Monthly Archives: July 2009

Three Day Weekend

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Tomorrow, my country will be 233 years old. Happy Birthday, America!

Because our Independence Day Holiday, July 4, falls on Saturday, we get the Friday before off of work. Today begins a three-day holiday! Yippie!

Well, I should be saying “yippie,” but “the list” at home is huge. However, I promised as recently as yesterday that I would embrace my partner’s non-ending “honey-do list” and not complain.

Instead, if you see me out and about today, I will be smiling. I promise! Despite warm, sunny, motorcycle-friendly weather, I’ll be driving in a cage from place-to-place-to-place, shopping for carpet, kitchen countertops, appliances, resilient flooring, and other stuff on my partner’s list of required materials for home renovation.

My partner “sees” what he thinks would fit our budget, our space, and our lifestyle in his mind. My trick is to translate his “vision” to actual by visiting stores with him and looking at and touching various items. So while you’re enjoying the first day of your holiday, imagine me dragging from store to store all day long. So help me… of the many things I dread, shopping is about #1 on the list. But I promised! Smile! No complaining!

Further, I “negotiated” by agreeing to give up all day today to assuage my partner’s shopping demands in exchange for having most of the day tomorrow to do something really special. Check back tomorrow to find out!

Life is short: show those you love that you love them! (by relinquishing your soul to the shopping-devil!)

Commute from Hell

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This week, our Metrorail system is still in major recovery mode from the June 22 crash. Trains stop without notice, slug along slowly, and are crowded as heck. I spoke with a member of Metro’s Board of Directors about it, and he foretold no end in sight. He also reminded me that the crowds are compounded not only with regular commuters, but holiday visitors to Washington, DC.

Today I decided to ride my Harley to work, located in downtown DC on Capitol Hill. I found a great place where I can park safely and for free. The ride there at 5:30am was a piece of cake. The ride home, however, was the commute from hell. I had completely forgotten how awful our traffic is, even earlier in the afternoon. It took me 1:45 to get home. Usually I make it door-to-door in 45 minutes. My feet were really hot (I wore Chip Hi-Shines)… I swear I poured out a liter of sweat from each boot when I pulled them off my feet and wrung out the socks! Air-cooled 1600cc engines get awfully hot in stop-and-stop traffic.

Oh well, I tried… and now remember that driving in the city is no fun (even on a Harley), with the frequent stops at traffic lights and the bumper-to-bumper traffic. On Monday, after our holiday weekend, I am returning to Metro, despite its delays.

And the GPS? … not good for the city. It kept telling me to turn on streets that I know “don’t go there.” Not a good day overall. Here’s hoping to have an early “snuggle night” tonight, where I will relax in my partner’s arms, listen to music, and just relax. That will prepare me for the day-o’-shoppin’ comin’ up tomorrow. Check back!

Life is short: hmmm… longer I guess if you’re stuck in traffic!

Ready to Navigate

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I blogged not that long ago about the fact that I get lost in a paper bag. That is, my navigation skills while driving are not all that good. I decided not to offer to lead a ride for my club for the specific reason of being afraid that I would lose the group by taking a wrong turn. I had tried to ride the route in advance, but got lost.

My partner is a reader and a thinker. He is also a great listener. For the umpteenth time, he heard me share my concerns about getting lost while leading rides. In his considerate style, he put thoughts to action and bought me a top-of-the-line GPS unit, specifically designed for motorcycle use. He said it was an early birthday present (my b/d is six weeks from now).

That man of mine is so thoughtful. He applies what he hears to action, and makes it happen. While I am apprehensive about distracted driving, I am assured that when used properly, it will aid me in my navigation. It has a voice feature that when connected to an earphone will allow it to “tell” me the turns, so I don’t have to stare at the GPS’ screen.

I had arranged to drop off my bike for regular service on Monday evening. My partner followed me so he could take me home. That’s when he gave me the GPS, right there in the car. He suggested that I have my mechanic install it while the bike was being serviced.

When I picked up the bike, the GPS was installed and working. I punched “home” and tested it … and it took me on the precise route that I usually drive between the shop and my home. It worked great!

Isn’t my man thoughtful? Now, no complaints from me in getting lost. And no complaints about spending a lot of time on what my partner wants done: our home renovations.

Life is short: show those you love that you love them.

Givin’ Some Lovin’

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Here are two things I say often, and mean it:

Love is the only thing you get more of the more you give it away.

Life is short: show those you love that you love them.

One can show love by listening to and caring about his wide circle. I celebrate the accomplishments, opportunities, fun, and friendship of several people I hold close in my heart:

  • Maf, for earning his Master’s Degree, a challenging task that he achieved through hard work and dedication.

  • Bruce_Sg for doing so well on his GREs that several graduate programs are interested in him and competing for him to select their school for his doctoral work. And commendations to him for being prudent in making that very important selection!

  • “K” who is writing his doctoral paper diligently, though is taking a well-deserved vacation out west shortly. I enjoy emailing with him almost daily, and have learned so much. Have a wonderful trip!

  • My best friend “AZ,” for achieving a significant goal that he set out to do: buy a home of his own. Nothin’ makes you feel as wonderful as owning your own place.

  • My “booted twin” Clay who has made a very difficult decision in his life and is moving forward — making lemonade out of lemons. I support you, buddy!

  • My buddy “G” from Ohio who just co-led a celebration of his parent’s 50th wedding anniversary. He and his family are so blessed to share the joy of a golden anniversary.

  • Paul who reads my blog daily and sends me a message about what he thinks about what I wrote each and every day. May all bloggers have such a loyal following!

  • A cousin who had always wanted a Harley, but couldn’t afford it. He set up a savings account, and over six years, contributed enough that enabled him to pay cash for his new ride. I can’t wait to go ride with him sometime soon.

  • “H”, a childhood friend, who worked hard to put a mountain of debt behind her, avoid declaring personal bankruptcy, and finally pay off all of her bills. It took nine years, but was well worth it.

  • “Z” and “B”, mentees and friends, who will be sworn in as our country’s newest citizens on the Fourth of July. They worked hard to pass their citizenship test, and deserve this recognition for achieving a goal of seven and eight years, respectively. They care for their families, work and pay taxes to contribute to society, and demonstrate what the “American Dream” is all about. I’m so happy for them. (I’ll be there waving the flag on the Fourth of July!)

  • “A”, my new riding buddy who has been practicing his motorcycle skills and has put on 3,000 miles on his bike in just three months. Way to go!

  • Sue, a fellow bloggin’ pal, who in about two weeks is returning home to Australia. She has been sharing joy and stories of visits with family and rides on her Harley that are a delight to read. I hope she continues her blogging when she returns Down Under, as she is a talented and interesting writer.

  • My partner, who has been so incredibly patient with his overly-demanding mother. Much more now than ever. God bless him.

  • Bama, who honored me recently by spending time with me, havin’ a little fun huntin’ for mud (and only finding dust), and saying that he was fortunate to meet me. Let me tell ‘ya, the fortune was all mine.

  • Mrs. “L” for finally getting her crazy tax situation worked out with the state, and getting not only a huge refund but a letter of apology! (I kinda coached her on how and to whom to kvetch.)

  • Mr. “T”, who at age 90, walked four miles yesterday morning! Bless his soul!

Life is short: celebrate the achievements of others, and show ’em some lovin’!