Category Archive for ‘bicycling’ at /frekur/blog/

Archive for the 'bicycling' Category

at the moment

I got my hair cut a week ago and I swear it was one of the best moves I’ve made in months. My hair looks great, even after I go camping and not shower for two days. SWEET. Plus, since then, I’ve been feeling super cute, super confident, and SUPER HAPPY.

The BG and I went camping in western NC with the THOG group I joined on meetup.com. It was apparently the largest overnight trip the group has ever organized, with 40+ people in attendance. Everyone I’ve met through the group (which has over 2,000 members) has been real nice, very knowledgeable about local/regional outdoor activities and it’s been providing me with a much better perspective on NC. I’ve gone to a few other events and each time I meet different people. I keep pulling the new friends I make to Tuesday night trivia at Napper Tandy’s*, hehe. :)

This weekend we’re headed out to Greensboro to visit some dude who’s really into permaculture. I don’t know anything about it so that’s why I sound dumb but I’m excited to learn. We’ll be heading out with a few students from BG’s permaculture class and hopefully the new knowledge will serve us well when we build our house. After this and some poking around in Greensboro for some good vegetarian food we’re headed west again for a show and a wedding in Asheville on Sunday. Hopefully someone on Couchsurfing will put us up in spite of our last minute attempts at planning on a busy holiday weekend.

I redesigned frekur.com because of a little incident with a client my company works with. The incident was a tad embarrassing, but I think everything is fine now and it kicked me in the ass to revamp the site. I’m also learning more on SEO/google indexing so that’s good, right?

I’ve made a few new improvements to my bicycle, inspired by the recent upgrades the BG did to his new ride. I’m so set now it’s not even funny. Like, set for long-term riding which is really what I wanted in the first place. I’m hoping when the weather cools off a bit the BG and I can get down to business on some longer trips with the bikes. I know he’s itching to get out more, too.

We’ve also been giving the whole exercise thing another go, AND the vegan thing. So far we’re doing awesome and I think the key is… not think about it too much. (Also? Having some Purely Decadent Coconut Milk vegan ice cream around doesn’t hurt either. It’s no Luna and Larry’s, but it’s a pretty delicious alternative to Ben and Jerry’s and the other sugary/gritty vegan alternatives.) I’ve been hauling my ass out of bed earlier in the mornings (like 7am) and getting a TON more done with my day. I’ve been riding about 20 miles a week on my bike and doing the gym about 3-4 times. Granted we’ve only been on it for the past two weeks but I think this time it’s going to stick. I’m motivated, he’s motivated… it’s all good.

With biking, exercising and meeting new people in mind, I’m planning on starting to ride with the North Carolina Bicycle Club. They have several groups that ride, I’d be in the “Slow Pokes” (beginner, non-competitive group). Hehe! They also need a new website and I’ve volunteered to assist them with whatever they need. We’ll see what happens!

*Read: $3-pints-of-Strongbow night.

Published

frekur

on August 28, 2008

in bicycling, design, green living, happiness, learning, relationships, veg*nism and volunteer

. 0 Comments

yes, the eyes stay closed on the elliptical

About once a week I look over the “popular” bookmarks on del.icio.us and the other day I found this page which included this quote:

“Those who think they have not time for bodily exercise will sooner or later have to find time for illness.” - Edward Stanley

Well, that slapped me in the face because it’s exactly what’s been on my mind lately.

Over the past few years I’ve tried to make gym-going a habitual activity, but moving around a lot and the consequential adjustments leave that priority falling by the wayside. Until recently.

My mother has been complaining a lot about miscellaneous aches and pains and she is at a point where although it would benefit her to work out on a regular basis, she’s simply in too much pain to bear all the movement. It’s a catch-22.

What I’m learning from her is that I shouldn’t wait that long. I am a lucky, lucky girl, being 5′9″ and weighing in at around 125 naturally, with no physical activity whatsoever. But come on, I’m going to be 30 this year and at some point it’s going to get ugly unless I start trying to maintain it. (You know that floppy flab that happens on women in between the arm pit and the elbow? Yea… it’s happening.)

So I’ve been going to the gym for about two weeks now, riding my bike back and forth. And tomorrow I’m signing up for five personal training sessions so that I can integrate some weights (and whatever else) into my routine.

I feel good that I’m getting out and moving around, but my *real* motivation is to blow off some steam on my imaginary dancefloor. See, the elliptical machine is the only thing I really do as far as cardio (plus the bike ride to and fro). And it’s my favorite because my pace is about 130 steps per minute which just about matches the per minute beat count to the music I love to dance to. Actually… getting on the stupid elliptical and the motion that ensues is really the same kind of motion I’d be getting if I were out clubbing with friends anyway, so all I really have to do is close my little eyes and get down. No one knows what the hell I’m doing anyway so who gives a crap if I look like an ass.

The only thing that would make the whole thing better is hopping on the machine with m next to me, we sync up our iPods with the same mix (starting at the same time, of course) and BOTH pretend to be at the club together, only opening our eyes at that killer climax to that awesome song we heard one time back at that rave in ‘01.

Yes, I’m retarded.

Oh whatever, people. At least I’m not on drugs anymore.

Published

frekur

on April 15, 2008

in bicycling, goals, lmawesome and music

. 2 Comments

promises, promises

The idea of “New Year’s Resolutions” kinda pisses me off. Mostly because I just get aggravated when people say a bunch of bullshit that I assume they’ll never follow through on. I’ve been slowly understanding, though, that I jump to conclusions a lot and become bitter over things without any real logic. (Like my absolute distaste for Harry Potter. I’ve never read the books, but I can’t stand the series. See? No logic.)

Anyway. This year I’ve decided to make some changes, whether or not related to the New Year.

1. Not get mad so often over silly things (see above).
2. Call my friends. (M has promised to push me so that I do it.)
3. Work out.
4. Another attempt at veg*nism. (Prompted by the BG… Eeeeee!)
5. Join a CSA, make and preserve food!

The BG and I joined the YMCA yesterday which is *brand new*. It’s listed as such on their website, but I forgot about it until we walked in the door. Needless to say, it’s gorgeous and everyone there is really nice. The yoga and other studio classes (which include pilates, kickboxing and African dancing!) are included in the $37/month price. I’m very excited. It’s less than a mile and a half from where we live which is a great biking distance. We attended yoga together both yesterday and today, and today we worked out in the gym using our bikes to get there and back.

Eeee!

And, I’m (we’re) taking another shot at not eating eggs or cheese… we’ll see how it works out. In addition, we’ve chosen a CSA to join. They drop off the loot weekly at the Whole Foods store for us to pick up, which is super convenient. And the BG has purchased some equipment for us to begin canning food.

Woo! :D

Oh, and just to add to all this excitement? Last night we took a stab at making homemade ravioli which turned out REALLY WELL. Pics coming soon. :D

Published

frekur

on January 5, 2008

in bicycling, food, green living, happiness and yoga

. 1 Comment

what’s been up

So a lot has happened in the past few weeks, I’ve just been kinda bored of blogging.

The weekend prior to Thanksgiving the BG and I went camping at South Mountains State Park, in the western part of the state. We made it there late and hiked up a seriously big hill which proved just how stiff and out of shape I am. It was pretty chilly the night we were there, but we unzipped the windows in the roof of the tent and snuggled up to watch the moon set. It was awesome. As we hiked out the next day we saw a pretty waterfall. (Pictures coming soon.)

Thanksgiving was really nice. We drove down to Georgia and saw the many family members I’ve had the joy of meeting this year. I absolutely *love* his family… They are all so sweet and so caring, and it’s amazing how everyone has pulled together over concern for his mom (who is still in the hospital).

After returning from Georgia I went to pick up my new bike and rode it home. I had the guys at All-Star Bike Shop put on a rack and lights and am using the BG’s panniers. It rides quite differently than my mountain bike. Obviously I can feel more of what’s going on in the road because there is no suspension, but I also feel that when I pedal I’m moving faster than with the same amount of pedaling on the mountain bike. It just feels more efficient. The gears are really nice too, much better than the grip shifts. I am very happy with it. Last weekend we rode nearly 20 miles on one of the many local greenways and had a fantastic day in the sun at Umstead State park. (Pictures coming soon, I swear.)

On the job front, I interviewed at one more place and the meeting went quite well. It seems as though my experience working (and being comfortable with) adult products actually paid off a bit because they told me it was one reason they wanted to offer me the position. (A small percentage of the work will be adult-oriented.) I received the offer on my birthday, which rocked, and after some negotiations I accepted a few days later. I am taking a pay cut, but it is a telecommuting web design position, which allows me to work remotely and have my internet costs reimbursed, not to mention work on my Mac. They focus on standards compliant site architecture and there’s a possibility for me to be involved in the future development of templates and framework that will allow for more efficient workflows.

All that, *and* I get to share lunchtime with the BG. :)

As far as new friends are concerned, I’ve been spending some of my Wednesday nights with Brandon. He seriously cracks me up. We go to a bar in downtown Raleigh and watch reality TV shows with a bunch of his friends. I find the whole thing hilarious.

I also see Morgan about once a week which is great. I really like this girl, she’s smart, witty and a little bitter (it’s funny). And each time I hang out with her I like her more. She’s got a really interesting history and is a fantastic artist. I saw her house last night and it is sweet. There are huge old-growth trees in her back yard and a hammock! I am not sure she realizes just how often I’ll be subtly making plans to be at her place to settle my ass in that thing. ;)

Over the past few days I have managed to re-center myself. I had been feeling emotionally up and down since I arrived in Raleigh, which is kind of annoying. I assume that not having a job is really the source of the tension I’ve felt, but it’d manifested itself into a lethargic, shiftless state that has gotten me nowhere except feeling crazy. I’ve overanalyzed everything lately and was becoming quite sick of myself. But when the BG left for Uruguay I figured this was a great opportunity to spend some time doing my own thing and getting my head straight. That is exactly what I’ve been doing and I feel much better. :)

I am excited to start my new job, for which I have a staff meeting this Thursday at a coffee shop in RTP. And I’ve signed up for some classes at Wake Tech (Spanish!) in the spring to get me back on track. I also have myself scheduled to volunteer at the ReStore this week (but if I’m not feeling better I might not go). Finally, this coming weekend I am headed up to DC to visit friends (including Jess!).

I am relieved that it’s all beginning to come together. :)

Published

frekur

on December 9, 2007

in bicycling, design, happiness, learning, relationships, self-awareness, spanish, the_other_move, volunteer and work

. 1 Comment

new ride

I will be picking up my new bike on Monday. Happy birthday to me! :D :D :D

(Thanks Mom and Dad!) Eeeeeeee!

Published

frekur

on November 21, 2007

in bicycling

. 2 Comments

unemployed, still

It is amazing the crazy things you think about when you don’t have a job. And, it’s amazing how those crazy things can bring you down at the drop of a hat when you feel bored, insecure and financially trapped.

Aside from freelance work (which doesn’t require that much time), I haven’t had a full time job in a month. That’s the longest I’ve gone without one since I was in college 9 years ago. I’ll say, though, that not once have I doubted my design work. Instead, I’ve let the feeble mindset of the unemployed carry over into other areas of my life (I’ll save you all the stupid details). But this really isn’t the only reason I’ve been a little wishy washy, and I am aware that attention and patience will get me through it.

I had two more interviews last week that went well. Both jobs are interesting to me for different reasons and I believe I could grow and learn in either one.

Last weekend was filled (once again) with of new faces, including a few from Couchsurfing and quite a handful from OkCupid. All of us met for a major night out on Friday that included dinner at a Thai restaurant, a movie at the art museum, and drinks at several pubs in downtown Raleigh. I had an amazing time talking with new people and drinking to new relationships. The BG worked hard arranging the night and it paid off as everyone said they had a great time.

This week I’m shopping for a bike (that has suddenly morphed into my combined birthday and xmas gift from the parents… sometimes being a December baby pays off…) in addition to the continued job search and freelance work. Amazingly, Trex is giving me another project. I thought I wasn’t going to be getting much more work from them (for budget reasons).

All this free time affords me the opportunity to go on field trips with the BG. Together, over the past three weeks, we’ve traveled out of the city to check on his little strawberries and yesterday I also joined him on a farm tour that he was attending. I found it interesting because I had never really been on a farm before.

My goals for this week? Complete one freelance job, start the second, practice yoga three times and buy a bike. Will I have a full time job by Friday?

We’ll see.

Published

frekur

on November 12, 2007

in bicycling, design, relationships, the_other_move, work and yoga

. 0 Comments