jonR-yes, it's been a great birthday present!
as for bicycles and pizza...all i know is, my bicycles engine seems to run on pizza and cheesesteaks...which is one of the reasons that i wanted to start bike-commuting! i've been losign weight already, despite my marked appetite increase. it's pretty cool.
to everyone else: thanks for the warm welcome. this seem,s to be an excellent online community you got here.
-rob