Lessons from Zen and Cycling to Work

After my small tumble/accident last week, I should have paid attention to a key instruction in Zen: Pay Attention. I did not and did not check ALL my equipment this morning. I didn't note that both my pedal straps had been damaged last week. Today, on the way in I took fall #2 when my left strap broke as I was starting at an intersection. I'm fine. No serious injuries except to my pride. So, lesson today, check your equipment and get a routine. I also need to take a lesson/practice changing out a tube.

Otherwise, it was a great bike ride and very strenuous. West End of Hartford to UCHC is not steep but nearly all uphill. The potholes and road surfaces on Farmington Avenue as you head East in West Hartford and in Hartford are terrible. Also, note to CT drivers, it is dangerous to honk at cyclists to let them know you are approaching from behind.

Moving to Hartford: Further Explorations

I have explored more of Hartford and its surrounding towns. I find it amusing that people here mean Hartford when they say Hartford rather than the entire MSA. When I say in Hartford I mean everything from New Britain to Manchester and Windsor down to Wethersfield.

Finally made it to A Dong market. This was a pretty good Asian market and had a big selection of foods. There were fish and meats which were good as wells as Asian vegetables that you would typically find. The vegetables were fresh and a lot more reasonably priced than other stores in the area. I got Burdock root and Daikon at very good prices. They had a large selection of soy sauces but not the spectrum of different Japanese types that are important for different types of cooking. Overall, it seems to be the place to grab your Asian groceries.

A Dong is also not far from the closest comic book store I can find, Eye Opener. Eye Opener isn't far from A Dong. It can be a little difficult to find as it is on the side street. It is a small shop but they seem to have everything you might be looking for or should be able to order it if not. I'm mostly interested in DC's New 52, and you can pick them up there.

Only thing left on the list is a mechanic. I think I found one in Canton.

Moving to Hartford: First Weekend Explorations

I've gotten some feedback on my last post about necessities in Hartford. This weekend I plan on checking out A Dong Supermarket for Asian Food in West Hartford and Apple Tree Markets in West Hartford for fish and vegetables. I found a liquor store, Harvest Wine and Spirits on Farmington Ave in West Hartford. Otherwise, spending the weekend unpacking and finishing my rakusu. Jukai coming up on the 28th.

More input on things to do finding necessities is welcome, and I'll report back on my weekend trip. Am close to finding an Audi mechanic I think.

Moving to Hartford: Finding some Essentials

After much back-and-forth between Massachusetts and Connecticut, I am finally settling down in Hartford permanently since taking my teaching position at UCHC. I realize that there are a lot of things I need to find that I'm used to having. Hartford and the area seem to make it difficult to find some of these.

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