Getting Back On

There's an unwritten rule in the blogging world that it's not ok to reveal everything that goes on in your personal life. You want to intrigue your readers without sharing every detail of life's drama. I recently read an account from another blogger that summed it up perfectly. On one hand you have a blogger who basically shared their complete mid-life meltdown online and it cost them a lot of their readers. On the other hand you have the blogger that hides behind that computer screen telling themselves that everything is perfect because they say it is. Well dear friends, I don't want to be that person who tries to be squeaky shiny clean on the outside while I'm falling apart on the inside. I will admit a lot has gone on in my life lately, but if anything I think I had to go on a rough and strenuous journey to return to what I will find to be a rewarding and just path. Here goes.

Ive been in Allentown now for a month. I've been working successfully - loving my job and coworkers. I've been seeing friends here and there. My only downside is a lack of housing. There is no place here to call my own. I have been staying at friends' places, to which I am very appreciative. However something has been calling me back to State College and that something could be a number of things.

Tom.
I left with the idea that this relationship was over.  There was never really anything wrong with us, but to me it wasn't quite right. All this boy ever did was try to please me, and I turned down every attempt because I already had made up my mind that it wasn't good enough. Since leaving State College we ended up talking more than when we actually lived together. I took some time out for myself to really figure out what I wanted, and it only led me back to him. Cliche I know, but you don't know what you have til you don't have it anymore. I know a lot of people don't believe in second chances, but I'm going into this again with an open mind and a better attitude. A relationship takes some work, and it's my own fault for not realizing what was right in front of me. I'm very excited to see him and give this relationship a go again. Tom's the greatest, most supportive guy I've ever been with, and that's a good thing.

Pets.
Working at a pet store, while my pets are 175 miles away isn't very comforting. I miss them every day. I've been staying at friends' houses that have critters, but they're not my babies and so sometimes it makes it worse.

Home.
You know when you go away on a vacation and even though you could be having the time of your life, there still is no greater feeling than coming home and getting to sleep in your own bed? That's how I feel. I'm missing a level of comfort. I miss my kitchen. I've been eating fast food for the past twoish weeks. It's disgusting. I just want to make lemon bars and homemade salsa

Bicycles.
I thought in coming to Allentown that I may have a chance to ride around a little. I have yet to acquire a bicycle but I've been able to ride Meghan's bike around a bit. IT SUCKS. Riding is fun, but boy do I miss my bike. I miss suspension and grip shifts make me sad. The Coal Cracker Classic is a month away and I'm hoping that in my return to State College I can get a bike and ride again. I also miss my Jane ladies like crazy, so it'll feel good to be a part of the bike world again.

A Second Chance.
I have to admit that maybe I wasn't quite ready to leave Allentown the first time I left. When we moved to State College I still had so many attachments. I've spent the last month and a good part of the summer catching up with friends, seeing old sights, and most importantly I've learned what I want right now out of my life as far as jobs and relationships go. It's about who I want to be, and I think now that I'm ready. I can begin. I'm leaving on Wednesday, and I can't wait to start again - maybe try things differently. I may have fallen a couple times, but I think I'm ready to get back on.

Warm Weather Adventures!

Good day, readers! This post is long overdue. I've been out adventuring for quite some time, and have finally returned so that I may share my recent travels with you. The beginning of June started off with some adventures with the Janes. I can not believe it is June already as that means I've been in State College now for half of a year. I didn't want to sacrifice safety trying to take ride pictures, but here we are getting suited up for Abbey's first guided ride.

Bikes and Janes a plenty.

While it may have been a longer ride than what I'm used to, I felt very accomplished afterwards. I got to face the dreaded never-ending incline of Blue Course Drive, and it wasn't nearly as bad as last time. It almost felt like a completely different route. I also got the chance to talk to Carla more, and I am even more positive now that the Janes are where I should be, and that they will help me get to where I want to go.

 I had been craving rivers, and Tom and I took Vali over to Spring Creek Park to run around and explore. 

He's a natural swimmer.

Tom and Vali at the Mike Lynch Overlook.

The Janes had attempted a hike the last week in May but there were tornadoes(?!) that day, so it was cancelled. Tom and I, wanting to explore, decided to set out to the same destination of the cancelled hike on a later day and see where it took us. Mt Nittany kicked my butt that day, as I hadn't realized that there was a 600 foot elevation change all within less than half a mile. The next week the Janes went there and it was much more leisurely. Maybe because I didn't have an empty stomach this time. Everything seems easier with the Janes.

This picture is a must, as everyone has to see Carla(R) and her growly face even though we're shadows.

After some adventuring in State College, I set my sights to the motherland, and headed home to the Lehigh Valley. I had a couple amazing destinations on my list, such as Bake Oven Knob, the Rittenhouse Gap Mines, and the ZOO. My only sad report, is that I was having so much fun adventuring, that I took little time to document those adventures. I guess that makes me a good adventurer, and a terrible blogger.

I love you goats.

I went to the Lehigh Valley Zoo and saw all the animals. I arrived with less than an hour before the park closed, but managed to do my favorite thing, and that was feeding the goats. <3

Good yawn! or he's cheering for the Iron Pigs.

I also took Vali to Bark in the Park at CocaCola Park to see the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs. It was way too crowded, and on dog days the last thing you end up seeing is the actual baseball game.

Vali making friends.

Now I'm back in State College and I start a new job soon so I will have a little less time for adventures. In this kind of world, I need the money so I can't complain. I do have a lot I'm mulling over on the personal front, so I will report back shortly. Thanks for reading!

You Can Call Me Jane

Wednesday was my first ride with the Janes of See Jane Ride! It was definitely a rewarding and cathartic experience.

My day leading up to the ride was a very hectic one. Everything from the dog accidentally getting kicked in the face, losing a tooth, bleeding everywhere, me running late, the printer not working(I had to print my trial pass), to almost running out of gas and getting a little bit lost. In the end I made it just fine, and was pretty psyched to go on my first ride. Jane was even there waiting for me!

 Jane, You don't know how much I need this ride right now.

The amazing Dana (co-leader of the Janes) waited for me and filled me in on some safety tips. I honestly don't know much about road or group rides, so now I do. As you may remember I am lacking a bike right now, so I was set-up with an awesome 2010 Cannondale Quick; part of the Jane's fleet.

I was looking forward to talking and chatting, and even hamming it up. I have a habit of coming off as anti-social because people mistake my shyness as disinterest, so to make up for it I try to be over-the-top nice. It turns out that instead of being a chatty Cathy(or should I say Jane?) I decided to sit back and take it all in. It couldn't have been a more perfect day.

 Happy little farms.

It felt so nice  to just let go. I had been waiting to get out there, especially not having a job lately. I'm turning into a complete lump. Thanks Jane for kicking my butt. The mileage wasn't bad, something like 5 or 6? I have a feeling road riding miles will not intimidate me much anymore, especially if they continue to be as nicely paced as this loop. A couple hills along the way - nothing too scary. In fact they were very rewarding.

Happy little hills.
 

I would have liked to get to know the Janes more, as I did meet a couple, but feel like the opportunity will arise soon enough. I did meet another leader of the Janes, Carla, and got to introduce myself to others that I know I will see again. You should check out the Janes either at See Jane Ride or on facebook, and they also write about our adventures here!

Have a goodnight Mr. Sun!

The ride was very easy going. Perfect weather; perfect day. Without getting too personal, I have a very strong spiritual/religious connection with the wind. A certain someone was with me there that day. I find that Nature's greatest gift is some wind through your hair. I couldn't have been happier.

Defining "Bike-Friendly"

I hail from the land of Allentown. It was one of those cities that boomed during the industrial revolution, built on the foundations of cement, iron, and steel. Now it is known for traffic, bums, crack busts, and a terrible public school system. However, the city isn't completely without benefit. It has many parks and recreational areas, and isn't too far away from some forests and mountains, ones that I grew up on. Oh and Yacco's.

I almost wish that billboard was real.

Now, I've never had that big of a problem with Allentown- in fact I love it. While many consider me a "towny" there are plenty of people that feel like Allentown is a trap, and they constantly speak of life outside the Lehigh Valley. My boy Tom, and his brother, Ed, don't hold much favor for the city. When we lived there Tom was jumped once by 3 guys and had his beloved Bontrager stolen from the back of his car that was broken into. Traffic makes it hard to bike anywhere and motorists are not the friendliest here. Both boys were sick of their jobs, and wanted a change of scenery.

 When I think of Allentown and bicycles, I think of this.

and this.

Summer rolled around with some visits to my friend Rachael who had just moved to State College, PA with her twin brother Chris. The Ruhl twins rode their bikes everywhere, as you could in State College, with nothing more than a couple miles away. I was inspired by the area, so accommodating to cyclists and pedestrians. Allentown was quite the opposite. While things were in walking/riding distance, a smart person wouldn't try to wander around in Allentown.

 This is Rachael. She will stab me when she realizes I've used this picture.

Chris and Tom got to know each other a little better with each visit. Tom was also introduced to the Ruhl twin's roommate Justin, one of the owners of FreezeThaw Cycles, an awesome bike shop downtown. We played around with the idea many times in the Ruhl's kitchen. It went something like this -

"Wouldn't it be lovely if you and Thomas were to grace us with your presence in State College more often?"
"Why yes! By what means doust thou suggest?"
"Surely, you should'st move your belongings, as well as residence to this fair town?"
"What a marvelous idea! But what of our occupation?"
"Thomas is of a qualified nature to work at the bicycle shop come spring. His skill shows much promise."
"Splendid! it shall be done at once!"

All of my memories are Victorian. We did drink a lot of tea that day. Anyway, after it was suggested, almost with jest, it became a very possible reality for us. We wanted to move to State College. Well, Tom for certain wanted to move, I simply wanted to be supportive. Not quite sure of what my own intentions would be, once I got there.

"Won't life in State College be grand?"

Now I live here. State College, the land of happy bicycles. What most people would define as "bike-friendly." What makes this town bike-friendly you ask. Well first off, there are many places that sell, repair, and service bicycles.

FreezeThaw Cycles Downtown. There is also Eddie's, and The Bicycle Shop.

Regardless of whether you are downtown, or on the outskirts of the city, there are bike paths going every which direction. 

Along Blue Course Drive

Always a place to lock your bike. Bike racks are all over downtown, and near grocery stores and apartment complexes.

Look at all the bikes making friends!

Most importantly would be the attitude of the people in the community. These cyclists don't just ride "cause it's cool." The town consists of mostly college students, who may not have a car. There's also plenty of mountain biking enthusiasts in town, because outside of town we are surrounded by 215,000 acres of the Rothrock State Forest. I think the town itself is a better place because it embraces it's bicycle community. For the record, it was the largest factor in considering moving here.