Suspension Folk Provides Shock Absorbing Comfort

"When I see an adult on a bicycle, I do not despair for the human race."

-H.G. Wells

In an effort to save money, and do our share to help out the planet, Alan and I have decided to get bicycles. After a good bit of research, we think we have found the ones for us. The Roadmaster SX Mountain Sport, in 24 inch for me, and 26 inch for Alan, and in his and hers models of pink and blue! LOL. I haven't actually ridden a bike in oh... say... 25 years or so, so this whole experiment is going to surely have some moments of hilarity to be sure. But I have heard my whole life that once you learn how to ride a bike, you never forget! LOL. Soon, I will be testing that theory... and I will be sure to report back to you! LOL.

At the moment, I am not doing much moving, as I hurt my lower right side the other day. I am hurting a little worse today, then I did yesterday, so I am thinking a call to the doctor might be in order. Sheesh. I am not even sure how this happened, but it reminds me of the time I did some damage to my rotator cuff, while unpacking Christmas decorations a couple years ago. We have been having some unseasonably cool weather, which the cat is enjoying, but which makes his mommy a lump of slow moving pain. LOL. Oh well, what's a girl to do?

Well, here's the thing. I need to get more exercise then I do. I love to walk, but when it is this cold, I ache, which makes walking nearly impossible. I am hoping that as the weather will be certainly warming up as we get closer to summer, I will take advantage of the bike, and give my legs the workout they have been needing. I loved riding a bike as a young woman. Before I learned to drive, I rode my bike all over the place, and was told once by a former love that I looked damn good on a it. Of course that was, like I said, 25 years ago or so. Things simply aren't in the same place they used to be. I am now a middle aged woman, use your imagination... or rather don't... oh heck... just take my word for it. ;)

Whether or not I still look good on a bike is really beside the point, the point is that I want to do good by me. I want to live healthier, and be able to say that I am doing my part in this crazy mess we have all found ourselves in. I am not as dependant on my car as I used to be. It disappoints me that we can't afford to take the long rides we used to. I like seeing new places, but it just isn't realistic anymore, and I really doubt things will get much better. Sigh. So, I am going to take a closer look at what's around me. Treasures I would have missed, had I not gotten a bike. Let's see what's right in front of me.

I am even thinking about getting a sidecar, which actually follows behind the bike, not to the side, for Elvis to ride in. He is a strange cat, he loves riding on things, and he even enjoys being turned around and around in a swivel chair. He would have enjoyed it if we had bought him a swing set, but who knew? Go figure! I am just considering it at this point. The following pictures are of what we have definitely decided on. I am not sure if we will make the purchase this week or next, but it's kind of fun to know we are taking these steps for our future. There is a lot to look forward to in life, and that makes all the bad news a little easier to take somehow. For the most part... I'm a happy girl.

"Suspension Folks Provides Shock Absorbing Comfort." LOL. My bum is eternally grateful for that! ;)

-OndineMonet
"Bike Shopping At Wal-Mart"
Wal-Mart
Livermore, California
May 27th, 2008
Afternoon

My Adventures With Purchasing A Pushy-Sucky

"Our house is clean enough to be healthy, and dirty enough to be happy."

-Unknown

Vacuums are a fact of life, especially if you own a pet. I love my kitty, but another fact of life is that cats shed, and lately Elvis has had some problems with agitation, due to some mean aggressive fleas, and that has equaled enough excess cat hair that I am thinking of either knitting a new cat, or making a toupee for Elvis to cover his bald spots. LOL. Poor kitty. Poor Mommy. LOL. Poor Alan! LOL.

I have a small, sweeper type vacuum that I had used for years. It works well, since we don't have a lot of carpet space, but the problem with the small sweepers is that they don't last forever, and they can't handle the bigger jobs that come up with much efficiency, so, it was time to get a newer model with a little more lift power.

That's how I spent my Wednesday, shopping for a new vacuum. Alan and I went to both Wal-Mart and Target to do a little research. Lot's of models to choose from, even those cute little robots. I liked the idea of one of those, but Alan thought that it might scare Elvis. He has never been able to tolerate loud noises too well, so, we decided against the cutting edge in home maintenance, and instead we concentrated on the more traditional vacuums.

After looking through about 100, at least it felt like 100, we narrowed it down to the ones you see below. There was a really pretty one, which cost several hundred dollars. Sigh. Alan quickly said "no." LOL. How come vacuum manufacturers can't make a pink model in a more reasonable price? I mean, I am the one who is going to see if most often. You know? Yes, I know, the color isn't the most important feature to consider when purchasing an appliance, but heck, do they have to look so guy-friendly?

Anyway, we finally decided on the Dirt Devil Purpose for Pets upright vacuum, in a lovely shade of slate blue! :) It is especially rated for dealing with pet hair, and actually has a pet brush attachment. I love the super long cord, and as I used it this morning, I was pleased with it's suction power. It seems we found the right one for us. The only thing I am not crazy about... there is a picture of a puppy on the canister of the machine. I think this is discrimination against felines. I think I might need to add a photo of Elvis to the vacuum, after all, he is why we bought it in the first place! LOL.

Oooh... a Robot!

Yummy, good price, and it reminds me of limes. But... nah.

Nope, I love the cranberry color, but it's not quite right.

Yep, that's the one!

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My Dirt Devil's Baby Picture

So tell me, what kind of vacuum do you own? When did you buy your last one? What was most important to you when you made your purchase? Price, Color, Dirt Elimination Ratings, Upright vs. Tank. What is the next home maintenance appliance you are considering buying? Do you do some research before purchasing? Tell me all about it!

-OndineMonet
"PushySuckys"
Emeryville, California
May 21st, 2008
Late Afternoon