a second thought, save for a guilty conscience for littering, or it was my pair of swim goggles, which cost me $15 and would require another trip to the store to buy a new pair. I couldn't risk losing the goggles so I had to pull over and run back to pick up what I dropped.
It was the shampoo bottle...
Slightly relieved that the goggles weren't broken and slightly miffed that I had to stop for a bottle of shampoo, I hopped back on Sulu and rode the rest of the way. There, my wonderful wife had just arrived home and was unloading the car.
Funny thing... she was on college the same time I was, so she saw me pull over and run back for my lost shampoo bottle. Needless to say, she was less that pleased.
As my way of showing my love for her and taking her concern into consideration, I will be taking a different, safer but longer, route back home after the sun goes down. I haven't figured out what that route is yet but I suppose it makes sense. Sulu getting crushed by a car seems like the sort of thing that would make this blog a little bit useless. =0).
Stats:
Distance: 10.8 miles ($1.00)
Meters: 12 hours on campus ($12) + 2 hours downtown ($1.20)
Total: $14.20
Grand Total: $374.62
Left to Save: $208.41
Happy Biking!
~Adam
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Time to Think...
Hello, friends!
It's been a relatively light few days from a biking standpoint but that won't get me down. We still logged a few miles and saved some cash by parking on campus. You know how much I love saving money. =0).
As I was riding to campus the other day I had an interesting thought about how much I think while I'm riding. It takes between 7-10 minutes for me to ride from my place to campus, depending on traffic but it is a solid time for thinking. When I am driving my car, the radio is on and I'm either listening to music or sports talk radio. Sometimes Meg is in the car with me and I'm talking to her. Other times the only thing I can think about is whether or not I think I'm going to find parking.
But it's not like that when I ride. I take the same path to campus so I don't have to think about the route. I know there will be parking because there's always parking. If I'm biking it usually means that I'm not running late so there's a laid back atmosphere to things as well. I don't play any music or anything while I ride (although I could via my phone if I wanted). Pretty much, it's just me alone with my thoughts.
Of course, that leads to the question that I'm sure is on your mind. What do I think about when I'm biking? The honest answer is that I think about everything and nothing at the same time. I think about the future and what's going to happen a few years from now if we stay in Columbia. I think about the past and wonder if I handled situations correctly. I have conversations with myself about one thing or another. I cook up plans for my next date night with Meg or a new idea for New Student Outreach. Sometimes I see a bird and think about how great it is to be a Cardinals fan. Really, it's a hodgepodge of goodness.
There is one disadvantage to thinking while biking. It is that I can't write down any ideas that I have. I don't have the balance to bike with fewer than 2 hands unless I have to do a turn signal, so I certainly can't write down an idea or use a voice recorder. When I'm driving I at least have the ability to record my thoughts and listen to them later. While I'm biking, I just have to hope that I remember. Sometimes I do and sometimes I don't. (Let's be honest, I usually don't).
So there's that. 15-20 minutes a day with a man alone with his thoughts, sometimes just thinking about thinking. It's not much, but it's something. Maybe my next great idea will come from a bike ride one of these days.
Stats:
Places: Pretty much just campus (exciting, I know...)
Distance: 6.2 miles ($.57)
Meters: 8 hours on campus ($8)
Total: $8.57
Grand Total: $360.42
Left to Save: $222.61
Happy Biking!
~Adam
It's been a relatively light few days from a biking standpoint but that won't get me down. We still logged a few miles and saved some cash by parking on campus. You know how much I love saving money. =0).
As I was riding to campus the other day I had an interesting thought about how much I think while I'm riding. It takes between 7-10 minutes for me to ride from my place to campus, depending on traffic but it is a solid time for thinking. When I am driving my car, the radio is on and I'm either listening to music or sports talk radio. Sometimes Meg is in the car with me and I'm talking to her. Other times the only thing I can think about is whether or not I think I'm going to find parking.
But it's not like that when I ride. I take the same path to campus so I don't have to think about the route. I know there will be parking because there's always parking. If I'm biking it usually means that I'm not running late so there's a laid back atmosphere to things as well. I don't play any music or anything while I ride (although I could via my phone if I wanted). Pretty much, it's just me alone with my thoughts.
Of course, that leads to the question that I'm sure is on your mind. What do I think about when I'm biking? The honest answer is that I think about everything and nothing at the same time. I think about the future and what's going to happen a few years from now if we stay in Columbia. I think about the past and wonder if I handled situations correctly. I have conversations with myself about one thing or another. I cook up plans for my next date night with Meg or a new idea for New Student Outreach. Sometimes I see a bird and think about how great it is to be a Cardinals fan. Really, it's a hodgepodge of goodness.
There is one disadvantage to thinking while biking. It is that I can't write down any ideas that I have. I don't have the balance to bike with fewer than 2 hands unless I have to do a turn signal, so I certainly can't write down an idea or use a voice recorder. When I'm driving I at least have the ability to record my thoughts and listen to them later. While I'm biking, I just have to hope that I remember. Sometimes I do and sometimes I don't. (Let's be honest, I usually don't).
So there's that. 15-20 minutes a day with a man alone with his thoughts, sometimes just thinking about thinking. It's not much, but it's something. Maybe my next great idea will come from a bike ride one of these days.
Stats:
Places: Pretty much just campus (exciting, I know...)
Distance: 6.2 miles ($.57)
Meters: 8 hours on campus ($8)
Total: $8.57
Grand Total: $360.42
Left to Save: $222.61
Happy Biking!
~Adam
Thursday, August 15, 2013
New Resolve...
Hello, friends!
If you are friends with me on Facebook, you've probably seen that I have been biking a lot these past few days. I haven't decided yet if I am going to keep automatically updating my rides but at the very least, it's forced me to blog again, which is a good thing, right? =0).
A few weeks ago, Megan and I moved (for me "back") to Columbia. It was a tough move as we've built up a ton of friends and such while in St. Louis. It was not fun leaving them all. Still, one thing that I was very much looking forward to, besides having a house instead of an apartment, is that I would be able to start biking again! Sulu has been lonely without me (as evidenced by all the air I needed to put in his tires when I rode him last week) and I was eager to stop spending money on gas and start saving money by biking.
There's and old saying that when someone hasn't done something for a while but they never really forgot how to do it, they say it is "just like riding a bicycle." I think it is something about muscle memory or something like that. Well, getting back to biking has literall to Savey been just like riding a bicycle. It feels so good to be back in the saddle, to pedal up and down College Ave, and to think about all the money I'm saving as I lock Sulu up to the bike rack.
Friends, by my last count, prior to this post I had just about $244 left to save before Sulu was "paid in full." After riding these past few days, I have a whole new resolve to get this thing done this school year. My goal is to have made back all the money I spent buying Sulu but May 1, 2014. I am motivated and I am ready. Let's do this!
Stats (since Friday):
Places traveled: Ernie's, the Plasma Spot, and campus a few times.
Distance: 18.25 miles ($1.71)
Meters: 2 hours downtown ($1.20) + 10 hours on campus ($10)
Total: $12.91
Grand Total: $351.85
Left to Save: $231.18
Happy Biking!
~Adam
If you are friends with me on Facebook, you've probably seen that I have been biking a lot these past few days. I haven't decided yet if I am going to keep automatically updating my rides but at the very least, it's forced me to blog again, which is a good thing, right? =0).
A few weeks ago, Megan and I moved (for me "back") to Columbia. It was a tough move as we've built up a ton of friends and such while in St. Louis. It was not fun leaving them all. Still, one thing that I was very much looking forward to, besides having a house instead of an apartment, is that I would be able to start biking again! Sulu has been lonely without me (as evidenced by all the air I needed to put in his tires when I rode him last week) and I was eager to stop spending money on gas and start saving money by biking.
There's and old saying that when someone hasn't done something for a while but they never really forgot how to do it, they say it is "just like riding a bicycle." I think it is something about muscle memory or something like that. Well, getting back to biking has literall to Savey been just like riding a bicycle. It feels so good to be back in the saddle, to pedal up and down College Ave, and to think about all the money I'm saving as I lock Sulu up to the bike rack.
Friends, by my last count, prior to this post I had just about $244 left to save before Sulu was "paid in full." After riding these past few days, I have a whole new resolve to get this thing done this school year. My goal is to have made back all the money I spent buying Sulu but May 1, 2014. I am motivated and I am ready. Let's do this!
Stats (since Friday):
Places traveled: Ernie's, the Plasma Spot, and campus a few times.
Distance: 18.25 miles ($1.71)
Meters: 2 hours downtown ($1.20) + 10 hours on campus ($10)
Total: $12.91
Grand Total: $351.85
Left to Save: $231.18
Happy Biking!
~Adam
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Still Alive...
Hello, friends!
It's pretty obvious that I haven't been biking much, yeah? My last post was April 18th and it wasn't anything spectacular. Since then, I've barely ridden Sulu. Between travel, storms, and lack of time in CoMO, I really haven't gotten around to doing much besides driving The Rolla around places.
All signs point to that changing in about a month or so when Meg and I move to CoMO but until then, Penny Peddling is on a bit of a hiatus. We'll get back to it when we can though, yeah? We're past the halfway point and there's no way I'm giving up now! =0).
Happy Biking!
~Adam
It's pretty obvious that I haven't been biking much, yeah? My last post was April 18th and it wasn't anything spectacular. Since then, I've barely ridden Sulu. Between travel, storms, and lack of time in CoMO, I really haven't gotten around to doing much besides driving The Rolla around places.
All signs point to that changing in about a month or so when Meg and I move to CoMO but until then, Penny Peddling is on a bit of a hiatus. We'll get back to it when we can though, yeah? We're past the halfway point and there's no way I'm giving up now! =0).
Happy Biking!
~Adam
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Missed Opportunities...
Hello, friends!
This week was going to be the week! I was going to be soooooo all over the biking groove. I only had 2 days in CoMO but I was going to make the most of them. Honestly, friends, I'd been feeling a little discouraged about my progress the past few weeks, so this week was going to be the pick-me-up I needed to get back into the game. Here was the plan:
TUESDAY:
- Arrive in CoMO around 11am
- Bike to my lunch appointment downtown @ 12:30
- Get picked up from my lunch appointment to go grocery shopping w' a student @ 2
- Get dropped off again and bike to my next appoinment on campus @ 4
- Stay on campus until 7 when I had a phone appoinment
WEDNESDOY:
- Bike to my noon prayer meeting on campus
- Bike downtown for my 12:30 meeting
- Bike back to campus for my 2, 3, 4, and 5pm meetings
- Stay on campus for Large Group prep starting @ 6
- Bike back to the Man Cave after Large Group @ 9
- Drive home to StL
If everything had gone my way, Tuesday would have yielded $5.10 in meters. Wednesday would have given me $7.40 in meters. The mileage would have been negligible but still, every little bit helps, right?
Here's what really happened.
Tuesday actually went as planned. Hooray!!!
Wednesday was a mess.
- A student really needed to talk to me so I got a late start getting to campus, meaning I had to drive instead of bike in order to make it to the prayer meeting.
- Since I had to drive to the prayer meeting, I also had to drive to my second meeting downtown.
- I did get to get back home and bike to my 2pm and stay on campus for my 3pm and 4pm.
- However, there was a tornado warning that threatened to keep me in CoMO until Friday (that, in reality, only lasted about 2 hours), so I skipped my 5pm and Large Group to drive back to StL.
- While biking back to the Man Cave, I busted a tire and had to walk back half of the way.
So, I had the chance. I really did. I just couldn't capitalize on it. Alas, this week was good but not great. =0).
Anyway, here are the stats:
Distance: 6.5 miles ($.61)
Meter: 3.5 hours downtown ($2.10) + 6 hours on campus ($6)
Total: $8.71
Grand Total: $338.94
Left to Save: $244.09
I am going to try to fix the flat tire myself but if not, that will cost a few dollars too... alas...
Happy Biking!
~Adam
This week was going to be the week! I was going to be soooooo all over the biking groove. I only had 2 days in CoMO but I was going to make the most of them. Honestly, friends, I'd been feeling a little discouraged about my progress the past few weeks, so this week was going to be the pick-me-up I needed to get back into the game. Here was the plan:
TUESDAY:
- Arrive in CoMO around 11am
- Bike to my lunch appointment downtown @ 12:30
- Get picked up from my lunch appointment to go grocery shopping w' a student @ 2
- Get dropped off again and bike to my next appoinment on campus @ 4
- Stay on campus until 7 when I had a phone appoinment
WEDNESDOY:
- Bike to my noon prayer meeting on campus
- Bike downtown for my 12:30 meeting
- Bike back to campus for my 2, 3, 4, and 5pm meetings
- Stay on campus for Large Group prep starting @ 6
- Bike back to the Man Cave after Large Group @ 9
- Drive home to StL
If everything had gone my way, Tuesday would have yielded $5.10 in meters. Wednesday would have given me $7.40 in meters. The mileage would have been negligible but still, every little bit helps, right?
Here's what really happened.
Tuesday actually went as planned. Hooray!!!
Wednesday was a mess.
- A student really needed to talk to me so I got a late start getting to campus, meaning I had to drive instead of bike in order to make it to the prayer meeting.
- Since I had to drive to the prayer meeting, I also had to drive to my second meeting downtown.
- I did get to get back home and bike to my 2pm and stay on campus for my 3pm and 4pm.
- However, there was a tornado warning that threatened to keep me in CoMO until Friday (that, in reality, only lasted about 2 hours), so I skipped my 5pm and Large Group to drive back to StL.
- While biking back to the Man Cave, I busted a tire and had to walk back half of the way.
So, I had the chance. I really did. I just couldn't capitalize on it. Alas, this week was good but not great. =0).
Anyway, here are the stats:
Distance: 6.5 miles ($.61)
Meter: 3.5 hours downtown ($2.10) + 6 hours on campus ($6)
Total: $8.71
Grand Total: $338.94
Left to Save: $244.09
I am going to try to fix the flat tire myself but if not, that will cost a few dollars too... alas...
Happy Biking!
~Adam
Friday, April 12, 2013
The Beginning of the End and a Battle of Goals
Hello, friends!
Sorry for not posting in a while. Keeping this blog has given me a whole new respect for professional bloggers. How they manage to make every deadline while still writing about things that are at least semi-relevant is a mystery to me. Anyway, I have a story to tell you.
Last week, on my way to Columbia, The Rolla starting making noises... and shaking... and sputtering. Thankfully, I was near a major-ish town so I was able to pull over and call AAA for a tow. With Premium Membership, or whatever it's called, I get a tow of 100 miles without charge, which is great since I was about 65 miles from Columbia.
First, I have to tell you about my tow truck driver. Ronnie is a really nice and really personable guy. Apparently we don't agree on anything but that's ok. It was still nice to have some conversation while on my way to CoMO, which is not usually the case.
I make it to my mechanic's place and I tell them what is happening. I'm told that they'll check it out and they should know in a few hours. When I get the call, It's not bad but it's not good.
Apparently, I need a tune-up pretty badly. There are a bunch of different things that go into a tune-up, including the spark plugs, some wiring, a cap of some sort, and a few other things that sound expensive. Also, I had been putting off a repair for a while and it had gotten worse to the point that it was a safety hazard. The total damage, if I got everything fixed, was going to run about $800, or, 75% of the value of the car.
This is whare I call Meg and we have a decision to make. We have been considering going to 1 car when we move but it's too early to do that now. At the same time, the car probably isn't worth $800 worth of repairs. What do we do?
Here's what we decided: Let's not get the full tune-up but get everything done that absolutely has to be done ($500). Then, we'll wait it out, hope the Rolla lasts a few more months, and get a new car at some point when we are in Columbia.
Now, this is where things get interesting. Right now the Rolla has 285,000 miles on it. My goal from the beginning has been to get it to 300k and then let it ride off into the sunset. Right now that goal is in jeopardy because we may buy a new car before I can drive 15,000 miles.
Oh, but you know I'm going to try.
But, the purpose of this blog has been to talk about all the miles that I've SAVED by biking instead of driving. I still believe in biking as often as possible. I have two competing goals in hand. Goal #1 is to finish this blog. Goal #2 is to get the Rolla to 300k. I'm really not sure yet of how to reconcile the two but I'm sure going to try!
So, that's the dilemma. Imma keep riding but know that driving is way on my priority list too, at least for the next 15,000 miles. =0).
Stats:
Distance traveled: 5 miles ($.47)
Meters: 7 hours on campus ($7)
Total: $7.47
Grand Total: $330.23
Left to Save: $252.80
Happy Biking!
~Adam
Sorry for not posting in a while. Keeping this blog has given me a whole new respect for professional bloggers. How they manage to make every deadline while still writing about things that are at least semi-relevant is a mystery to me. Anyway, I have a story to tell you.
Last week, on my way to Columbia, The Rolla starting making noises... and shaking... and sputtering. Thankfully, I was near a major-ish town so I was able to pull over and call AAA for a tow. With Premium Membership, or whatever it's called, I get a tow of 100 miles without charge, which is great since I was about 65 miles from Columbia.
First, I have to tell you about my tow truck driver. Ronnie is a really nice and really personable guy. Apparently we don't agree on anything but that's ok. It was still nice to have some conversation while on my way to CoMO, which is not usually the case.
I make it to my mechanic's place and I tell them what is happening. I'm told that they'll check it out and they should know in a few hours. When I get the call, It's not bad but it's not good.
Apparently, I need a tune-up pretty badly. There are a bunch of different things that go into a tune-up, including the spark plugs, some wiring, a cap of some sort, and a few other things that sound expensive. Also, I had been putting off a repair for a while and it had gotten worse to the point that it was a safety hazard. The total damage, if I got everything fixed, was going to run about $800, or, 75% of the value of the car.
This is whare I call Meg and we have a decision to make. We have been considering going to 1 car when we move but it's too early to do that now. At the same time, the car probably isn't worth $800 worth of repairs. What do we do?
Here's what we decided: Let's not get the full tune-up but get everything done that absolutely has to be done ($500). Then, we'll wait it out, hope the Rolla lasts a few more months, and get a new car at some point when we are in Columbia.
Now, this is where things get interesting. Right now the Rolla has 285,000 miles on it. My goal from the beginning has been to get it to 300k and then let it ride off into the sunset. Right now that goal is in jeopardy because we may buy a new car before I can drive 15,000 miles.
Oh, but you know I'm going to try.
But, the purpose of this blog has been to talk about all the miles that I've SAVED by biking instead of driving. I still believe in biking as often as possible. I have two competing goals in hand. Goal #1 is to finish this blog. Goal #2 is to get the Rolla to 300k. I'm really not sure yet of how to reconcile the two but I'm sure going to try!
So, that's the dilemma. Imma keep riding but know that driving is way on my priority list too, at least for the next 15,000 miles. =0).
Stats:
Distance traveled: 5 miles ($.47)
Meters: 7 hours on campus ($7)
Total: $7.47
Grand Total: $330.23
Left to Save: $252.80
Happy Biking!
~Adam
Thursday, March 14, 2013
A Wacky Weather Story...
Hello, friends!
It's been a long time since I've posted, hasn't it? Well, the past week and a half or so I have been in California at a conference. It was a great time, besides getting sick but I am happy to be back in the great state of Missouri and happy to have the chance to be biking again!
This week there wasn't much biking but I thought I would share with you a story that reminded me of something that I hear a lot in around here, "If you don't like the weather in Missouri, wait 10 minutes, it'll change." =0).
Meg and I left California on Monday morning. Our flight was @ 6:50am. LAX, the airport is about 40 minutes away from my house without traffic (if you're lucky), and there is usually a good number of people flying out of LAX, especially on a Monday morning when all the business folk are travelling. So, we decided that the absolute latest we could leave the house would be 5am, meaning we had to be awake by 4:30 to get ready to go. Early, right?
Wanting to get through the airport as quickly as possible, I did 2 things Sunday night. I printed our boarding passes (which ended up not mattering because we had to check a bag anyway). And I checked the weather so I knew what I needed to wear to the airport. Taking off and putting on shoes can be a hassle in the airport, especially since all my shoes have laces, so if I can, I will wear sandals to airport in order to get through the line quicker. I looked at my phone and it said: Saint Louis: 74 degrees tomorrow. Sandals, here I come!
Here is what actually happened. By 74 degrees, it actually meant THIRTY-FOUR degrees. And, of course, with the windchill, it felt more like TWENTY-FOUR degrees. Wait, it gets better. I couldn't even put on socks and shoes at baggage claim because my clothes weren't completely dry from when we did laundry the night before. So, I saved a few minutes getting through security but almost froze off my toes back home. (For the record, it was 74 degrees in Garden Grove on Monday. My weather app must have mixed up my current location and where I was searching for weather).
As I was thinking about this, an interesting thought occurred to me. Neither the weather prediction or the actual weather felt like it was out of the ordinary to me. If you had told me it was going to be 74 degrees in Saint Louis in mid-March, I would have believed you. If you told me it was going to be 34 degrees instead, that would have also seemed perfectly reasonable.
I suppose that is the beauty of my great state. The only thing you can expect from the weather is something unexpected. =0).
Stats:
Places: Just one trip to campus
Distance: 4 miles ($.39)
Meter: 2.5 hours on campus ($2.50)
Total: $2.89
Grand Total: $325.65
Left to Save: $257.38
Happy Biking!
~Adam
It's been a long time since I've posted, hasn't it? Well, the past week and a half or so I have been in California at a conference. It was a great time, besides getting sick but I am happy to be back in the great state of Missouri and happy to have the chance to be biking again!
This week there wasn't much biking but I thought I would share with you a story that reminded me of something that I hear a lot in around here, "If you don't like the weather in Missouri, wait 10 minutes, it'll change." =0).
Meg and I left California on Monday morning. Our flight was @ 6:50am. LAX, the airport is about 40 minutes away from my house without traffic (if you're lucky), and there is usually a good number of people flying out of LAX, especially on a Monday morning when all the business folk are travelling. So, we decided that the absolute latest we could leave the house would be 5am, meaning we had to be awake by 4:30 to get ready to go. Early, right?
Wanting to get through the airport as quickly as possible, I did 2 things Sunday night. I printed our boarding passes (which ended up not mattering because we had to check a bag anyway). And I checked the weather so I knew what I needed to wear to the airport. Taking off and putting on shoes can be a hassle in the airport, especially since all my shoes have laces, so if I can, I will wear sandals to airport in order to get through the line quicker. I looked at my phone and it said: Saint Louis: 74 degrees tomorrow. Sandals, here I come!
Here is what actually happened. By 74 degrees, it actually meant THIRTY-FOUR degrees. And, of course, with the windchill, it felt more like TWENTY-FOUR degrees. Wait, it gets better. I couldn't even put on socks and shoes at baggage claim because my clothes weren't completely dry from when we did laundry the night before. So, I saved a few minutes getting through security but almost froze off my toes back home. (For the record, it was 74 degrees in Garden Grove on Monday. My weather app must have mixed up my current location and where I was searching for weather).
As I was thinking about this, an interesting thought occurred to me. Neither the weather prediction or the actual weather felt like it was out of the ordinary to me. If you had told me it was going to be 74 degrees in Saint Louis in mid-March, I would have believed you. If you told me it was going to be 34 degrees instead, that would have also seemed perfectly reasonable.
I suppose that is the beauty of my great state. The only thing you can expect from the weather is something unexpected. =0).
Stats:
Places: Just one trip to campus
Distance: 4 miles ($.39)
Meter: 2.5 hours on campus ($2.50)
Total: $2.89
Grand Total: $325.65
Left to Save: $257.38
Happy Biking!
~Adam
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Thundersnow!!!
Hello, friends!
Two years ago, Columbia was hit with one heck of a storm, affectionately named SNOWPOCALYPSE 2011. Over the course of a few hours, 24 inches of snow fell on our fair city. Classes were cancelled for 3 days and I got a sweet case of cabin fever.
To commemorate Snowpocalypse, Mother Nature decided to give us another blast of frozen water goodness, this time accompanied by lightening. That's right, friends, we had THUNDERSNOW!!!
Here was the original plan: Right around 11pm last night, snow was supposed to fall in the mid-Missouri area, gently dusting the ground overnight, and possibly a bit into tomorrow. The early forecasts called for around 2 inches. 2 inches is certainly managable.
Right around 10pm, things changed. It looked like the storm front was actually going to wait to show up until 5am and really get heavy around 11am. The forecast changed to around 6 inches. At this point, things are getting a little dangerous but we are still all good.
Here's what really happened. At about 7:30am the snow began to fall lightly. By 9am, it was coming down as a wintery mix. By 10:30, 6 inches had already hit the ground and there weren't any signs of stopping but plenty of claps of thunder. At around 2pm, I couldn't see my car tires because of the snow. It's now about 4:30 and it looks like things have let up but the damage has already been done.
Why does all this matter? Well, yesterday Meg came to CoMO so we could teach together for ACF's Large Group. This morning we were going to look at some houses with a realtor. The question for us was whether we should head home after Large Group, thus cancelling our appointment, or gamble and hope that we could outrun the storm.
Guess who gambled... =0).
So, here we are, more or less trapped inside our house for at least the next couple of hours. There will be no biking, or really much walking outside, until we can clear the road. Meg already did a great job getting started on the driveway, so there's hope that we'll be able to get out of here this evening.
Stats:
Distance: 3 miles ($.31)
Meters: 2 hours on campus ($2)
Total: $2.31
Grand Total: $325.07
Left to Save: $257.96
Happy Biking!
~Adam
Two years ago, Columbia was hit with one heck of a storm, affectionately named SNOWPOCALYPSE 2011. Over the course of a few hours, 24 inches of snow fell on our fair city. Classes were cancelled for 3 days and I got a sweet case of cabin fever.
To commemorate Snowpocalypse, Mother Nature decided to give us another blast of frozen water goodness, this time accompanied by lightening. That's right, friends, we had THUNDERSNOW!!!
Here was the original plan: Right around 11pm last night, snow was supposed to fall in the mid-Missouri area, gently dusting the ground overnight, and possibly a bit into tomorrow. The early forecasts called for around 2 inches. 2 inches is certainly managable.
Right around 10pm, things changed. It looked like the storm front was actually going to wait to show up until 5am and really get heavy around 11am. The forecast changed to around 6 inches. At this point, things are getting a little dangerous but we are still all good.
Here's what really happened. At about 7:30am the snow began to fall lightly. By 9am, it was coming down as a wintery mix. By 10:30, 6 inches had already hit the ground and there weren't any signs of stopping but plenty of claps of thunder. At around 2pm, I couldn't see my car tires because of the snow. It's now about 4:30 and it looks like things have let up but the damage has already been done.
Why does all this matter? Well, yesterday Meg came to CoMO so we could teach together for ACF's Large Group. This morning we were going to look at some houses with a realtor. The question for us was whether we should head home after Large Group, thus cancelling our appointment, or gamble and hope that we could outrun the storm.
Guess who gambled... =0).
So, here we are, more or less trapped inside our house for at least the next couple of hours. There will be no biking, or really much walking outside, until we can clear the road. Meg already did a great job getting started on the driveway, so there's hope that we'll be able to get out of here this evening.
Stats:
Distance: 3 miles ($.31)
Meters: 2 hours on campus ($2)
Total: $2.31
Grand Total: $325.07
Left to Save: $257.96
Happy Biking!
~Adam
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Ode to a Bike Mechanic...
Hello, friends!
Guess who got his bike fixed! That's right, this guy!
On Tuesday, I drove back to CoMO and stopped by Walt's, my bike shop for the past 5 years. Not only is Walt's super close to my house, but it's also where my good friend Josh works. For as long as I've been living in Columbia, Walt's is where I've gotten my bike accessories (including Sulu), and Josh is the guy who has been making sure that I am staying safe on the road.
Josh, and his wife Val, have been good friends of mine for as long as I can remember. When I first moved to CoMO, they were part of my first church small group. It's been a ton of fun playing Settlers with them, watching Val do roller derby, and eating at various cheap Columbia establishments. Val got a sweet job in the Bay Area, which means that Josh and Val will be moving in a few months. I'm going to miss their friendship, as well as Josh's great bike council. I'll probably keep going to Walt's but it'll be a little different working with the other mechanics. Thankfully, I've been going there so long, they know me by now.
Here's to you, Josh! Without you, Penny Peddling would be a no go and biking sure would be harder. =0).
Stats:
Distance traveled: 4.5 miles ($.45)
Meters: 2 hours downtown ($1.20) + 3 hours on campus ($3)
Total: $4.65
Grand Total: $322.76
Left to Save: $260.27
Happy Biking!
~Adam
Guess who got his bike fixed! That's right, this guy!
On Tuesday, I drove back to CoMO and stopped by Walt's, my bike shop for the past 5 years. Not only is Walt's super close to my house, but it's also where my good friend Josh works. For as long as I've been living in Columbia, Walt's is where I've gotten my bike accessories (including Sulu), and Josh is the guy who has been making sure that I am staying safe on the road.
Josh, and his wife Val, have been good friends of mine for as long as I can remember. When I first moved to CoMO, they were part of my first church small group. It's been a ton of fun playing Settlers with them, watching Val do roller derby, and eating at various cheap Columbia establishments. Val got a sweet job in the Bay Area, which means that Josh and Val will be moving in a few months. I'm going to miss their friendship, as well as Josh's great bike council. I'll probably keep going to Walt's but it'll be a little different working with the other mechanics. Thankfully, I've been going there so long, they know me by now.
Here's to you, Josh! Without you, Penny Peddling would be a no go and biking sure would be harder. =0).
Stats:
Distance traveled: 4.5 miles ($.45)
Meters: 2 hours downtown ($1.20) + 3 hours on campus ($3)
Total: $4.65
Grand Total: $322.76
Left to Save: $260.27
Happy Biking!
~Adam
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Busted...
Hello, friends!
Guess whose breaks are busted! That's right, mine! Isn't that exciting?
According to my friend Josh, who is also my wonderful bike mechanic, there was some moisture in the bike cable holding shaft and when I left the bike outside while on campus, the cable froze. So, now my brakes engage but they won't disengage, making for a really tough ride.
Don't worry, friends! We'll be back to riding in no time. I just need to take the bike down to Josh's and get it fixed. Then, the penny peddling will commence!
Happy Biking!
~Adam
Guess whose breaks are busted! That's right, mine! Isn't that exciting?
According to my friend Josh, who is also my wonderful bike mechanic, there was some moisture in the bike cable holding shaft and when I left the bike outside while on campus, the cable froze. So, now my brakes engage but they won't disengage, making for a really tough ride.
Don't worry, friends! We'll be back to riding in no time. I just need to take the bike down to Josh's and get it fixed. Then, the penny peddling will commence!
Happy Biking!
~Adam
Thursday, January 24, 2013
A Mighty Sad Week...
Hello, friends!
This week was a bit of a downer in terms of biking. On Friday, I crashed my bike and got skinned up pretty badly. Today, I will be biking down to a visitation for Stan Musial, who died on Saturday. I have a few thoughts on both.
Friday was my Sabbath. One of the things that I love to do while on Sabbath is to go for a ride. These aren't commuter miles, so they don't count towards Penny Peddling, but they are very life giving to me. The weather was relatively nice for this time of year (I believe it was in the 50's!), the sun was shining, and I had nothing but time on my hands, so I figured I would catch a quick ride, and commune with nature.
Going through part of Saint Louis is the Saint Vincent Greenway. Essentially, it is a trail that runs north and south from the top part of Saint Louis (where I live) down to Forest Park. The trail itself is pretty nice, with a little bit of urban riding and a little bit of more scenic riding. It actualy is a really fun ride up north because you get to go though a park with a lot of twists and turns.
I was having myself a grand time, about 3 miles into my planned 10-12 mile ride, when tragedy struck. As I was rolling down toward a right hand bend, I caught a patch of black ice and crashed Sulu. Honestly, I spent about 2 minutes just sitting and in shock, not entirely sure of what happened. Thankfully, I didn't hit my head (although I was wearing a helmet) so the worst of the damage was a skinned knee and both my wrists. Sulu was in relatively good shape too. His handlebars are a little dinged but the gears are all in tack and his chain didn't sustain any damage. It was a huge blessing that something worse didn't happen. After I checked all my vital organs, I got back up and headed home, pretty sure that my ride was done for the day.
Yesterday was the first day that I'd riden since then. It was a quick trip to the bank but today will be a trip down to the Cathedral Bascillica to see Stan "The Man" Musial before he is finally laid to rest.
Many, if not all, of you know that I am a HUGE Cardinals fan. I was born a Cardinals fan, thanks to my wonderful father, "Papa" John Leong. I know the lore of the team, the history, and the emotion that comes along with fandom. I have experienced the highest of highs (2006 and 2011 World Series championships) and the lowest of lows (2004 World Series loss and Pujols leaving). One thing that every Cardinals fan knows is that Stan Musial is the greatest Cardinal to ever play the game, and probably will forever hold that title.
What stands out the most to me about Stan's legacy is not just that he was an AMAZING baseball player (3,630 hits, 24 all-star games, .331 lifetime batting average, etc.). What stands out to me is that every article about Stan goes beyond him as a baseball player and talks about how AMAZING of a person he was. Stan was the kind of guy who was genuinely loved by all and genuinely loved everyone in return.
So, that was this week, or at least these past 7 days. I'm not sure which hurt more. The crash definitely hurt my body but losing Stan certainly hurts my heart.
Stats:
Places traveled: The ATM and the Cathedral
Distance traveled: 2 miles round trip to the ATM, 14 miles round trip to the Cathedral ($1.36)
Meters: None
Total: $1.36
Grand Total: $318.11
Left to Save: $264.92
Happy Biking!
~Adam
This week was a bit of a downer in terms of biking. On Friday, I crashed my bike and got skinned up pretty badly. Today, I will be biking down to a visitation for Stan Musial, who died on Saturday. I have a few thoughts on both.
Friday was my Sabbath. One of the things that I love to do while on Sabbath is to go for a ride. These aren't commuter miles, so they don't count towards Penny Peddling, but they are very life giving to me. The weather was relatively nice for this time of year (I believe it was in the 50's!), the sun was shining, and I had nothing but time on my hands, so I figured I would catch a quick ride, and commune with nature.
Going through part of Saint Louis is the Saint Vincent Greenway. Essentially, it is a trail that runs north and south from the top part of Saint Louis (where I live) down to Forest Park. The trail itself is pretty nice, with a little bit of urban riding and a little bit of more scenic riding. It actualy is a really fun ride up north because you get to go though a park with a lot of twists and turns.
I was having myself a grand time, about 3 miles into my planned 10-12 mile ride, when tragedy struck. As I was rolling down toward a right hand bend, I caught a patch of black ice and crashed Sulu. Honestly, I spent about 2 minutes just sitting and in shock, not entirely sure of what happened. Thankfully, I didn't hit my head (although I was wearing a helmet) so the worst of the damage was a skinned knee and both my wrists. Sulu was in relatively good shape too. His handlebars are a little dinged but the gears are all in tack and his chain didn't sustain any damage. It was a huge blessing that something worse didn't happen. After I checked all my vital organs, I got back up and headed home, pretty sure that my ride was done for the day.
Yesterday was the first day that I'd riden since then. It was a quick trip to the bank but today will be a trip down to the Cathedral Bascillica to see Stan "The Man" Musial before he is finally laid to rest.
Many, if not all, of you know that I am a HUGE Cardinals fan. I was born a Cardinals fan, thanks to my wonderful father, "Papa" John Leong. I know the lore of the team, the history, and the emotion that comes along with fandom. I have experienced the highest of highs (2006 and 2011 World Series championships) and the lowest of lows (2004 World Series loss and Pujols leaving). One thing that every Cardinals fan knows is that Stan Musial is the greatest Cardinal to ever play the game, and probably will forever hold that title.
What stands out the most to me about Stan's legacy is not just that he was an AMAZING baseball player (3,630 hits, 24 all-star games, .331 lifetime batting average, etc.). What stands out to me is that every article about Stan goes beyond him as a baseball player and talks about how AMAZING of a person he was. Stan was the kind of guy who was genuinely loved by all and genuinely loved everyone in return.
So, that was this week, or at least these past 7 days. I'm not sure which hurt more. The crash definitely hurt my body but losing Stan certainly hurts my heart.
Stats:
Places traveled: The ATM and the Cathedral
Distance traveled: 2 miles round trip to the ATM, 14 miles round trip to the Cathedral ($1.36)
Meters: None
Total: $1.36
Grand Total: $318.11
Left to Save: $264.92
Happy Biking!
~Adam
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Accuracy, thy Name is Smartphone
Hello, friends!
First of all, happy new year to you all! May 2013 be a year full of inflated tires and downhill rides. =0). I promise that I will try to be more diligent about my posting. There are many miles to be biked!
Where have I biked in the past 4 weeks? The truth is that there have been a few rides but not a ton of them. Many of my rides have been hybrid rides. To be honest, I had actually forgotten a number of my rides, including where I went and how far I biked. BUT, then I remembered that I had already logged all that information!
One of the beautiful things about owning a smartphone is that you have access to all sorts of apps. There are the games, news apps, video apps, and stupid apps that make you shake your head. My favorite apps are the ones that make me more productive. Honestly, I don't quite know what I would do without my to-do list.
The newest app that I've enjoyed is my new cycling app. It's a pretty simple GPS based app, probably not any different than many other apps that claim to do the same thing, but I like this one pretty well. I hit "record," start my ride, "hit finish," and then I'm told exactly how far I biked, how long it took me, and my miles per hour. It even shows me a map! The one thing I haven't been able to figure out is how to show y'all my ride info.
Anyway, this is my new toy and I'm pretty stoked about it. Here's hoping it inspires me to ride more in 2013. =0).
Stats:
Trips: Clayton to the Loop, Starbucks to the Thai restaurant, and home to FloValley.
Miles: 2.2 + 6.2 + 10.1 = 18.5 ($1.61)
Meters: Alas, I needed no meters here in StL.
Total: $1.61
Grand Total: $316.75
Left to Save: $266.28
Ok, so a month of biking saved me less than $2... at least it was fun!
Happy biking!
~Adam
First of all, happy new year to you all! May 2013 be a year full of inflated tires and downhill rides. =0). I promise that I will try to be more diligent about my posting. There are many miles to be biked!
Where have I biked in the past 4 weeks? The truth is that there have been a few rides but not a ton of them. Many of my rides have been hybrid rides. To be honest, I had actually forgotten a number of my rides, including where I went and how far I biked. BUT, then I remembered that I had already logged all that information!
One of the beautiful things about owning a smartphone is that you have access to all sorts of apps. There are the games, news apps, video apps, and stupid apps that make you shake your head. My favorite apps are the ones that make me more productive. Honestly, I don't quite know what I would do without my to-do list.
The newest app that I've enjoyed is my new cycling app. It's a pretty simple GPS based app, probably not any different than many other apps that claim to do the same thing, but I like this one pretty well. I hit "record," start my ride, "hit finish," and then I'm told exactly how far I biked, how long it took me, and my miles per hour. It even shows me a map! The one thing I haven't been able to figure out is how to show y'all my ride info.
Anyway, this is my new toy and I'm pretty stoked about it. Here's hoping it inspires me to ride more in 2013. =0).
Stats:
Trips: Clayton to the Loop, Starbucks to the Thai restaurant, and home to FloValley.
Miles: 2.2 + 6.2 + 10.1 = 18.5 ($1.61)
Meters: Alas, I needed no meters here in StL.
Total: $1.61
Grand Total: $316.75
Left to Save: $266.28
Ok, so a month of biking saved me less than $2... at least it was fun!
Happy biking!
~Adam
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