CU Bike to Work Day - My Newbie Experience

CU Bike to Work Day was about a week ago. I went for it, I biked to work! Being someone that does not normally bike anywhere, I was excited about the challenge and a little nervous about being on the road.

Luckily for me, I live only a mile away from work. This was gonna be CAKE, right?!

Sadly, there weren't any official CU Bike to Work Day stations with free stuff on my side of town. I left 15 mins early, since I had no idea how long it would take. I got to work with plenty of time to spare, which was pretty cool. I ride an old Schwinn (maybe.. it has been repainted), it is probably from 1950something. Single gear. There was an uphill moment that I really had to pump on, but other than that it was a decent ride. I wore a different shirt in case I got too hot, which really I didn't because it was 8am.

At work, everyone that noticed I biked mentioned it and was in awe a bit. It was strange to get so much recognition for a mode of transportation. But then again, I bet if I showed up on a Harley there'd be a lot of talk too ;)

I had a meeting outside of my office that luckily was close, so I rode to it and back.

Lunchtime was approaching and I realized I hadn't brought anything. I normally go home for lunch to eat with my husband. Damn.. I was going to have to bike back home for lunch! I was getting a little tired of all this morning biking, but had to do it so I loaded up and headed back home. This was the harder ride because I was hungry, it was warm, and I was already a little tired from my morning excursions. I survived though, and the ride home after work was pretty gentle.

I'm glad I tried biking to work. When I started my new job and realized its close proximity to my home, I figured I should try to bike every once in a while. All kinds of things like nerves and the extra planning got in the way. CU Bike to Work Day made me get off my ass and onto my bike.

Since then, I haven't rode. Even though the weather has been beautiful... I realized I should really wear a helmet, which I don't have. Well, I have a roller derby helmet, but from what I understand it is not the same, and would not do.

To sum things up, let me list what I learned about biking to work:

• Biking to work is great because it gets you moving and your heart pumping! Plus, it saves gas, etc.
• Bring your lunch if you think the extra trip will be a bit much for you...
• Learn the rules of the road - there was a point where I was turning left and didn't know where to be in the lane...
• You won't get that sweaty, especially if your only trip is in the morning/after work. Although bringing a shirt to change into might make you a bit more comfortable.
• Keep deodorant at work or bring with you.
• Plan your errands. If you have places to go, you'll need to figure out how to bike there or save them for the car after work.
• Less road rage - unless cars don't share the road, which luckily.. I didn't encounter.
• Biking to work feels good. Although I was a bit tired at the end of the day, I know I would get used to it and to the great feeling of getting yourself somewhere without relying on a big car and gas $$.

Whew! So that was my experience. Did you do it? Would you do it?

Ya Heard?

So there is a lot going on this weekend in Chambana (that's why we love it, right?)

I'm going to give you Friday's top priority:



JD McPherson, free, at Krannert, 5-7pm.

I've seen him twice, I've listened to his record a thousand times, I still haven't gotten enough.

Whether you're a rockabilly cat or even just a "normal person", you'll love the musicianship and passion exuding from this group. Plus, they were on Letterman, so they're totally legit.

Saturday, you're going to want to do a lot of things for the Boneyard Arts Festival. I know I do! It is actually to the point that there are so many great things to do I'm tempted to have a meltdown and sit on the couch in my sweats. I'm 97% sure I won't, but that 3% possibility is always there...

ANYWAY, my top priorities are to visit The Living Letterpress, The Art Theater, and The Virginia Theatre. Here's why:

Image from LLP's Facebook.

The Living Letterpress - Friday & Saturday, 11-5pm, visit the studio and pull a print. Also, see artist Lisa Kesler in action making a linocut.
I'm mildly obsessed with their work. I think there is something very special about letterpress and I appreciate the work they've put into bringing it back. I really like words and phrases, and that is a lot of what they do (obviously!). Bonus: Everyone I've met involved with Living Letterpress is a wonderful person, passionate about their work.

Ippatsu Salon - Friday, 8-10pm, artist reception *free wine alert*
I won't be able to make it there, but you should also go to Ippatsu tonight to see the wonderful Baub Aldred's artwork at their fancy reception. It will be faboosh!

The Ghastly Love of Johnny X - @ The Art Theater, Friday & Saturday, Midnight
I want to see this because it is supposed to be awesomely bad. See it on IMDB. "A truly mad concoction, blending 1950s juvenile delinquents, sci-fi melodrama, song-and-dance, and a touch of horror, everything in just the right combination to create an engaging big screen spectacle!" The movie's opening weekend earned $86. It will probably be a cult classic in like 3 seconds. Don't you want to say you saw it before the hipsters took it over? Yeah, I thought so.

Image via my phone+Instagram <3

The Virginia Theatre - Saturday, 1-5pm, free Open House to view latest restoration.
Okay, so part of that is a work plug. What? I didn't make the announcement that I now work as the Marketing Coordinator for the Champaign Park District? Welp, there it is. Here's what makes my work plug legit - I've been to The Virginia Theatre many times in the last week alone. I still want to go. The restoration work blows my mind, especially seeing before and after pictures (which we have on display within the theatre). Please please please walk through and take a peek. It is free, beautiful, there will be free popcorn (!!!) and an organ performance around 2pm.

Pullin' on the heartstrings...

So I was browsing The News Gazette the other day and saw a huge article about a couple named Scott and Jessica planning on providing care to pets of terminally ill hospice care patients. When a person is admitted into hospice care with pets, they or their family have to deal with the stress of planning the pet's future. Not always can a family member care for the pet, so they then have to make the difficult choice to take them to a shelter or to put them down. What the couple's organization, Hospice Hearts Sanctuary, will offer is care for these pets and the opportunity for the patient to maintain a relationship with them, rather than have to say "goodbye". If the patient passes away, Hospice Hearts Sanctuary will then either adopt out or extend care for the animal. This is a huge undertaking for Scott and Jessica and is quite commendable!

So reading this story, I see that they are planning a French Market to fund-raise. Hm.. Intriguing! So I did what any normal, self-respecting person would do - stalk the organization on Facebook!

The event page says this:

This Saturday, March 23rd, Hospice Hearts Sanctuary will be hosting a French Market

New Champaign Non-Profit to Hold French Market
Urbana, Illinois, March 1, 2013 – Join central Illinois artisans and other local vendors on Saturday, March 23, 2013, for a French Market to benefit Hospice Hearts Sanctuary, a Champaign County non-profit that will provide care for dogs and cats with terminally ill owners.
The French Market will be open from 1:00–8:00 p.m. at the Urbana Civic Center at 108 East Water Street. Admission to the French Market is $3 for adults. Children are free, but are welcome to bring a donation of pet food for local rescue organization Catsnap.
Inspired by an open air market in France, the French Market will integrate forty local vendors selling handcrafted and other unique goods and an assortment of other activities, including:

• Local musicians — including Motherlode Stringband, Caleb Cook, David Howie, and Jammin’ Jimmy Bean — will set the mood of the market with acoustic tunes.
• Gourmet small plates of French hors d’eourves from Cheese and Crackers and French desserts from The New Sweet Indulgence will be available for purchase.
• Over fifty handmade quilts, blankets, and afghans from the Hospice Hearts Sanctuary Cover With Love Online Auction will be available for viewing and bidding.
• Champaign-Urbana therapy dogs will be onsite in Le Smooch Le Pooch Booth, accepting kisses and hugs for donations to Hospice Hearts Sanctuary.

More information about Hospice Hearts Sanctuary is available online.





I'm sorry... Le Smooth Le Pooch? Adorable!

I contacted Hospice Hearts Sanctuary to find out how they managed to put this all together. I've been there, I've done that, and it is difficult! Luckily for them, they have a strong team of friends helping them make their dream happen. As far as locating vendors? Word spread and people got really excited. And who wouldn't for such a good cause?

This definitely seems like an organization that needs your support getting off the ground. If you can't make it to the fundraiser, you may contribute online here. As of 3/20/13 they are about a third of the way to their goal.

If you can, well.. enjoy a little shopping with some great music and food! Oh, and don't forget your striped shirt and barrett ;)