exercise, gas prices, and music

Today I bought a bicycle on sale at Target for a mere $64. I plan to be riding it to and from work by the end of next week (about 3.5 miles each way) and using it for most errands. I've actually been wanting a bike all summer; every time I saw someone on one I got this weird longing to be on a bike, too. I suppose it's because I spent at least 40% of my childhood racing up and down the neighborhood on various forms of bicycles. The fact gas is skyrocketing just fueled me into action. I can't afford to spend $5/gallon on gas and just drive wherever, not with an average of 23mpg. And I get in some exercise all at once (something I'm in dire need of).

Of course when I got home today I had to try my new Magna out. I was a little wobbly at first, but I'll blame that on the various tree branches and rocks in the back yard. I started around the block and soon found myself careening down a steep hill, hitting the brakes repeatedly to slow down. Then I realized I was a big chicken, because there was a time when I would have pedaled as hard as possilbe down that hill and turned into the unexpected without thinking twice. By the end of my ride (maybe .5 a mile) I was feeling more daring and comfortable on a bike again. I still need to purchase a bike lock and a tire pump, which I'm going out to do shortly. Part of me thinks it would be wise to get a helmet, too. But most of my brain just can't believe styrofoam coated in plastic is that much protection.

On the music front - I am a glutton for punishment and agreed to play in this big church Christmas production (again). 13 rehersals over 2 months, and 6 performances the beginning of Decemeber. Crap pay, but good times. I'm carpooling with Holly since it's about 17 miles one way.

I also agreed to help Brent write pop music. I've never written pop music in my life, and I'm pretty sure he hasn't either. But he's good at a melody and lyrics, and I can bang out some chords on the keyboard and probably write some bass stuff at the same time. It should be an interesting experiment. Then we'll take it to his friend/producer (who is apparently a little on the tone deaf side) and see what he makes of it.