06 March 2007

Haircuts and bikes

So, I got my hair cut yesterday. While I should have been at work. (Shhh!)

I sort of like it; as in, it's shorter and the split ends are gone and it's softer. But my angled bangs that were previously cute and not too short are now adorable and way too short. Well, not hip-short; I don't look like I'm trying to wear skinny pants and listen to Emo or anything. But they're shorter than they were. And they were cut differently than before. That's what I get for skipping work. And getting my hair cut at a salon in the mall. And not scheduling an appointment with the guy who rocked my hair last time. Let this be a lesson to you: don't skip work and then expect to get a great haircut. Karma won't allow it.

Recently I had a discussion with my co-workers about riding bicycles. One of my co-workers doesn't know how to ride a bike, which warms my heart a bit. See, I didn't learn how to ride a bike until I was 13. One Three. Yeah. I've always been a slow learner, with walking, swimming (although I still can't tread water), biking, etc. I just don't like to put myself in what could be harm's way if I don't have to. I also lived in the country, so learning to ride a bike meant being willing to fall on a gravel road. Ouch.

My mom finally told me that I needed to learn (at least that's how I remember it. Hi Mom!), and she told me about how she learned by just coasting down a hill. The balance was the most important thing, she said, so coasting would teach me that. Then I could add on the pedaling. Well, after a few weeks of trying, I got up enough courage to try to actually "ride the bike." It sort of worked; I certainly didn't become the next Tour de France contender, but I could get around on two wheels if necessary.

It's been so long since those days that I no longer feel confident on a bicycle. I know people say it comes back to you, but I've got something to say to those people: Not when you were a crappy bike rider in the first place. I tried months ago, but was so embarrassed that I stopped immediately and decided to give up forever. Now I feel like I should hop back on the horse, because if nothing else I need to be able to teach my kids this stuff.

When did you learn to ride? Are you still wonderful at it?

4 comments:

Elizabeth said...

I learned at the age of six or so. And while I haven't forgotten... I'm not very good. Low confidence, poor balance!

Anonymous said...

This is one of the reasons why I love you dearly. You an I, we're so alike in the weirdest of ways. I didn't learn to ride until I was 12, despite the training wheels and practicing in the hallway IN MY HOUSE ON CARPET for years.

I felt like such a big kid when I finally took it to the streets.

Now, if I could just learn how to tread water....

ihearttheastros said...

cobbalicious, I feel you. Poor balance will get you every time!

becks, I think these are reasons I love you dearly as well. No treading water for these gals! And we'll just ride our bikes whenever (and wherever) we please!

Anonymous said...

I was 10 or 11-ish. My parents were visiting their old college friends in a nearby town. Their 11 or 12-ish daughter was my playmate by default because of the visit. They had real streets unlike my sand dirt roads (that will give you a workout if you can manage to balance in it!). When she discovered I couldn't ride, she matter-of-factly told me to get on hers and about the brake, then ran along side me in the driveway, then the street a few times. Viola`! I was a bike rider. And then went on to cover many, many miles when we moved away from the sand. I can still ride.
JSS