Critical Mass

I hit that point. You all know what I'm talking about. Maybe you've been there too, or maybe you've just watch me slowly devolve into a puddle of flesh. However, you knew it was coming. The moment. The moment.

Maybe I should explain what the moment is. Generally speaking, most people probably are aware of the moment except maybe the people so sunk in their own hypocrisy that they are years from seeing any sort of genuine sincerity. I am talking about the moment where you go to lecture someone about something and realize that you are not only guilty but are the coverboy for said vice. Ah, sweet hypocrisy, your gentle vice, it comforts me. It guides me. No longer! At least in this one facet on this one day. I don't like to make big sweeping commitments, you know?

Today, or rather, last night, I thought and wrote with deep disdain for the people who spend all day indoors (or a significant part of it) on their computers, whether it's hooked to the umbilical chord of Facebook or resting comfortably in the tentacles of AOL instant messenger. As I wrote the damning words, it was as if a sheet was swept away from a mirror in front of me and I was confronted with the fact that I was writing about myself! GASP! The horror, the horror.... Though, to be honest, it was true. My pasty white complexion and conspicuous lack of muscle definition screams to the world that I am an indoors animal. I am not to be left outdoors unattended.

With this new revelation staring me in the face, I had to do something, and I had to do something then (that is, last night). Class was an hour away, what could I do? I started sinking back comfortably into my bed with a smile, another victory for my laziness. But wait! There was something I could do! I walked over to the sliding glass door that opens to our tiny porch and gazed down at my sad bicycle covered in spider webs, leaves, and dirt (no joking). Both the tires looking depressingly soft. It had been a new bike naught but 8 months ago. It had been my rebellion against laziness, my chance to drop some weight and be active. The original plan was to ride my bike to school everyday. I didn't even get a parking pass to force me to do it. Too bad there was always free parking on the streets by the film school.

The bicycle sat there with sad puppy dog eyes, waiting to be rescued. I could be its hero. All I had to do was unlock the bike lock. Several minutes of unlocking, cleaning, and air pumping later, I mounted upon my mighty steed and rode out the gates of my kingdom. I sat astride a magnificent creation of human ingenuity. I was on top of the world! The cool evening breeze in my face, I turned my bike to ride off into the sunset. I reached a dead end. I turned around and rode away from the sunset and off to class.

A new page, nay, a new chapter for my life began at the moment. And the good part is, the chapter continued at least through today. What wonders will next week hold? Only time can tell.

Addendum: If I do not live through the weekend, suspect the bicycle. It has already made two attempts on my life, throwing off its chain twice today while I crossed traffic. I will not let this deter me, I will be the master of my life...and my bicycle.

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