We are all doing things differently these days.  For me, normal routines are out the window. I'm wearing my weekend hang-around-the-house clothes every day.  The polka dot socks I've never had the nerve to wear out in public? They have become my go-to socks. I may as well wear them out now when no one's watching and save the good socks for when the world returns to normal, right?  The iron, alarm clock, hairdryer, etc., all gather dust as I come to the realization that so much of what I do on a daily basis is for the sake of socializing with others.

 

 Maybe this topsy-turvy time is just the opportunity to do something new and different for myself.  I've been thinking about it for a while (OK a long while, at least two years).... purchasing a bicycle. Not the pro-level kind of bicycle that one might see gliding effortlessly along the roadside with a  spandex rider crouched atop, defying gravity at every hill and turn, but the kind I once had as a young girl.  One speed; back-pedal to break. Sitting up nice and straight, wearing normal clothes.  Maybe with a basket.  OK, the Wizard of Oz image [see Miss Gulch above] might be coming to mind, and maybe I should buy a rotary phone while I'm at it, but it's a dream.  

 

In fact, its been in the back of my mind and in my on-line shopping cart so many times I lost count. I just could never bring myself to click "order". I would check my virtual cart later in the day and the bicycle purchase  magically timed out and disappeared. What a relief. After all, I had excuses up to my eyebrows why I shouldn't do this.  I'm too old.  I'll look foolish (cue Wizard of Oz music) I never thought a bicycle seat was a comfortable place to sit , but.  cruiser bikes now come with wide seats... insert pun here.

What if I buy this thing and hate it? I've never worn a helmet before, and truly, my current hairstyle begs me not to. Score one for vanity.  And then there's the big one... I absolutely hate to exercise. Hate. It. I avoid all things that cause sweat. I may take a walk for pleasure, but you won't see me running unless one of my grandchildren is headed into oncoming traffic. Sure, I will mow the lawn and I do so enjoy a good vacuum session, but then I have a mowed lawn and a clean floor when I finish.