Take a Good Look Around You

I recently took a good look around me. Have you ever done that? I mean taken a really good, long look at your life, what you've accomplished, what dreams you have achieved? Sometimes we get so caught up in the day-to-day noise of our lives, that we don't stop and look around. It's good to look back and see how far you've come. It makes the journey worthwhile. I don't always see the progress I've made until I stop and take a breath.

I realized that I have a wonderful husband of almost 16 years, a beautiful family of 4 children and 5 grandchildren. I have obtained my bachelor's degree. I have the best friends a girl could ask for. I have a great job, my health, etc, etc.

I also have something that some may not understand. Others may take it for granted. If my mother were still alive she would roll her eyes and sigh loudly. I have my Harley, Victoria. She gives me freedom that I never had before I learned to ride. She gives me the open road and a license to go where I wish, when I wish, with whom I wish. She gives me the power to draw my own map.

I recently went on a day trip with my best friend, Toni. We took our bikes up to Woods Canyon Lake. We like to ride up there and hang our hammocks and enjoy the cool forest of northern Arizona. We don't do it often enough for either of our liking, but when we do, it's incredible. Riding up the twisty roads, tearing out of the heat of the desert headed for the cool pines up north without a care in the world. It's a great feeling. If we were in a car, it just would not be the same. Those who don't ride, just don't understand that.

Toni is moving out of state in a few weeks, and I'm heartbroken to have her move so far away. She is the closest thing to a sister that I have out here, with my family so far away. But with her moving away, I've had to stop and take a look around me. Yes, I'm heartbroken, and yes, I'll miss her dearly. But I looked back and remembered all the good times we've had together. We have laughed, cried, spat sarcastic comments at people, ridden our bikes all over the state together, and fallen down drunk at her birthday party, too. Literally. You cannot buy memories like that. I'll have those memories forever, and for that I'm truly thankful. What a long way we've come.

I'll miss you Sister, but I'll see you next year in Daytona. :)

A Short Poem

Twas the night before Too Broke, and all through the house
Everyone was there, even my spouse.
Coolers were packed with booze and beer
In the hopes that Too Broke would be epic this year.

The bikers were all tucked snugly in their beds
While visions of the open road danced in their heads
With Caveman in the garage finishing up the bikes
I was contemplating his new project trike.

When from the spare room arose such a clatter
I ran down the hall to see what was the matter.
I opened the door and looked to the bed
And saw BFG had kicked Platinum in the head!

So distressed and shocked and upset was Mary
She fell out of the bed, and that was scary!
I said Mary, Mary, why ya buggin?
She said nothing and started shruggin.
Hagrid and Mike came to see what had come about
Hagrid yelled, “Hey, Mary fell out!”

Then I closed the door and turned out the light
Happy Too Broke to all and to all a good night!

Hey, Anyone Ever Heard of This?

I was browsing the interwebs the other day and found this website. It looks good, but will it work? I've just about lost hope for this country, and I'm wondering if maybe this could be a solution. Any comments, opinions, feedback or education would be appreciated. I'd hate to move my family to Fiji, but it's looking like reality more and more every day.

Ride to Prescott on Arizona 89

Sunday we left the house at 7:00a.m. and rode up the hill to Prescott. We took the back way on Arizona 89, through Wickenburg and Yarnell. I had never been to Prescott that way before, and the twisties were awesome! When I got to the top of the hill in Prescott, everyone had pulled over to wait for me and Tony. I pulled into the parking lot, put my kickstand down, and yelled, "That was frickin' awesome! Why don't we do this every weekend?!" What a ride!

While we were there, I had to buy Molly these cute pink doggles. She's going to start her riding training soon!

It was a great day with awesome friends. I wish we could do that every day! Next weekend: Riding to Tortilla Flat! :)

It's Been A While

Yes, it has been a while since I've posted, hasn't it? I've been too busy. Riding, getting my new bike painted...twice, doing homework, working, etc.

Paul and Linda's wedding reception was a blast. We got to spend some quality time with some quality people and the open bar was a definite plus! :)

We went to Too Broke for Sturgis last month. (My header picture here was taken on the ride up there.) Three people were killed, one critically injured. It was apparently a disagreement over food....drunken assholes and guns don't mix. The shooting was about 150 feet from our tent. Daryl said, "That was just fireworks." I said, "Look up...do you see any fireworks? That was definitely a gun." Swat team and ghetto birds all over the campground all night. Fun times. Some people went home Saturday morning, since the rally was cancelled. We decided to stay and make the best of it. You can read all about the incident here if you're interested. (Yes, that is Daryl on the portable stripper pole at Too Broke!)

I bought a '97 Road King in February this year. She's gorgeous, but I didn't want a black bike. So, I had her painted purple with lavender flames. The paint job sucked. I was pissed off. The guy who painted it said he knew it sucked, but he knew I needed the bike for a run that weekend, so he put it back together for me and said he would repaint it in a few weeks. He did much better the second time around. Now she's midnight purple: she looks black in the shade and sparkly purple in the sun. No flames now, which is fine with me. She is perfect. All I need now is a windshield. Yes, a windshield. On the ride back home from Too Broke I realized that riding in 110-degree weather on the freeway at 85mph is just no fun without a windshield. I'd like a quick-detach windshield so when I'm riding around town I don't need it. My birthday is coming up, so maybe Daryl will get me one. :)

I also got a Maltese puppy in February. Her registered name is Boston's Good Golly Miss Molly...but we just call her Molly. She is quite possibly the cutest dog I've seen. :) And she ain't no purse dog, either! Once I get a tour pack, she will begin her HD passenger training. :)

School has been great, really. Until this last class. Statistics SUCK. Just sayin'. I got through the first class with a C+, and this week I start the second class. I just want to pass it and be done with it. After that, it's all management and HR classes. The next year should go by pretty fast. And I know I said I would NEVER go back for my Master's degree but....well you know how it goes. I can't stop now. After my Bachelor's is complete, I will only have about a year or year and a half to complete my Master's. Seems silly not to do it. I may take a break for a while before I start it though.

Vicki started 8th grade at a new school this year. Arizona Conservatory for Arts and Academics. It's a charter school, which is free in Arizona. But she did have to be on a damn waiting list to get in, and then had to take placement tests before she started. We had a bit of a rough start with the administration, but now that it's all worked out I think it will be a great year for her. She's taking Drama, Choir and Visual Arts.  I'm hoping she lets me post some of her drawings here...they're really good.

I also wanted to let you all know, I have been reading (stalking) your blogs, but never really have time to comment...and I can read them from work but cannot comment from work, so if I get a minute to read them on a quick break, I do. Rest assured I am keeping up with your lives. I will try to blog more regularly, but I can't make any promises until October, when Statistics class is over. :)

Happy blogging, and ride safe!

My New Ride

'97 Road King. Needs nothing but maybe a few flames. Let's ride!

More Animal Fun

For our friends that enjoyed defiling taxidermy in Williams, I was thinking of you all last night...