• Went to the office for the first time this year. Not just because it was a Friday. And not just because there was a social event afterwards (though that certainly helps!). But also because I could meet some co-workers who I haven't met before...including some of the U.K. team who were finally able to enter Japan.
• We rode our bikes to a local milk farm. This one is muuuch closer than Iiida Farm, but the route by bicycle is so, so much worse. There are no bike lanes (fine)...or even an uninterrupted  sidewalk. And once you're there's it's a complete clusterfuck for all the cars that are jockeying for parking spots. They only have a small area for bicycles, but at least we can zip in and out. I hope people noticed my #BanCars sticker 😈
  
  Compared to the other place that has bike parking, even for road bike (they hang them by the saddle?, I think?). And is along a great path along the river...you can't compete.
  
  The gelato itself was good...but I'm mixed if we'll go back. It's close enough and the parking was busy enough that I wouldn't want to drive...and the infrastructure to get there (or lack thereof) is bad enough...
• Leo had his first full-week of preschool as part of his new grade. Getting him out the door the first day back was very difficult. He threw a fit all day before we left...and the entire way there. I imagine the neighbors could tell our proximity to their house by the Doppler effect. He was coming up with every excuse he could think of trying to get me to stop. "I have a fever.", "I want to watch TV", "I'm sick", "I want to lay down". Then we got there he was holding on to me like a kola and would not let go.
  
  He must have got it all out of his system on that first day, because everyday since then has been smooth. Carrying his backpack, everything. Even niko-niko days, when he stays late because we both have work. Maybe he's getting used to it and remembering how much fun it is compared to staying at home all the time. Either way, super grateful.

The odometer on my e-bike clicked over to 4K and, rather than a general-purpose “e-bikes are great” rave, I thought I’d assemble a few concrete arguments for them, suitable for re-use with friends and loved ones in the (likely) case that you’re already convinced. With pictures.

1. Tagged with
2. bicycle
3. climate change