Words to Live By

Don't be afraid your life will end; be afraid it will never begin.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

A Very Special Day Today

Today is Big D's birthday! Happy birthday babe!

I think this is a good time to tell everyone why you're such a great husband, so here it goes:

  • You love me unconditionally, even when I'm a flake
  • You gave me Annabelle...and you work on her for me
  • You cut large trees off my car at 6:30 a.m.
  • You let me dress Rascal as Santa
  • You always encourage me to succeed
  • You defer to me regarding social plans
  • You take care of me when I'm not feeling well
  • You're hot!
  • You tell everyone I'm hot (even if it is a stretch)
  • You just 'get' me (not many do)
  • You laugh at my jokes, even when they're not funny
  • You clean the house and do the laundry for me
  • You're the most caring man I know
  • You're my best friend
This list could go on and on. We've been through some really bad times and through all those times you were the rock.

I found a quote the other day by Sir James M. Barrie that reminded me of you, "If you have it (Love), you don't need to have anything else, and if you don't have it, it doesn't matter much what else you have."

I love you, Babe, and I hope your birthday is wonderful. And remember: Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live!




Monday, December 21, 2009

How Not To Bake Christmas Cookies



This is the result when you forget you put that last batch in the oven!

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

A Bit of Storm Damage - Updated

Update #1: The neighbor's homeowner's insurance won't cover the damage. They said it was an act of God. I said "Prove it." They don't like me now. So, I saw my friendly local Geico adjuster today. We'll find out tomorrow if the car is a total loss. Not quite sure how I feel about that yet.

Update #2: I love Geico! My car is a total loss. Let me explain how good this really is for me. The small remainder of my loan will be paid. I am keeping the running/operating vehicle, and I will get some cash, too! Woo-hoo! No car payment and cash in my pocket? Thank you, Mr. Tree and thank you, Geico!

On Monday night we had one hell of a storm here. I haven't seen a storm like this in about 3 or 4 years. 80 mph winds, crazy-ass rain, and I think maybe a tornado. Well, maybe not a tornado. Mind you, these storms usually only last 5-10 minutes at this intensity level, but this one lasted for several hours.

When the storm started at 10:30-ish, Big D went outside to take the canopy off the gazebo in our back yard. Too late. The gazebo was trashed 5 minutes into the storm. While he was attempting canopy removal, the wind was so violent, his hand actually became impaled by the gazebo in 2 places. No worries, he's ok.

After the fun & games with the gazebo, I went to bed. When I woke up yesterday morning, I took a quick peek out the back door as I let the dogs out to do their business. It was wet, but I didn't see any new damage. It was also 4:00 a.m. and dark out. I probably wouldn't have noticed anyway.

Fast forward to 7:00 a.m.: I walk out the door to jump in the dented ghetto Buick. I have an all day seminar at the Arizona Biltmore, and I don't want to be late. This is what I saw:




The neighbor's tree had fallen on the Buick. I have actually had a tree fall on one of my cars before. So my initial reaction was, "You have got to be kidding me...again?!" I woke Big D and he broke out the trusty saws-all to get the tree off my car. There was surprisingly little damage, and my windows were not broken! I made it to the seminar on time, too. Here are a few more pics of all the storm damage. What a storm!



Sunday, December 6, 2009

Ride Report: MMA/Sunshine Acres Toy Run - 12/5/09

Yesterday the Maricopa County and Pima County chapters of BACA supported the MMA's toy run for Sunshine Acres Children's Home. Please click on the link when you have time, and read about Sunshine Acres. It is a great facility that runs on donations only. They receive no funds from federal, state or local governments. Absolutely amazing.

We left the house at 7:30 a.m. It was 39 outside. It was NASTY COLD! Met up with the west side crew at Denny's. Then hit the freeway to meet the Phoenix crew. After that, we hit the 101 and headed to Mesa. It was a freezing cold ride to Toby Keith's Bar & Grill. Nice place, food was ok, but I don't think I'll be back. While we were there, I learned that Toby Keith's has a 'no colors' policy and the only time all of us bikers would be allowed in the place wearing our gear would be that day. Whatever. If they don't want our money, we will gladly spend it elsewhere.

Once we finished chipping the ice off our faces, we had some grub, registered for the run and took off for Sunshine Acres. I was extremely nervous because up until this point, I had only ridden my own with a group of 5 or 6 other bikes. There were 110 bikes on this group ride. I was about the 8th bike in the pack, so I felt better, until I looked in my mirror. The other reason I was nervous: Annabelle was blowing oil out from her breather. A lot of oil. But I discussed it with Big D and he said it should be fine, as Sunshine Acres wasn't more than 3 or 4 exits down the freeway.

So I did the group ride thing with no issues. We presented all the toys and more than $2K to Sunshine Acres and some of us took a tour of the facility. It's a really amazing place! They took us through 3 of the homes, one of which was just completed last month. Travertine tile, beautiful decor, very comfortable living. All these homes are donated. Contractors, builders, etc. donate building materials, time, money, etc. so these kids will have homes.

Other people elected not to go on the tour, and give the kids rides around the facility on their bikes. It was really cold out, but the smiles on the kids' faces were well worth it! These kids always look forward to having the MMA come out and give them rides. It was really great.

After leaving Sunshine Acres, the last stop was Garfield's in Apache Junction. This is WAY the hell on the opposite side of the valley from where I live. The place was packed. I was concerned about Annabelle, due to the oil issue. I had discussed putting her in the BACA trailer that Sticks & Dimples were pulling, earlier in the day. When they said they were heading home, I gathered a bunch of my BACA family to help get Annabelle in the trailer. The ramps weren't in the trailer, so she had to be lifted. Good thing she's not a road king! :)

After packing up Annabelle, we went back into Garfields and I figured since I wasn't riding home, I would have a beer or two. Or three. Whatever. Anyway, I had a few beers. I didn't win any of the raffle items, but had a great time. It was nice to ride bitch with Big D, again. I haven't done that since sometime in October! The ride home was just as cold, if not colder than the ride out in the morning. It seemed like it took forever!

When we finally made it home, we still had a group with us, so I put on the coffee while everyone thawed out. I was exhausted, and felt ready for bed. Then I looked at the clock and realized it was only 6:00 p.m.! That's the trouble with leaving the house at 7:00 a.m.; you're exhausted by dinner time. The last of our guests left around midnight, and I slept great. I'm a bit sore today, but it was worth it!

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Blog Name Game

OK, I'm passing this from Jane's blog. Come on, now, it'll be fun! :)

Leave a comment describing me using one word that starts with the 3rd letter of your name. Then repost this in your blog. Let's see what people come up with!!