Today, we sided a house, added a porch, moved interior walls, and installed closets. Yep, in one day.
"I am nothing short of amazed at how much you all accomplished today," said Bud, the Habitat for Humanity site supervisor. Our success today was no secret: we were efficiently split among a few skilled leaders and given the tools we needed to keep working. When we ran out of ladders, someone went to get more. The leaders at the site were free to float around and inspect work, correcting flaws (and there were many) and getting it done right.
"Your siding is nearly perfect." And it wouldn't have been without efficient distribution and management of our labor. We're a big group, especially for a construction project, but our power is in our numbers. We all stayed and worked all day - and accomplished a lot.
Our Affordable Housing curriculum is moving along nicely. We met last night and discussed homelessness among other things. Some really interesting work is being done by the National Alliance to End Homelessness (endhomelessness.org).
It's nice to bring the trip back to its focus, and remember why we're really here: to build houses, raise money, and make the public more aware of the affordable housing crisis. I'm reminded of why I feel strongly about this issue. While affordable housing is a simple concept, it has an impact on a wide spectrum of family problems: nutrition, education, and spending on health care are all lower priorities than a home to most families. If we're able to make housing more affordable, lives will be improved in many ways. I'm excited to be a part of the solution. What can you do to help?
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
Mental vs. Physical
"How many miles is tomorrow?"
"About 60."
"Awesome!"
No one on this trip would have been excited about a sixty mile day three weeks ago. After the two days we had last week: 90 miles, 90 degrees, steep mountain climbs and threats of 50 mph wind, a flat 60 is awesome. We've already come pretty far.
The physical progression is easy to assess. The mental preparedness is a constant battle. We can ride faster and with better technique, but we can't measure our ability to lead in such discrete units. I thought I'd prepared myself, and now I know how much I have to learn. Luckily, I have several hours on the bike every day to think about my progress.
We ride into Flatwoods, Kentucky tomorrow for a build day on Wednesday. Newspapers and television stations should be out to cover our group. We'll be installing a deck and vinyl siding at a Habitat for Humanity home. This is the cool part.
"About 60."
"Awesome!"
No one on this trip would have been excited about a sixty mile day three weeks ago. After the two days we had last week: 90 miles, 90 degrees, steep mountain climbs and threats of 50 mph wind, a flat 60 is awesome. We've already come pretty far.
The physical progression is easy to assess. The mental preparedness is a constant battle. We can ride faster and with better technique, but we can't measure our ability to lead in such discrete units. I thought I'd prepared myself, and now I know how much I have to learn. Luckily, I have several hours on the bike every day to think about my progress.
We ride into Flatwoods, Kentucky tomorrow for a build day on Wednesday. Newspapers and television stations should be out to cover our group. We'll be installing a deck and vinyl siding at a Habitat for Humanity home. This is the cool part.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Schuylkill Haven
Highs:
-Kitchen demo yesterday (Super Mario style)
-Rewarding ride
-Gracious hosts
-Awesome group
Lows:
-Driving the van (Wednesday?)
-Scorching hot day
-Too tired to write sentences
-Kitchen demo yesterday (Super Mario style)
-Rewarding ride
-Gracious hosts
-Awesome group
Lows:
-Driving the van (Wednesday?)
-Scorching hot day
-Too tired to write sentences
One At a Time
[I wrote this a few days ago, but just now have an available internet connection.]
Tuesday was a challenge. Fifty miles of rolling hills and long, steep climbs. Their memories are blended, but one in particular remains. It was not only the longest and steepest, but I did it alone and repeated to myself: one more stroke, one at a time.
Does a physically challenging day match up against a stressful day at work? Yes, and I prefer the physical challenge any day. Biking across the country sounds hard, but its much better than not doing it. Oh, and we played laser tag (donation magic!) after dinner.
On that memorable climb, I also met a new friend. Fifty feet from the top, he lay in pristine condition, clearly expired but not yet decomposing, comfortably on his side. A squirrel had given up, right where I was considering doing the same. The thought of a big, smart human, losing to a tiny, stupid mammal inspired me to keep going, one at a time. Human race one, squirrels zero. Its the little things, like potential squirrel laughter, that make you remember.
Tuesday was a challenge. Fifty miles of rolling hills and long, steep climbs. Their memories are blended, but one in particular remains. It was not only the longest and steepest, but I did it alone and repeated to myself: one more stroke, one at a time.
Does a physically challenging day match up against a stressful day at work? Yes, and I prefer the physical challenge any day. Biking across the country sounds hard, but its much better than not doing it. Oh, and we played laser tag (donation magic!) after dinner.
On that memorable climb, I also met a new friend. Fifty feet from the top, he lay in pristine condition, clearly expired but not yet decomposing, comfortably on his side. A squirrel had given up, right where I was considering doing the same. The thought of a big, smart human, losing to a tiny, stupid mammal inspired me to keep going, one at a time. Human race one, squirrels zero. Its the little things, like potential squirrel laughter, that make you remember.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Day One
Day one was perfect. Clouds cleared to sun, hills rolled into causeways on shiny reservoirs, and the mileage was a light 37. It was nice stretch before the real cranking. More tomorrow, I'm wiped.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Donation Magic
Its amazing what people will give you if you ask and you've got a good reason. A restaurant donated a delicious meal tonight. They did it without hesitation, and they couldn't have been happier to help. It wasn't as if they saw our modest bill and signed off on it. They offered us anything on the menu, and brought out more than we ordered.
We saved the cost of that meal, and every penny we save is another donated to affordable housing. Thanks, Twist on Angell in Providence, Rhode Island. And all those that don't have proper roofs over their heads thank you too.
Six months ago, I don't know if I would have helped someone asking for a handout. Now I understand what it means to be the asker, and I'm happy to say that I'd help without hesitation.
I've learned the meaning of "donation magic."
We saved the cost of that meal, and every penny we save is another donated to affordable housing. Thanks, Twist on Angell in Providence, Rhode Island. And all those that don't have proper roofs over their heads thank you too.
Six months ago, I don't know if I would have helped someone asking for a handout. Now I understand what it means to be the asker, and I'm happy to say that I'd help without hesitation.
I've learned the meaning of "donation magic."
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Waves
There are days that are so incredible that you can't believe you have the privilege to live them. Today we went to Walmart and ran errands, and it was one of those days.
The people that are involved with Bike & Build bring an addictive energy, all the time. Being surrounded by tremendous people that are passionate about what they are doing is a better high than any chemical can provide.
You can feel it coming. Sometimes it crashes and knocks you on your heels, sometimes it builds into a nice slow little rush and twitch. It's inspiring. it's infectious. It's exciting. I've been waiting for this trip to start since I applied for the program in October. It starts in a few days.
The people that are involved with Bike & Build bring an addictive energy, all the time. Being surrounded by tremendous people that are passionate about what they are doing is a better high than any chemical can provide.
You can feel it coming. Sometimes it crashes and knocks you on your heels, sometimes it builds into a nice slow little rush and twitch. It's inspiring. it's infectious. It's exciting. I've been waiting for this trip to start since I applied for the program in October. It starts in a few days.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
The Weight
The trip has begun. Well, we haven't left yet. But the Providence to San Francisco (P2SF) trip leaders and program director have gathered in Providence. Over the last few months we've done the advance preparation: securing hosts, donations, the curriculum, communication. Now the real work begins.
Frequently today we noted that a weight has been lifted off of our shoulders. The anxiety of anticipation can be crushing. While I thought I was able to handle it, it effected my ability to produce. There was no problem, only the inevitable, and that became a problem for me.
It's going to be a great trip, in fact, the most successful Bike & Build trip ever. It will give all thirty-one participants all that they seek from it. And that starts with us, the leadership team. We need to be constantly aware of the result of our actions. It seems simple enough.
I've learned a lot about myself -- my strengths, my weaknesses and how to overcome them -- yet we haven't pedaled an inch. I'm excited for the next 4,138 miles, and what it will mean to the next decades.
Frequently today we noted that a weight has been lifted off of our shoulders. The anxiety of anticipation can be crushing. While I thought I was able to handle it, it effected my ability to produce. There was no problem, only the inevitable, and that became a problem for me.
It's going to be a great trip, in fact, the most successful Bike & Build trip ever. It will give all thirty-one participants all that they seek from it. And that starts with us, the leadership team. We need to be constantly aware of the result of our actions. It seems simple enough.
I've learned a lot about myself -- my strengths, my weaknesses and how to overcome them -- yet we haven't pedaled an inch. I'm excited for the next 4,138 miles, and what it will mean to the next decades.
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