Reeths.

The buses in Seattle make me laugh. Not because they are usually late, or because there is an advertisement for my workplace above the seats of every freakin' bus, but because of the Pemco insurance advertisements. Pemco is based out of Washington, and recognizing that the northwest (and certain parts of Washington and Seattle) is full of all kinds of stereotypes, Pemco took the time to point them out while saying "We're a lot like you -- a little different." Check it out! Note: My favorites are #15 recumbent bike commuter, #5 NW Male Action Figure, and #56 socks and sandals guy.

Apparently I'm attempting to assimilate myself into parts of this culture by attempting to bike to and from work. Perhaps it's a mix of the recumbent bike commuter and male action figure, except I'm female and ride a pretty normal bike. I planned to get this habit started earlier, i.e., when it was warm and sunny and August. But, due to a 2,600 cross-country trip where my bike had to bear the brunt of the bouncing car and weather, finally settling in a house where I could actually ride my bicycle home after work, getting that bike home after realize mid-ride that the gears couldn't stay fixed, thus ceasing my pedaling, and after 2 trips to a crappy bike shop to get my bike fixed properly (A new wheel, sheesh!), I finally had a fully functioning hybrid bike. Hoorah! Now I can be more green, but more importantly get up later to get to work, and get a bit of exercise in as well. Not only that, but it's like...a challenge to get to work, something to push through that I absolutely MUST do once I've started in order to get to work on time. That's the kind of stress that I don't really mind. The downside is that I could be a bit more smelly during the day and I have to give a bit of let time to allow me to change into uniform at the office. No big deal though, right? It takes just as long to get there by bus!

Well, let's just say that I have a new respect for bike commuters.

After strapping on my backpack and a last swig of coffee, I was ready to see what the open road had in store for me -- at least, for the 3 miles to work. Dressed in tennis shoes, tight workout pants, layered tops, ear warmer, and with headphones stuck in my ears, I dragged my bike down the front stairs of my house, mounted, and was off. (I have to say that the biking "look" is not particularly attractive, but it keeps you warm in cool, rainy weather.) For about 4-5 blocks, that is. Did I ever mention that the hills here are absolutely killer? Granted, I'm definitely not in the best shape of my life, but going up 5-6 blocks of pure hill is incredibly pressing, especially if it's early in the morning and you were expecting a little more of your atrophied muscles. I had to walk at one point just to catch my breath and to avoid a vicious uphill part. However, there is one awesome part of the commute -- flying downhill! I was just sad that it ended as quickly as it did. Save for a couple of pant snags on the gears of my bike, it was a pretty successful ride.

The end of the day wasn't so kind to me. I managed to get out of the office by 6:00 -- practically a record! But as I unlocked my bike from its space behind the building, I noticed that it rained today and left my cushy seat all wet. Eww. I ended up tying a grocery bag around the seat to keep the seat from giving me a wet print on my bum. No worries -- I was still hyped to go! Sadly, my ride this time would not be as fun. My butt was a bit sore from the morning ride and, due to the rain, a slow pace, and a dip in a curve that I didn't expect, I managed to wreck. The bike fell on its right side (not the gears!) and I managed to hop off before I went with it. A bit humbled, I righted the bike and walked it up to Yesler on the sidewalk before trying to mount it again. A police officer came up to me and made sure I was okay - which I was. But as I walked a bit further and tried to pedal once more, I noticed the gears were locked. Of COURSE my bike didn't work anymore! All it apparently wanted to do was stay in the shop. I fiddled with the pedals, gears, and chain for a bit before giving up and deciding to walk it home. I couldn't really see what was going on in the dark anyways, and all I could tell was that the chain was stuck in one of the back parts of the bike. The next block down I decided to give it one last look, and after resetting the chain on its proper path, I was able to coast most of the way downhill towards home.

I think I'm going to try and bike twice a week, just to the office and back and on weekends if I'm going to a destination that's close by. I had planned on biking to West Seattle, which is a good 10 miles from my house, but I think I'll just leave that idea on the back burner for now. Right now I think I'm doing fine just learning how to conquer the smaller hills and traffic that Seattle has to offer. Also, in case I don't post again before traveling home for Christmas, I want all you Lexingtonians to know that I will be in town starting on the 20th and ending around the 23rd or 24th, and then back from the 29th through the 2nd. I hope to see all of you soon!

p.s. the title is how my co-service leader spelled "wreaths" on our Outlook calendar. Seriously. He deserves some internet mocking.