Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Birthday Bicycling

        I made a little list of a few things I wanted to buy, such as essential oils and empty containers to start making my own homemade products, like bug spray and deodorant. I couldn't think of where to get the containers but Wal-Mart, so I took a bike ride out to North Bergen. It was a beautiful day and a lovely ride until I got to the road where Wal-Mart lay. What else should I have expected but a beaten-up, under construction, 55mph mini-highway? I stopped at the graveyard first to have a couple brownies that would give my day a little extra gaiety. Then, I popped into Wal-Mart, mozied around a bit, and popped out, with supplies still remaining on my list.
        I didn't know where I'd find these items, but since I had checked out the area with Google Maps prior, I headed up the hill to Hudson County Park and assumed I'd pass some shops. I noticed Easy Street coming up on my right. I didn't have a definite path, so I asked myself, "Do I take the easy street?" Once I looked down that street, I saw a "DEAD END" sign, as well as lots of other signs that read things like, "$1,000 FINE," "CLEAN UP AFTER YOUR DOG," and "NO PARKING." It made me chuckle since the street was only long enough for four houses. I couldn't believe such a short road had so many rules. Looking uphill, I saw broken-up pavement in the right lane and a graveyard at the top. With only one no parking sign, it looked like one would not be as easily guided by society's rules on this path. This giant metaphor, appearing as a palpable experience, made me realize that no matter which road I choose to take, both end up in death; however, the truly rewarding one is the one in which you can see that you've accomplished something at the end. I certainly did feel good about making it up that steep hill.
        Hudson County Park was a wonderful bike ride. Plenty of green and people-watching smooshed in between the tightly-packed towns of Jersey. I ended up in Guttenberg at the end of the park toward the Hudson River, which was coincidental since my father had recently told me about his midtown Manhattan view when he lived in Guttenberg. Now, I was able to see that view too.
        On my way back to Palisades Park, I explored the streets of Fairview and Cliffside Park. I stopped into a small health store and picked up the rest of supplies. I was a bit shocked by the expense of the bill, but that inspired me to ask the storeowner if he would consider buying a line of natural products off of me. He told me he'd be happy to, so I'm currently playing with business ideas in my head to stir in some extra cash.
        I stopped into a couple Korean-owned shops so I could practice my expressions and learn new words. One establishment was the Bergen Spa, where I met 순니 (Sunny). I bought a spa day for Eliott since I knew he needed/wanted one. He was going to give me a birthday gift later in the day, so I wanted to get him something as well (I wasn't around for his birthday in February).
        In Fairview, I was getting a lot of attention. It's a largely Hispanic town and the curves of my body tend to attract men in that category. Sometimes, I get annoyed by whistles, beeps, and the casual "Hey mami" with elevator eyes, but on this day, I was feeling so good that I was soaking in the compliments like it was sunshine. At a red light, one man opened his bus door and yelled some words in Spanish to me that I didn't understand, but of course knew what he was implying. I replied, "No comprendo!" so he then began to tell me how nice my figure was in English. He pulled out his phone and tried to get my number. I was so happy to be able to use the Argentinean phrase that mi amigo, Carlos, taught me the night before during our skype call. "Segi remando!" I yelled back with a flirty smile and walked away.
        I couldn't have asked for more joy in my day. That night, I had the friends over that I've become closest with in these past two months. I felt so much love and positivity in my room as we all talked, drank, and sang the night away. I can hardly believe it. I'm one lucky duck.

46 comments:

  1. Thanks for sharing your journey! I highly recommend trying the 10 day Vipassana silent meditation course. It was the most challenging/life changing experience for me. I think it would be a powerful experience for you, also! :) Check it out at www.dhamma.org
    -Dorian Normand

    ReplyDelete
  2. Happy belated Birthday!I just found your blog today, after finding a link to your speech. I look forward to reading your blog, even if I find the cursive font used in comments fairly difficult to read (one of many things I learned only to pass a test, no doubt, and have since forgotten).

    Namaskar!

    ReplyDelete
  3. may i just say ... you are a inspiration at best. and have quiet a way with words!!!! stay beautiful stay bright stay free . much love . and good vibes your way <3

    ReplyDelete
  4. I just viewed your val speech. Your convictions resonate with myself. Thank you for being so brave to speak out against the "establishment" that controls public education and enslaves both students/families and instructors through legal threats and other tyranny.

    I too share a passion for the paranormal. I was wondering how your "magic, witchcraft,...etc." class went. What did you like/dislike? Your conclusions thus far as to your spiritual existence?

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anthony,

    The material could've been interesting if the professor didn't have such a droll lecture voice and was more apt to answering student's inquiries. I enjoyed the movies of other cultures, and therefore know that I'd enjoy actually immersing myself in such cultures.

    Thanks for the comment,
    Erica

    ReplyDelete
  6. in your birthday, sorry for i had couldn't enjoy with you.T_T
    this sentence is right? kk...

    ReplyDelete
  7. Oh my, I never thought a Facebook post would end up sending me to the blog of a raging leftist. Not that that's a bad thing, of course. I like the way you think, ma'am.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hey Erica,
    You're coming to Philly on Friday -- I have a small essential oil business called Shaman Scents. Let me know if you want any tea tree, grapefruit, peppermint, eucalyptus or lavender essential oil -- I can give you a good price! :) Send me an email and I can give you a quote!

    Stacy
    www.shamanscents.com
    sal49@drexel.edu

    ReplyDelete
  9. Sorry I missed you in Philly. I once had a shop at 5th and South a lifetime ago. Look me up Harris Egendorf. I believe I wouldn't be typing on this machine right now if I wasn't the seed to all of what you see. This computer is not business it's Home Entetainment. See Twitter link Apoe2 and good luck with the numbers, you're a 1. If you need that explained contact me, you'll figure out how.Harris

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hi Erica! I have only recently started following your blog after watching your graduation speech, which I find absolutely amazing.
    I wanted to share with you this video I saw on YouTube "College Conspiracy" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpZtX32sKVE
    Have you heard of Sir Ken Robinson, watch his top viewed videos on YouTube - he has great views on education system and how it needs to change.
    Take care and keep up the good work!
    Martin.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Relatives and friends are the best and easiest way to Eden Eternal
    Eden Eternal Gold
    Eden Eternal Review increase networking among colleagues and friends.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hey,
    I just saw your graduation speech and while looking at the rest of your post I noticed this post because I live in Guttenberg. It was interesting reading your adventure through Tonnelle Ave to get to wal-mart, which isnt very biker friendly haha but atleast you got to see hudson county park and the view of the nyc skyline. Since I've lived here my whole life sometime I dont admire the view like others might have =\

    Thanks for the read,
    Richard

    ReplyDelete
  13. Anytime this program came across with any defect, it generates its diagnostic difficulty code, which will be lastly stored with auto code scannerin computer's memory. They are handful of incredible characteristics of this diagnostic process.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Concentrate, associates of Runescape! Will not shed in Uronoscopes clear while it might seem in Runescape, this is among the most often-forgotten procedures in Runescape. In RuneScape, signifies dying as well as suggests shedding something valuable. Look at it, all buddies of Runescape.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Google Now could be arguably the one greatest function present in Android Jelly Bean, and shortly, it seems office 2010 activation key, it could be coming to iOS, Windows eight and Chromebooks almost everywhere.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Adobe Acrobat 9 Pro Download includes Adobe LiveCycle Designer ES software for advanced form creation.
    Gaining a clear and complete view of information that matters to your business often requires both a high-level perspective and detailed data. With just a few clicks, Microsoft Visio 2010 Download helps you see the entire picture by showing meaningful data and information graphically in a single, up-to-date diagram.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Project 2010 Download has several scheduling enhancements to improve your control over your schedule. You can also create initial task lists in Microsoft Excel or Word and paste them into Project without having to reformat them.
    Visio Premium 2010 Download takes diagramming to a bold new level with dynamic, data-driven visualization tools and templates, powerful process-management features, and advanced sharing capabilities through the web. Bring the big-picture and real-time data from multiple sources, including Microsoft Excel 2010 and Microsoft SQL Server, together in one powerful diagram with vibrant graphics such as icons, colors, and data bars.
    Acrobat 9 Pro Download helps business and creative professionals communicate and collaborate more effectively and securely with virtually anyone, anywhere. Unify a wide range of content in a single organized PDF Portfolio. Collaborate through electronic document reviews. Create and manage dynamic forms. And help protect sensitive information.

    ReplyDelete
  18. A spectacular combination of beauty and brains comes to the mind when one thinks about Pakistani Call Girls. Karachi Escorts are known to provide a fair balance of cute and sexy, shy and bold, all at the same time. They understand that men are not only looking for a pretty face when they book an escort.

    ReplyDelete

  19. $$$ GENUINE LOAN WITH 3% INTEREST RATE APPLY NOW$$$
    Do you need finance to start up your own business or expand your business, Do you need funds to pay off your debt? We give out loan to interested individuals and company's who are seeking loan with good faith. Are you seriously in need of an urgent loan contact us.
    Email:perfectfinancialcredite@gmail.com
    LOAN APPLICATION DETAILS.
    First Name:
    Last Name:
    Date Of Birth:
    Address:
    Sex:
    Phone No:
    City:
    Zip Code:
    State:
    Country:
    Nationality:
    Occupation:
    Monthly Income:
    Loan Amount:
    Loan Duration:
    Purpose of the loan:
    where did you hear about us;
    Email:perfectfinancialcredite@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  20. If you are stuck with your online management assignment then in this case you can opt for our Marketing Assignment help. we provide the best assignment online assignment help.
    We also provide Business Marketing Assignment help. for students across the globe.
    for more information contact us +16692714848

    ReplyDelete
  21. Make better design decisions, improve building performance, and collaborate more effectively throughout the project lifecycle.

    Use intelligent, connected workflows to help improve predictability, productivity and profitability. Karnoenergy

    ReplyDelete
  22. Confidus professional team is ready to provide you the best possible solutions, fitting your corporate needs. As every client has specific unique requirements we have several tailor made solutions for the most of the issues you may be facing as a corporation or individual. Shall you require corporate restructuring, asset protection, licensing or any other corporate service – we have the right solution!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Thanks for this post. Looking for nursing assignment help uk turnout to Assignments Planet for all assignment services at a cheap price.

    ReplyDelete
  24. I read the whole blog.This is helpful for me.We are offering Resume Writing Service for the students at an affordable and reasonable price.

    ReplyDelete
  25. it’s really a nice and useful piece of information. I’m happy that you simply shared this helpful information with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thank you for sharing. 야한동영상

    Click this link
    야설

    ReplyDelete
  26. Best view i have ever seen ! I loved your post. Thanks Again. Cool. 일본야동

    Click this link
    한국야동

    ReplyDelete
  27. Thank you ever so for you article post. Really looking forward to read more. Want more. 한국야동닷컴

    Click this link
    국산야동

    ReplyDelete
  28. I’m more than happy to discover this great site. I need to to thank you for ones time for this wonderful read!! I definitely enjoyed every part of it 국산야동

    Click this link
    야설

    ReplyDelete
  29. I am so grateful for your article post. Really looking forward to read more. Awesome. 중국야동넷

    Click this link
    야설

    ReplyDelete
  30. Thanks for sharing your journey! I highly recommend trying the 10 day Vipassana silent meditation course. It was the most challenging/life changing experience for me.
    Also visit my site Gomovies.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Nothing beats the joy of celebrating your birthday while bicycling through picturesque landscapes. 🚲 Reach out to reliable study abroad consultants in pakistan for expert guidance and make your celebration a memorable experience! 🌍🎉

    ReplyDelete
  32. Witness how R&M Healing Buddha's energy healing expertise crosses borders, offering solace and wellness to individuals worldwide.

    healingbuddha

    ReplyDelete
  33. Its a good post, keep posting and update the information.

    ReplyDelete
  34. I really happy found this website eventually.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Thank you so much for this wonderful post and all the best for your future.

    ReplyDelete

  36. Very good article, I enjoyed reading your post, very good part, I want to tweet this to my followers.

    ReplyDelete

  37. i have to say this thing you have did good and nice

    ReplyDelete
  38. Thanks so much for your helpful tips!

    ReplyDelete
  39. I love reading this post. Keep posting more content in this article

    ReplyDelete
  40. Your choice of writing is really amazing.

    ReplyDelete

  41. Your post is very great.i read this post this is a very helpful.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Yesmovies is a popular online streaming platform known for its user-friendly interface and diverse collection of movies and TV shows spanning various genres. Since its inception in 2016, it has garnered a global audience for providing free access to a wide range of entertainment content. Users appreciate its easy navigation and the ability to both stream and download content. It has gained popularity for bringing entertainment to a broad audience. However, it's important for users to be aware of the legal implications and consider alternative legal streaming services to support the creators and the industry.

    ReplyDelete