Although my birthday is not for another month, yesterday Pk and I went out and bought my birthday present. Introducing my new bike. I haven't figured out what her name is. I guess we don't know each other well enough for her to tell me, yet.

I went out looking for a pink bike but it became quickly clear that the color was the least important part of the bike. Instead of looking for beauty, I got comfort. Literally. It's what is called a 'comfort bike'. The seat is wide to accomodate my wide self and it has shock absorbers to help keep the ride comfortable. And the handle bars are not flat so I have to lean way over. I was afraid that would hurt my back and I figured if it hurt to ride, I wouldn't do it.




And I added some fashion accessories. Like some blue sparkle lights that are motion activated and blink when I ride. They're really only partly fashionable and partly safety. I also have a light on the front. Then I have my favorite part, the lovely pink pinwheel streamers.

They spin around as I ride. Oh, yes and a helmet. It's the law in NJ for children under the age of 14 to wear a helmet but it just makes good sense to me. I kinda value my head and if I fall off the bike or get hit it might make a difference. And a bell. I love bells.

I haven't ridden a bike in over 35 years and was a little nervous but it felt wonderful to be zooming (well, maybe not zooming) along! I remembered how much I loved my bike when I was a kid. And then I got off and my legs felt like rubber bands. Talk about out of shape. It's going to take lots of short rides to get some muscle back in my legs and to regain stamina. I think I might have found exercise that will help me be healthier and I'll enjoy at the same time. Pk likes to ride, too but he's been riding a lot longer and he'll have to have some patience with me until I catch up.

Last night we went out for dinner for our anniversary to a cuban restaurant situated in a large old house. The atmosphere was lovely, all oranges and yellows and dark woods. The food was meh. Pk ordered paella and thought the chicken was overcooked and the scallops were so miniscule that in the dim light, he thought they were kernels of corn! I had chicken in a citrus sauce that was also rather overcooked. Tasty but over done. We had a good time anyway. It doesn't really matter where we eat, it's the company that's important.

Bells and Georgie came up with the word transform for today's blogtoberfest. I love the word transform. It holds a world of possibilities in those letters. In my field (mental health), we are transforming a system of "treatment" into a system of "recovery". Much more positive and life affirming.

In my life, I am trying to transform my soft, nearly 51 year old body into a somewhat healthier one. I am trying to eat less/better and now I will be getting more exercise. That can only be good.

Have a good and safe Saturday.