MeghanIsMe

Despite an earlier miscommunication about scheduling, I got Longing, my three-season bike in for a full tune-up at Uptown Bikes. It's a woman-owned bike shop that focuses on commuters and has staff who know their stuff. It's only slightly out of my way to go there on the way home instead of the bike shop around the corner from where I live, and I'm happy to put in the effort.

I took the train from work to pick Longing up. Zie has a shiny new front wheel, chain, and cassette, the slightly loose headset is snugged up, and the brakes are nice and snappy. Riding was a real pleasure for the three-quarters of a mile I made it before a minor adjustment issue caused the chain to pop off the rear gears. I replaced it, then tried to duplicate the issue to make sure it wasn't a fluke. It happened again, but this time I couldn't get the chain back on. Oops! I walked back to the shop and got a quick fix, then rode about half a mile before realizing I'd left my U-lock at the shop. Oops! I rode back to the get the U-lock, then finally headed home.

By the time I got there it was quarter after the start of my volunteer shift with the doggies, and I hadn't eaten yet, and I was going to leave early to get keys to our former housemate N who's catsitting for us this weekend. I decided it made more sense to just stay home. Maybe I'd play with Factorio a little more; it's been a long time.

Instead, I shortly realized that I wasn't just tired; I was exhausted. I laid down and fell asleep, turning off the 8:30 alarm I'd set so I could go out and meet N. I figured I'd just wait for Danae to get home. She did, and after struggling valiantly to get me out of bed, we drove out to do the handoff.

I was feeling more awake than I'd expected to this morning given the trouble I had sleeping. That didn't last too long into my ride to work though. The headwind was brutal. I hope it keeps up until I leave; I love cruising along at 20 miles an hour and pedaling like I'm going 10.

This evening, Danae and I are leaving for House on the Rock and the Don Q Inn, among other things. I've been there several times, but she's never had the experience. I'm excited about seeing her reaction to the place.

My new phone will supposedly be there when I get home. I got an email two days ago from UPS saying a delivery was scheduled for yesterday. No such delivery occurred, but I got an email late in the evening saying a delivery was scheduled for today, and this time the tracking status actually has an update. It's rather bigger than my present phone and may take some getting used to.

I just reserved a car to drive back to Chicago on December 16th. At about $90 with insurance, it's at least comparable to flying. (Though that doesn't count the gas, gas won't be too much for a compact.) And I don't like flying, and I do like long-distance road trips. So yay!

Ok, I need to get to some school work now. I will manage the rest of this semester.

One of the things I've been planning this Summer is a trip I've wanted to take for years. Getting to Engineer's Day at the Soo Locks has just never worked out. This year, I was going to make a solo drive out and sleep in my car on the cheap. To my pleasant surprise, Miriam decided she wanted to come with and make a little vacation of it with me. I've finally settled on lodging in Sault Ste. Marie and, on the way back, Marinette. With splitting of expenses, it won't end up costing me much more than I would have paid for gas on my own, and we'll have a lovely couple of days together seeing sights.

I'll have no trouble filling my day at the locks. I'm thrilled about the power plant tour, walking the walls of the locks, and up-close views of big freighters on their way through the channel! The second day should be a lot of fun too; Miriam and I love walking around historic downtowns, wandering into boutiques, and looking at architecture.

Do any of you know Marinette and Menominee? I'd love some advice from experience!