Winter, hurry up and be over!

This weekend I used my bike to run an errand or two around the neighborhood for the first time this calendar year. Yes, it was a little chilly (in the upper 30s), but for the first time in a while the snow was melted and the roads were dry.

While I like to ride my bike, I am a bit of a chicken when it comes to riding in the winter in Boston. I do not care for the cold at all, and I find it a bit scary to ride in the dark when there aren't many people out and about. And winter here always seems cold and/or dark.

But Sunday I grabbed one of my bicycles, found my helmet and some decent gloves, and rode to the store for milk and juice. I'll be honest, it was less than a mile and a half round-trip. It was long enough to remind me of a few important things, though. First, the importance of keeping some tissues handy. I'm not sure why, but when it is cold outside, my nose starts to run like crazy as soon as I stop on the bike. Second, I forgot how much more often you need to blink when riding in the cold! Third, and most important, I remembered why I like riding my bike so much. It was great to feel the effort I put into riding and see the resulting increase in speed. That is something that you just don't get at the gym.

I enjoy seeing the neighborhood and the people out and about when I ride my bike. I notice things that I just don't see when I am driving my car or walking down the same streets. When I'm driving, I'm going just fast enough that I don't notice the small things, like another condo up for sale or someone's new flower box. When I'm walking down the sidewalk, I'm so close to the buildings that I don't feel I really take it all in- plus it feels a bit creepy to really look around when you are moving that slow. Boston is definitely more of a "Keep your head down and just keep walking" city than a "Wave, smile, and nod at your neighbors" city.

So, winter, finish up your evil ways! Spring, hurry up so I can ride my bike around town!

The beginning...

The blog title came about mostly due to a little bit of alcohol and a very late night of insomnia and organic chemistry. Additionally, I feel that squirrels are an under-appreciated animal. An under-appreciated animal that I can relate to, that is. I, too, prepare far more than necessary and seldom have to use all of my resources. Also, I admit I am a bit twitchy when I try to sit still. I admire people who can just quietly sit when waiting or thinking. I make faces and fidget, but I can't help it.

One of my most important decisions in life was made because of squirrels -- I used the campus squirrels as one of my deciding factors for choosing a college. There. I said it. You know just how crazy I am. But it all worked out in the end. I had a great time for most of college (except for Fall 2005), and I met my husband at said college.

I plan on using this blog as a way of keeping track of things for myself. Among the challenges I face are gluten-free food requirements, pack-rat tendencies, apparent inability to take photos off of my camera, and many other things that should reveal themselves in time (I'm sure).

The tag line (the current one, which says "I can do it!") comes from a stubbornness that borders on personality flaw. I have a tendency to insist on that fact when I reach a problem and someone tries to help me. I'm not sure where it comes from, but I am independent and certain that I can do anything I truly decide to work for. That being said, there are definitely things I choose not to do. Like change the oil in my car. I know how, I've done it, and I choose not to, thank you very much. Perhaps I'll feel differently in another 3000 miles...