1st ride thwarted

I never sleep in past my alarm, but there's always a first time I guess.
I spent an hour last night working on the Monkey in my garage, putting in the star nut, checking and adjusting the brakes, seat and bars...all finalized last night and I totally biffed it this morning. So instead of riding in, i had to get in a car and drive an hour into the brown cloud. Since i was late, and driving is the fastest way, i had no choice...and it was rude. I feel sedentary. Having only exercised or done stuff ONE out of the last 10 days makes Meriwether a sad pup. I've noticed I get angry, anxious, stressed, and depressed when I don't get to DO STUFF. Doing fun stuff is an addictive drug and taking it away is very hard, especially when you replace it with sitting on a bus for over 3 hours a day, or driving a car for over 2 hours a day. The two day weekend is definitely not enough to stay sane. But what to do? I need a job, and i can't find one in Boulder, so here i am in Denver.

So anyway, my new KM is looking nice. I got the 22" (the largest size) and it still feels small compared to my previous geared bike (big 26" bike that has Genesis Geometry basically). It's a strange bike that way - short but tall. The big wheels are so sweet, but you also need the longer wheelbase to smooth those bumps out and get that cadillac ride. I'm getting a Ti Spicer fork for the KM to replace the jackhammer on the front which will drop the front end's weight by a good pound or so....but more importantly offer a much more pleasant ride. Weight is definitely an issue for me, but I prefer a bike that is Utilitarian and practical (which includes being inexpensive), sturdy and durable, and rides well. The parts you put on a bike are usually what make the weight so low or average. The frame's weight isn't that much different between a Surly steel frame and a Spot...it's mostly in the components you put on it. Sometimes a heavier bike rides nicer too. Such is the case with Aluminum frames, light but a sucky ride. The Surly's just are so stable and steady, eating up the bumps and sticking to the ground.
But I do wish I could afford a Rivendell...like this one:
http://rivendellbicycles.com/images/catpics/50-038.jpg