Why Single Speed?

Sometimes I think I have A.D.D. and I have a hard time just being idle. My mind is always thinking of something. About one year ago I started riding my aluminum frame hard tail mountain bike around town. I normally road on the street, not on mountain bike trails. Six months ago I decided to start looking for an old road bike (10 speed or similar) to ride around town. I found one that cost me a twelve pack of beer.

I had heard of single speed bikes, and thought the twelve pack bike, 1970's Panasonic 10 speed, would be the perfect single speed. So, I paid $30 and did it. Well, the bike was a little tall for my inseam and I was close to hurting myself on many occasions, if you know what I mean.

Since spring is almost here in Wyoming, I started getting the itch for another road bike to convert to a single speed. This time I found an awesome bike. A 1974 Schwinn 10 speed. Great shape and the perfect size. So, I purchased from a local (cut out the shipping cost) and started my project.
I added a little extra money into a 16 tooth freewheel, and aluminum wheels with new tires. I picked up a slightly used seat, and wrapped my bars with some spare bar tape.

I used the old bottom bracket, crank, drop bar, and seat post.

I only have $150 into the bike, and absolutely love it.

But why single speed? I am not sure. I have a couple friends who kept telling me how enjoyable it was. How simplistic the style of a single speed is. Maybe it is because my mind focuses on certain things, and I have a hard time moving on until my mind satisfies the desire. So, maybe that is the answer for the single speed. I need to have a project and interest to keep me sane through the day to day activities.

But anyway, I love the bike, it is awesome to ride around town, and is much nicer than I could have ever wished for.

If you don't like single speeds, that is just fine. But I hope you have the pleasure that I have had, being able to do a project that interest you. Being able to talk with friends and collaborate on how to do the project. I think it is more about the journey than the real product, even though the product is satisfying now, someday it may not be.

I hope you can relate, share your comments, or even give me advice.

With Love,

WyoCowboy

Accepting God's Love

And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5:5

I have been struggling with everything in this verse in my real life. But somehow, this morning as I read this verse, I feel encouraged, I feel a peace. I try to keep from being disappointed by filling my life with other things and interest. I have not been accepting God's Love which he has been pouring out.

I think I am realizing this morning that I need to accept God's Love into my heart. I try to keep the holy spirit out of my life mostly, due to a lack of a prayerful heart. But if I can ask for forgiveness, and keep my heart in tune with the holy spirit, then I will be more willing to accept God's Love, Christ's Love.

I have been struggling to pour out love on my wife Beth, so selfishly I have come to realize my need for God's Love in my everyday life.

My prayer is that I will be accepting of God's Love today. That I will be in Prayer, seeking the Holy Spirit. That with me accepting God's Love, I will be able to pour it out on my wife, and others.

Summer

I am a teacher, and one of the best times to be a teacher is, of
course, summer. I love being able to be outside, make my own schedule,
try and exercise more, and travel across the U.S. To visit family and
friends.

It seems like I get depressed at the beginning of summer and I am not
sure why. Maybe it is the lack of interaction with students and
colleagues. Maybe it is being on a schedule or routine for nine months
and then suddenly that routine changes. Maybe it is the lack of personal challenges or projects in my life this week.

I hope I can be glad and encouraged I have one of the best jobs in the
world. I should thank God I live in one of the most beautiful states
(especially in summer).

I hope I can enjoy this season of the year, and this season in my
life, and not miss out on the opportunities and challenges I will face
over the next two months. I know God loves me, and he hasn't forgotten me, sometimes seasons start off a little down I guess.

I need to keep my head up and take the positive things with me-my wife, my God, and my family.

With Love,

Kyle

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Taking care of our environment

I struggle with taking care of our environment. It is so complex! If one little fish is introduced into a lake that it shouldn't be, the whole system changes over time. Who would've thought Yellowstone Lake would have so many lake trout that it is affecting the other fish, but also effecting animals like bears. Our environment is so complex.

I struggle with taking a stance on small issues to try and make a difference for our environment, even if the difference is small.

I am in a cultural dilemma. I want to help the environment, but where does that meet with the current culture. Lets talk about watering my grass. I will water my grass as much as I need to so that my grass is green and healthy. Having green grass means alot to me, and makes me feel like I am being a steward to the house God has put my wife and I in. But this water I am using is part of the fresh water supply that fulfills so many needs in the world. Why waste it on green grass?

Is it right for me to feel this way? Is my grass watering desire having serious affects on other things?

Maybe watering the grass shouldn't be the issue. Maybe I should focus my time on other environmental areas that I don't have a moral dilemma with (no, that sounds like the easy way out).

Why with love?

I do not believe love is always easy to show. I do not believe that the love I have within me is my own, but I believe it is a gift from God. I hope that as you read you will see a love that is extremely genuine. Feel free to comment and ask questions, as we ponder issues that relate to love, and the way we live everyday life. Welcome.

With Love, From WyoCowboy.