How to Feel Small

As I begin to write this, I can't decide if I continue writing somewhat negative posts because of the name of the blog (see the first post, May/June 2009) or because writing makes it better. Bear with me... hopefully there will be much more interesting and uplifting stories soon!

But for now, I'd like to divulge my secret to feeling very small and insignificant:

Take 1 bicycle and add 1 not too serious (but carrying lots of serious stuff!) rider. Add a once-sunny day turned gray and overcast. Then set the time to just before evening rush hour. Ride the little bicycle right down main street and start praying that no one hits it...

This wouldn't be such a big deal, if it weren't for the five-points intersection in the middle of downtown. And the intersection wouldn't be such a big deal if it weren't for the man in his massive sedan taking his time through the intersection. And the car wouldn't be such a big deal if it weren't signaling a left turn - which is exactly what I was doing while approaching from the other direction.




















The problem lies in the fact that this man had no intention of turning left and was rather upset when I started to turn in front of him. Wake up drivers! When a bicyclist is signaling a turn, it usually means we're going to take it. Leaving your arm hanging out without knowing it is a little bit more difficult than leaving your turn signal on accidentally.

So no, I didn't get hit. And no, there were no horns or screeching tires. But I was definitely frustrated, angry, and not just a little shaken. Perhaps a good spring present would be an air-horn for my bike...

And that is how to feel very, very small. Sometimes I enjoy the reminder of my insignificance in this world. Today was not one of those moments. I think I'm going to make some cookies.