Hey Kids,
It looks like I’m going to be able to take possession of a new motorcycle. Cool, eh? Take a look at her:
OK, she doesn’t look like much. But it’ll be a fun project.
I’ve never owned a dirt bike. Never worked on one either. In fact, I have never even rode a dirt bike. What a great way to venture into a whole new world!
Day 7
I believe everyone should do what they want, how they want, and as many times as they want. Myself included.
I ride a motorcycle; more than I don’t. And I do it because I enjoy it.
So long as it isn’t snowing, I’ll generally ride. But all this just means I ride a bike. That’ all. I do not consider myself a biker per se. I’m a motorcyclist.
I don’t try to look like a biker either. I just dress, wearing whatever is appropriate for the conditions in which I ride.
Now like I said, everyone can do what they wish. Maybe for some the riding of the motorcycle releases some inner rebel, a chance to express oneself, or maybe some kind of needed identity escape. To each their own and more power to them.
However, sometimes I feel like I’m considered not a real biker because I don’t have my wallet chained to my belt loop, sport HD boots, or don a leather jacket. And one day I might have all that. But it annoys me to be judged so. Sometimes.
I ride because I like it. The bike is not an extension of any part of me, it’s not an expression of my soul, nor is It the thing that defines me in its entirety.
Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar, and I believe it applies likewise for a motorcycle.
What’s the point?
To climb a mountain. Why?
To exercise? What for?
To work hard? For what?
To deal with life? To what end?
When it comes down to it, there really is no answer that works for everyone. And there’s really no reason at all to push yourself. In fact, life would that you don’t. Don’t believe me?
Tell someone you’re on a diet. See how long before you’re told that it won’t work, or you’re not doing it right; not giving up enough stuff, eating the wrong things.
Start a new exercise program. You won’t be doing it long enough, at the wrong time of the day, or you’ll hear some story about someone who, despite being fit, died at a young age.
Set a goal. It’ll be too high, or too low.
Write something. You spelled it wrong or you’ll be told how they should do it too, you know since writing is so easy- a monkey can do it.
You see, no one wants to see you do something out of the ordinary or accomplish something.
I don’t think it’s always mean, but it’s discouraging. And ultimately, the naysayers are right.
There’s always a better way to diet and exercise. There’s always a taller mountain. There’s always someone who worked less and got more. There’s always a better way, someone more accomplished, or a threat of failure and total humiliation.
So what’s the point?
What is it? You know what makes you feel good. You know whether a challenge is rewarding to struggle for. You’re the one that has to tough it out; do the work. You’re the one that has to live with the results.
Don’t let perfection stop you. Go for it. For you. For your reasons. Climb your mountains, set your goals, do what you want to do and do it because you want to. Just be prepared to be asked, “Why? What’s the point?”
You don’t owe anyone an answer, but if you don’t know, ain’t no one going to be able to explain it to you.
This morning felt just like the last one and I didn’t take on any grand resolutions to begin on this “magical date.” but that doesn’t mean that I’m not excited about this new year.
I woke up early (confession- I fell asleep way before midnight last night), and after helping Annette get off to work (way bummer), I finished the second edit of a chapter of my work in progress, and hit the gym.
Now I know that there are many people who join the gym in January. But I joined in December. I know, Big Diff! But I joined because I needed to and a new gym opened and I took advantage of the cheap sign-up.
Anyway, I made an awesome Ham and Cheese Omelet and am now settling down for another writing session. If I could make a resolution to copy this day everyday, I would. But I digress.
A new year does not a new me make. I have to be realistic. My goals have to have meaning. They have to be consistent with what I have done, who I am, and what’s realistic.
So for the record, here are some of my goals for this next year, or so:
Finish the second Porter Rockwell Novel “Cursing Black’s Gold”. Release in Kindle and Print this spring.
Finish 2014 Christmas story (working title “The Biggest Little Christmas in the World”) to be released by November 1 in Kindle and Print.
Begin Third Porter Rockwell Novel (working title “The Devil’s Due”).
Evaluate editing of “Inmachuk Confabulations”, determine if it is right for publishing.
Maintain my work out schedule to be ready and able to climb Mt. Nebo this late summer.
Plan one major motorcycle tour this summer.
Fish a lot.
I have some wishes concerning being able to see my kids, and some personal relationship needs; but those are not really right for this forum. And they dependent on others. I’ll stick to those things in my control.
Wow. What a boring post. I’ll avoid such nonsense in the future. But of that, I can’t be resolute either.
Mike M Jensen 