Despite all that cold weather (it's 11:00 AM as I write this and it's still only 34 degrees), it's the big day for the Food for Families Food Drive. This is the biggest food bank drive of the year and everyone gets involved. Our local new station (KBTX) is out there with their anchors all bundled up, welcoming donations as they snuggle into their warm coats, hats, and gloves. 
As promised, I loaded up my bike with food (peanut butter, rice, beans, tuna, pasta, etc) and pedaled on down to the Brazos Center. There was a pretty good line of cars in front of me so I had a chance to talk to some of the volunteers (who just loved the fact that I was there on my bike). The most common question was "Aren't you freezing?" Honestly, I had so many layers on, I was sweating. Go figure!
When I got to the front of the line, I had one of the volunteers take my picture. I explained that I was taking pictures for the blog and he immediately called for one of the local TV anchors to come and take part in the picture taking (that's Brenda Sims with me in the picture). We had a chance to talk for a few moments about why I was biking, about the blog, and about eating locally. It turns out they might be interested in doing a story!
I waved at the volunteers on my way out and pedaled my way back home, my face a little cold, but my heart was warm. Sure, it was nippy... and windy... and a little wet... but what an amazing opportunity to step out of the old comfort zone and share the love and the spirit of the holiday season.
And it's not too late! KBTX will be out at the Brazos Center until 10:30 tonight. If you're a local, get on out there and donate some food and/or cash. The donations stay right here in the community, helping our friends and neighbors. And if I can do it on a bike, anyone can do it!
Happy Holidays!
P.S. If you're local, I'll be speaking on KEOS (89.1 FM) tonight from 6:00-7:00 PM. Be sure to tune in!
5 comments:
Congratulations on your speaking engagement!
We're headed to the food drive this evening right before bedtime. With any luck, the boys will fall asleep in the car on the way home!
Look at you - biking when it is 34 degrees out! I am impressed!
Sharli - thanks! I'm working on my notes now. Going back over all the changes I've made in the last 14 months. I don't think I'll have any trouble filling an hour :)
Michelle - It was pretty cold. My face was beet red when I got home, but the rest of me was all sweaty. Maybe too many layers.... :)
Wowsa Heather, you are becoming a regular celebrity! I hope your radio appearance went well, I don't know that I could fill an hour, even with plenty to say, I'd be too shy! You'll have to let us know if you end up being in the paper, perhaps there is an online version us "out of towners" could read.
I'm impressed that you got out and biked in cold weather like that. I hate walking in winter weather like that here, but when you live in the Midwest, what can ya do?
Jennifer - actually, I'm pretty shy myself, but it turns out radio is so NOT intimidating. It was just like talking to three other people (other than you talk into the mic). After the first five minutes I relaxed fairly well. Would definitely do it again!
It was cold again today (and windy) but I got on my bike. It's amazing how sweaty you can get when it's only 30 something degrees. Too many layers I guess. As long as the roads are clear, it's not too bad to ride. We'll see how farmers market morning goes though. It's different when you have to go out in the cold before you've really woken up :)
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