FEELING A BIT CRAZY! I BOUGHT A BIKE!

There comes a time in Midlife where you get to do fun things for yourself. My first playful purchase was a new bicycle.

MY FIRST POST-WORK PURCHASE

It didn't take long for the less-than-employed craziness to take hold now that I have the head space to start thinking about what I'd like to do in the months ahead. We went out shopping last week and before I knew it - we'd bought me a bike to ride around the neighbourhood on - it even has a cute little carry basket for when I pop down to the library or the shops.

I didn't realize that all this time I have had a bucket list floating around in the back of my mind of things I'd like to do when I wasn't caught up in being tired or work-weary. One of the first things on the list was this blog. I must have had a million thoughts stewing away with nowhere to go with them until I discovered the wonderful world of blogging. Now I have somewhere to put it all down and it's been really good fun.

BUYING A BICYCLE

The next cab off the to-do-list rank was apparently the crazy idea of buying a pushbike! I had a bike years ago that was more of a mountain bike style and because I'm tall I always felt hunched over and uncomfortable when I was riding it. (I'd never do well if I needed to compete in a triathalon - fortunately there isn't a snowflake's chance in hell of that happening so I'm okay!) But now there is a new "vintage bike" craze where they are making bikes like the one I used to ride when I was a girl (a loooong time ago) and the style suits me really well. This one even came with a carry rack on the back and a basket on the front - which sociable cat was quick to try out - before I'd even had a chance to go for a spin.

IT'S NOT A JEEP....BUT IT'S STILL FUN

There's a popular commercial in Australia for Jeep where people are declaring "I bought a Jeep" as the pinnacle of freedom and personal achievement.

Jeep ad - a tongue in cheek look at what women do when they have some spare time and money.

Seeing I JUST QUIT MY JOB!!! (note the joyful chorus of ten thousand angels singing as I type that) I don't really have the funds to go crazy and indulge in buying a Jeep, so my catch cry will have to be "I bought a bike!" I'm sure I'll have more fun on two wheels than I would have had in a four wheeled tank so I am quite excited about ticking this one off the bucket list I didn't know that I had. An added bonus might be that I get a bit fitter along the way - I could feel the thigh burn when I was pedalling up a slight slope or two, so it must be good for my somewhat out of shape midlife body.

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

Have you bought anything recently that made you smile? I love that Midlife gives us the opportunity to give ourselves little gifts now and then without having to feel guilty about needing to use the money elsewhere. I hope you find some joy in a purchase that rewards you for the hard work you've done to reach this age and stage.

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34 comments

  1. Janine Huldie13 May 2015 at 18:21

    Love that you bought a bike and seriously not sure the last time I rode a bike myself, but just brought me back trying to recall ;)

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    1. Leanne13 May 2015 at 21:40

      Hi Janine - It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be and it's a great feeling covering the same amount of distance in a lot less time! (The cat stayed home)

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  2. Ginny Marie13 May 2015 at 20:16

    I had to click on over from Janine's blog...I just bought a bike, too! I really love it and am going to blog about it soon! I had an old 10 speed and felt all hunched over like you did, and with my new bike I'm definitely more upright. Yea for bike riding!

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    1. Leanne13 May 2015 at 21:42

      Yay Ginny - make sure you post a picture and I'll toodle on over to your blog to check it out. Sitting up more is so much nicer and I'm just loving my little excursions (altho my thighs were complaining a bit on the upward slopes!)

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  3. Unknown13 May 2015 at 22:25

    I'm laughing! You're in full tilt re-teen mode. Isn't it fun! We're gonna start calling you Gidget . . .
    Enjoy the day . . .
    Kimberly
    http://FiftyJewels.com

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    1. Leanne14 May 2015 at 10:51

      I love that Kimberley! I'm appointing myself as an official re-teen!

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  4. Unknown13 May 2015 at 23:22

    It's about time that those old bikes make a come-back. They are much more comfortable to ride than any 10-speed I've ever been on. Enjoy yours to the max, Leanne ... and thanks so much for being part of #1Word. :D

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    1. Leanne14 May 2015 at 10:51

      It's always fun doing the #1word and I'm definitely a fan of the old bike come-back Marcia!

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  5. Rena13 May 2015 at 23:37

    Hahaha! I agree with Kimberly "Gidget" is the perfect name for you! Your excitement is contagious. I can't wait to hear about your new adventures!

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    1. Leanne14 May 2015 at 10:52

      Thanks Rena - I'm about to take the deadly tredly for a spin - Gidget might be turning in her grave but I'm having fun :)

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  6. Unknown13 May 2015 at 23:59

    Family bike rides are my favorite times. That's what we did on Mother's Day. Enjoy!!

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    1. Leanne14 May 2015 at 10:53

      Thanks Cristin - I'm loving the freedom!

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  7. My New Happy14 May 2015 at 03:10

    How fun! I love to ride bikes, and I often look longingly at mine hanging in the garage. You'll have so much fun!

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    1. Leanne14 May 2015 at 10:53

      Hi Lana - my old one sat in the back of the shed til the tyres perished - I'm hoping this one has a more fruitful existence - so far so good :)

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  8. Unknown14 May 2015 at 06:13

    Love your bike! I want one too:) Do I see a cat there in the basket? If yes, that's a cute little fellow:)

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    1. Leanne14 May 2015 at 10:54

      Yes Abby - that is our very sociable cat that has to stick her nose into everything (she won't be coming riding with me tho). Glad to see you back in the blogosphere!

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  9. Plutonium Sox14 May 2015 at 06:30

    Oh, this sounds exciting! congratulations on your bike! Cycling is very high on my list of things I want to do more of when I have a bit more time on my hands. I estimate I have about 3 1/2 years to wait. Sigh.

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    1. Leanne14 May 2015 at 10:56

      Hi Natalie - those 3 1/2 years will be gone before you know it - at least you have something to look forward to helping fill all that future spare time (it'll probably be further down the track than you think but it comes quickly!)

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  10. Lisa Witherspoon14 May 2015 at 10:19

    I loved riding my bike as a kid, but couldn't even tell you the last time I rode one. Good for you!!

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    1. Leanne14 May 2015 at 10:57

      I was the same Lisa - I had one for a while when the kids were younger but it wasn't as comfortable to ride as this one and we lived in a very hilly area that was a bit off putting. This time around looks much more positive!

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  11. Unknown14 May 2015 at 16:06

    That is an awesome bike - I love it! Great post had a good chuckle - thanks for sharing :-)

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    1. Leanne15 May 2015 at 11:35

      thanks Claire - I'm pretty chuffed with the bike - especially the carry basket!

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  12. MamaRabia15 May 2015 at 22:23

    Looks a lot like my bike (which I just took a nasty spill on). Enjoy!! Bike riding is (usually) such fun!

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    1. Leanne16 May 2015 at 12:25

      I'll think of you Rabia if I'm ever lying on the ground next to my bike :)

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  13. Anonymous22 June 2015 at 10:23

    This is a great post, Leanne, and thank you for adding it to #TheLeisureLink! Congrats on new career choice of leisure and many happy miles on the bike!!

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    1. Leanne24 June 2015 at 16:22

      thanks Terri - it's been a lovely way to feel like a big kid again

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  14. Michele22 June 2015 at 10:26

    I love your blue bike and especially the basket. How fun! I bought an old 60's blue bike too, but I am awaiting a knee replacement so riding it will have to wait. I bet you will have a lot of fun tooling around on your bike!

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    1. Leanne24 June 2015 at 16:22

      I'm really enjoying coasting down the hills - going back up again is still a bit of a struggle - I hope the knee replacement happens soon and goes well

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  15. Lisa Dorenfest22 June 2015 at 13:30

    I think you made a great trade (your job for a bike). Oh where those wheels will take you. Enjoy!

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    1. Leanne24 June 2015 at 16:23

      yes Lisa, it's nice to not spend every day behind a desk - the fresh air is a nice trade off!

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  16. Kathy @ SMART Living 365.com23 June 2015 at 03:42

    Hi Leanne! I just found this post on Terri's Leisure Linkup. I LOVE your bike and it reminds me of my own. We call them "cruisers" because they allow you to sit up like you say and they are very comfortable to ride. I really enjoy just tooling around and enjoying the ride so I completely agree they can be more fun than we usually expect. ~Kathy

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    1. Leanne24 June 2015 at 16:26

      Hi Kathy - I like the expression of "tooling around" and cruising - I'm going to call my bike a cruiser too now.

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  17. Jodie's Touch of Style23 June 2015 at 10:16

    What a great activity to start! The way I was able to get my husband to go riding with me was to plan an excursion to an eatery for breakfast!! It was a win-win! jodie
    www.jtouchofstyle.com
    #theleisurelink

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    1. Leanne24 June 2015 at 16:41

      I really do love the bike riding and I'll have to try to convince my husband to join me sometime :) thanks for stopping by.

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