Kyle had today off work, because he had some stuff to work on during office hours, the day wore on and my stress level was building. I found myself slumped on the sofa, in the least likely mood to ride. Kyle made the mistake of asking me what was wrong and I ended up bawling (AGAIN!) "I don't want to go ride my bike..." It's almost laughable now as I look back, because of course, we had a really good time!
There is something very wrong with today's departure shot and I bet you'll notice it. But apparently Kyle and I were very distracted, because we didn't- not throughout the entire ride! Today we were very bad parents...but you know, he lived and so have a thousand other toddlers whose parent's forgot to strap them in their bike seat!
I think he had a really good time because as you can see, he made full use of all that extra freedom!
We took a whole bunch of video too and we still didn't notice! We had a really fun time, which goes to show, that those times when you least feel like going for a ride, are the times when you really, really should. The video is full of fun stuff, we went out towards the more rural side of town and met horses and goats along the way, so I can't wait to share it. I added a video viewer to the right side of the blog- we've been having fun with our silly little films. Hopefully we will get it posted on here tomorrow.
I feel like I should write a list of things, emotions, thoughts and ideas that would be beneficial to someone taking this journey. I think of them throughout the day and should really jot them down, because surely someone, somewhere, will do this too and maybe they could benefit from my journey. One of those thoughts would be to write, keep writing and be honest with yourself and those willing to listen. You need to write when you are feeling down, just as much as you need to write about feeling good, because sometimes the line is really thin and you find yourself crossing it without even realizing. Of course this can go both ways, but I can honestly say I've never felt worse from taking a ride on my bike.
Understood. That does make one feel bad. However, it does happen and the goal is to reduce the number of times it does. I am also sure that many parents have forgotten to buckle their child into the car seat (in the car) or done a poor job of clicking. I taught my sons to tell me when I forgot and I always started the drive with "Everybody buckled?"
ReplyDeleteLive and learn. I do not want to start an argument of safety, but given that your mode of transportation is a bike and the route you ride is a route that is bike-usable, I would venture to say the danger is low.
Cheers,
I agree wholeheartedly Travis- there are worse things than forgetting to strap in a toddler to his bike seat- which with the design of it, I'm not sure he could fall out of if he tried! We did have his toe straps on ;)
DeleteI think we passed maybe 3 cars the whole time too, pretty limited traffic around here.
Thanks for commenting!!
You're not a bad parent, and you're not a bad daughter either. Sometimes it's hard to make family understand why this carfree lifestyle is important to us. My mom told us (and understand that despite how young my kids are that I'm in my mid-40s) that we had to have a car for emergencies, "Mother says so." WTH? In a true emergency someone is bleeding or something is on fire and you call 911.
ReplyDeleteIt seems that you have a closer relationship with your mom than I do and you are feeling really guilty about not seeing her more. This just gives you a true, solid goal to work towards: rides to your mom's house. Maybe every 3 days (you judge, they're your knees) you start that ride, knowing that you'll only go as far as you can. Pack yourself a lunch so that you can refuel before the ride back home. That can go a long way towards helping mood too. I'm sure you'll find that the trip is getting easier and you are going farther sooner than you expect.
Keep hanging in there!
The sad thing about my Mum, is she is supportive and has always been a non-driver (I don't think I've ever seen her drive). But her situation is so limited because of the infrastructure of her town, that really she needs assistance but is too young to be a housebound "old" person.
DeleteThere are also particulars that I haven't discussed because they are personal to her, but it's very important that she knows we are here for her right now.
I agree about having it as a goal- her house and the farmers market are my "long term" goals;) Thanks Kath!
Lindsay
It looks like that bar in front of Jack has him pretty good in there and the seatbelt s the back up system.
ReplyDeleteCars are not evil. It is more the right mode for the job and we as a society have gotten lazy and use cars for every trip, even when walking and biking are viable options. This is especially reinforced by the infrastructure, which is why we need to continue for changes in that department. I now bike as much as I can , but there are still some trips that require the car, like taking my dogs to the vet, and hauling painting gear to an evening portrait group. My husband switched to taking the bus or biking up to the metro, but he uses the car for hardware store runs. It used to be we needed something and we'd jump in the car. Now we first ask,"Can I get do that by bike?"
Hello Julie-
DeleteYes, you are right it's a very well built seat, not much wiggle room with the bar on, and we did at least get his toe straps on;)
I agree, cars have their place for sure! We never thought we'd go car free this year (or maybe ever, depending on situation)...but we do intend on being car-light. Kyle will still be cycling and moped-ing for work, I will still be only cycling and occasionally we will use the car for taking mum grocery shopping, getting out of town with bikes and if we had an emergency.
Today we are taking a family ride, the sun is out- beautiful day! I can't wait!
I've forgotten to strap my kids into their CAR seats- nothing like speeding down the freeway at 70 and having your three year-old appear at your shoulder saying "momma I'm up!". Yikes. Anyways, it's one of those things that I think happens at least once to everyone. Maybe instead of buying a car you could look into just leasing one. Keep on biking, you are doing great!
ReplyDeleteKate- Oh that would be scary - but we are all human! I see quite regularly people who are smoking in their cars with the windows up and 4 kids on the back seat with no car seats in sight! When I used to drive I saw something similar to that at least once a week in this area...so perspective helps for sure!
DeleteThanks for your encouragement! Lindsay
You aren't "bad parents",we all forget things,even important things,my friend! :)
ReplyDeleteThe Disabled Cyclist
Yes, I know we're not;) I mean no ones perfect, but I like to think my son won't need to much therapy as an adult lol. Thanks TDC!
DeleteLOL,he won't,y'alls doing a fine job as evidenced by that healthy and happy smile on Jack's face :)
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