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