The Bike

My husband (Dana) has wanted me to have a bike for several years. I resisted year after year - not because I don't love to exercise and be outdoors - but because I didn't want to spend the money. Like a lot of people, we experience financial pressures and often have different financial goals. My goals: stability, get the emergency fund fully funded, give generously to the Lord's work and to causes we believe in, and stay within the boundaries of our "budget." Dana agrees with all of these things but needs to have more freedom to spend and see the fruits of his labor. He is also a very giving person and derives much pleasure in giving gifts to others. But differing viewpoints creates tension.

I finally realized that Dana wasn't going to rest until I had a bike. So, I looked around at local bike shops and test drove a few "comfort" bikes. They look like mountain bikes but have much taller handlebars. Memorial Day weekend I made the big purchase (using some of our economic stimulus check). I ride it almost every day either alone, with Sophia or Dana or both. I really love it!

It was hard to plunk down the cash, but I see it as a long-term investment in myself and my family. Money well spent.

PS - We decided to give away 1/2 of our ecomonic stimulus check. Dana got to buy a recliner with the rest for a room we've been slowly working to finish - it was a great deal at Marshalls.