It has been a good day mostly because I made a serious choice about something that might seem trivial to some of you but actually may signify a shift in my approach to life. Over the past three years as a graduate student I have lived on a modest budget, one that requires me to careful with my expenditures and thoughtful in my purchases.
I no longer own a vehicle and essentially everything I do own fits in two rooms, one in Calgary and one back in Newfoundland. And the longer I live like the the more I come to appreciate the freedom from the burden of possessions. Today I got my fist pay cheque from my teaching gig and I set off to buy a bike. I have been thinking about this for some time and have been considering various options. I have been fluctuating between going for the more expensive bike, the moderately priced bike or the third option - building one from spare parts.
Being a person of moderation [Libra ya know] I headed off to Canadian Tire where I had a few days previously spotted a bike that seemed ideal and that was on sale down from $399 to $249. The sale was over. I located a reasonable alternative; none in my size. Tired from all of my shopping I headed off to Kensington for a slice of pizza and a cold pop. While there I popped into Ridley's Bike Shop. The moderate prices bottom out at $500 so I did not linger. Then I began to reflect on the place I had discovered in Eau Claire market. A group of people had opened a place where they sold used bikes. You can become a member and use the facility and tools to build yourself a bike. You have to buy the parts but the very idea is so cool and so hands on. I have loved tinkering all of my life. I always took apart my toys and sometimes got them back together.
After lunch I headed off to Eau Claire and spent the next five hours playing bicycle jigsaw puzzle. It was fabulous. I have the rough makings of a bike and I will be back there on Saturday back at it.
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