Biking to Work is a Healthy Green Option

Guest Post by Jakob Barry

Once upon a time when gasoline wasn’t so expensive many of us enjoyed the commute in our cars as it gave us a chance to listen to music, catch the breeze in our face and most of all, it was more attractive than taking the bus or carpooling with coworkers.

However, times have changed and the price of fuel has risen tremendously pushing many people towards other modes of transportation, namely, bike riding.

If the option presents itself and the weather permits, biking to work has many advantages, the most important being saving money at the pump.

A second plus is that biking is an excellent form of cardiovascular work that doesn’t impact the knees like running and when commuting this way it takes care of that much sought after daily exercise.

Nevertheless, there are few things to consider when taking on this routine, even if it’s just a few times a week:
1.The way one drives or even walks to work may not be the best for riding a bike. For example, depending on the topography of an area it may be prudent to ride slightly out of the direct route in order to avoid hills and have a flatter ride, as elevations use up time and energy.

2.If the temperatures are hot there is the issue of showing up to work all sweaty. Depending on many factors, all having to do with your job and office, this can get tricky but some tips on getting around it include the following:

•Wear a different shirt to sweat in when riding to work and bring a change of cloths.

•Leave a towel at work to wash off.

•If you travel light a messenger bag may be better than a back pack but if the opposite is the case go with the back pack.

3.Most offices aren’t like bicycle friendly homes and don’t want them in the work space. When locking a bicycle up outside make sure it’s in a safe place, as you don’t want to worry about your ride home during the day.

Finally, judge the level of exertion you can tolerate. The last thing you want to do is overdo it before walking through the door at the start of the day. If necessary push yourself less on the way to work and make the ride home the main workout.

Jakob Barry writes for Networx.com, a growing community of homeowners and contractors getting the most from their resources by sharing and monitoring home improvement projects. He covers various Green topics including eco-friendly landscapers and grounds maintenance.

Swimming Above Ground

What a ride! Lately it seems I've been saying that alot. Having lived through a tornado a few weeks ago while most everything else was destroyed has been an experience I will never forget. As most of you know we lost pretty much everything. As a matter of fact the little town we lived in had like 101 houses and so far 54 have been demolished and are now empty lots. That's not including all the trees that are missing. We also lost one of our swimming pool covers.
However material things are replaceable. I am just glad more lives weren't lost and that there was not very many injuries. From all the devastasion that you can see it's a wonder that anything was left standing. Things will not be the same. Our little community will and has come together to help each other and we have had many, many outsiders help as well. To all of you thanks it's been a blessing to see the support you have given us.

Will you rebuild someone asked? Possibly, possibly not! At this point it's too soon for us to make any rational decisions other than give it some time. It's hard to even drive into town now and see the empty lots, the missing houses the destruction of structures in the main part of town. Keep us in your prayers if you pray!

Tornado Damages, When Will it End?

In case you didn't know, well I'm certain you noticed that I went a few weeks without posting. Actually I went nearly 3 weeks without even being able to get on the Internet.

I was living in Reading, Kansas and we were hit by a tornado. Here is just one pic of many that I have and it's of my sisters Kia. The car was totaled as well as the house and many others, including the car next to it. She was devastated to say the least. The car had been a well, no not well but a fabulous car to drive and maintain.

I have been helping her search for another car that is similar to the Kia and different Kia Models. Even looked at places located in Chicago for Kia's. Let me tell you, it hasn't been fun doing al the searches and so forth. However we found several cars that she likes but none as well as the New Inventory line of new cars such as the ones at the Kia dealer in Chicago.

They said they would be glad to ship it out here but we may just make a trip home soon anyway. Home being in Southern Illinois, the very Southern tip to be exact but who knows it would be nice not to have to make the trip home to just get a vehicle. If and when I return I want it to be a vacation not a project ride. We have been through so much lately that we need a vacation so when we do return it's going to be for just that. A vacation not a venture. Hopefully we will be driving a New Kia on the way home though. And I have a secure feeling that their service is excellent!

Samson was found!

Guest post written by my buddy Royce Heath

Having a dog was never something that was high on my priority list, but one day I left my house and there was a newborn puppy huddled underneath my porch! I only found him because he was whining and I heard him, so I quickly picked him up, dried him off and took him to the vet. Thankfully, there was nothing wrong with the pup and though I’ve still never found out where he came from, he attached to me immediately. I decided the only right thing to do was to take him home with me and so here we are, best friends for life, me and Samson! He’s just the cutest thing and is so full of love. I think he’s still grateful I saved him! I remember those first few days as a new dog mom…I had no idea what to do with him. I had recently signed up for wireless from clearwirelessinternet.com so I just looked up “caring for a puppy” and followed the instructions I found. Clearly it worked!