My last day of work was Friday the 12th and though I no longer have a job, I have been staying quite busy. More on that later.
I am finally registered for my NAC classes at school and paid tuition online this morning. If you recall from my earlier post Changes, I’ve quit my full time job to make a career change. I’m scared out of my freaking mind but it’s an adventure and to quote an inspiring card Matt’s mother Mary gave me the other day “Sometimes your only available transportation is a leap of faith” – Margaret Shepard.
This morning after Matt left for work on his bike, I hopped on my own bike to take a ride to my college campus. I sold my car a few months back and Matt and I are currently a one car household. Although it can be inconvenient, it helped me to pay off my credit card (YAY!) and Matt is kind enough to let me use his car when I need it – which means he sometimes rides his bike to work so I can have use of it during the day. Regardless, my point is that I wanted to go on a few “training rides” before school starts, because my plan is to ride my bike to school on a daily basis. It’s cheaper AND faster than the bus with the bonus of getting into shape at the same time. Unfortunately, I have only gone on 2 rides – today and once last week which is less than I was hoping for. I am not a biker. I never really have been. I’ve been working out at the gym for 13 years and have been running for the last 6 months but biking uses a completely different set of muscles I never knew I had. Biking is not really my thing. It’s Matt’s thing, it’s my dads thing, it’s their biking groups thing. But I’ve decided to make it my thing and I’m pretty excited to see what it will do for my body as well!
Above is a screen shot of my ride stats this morning. It’s a little under 9 miles round trip but I have to go up some stupid ass hills, including this huge one right before I get to campus. Although I am pretty slow on my bike, I got a “Sup gorgeous” from a fellow biker and conquered that big hill so today was win in my book. And by conquered I mean I went about 5 miles an hour but DID NOT get off my bike. Gotta power through!
My biggest fear with riding my bike to school is not the hills or the rides. It’s how I’m going to look and feel after I get to school. I don’t really feel like walking into class all sweaty and gross on a daily basis. I asked my program coordinator about using the showers in the gym but according to him you have to be taking a 1 credit class to have access. I don’t have time for that! This morning the back of my hair was all sweaty – but I figure if I pull my hair back into pigtails (my hair is too short for a pony right now) then that will keep the sweat off and I can freshen up in the ladies room. Do any of you lady bike commuters have any suggestions for this sort of problem? I would love some advice!
After my training ride, I grabbed a celebratory (and probably my last for awhile) Starbucks and then headed to Fred Meyer for some back to school shopping. Office and school supplies are my FAVORITE. I don’t know why but I’m completely obsessed. So although I was excited about buying awesome school supplies, the fact I don’t have any source of income right now made me cringe. Especially since I basically gave all my saving away to my school this morning in the form of tuition and I have yet to buy books or the Nursing Kit required for classes. So my joy was tampered a bit but it’s hard to be completely upset when I walked away with this awesome loot for a pretty reasonable price. I say pretty because it would’ve been better if I didn’t need a backpack but you have to transport this amazingness somehow!
As you can see, I’m a sucker for all things colorful. Sometimes you gotta let your freak flag fly, I always say! These colorful pens and notebooks will definitely help me with my rigorous school schedule I’m sure. 😉
Here’s hoping my first week of classes goes well. I start Wednesday and am excited to begin off with a shorter week. Please, let me know any school or commuter bike ride advice you have for me – it would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks for reading!
Rain City Life 
I love buying school/office supplies too. We must get it from grandma. ; ) maybe you can take some bady wipes, deodorant and dry shampoo with you to school. Stop by the bathroom and freshen up.
We probably do! 😉 That’s a good idea – I’ve never tried dry shampoo before and I didn’t even think of baby wipes! I was just thinking I’d rinse down with some wet paper towels and use some deodorant. Definitely a better idea! Thanks cuz 🙂 xo
I used to have a thing for office supplies big time so I say you get it from me!
I’m so proud of you Peeps! xo
Thanks auntie 😉 xoxo
I love Burts Bees or any other “facial cleansing wipe.” Also, pack some deodorant and a hat if allowed, just in case it really isn’t worth messing with pig tails. Oh, and gloves so your hands don’t get so cold you can’t squeeze the breaks. I am inspired by you and what a great way to integrate exercise into your new student schedule. A great stress reliever and a great way to get in shape while staying sane with school. Hope to see you soon!
Thanks for the advice Abby, I will need to ask about the hats in class. That would be the easiest thing to do for sure. I appreciate your well wishes and we’ll see you soon I’m sure. 🙂 xo
Nice work lady! You’re a brave soul for biking to school everyday! The only thing I can think of for the hair situation would be dry shampoo but that’s more for grease than sweat. My fave is the suave kind in the gold can and it’s like $3! Also, I must see a close up of this backpack! It looks cute!
Thanks – I’ll do some research on the shampoo. I mean, I plan on showering before I leave for school but I’d just hate to show up all sweaty. I’m going to try to show up at least a half hour before class starts so I can have time to cool down before I change into my other clothes or scrubs.
I’ll send you a pic of the backpack 🙂