Bicycles Aren't Even For One

"Do something that scares you every day."

I have always liked this quote because it's a pretty attainable goal for me.  See, I am afraid of almost everything.  What fear did I conquer [sort of] today, you may ask?  Biking.

That's right.  One of my biggest fears in life is riding a bicycle.  There, I said it aloud.  *Phew* that's really been eating me up inside.

The story begins: a good friend of mine asked me to take a couple of letters to the mailbox and assured me biking was the easiest/quickest way to get there from her house.  Oh, little does she know.

Attempt 1 at take-off: I freak out and slam my feet to the sidewalk.  (Yes, I KNOW bikes aren't supposed to be on the sidewalk.  Don't judge me.  I don't judge you.)

Attempt 2: I almost swerve into the grass.  I mutter under my breath "I hate bikes."  The boy mowing the lawn across the street looks up concerned.

Attempt 3: Success!  But the water bottle attached to the bike frame falls to the ground.  Oh well.  Whoever falls behind stays behind!

As I steady the handle bars and start up the street, I ease my way to the right.  After a few blocks I decide maybe this isn't such a big deal.  Suddenly I look at the street signs.  I've turned the wrong way and need to turn around.  Blast.

I turn around and back-track all the way to the street I started from and begin traversing in the CORRECT direction.  Now there are patches of gnats to drive through.  At first they just go round my sunglasses.  After about 5 patches of gnats, however, they are smart enough to get behind my protective eye wear.  Now it's war.

Now, here's a car backing slooooooowwwwwwwwwwwly out of the driveway and the pathway is obstructed by another parked car immediately after.  Didn't anybody's father teach them to always leave a path?!?

Now I've reached the destination described by my friend..wait..I've surpassed it.  I pull into a bank parking lot to make a wide arc to turn around, go over some patches of grass, miss-aim, and must slam on the brakes to avoid going head-first over a curb.

WHY AM I SO BAD AT BIKES?!?!

After my outburst (Yes, I did outburst.  This is real life.) I finally successfully put the letters in the mailbox and turn around to head home.  At which point it starts raining.

Why is it always raining?

Positives:

1. The letters made it into the mail. 
2. I tried my best.
3. I built extra recreation into my day.
4. Using a bicycle instead of a car helped the environment.  You know, the one that decided to pour on me.  Ungrateful.
5. I've been re-inspired to blog.

As I walked my way back to my friend's house, I saw her getting out of her car on the way to get me.  At least she is a loyal friend.  Also, after walking inside and changing into ultra comfy snowflake covered pj pants I ate chocolate M&M's, just as I learned from Professor Lupin in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

What will YOU do to challenge yourself this week?