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2010 was a bad year at my house. My fella was out of work for the entire year. Things started breaking down and we couldn't repair or replace them. Important things like our second car, the microwave, the vacuum cleaner. Unnecessary things like our hot tub, my daughter's DVD player, our living room TV. Luckily I make decent money and could pay all the bills. But "extras" like meals out, coffee drinks, books, movies, birthday parties, vacation, health insurance were pretty-much out unless they could be done on the cheap.
He got a very part-time job at a farm in December, but they didn't really have work for him until March. In January he got another very part-time job as a parking lot attendant during events at the Matthew Knight Arena. Last week he started a third very part-time job at another farm. So basically he has three part-time jobs. We aren't behind on any bills or anything (in fact I paid off two debts in December and January) so now we're starting to save money to fix the second car.
We really need two cars! I work full-time and both my daughters are in school and do sports. Neither of Matthew's two farm jobs are in Eugene so when he's working, he needs the car. So I ride my bike. I normally commute by bicycle twice a week (my job requires a fair bit of running around so I can't bike-commute every day), but last week I also rode my bike to my satellite office on Friday (about 6 miles round trip) and then Saturday morning my youngest daughter and I rode our bikes to pick my oldest daughter up at her dance lock-in and then all three of us rode home (another 6 miles). And you know what? It was fun to get so much extra bike time in! I really like riding my bike and even though it is definitely more convenient to drive, it is nice to be outside. I also like how it simplifies my life. After all, I can't go running all around town so easily by bike.
But do you know what I can't figure out about bike riding? When I was a kid, I loved it when my dad took me for a bike ride. He probably only went with me a hand full of times during my entire childhood, but I coveted those opportunities! I used to pass my days riding up and down the street, around the block, around the neighborhood. Then and now, I couldn't get enough cycling! But my kids COMPLAIN about riding bikes. They haven't always, but lately it is like pulling teeth. Maybe it is because the weather is crappy, but it is driving me crazy!
10 comments:
I think they complain because that's what kids do. I usually can't *believe* what my kids find to complain about. I vaguely recall being a big complainer as a kid, even though my parents were pretty great.
None of that makes it easier when my kid whines that he's bored or he doesn't feel like going to the grocery store. But I hope they'll all grow out of it. Someday.
Enjoy your rides!
So you are getting some major exercise in! That is awesome that you enjoy it so much. I used to love riding bikes too but the last time I bought a bike I hated it because it killed my tailbone. I think because I have a tilted pelvis now it is too uncomfortable.
Kids will be kids.
I can't believe they complain about bike riding! Maybe it's just the distance that bothers them? Hmm. I used to LOVE riding my bike. Good on the fella, too! :)
What a nice thing for you to be biking as much as you are! I'm sorry to hear about the car issue but I'm so impressed with you paying off debts! I hope a job comes through for your hubby very soon! And I'm really impressed with your riding your bike to work! I work so far away and the traffic is so dangerous! It sounds really awesome!
I think that times were different when we were kids and riding a bike was great, we could be adventurous but nowadays kids are more into indoor activities, not all but lots. In the summer here it is brutally hot so its hard to get my son out then but right now the weather is beautiful and he does go wandering around with his air soft gun and camo outfit but he still loves his xbox im just glad he isnt on it allll the time.
I used to love riding my bike too. I love how much exercise you're able to get in this way. Too bad I don't live closer to work. Kids will complain about anything. It's what kids do.
Wow, that is some amazing round trips!
It's the weather- they'll warm up to it once it gets warmer outside. :) I love riding my bike too! Great exercise that doesn't feel like exercise all the time.
I would be so sweaty by the time I got to work. Kudos for fitting exercise in such a significant way. Unfortunately I can relate to your kids. I don't like riding a bike - would much prefer to walk. Just not my thing, but glad it is working for you.
I have the same memories as many of the above comments, about riding my bike all the time when I was a kid... Not a day went by that I wasn't riding my bike somewhere! I sure do miss those days! The last time I tried to ride a bike was last year (it had been well over 16 years since I'd been on anything more real than a stationary incumbent bike!!) OMG! I couldn't believe how hard it was!! not only did I feel like I was going to bend the darn thing in half, but I couldn't steer it... kept running into parked cars!! I rode down the block and back home (with my oldest daughter). When I got home I could barely get off the darn thing! My thighs and rear end HURT!! So... Amanda, KUDOS TO YOU for riding so much on a weekly basis!!! I hope to get down, weight wise, to that point, that I can do the same thing! Very proud of you!
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