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.
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:
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!
Ah, one of the throw up kids! There's one in every bunch it seems. Kindergarten teachers aren't paid nearly enough!
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.
GORGEOUS bike!!!!!!!!!!
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.
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.
A nice bike - It is funny how we go through these stages as the kids grow up.
In a parallel and nearby universe, I am a big city bike messenger.
Yes, the sibling rivalry can get annoying
It's usually how I remember events - what age my kids were when they happened
I'll tell her you said so :)
Well, it's wholly your decision. But... I bought a bowling ball...
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. :)
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