A break in the clouds.

I'd like to think I take a hold of the good moments whenever they occur. I know I focus almost solely on the negative aspects of my life in this blog, but I'm not a negative person. I actually consider myself a 'glass half-full' type of person. However, I use this blog as a forum for my insecurities, uncertainties, and whining.

All academic negativity and social doldrums aside, I managed to grab a good moment last night. I finished building my road bike.

My boyfriend bought me a road bike off of Craig's List. The bike was a yellow, old Schwinn. I loved the frame but I was overwhelmed by the work it needed. The wheels were rusted, the tires worn and melted, and the brakes and gears didn't really work.

It looked like it had been out in the rain for the last decade.

Initially, I was excited to fix up the bike and buy new wheels, tires, chain, etc. Then I found out it would cost close to $500 of money I don't have for a bike.

The gift of a bike turned into a sour point in my boyfriend and I's relationship after he bought himself a yellow, vintage Italian road bike. His bike was in poor condition as well but he was able to spend the $500 or so to rebuild the bike.

I turned into the green-eyed monster.

Fortunately, we looked into an organization in Pittsburgh that builds bikes called Free Ride Pittsburgh. After three 4 hour evenings at Free Ride, my bike was functioning for a total of $25.

I'm thrilled that I'm my boyfriend and I are now able to ride our twin yellow bikes together.