I bought this one! This one! Mine!
As I mentioned last month, I bought an electric bike shortly after I got out of the hospital. Specifically, a Currie EZip Trailz. (I feel particularly clever because it’s currently $499 at Amazon, but I bought it for a brief period when it was $399.) I haven’t really discussed it much since then, though, so I figured it was time for an actual review.
First, a bit on how electric bikes work. They all have some sort of motor connected to a battery, allowing for extra oomph while biking. The motor is either strapped onto the fame (like my bike) or, for more expensive models, built into the hub of the wheel. The hub motors are better and quieter, but the external motors are cheaper. The battery then goes somewhere on the frame of the bike, in this case attaching to the rear rack. Again, on fancier bikes, the battery is more well-hidden. Depending on the style of the bike, you get power to the motor either automatically, by pedaling, or manually, by a handle-mounted throttle or trigger.
The Trailz is about as low-end of an electric bike as you can find. It’s a steel frame, so it’s super heavy, the battery is less expensive, so it’s heavy, and the motor is mounted rather than hub-based, so it’s heavy. With the battery, the bike weight about 90 pounds. Without, it’s closer to 75. I got the step-through model because, to be totally honest, it’s a bit more girlie. So sue me.
Continue reading 'Review: Currie EZip Trailz Electric Bike'»
I’m really seriously considering sending in my letter of resignation. I’ve already decided to look for a new job, and have been going on interviews and sending out resumes and cover letters, but I’m close to quitting without having found a replacement job.
I feel like a fool for even considering that. And I feel like my heart has already made up its mind.
Continue reading 'Should I quit?'»
613 commandments and a killer recipe for chicken soup.
I haven’t posted a ton on Judaism, but there have been a few posts over the last couple of years. Many have been about my struggles with it as a culture, a religion, and (most of all) as an identity. Last month, I posted about a panel discussion I’d taken part in, the goal of which was to build bridges in the queer and Jewish communities. I said at the time I’d like to speak more with the Rabbi who was on the panel, and this past week I finally had the chance.
We talked a bit about my show and queer issues within Judaism (more on that later) but the bulk of our time was spent discussing the frustrations I’ve found with Judaism as a religion. Specifically, the huge amount of tension I feel between horrible acts of slavery, sexism, genocide, hatred, murder, and xenophobia which are exalted in the Torah and the wonderful traditions of social justice, equality, women’s rights, and free-thinking I was taught growing up at synagogue.
In short, how do you reconcile that which seems irreconcilable? And why would you want to?
Continue reading 'Musings on Judaism'»
I just finished reading Bloodsucking Fiends, a fun vampire novel by Christopher Moore. I took it out from the library, but being the impatient type just checked on Amazon to see what the next book in the series would cost on Kindle. I don’t have a Kindle, but there’s an Android Kindle app, and I don’t mind reading books on my phone (although I do prefer hard copies).
A physical copy of You Suck costs $10.07 on Amazon. The Kindle version costs $9.99.
Continue reading 'eBooks'»
I was making out with a girl this weekend at our apartment’s Fourth of July get-together. We were both rather drunk, and I wasn’t sure she knew I was trans. (Don’t worry – we were in my living room, with roommates at the other end of the apartment. It was a safe situation.) Her hands started exploring southwardly; I stopped her, asking, “You know I’m trans right?”
She paused. “No.” Another pause, leaving lots of room for me to start worrying about her eventual reaction. “So?”
And she leaned in for another kiss.
Hey gang! Less than two months away from my next performance, Uncovering the Mirrors, which will debut September 1-5 at the first annual Chicago Fringe Festival! I’m really excited about this piece, as it’s building off of the work I did last year and is incorporating some great new stuff. It’s also giving me a chance to collaborate with friends who are helping with direction and choreography. Expect to hear lots more about over the next two months.
I’m also pleased to announce that I’ll be working with the Chicago-based New Suit Theatre Company on remounting Trans Form later this year. Stay tuned for more info on that project.
As always, I implore you for donations. A significant chunk of my Trans Form budget was covered by donations, and I’m proud to say the readers of this blog made some pretty awesome contributions. Any amount helps, and I really do appreciate it.
Thanks!
Happy Fourth! This has nothing to do with the 4th of July, but enjoy!
In a fit of frustration, I posted this to Craigslist a few nights ago, right before I went to bed:
SUBJECT: I’m going to regret this, aren’t I?
BODY: What the hell does a trans woman have to do to get laid around here? Or even just go on a date with a nice gal who isn’t crazy? I’m pretty confident that I’ll get some obnoxious replies to this, but what else is new?
Maybe I’ve spent too much time in the performing arts community (lots of gay guys, sadly fewer gay girls) but I’m sick and tired of A) seeing all my friends have these seemingly delightful little hookups and flings while I stand on the side, alone, and B) seeing all of these attractive, articulate, interesting women when there’s no possibility they’ll sleep with me! Or even date me. Or make out drunkenly in a hut tub.
And I’m sorry I’m trans. I really am. My dick has given me many pleasurable orgasms over the years, but it’s definitely not the equipment I’d have picked if given the choice. And surgery is scary, expensive, and means I might never be able to orgasm again. (Put that in your pipe and smoke it!) So I get that while, politically and ideologically, we should be able to “see beyond what’s between our legs,” that’s asking for a lot back here in reality. So I’m not offended if my being trans means you, the one reading this post, is not interested in dating me. I understand that we’re all attracted to who we’re attracted to. (I will be offended if you’re a douche about it, though.) But I begin to feel like there’s a vast queer woman conspiracy out to keep me celibate when I strike out again and again and again. Continue reading 'A Craigslist adventure'»
This isn't an actual picture of us, but it's kind of how ridiculous I imagine we are.
Earlier this week, a few friends and I chilled on my apartment roof, drinking wine. It was a beautiful night, and I’ve come to love going up around 9PM, when the sunlight is fading and the stars are beginning to come out. (I’ll try and get a pic one of these days, but I usually only have my phone up with me and it doesn’t do good low-light photography.)
The discussion was pretty wide-ranging, from a male birth control pill (both of my friends were hesitant, but interested) to the appropriate way to play first base (close to the bag, apparently). We also talked about our experiences still being in Chicago (or being back in Chicago) after having grown up in the area, and our various social groups.
Then the topic of my transition came up, I think from of discussing my upcoming show, and it was interesting to hear some perspectives from people who have known me since early high school.
Continue reading 'Up on the roof'»
This is why I love my landlords. In late May, I sent them the following email:
After discussing things with some friends, I realized our apartment is woefully unprepared for a velociraptor attack. I was wondering what, if anything, you plan to do about this oversight. Suggestions include, but are not limited to:
- A guard T-Rex
- Electrified fence (note the importance of backup generators)
- Really shiny cabinets in the kitchen to allow for confusing the velociraptors while being chased
- Giant moats
Please advise.
-Rebecca
This led to a discussion with them about the apartment’s (lack of) dinosaur protection, and a question about what substances I was on when I sent the email. (For the record, I was sober. Just tired and loopy.) The discussion ended with them saying I should “absolutely not” be reassured, and that if velociraptors attacked “we would all die.”
Continue reading 'Velociraptor ROAR!'»
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