Instead of waiting for the bus to arrive at my dorm while impatiently shifting my weight, crossing my arms and rolling my eyes, I've taken control of my life by getting a bicycle.

Since I can't exactly enjoy the freedom of driving my car when and where I want while studying in Denmark, I'll settle for second best. Though I have nothing against public transportation, I'm an impatient person.

Constantly waiting about 20 minutes in the cold, September morning for a supposedly punctual bus is irritating, especially when I haven't eaten anything yet. 

As I tried to get up on the sidewalk, I realized too late that I wasn't going to succeed. The sidewalk was too high and I was too stupid.Even though I see the bus I could have taken drive right past me as I struggle for balance and strength to pedal up a hill, I still can't shake the feeling of freedom and control that comes over me. I may be clumsy and not pedal as hard as the Danes do, but I'm headed for the zenith.

Albeit with aching muscles, I am prepared to come soaring down in third gear with my iPod blasting Muse's "Map of the Problematique" followed by Queen's "Bicycle Race," of course.

Though the independence uplifts me at the present moment, it hasn't always been smooth sailing, or rather, biking.

Five minutes after acquiring my bicycle, for which I pay 345 DKK a month, I crashed it. I came out of the bike rental place in downtown Aarhus quite confident and pleased with myself. However, I found I didn't like to ride my bike in the same lane as the cars drive.

As I tried to get up on the sidewalk, I realized too late that I wasn't going to succeed. The sidewalk was too high and I was too stupid. Naturally, I fell onto the ground, but luckily two Danish men helped me up on my feet. I endured no serious injuries - just a bruised shoulder, knee, elbow, and a couple of scrapes. I've had worse.

After providing slapstick entertainment for the Danish passers-by, I made my way back to my dorm, which is usually a 30-minute journey uphill by bus. Needless to say, it took me a while to make it by bike.

Though I've only ridden my bike once from the downtown area, I can safely say that I haven't completely ruled out taking the bus. Patience may not be my virtue, but I'm still lazy.