No. 2: Commute to work by bike

I am working very part time for a fabulous PR guy on a project that will hopefully keep a giant Las Vegas-style casino out of our county. I'm writing letters to my congressman and to the newspaper, then they are shopped around to people in the community with worse writing skills but presumably more clout. That's how the "grassroots" political process works. Quite an eyeopener. I'm still looking for a full-time job, but I'm making some money now which gives us a little breathing room.

I'm also able to ride my bike to work, since my new office is in downtown Vancouver. It's pretty sweet, since gas here is $3.30 - 3.50/gallon. I still have to get the kids to school 3 times a week for before-school band rehersals, but at lease I can then leave the Volvo at home and ride my bike (with tassels! and a basket!). I don't have to worry about (forgetting to) feed the parking meter either.

The weather here is fantastic and I love my bike (with a bell!). I'd really like my permanent job to be located within bike-commute distance because it's fun and healthy. I have tons more energy and don't feel so bad about the General Foods International Coffee powder.