Monday, January 31, 2005 

pseudo-trainer

Took my new bike (I will need a good name for it) out for a spin yesterday. The experience was different than when I was biking on the trainer. For one, even at a high gear on the road, I felt my legs were doing more work. I attributed the wind (about 8mph). Yet, the feel of the road is not the same as the feel of the trainer's resistance. At least, I can still get a workout with the trainer. I'll just need to keep in mind that the real road condition is going to be tougher.

My training goal for this year is to hit 90-100 minutes for 40 miles of biking. 40 miles is the length of the LSD round trip. I have been clocking around 2 hours for 30 miles in the past. I would like to get closer to 20mph on average. Keep in mind, the wind factor. I find that, personally, the wind never helps much. Because it is always against my direction. My old bike is a lot heavier, which is harder to accelerate and go uphills. With the reduction is weight, I should find it easier to speed up (with caution, always).

Perhaps I should invest in a cyclo-computer. The downside is: it adds more weight (in grams). I'll probably just time myself with a watch.

I got my gears ready: 1) racing-red biking shirt, 2) bike shorts with gel padding, 3) retro/old school helmet, 4) cleat/clipless shoes, 5) revived pair of legs, and 6) renewed passion and determination.

I will own LSD bike path!

Thursday, January 27, 2005 

Not a true shopper I am

Peapod.com for sure adds extra $$ to the price. Consumers will pay a little more. But how much more? I don't know. I haven't done a price comparison with other grocery stores with the exact same shopping list.

It is definitely more expensive than driving to Jewel or Dominicks because of the delivery charge and other fees. Can foods and packaged goods are about the same. In fact, you can actually go to Peapod.com and check out their prices first.

What I noticed recently is that a 5 lbs crate of clementine tangerines is going for $6.99 at Peapod and other major grocery stores, and it's selling at $14.99 at the Hyde Park Co-Op (for the exact same item).

where do you think my loyalty lies now?

Saturday, January 22, 2005 

Online shopping

Internet facilitates most every consumer purchases. As of today, I have added another online shopping experience--online grocery shopping with Peapod.com.

I was skeptical about Peapod, mainly because I wasn't sure about the quality of the food. Then again, I have been shopping at Hyde Park Co-Op for awhile. The reason why I tried out Peapod was because of a blizzard--which caused snow pileups and hazzardous conditions to go grocery shopping by foot. You see, I don't own a car. Instead, I have a shopping cart which I take to the Co-Op, a 10-15 minute walk on a good sunny day.

The website at Peapod is well-organized and easy to find the food on your list... unlike an actual store--you'd spent hours looking for an item. The selection is limited, but that's fine by me. The price is comparable--they have sale, take coupons, and of course, it's expected to be a little higher at times because the shoppers are paying for a convenience.

The delivery service is great. Food to the door, friendly carrier, and grocery is packed nicely, and separated; meats are kept cold/frozen. The billing is easy.

I can say that for a busy person like me (compound the fact that I also despise shopping at the Co-Op), I find Peapod shopping a pleasant experience. It's nice for city folks or elderly who can't carry all the groceries at once.

It's all about making your life simpler--at some cost. During a Chicago winter, with 5-10 inches of snow on the ground, I am willing to consider the cost, which is not a lot more.

I give Peapod.com a 3 peas out of 4 peas' pod!

Thursday, January 13, 2005 

In Training...

After acquiring a bicycle before Christmas, my legs have been itching to ride it. But Chicago weather won't cooperate. As an alternative, I've purchased/received a bike trainer so that I can start cyling in my apartment.

This should get me ready for the biking season, which I plan to join the Bike the Drive in May, a 15 or 30 mile bike ride on the famous Lake Shore Drive of Chicago.

Wednesday, January 05, 2005 

Taiwan Pictures 2004

Link

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