I Can Ride my Bike with No Handlebars

My son wanted a nerf gun for Christmas. That's cool and all, but I don't really do nerf guns. Maybe you notice I ride bikes? I decided that what I wanted to give him was a bike. He grows so fast! This week was a whole makeover - new glasses, new haircut, new bike. He was a whole new man.

At first he didn't love the bike I chose. I thought he could still be satisfied with the simple criteria: two wheels plus pedals. My choice was also in a steel frame, disc brakes, and sora components. It was a deal -- and way too big... and maybe not cool enough? Feeling a little depleted in the value of my choice, I took him back to the bike shop. I was pretty convinced he was going to just return it. I don't even know what we bought.  No idea the type of components, and I would have to go down to the garage to recall the brand. While we were there, his love of bikes revived.

He doesn't know it, and please don't tell him so I can still hold out for some additional chores-in-lieu-of-presents, but this was the perfect gift for Christmas. My child is riding bikes with enthusiasm again! Here's us the next morning getting bagels for breakfast.

In the Quiet in the Dark

I have a confession. Today I rode my bike for the second time in many months. Yes. Only two times in maybe three or four months, and one was last week. Life has thrown me some fast balls and some curve balls, and I'm holding on to keep up with all of the action. I made it - the miles are mine again.

Last week I found myself scared on the way home. I was well-dressed for the weather, and lit up like a rolling Christmas tree with all my lights. I didn't understand my own reaction, except to say we are close to the winter solstice and light is scarce. I was easily startled. Maybe it was because the shadows on a trail move faster than you expect when rolling through the dark.

I did a repeat tonight to test myself. My phone blared music while I bounded through miles of greenway in the night. About the time Bruce Springsteen came on, I caught my groove. The song reminded me of the nights in high school when we would drive out to the swamp with the windows down to listen to the croak of the alligators.

Can't wait for daylight savings to end!

Gifts

For a variety of reasons, I found myself walking to and from the school a lot today. Part of my story is my son. He is wonderful and challenging. He is as hot as the sun. He's mesmerizing with his brains and beauty, but he can't always keep his emotions between the lines. Bit like his mama.

This morning was a hard one, but then on the way home he found a butterfly. It had died where it flew, and he spotted it perfectly in tact. His brother protected it until we got home. His sister kept the dog from eating it.

Did I mention he had poetry homework? Here is what he wrote...

I am a smart boy who like sharks

I wonder what life will be like for our descendants who will live thousands of years from now

I hear my fan at night

I see a good life ahead with lots of mistakes and successes

I want to have an impact on those around me

I am a smart boy who likes sharks

I pretend that I am well known and revered in the world

I feel powerless when I hear about loss

I touch other people’s lives when I do something for charity

I worry that life will pass me by without me doing anything

I cry when I hear about how much poverty there is in the world

I am a smart boy who likes sharks

I understand that I can’t do something for everything that happens in the world

I say that I can do almost anything if I put my mind to it

I dream that there were a decent life for everybody

I try to make an impact on my peers

I hope that life will get better for everybody

I am a smart boy who likes sharks

Wheels

When I first learned to ride my bike, my brother and I rode loops around my dad's condo parking lot. We timed the laps like a crit race, because it was a really short loop. I can remember sliding out in a sandy spot beside a speed bump leaving road rash on the inside of my elbow, all down my hip, and blood dripping from my knee. We kept riding tho.

Last weekend I saw a boy on the street. This is big news because my son has been without street friends since we moved to the new house. Maybe you don't remember how important street friends are? Trust me. They are important, and I celebrated. Every time the dog barked, I hollered to my son that somebody was on the street. Was it his future street friend? Go! Get your bike! Go see who it is!

The week came and went. The elusive boy on bike was not met. Sunday he asked, "Mom, will you take me down to the new people at that house?"

"What if I make cookies?"

"Then he'll definitely be my friend."

My People

This is post-Fat adventures. Before this picture the scene was different.

It started when I told my daughter that I was ok with skipping it this year. I wasn't feeling it, didn't want to get out, etc. She was justifiably shocked. This is my favorite event and all. She didn't go crazy or anything, just restated her enthusiasm. That's all it took. You can see one child still wearing his Fred Flinstone tie and baby girl wearing her Betty Rubble get up.  We kind of rocked that Flinstones gig. I was happier for going.

So, when this photo happened, I was totes stoked for reals. Yo.

Shadows

I love how the road lights up with glitter at certain times of day. It's also pretty amazing the things you can make on your cell phone.

Day 1 trial of the jersey

Walking out the door, my co-worker makes a “Your mom” joke. (minus 1)

But man, it feels super great. (plus 1)

And the weather is perfect! (plus 2)

I left a little before 5, the worst possible time to try to get home. The sun is at an angle, and the roads are at their peak. (potential… how does that score?)

Usually, it is a harrowing feat to cross US70. Today, traffic stopped for me and let me thru to the turn lane. (plus 1)

I didn’t get a single honk, even for my #boobs … Which is weird. (plus 5)

Calling it a win.

Happy Song

I love people. This is Joseph the Pirate. He's a good dude. Besides his talents at boat building, songwriting and being an all around crafty guy, he's dating my BFF. The other night, he sang us this song. It feels like a hug. 

I am someone's Mom

I've written a lot about the aggression I experience from people who drive cars. When we are sitting in a cafe at breakfast, it is a way less hostile exchange. Less dangerous. All around, just a better time.

I had this idea that if I wore a jersey with the word "MOM" on the back, maybe people driving the cars around me would be less... awful? nasty? dangerous?

I pay taxes and I have a job. I'm a mom and I volunteer. I shouldn't have to claim my place in society just to have this space of road. I have to get tow work. I would otherwise be using this same space with a car.

And then Rachel, one of my most beloved soul sisters, made me this.

http://ift.tt/20fitKw

A1A on a Sunday Morning

http://ift.tt/1PUjRZr

Easy like Sunday morning