My Brother’s Influence

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My twin brother, bless him, is always on my case about “not dressing the part.” He continually pressures me to “dress up more” since I work in a management position. I deal with many elected officials. I often represent my organization in meetings with officials from government agencies.

I have relented to wearing a tie when I have to go to these meetings, and even a jacket (if I absolutely must.) But I still steadfastly say “no” to dress shoes.

Or so I have said to my brother, who thinks that I am being more than stubborn. “Sei sempre così testadura!” he extolls.

He got “creative” this year for our birthday (still weeks away). He sent me a gift certificate from Kenneth Cole. He suggested that I get a “decent pair of shoes” with his generous gift in advance of national conference that I will be attending in Nashville later this month, and at which I will have to wear a suit most of the time (yuck!)

Well, I looked at the website and available footwear. My stomach turned into knots and I got a bad headache. Seriously, I can not consider wearing dress shoes. I can’t even consider wearing sneakers. Dress shoes make me ill. (Sorry to the shoe fetish guys — you have your interests and I have mine, and in this case, our interests do not intersect.)

I was considering “re-gifting” the gift certificate to my partner, but he stopped me cold when he said, “how would J [my twin] feel about that?” And of course I would tell him, if he didn’t know already. (That “twin-thing” is alive and real for us. He always knows what’s on my mind.)

I agonized over this for a couple weeks. Monday morning, J called me and said, “you haven’t gotten the shoes, have you? You won’t, will you? You’ve got that conference coming up, but this whole ‘shoe business’ has probably caused you a lot of agony, hasn’t it?” Man, that guy knows me. Guilty as charged!

Then he sent me back to the Kenneth Cole website, and suggested that I look at the “n-different” boot. The style is being discontinued. Other so-called boots that Kenneth Cole sells are just plain ugly (IMHO). But the “n-different” boot was, well, “different.” It’s a boot, at least. A lace-up, which my best friend “AZ” detests. But… it’s a boot. So I ordered a pair.

These “boot-ettes” arrived Tuesday (without even having to pay for next-day service!) I put them on and wore them to work yesterday, with a Harley tie that my brother gave me a few years ago. I’m wearing this stuff to prove to my brother that I can wear something a bit more dressy to work. Funny, at our staff meeting on yesterday, six people commented on the Harley tie, and two on the boots. “New shoes? Nice!” said the boss.

Life is short: show those you love that you love them. (Even if it kills ‘ya!)

Now I Have Seen It All

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I usually take a walk at lunchtime. Yesterday, while strolling the streets of Washington, DC, I saw this nice-looking guy in a shirt, tie, suit jacket, matching suit pants, and…

OMG!

Flip-flops.

I did a double-take. So did many others who were waiting to cross the street as I was. There this dude was, all pretty-as-you-please, in a suit, dress shirt & tie, and those gawd-awful things on his feet.

Lawdy-lawd, gimme a break! I thought I had seen everything… until now.

Dehner Boots at the Office

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Some days, I choose to wear dress instep Dehner Patrol boots to work, just for the heck of it. They are comfortable and look good with dress slacks.

I admit, too, I like how these tall boots hug my legs. They feel great. The boots also work well on the Harley, too, as I ride to the Metro station. But because this pair of boots, which I got from a cop who no longer wanted them, have Dehcord (plastic) shafts, I wear them with pants or chaps over them when I ride, so I don’t damage the shafts by exposure to the heat of a hot motorcycle engine.

Life is short: wear your boots!

Stupidity on a Motorcycle

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Responsible motorcyclists like me see kids like this and just shake their heads. This kid was to my left, waiting at a red traffic signal when I snapped his photo. What’s wrong with this picture?

  • His right leg is ready to get seriously burned, as both of his hot exhaust pipes are centimeters from his leg.

  • His feet are ready to be seriously injured, as sneakers provide no protection whatsoever in a crash.

  • His backpack was heavy, and I observed that it restricted his movement. That’s really bright; I guess he’s never heard of bungee cords.

  • He was wearing a nice jacket, and while it’s difficult to see, he was wearing thick gloves — why the jacket and gloves if he doesn’t give a damn about the rest of his body?

  • Don’t miss that full-face helmet. If he weren’t riding with his visor fully open, he might actually be doing something right on that end of his anatomy.

What you can not see in this photo is that he was driving like a hot dog, too. He tore off at the light, only for me and others going the speed limit to catch up to him at the next light.

This style of dress and motorcycle riding behavior is so stupid! Yet we see this all too often. When I was an emergency medical responder, I scraped kids like this up off the street all the time. Still happens.

Life is short: Real Bikers Wear Boots! (with long pants).

A Matter of Perception

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My partner and I went to a dozen stores on Friday, looking at carpeting, countertops, flooring, and other items we will need to do a remodeling of our kitchen in August. I went dressed like this — well, same camo BDUs and combat boots, but just a plain black t-shirt (I don’t really think they would understand what a “bootdude” is LOL!)

We live in a rather wealthy community. Many of the people who shop in the stores we visited dress the part of a yuppie (because they are the part), in their khaki slacks, boat shoes, and golf shirts with some animal on it. They drive up in their Lexus or BMW or Mercedes or Infiniti, and walk around like they own the place.

When you go into a store like that dressed like I was, you are treated differently. The store sales people think you’re a contractor. If you can get their attention (a big “if”), they speak to you as a normal person. They use more technical language, and instead of offering “solutions,” they talk more about “what you need to get the job done.”

I witnessed that when I asked for a price on a certain item and then a golf-shirted sockless-loafered yuppie asked for a price on the same item, my quote was lower… significantly lower.

I have learned that while you can live among the wealthy, if you don’t want to get ripped off, don’t dress like them. I don’t like that style of dress anyway, so it doesn’t matter.

Further, I was driving my nephew’s old beat-up pick-up truck. I had to haul something to the dump (sorry, our wealthy county calls it a “transfer station”), which isn’t far from some of these stores. The truck was more useful in hauling the debris that I had to get rid of. When you arrive at a store by means of an old beat-up truck dressed in BDUs and combat boots, the store personnel instantly form an opinion that can be useful to obtain better pricing on some items.

That is, of course, IF you can get their attention. In one store, a yuppie drove up in a high-end SUV and walked into the store at the same time I did. Three sales clerks fell all over themselves to ask him if he needed any help. No one talked to me. I finally had to go tap one of them on the shoulder to ask a question. Her reaction was as if I had leprosy. If the situation were not so funny, I would cry.

Anyway, next time you have to go to a store to buy something that could be rather expensive, go in an old beat-up truck, dress in your grubbiest clothes and boots, and see if the same thing happens to you. You get better prices provided you can get attention.

Life is short: go grubby! Grrrr!

Oh, Say Can You See?

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Happy Birthday, America!

Oh, say can you see by the dawn’s early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,
O’er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

… this is what I will be singing, as off-key as I do, when two friends who I have mentored and who passed their citizenship test are sworn in to become U.S. citizens today. I am so very proud of them, their hard work and accomplishments, and what this day truly means. And nowhere could be a more fitting setting than at Ft. McHenry, which protected Baltimore harbor from British attack in the War of 1812. The “rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air” about which Francis Scott Key wrote were set off from ships in this harbor, and form some of the words which serve as lyrics to our National Anthem.

Yeah, I get kinda patriotic, but that’s what Independence Day is all about.

Aside: Today is Independence Day! The fourth of July is only a date on which our country’s independence is formally celebrated, but in reading history, we could easily have selected July 2 (the date when Congress approved the resolution of Independence) or August 2 (the date when most delegates signed the Declaration of Independence).

After the patriotic and moving swearing-in ceremony, I will bid my friends adios. They plan to stay in Baltimore and tour Ft. McHenry and enjoy the sights of the city. I’ll hop on my Harley and ride to my brother’s for a Maryland crab feast. Ahhh… that’s what this day is all about. Citizenship, family, fun, and crabs! Woo-hoo!

Life is short: share your joy!

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’!