| RE:definition |

A large part of my transition to the city of Sacramento has been through my commuting. I did not want to drive my car so much, partly because gas is REALLY expensive, partly because I just knew it'd be better for me and for the environment. 

My great idea, for when I got settled, was to learn how to get around on the bus/light rail. I had an idea that I would begin to take the Amtrak to work everyday (the transition to Sacramento has also included being willing to continue working in Davis). I am literally between the two places, but I am also both places mixed. I wanted to use the car like a sacramento resident, generally to get to Sierra, and in town, I wanted to get to use a bike to get around. 

Mr. Oliver Wong had a mishap about a week and a half ago, when he had a bike stolen. The bike that he lost was a really good one too. It was kind of a sad occurrence. He got a REALLY nice gift, as Alf decided that he would give Ollie some money to get a new bike. Ollie (who is really still trying to make the dream of Oakland come true) made the decision to really use the money and bless all of us. He decided that, instead of getting one really nice replacement bike, that he would get a bunch of bikes that are pretty good, for everyone in the house.  So, (being included in the gift receiving) I have a bike again. (my old bike was stolen in bits and pieces). Being reunited with two-wheeled transportation has been a dream for me. I've been able to get around again, without the use of my car. 

I've been able to successfully navigate my way around the greater sacramento area, through use of my trusty schwinn, and the bus/lightrail systems. I use the lightrail and amtrak to get to Davis when I have to work, and I've even figured out the light rail/ placer county bus system to get to Sierra on days when I'm able to be on campus. Both are delightful trips! I'm able to get around pretty efficiently, and see lots of the city. I've even begun to bike to Bible study! What I've found out through all of this, is that the public transportation system here is really good! (I teased Ollie about his ravings when he first got here, but I am now seeing the light).

Amtrak, as I have never known before, is very awesome! I didn't know the amounts of options that they offer. I've been surviving on a ten-ride pass between Davis and Sacramento. I found out, only today, that they offer transfers between themselves and some of the local transportation system. This saves me at least 2 dollars a day! If I'm really clever, I'm sure that I can even get them to save me 4 dollars a day! 

I've become a bike commuter! I love getting on my schwinn and taking myself to random places, knowing that I'm making strides (or pedal strokes) to getting healthier, and I'm transporting without making emissions! Coupled with busses/trains, it's a great way to get around.

Yay for Bikes!