Stolen Bike = Stomped on Spirit

Everyone that knows me knows that I love to ride my bike. I average about 600 miles/year on it. As soon as the weather is ready to break my bike goes in for a tune-up (always take extra-special care of my bike!) so I’m ready to go!

Over the 6+ years I have had my (nice) bike I have spent time and money decking it out a little: added a kickstand, a water bottle holder, a saddlebag rack, nice electric lights, a decent Cat Eye, $100+ metal pedals (one side allows you to “clip in”) and I always lock my bike wherever I go (we go a lot of places together!).

I ride my bike for stress relief, for fun, to be “green”. I run errands, ride to dinner or the farmers’ market and visit friends all via my bike. I’ve ridden way out to my parents house (and back), to the beach, on Critical Mass rides and a million other places.

Last night I rode it to Target near my house and locked it up. I walked in at exactly 7:20 and my register receipt was stamped 7:37. By the time I got outside, someone had stolen my (locked up) bike.

I felt a bit like I had been kicked in the stomach. I was stunned…stupefied actually. I went in and spoke with security and called the police. The police came and took my report. They were actually awesome; took this seriously: drove around looking, alerted area police departments, were kind, respectful and sympathetic.

My neighbor (and friend) came and got me to take me home (we stopped so I could have a drink first!) and I called the police with the serial# for my bike.

I’m so stunned by this. You hear so much about karma and what goes around comes around and how doing good brings good to you.

Well: I am pretty good. I am generous with both my time and my money. I donate as much as I can to charities, I have helped many a person in need financially (to the point that right now I am paying on a loan I took out a couple years ago to help someone else out. Not the smartest thing: sure; but, I was able to do it and come through and help in a time of need so I did. I’d do it again.). I volunteer a lot (not a week goes by that I don’t volunteer at least a little), I am an active community member. I feel like I am undeserving of such a jerky move by someone.

But when you start to get down in the dumps, the dumps really come…and I start reflecting on my short comings and the mistakes I have made and unkindness I have been guilty of and I think: why not happen to me? Maybe I do deserve to be the victim of a jerky move.

But I know life can’t be lived that way. I know far worse things happen to far better people. I know that I’m not perfect and I have never strived to be. So I guess I’m just going with the whole: “shit happens” mindset. I’m going to keep being flawed but keep doing good and always strive to be good and kind and generous.

I am not going to be a Debbie-Downer about this. It sucks – for real, but I am lucky enough to be in a position where I can replace my bike. I’d rather spend that money on other things (or charities) but I am so, so lucky to be in the position that I am. I am not a single mom of two whose only mode of transportation is a bicycle and that’s part of what chaps my ass: the person who stole my bike had no regard for what they were doing to the person who worked so hard to have that bike (and anyone who knows me would tell you: I’d gladly give to help someone if they were truly so in need and in such a bad situation that they needed to steal. I’m betting this person wasn’t doing anything but being a jerk though). For a split second I knee-jerked the thought: “Why do I even bother? Why do I try to help people/society/the planet etc. if something like this is going to happen?” and then I realize that it’s because I truly enjoy helping people and furry people and the planet: it’s what feeds my soul.

So…I will get a new bike. I don’t know if I’ll replace it with an identical bike and all the goodies or if I’ll try something new. Either way I am grateful to be able to do it, sorry that I have to but I won’t miss out on bike riding this season.

Oh, by the way: please don’t be a jerk and steal stuff, ‘kay?
Thanks a lot.

Random Thoughts for Today (Tuesday June 5, 2012):

1. Once again: cannot believe how long it's been since I've made a blog entry: I wish I blogged more...
2. For all of its' faults...I love my city (Lakewood, OH)
3. I walk (on average) 15 miles/week
4. I am so excited that biking season is upon us
5. I wish I had a house...but only so I could have a garden and a dog. In order to alleviate these wants I funded awesome raised beds at my parents and the gardening there is going to be amazing this year...and I volunteer helping dogs (and cats) so I get my "dog-fix" (I don't really want a house when it comes down to it)
6. My underwear was on inside out all day today
7. I start laser tattoo removal again at this end of this month: ouch
8. A lot of people suck...but there are more good people than bad out there: I just know it
9. Volunteering is in my blood and is part of my basic make-up
10. In talking with someone recently I realized I have been vegan for 7 years (not without a few [minimal] mis-steps along the way)
11. People should help each other more
12. Nothing in politics is really going to change: ever (and lets be honest people: the government [local, state, national] sucks overall). I vote: so leave me alone but, I truly believe we'll never see a real overhaul or radical change in our government and that is truly sad. BTW - you better vote too!
13. I don't understand why people fight over politics (see above). I love a healthy debate (over anything) but I would never risk losing a friendship over it.
14. Striving for perfection will make you crazy (and obnoxious); you're closer to perfect when you realize flaws can be beautiful and build character...
15. People who can't afford to have pets shouldn't get them
16. If you pull too far into an intersection/crosswalk and don't move your hiney out of the way of a walker/biker your car deserves to be spit on and your hood smacked
17. I am ready to get my body back...injury: better, the last of that nasty prednisone should exiting my system (c'mon!), I'm spinning twice/week, walking, walking, walking, gym 2-3x/week : somethings gotta give!
18. Why do people idolize celebrities and professional athletes?
19. I tried a smart phone and I hated it so it was returned. I don't have the time, energy or desire to spend trying to make spending $30/mo on a smart phone worth it
20. Parents should not have to bury their children
21. I never: ever share any true fears with anyone
22. I never: ever share my deepest thoughts, concerns or problems with anyone: ever...and I have so, so many great, great friends. I've never been burned because of sharing and I don't think it makes people weak but none of you: no one: anywhere knows my deepest fears, thoughts, misgivings, anxieties etc. - and likely that will never change - I'm weird like that
23. I found a small rubber chicken on a walk this past weekend, I took it home, washed it and now it's in my purse: I have no idea why
24. If everyone, everywhere gave $5 to a favorite local charity every month we could probably change the world
25. I have never, ever wanted children
26. I would love to own my own business some day but I have no idea what I'd do (ok - I have some thoughts but they wouldn't pay the bills)
27. I want to be a published author someday but because of #21 and #22 above I hold back - very, very few people have "seen my stuff"! That's where some more truth about me comes through (all of my writing is in a fire safe box, under lock and key and hidden! ha!)
28. I have the best dad: ever
29. I don't understand why everyone isn't worrying about or researching  where their food comes from and the underlying issues surrounding so much of where we eat, how we eat, what we eat (well: not me!)
30. I have never had cable in my life and cannot fathom a day where I spend $$ for television or radio
31. Glad that generally speaking: life is great.

Good night people.