Good and Bad.

Blerg. Today was one of those days where some things went swell and other aspects of the day were arduous.

I saw a Tweet this morning about how windy it was. I decided to ride the Amsterdam since it's lighter and I prefer the Pashley at night because of the lights and reflective bits. I figured it was bright and dry out so the Amsterdam was a good choice. I also had to ride longer distances than usual. I'm glad I took the Amsterdam. It was SO windy! I hate wind. It was so bad that when I was standing still at a red light, the wind nearly blew me over several times. And when my bike was parked with just the kick stand deployed, it DID fall over. Poor bike.

Oh well, I got a work out today.






Lucky I had a hat. Which brings me to one of the good things! I came home last night to see a box from Headcase Hats. I took a sneak peak inside, thinking it was swag that Don got from one of the fashion shows he gets to model in every now and then (for charity). It was obviously a ladies' hat, but I had up until that point heard nothing of it so I just left it on the counter. Part of me thought that Don was feeling really sweet and sentimental and appreciative, and that he went and got me a present for no reason. Ha! I should have trusted my instincts and known that isn't his style. Don is appreciative of having me in his life, but he doesn't very often say it or relay those sentiments with grand gestures. He does things like put more ram in my computer, fix my bike, and renovate the house. To be honest, I do prefer these gestures over flowers.




Turns out the lovely gesture and gift of my new beret is from Don's research assistant at his office! Don and his office crew were at the launch party for shop local month organized by the people behind Keep Edmonton Original (at least that's how I understand it to work). It promotes spending one's dollars in the local economy because three times the amount of money stays circulating within the community as opposed to the minute percentage of shopping at big box stores. I know a lot of people buy things at chains and big box stores because they are often less expensive, and I certainly do my fair share of purchasing from chain clothing stores so I'm not trying to be holier than thou. If it comes down to a good value, however, I suppose the discussion turns into what constitutes a good value for some.

It's like bike riding. It doesn't have to be all or nothing. You know, the people who don't want to bike when it's cold? Well, if you really don't want to, then don't. Just bike when it's nice out. Or people who are really staunch either way about helmets. Wear one. Don't wear one. To be honest, it doesn't offend me one way or another. I just feel guilty when people give me a hard time about whether I'm personally wearing one.

So local shopping. Sure, not everybody is going to be able to buy local everything. But every spending choice you make makes a difference. So if it's a choice between eating at a chain restaurant or some local joint. I'll usually go moms & pops if only because I seem to live near a lot of those. Plus, I find them more unique.

It's nice to buy groceries at the farmer's market because you get to actually meet the people who grew your food. I dunno... it's pretty cool. And I like shopping at local places because I can get unique gifts. Shopping local is the bomb.

Speaking of which, on the way home, I stopped at a local music book store to get some Christmas books for the kids.




Anyway, Don's RA (research assistant) won this beautiful hat and it wasn't really his style, and he thought of me... so now it's mine. Thanks Dan! I will wear my Canadian made Parkhurst hat with pride. Plus, it's made of water repellent wool felt. Perfect for windy days like today. And hey, it's got embroidery. Yes!




Wore it with an old skirt that I've had for years. I still love it. Pin stripes. And tons of pleats.






I'm really into belts these days.




My shoes are playing hide and seek.




My faithful sunglasses (they're prescription) that keep crap from flying into my eyes. Also, they help me see.




When I finally got home there was just enough time to ride the bike over to the park with Dougal. What a grateful little dude.




Lots of benches to look down into the river valley.




I suppose it wasn't such a bad day, after all!