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Thursday, March 8, 2012

kindergarten consolation

It was a bittersweet time for me when Meego started kindergarten.  I still remember his first day as he wore a backpack that was nearly as big as he was.  He was excited, though, and I was excited for him, even though I knew I would miss having him as my constant compagnon.  I had spent the previous 11 years with at least one, and usually more, kids home with me during those weekdays.  It was like "Empty Nest Lite".

At least it was an easy transition.  He only went to school in the afternoons, so we had our mornings together.  That first afternoon, I took him to his classroom and all us kindergarten moms hung around as the teacher read a story.  There were tears - some downright wailing and bawling in fact.  Some of the kids were crying too... 

Not Meego.  Finally, it was his turn to be a school kid, rather than a volunteer mom tag-along.  Shortly after the start of that school year, I thought that he and I should go out and mark this life transition.  One morning, the two of us headed out for some quality time.

To the bike shop.

I mean, right?  What better way to celebrate/console myself than to buy a new bicycle?  He had a new teacher, new friends, new school stuff.  What about my needs?!?

The bicycle I had at the time was like the minivan of bicycles.  It was sturdy (heavy) and had a child's seat for Meego attached.  He was moving on, I should too.  We went to the bike shop and that's when I met Bella. 

Just as I had mixed emotions about Meego starting school, I had mixed emotions about making such a purchase for myself.  At that time, I wasn't bringing in any income, and I had trouble buying things for myself.  I justified Bella in knowing that riding her would save on gas expense.  I'm not necessarily a recreational rider.  I like to use my bicycles for "getting stuff done". 

That was over six years ago now, and we've gotten a s***load of stuff done!  What a great bicycle - goes most anywhere I want her to take me, all the while looking good. 

Last week I took her in for her annual spa treatment, and I just picked her up today.  All shiny and cleansed and rejuvenated - ready for action.  See how perdy?

And yes, a few years ago, I added the speedy Tessa the roadbike as further consolation or whatever.  But Bella is a milestone marker for me.


Ma belle bicyclette

13 comments:

Shawnte said...

Cute story about Bella the bicycle! That is quite a beautiful bike ^^.

Your son going to Kindergarten for the first time made me think of my first time going to school. Yea, I was one of those kids who was bawling because I didn't want to part from my mom xD. Boy, I used to cry so hard I would make myself sick and start throwing up on the bus x.x No lie!

Glad to hear Meego handled going to school better than I did as a kid!

Abby said...

Ah, one of the throw up kids! There's one in every bunch it seems. Kindergarten teachers aren't paid nearly enough!

terri said...

That last kid going off to kindergarten is a definite milestone. I had a very similar experience. I was running a home daycare at the time and when Kacey was leaving the house every afternoon (after lunch and an episode of Arthur) I wondered, what the heck am I doing hanging around home with other people's kids! I celebrated/consoled myself by getting a job at the kids' school.

I have been very mildly considering buying a bike. We have a gorgeous 18 mile paved non-motorized activity kind of trail running right through our city. I just don't want to make a major purchase and then realize it's not something I'm going to be dedicated to. Still thinking on that idea.

Jenn and Casey said...

GORGEOUS bike!!!!!!!!!!

agg79 said...

Ah Bella Mia. She is a ageless beauty. Good reward for such a milestone. I bet Tessa gets jealous with all that attention you give to Bella.

Guano said...

I like the idea of using Bella to Get Stuff Done -- Bella's da Bomb! Ithink those big city bike messenger (crazy) people have a really cool job, too. Quite the rush, in a raw, minimalist, but useful way.

Rock Chef said...

A nice bike - It is funny how we go through these stages as the kids grow up.

Abby said...

In a parallel and nearby universe, I am a big city bike messenger.

Abby said...

Yes, the sibling rivalry can get annoying

Abby said...

It's usually how I remember events - what age my kids were when they happened

Abby said...

I'll tell her you said so :)

Abby said...

Well, it's wholly your decision. But... I bought a bowling ball...

ShadowRun300 said...

I love that you love your bike! I feel that way about my car and motorcycle. I have a bicycle as well that I received as a gift from my hubby EONS ago. He recently took it in for a spa treatment, and I started riding it again this past summer. I use it for exercise, but I'd forgotten how fun it is to ride. It took some getting used to after being on the motorcycle for a while. It felt kinda skinny. :)