Took The Train Yesterday

It has been a while since I took the train anywhere. Boy, was it fun! Despite the derailment on Monday that delayed my trip home by about an hour. Rode my bike to and from the station and around Davis. If you haven't taken advantage of bikes ride free on Amtrak, I suggest that you do on your next trip. Much better than walking or taking a taxi. Most cities or bike friendly in and around train stations and downtown - were most stations are located. Check for bike maps online or even at the station visitors center section.

The ride their was timely. Left and arrived when we were suppose to leave and arrive. The bus ride to the Stockton station was also timely. When we arrived our train was actually sitting on the track. It couldn't go farther than that station due to the Martinez derailment. We had to wait until a bus with passengers from the Bay Area came before we could board. It was about 45 or 50 minutes. Supposedly, a freight train with 9 empty cars and one with liquefied petroleum tipped off the tracks. No one was hurt, fortunately, but it slowed the train on Monday and Tuesday.

Wasn't too bad. Met someone that did triatholons and rides around his town. Also, this train had an actually set of bike racks. This is a big improvement on the racks that competes with people's luggage. If they could have racks on the buses, instead of putting the bike in the storage area under the bus, it would be even better.

Finding the Fountain of Youth Through Bike Riding

The other night, I spent about 2 hours in the middle of the night contemplating my looming birthday. Soon I will be hitting a certain age. (Don't worry, I am still a twenty-something.) I am worrying about my options as I age. Will I get married? Will my plans for a career be fruitful? Where will I be in 5 or 10 years? Then I thought about were I was when I was 20. Where was I? Who was I? Have I improved? Then I just thought about age in general. Does it really matter how old I am as long as I look and feel young? I am still young in general. Should I fret over a few years?

Of course, it took a bike ride to put everything in perspective. Last night, while I was riding home in the dark, I realized hey i'm still me. Who cares that I am a year older. I'm not an old crone, yet. As for options, I still have them. Maybe I need to move somewhere else or do a few things differently. However, I can still reach my goals.

As for looking and feeling young, I ride my bike and walk almost everywhere. Don't drink or smoke. If I keep pedaling, I will be dancing until I am at least 80. People still quite often mistake me for a teen. Perhaps, it is a combination of people associating bikes with kids and the continual exercise that keeps my somewhat youthful appearance.

Bike Commuting Rut

Sorry, I have not posted for some time. There just did not seem to be anything worth posting. Bike to work then bike home. Bike to church then bike home. Bike or walk to the store then bike or walk home. Not much going on in my mind.

Today, I did hit a little snag - if you want to call it that. Recieved a call this morning to work about 7 miles away. Rode across town and back. Surprisingly, it didn't seem that bad. It made me want to do more trips that distance. May even take a trip to the mall on Saturday. Probably, won't buy anything, but it will be fun. There is a new Goodwill store nearby. Probably, will stop in their too.

Today is international walk to school day!

This was a day that was everyday for me when I was young. Now, it is not so much anymore.

International walk to school day is part of an initiative to get children and parents to walk, bike or skateboard to school instead of driving.

Missed today, don't dispare it is part of a whole month long program. Go to http://www.iwalktoschool.org/ for more information.

Still feel like you still can't wolk you kids to school? Consider a walking bus http://www.walkingschoolbus.org/.

Walk to school. It will wake your kids up and get them ready for the day.

Cleaning out the cabinets

I know this post is not bike related. However, it is still relevant to conservation and frugality.

We adopted a kitten a week ago. She had an upper respiratory infection and a few other problems that we were not aware of until we brought her home. Needless to say, it cleaned everyone out for the rest of the month.

That means I have to make meals with what is on hand. Luckily, we have enough staples (beans, grains, flour, etc.). This has also given me the opportunity to become acquainted with what we have in our freezer, fridge, cabinets and food storage.

If I look at this in the terms of waste reduction, it seems like the best thing I can do. Most Americans only use about 2/3rds of the food they buy. (Costco and other bulk stores are not a good buy. But, that is for another post.) That is quite a bit of money down the garbage disposal and space in the landfill. Becoming acquainted with what you have, some planning, time and creativity can save you and the environment quite a bit. The value of good meal planning is indispensable. For more info check out Hillbilly Housewife http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/menuplanning.htm. She also has an emergency $45 meal plan for a week http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/40dollarmenu.htm.

Yes, I do have to make more from scratch. That's fine!! I have the equipment and some time this evening. Right now, I have some WW bread in the bread maker, beans in the crock pot and just took some fake meat out of the steamer. This should do for lunches the rest of this week.

This experience has also made me more appreciative. Unlike most in the world, two weeks without grocery money has not lead to desperation. I still have enough in my house to last at least a few weeks if not a few months. Sure, I don't get to buy some fancy chocolate or my favorite chips. That's okay too!!! I still have some good, healthy food to eat.

Photos of the cute kitten that has cost quite a bit of money will follow in the next post.