I guess the customs inspector thought that I looked too poor, too American, or too smart to try to smuggle anything into France, and I was waved through quickly. The passport verification line looked long, but it seemed to be moving quickly. Here I was, holding the first passport I had ever been issued, and was getting excited to think that the first stamp in my first passport would be France! I reached the window, and wouldn't you know, this would be my first encounter with a bored French government worker who knew that his job could never be in jeopardy. He glanced at my passport, looked up at me with half-closed eyes, handed me back my passport and that was that. No stamp, no "welcome to France", no "What is the purpose of your visit, Monsieur Ugly American Who Thinks He Can Dictate To The World?" No. Just a quick flick of the head to show me how to get out.
I wanted to say, "Hey! How about a stamp here? What if the people who check my passport on the way home don't see a stamp and think I snuck into the country?" Then I realized that the people checking my passport on the way out would be a lot like the one who checked it on the way in. So I moved along before I bored the official into a complete state of inertia instead of the partial state he was in at the time.
Welcome to France. Home of the Bored Government Employee. Now Go Home. But First Leave Your Money.
I weaved my way through the mass of tourists and natives to get to the exit. There, waiting for me was my fiance. As tired as I was, my energy level took a huge leap. It had been nearly a year since I had seen her, and she looked lovely; nervous, but lovely.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
French Bred - Ch 1 - The Arrival
I don't know who thought that all airline passengers would be under 5 foot 8, but whoever it was should be taken out and shoved into a shoebox. As I boarded Air France for my 12-plus hour flight from San Francisco to Paris, I realized that someone was having a good laugh at my expense. I was flying coach, and seated next to a German man who spoke almost no English. It was close to 3:00 in the afternoon, and I had been up since about 5 in the morning, packing my bags and heading to the second day of a convention at the Cow Palace in Daly City. The convention was to begin at 9:50, and I had to be at the nearby airport by 2:00. Needless to say, by 3 I was exhausted, and was looking forward to sleeping most of the way to Paris. Or not.
The details about the flight are a blur. I know that I was nervous, because I was traveling overseas for the first time and would be greeted by my wife-to-be. I was also nervous because I was going to be spending the next four weeks living with her brother and her sister-in-law. They spoke no English, and I spoke no French. No problems there, right? I was crammed into an airline seat specifically designed for Gary Coleman or Paul Simon. I am 6 feet tall. Trying to sleep in such a seat is like trying to get comfortable being folded in two in a hospital bed. You've seen the cartoons, right? The bed has a little control box and someone pushes the wrong button, causing the bed to fold in such a way that the patient was able to examine his own heels. That's how I felt on the airplane. No way to sleep. No conversation. No desire to remain conscious.
However, despite the constant fear that Air France would go on strike in the middle of my flight and drop me off somewhere near the Bermuda Triangle, we landed safely at Roissy / Charles de Gaulle airport on the outskirts of Paris. As I got off the plane, I wondered how so much pollution could creep in through the air conditioning units of the airport. I didn't know that Paris was so smoggy! Then I realized that what I was experiencing was a wall of cigarette smoke from all of the passengers waiting in the gate area. Instant cancer was a real concern as I carved my way to the baggage claim area.
The first sign that I saw in English woke me up quickly. It said, and I am not making this up, "Unattended baggage will be exploded." There was a little pictogram of a piece of luggage being blown up. Baggage will be exploded. Exploded? Not examined? Not x-rayed? A poor little innocent bag, just sitting there waiting for its owner, would be taken hostage and quickly detonated. What kind of animals were these French?
Well, this wouldn't cause a problem for me. I would just go to the baggage claim area, claim my baggage from the area, and head out to greet the love of my life. So, I waited. And I waited. Everyone else had claimed their bags, but mine had not yet arrived. Minutes passed, and I began to have terrible thoughts. "Oh crud! They've exploded my bag!" I tracked down someone from the airline and asked where my luggage was being held hostage. The employee was actually helpful, and tracked down my bag that was still sitting in the luggage compartment of the airplane. As my heartbeat slowed to something below a rock band drum solo, I took my bag and ventured out into the airport, searching for the customs inspectors, the passport inspectors, and freedom.
As I walked towards the customs inspectors, I noticed quite a number of men dressed in black uniforms, some with dogs, and all with rather scary looking rifles. They looked prepared to attack any piece of luggage that threatened to attack an innocent passenger. They also looked prepared to dispose of any American who dared to eat processed cheese in their presence. I decided that discretion was the better part of not being shot, and quickly moved to the customs line.
The details about the flight are a blur. I know that I was nervous, because I was traveling overseas for the first time and would be greeted by my wife-to-be. I was also nervous because I was going to be spending the next four weeks living with her brother and her sister-in-law. They spoke no English, and I spoke no French. No problems there, right? I was crammed into an airline seat specifically designed for Gary Coleman or Paul Simon. I am 6 feet tall. Trying to sleep in such a seat is like trying to get comfortable being folded in two in a hospital bed. You've seen the cartoons, right? The bed has a little control box and someone pushes the wrong button, causing the bed to fold in such a way that the patient was able to examine his own heels. That's how I felt on the airplane. No way to sleep. No conversation. No desire to remain conscious.
However, despite the constant fear that Air France would go on strike in the middle of my flight and drop me off somewhere near the Bermuda Triangle, we landed safely at Roissy / Charles de Gaulle airport on the outskirts of Paris. As I got off the plane, I wondered how so much pollution could creep in through the air conditioning units of the airport. I didn't know that Paris was so smoggy! Then I realized that what I was experiencing was a wall of cigarette smoke from all of the passengers waiting in the gate area. Instant cancer was a real concern as I carved my way to the baggage claim area.
The first sign that I saw in English woke me up quickly. It said, and I am not making this up, "Unattended baggage will be exploded." There was a little pictogram of a piece of luggage being blown up. Baggage will be exploded. Exploded? Not examined? Not x-rayed? A poor little innocent bag, just sitting there waiting for its owner, would be taken hostage and quickly detonated. What kind of animals were these French?
Well, this wouldn't cause a problem for me. I would just go to the baggage claim area, claim my baggage from the area, and head out to greet the love of my life. So, I waited. And I waited. Everyone else had claimed their bags, but mine had not yet arrived. Minutes passed, and I began to have terrible thoughts. "Oh crud! They've exploded my bag!" I tracked down someone from the airline and asked where my luggage was being held hostage. The employee was actually helpful, and tracked down my bag that was still sitting in the luggage compartment of the airplane. As my heartbeat slowed to something below a rock band drum solo, I took my bag and ventured out into the airport, searching for the customs inspectors, the passport inspectors, and freedom.
As I walked towards the customs inspectors, I noticed quite a number of men dressed in black uniforms, some with dogs, and all with rather scary looking rifles. They looked prepared to attack any piece of luggage that threatened to attack an innocent passenger. They also looked prepared to dispose of any American who dared to eat processed cheese in their presence. I decided that discretion was the better part of not being shot, and quickly moved to the customs line.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
French Bred
I have been asked to write about something a bit more "light-hearted" than the drivel I have been spewing for days. I really couldn't think of anything to write. So, I'm going to do something I've dreaded doing. I'm going to post a few of my anecdotes that I am thinking of including in my ever upcoming book effort. Needless to say the following:
All rights reserved 2009, Adam Himmel. Copyright 2009 Adam Himmel. All legal rights 2009, Adam Himmel. Anyone trying to copy or use this material without the express written consent of Adam Himmel (and not Major League Baseball) will be prosecuted and deemed to have very bad taste.
The working title is "French Bred", and will focus on the differences between French and American culture, seen through the eyes of a very fortunate American who married a fantastic French woman. (That ought to get me out of a few problems, eh?) Starting tomorrow, and being posted intermittently, I will try to grind out some anecdotes for the so-called book. If anyone has ideas, I welcome them, as I tend to get writer's canyon (writer's block isn't big enough for me).
Anyway, I will try to start this tomorrow. The first tale will revolve around my first visit to France, which happened to be my first visit to any other country other than Tijuana, Mexico, and the strange things that happened as I realized that France was not just an offshoot of the United States and actually had its own culture and customs. Strange idea, eh? Allow me to set the stage quickly...
I had been a pen-pal of a young French lady since high school. Years went by, and our lives took different paths. However, after a break of nearly 10 years in writing, she got back in touch with me. Our letter writing recommenced, and after a visit by her to the U.S., I did one of the smartest things I have ever done in my life, and proposed to her. Strangely enough, she said "yes", but had to go back to France to get things organized. About one year later, I traveled to Paris to marry her. The French system of laws required that I reside there for 4 weeks before I could marry this Parisienne, and many interesting things happened in that time span. These stories will start with my arrival in Paris, and take the reader through some of the events that led to my hating France and the French, and then to my loving the country and its people.
Stick with me and please give feedback. For the longest time I have been told that I have the makings of a writer. I never believed it, and never really gave it a try. Maybe this is a way to find out if I do.
Have fun with me, and let's see where this takes us...
Allons-y!!!
All rights reserved 2009, Adam Himmel. Copyright 2009 Adam Himmel. All legal rights 2009, Adam Himmel. Anyone trying to copy or use this material without the express written consent of Adam Himmel (and not Major League Baseball) will be prosecuted and deemed to have very bad taste.
The working title is "French Bred", and will focus on the differences between French and American culture, seen through the eyes of a very fortunate American who married a fantastic French woman. (That ought to get me out of a few problems, eh?) Starting tomorrow, and being posted intermittently, I will try to grind out some anecdotes for the so-called book. If anyone has ideas, I welcome them, as I tend to get writer's canyon (writer's block isn't big enough for me).
Anyway, I will try to start this tomorrow. The first tale will revolve around my first visit to France, which happened to be my first visit to any other country other than Tijuana, Mexico, and the strange things that happened as I realized that France was not just an offshoot of the United States and actually had its own culture and customs. Strange idea, eh? Allow me to set the stage quickly...
I had been a pen-pal of a young French lady since high school. Years went by, and our lives took different paths. However, after a break of nearly 10 years in writing, she got back in touch with me. Our letter writing recommenced, and after a visit by her to the U.S., I did one of the smartest things I have ever done in my life, and proposed to her. Strangely enough, she said "yes", but had to go back to France to get things organized. About one year later, I traveled to Paris to marry her. The French system of laws required that I reside there for 4 weeks before I could marry this Parisienne, and many interesting things happened in that time span. These stories will start with my arrival in Paris, and take the reader through some of the events that led to my hating France and the French, and then to my loving the country and its people.
Stick with me and please give feedback. For the longest time I have been told that I have the makings of a writer. I never believed it, and never really gave it a try. Maybe this is a way to find out if I do.
Have fun with me, and let's see where this takes us...
Allons-y!!!
Monday, July 27, 2009
An Open Letter to Calif. Service Union
Okay, I try to avoid delving into political matters, but this one has me completely confused. According to the Sacramento Bee, dated July 27, 2009, "members of California's largest state employee union have been voting on whether to give their leaders permission to call a strike." In addition, the Bee notes that "Government officials say that a walk-out...would violate labor agreements and that the state would punish anyone who strikes."
Here is where some common sense is needed. First of all, does anyone remember when the air traffic controllers went on strike during the Reagan presidency? It was deemed to be an illegal strike. What did Reagan do? He fired all of the striking employees. Does the SEIU think that the California legislature and the Governor wouldn't just jump at the chance to reduce the state labor force by legally canning the strikers? Just think of the money they would save!
Yes, it stinks being put on furlough and losing 20% of your pay. I mean it really stinks. Tell that to the thousands upon thousands who have completely lost their jobs, are living on a pittance of unemployment, and can't find new jobs. Do you honestly think there wouldn't be a line to apply for a State job even at a 20% lower rate of pay?
Eventually, one would expect that the economy would turn around (unless this system of things ends before that happens...), and then the State will probably do its normal idiotic routine of throwing money around on pet projects like there's no end to the funds. But until then, understand that your union leaders aren't really doing you a favor. If an illegal work stoppage takes place and you lose your job, will you really be happier and doing better financially? Ask the fired Air Traffic Controllers.
Until things turn around, tighten your belts, live within your means, and hope that the economy turns around for you. You'll be doing the same thing that the majority of Californians are doing right now.
Here is where some common sense is needed. First of all, does anyone remember when the air traffic controllers went on strike during the Reagan presidency? It was deemed to be an illegal strike. What did Reagan do? He fired all of the striking employees. Does the SEIU think that the California legislature and the Governor wouldn't just jump at the chance to reduce the state labor force by legally canning the strikers? Just think of the money they would save!
Yes, it stinks being put on furlough and losing 20% of your pay. I mean it really stinks. Tell that to the thousands upon thousands who have completely lost their jobs, are living on a pittance of unemployment, and can't find new jobs. Do you honestly think there wouldn't be a line to apply for a State job even at a 20% lower rate of pay?
Eventually, one would expect that the economy would turn around (unless this system of things ends before that happens...), and then the State will probably do its normal idiotic routine of throwing money around on pet projects like there's no end to the funds. But until then, understand that your union leaders aren't really doing you a favor. If an illegal work stoppage takes place and you lose your job, will you really be happier and doing better financially? Ask the fired Air Traffic Controllers.
Until things turn around, tighten your belts, live within your means, and hope that the economy turns around for you. You'll be doing the same thing that the majority of Californians are doing right now.
Friday, July 24, 2009
When Will They Get The Picture?
Well, Californians are up in arms again. Once again, the Legislature and the Governor let them down, and passed a budget that cuts and cuts from the needy and does nothing to address the underlying problems.
In the United States Congress, legislators are arguing about health care, and every time someone suggests a fix, it gets shot down by people who are in the pockets of the insurance industry.
Wars and threats of wars are everywhere. The swine flu is predicted to hit a huge section of the population this autumn. It all seems to be spiraling downward. I mean really...even the SciFi channel changed its name to SyFy! (That has to be in the book of Revelation somewhere!)
And yet, when someone suggests to them that human governments have failed, they get offended and even angry. Why? I'm sure that the last time they read the newspaper (if they read newspapers any more) or their news website or Fox News or whatever, they probably were ranting about the elected officials who don't know what they're doing, or about some other country that is threatening their country, or so on.
How about a little honesty? How about admitting, just once, that human beings have proven incapable of ruling themselves? Wouldn't that kind of candor be refreshing?
Yeah...it would be. But that's okay. Over six million people know it, along with millions of others who are studying the Bible with them. There is hope.
Although the person who named the SciFi channel SyFy should be dragged through the brambles by his shoelaces. I'm just saying...
In the United States Congress, legislators are arguing about health care, and every time someone suggests a fix, it gets shot down by people who are in the pockets of the insurance industry.
Wars and threats of wars are everywhere. The swine flu is predicted to hit a huge section of the population this autumn. It all seems to be spiraling downward. I mean really...even the SciFi channel changed its name to SyFy! (That has to be in the book of Revelation somewhere!)
And yet, when someone suggests to them that human governments have failed, they get offended and even angry. Why? I'm sure that the last time they read the newspaper (if they read newspapers any more) or their news website or Fox News or whatever, they probably were ranting about the elected officials who don't know what they're doing, or about some other country that is threatening their country, or so on.
How about a little honesty? How about admitting, just once, that human beings have proven incapable of ruling themselves? Wouldn't that kind of candor be refreshing?
Yeah...it would be. But that's okay. Over six million people know it, along with millions of others who are studying the Bible with them. There is hope.
Although the person who named the SciFi channel SyFy should be dragged through the brambles by his shoelaces. I'm just saying...
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Another Round of Short Bursts
Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to another installment of "Short Bursts From a Tired and Twisted Mind". Please note: all commentary is designed to be apolitical, although certain common sense questions may be posed. I bear no responsibility for any insanity that runs through my brain.
Health Care: Doesn't it seem illogical for a rich country like the U.S. to have so many people uninsured and underinsured? It also seems illogical that people go hungry or homeless in a rich country, but that's another topic for another day. Granted, health care costs money. But how do these huge insurance HMOs have so much money to spend on commercials and lobbying if they're just doing things for the patients? Just asking...
Starbucks: Why is everyone so surprised that Starbucks closed a bunch of stores? I mean, I can walk out my door and down the street about 3 blocks, and there's a Starbucks. Then, about 1/2 mile away there's another. And another 1/2 mile away there's a Starbucks in a Safeway supermarket. Overkill, you think? Or maybe overcaff. (Someone pick me up a skinny vanilla latte', will you?)
Basketball: Why do I care anything about basketball in the offseason? Am I that desperate for the Kings to have a good season that I'll grasp for any straws in the news that might encourage me? ... umm ... yes, I am.
Electronics: I love my iPhone. I do. And I really love my new MacBook Pro. I do. But I'm not in the tank for Apple. I'm not. Really. I'm not. ---- I AM!!! OK??? I AM in the tank for Apple! (There...I feel better now. Don't you?)
Food: I had dinner at La Provence last night for my anniversary. I positively love the food there, as well as the ambiance. Anyone who can eat at that restaurant and not say that it was great loses many, many points on my scorecard. I don't really keep a scorecard, but if I did, they would lose points.
Sacramento Valley: Tell me again why I live here. Is it the climate? Yeah...110 in the summer is just peachy. The economy? Hey, California Legislature and Arnie...get a clue, bozos! The roads? Ask the suspension on my car. Come to think of it, I haven't the vaguest idea of why I live here, except that now that I bought a house, I'm stuck here. (Good thinking there, buddy boy.)
French language: I hate verb conjugations!!! I do!!! Can't I just speak it like Tarzan speaks English?? They'll understand. "Me go there...eat good food...go store later...then go sleep. Ugh. Watch for elephant droppings." I stink at this language. My brain only works in English, and even then I couldn't define a participle to save my life.
That's it for now. Be sure to tip your waiter. I'm here till Tuesday. Try the veal. If you had any adult beverages, don't drive home...call a cab. Goodnight everybody!!!
Health Care: Doesn't it seem illogical for a rich country like the U.S. to have so many people uninsured and underinsured? It also seems illogical that people go hungry or homeless in a rich country, but that's another topic for another day. Granted, health care costs money. But how do these huge insurance HMOs have so much money to spend on commercials and lobbying if they're just doing things for the patients? Just asking...
Starbucks: Why is everyone so surprised that Starbucks closed a bunch of stores? I mean, I can walk out my door and down the street about 3 blocks, and there's a Starbucks. Then, about 1/2 mile away there's another. And another 1/2 mile away there's a Starbucks in a Safeway supermarket. Overkill, you think? Or maybe overcaff. (Someone pick me up a skinny vanilla latte', will you?)
Basketball: Why do I care anything about basketball in the offseason? Am I that desperate for the Kings to have a good season that I'll grasp for any straws in the news that might encourage me? ... umm ... yes, I am.
Electronics: I love my iPhone. I do. And I really love my new MacBook Pro. I do. But I'm not in the tank for Apple. I'm not. Really. I'm not. ---- I AM!!! OK??? I AM in the tank for Apple! (There...I feel better now. Don't you?)
Food: I had dinner at La Provence last night for my anniversary. I positively love the food there, as well as the ambiance. Anyone who can eat at that restaurant and not say that it was great loses many, many points on my scorecard. I don't really keep a scorecard, but if I did, they would lose points.
Sacramento Valley: Tell me again why I live here. Is it the climate? Yeah...110 in the summer is just peachy. The economy? Hey, California Legislature and Arnie...get a clue, bozos! The roads? Ask the suspension on my car. Come to think of it, I haven't the vaguest idea of why I live here, except that now that I bought a house, I'm stuck here. (Good thinking there, buddy boy.)
French language: I hate verb conjugations!!! I do!!! Can't I just speak it like Tarzan speaks English?? They'll understand. "Me go there...eat good food...go store later...then go sleep. Ugh. Watch for elephant droppings." I stink at this language. My brain only works in English, and even then I couldn't define a participle to save my life.
That's it for now. Be sure to tip your waiter. I'm here till Tuesday. Try the veal. If you had any adult beverages, don't drive home...call a cab. Goodnight everybody!!!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Television Tastes
I hate most reality shows. I really do. Things like American Idol, America's Got Talent, So You Think You Can Dance, America's Really Annoying (I made that last one up, but I think it would be a hit, don't you?) are all knock-offs of the same basic idea: if I can get in front of a camera and not make a complete and total idiot of myself, I can be famous! And people watch. I mean really, what's the point of "I Survived a Japanese Game Show!"? It feels like these shows are just dumbing down the viewing audience.
A while ago, I ranted about the cancellation of a smart and clever show: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. If you haven't watched it, rent (or buy) the DVDs. It's another Aaron Sorkin show, and it was brilliant. The problem was, in my opinion, that it was just too smart for the room. People wanted mindless drivel over something that involved some thought. "Oh good! Simon Cowell is insulting another bad singer! Let's record that so we can watch it again!"
So what's on my DVR these days? Mindless drivel? Sure...at times. But shows like that are akin to dessert. It's okay once in a while, but you can't survive on it. The shows on my list right now are:
Doctor Who - Always clever, always smart, always fun.
Psych - Again, clever and smart with references you have to listen for, while still being hilarious.
Top Gear - BBC's car show, with three hosts who look like they absolutely have a blast working and playing together. It's silly at times, but they show some awesome cars and I can watch the show over and over again and long for more.
Burn Notice - This is more my son's thing, but I have to admit that the writing is pretty smart.
Deadliest Catch - Very guilty pleasure. I'm not sure why I'm addicted to this show, but I am. It's the same basic thing every week - catch crab - but the sheer effort of doing the job just boggles my mind.
Mythbusters - Another guilty pleasure. I don't watch it every week, but it's always fun.
Fort Boyard - Not on very often, and only on the French channel TV5, but I get into this show! It involves a group of athletes or celebrities completing challenges to win money for their chosen charity. It isn't mindless, but it involves brains, athleticism, and overcoming fears.
Anyway, that's what I watch. I will also catch Poirot or Miss Marple whenever it is on, and will throw on BBC America News to find out what is really going on in the world, but that's about it. It amazes me that I can scan the million channels on my digital cable box and find absolutely nothing worth watching. Here's hoping that Aaron Sorkin comes back to television and that people kick-start their brains into watching something that doesn't involve bad singing, vampires, or sex and violence. Fat chance.
A while ago, I ranted about the cancellation of a smart and clever show: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. If you haven't watched it, rent (or buy) the DVDs. It's another Aaron Sorkin show, and it was brilliant. The problem was, in my opinion, that it was just too smart for the room. People wanted mindless drivel over something that involved some thought. "Oh good! Simon Cowell is insulting another bad singer! Let's record that so we can watch it again!"
So what's on my DVR these days? Mindless drivel? Sure...at times. But shows like that are akin to dessert. It's okay once in a while, but you can't survive on it. The shows on my list right now are:
Doctor Who - Always clever, always smart, always fun.
Psych - Again, clever and smart with references you have to listen for, while still being hilarious.
Top Gear - BBC's car show, with three hosts who look like they absolutely have a blast working and playing together. It's silly at times, but they show some awesome cars and I can watch the show over and over again and long for more.
Burn Notice - This is more my son's thing, but I have to admit that the writing is pretty smart.
Deadliest Catch - Very guilty pleasure. I'm not sure why I'm addicted to this show, but I am. It's the same basic thing every week - catch crab - but the sheer effort of doing the job just boggles my mind.
Mythbusters - Another guilty pleasure. I don't watch it every week, but it's always fun.
Fort Boyard - Not on very often, and only on the French channel TV5, but I get into this show! It involves a group of athletes or celebrities completing challenges to win money for their chosen charity. It isn't mindless, but it involves brains, athleticism, and overcoming fears.
Anyway, that's what I watch. I will also catch Poirot or Miss Marple whenever it is on, and will throw on BBC America News to find out what is really going on in the world, but that's about it. It amazes me that I can scan the million channels on my digital cable box and find absolutely nothing worth watching. Here's hoping that Aaron Sorkin comes back to television and that people kick-start their brains into watching something that doesn't involve bad singing, vampires, or sex and violence. Fat chance.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
A Salute to the Wife
Yeah, I know the title is a bit corny, and this isn't going to be a long post. But I just want to give a shout to my wife of 14 years. When she married me and moved to this country with her then 6-year old son, a lot of things could have gone wrong. She was an independent woman who had her own life in France and her whole family within Metro distance. Still, she decided to marry this guy with numerous idiosyncrasies, anxieties, and other issues and do her best to make a life with him.
I'm very pleased to say that after 14 years, our life (IMHO) is a very happy one. She is everything I could have dreamed of and more. We now have a house of our own, a step-son turned adopted son who is about to turn 21, and goals that we share and work towards as a team. In addition, she is beyond doubt my best friend, who I rely on and who I enjoy spending time with more than anyone else.
To my wife...you are absolutely the best. I truly look forward to every day with you, and that means to eternity.
Sappy stuff over. Future posts will return to their sarcastic normal selves.
I'm very pleased to say that after 14 years, our life (IMHO) is a very happy one. She is everything I could have dreamed of and more. We now have a house of our own, a step-son turned adopted son who is about to turn 21, and goals that we share and work towards as a team. In addition, she is beyond doubt my best friend, who I rely on and who I enjoy spending time with more than anyone else.
To my wife...you are absolutely the best. I truly look forward to every day with you, and that means to eternity.
Sappy stuff over. Future posts will return to their sarcastic normal selves.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Hesitation
I really wish that I was an organized person. As I sit here looking at my desk in my home office, I see scattered papers and miscellaneous flotsam and jetsam that has no business being on a desk. That isn't the worst of it, though. The worst is my habit of procrastinating. Not just any kind of procrastination. It's the kind where I physically cannot force myself to do what I need to. For example, if I have an assignment to give a talk, I have the worst time just sitting down and writing. Unless I have an idea in mind, I waffle and waver and refuse to get going. It's very frustrating.
I was at a convention over the weekend. It isn't the type where people wear funny hats and talk about new forms of orthodontia. Actually, it was a religious gathering where we are taught from the Bible. Now, I find the topics entirely interesting, but then my ADD kicks in and I have the worst time focusing. Still, I got most of the info out of the weekend. But hiding at the back of my mind the whole time was the fact that I brought my laptop to the hotel to work on my assignment for the following Saturday, and never worked on it. Was I tired? Yes, but not to the point where I couldn't do the work. Was I lazy? Yes, but not to the point where I was immovable. Instead, I just dreaded doing the writing.
Anyway, I stayed home from work today to recuperate, take care of some "honey-do's", and write the talk. The first draft is done, and I'm sure I'll have to edit and cut and time it out to 30 minutes. I just wish I had finished it a week ago. Don't worry. By the time I have the next assignment, I'll forget the wish I just made and procrastinate again. I'll tell you about it...sometime.
Monday, June 22, 2009
So Tired
Have you ever been really tired? I mean so tired that you feel as though you could fall down where you are and just sleep?
Yeah. Me too. It's been that kind of a month, and things don't appear to be getting any better. Still, like so many others, I'll deal with it. Besides, things could be much worse.
I could be in Iran right now. What a situation. The strange thing is that some people are hollering for the United States to get involved. Yeah, they should get right on that. The U.S. can simply add another front to the battles already being fought. That'll work. Besides, the issue for Iran is internal. It's an election fraud battle. Hmmm...wonder what would have happened if people got that angry back during Bush/Gore?
I could be one of the many, many people who have been laid off. I have so many friends who are going through this. It's heartbreaking. I hope things improve soon. Which leads to...
I could be a California legislator. Don't you feel sorry for them? They are so wrapped up in their party differences that they just won't put the people first. Awwwww.....poor babies.
I could be a school-aged child. Did you ever notice that cuts tend to hit the schools first? It's amazing. Sure, administrators could probably do a better job budgeting their funds, but it doesn't help that legislators think that selling the kids down the river is a budget-cutting option. When they graduate, they'll be as thick and unlearned as the legislators that are running the show and...wait...the legislators are breeding new legislators!!!
No. I think tired is okay.
Yeah. Me too. It's been that kind of a month, and things don't appear to be getting any better. Still, like so many others, I'll deal with it. Besides, things could be much worse.
I could be in Iran right now. What a situation. The strange thing is that some people are hollering for the United States to get involved. Yeah, they should get right on that. The U.S. can simply add another front to the battles already being fought. That'll work. Besides, the issue for Iran is internal. It's an election fraud battle. Hmmm...wonder what would have happened if people got that angry back during Bush/Gore?
I could be one of the many, many people who have been laid off. I have so many friends who are going through this. It's heartbreaking. I hope things improve soon. Which leads to...
I could be a California legislator. Don't you feel sorry for them? They are so wrapped up in their party differences that they just won't put the people first. Awwwww.....poor babies.
I could be a school-aged child. Did you ever notice that cuts tend to hit the schools first? It's amazing. Sure, administrators could probably do a better job budgeting their funds, but it doesn't help that legislators think that selling the kids down the river is a budget-cutting option. When they graduate, they'll be as thick and unlearned as the legislators that are running the show and...wait...the legislators are breeding new legislators!!!
No. I think tired is okay.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Soooo lazy
Man, it's hard to believe that I have such a difficult time posting to a blog. It's just that I forget about it, especially since I don't know if anyone is reading it.
Anyway, I'm just going to add a quick update here, and try to do better in the future.
French is still a tough language. I have people tell me that I'm getting good at it, but I don't hear it. Why is that? Is it due to self-dislike, lack of self-confidence, or what? Anyway, I have to keep working at it, because I'm going to have a ton more work in a few months, and it isn't going to be pretty.
Still loving my Ninja 250. It's a blast, and it handles so well. I've gotten used to riding again, and I realize just how much I missed it. My only concern is that it's going to start hitting 100 degrees soon, and even my new highly ventilated jacket is going to feel broiling. Oh well, it's better to be safe. Just a warning to all of you in cars: when bikers split lanes, it isn't always because we just want to get ahead of you. For instance, sometimes when it is hot, you forget that we don't have air conditioning on our bikes, and sitting for 10 minutes waiting to move to the front of a line at a light can cause us to start dehydrating. So please, if you see one of us coming down your line between cars, give us a break. We aren't all doing it to show off.
I heard former governor Jesse Ventura talking on a radio show the other day, and he was saying how many of the problems in the world today can be chalked up to organized religion. I was struck by how much that sounded like a shot across the bow for the destruction of Babylon.
Convention next month in SF. Wish I could go to the one in Paris or North Carolina, but money's tight, as many people are experiencing. Maybe next year.
One more thought: change the NBA lottery! There's no way that the team with the worst record should only have a 25% shot at the top pick. That's ridiculous! Weight it so the team has at least a 40% chance at the top pick, 20 at the number 2 pick, and is guaranteed no worse than #3. The Kings getting the number 4 pick after a 17 win season is ludicrous.
Posted 30 minutes later: One MORE thought! PETA and its members should get a freaking life! Now they are upset at President Obama for killing a fly. A fly!!! It is an insect, known for carrying disease and serving very little purpose. Why don't you people worry more about human beings? A fly....for cryin' out loud. On top of that, they are upset at the fishmongers in Seattle for tossing fish. Dead fish. Not live fish. Dead fish. Fish that are bereft of life. They are pushing up the daisies! (Sorry...having a Monty Python moment there.) Does PETA think that the fish are embarassed being thrown? Perhaps they aren't really dead. They're not QUITE dead. In fact, they're feeling better and think they'll go for a walk! (Whoops. Another Python moment.) I say again...GET A LIFE! GET A CLUE!!! GET A REAL JOB!!!
I'm not saying that animal abuse is acceptable in any way. However, these are flies and dead fish. Flies and dead fish. I can't even wrap my brain around the way these loons think. I'm going to take some Tylenol now and try to get these dorks out of my brain. (Loonies.)
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31422688/ns/us_news-weird_news/
Anyway, I'm just going to add a quick update here, and try to do better in the future.
French is still a tough language. I have people tell me that I'm getting good at it, but I don't hear it. Why is that? Is it due to self-dislike, lack of self-confidence, or what? Anyway, I have to keep working at it, because I'm going to have a ton more work in a few months, and it isn't going to be pretty.
Still loving my Ninja 250. It's a blast, and it handles so well. I've gotten used to riding again, and I realize just how much I missed it. My only concern is that it's going to start hitting 100 degrees soon, and even my new highly ventilated jacket is going to feel broiling. Oh well, it's better to be safe. Just a warning to all of you in cars: when bikers split lanes, it isn't always because we just want to get ahead of you. For instance, sometimes when it is hot, you forget that we don't have air conditioning on our bikes, and sitting for 10 minutes waiting to move to the front of a line at a light can cause us to start dehydrating. So please, if you see one of us coming down your line between cars, give us a break. We aren't all doing it to show off.
I heard former governor Jesse Ventura talking on a radio show the other day, and he was saying how many of the problems in the world today can be chalked up to organized religion. I was struck by how much that sounded like a shot across the bow for the destruction of Babylon.
Convention next month in SF. Wish I could go to the one in Paris or North Carolina, but money's tight, as many people are experiencing. Maybe next year.
One more thought: change the NBA lottery! There's no way that the team with the worst record should only have a 25% shot at the top pick. That's ridiculous! Weight it so the team has at least a 40% chance at the top pick, 20 at the number 2 pick, and is guaranteed no worse than #3. The Kings getting the number 4 pick after a 17 win season is ludicrous.
Posted 30 minutes later: One MORE thought! PETA and its members should get a freaking life! Now they are upset at President Obama for killing a fly. A fly!!! It is an insect, known for carrying disease and serving very little purpose. Why don't you people worry more about human beings? A fly....for cryin' out loud. On top of that, they are upset at the fishmongers in Seattle for tossing fish. Dead fish. Not live fish. Dead fish. Fish that are bereft of life. They are pushing up the daisies! (Sorry...having a Monty Python moment there.) Does PETA think that the fish are embarassed being thrown? Perhaps they aren't really dead. They're not QUITE dead. In fact, they're feeling better and think they'll go for a walk! (Whoops. Another Python moment.) I say again...GET A LIFE! GET A CLUE!!! GET A REAL JOB!!!
I'm not saying that animal abuse is acceptable in any way. However, these are flies and dead fish. Flies and dead fish. I can't even wrap my brain around the way these loons think. I'm going to take some Tylenol now and try to get these dorks out of my brain. (Loonies.)
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31422688/ns/us_news-weird_news/
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Why Closed Adoption Records?
Today I decided to try once again to find out who I am. Let me back up for a moment. I was adopted as a baby back in 1964. I never had a huge desire to find my birth parents, but I did feel the need to find out some health information. Every time you go to the doctor, they ask if there is any family history of heart disease, diabetes, etc., and every time I have to answer, "I don't know...I was adopted."
I understand the desire of a birth parent to remain anonymous. Back in 1964, it was still unacceptable for an unmarried woman to have a baby. It was still a stigma. Today, many woman have babies despite being unmarried. It's the way times have changed. I'm not saying that I approve of it, but that's how things are. But I digress.
I wrote to the adoption agency who handled matters and received a nice letter from the woman who actually handled my adoption! Of course, she was very limited in the information that she could provide. I found out precious little about my birth parents. My "father" had forced his intentions upon my natural mother, and then his father helped him to skip town. My mother was very young and decided to put me up for adoption. I'm grateful to her for this decision, not because I think she would have been a bad parent, but because she could have had an illegal abortion! I think I prefer living, thank you very much. Anyway, through conversations with my adoptive family, I garnered one precious piece of information. My sister remembers seeing the file at the adoption agency with the name "Baby Boy Pringle" on it. Pringle. That had to be my mother's last name! So, after a lot of research, I found one piece of information to corroborate my sister's recollection. In a database of birth records, I found the following:
Last Name: PRINGLE
First Name:
Middle Name:
Birth Yr, Mo, Day 1964 (and the birth date matches, too!)
Mother's Last Name: PRINGLE
Sex: MALE
County of Birth: LOS ANGELES
It all matched. So I went back farther to see if there were any Pringles who would have been around 17 or 18 at that time. I could only narrow it down to females born in Los Angeles county in 1945 or 1946. The chances that a woman would have remained in the same county all her life up to that point were slim. Still, I found two: Donna Jo Pringle born in 1945, and Penny Lee Pringle (mother's maiden name Pfeil) born in 1946. Frankly, I doubt if either one of these are correct.
I even had the adoption agency put a letter and Consent to Contact note in my file to allow my birth mother to reach me if she chose to do so. She has yet to make contact, and it has been over 10 years since I added that to my file.
What's the point of all of this? Those of us who are adopted need a little more than our birth place as information. At the very least, we need medical histories that are as detailed as possible without giving away our birth parents' names or addresses. It isn't fair that I don't know if my family has a history of cancer, genetic diseases, or even insanity! (I may be proof of the latter, who knows?) There are a number of diseases or problems that I might be able to prevent if I knew my family history. As is, my medical life is a roll of the dice, not knowing what might happen and not knowing if I could do anything to stop a future issue. I deserve to know these things. Not just for my own peace of mind, but for that of MY family, who depends on me to provide for them.
If anyone reads this or searches on it and may know anything, please drop me a line. Even if you don't know anything, just take a moment to think about how beneficial it would be if birth records included medical histories. It could save a life.
And to birth mother, with the maiden name Pringle...I'd like to know you if you would like to know me. But even if you want to stay anonymous, a little note to the adoption agency with a medical history for me would be helpful.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Swine!
So, we're having flashbacks to the swine flu fiasco of 1976. That was the last time that people panicked so that the government panicked so that they gave inoculations that ended up killing more people than the flu did!
I've been noticing a strange disconnect between this version of the flu and the facts about flu. In reality, quite a number of people die in the U.S. every year from a variety of flu types. This version is no different. The reason it seems different is because a number of people in Mexico have already died from this version, and the current flu vaccine doesn't carry antibodies for this type of flu. Okay. So what do we do? Act like it's SARS version 2 and walk around wearing surgical masks? Go ahead.
How about this? If you're sick, stay home from work or school. Instead of thinking you are brave or saving up your sick pay or PTO or vacation, use the hours and avoid spreading the virus! I hate it when parents send their kids to school because they "can't afford to miss a day", and they end up contaminating a bunch of other kids. If our children have so much homework that they can't miss a day, then that's another matter that needs to be addressed by our school boards and governments who think that passing a STAR test or a High School Exit Exam is a good determiner of future success. (Getting off track. Sorry. But I really hate the way schools do things these days!)
Another thing you can do is something quite novel: wash your hands. With soap. And warm water. For more than 5 seconds. I can't tell you how often I see someone leave a bathroom without stopping to wash his hands first. It's disgusting, it spreads disease, and...it's disgusting. (It's even worse than seeing someone talking on a cell phone while he is using the urinal! And that's another story to harp on some other time!)
Influenza is a virus. It can't really be killed easily, but its transmission can be halted. Just use some common sense, don't panic, and follow basic cleanliness regimes.
And for goodness sake, if you have the flu, STAY HOME!!! (And stay out of my office!)
Friday, April 03, 2009
Nonsense Thoughts
I realized that I haven't added a posting for a little while, so I thought I would write a quick blurb of a variety of thoughts.
1) I stink at learning French. Period. I hate it because I have absolutely no gift or skill at it whatsoever. Frustration talking? Maybe. But I really am not getting the hang of this.
2) The Kings are changing coaches again. I can't see Kenny Natt continuing as coach.
2b) I don't see Beno Udrih remaining as the starting point guard much longer, either.
3) Jay Cutler is a whiner, and the coach of the Broncos is an egotist. (Like I care about the Broncos, Bears, or Cutler...)
4) One of the great internet comic strips out there is Real Life. (www.reallifecomics.com) Greg Dean rocks.
5) Riding a 250cc motorcycle in 40 mph gusting wind is scary. Not fun.
6) Did I mention that my French stinks?
7) Red Dwarf is a funny British series, but very uneven.
8) IMHO, some of the best tv on the air right now includes: Psych, Burn Notice, and House.
Tune in next time for something that makes more sense.
1) I stink at learning French. Period. I hate it because I have absolutely no gift or skill at it whatsoever. Frustration talking? Maybe. But I really am not getting the hang of this.
2) The Kings are changing coaches again. I can't see Kenny Natt continuing as coach.
2b) I don't see Beno Udrih remaining as the starting point guard much longer, either.
3) Jay Cutler is a whiner, and the coach of the Broncos is an egotist. (Like I care about the Broncos, Bears, or Cutler...)
4) One of the great internet comic strips out there is Real Life. (www.reallifecomics.com) Greg Dean rocks.
5) Riding a 250cc motorcycle in 40 mph gusting wind is scary. Not fun.
6) Did I mention that my French stinks?
7) Red Dwarf is a funny British series, but very uneven.
8) IMHO, some of the best tv on the air right now includes: Psych, Burn Notice, and House.
Tune in next time for something that makes more sense.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Keep It To Yourself
It seems as though I like to talk about my new motorcycle a lot. So sue me. It's a blast to ride again and it makes me happy.
What I don't like about it is the opinions of others who are convinced that I am going to end up an organ donor. I don't verbally slap people for this, but I sometimes wonder if they don't say these things because they like to be fatalistic rather than the idea that they care about what happens to me. "What, do you want to die?" "Why would you buy a death machine?"
The negative to positive comments run about 5 to 1. I don't mind if people say, "Be careful when riding." I appreciate it when people say, "Nice bike! Are you wearing the proper protective gear?" Those kind of comments express genuine concern. But comments like the "organ donor" statements and such are just for the sake of sounding like they are smarter and wiser than you are. Guess what? I know the dangers. I know the dangers of riding a bicycle on the street. I know the dangers of walking through bad neighborhoods. I know the dangers of letting a dog lick your face! OK! I recognize the dangers, accept the dangers, and take all the appropriate measures to avoid damage. Driving a car is dangerous. Driving like an idiot is incredibly dangerous! Riding is dangerous. Riding like an idiot is often fatal.
If you want to express concern, do so. Do it in a way that acknowledges that I am an adult and not an insane person with a death wish! You want danger? Go on a carnival ride at some county fair. (Not implying that all rides are dangerous, but you do frequently hear of injuries and deaths on these things!) When I ride, I wear a high quality helmet, padded gloves, armored jacket, etc. I keep my head on a swivel and try to be aware of everything going on around me. I assume that other drivers are going to pull out in front of me or not stop when pulling up behind me. I'm sure you do the same thing in a car. But I'll tell you one thing; if I see a car not stopping as it pulls up behind me, I have a chance to get out of the way by scooting out of the way. You can't do that in a car.
For those who care; thank you. I'll ride as carefully as possible.
For those who ask if my wife took out extra life insurance on me; thanks...for nothing.
What I don't like about it is the opinions of others who are convinced that I am going to end up an organ donor. I don't verbally slap people for this, but I sometimes wonder if they don't say these things because they like to be fatalistic rather than the idea that they care about what happens to me. "What, do you want to die?" "Why would you buy a death machine?"
The negative to positive comments run about 5 to 1. I don't mind if people say, "Be careful when riding." I appreciate it when people say, "Nice bike! Are you wearing the proper protective gear?" Those kind of comments express genuine concern. But comments like the "organ donor" statements and such are just for the sake of sounding like they are smarter and wiser than you are. Guess what? I know the dangers. I know the dangers of riding a bicycle on the street. I know the dangers of walking through bad neighborhoods. I know the dangers of letting a dog lick your face! OK! I recognize the dangers, accept the dangers, and take all the appropriate measures to avoid damage. Driving a car is dangerous. Driving like an idiot is incredibly dangerous! Riding is dangerous. Riding like an idiot is often fatal.
If you want to express concern, do so. Do it in a way that acknowledges that I am an adult and not an insane person with a death wish! You want danger? Go on a carnival ride at some county fair. (Not implying that all rides are dangerous, but you do frequently hear of injuries and deaths on these things!) When I ride, I wear a high quality helmet, padded gloves, armored jacket, etc. I keep my head on a swivel and try to be aware of everything going on around me. I assume that other drivers are going to pull out in front of me or not stop when pulling up behind me. I'm sure you do the same thing in a car. But I'll tell you one thing; if I see a car not stopping as it pulls up behind me, I have a chance to get out of the way by scooting out of the way. You can't do that in a car.
For those who care; thank you. I'll ride as carefully as possible.
For those who ask if my wife took out extra life insurance on me; thanks...for nothing.
Monday, March 09, 2009
Bad News Keeps Coming
It's getting scary out there. The economic news gets worse and worse.
I can understand why people are nervous and being cautious with money. However, the people who are panicking are making matters worse, not better. Look at it this way: the economy depends on people investing, spending, and for want of a better expression, living their normal lives. When money is pulled out of the economy, businesses fail.
I am not going out to purposely spend money I don't have. Far from it. However, I'm also not going to stop spending entirely. If there's something I need, and I have the money, I'll buy it. For example, my watch conked out on me last week. I started to go through convulsions not having a watch on my wrist! So, I decided to get a new watch. Did I NEED a new watch? Well, need may be a strong word, but I sure felt like I did. Thus, I looked around and found a nice Pulsar (made by Seiko) for under $100. I love the watch, and I pumped a little bit of cash into the economy.
I didn't go out and buy like a madman. (Except for the Ninja, maybe.) But I bought groceries, I went to Ikea and picked up a few things. (Does anyone else love that crazy place as much as I do? Used to hate it. But that's a blog for another day.) We need to be careful with money...always. It's overextension that got us into this mess. But careful and reasonable isn't the same as panicky and miserly. Don't stuff your mattress. Use the banks for your savings, and make your reasonable everyday purchases. It's confidence that pulls an economy up.
And tell the stupid politicians to quit arguing and get to work, will ya? (Just kidding...none of my business, that's for sure!)
I can understand why people are nervous and being cautious with money. However, the people who are panicking are making matters worse, not better. Look at it this way: the economy depends on people investing, spending, and for want of a better expression, living their normal lives. When money is pulled out of the economy, businesses fail.
I am not going out to purposely spend money I don't have. Far from it. However, I'm also not going to stop spending entirely. If there's something I need, and I have the money, I'll buy it. For example, my watch conked out on me last week. I started to go through convulsions not having a watch on my wrist! So, I decided to get a new watch. Did I NEED a new watch? Well, need may be a strong word, but I sure felt like I did. Thus, I looked around and found a nice Pulsar (made by Seiko) for under $100. I love the watch, and I pumped a little bit of cash into the economy.
I didn't go out and buy like a madman. (Except for the Ninja, maybe.) But I bought groceries, I went to Ikea and picked up a few things. (Does anyone else love that crazy place as much as I do? Used to hate it. But that's a blog for another day.) We need to be careful with money...always. It's overextension that got us into this mess. But careful and reasonable isn't the same as panicky and miserly. Don't stuff your mattress. Use the banks for your savings, and make your reasonable everyday purchases. It's confidence that pulls an economy up.
And tell the stupid politicians to quit arguing and get to work, will ya? (Just kidding...none of my business, that's for sure!)
Monday, March 02, 2009
Rainy Days and Mondays
No, I'm not going to sing. (Even though I still am trying to find a talk show that will interview me. My purchase of the Ninja has solved the drought!)
I just found out that my homebuilder, John Laing Homes, has filed for bankruptcy protection. Now, I'm not vindictive. Also, this isn't good news for my home inspections and warranties for the first year of ownership. In fact, I haven't heard from them yet to schedule the walk-through! But I am beginning to be a believer in "What goes around, comes around". They were so jerk-like at times during the negotiation process that I almost feel as though they are getting what they dealt. Still, I don't wish anyone out of work, and there were several very nice people who worked with us on our home purchase. I hope all of them are doing okay.
But to all of you out there who think that just because you're in sales that you have to hard-sell and hard-line your customers...be careful...you never know what you're setting yourself up for! What's the old saying? Be careful as you climb the ladder of success. Don't step on anyone on the way up, because those are the people you'll have to deal with on the way back down. (Or something like that. It's Monday, for cryin' out loud!)
I just found out that my homebuilder, John Laing Homes, has filed for bankruptcy protection. Now, I'm not vindictive. Also, this isn't good news for my home inspections and warranties for the first year of ownership. In fact, I haven't heard from them yet to schedule the walk-through! But I am beginning to be a believer in "What goes around, comes around". They were so jerk-like at times during the negotiation process that I almost feel as though they are getting what they dealt. Still, I don't wish anyone out of work, and there were several very nice people who worked with us on our home purchase. I hope all of them are doing okay.
But to all of you out there who think that just because you're in sales that you have to hard-sell and hard-line your customers...be careful...you never know what you're setting yourself up for! What's the old saying? Be careful as you climb the ladder of success. Don't step on anyone on the way up, because those are the people you'll have to deal with on the way back down. (Or something like that. It's Monday, for cryin' out loud!)
Friday, February 27, 2009
The Bike
It's been a few days that I've actually been able to get on my new motorcycle and ride for a bit, so I thought I'd post some thoughts about the bike.
1. It's a great little bike. Anyone who says that the Ninja 250 is for people who just want to pretend they are racers is out of their mind. It is very comfortable to ride, is responsive on the throttle and in the turns, and feels far more stable than the cruiser bikes I've ridden. Besides, the thing is not designed to do 120 mph.
2. Good equipment is vital. I don't feel invincible with my jacket and helmet, but I feel a bit safer. Knowing that I invested in one of the best helmets on the market and that I have armor in my jacket makes me feel that if I do happen to hit the pavement, I have a better chance to walk away from it. Still, I may invest in some good pants and boots next, just to be careful.
3. The bike is beautiful. It gets looks, that's for sure. Mine is a fantastic blue and just knocks your socks off. It doesn't need stickers or other stuff on it. The clean lines, the color, and the design of the bike is all you need.
4. It begs for a few extras. I would like to get sliders on the side, just to protect the bike if it does fall. I would also like to replace the rear seat with a cowling to make it even cleaner. Also need some kind of security, although if someone wants to steal a small bike, they'll probably do it. LoJack anyone?
Overall, as the engine begins to break in and I get more familiar with the bike, I feel as though I made a great choice, thanks to the wife and son. I really missed riding, and this motorcycle not only gets me back into it, but I don't think I'll be trading up anytime soon. It's juuuust right!
1. It's a great little bike. Anyone who says that the Ninja 250 is for people who just want to pretend they are racers is out of their mind. It is very comfortable to ride, is responsive on the throttle and in the turns, and feels far more stable than the cruiser bikes I've ridden. Besides, the thing is not designed to do 120 mph.
2. Good equipment is vital. I don't feel invincible with my jacket and helmet, but I feel a bit safer. Knowing that I invested in one of the best helmets on the market and that I have armor in my jacket makes me feel that if I do happen to hit the pavement, I have a better chance to walk away from it. Still, I may invest in some good pants and boots next, just to be careful.
3. The bike is beautiful. It gets looks, that's for sure. Mine is a fantastic blue and just knocks your socks off. It doesn't need stickers or other stuff on it. The clean lines, the color, and the design of the bike is all you need.
4. It begs for a few extras. I would like to get sliders on the side, just to protect the bike if it does fall. I would also like to replace the rear seat with a cowling to make it even cleaner. Also need some kind of security, although if someone wants to steal a small bike, they'll probably do it. LoJack anyone?
Overall, as the engine begins to break in and I get more familiar with the bike, I feel as though I made a great choice, thanks to the wife and son. I really missed riding, and this motorcycle not only gets me back into it, but I don't think I'll be trading up anytime soon. It's juuuust right!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Drought v. Riding
OK...I'm torn. I know we need the rain, and we've been getting a good soaking lately. But I really want to be riding my new motorcycle. I think that makes me a selfish person in a way. Far more people are affected by the water shortage than are affected by my needing to hitch a ride with my wife to work. But still....
Well, I guess I can wait to ride. Our city has announced that they want everyone to cut their water usage by 20%. If that doesn't worry people, it should. Many people let showers and sinks run and run without thinking about how much water they use. Or, they water their lawns until the precious liquid flows down the sidewalks and into the storm drains. It's funny, but when I stop to think of how much water I waste, I think that I do pretty well compared to some in the savings department. But still, I see that fresh water going down the drain and wonder if I can't do more.
Next stop: the local Home Depot / Lowe's for a couple of new showerheads to reduce that water usage. (Along with an egg timer for my son's bathroom to keep him on schedule!)
I guess I can wait to ride. Keep the rain coming.
Well, I guess I can wait to ride. Our city has announced that they want everyone to cut their water usage by 20%. If that doesn't worry people, it should. Many people let showers and sinks run and run without thinking about how much water they use. Or, they water their lawns until the precious liquid flows down the sidewalks and into the storm drains. It's funny, but when I stop to think of how much water I waste, I think that I do pretty well compared to some in the savings department. But still, I see that fresh water going down the drain and wonder if I can't do more.
Next stop: the local Home Depot / Lowe's for a couple of new showerheads to reduce that water usage. (Along with an egg timer for my son's bathroom to keep him on schedule!)
I guess I can wait to ride. Keep the rain coming.
Friday, February 20, 2009
In House, and On Two Wheels
It seems like I blog less and less month by month. Part of the reason is that no one is actually reading this silly thing. But then, who would want to read something that only gets posted once in a blue moon? (sigh....)
But, here I go again.
We are in our new house - finally - and have turned in the keys to our apartment. The house isn't perfect, but it is our home now and we are enjoying that aspect of life. It is strange not to have people stomping around overhead. It is very odd to be able to pull into a garage, open the car trunk, and walk into the kitchen with groceries and not get drenched while walking up to a second floor apartment and avoiding a hernia. It is unusual to have bulky mail either put into a large mailbox and have a key left in our mailbox to access it, or to have UPS actually drop things off at a secure spot at our home. Packages actually arrive without being crushed into a small apartment mailbox!
Yes, things are better in many ways. Granted, our bills are higher, and our mortgage is much higher, but that is the price one pays for a home. I can deal with it for now.
In addition, my car went splat. The stick shift was starting to struggle again, and then the electrical system pooped out. I had a choice. I could either fix the car - again - or get something else. Strangely enough, it was my wife who suggested that I go ahead and buy a motorcycle. Even though it would cost more than fixing the car (this time), over time it would be less expensive. So, after doing my research, I narrowed things down to 3 bikes, all of which were small enough to be affordable.
Yamaha V-Star 250 - Cruiser bike. Okay, but nothing special.
Honda Rebel 250 - Cruiser bike. Smaller than the Yamaha in terms of seat height. Hasn't changed its style in 20+ years.
Kawasaki Ninja 250R - Sport bike. Me? On a sport bike?
The winner? The Ninja.
Yes, I know. I've heard the comments. "What? Do you WANT to die?" "You're an organ donor, right?" "Why do you want a crotch rocket like that?"
Guess what? Part of the safety concern centers around the rider. It's up to the rider to be attentive to his surroundings and to ride like everyone is going to pull out in front of him or t-bone him. It's up to the rider to obey traffic laws and posted speed limits. Nothing is perfect or perfectly safe, but a rider goes a long way to helping himself by riding safely and wearing high-quality safety gear. That's what I've done. I didn't skimp on the helmet or the armor. In addition, the Ninja has a more comfortable riding position and is more stable than the other bikes. Thus, I am the proud and happy owner of a 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R. So sue me.
One more thing: the California legislature acts like a bunch of children, don't they? You wonder why I have no confidence in humans to govern themselves? Just look at California and even the U.S. Congress. Pitiful behavior.
I think I need to go for a ride.
But, here I go again.
We are in our new house - finally - and have turned in the keys to our apartment. The house isn't perfect, but it is our home now and we are enjoying that aspect of life. It is strange not to have people stomping around overhead. It is very odd to be able to pull into a garage, open the car trunk, and walk into the kitchen with groceries and not get drenched while walking up to a second floor apartment and avoiding a hernia. It is unusual to have bulky mail either put into a large mailbox and have a key left in our mailbox to access it, or to have UPS actually drop things off at a secure spot at our home. Packages actually arrive without being crushed into a small apartment mailbox!
Yes, things are better in many ways. Granted, our bills are higher, and our mortgage is much higher, but that is the price one pays for a home. I can deal with it for now.
In addition, my car went splat. The stick shift was starting to struggle again, and then the electrical system pooped out. I had a choice. I could either fix the car - again - or get something else. Strangely enough, it was my wife who suggested that I go ahead and buy a motorcycle. Even though it would cost more than fixing the car (this time), over time it would be less expensive. So, after doing my research, I narrowed things down to 3 bikes, all of which were small enough to be affordable.
Yamaha V-Star 250 - Cruiser bike. Okay, but nothing special.
Honda Rebel 250 - Cruiser bike. Smaller than the Yamaha in terms of seat height. Hasn't changed its style in 20+ years.
Kawasaki Ninja 250R - Sport bike. Me? On a sport bike?
The winner? The Ninja.
Yes, I know. I've heard the comments. "What? Do you WANT to die?" "You're an organ donor, right?" "Why do you want a crotch rocket like that?"
Guess what? Part of the safety concern centers around the rider. It's up to the rider to be attentive to his surroundings and to ride like everyone is going to pull out in front of him or t-bone him. It's up to the rider to obey traffic laws and posted speed limits. Nothing is perfect or perfectly safe, but a rider goes a long way to helping himself by riding safely and wearing high-quality safety gear. That's what I've done. I didn't skimp on the helmet or the armor. In addition, the Ninja has a more comfortable riding position and is more stable than the other bikes. Thus, I am the proud and happy owner of a 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R. So sue me.
One more thing: the California legislature acts like a bunch of children, don't they? You wonder why I have no confidence in humans to govern themselves? Just look at California and even the U.S. Congress. Pitiful behavior.
I think I need to go for a ride.
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