Lately I’ve been trying to run my errands — literally. This was inspired by my friend Jen’s observation that today’s working woman — man too — is like a hamster, caged up in a little cubicle all day, then getting on the spinning wheel for a sad little workout.
So why not make moving around and getting things done one smooth, incorporated activity? Today I ran over to the UPS store to mail a package — ok, I walked this part cuz the package was heavy — then I ran to the voting booth, where I sweatily inked my ballot and talked the guy with the “I Voted!” stickers into giving me one still on the wax paper so I could put it on my post-shower outfit.
After that, I ran over to the ATM to deposit some checks and a mailed a couple letters. Total mileage: almost 3 miles! Here’s a map of my route.
Other bonus: I didn’t have to drive to the gym. I’m currently in the process of trying to quit my Bally membership, and would appreciate any advice from people who’ve achieved a successful divorce from Bally’s in the past –
An aside — I got a Bright Eyes CD in the mail. I think it’s a birthday present, but I have no idea who sent it — Reveal thyself so I can send a thank you note :)
November 8th, 2005 at 6:45 pm
I prefer using a bicycle. But running sounds good too. The cold weather is starting here in PA, so it is really hard to motivate myself to use a bike or walk. Distances are not so large in State College but the cold sometimes makes both walking or biking impossible. In that case nature forces us to run on little spinning wheels.
BTW, regarding a totally different thing: what code have you used for your comments? When I click on the comments link they show up right below the post. If you don’t mind sharing the code, can I have it? Thanks
November 8th, 2005 at 7:46 pm
Sure! In fact, I first found out about the peek-a-boo code after asking for it from ensie. All the deets here. The one downside is that with the code, you can’t link directly to a comment — only to a post. Which is why I always have the link, then write (see comments). Other than that, I love that it gets more people to read the comments :)
November 8th, 2005 at 7:54 pm
Good luck trying to quit Bally’s. Maybe the company’s better than it was a few years ago, but I’ve heard horror stories from a couple of friends who had to fight years of fraudulent post-cancellation bills and ruined credit reports. Just keep all your records! :)
November 8th, 2005 at 9:29 pm
Thanks for the link. It is so easy to implement and it works great!
November 8th, 2005 at 9:48 pm
Hi,
I just stumbled upon your blog and it’s fantastic. As a fellow Angeleno I’m inspired by your efforts to live green. Great links and your writing is so fresh and fun.
Lynda Keeler
Delight.com
November 9th, 2005 at 6:51 am
Siel - here in NYC there’s a Starbucks literally every other block. This is probably specific to NYC, but the environment at Starbucks are different for each part of the City. For example, I live around the East Village, and they respond well to fair trade coffee requests. However, it’s when I start commuting toward Midtown and the Murray Hill area to work that I experience annoyance and ignorance from the workers. I was at the Starbucks on Park Ave and 40th and the barista gave me an odd look and seemed to not know what to do. I was in a hurry so I just changed my order to a grande China Green Tips tea.
November 9th, 2005 at 9:36 am
After holding for like 10 minutes, I got through to a Bally rep and the membership’s cancelled! At least I think it was —
Lynda — Thanks for the compliment :) Delight’s fantastic too — I’ve added it to my bloglines :) Especially like the DIY stuff.
jeni — Brill new post on your blog! I hope Cindy responds –
November 9th, 2005 at 10:25 am
I can’t believe you found a graphic of a hamster on a spinning wheel =) Did you ever find out if there’s an official name for the wheel?
P.S. I heard on the radio this morning that tomorrow Starbucks is celebrating the launch of its holiday line of coffees (most probably not FT) by making fake snow at the Highlands and at the Santa Monica Pier. At least they’re thinking about what’s important, huh?
November 9th, 2005 at 2:57 pm
wow, i thought i was the only one to literally “run errands.” periodically i’ll grab some aluminum cans and plastic bags for recycling and run to a supermarket in the neighborhood. unfortunately, i look like either a) a thief running away from the scene of a crime clutching a bag of stolen booty or b) someone desperate to cash in on the can deposit. eventually social norms will catch up and i won’t look out of place! i mean, what’s better for my personal and the world’s sustainability than exercising and recycling at the same time?
November 9th, 2005 at 5:07 pm
Hey Jen — Thanks for the tip about the snow. You know in the past, Starbucks used prison labor to wrap their holiday stuff :o See today’s post –
justin — I just got back from returning a dvd — I must’ve looked really desparate to avoid late fees ;)