On December 6th, I set out to help the LA Greensters on a toy ride for the St. Anne’s Women & Children Social Services Organization. The organization has been around for 100 years and are helping young mothers become self sufficient single parent. Our ride started out at the Vermont and Santa Monica Redline Metro station. Jeremy, our ride coordinator, graciously provided participants (and some passersby) homemade tomato and cheese pizza on the back of his Xtracycle. I got there early to talk to Jeremy about our bike camping trip after Christmas. This event attracted a few fixed gear riders who just happened to be in the neighborhood and wanted to join in on the action.
Jeremy already brought along 2 huge B.O.B. bags worth of toys and dental hygiene packages. His load was definitely something to be amazed about. I believe he said that the load was about 80lbs. He rode with the load like a pro and at times cutting it really close to parked cars as we casually meandered down Santa Monica Blvd. There were about 15 riders, 3 of which were Xtracycles. I was hauling my Timbuk2 bag, my 2 wooden dinosaur toy, and some beverages in my Xtracycle. We rode out to the 99 cent store to pick up some more toys for the kids.
At the store all of us cyclists easily found spots to park our bikes. Some of us went in to shop while others opted to stand guard our bikes while we were away. I picked up a few more gifts, notably hula hoops and a huge pen. While we were waiting outside of the parking lot, we were witnessing mayhem in the 99 cent store parking lot. People were honking. They were angry and frustrated while we watched on. It just didn’t make sense why they were in such a bad mood for a quick trip to the store. Come on, get on your bikes and you can leave all this BS behind. The still don’t get it.
Eventually, we regrouped and rode East toward St. Anne’s. 
It was a mellow ride as we navigated through side streets and hills through-out Los Angeles. We finally made it our at St. Anne’s parking lot at 4:30. We were greeted by the gracious staff there who were happy to see the amount of riders come through hauling toys. We all eventually unloaded our loot on a cart / dolly. A few folks toured the facility as we talked it up about what they did at St. Anne’s. We snapped a few photos before everyone decided to head back to where we started. I followed the group until a minor incident with a harassing motorist separated us from the main group. As temper settled, we bravely joined traffic back on Vermont. We once again separated by a traffic light and I was riding with Aubrey Provost, the 8th Council District representative who had hosted the previous Crenshaw Crush ride. We soon met up with the rest of the group at the train station, said our good byes and left for home. On my way home, I was assured by 2 fellow riders, Mark & Dale that my newly purchased warning triangle is doing it’s job!
For those of you who need a jump start in your holiday spirit go out and participate the first night of Los Angeles Departmenet of Water and Power’s 14th Annual Festival of Lights at Griffith Park this Thursday, December 3rd. Apparently this is the only night you can ride your bike to view each of the displays. After that, you’ll have to hop on a shuttle to see the display from December 4th until December 17th. From December 18th until December 30th is for car traffic.
I’ve only been there by car in previous years and never by bike so this will be an exciting experience. I think out of the 3 choices, this would be the best way to see the display since you dictate the pace and can stop and go as you please without impeding traffic. It’s ironic how LADWP is touting that they are going green when they only have one night dedicated to bicycle traffic and 13 nights for cars. Having car free nights with the shuttle is a good step but it could be better. Perhaps powering each light display like how folks at Copenhagen is doing it for their Christmas tree might be better?
Photo provided by sgroi on Flickr
Some how during all my life changing events, the “feeling” of the holiday season isn’t here. Considering that I’m writing about this on Christmas I don’t think the feeling will be coming this year. To me, it seems like another day. Yes, I get to see more family, friends and have a 2 week vacation to help me usher in this holiday season. Unfortunately, purchasing this new home seem to have sucked the festive feeling right out of me.
I think the main reason for this lack of “feeling” is that I didn’t get to go Christmas shopping this year. Just alot of shopping for the new home. I didn’t feel I took part of the giving. I even tried to replicate by participating in volunteer events every weekend this December but still nothing.
I’m not the only one who’s feeling this way. My sister, who is also in the midst of her home remodeling is bitten by the scrooge bug. Gone is our annual Christmas tree. Gone is the presents under the tree. Gone is the annual tradition of staying up until Christmas morning to open our presents.
I’m hoping this is only a temporary setback only for this year. I’m hoping the same time next year, we both will be situated and will be fighting to have our traditions restored. Maybe then 2009 will give me back that “feeling” of the holiday season. But for now, here are some pictures from recent events in my life.
Anyway, I still wanted to wish everyone out there a very Merry Christmas. And if I don’t post again before the new year begins, Happy New Year!
I can’t believe Thanksgiving is upon us. I’ve been so wrapped up with this home thing that I lost sight of the holiday. I wish I could have enjoyed it more even though I took this week off. My sister and I agreed that this year, it doesn’t “feel” like Thanksgiving. I suppose in the previous year we focused more on the holiday. Not that owning a home is a bad thing but I need to sit back a bit and reflect upon what I’m thankful about. I’m thankful I have great family and friends in my life. I’m thankful I get along so well with my sister. We’ve been much closer in our adult years. I suppose it’s the fact that we have each other to lean on. We’re going through the same ordeal in buying our first house and have been bouncing ideas and recommendations off each other. I’m thankful that my friends are still my friends. Some of us don’t talk as much while others I see on a weekly basis. I’m so thankful I have friends regardless of how frequently I see them.
Anyhow, I think I’ve expressed myself enough and would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! Hopefully next year I’ll have my own Thanksgiving feast at my place. But going to others would have to do this year. So let the gorging begin!
Comments (2) 
Themocracy