Change

     This last month I took a break from writing every day.   I'm not exactly sure why I felt I needed a break, but I did.  It's funny how even the simplest of tasks can seem a chore at times.  Anyway, I just wanted to share one thing I have noticed.   It seems at times we all get afraid of change, we wish things would be simpler and we could go back to the way things were before having to change.  It doesn't matter if the change is forced upon on us or not, it just is hard for us to give up our old habits and actually deal with the change.  I hope today we all could accept the changes in our lives a little bit more easily.

Time away.

   The last couple of weeks, my mother in law and father in law have taken my son for a night/day.  It has been a huge help.  It makes the week go by faster, and I haven't felt as stressed.  This fall I hope to do a little subbing and that will help break up the monotony of the week.  I try to get out and go for bike rides, or take a walk with him and that helps some, but it's alwys nice to know that Grandma and Grandpa are going to have him for a day.
    Today I just want to say thank you for those who offer help at different times.

1000 views.

     I just wanted to say thank you today for taking the time to view my blog.   I really appreciate it.  The weather has gotten better, although there is still some rain forcasted in the future this evening.   My son is still crabby about something, I think he is just tired, he keeps rubbing his eyes.  Hopefully he can get back to normal by the weekend.  Hope all is well with you, and thanks again for checking out my blog.

Expectations.

     Have you ever noticed how hard it is to meet some peoples expectations.  I once thought that the failure of meeting an expectation was a fault of some kind, however I am beginning to think that is not always the truth.  I have an expectation that I write a little bit on the blog everyday, however when I am away or super busy, writing once a day is an expectation I really can't meet.  Sometimes we also tend to get upset when people can't meet our expectations.  We tend to look down on them and think less of them as a person.  I wonder if that's really fair.
   Today I wish we all take the time to think of the expectations we place on others and the ones we place on ourselves, and realize that God loves us as we are, and will give us the tools and resources necessary to meet his expectations of us, and it is His expectations of us that really matter.

Big Dreams

     Today I was listening to radio after dropping my wife off at work.  There was a person on the radio from Big Dream Gatherings talking about people who were willing to share their big dreams.  It got me to thinking about my own big dreams and how I hoped they would be used in the lives of others.  The speaker asked what would you share with someone about starting on a big dream, and I thought for a minute.
    First of the hardest thing to do is to get started.  We find things come up and we listen to others and our own self in saying hey this can't be done, we worry about our own failures and our own ability, forgetting that others will help or can help along the way.
   Second planning, we sometimes overlook planning and want to rush into a job without knowing how to go about it or get it done.  We lack the ability to communicate effectively with others about our dreams, and we lack the patience to accept and incorporate others thoughts as we go about doing whatever it is we're trying to do.
   Third we often are so easy to give up.  When we struggle we tend to depend on ourselves other then the help of others to get us through. If we'd stick with it and focus on the short goals to help us to get to the big overall goal we'd find value of the help we've received along the way.
   Today I would encourage everyone to dream big, and to share your big dreams with those you trust.  I hope and pray that you would find and have the courage to try to live out your dreams and be an encouragement to your friends, family, and strangers.  

Sunshiny Days.

      I don't know about you, but it seems like I am getting tired of the gray rainy days.  I'm so thankful that today the sun is out.  Maybe now I can get out of the house and enjoy the day. 
     Yesterday I spent time to run an antenna from the attic down through the house and into our TVs.   My wife and I have decided we don't want or need to pay a lot of money for shows we never watch, but then we did find we missed the news and local information, so hopefully that will work out for us.
    After installing the antenna, I lost a contact in the sink, luckily we got another one ordered.  In fact they just called and said for 6 dollars they could ship it here, however I'm not sure how my wife wanted me to pay for the contact lens, so I think pickup will be the best thing. 
     Anyway, I hope to get some more interesting topics out the door soon, just have been busy with daily life.  Hope you all have a good day, and that the sun will chase those gray clouds away.

Styles of bikes.

      A few days ago, I mentioned the general stereotypes of people who ride certain types of bikes. There are off road bikes, and on road bikes. Today, I will sum up some of the reasons people ride a particular type of on road bike.
       One type of on road bike is actually an off road bike as well.  This is called a dual sport.  It generally looks like an off road bike, however, it also includes turn signals, horn, and brake lights.  These sit up taller so that they can handle obstacles better.  The seats are narrower to allow the rider more stability.  These bikes get pretty good gas millage and allow a rider to ride both on the street, and off the road when allowable and necessary.
     Next we have cruisers, cruisers generally sit low, allowing most anyone a chance to ride one. They have a classic style.  They tend to be wide sand are great for cruising around town and on the highway.
     Sportbikes are a lot of fun, they are generally built for speed and performance.  Top end models are comparable to modern day high quality sports cars.
     As I finish this blog, my son is riding on his little 4 wheeler seemingly saying "Daddy bikes are fun, but a 4 wheeler is really the way to go!"  He has his sport bike so maybe he's to young for a cruiser and he has yet to learn the fun of riding off road.  No matter what he chooses to do, there's a bike to help him get there.

Riding gear, who needs riding gear?

     Well today after taking pictures of my son, I thought I would talk a little about riding gear.  Most riders agree you should have pants, jacket, helmet, eye protection, boots, and gloves.  However there's a big degree of differences in these items.
      Pants, most pants will do, some will try to tell you you need specific motorcycle pants, while this is good, normal jeans that are a little longer will work just as well.  They won't protect you necessarily in a crash against road rash, but they will work better then riding in shorts. 
       Jackets, well in the summer they can be hot, even mesh ones, they do provide good protection though, but a long sleeve shirt would work too, but seriously how many people want to ride on a 90 plus degree day in long sleeved anything?
     Helmets, well helmets are the smartest thing to wear.  Most safety classes want you to wear a full faced helmet.  This is great, but they too can be ultra hot if not ventilated well, and on cold days can fog up and be a pain.  Open face helmets are nice in that they provide some good air movement, just be mindful of the bugs. 
    If you don't wear a full faced helmet with eye protection built in, you should wear eye protection.. this keeps bugs and crud from getting in your eyes.  I don't know about you, but i can't see with the eyes God gave me, so I think I should protect what I got.
    Boots, well boots are good, to protect your feet, better then the flip flops flying off at 60 mph.. trust me I've seen it. 
   Gloves, just protect your hands, and give ya killer tan lines.  This again is for road rash.

I could ride like this on a motorcycle in Iowa if I wanted.

   Some states regulate helmets and what you can and can't wear on your motorcycle.  Iowa is one that does not. Here you can see it all on a bike.  Dad driving in his flip flops shorts and no helmet taking his little girl who can barely reach her foot pegs in nothing but a bikini riding down the road in 90 degree weather.  Funny you need a license to ride a motorcycle or drive a car, but anyone can have a kid or a liter depending.  Anyway, hope you have a nice day, stay safe, and I hope you enjoyed my commentary on riding gear.   

To ride or not to ride...

      Well I have to admit I had no clue what I wanted to write about today.  So I am going to go with the hot topic between some friends of mine on Bikerspost.com.  It seems one lady slipped on some gravel and had her bike tip on her.  Now most of us bikers have had that happen to us at one point in time or will.  However because of this her husband wants her to sell her bike, and of course she is very upset about all of this.
     A discussion started to brew on the site about how unfair it was of the husband to demand that she sell the bike.  Of course all of the people on the site have bikes and are pretty avid riders.  Some mentioned men giving up riding for their wife and kids and so on and so on.  However, a consensus of you should do what you want to do and don't let your mate control your life seemed to be reached about the whole ordeal.
    What do you think?  I'd love to hear others thoughts on this whole subject.   Thanks, and again ride safe.

Human Alarm Clocks and Days Off.

      I have to admit I thought of taking today off from writing.  It's Sunday, Father's Day, the day after my son's B'day party and well just about a quarter to 7:00 in the morning.  Wife and son are still sleeping which is an unusual thing.  Usually our son (the human alarm clock) is up by 5:30-6:00.  My wife gets ready about this time during the week, but doesn't like it so much on the weekends. 

MMMMM  More Cake for Me.  Daddy let me go!!!!!!!!!!!!

      The birthday party went well and our son seemed to really like his gifts and of course the cake. He received some new books, a stuffed puppy,  a 4 wheeler, and a ride on alphabet train.  He loves things he can spin the wheels on and anything that makes noise when you push a button. 

The Green Kawasaki Toys are MINE!!!!!!!!!

     Father's Day plans include getting together with the family for some good lunch today, and pretty much taking it easy.  You really can't go wrong with those plans, and if something comes up you can easily adjust and just go with the flow.
     This Sunday, I hope you find a fresh new start to your week and look back at the enjoyable times from last week.

Bike Night

     Well I went to another bike night last night, but this time I went with a friend, his brother and his Dad.  The ride was fun, and I have to admit it was the first time I rode in a group for more then a few miles around town.  We saw a lot of Harley's.  I'm starting to think that's mostly what you see at bike shows.  There were some Honda's, Suzuki's, Yamaha's, Triumph's, BMW's and I think there was one Ducati. But by far Harley's made up the biggest amout of bikes at the bike night.  There was live music and food.  So I can't complain there.  My friend and I commented that it was like being at the fair with the various types of people you see out and about.  Over all it was a fun time, but I think the best part was riding there and back along with seeing some rare bikes and um.. did I mention I saw blue Harley's?  Thought I should throw that in for your brother, my friend.

       Today I hope we all enjoy our day and enjoy the ride getting to where ever we're going.

Updates and an Anniversary.



With Daddy at the Zoo looking for the Sheep, OK, OK, it was a Donkey or Lama I can't remember.

     Well I have to admit I took my own advice today and graciously received a new, new testament bible from a friend from church.  At first I didn't know what I was receiving but I said thank you and began to ask what it was. So thankfully I now have a brand new bible to use and mark up as need be with notes etc.  So thank you Scott. 
     My son had a great day at the zoo tomorrow,  but I think if he could say one thing it would be, "Mommy, Daddy, I'm to short in my stroller, I can't see sh..."  yes that's right John... he said sheep.  Anyway, he had a nice time at the zoo, and with opening his presents and filling his mouth with chocolate cake to the point that he looked like a gnome with a black/brown goatee.

This rag doesn't taste nearly as good as cake.

      My friends have an anniversary today and that is what took up my thoughts this morning, aside from cleaning the house for guests this weekend.  I never realized that one, they got married today 5 yrs ago, or that in fact it had been 5 yrs that they had been married.  These are friends, but not friends that we see very often.  I congratulate them on 5 yrs of marriage and the fact that they have 2 great kids that we get updates about occasionally.
      Today I hope we're mindful of friends and family and the important dates that they have.  It's easy to get focused on ourselves and our own dates, but lets be considerate of others in our lives too.  May we all be blessed today and go forward in a happy and joyous mood.  Have a great day and great weekend.

Unexpected gifts.

     Today is my son's birthday, we already opened a few presents, went out for birthday breakfast (bagel day). I'll tell you more about his birthday tomorrow. But as I watched him with his first birthday I wondered about things.

Micah on his present, Daddy's Motorcycle JK

     How long did it take us to realize and accept presents we're given? My son didn't know how to unwrap the presents we gave him so Mommy and I had to help him. Then after opening the present he didn't know what to do with it. He banged pieces together to make noise and pushed the buttons repeatedly to hear the sounds the toys would make. But I wonder, how long will it take for him to figure out the point of the toy, how it works and what the idea behind the toy is.

     Today I hope we all take the time to figure out what gifts we have received and how we can use them properly to help us in our life.

Not sure anything can beat Biker Porn

     It seems that my title got quite a few of people to look at my blog yesterday.  I hope they learned a great deal from it.  Anyway, today looks like it will be another rainy day.  Yesterday tricked us, looking like it would rain all day and nothing until late at night.  I guess sometimes you just aren't sure what you're going to get.  Today I just hope that things are better then we expect them to be and that the gray day will disappear to blue skies in your life.

Biker Porn

      Ok, yeah I know the title makes you wonder, what is he talking about, but I'm borrowing the phrase from Ewan McGregor.  In the book "Long Way Round" Ewan describes his lustful reading of bike magazines and parts catalogs as biker porn.  I think any biker can relate.  Just as anyone who loves a certain hobby can relate.
       The other day I started looking through a parts magazine, one of many in my collection, to try to find the saddle bags I wanted for my bike.  As I thumbed through the magazine, I soon found myself looking at pipes,  windscreens for sport bikes, motorcycle lifts, different polishes and waxes.  What should have taken 4-5 minutes to find turned out to take 30 minutes.  The same is true of any motorcycle magazine. I look at it first, thumbing through it to look at the advertisements and pictures of the latest greatest bikes.  Then I go and read my favorite articles sometimes the commentaries, then usually the product reviews, the articles about some recent ride to who knows where that few bikers have heard of, or if they have they eagerly await to ride to, and then I usually will read about the comparisons between new kinds of bikes. 
       I do have to admit though, I wasn't always interested in biker porn...  although I do wonder if I had a secret yearning for it since youth.  My Dad occasionally, or rather rarely would go into the local dealership and look at different bikes, he used to ride before I was around.  I remember wearing his old motorcycle helmet on my head while riding my bicycle, pretending I was on a bike.  In high school I'd look at cycle world and lust over the sport bikes.  I never really read the articles, I'd just look at the pictures.  When I got older in college a friend had a motorcycle and I thought it was pretty cool.  Then when I was living in Kansas my friends all got bikes, and out there you could ride about yr round and I thought maybe I should look into it. So I started reading magazines and books on how to ride, how to choose a bike, how bikes worked, how to work on bikes, how to build a bike, and the thought just snowballed.
         Luckily I am here today and can say thank you to my dad, my friends, and to the contributors to biker porn :)  you have given me an affordable hobby in which I can meet others that enjoy the same things I do.  You've shown me how similarities can exist in people that can seem very different, and I am appreciative of that fact.
     I hope that today, you take the time to think about your hobbies, and remember what got you interested in them in the first place.  Then I hope you can go about sharing your love for that hobby to others.

Finding the right one.

      I often hear people ask what is the right bike for me.  The answer is simple, which ever bike you feel comfortable on.  Take the time to look at, sit, and if possible ride as many different bikes as possible.  While biggest isn't always the best, the smallest isn't always the right answer either.  Small engined bikes are good for new riders and for city use, but tend to be a little doggy especially if a cruiser on the interstate if you ever ride there.  Mid engined bikes 500-800 cc bikes are good bikes for riders who have some experience and want a good mix of city and highway riding.  The frames are a bit bigger so the average person doesn't look or feel like a clown on them.  900-1300cc bikes again cruisers are about the middle of the line.  They have great power and acceleration and are best for highway use.  1000 cc sport bikes are super fast because the bikes them selves are super light.  You could look at a 2000cc cruiser weight about 700-800 pounds and think whoa that's a big heavy bike, but the power it has is about the same as the 1000cc 300-400 pound sport bike the neighbor kid has.   Then you have your bigger engined cruisers 1400-2000 plus cc's.  These bikes make great bikes, but I really am unsure if they are right for beginners or even average users.  But if you like it and can ride it and feel safe on it, I suppose that's all that matters.
      The same thing can be said of anything in life.  Sometimes the biggest isn't always the best.  New skills take time to develop so a little at a time is better then all at once.  Today I hope we all take the time to enjoy where we're at in our journey and thank God for bringing us here so far.

Thoughts about professional and college sports

      I don't know about you, but it seems most people prefer college sports to pro sports in the circles I run around in.  The other day I read a news clip about Lebron James and how he wasn't living up to expectations during the finals.  I have to admit that since Michael Jordan left the first time, I haven't really been impressed with the NBA.  It just seems like a bunch of whiny overpaid players playing an exhibition type basketball game.  Now I know the stresses of the job are high and I do believe that these athletes should be paid for their time as entertainers, but I wonder if some of the problems they have aren't a result of their high pay. status, jobs.   While I do realize not every professional player fits into this category, it seems that's all we hear about. 
   I did say I enjoyed college sports more, but at the same time college sports has it's issues too.  While I personally am not a big Auburn or Ohio State Fan, I do wonder about the consequences for allegations and investigations.  If our youth look up to professional and even college athletes, shouldn't these athletes and their parents at least have some decency to acknowledge the truth and realize the consequences for what ever decisions they make?
   I hope that today, we all take the time to be the best men and women that we can be so that our youth can see right from wrong.

Mundane Saturday

     Today seems like just about any other Saturday, our human alarm clock (our son) woke us up at 5:00.  He usually gets up at 5:00, 5:30, 6:00 depending on his mood.  My wife got him at 5:30 this morning and took him  to the kitchen for breakfast.  I still groggy slept about 5-10 minutes more and then got up and made scrambled eggs with cheese for us.
      After breakfast we decided on what clothes we would wear for our son's birthday pictures today, we decided to use his motorcycle as a prop so we thought that we wouldn't want his clothes to clash in the pictures.  After wrestling to get him dressed we all took a walk before his nap.
      Along the walk we looked at the sky.  Thinking it looks like it could still rain.  I felt the grass which was still damp, and thought well I can mow a little later when it's less wet, or even tomorrow.  When we got home we put our son down for his nap, and he still is protesting it now in his crib.
      So why am I writing about this, it sounds pretty common and pretty boring.  The truth is to me it's not.  It's not every day that all three of us are up and eating breakfast at the same time, or up and going out to do something together.  Yes most people use Saturday's to sleep in and to do what ever their heart pleases, or at least I know I did before I was married.  But before I was married and before I had a son, I was also pretty selfish and pretty lonely too. 
      Today, I hope we all find joy in whatever it is we're doing, wether it be going to visit friends or family, running chores, or whatever the norm is for our Saturday, and I pray that we may see it from a different point of view and realize how blessed we are.

Growing up.

     Yesterday and today I thought about growing up.  My son will be 1 yr old next week and I am realizing he is far different now then when he first was born.  He used to be able to curl up on my chest and fall asleep, now he's lucky if he can curl up on anything he's so big.  He's at a point where he likes to try and walk but often he just gets on his feet and then falls on his rump.
    The other day an older friend from school mentioned a bridge we were all scared of on facebook, and asked if anyone had ever walked across it.  Looking back now, I would never have done it with how high it was and how much I would lose if God forbid a train did come.  As we get older perhaps we gain those insights about the shortness of life and we value the people we have around us more then we do as a youth.
    Today, I hope we remember our past, and we value those around us who have been with us along our journey.

Storms of life and communication.

     Today as I am typing this, the weather outside is gray cloudy and I hear claps of thunder.  The weather man said that it was going to get stormy today with possible sever storms tonight.  It feels a bit cooler outside though so that is a welcome relief.
     Over the past couple of weeks I have realized the need for family and friends to help us through the storms we face in life.  No one can help though if we don't take the time to communicate our needs and thoughts.  I hope today we all have people we can talk to if needed and that we will lend an ear for those who need it as we all go through life's storms.

Stay at home Dad's and names of church groups.

Image taken from: http://www.stayathomedads.co.uk/dadshomepicture01ed.gif

     Well good Morning!  Today I just want to say what's on my mind and then move on.  Why is it that many different church get togethers for toddlers or children always say Mom and Tot, or something similar.  Do the churches now think that it is wrong for a Dad to stay home with his children?  I wonder this as I consider going to such an event today.  Will I be looked at strangely since I am obviously not a Mom but I have a tot?  I guess the old addage of try it and see can't fail today.
   My wish today is that any church would be accepting of any parent who chooses to stay home to help raise their own children, and not look down upon those who happen to have the xy chromosome pair instead of the typical xx pairing.

Family.

      Yesterday, oddly enough, I found myself focused on family.  With the temperatures reching into the high 90's by the afternoon, Micah and I decided we should take our exercise and playing in the park early in the day before it got too hot.  We took a nice 30 minute bicycle ride with Micah in the trailer, and then played on the swing, the wobbly 4 wheeler, the aligator, newt, dinosaur thing, and then once down the small slide for fun.  Later on in the afternoon we took the plastic wadding pool out and splashed around for a bit.  Micah and I both got a little more color and had fun. 
       Earlier in the day we watched Handy Manny's Motorcycle Adventure.  While not the best show to talk about motorcycle maintanence or behavior while on a motorcycle.  The main theme of the show seemed to be family.  Pat the hammer was desperately searching for his own family, failing to recognize the family he had in the other tools, and Handy Manny.  I don't know how the episode ends as we still have about 10 minutes of the video to watch.  It's a cliff hanger for sure.
     Being adopted, I often wondered what my biological family would have been like.  I, at times, have thought, oh, it would have been so much better with my biological family.  Would have beens are so much different then reality though, and the have prevented me, at times, from seeing the joys of the family I have.  I am thankful for my parents, my wife, my son, my relatives and friends.  Today as I start my day with my family, I wish that we all would find joy in the family and friends we have.

Status Update

     I know I have occasionally said this, but thank you!  It's been interesting to see how many visits this blog has received.  I don't totally know how it all works, but it's been interesting to see that I have had visitors from other countries viewing my blog.  I hope that perhaps one day you will post a comment or check an option in the opinion section if you feel comfortable.
   Hard to believe I have been working on this blog for just over a month.  It's had it's challenges, but I hope that in this new month I can continue to write short little bits to let you all in on the little things that are on my mind as my family and I continue on our journey.

What I learned on Sunday

     Today I finished up my mentoring experience. I can really say I learned many things about coaching and expectations. I also saw how tasks done in the real world sometimes vary greatly from what we ever expect, or have been taught to expect.

     This weekend, I realized I can overcome my own insecurities and realize it's alright to not be "perfect". That's an issue I think I've always faced. When things get hard I often want to throw in the towel and give up. This weekend through encouragement from my wife and my knowledge in what was the right thing to do, I pressed on and made it through.

     I realized that how we say things to people and the way and attitude we use when we say them has a dramatic impact on how they perceive themselves or how they may perceive us. I've also seen how expectations of someone can totally skew and taint the reality of that person. Everyone wants the best for themselves and those they care about, and sometimes we're asked to do things we don't feel prepared to do. The nice thing is that we have others that have been there too, and they can show us how to handle a situation better.

     We all have our faults and strengths. The key is to not let our faults control who we are, and to realize our strengths are often more valuable then our faults. If we press on, our faults hopefully will diminish, but often our faults, can still help us identify with others that are going through the same trials in life, or even similar experiences.

     As the new work week approaches, I hope we all can feel a bit more prepared for what ever challenges may lie ahead in our road of life, realizing that there are others who have faced or will face the same obstacles we have faced and will face. We all can choose to be a help or hindrance to those facing their own obstacles on their own road of life.
 

Attitude, and being perfect.

     Have you ever noticed how some people always seem to think the sun is shining and others always tend to think the gray clouds will never disappear?  Is it the experiences someone has?  Is it the innate ability of us all to want to rank ourselves compared to others?  I don't know.  I do know how we choose to look at the situation does make a difference.
     While talking to an insurance claim adjuster today something dawned on me.  He said "I talk to 80 year old women who have 1 accident and think it's the end of the world.  I want to say to them lady you're not the norm for the average person."  I wonder if the same could be true for us when we think we have to be perfect.  Reality check, we never will be perfect, no matter how hard we try or wish we would be perfect.  We all make mistakes, and some of us make mistakes and don't even realize it.  Most of us  know when we mess up, we just need to feel comfortable to move on and learn how to do it right, and be given the opportunities to do so.  However sometimes it seems so much that we just want to give up and say I've had it.
    This being said, I hope we can remember Jimmy V's famous words, "Don't give up, don't ever give up!".  I think if we can hold on to that, and the concept and idea behind the trials and struggles of all we go through, maybe, just maybe, we can get a little closer to what ever that "perfect" is we're looking for. So remember... Don't give up, don't ever give up!

First Night.

     Well, tonight I have my first night, with a mentor, training people how to ride motorcycles.  I'm about done training to become a Motorcycle Safety Foundation Rider Coach. I need to complete one Basic Rider class with one mentor and then I can officially apply for my state license. Should be fun and exciting, I know I am looking forward to it.
     Thinking of licenses, I also am trying to get my teaching license renewed in the state of Iowa.  I let it expire after moving back from Kansas, and thinking I didn't want to teach anymore.  I don't believe I want to teach a classroom, but I don't think I would mind subbing.  After subbing a bit though, who knows what I will want to do.
     As I go about my first night teaching people how to ride a motorcycle, I hope I am mindful of the first time I learned how to ride, how to be a rider coach, and how to be a good teacher.  I hope the students are mindful of how to be a good student.  And I hope us all to have open minds to accept the teaching of others in ways that are meant to be beneficial to us.

2011 Iowa Rider Coaches

Stereotypes and what I ride.

Anakin Skywalker/ Darth Vader
http://s259.photobucket.com/albums/hh291/1starwars111/Star%20Wars/Anakin%20Skywalker/?action=view&current=anakin_darth_vader.jpg



     A friend of mine got a new bike the other day.  He did the usual thing, plastering pics of the bike all shined up and ready for the road on his Facebook.  The interesting thing about Facebook though is that you can read the comments made by people you don't know, who just happen to know your friend.  While reading the few comments above the congrats comment I made to my friend I realized that if you change the type or style of bike you currently own from the type you usually ride all of a sudden it's like you changed over to the dark side of the force....  oh so sorry Anakin, you're now Darth Vader.
     To some bikers it seems like if you ride a cruiser you're old, fat, and lazy, riding around in your lazy boy.  If you choose to ride a sport, you're young, rebellious and a speed demon.  I wonder then what you are if you do happen to ride a V-Max, a Sportster, or a new Diavel.  To me it doesn't matter what I ride, so why should it matter to the people I ride in front of? I just want to get on the bike and go and, of course, love every minute of it.  I don't see the need to stereotype anyone by what they choose to ride.  The fact is they ride, and who can't find that appealing.  Today I hope we all can take the time to think of the general stereotypes we apply to people we don't even know, and take the time to consider that perhaps just maybe they aren't as bad as we often make them out to be.

V-Max
http://www.ralepi.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/2009-Yamaha-VMax-VMX17-Right-Angle1.jpg

Sportster XR1200X
http://motorsportsnewswire.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/hd-2011_bg.jpg





Diavel
http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/2011-ducati-diavel-carbon-29.jpg

Sickness and Mountains

     Wow I can't believe it's June 1st already.  Seems like the year is flying by.  I missed the past couple of days on my blog because I was on vacation, and I was ill.  I guess my body wasn't accustomed to the new altitude in Colorado.  Monday I spent time  in Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park.  Wow, talk about amazing scenery, not sure I have seen anything else like it in the US.  I was able to add Wyoming as another state I traveled through on Tuesday on our trip back home.  We went through the capital of Cheyenne and well I was amazed that a state would have a capital in a town so small, it has a population of about 50-60 thousand.  Anyway, it's nice to be back home and to be feeling a little bit better.  Hope you all are well and I look forward to sharing a new month with you.  Thanks for all the visits and encouragements.  Ride safe and enjoy the month of June!

No Fear and Risk Acceptance

NO FEAR LOGO
Taken from http://cortender.deviantart.com/art/No-Fear-Logo-9623964

     Have you ever been too afraid of something to try to even do it?  I have fears, we all do.  I'm afraid of the unknown, and heights.  Sometimes other factors like darkness, speed, others, help to compound my fears.  One of the concepts of motorcycling that can apply to life is risk acceptance and maintenance. Some risks are worth taking and some risks are worth avoiding.  However if it's a risk you've never considered due to fear, I wonder if it's worth trying.  If bravery is encouraged and desired isn't it best to face our fears?  It's good to know our own limits,  but it's really not good to live in fear.  I'm not 100 percent sure why this is on my mind today, but it is.  I'm reminded of the NO FEAR company, and their logo.  I hope we all can move through out the day with NO FEAR, or at least little fear.      

Long Drives

     Have you ever noticed how long trips seem when you only focus on the final destination?  It seems to take forever when ever I think oh I want to get to a destination, and I want to be there now.

Micah sleeps in order too make the time go by faster,
 or he is just bored in Nebraska.

I've learned though that sometimes you have to look more at the scenery and as I look I find myself day dreaming.  Sometimes I wonder what it might have been like to live in an area many years ago.  Iowa used to be the bottom of an ocean and then it was part of the large grassland prairie that settlers had to travel through on their way out west.  It was populated by various native American tribes.  There were even a few burial mounds close to where I grew up.  While somewhat unimpressive to me the first time I saw them, it is a reminder that the area was lived in before I and my parents were ever around.  When ever I take the time to look at my surroundings and wonder/daydream, it makes the long trips go by faster.  My wish is that today we can remember our own past, or the past of others to help us get more understanding of our own life and circumstances.

Have a good day,
Shawn

Deer and Cars

     I ran across a news article the other day concerning a biker a deer and a person in a car.  Just something to think about as it is motorcycle safety month.  The biker hit the deer and because he wasn't wearing a helmet lay unconscious in the road.  Not a safe thing in the least, and then a driver who evidently wasn't paying attention ran over the biker and killed the biker.  Now as unlikely as all that circumstance seems, things like this do happen.  Bikers hit deer and cars hit bikers, that is common, but to have two of them happen to the same biker is unfortunate.  All of us need to be aware of our surroundings so that we can miss the deer or biker in the road.  If it's easy to miss the car pulling out in front of you for what ever reason, maybe take the time to slow down and really evaluate a situation before acting.  We share the roads with others in life, lets take the time to watch out for one another.

Taken from http://www.wpclipart.com/travel/US_Road_Signs/warning/warn_1/share_the_road.png.html

Time and what you need.

     Have you ever noticed that if you need or want something bad enough it takes a long long time to get it.  Sometimes that makes us appreciate it more I guess.  But what's up with Laundry?  I like wearing clothes and looking good for the most part, but why does it have to take so long?  It's one of life's mysteries I guess.  Anyway as I sit and wait on my laundry, I hope you all have a good day.

Riding in the Rain

     Yesterday I rode in pouring rain.  I never realized rain could be so cold!!  It is Motorcycle Safety Month, if you didn't know. One simple way to be safe in rain is to simply slow down and move with other traffic.  Hopefully the rain will hold off and we all can get out and enjoy the outdoors.

Help on Tuesday.

     Not much going on today, just helping load a moving truck, and meeting my wife for lunch.  The weather here has been great and I've been adding more and more miles to my motorcycle.  It is my only means of powered transportation. I do ride my bicycle and walk from time to time, but nothing is as fun as riding the motorcycle.  I don't think it matters what kind of bike you have, you just love it and love it.  Hope you all have a great day and can lend a hand to help those that need it.

Monday, Motorcycles and Yardwork.

     Well it's Monday morning and 5-21 turned out to just be 5-21.  The weather man said the rain was going to hold off today, so I guess that means I should mow the jungle in the front and back yard.  With the nice weather it has been more tempting to take the motorcycle out.  Last night was so nice with the cool temp and sunshine that made being out on the road that much better.  Thanks again for those of you who visit and mark the comment boxes, I appreciate it.  Not much going on today, so I suppose I should say adios, and wish you all a great start to the new work week.  Have a good one and hopefully see you all tomorrow.

My first time at Iowa Speedway

     Yesterday was my first ever time at the Iowa Speedway.  Wow what a day to go.  Luckily the weather held off and the race was run with no weather interruptions.  Congrats to Iowa's own Brett Moffitt for his win.  Also thanks to Chris for his willingness to share his tickets with me.  Friends are always good.  This Sunday I wish us all safe journeys no matter where we're going and success on the race of life.

5/21/11 and the end of the world.

     Did you know that the world is going to end today?  Yeah I don't think so either.  However one man out in California thinks today's the day.  So it has got me and others wondering about our last days.  I personally got a little saddened at the thought of the end of this world, but I forgot that God is in control always even in our final days.  I realized I shouldn't fear the end, but enjoy what ever life I have left.  I should take responsibility for the things I say and the way I act.  I should consider the impact my words and actions have on my friends and family and the people around me.  I wish this gentleman in California would have the same consideration for the people he is around.

Old Men and Trucks

     Yesterday as I was out and about on my motorcycle, I ran across an old man in a truck who decided to pay no attention to me and pull out nearly right in front of me.  Luckily I had been aware and noticed the truck long before he ever noticed me and no serious injury was caused by his lack of attention to me.  However, it gave me a great story to lead into a story about other old men and trucks. 
     Old men, wow what can I say about old men.  First off some can be good and some unfortunately can be very very bad.  It seems as people get older 1 of 2 things happen, either people feel a need to share their lives with others and do so positively, or they become bitter and isolated.  Luckily we usually get to see both sides of the old man coin.
     Whether a work truck, or a sport truck, good good good. No matter the size of the truck it can do jobs a normal car can't.  In fact a friend's work truck today saved me from a cold and rainy ride home in a thunderstorm, while the one that I came across the other day could have had me and my bike for lunch.
     I ask that today we all would pay attention to the old men and trucks we come across, whether bad or good, so that we can continue on down the road of life. Have a great Friday and hopefully great weekend.

  

Image Found on Bing Images:

http://www.superstock.com/stock-photos-images/1647R-9085

Education and Chopper College

     If you didn't know it, I was a junior high and high school biology teacher.  I came from a family of teachers so teaching just seemed like the family business.  While teaching I ran across a new friend who got me interested in motorcycles.  I had never really thought to much about motorcycles, but living in south western Kansas definitely gave one more good riding weather days and being some what thrifty I realized the potential for a fun and cheap mode of transportation.  I soon picked up my first bike and began getting informal training on how to ride.  I practiced like mad on a learners permit, but I did make errors.  I planned on taking the MSF safety class but then we moved back to Iowa and things were put on hold.  After a while being back in Iowa I hungered to ride again and new I would need to take a safety class in order to get my full license.  I loved the class, I loved it so much that I later decided to become an MSF RiderCoach.  While networking and meeting other riders and looking at the local dealerships in Des Moines I came across Throttler Magazine.  Inside the magazine I came across an add for Chopper College.  I never realized there was a program so relatively close to the mid west that offered courses in building bikes.  I took the time to look at their website and then called to find out the cost of the program.  The person I talked to was so nice and made the program sound wonderful, that I hope to experience the courses in the future.
     I hope we all get the opportunity to explore the areas we love and take advantage of the experiences we have gone though and will go though in order to get us to the places we hope to go and love.  Wishing you all a safe and happy journey today and every day.  Shawn

http://www.choppercollege2020.com/

Signs and Lights.

     Yesterday I took the time to do some yard work and go to my first bike night.  As I was out on my bike  decided to use a gift certificate I had from Harley Davidson.  So I stopped by a local dealer and picked up some signs.  Funny that one of the Harley symbols looks a lot like a Triumph design I wear at times.

Signs I hung in the garage

I also went to my first bike night down at the state fairgrounds.  I guess they get together every Tuesday night.  There was a ton of bikes and cars to see.

     I also worked in the yard some.  As I was weeding in the morning I realized that perhaps my grand plans for the yard didn't need to be so grand.  I did however want to get the weeds out and some new yard lights installed.  While working on placing the yard lights the neighbor kid stopped by.  He and his siblings are becoming usual visitors to our yard as we often see them after a stray ball has landed in our back yard.  Anyway he provided a great help in removing stickers from the lights and in trying to help me wash my motorcycle.  It's amazing the help you can get even from the 6 year old neighbor kid.

Solar yard lights along the path

     Well that sums up my yesterday.  I hope that we will pay attention to the signs we see in our life, and follow the light in the darkness.  Who knows we may even pick up some help from those we least expect.  Have a good one and see you again tomorrow.

Shawn

Thank you.

     I just wanted to say thank you for visiting my blog.  It's hard to believe I have been working on this for nearly two weeks and have had over two hundred visits.  I have really appreciated the encouragement based on the feedback given.   Yesterday I watched the movie One Week.  While I didn't agree with everything in the movie, I thought the premise was good.  If you haven't checked it out I would recommend it.

     Have a good day, see you later!

Shawn

Exercise and taking care of the house.

     It seems lately I have been really into getting myself back in to shape.  I've been walking or riding a bicycle for at least 30 minutes a day.  I have also spent more time to do projects on the house to get it into better shape.  Doing both of these have allowed me to feel better about myself and to work out their frustrations I tended to keep to myself.  I hope we all find the things that help us detox from the negatives in our life so we can cherish and value the positive in our lives.

Shawn

Misinterpretation and Faith

     Was watching Defiance this morning and realized how easy it would have been for people to think it was the end of the world.  Thank heavens for friends and family to help us realize the truth.  I hope we all continue on day by day in faith for tomorrow.

Brrrrr.

     Even when you know what to expect, riding through the cold is still cold.  Be safe and have a good weekend.

Friday the 13th.

     As today is Friday the 13th, and I face my own demons, I am so thankful to know that I am forgiven and loved by my family and friends.

Thank you!

      May is poppy month, and I think it is very important to remember the work our family and friends have done for the benefirt of our country.  I hope we all take the time to remember and thank those who serve and have served.

National WWII Memorial

Taken from: http://www.wwiimemorial.com/default.asp?page=pictures.asp&subpage=

The wisdom of Popeye!

     I remember watching Popeye when I was younger and I remember two good life principals from that cartoon.  First, "I yam what I yam" and eating greens (spinach) only makes us stronger.   I hope we remember to stay true to ourselves and try to eat healthier so that we won't turn into a Bluto... or even worse a Wimpy..  Have a great Tuesday!

Shawn

Darkest before the Dawn

    At times it seems dark before the dawn, but it's nice to know we can always turn our hopes to the coming sun.  I hope that the sun shines on you today and each and every day!

This image was taken from the following http://www.slywy.com/views/views.html

Hidden Gems

     This last weekend I was fortunate enough to have encountered three unique men with three very unique possessions, but all with a similar heart.  The first man I saw was with a 1953 Daimler SP250 Dart.  When asked about the car, he replied that he had found it out in a field about 10 yrs ago, and that he had many other similar cars he had taken the time to restore. 

     The second was a man returning from a farm auction with an antique miniature motorcycle.  Immediately I could see little Micah on such a machine in the future, if he wanted to be on one.

     The last was a man that had a 1974 Norton Commando.  To think I had a day in which I had the chance to see 3 rare beauties and meet 3 (there's that 3 again)  unique individuals was awe inspiring.

Three gems sitting on a couch!

     I hope we all take the time to find, and maintain the hidden gems in our life.

Mother's on Mother's Day!

     Sunday is Mother's Day!!  I hope you took the time to think about the women in your lives that are mothers and realize what a blessing they are.  My Mom is the one who understands and seems to listen and guide me at times.  Her Mom was spunky and funny. My wife is the same, she loves our son, and she loves me. Her Mother and I have had our issues at times, but until I realized she actually cared for me, it's no wonder the road was bumpy.  I have friend's that have lost their Mom's, and I know they miss them terribly, but I think if they take the time to look they can find her in their own heart, and hopefully in other women they know and hold close.

Love you MOM's!!!!
Shawn

Winning the Kentucky Derby of Life

     I didn't realize it, but the Kentucky Derby is today. It's funny because even though I hadn't thought of it I find myself eager to know who wins the race.  I think I and most Americans just love to race.  Most drivers, drive like they're racing. We strive and strive and strive to get ahead and win the race of life. But as in any race we need to learn to pace ourselves.  The lives we lead at times make us feel more like sprinters then marathon runners.  I hope we all can take the time to slow down, enjoy our lives and realize that we can still be loved and appreciated, as we pace ourselves for the marathon of life.  Oh and go Seabiscuit!!!   Is that horse even racing anymore? jk

Shawn

Numbers and Names

First of all, I want to say thank you to our visitors.  It’s been a great joy to see how many people have visited our blog.  I personally wish to keep my blog open for people to think about, and to comment on their own experience on any topic listed.  That being said, let’s get on to today’s post.

                It seems to me that everything in life has a name or number associated for it.  The number 3 is one such number for me. There are 3 in my family, and the family I came from.  Candice along with the other 3 in her family makes up their family.  Most people have at least 3 generations in their family as well.  At one time I wanted to be a math teacher, and my wife is an accountant again both would use numbers.  Every living person use numbers daily, we’re just sometimes unaware of it, and if we don’t use a number, we certainly use the name for a number at some point during the day.

                Names are also used daily and important for a couple of reasons in my opinion.  They tell us who and what something is.  I’m getting ready to go to a Triumph dealer later this weekend to look at some of their new bikes.  If you don’t know Triumph is a motorcycle company from the UK and once upon a time they were a car brand popular here in the US.  I personally love Triumph’s and after talking to my Dad I know he loved his TR-3.  Again that number 3….   Anyway, back in the late 70’s early 80’s the company nearly went under like many motorcycle companies of the time.  I particularly like Triumph’s because aside from being from the UK, they are unique and seem to be pretty loyal to who and what they are.   Anyone can appreciate that fact, and ironically, the Triumph brand, has triumphed over their troubled past.  I have had the pleasure of owning one Triumph motorcycle in my life so far, and I hope to maybe one day own another. 

Me on my Triumph the first day I got her.

     I owned a beautiful 2009 Street Triple which I affectionately called Candy Rae.  A name I had affectionately nicknamed my wife.  Any assumptions drawn there are and were intentional. 

Candy Rae after spending some time with me.

 Anyway, that little Triumph, and my subsequent accident while on her, has caused me to triumph over my past.  I have moved on in my own injury and gotten back on the road I love and share with everyone. I have become a motorcycle safety coach, and I feel I am beginning to triumph over the scars of my past.  I hope that you all have a great weekend and that you will triumph on down any road you choose to travel.

The bruise on my inner thigh and back quad, after a car decided to turn left in front of me on a cloudy and rainy day in March of 2009, After only 1 month of ownership and less then 30 miles from home.I also sufferered 2 broken wrists, and a period of 2 yrs in which I did not ride at all.

Shawn



Cinco De Crasho, Bagel Day, and The Perfect Ride

Well first off thanks for the people who took the time to view my blog, I really appreciate it.  I hope it continues to be a source of inspiration and refreshment for you during your already busy days. Today is Cinco De Mayo, or the 5^th of May it also happens to be my wife’s and I bagel day.  My wife and I have a Thursday morning Tradition we affectionately call Bagel Day in which we usually get up and I go out via the best transportation for the day to bring home the  chocolate chip baked goodies from one our favorite local shops.  While sharing with her the ideas of today’s blog topic, she mentioned to me that It was the 5^th of May and that last year on the 5^th of May, I had taken her out for lunch and upon returning promptly crashed our minivan (yeah I rock a minivan like my Man KJ-52) while talking to my parents on the good old cell phone.  She thought I could jokingly title the blog entry today something like “Cinco De Crasho!”

                While I know a perfect anything is only an idea we can all strive for, luckily we have our head and heart to guide us.   In my head I know the way to drive, ride, pretty much know how to do anything if I take the time to think about it and practice it.  My heart also knows my desires and wishes and tendencies.  If I remember way back to the times when I took my Basic Riding Classes I seem to remember one idea; the concept that all crashes are made up of a multitude of factors.  In my head I knew I should know the way back home and how to proceed safely, but my head didn’t remember the new traffic light.  My heart knew I loved my parents enough to call them, but it forgot the love I have for others.  The two combined along with other factors to cause that accident. 

My wife knows my head and heart, and so do my extended family and friends.  I pray that we all would follow our head and hearts, while taking the time to consider the head and hearts of our family, friends, and possibly one day future friends.   Hope you all have a great 5^th day of May.  

Micah's Perfect Ride with Mommy's Assistance

Shawn

Huevos Grandes

Well First of all hellos to one and all of our friends and family.  Today represents a new start for Candice, Micah and I.  First of and foremost our son is having his surgery today.  It is so admirable to see a little 10 and ½ month old so calm about going into have a surgery on his um…. Huevos Grandes (Big Eggs).  He is actually having his huevecillos (little eggs) worked on so they don’t get so big.   Thank God for professional Dr.’s and Nurses.  Everyone at Mercy treated us so well.  It was amazing to see Micah the little trooper ready to go.  We wish him a healthy and quick recovery.

Micah Pre-Surgery

                This also is our first blog, we hope that it is a good source of information about our daily life, and our personal reactions to such.  I (Shawn) am the main writer with my wife (Candice) and my mom helping to edit today.  I would type totally free lance, but my huevos aren’t so grande.    You may not know this but I am Hispanic, so I throw in a little bit of Spanish every now and again.  Now I am just a beginner so please don’t be offended if I misuse the little Spanish I know.   Hopefully Dora the Explorer, and Handy Manny, will kick in as I watch those shows with Micah.

                Oh you may not know I am a stay at home Dad.  I never expected to be in this position, but it’s one I am cherishing.  So much free time on my hands while watching, it really makes this all possible.  I’m reminded of Handy Manny, if you don’t know him; you should introduce your young ones to him. Anyway, he has a motorcycle, I love motorcycles, and I have a feeling Micah does too.  I just recently got a new bike, and I am sure my writing at times will include information about that, so you motor heads just wait. 

                Our family is also a Christian family.  While not perfect we do the best we can with our faith.  We wish (at least I do) that our life story through this blog can give you all an insight into that as well.  While that is important to us, we also hope that our life story can be entertaining and enlightening.  We hope to talk to you all again tomorrow.  But for now, I will say Adios( Good Bye), and Dios los bendiga! (God Bless!)

Micah's New Friend- The Therapy Dog at the Hospital

Shawn