Motorcyclists hold a distinct advantage over those who routinely travel in an automobile. So it was, as I hit the road over the past week to visit family. As much as possible, I avoided the large freeway in California - Interstate 5. In doing so, I maximized the advantage we motorcyclists so passionately enjoy. For those who don't ride, let me explain.
First, there is the exhilaration of the wind in the face while rolling along. Associated with this physical phenomenon is the requirement to pay closer attention to the overall environment, much more than most drivers of cars. With a decidedly smaller footprint than the average car, the rider must be ever aware of his surroundings, primarily for his own safety. And while riding safely, the motorcyclist observes more of his surroundings. The natural beauty of the country, the frenetic activity of his fellow citizens, the weather, and the pace of life. With the wind in your face and attention on your surroundings, your travels are far more interesting. I've seen sights that those in cars undoubtedly missed.
Second, by avoiding the largest of the freeways and taking alternate routes, I'm also able to avoid traffic. At least to the greatest degree possible. Transiting Los Angeles is a pain, no matter what route one chooses, so there is some inevitable traffic congestion. After years of experience and practice, I do have a route that avoids the most significant areas of trouble. Once through or past these areas, the ride becomes very pleasant and enjoyable (refer to the first point). For example, Route 58 East from Bakersfield in the early morning. Or Route 46 East from Paso Robles in the early morning. Both rolled through open countryside, distinctly agricultural. Just gorgeous! Post card perfect examples of why some call California the Golden State. With sparse traffic, cool temperatures, and a comfortable bike, these rides were utterly serene and most enjoyable.
Third, traveling solo by motorcycle has been the source of wonderful interactions with my fellow countrymen and -women, as previously written about. On this trip, I met several nice folks. For you see, when away from the hustle and bustle of major cities and urban areas, while avoiding the major service areas on I-5, I find the folks warm and friendly. Like the guy I encountered coming out of a restaurant where I'd stopped for breakfast. He was parked next to me and commented on the Marine Corps license plate frame and the appearance of the bike. For a couple of moments, after we shook hands, we just chatted. No obligation. Neither seeking anything from the other. Neither in an inexplicable hurry. Ends up he is a long haul trucker and knows lots of young Marines who have entered that profession after leaving active duty. He's not a vet, but admires Marines. Just two guys exchanging some words and smiles. Has I been driving a car, we never would have met. Then there was the server at Big Bubbas Bad BBQ in Paso Robles. Before writing about this nice lady, I want to highlight another aspect of riding solo across our country. Food. I make it a point not to stop at any of the national chains -- another reason to avoid the major highways. (Actually, my son has taught me to avoid the chains.) Since riding a bike is as much about the trip as it is about the destination, I take the time to hunt out the "mom and pop" places. Normally the food is much better, the service superb, and the price reasonable. A good sign is if there are a lot of pick-up trucks in the parking lot. If you're whizzing along the major interstates, it's unlikely you'll take the time to enjoy one of these places, since they are off the beaten path. (I've also decided to take notes from the TV show "Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives," so I can be prepared for my next trip.) Anyway, back to the memory. I was spending the night in Paso Robles and as I rode into town, I saw the BBQ sign. Mouth started watering, so it's where I headed for a couple of beers and some BBQ. The server was the only one serving a large area, as it was later afternoon/early evening. She adroitly managed it all, with a smile, and juggled numerous orders without fail. I had a terrific meal, a couple of Buds, listened to country/western music, and enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere she helped create. If we take the time to enjoy life, it provides plenty of smiles and memories like these. Like the gent and lady above, there are countless others out there, who make the trips a real adventure. Traveling by bike provides the opportunity to take in the feel of the country...to interact with average folks who like to smile and share a bit of conversation...to enjoy the real, instead of the conjured up, corporate, rush-though-the-day life others would have us think is the norm.
So, even when riding in the cold, or getting a sunburn, or swallowing a bug, travels by motorcycle are vastly superior to riding in a car. There's no climate control. No 500 watt, eight speaker stereo, or an adjustable seat. No aim it and go. A rider is far more in tune with his trip, aware of his conveyance, and sensitive to the environment. And, you have the great fortune of interacting with the average, everyday folks that make this country fantastic.
That's why a motorcyclist has the distinct advantage.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Congress takes a break
Though determined to remain positive, both in outlook and commentary, members of Congress provide a profound challenge to this personal objective. With countless issues facing the nation, some immense in scope and scale, how can the members of Congress decide to close shop and leave business unfinished? Obviously more concerned with retaining their power, via the election cycle, than the welfare of the people, they abandon their posts at a critical time.
Of course, they aren't too busy to take pot shots at one another, making singularly idiotic and unsubstantiated allegations.
Truly amazing. If one of our coworkers decided to depart, after a recently concluded summer recess no less, it would be the final departure, because they'd lose their job.
But enough negativity about the members of Congress.
Thankfully there are millions of our fellow citizens who work hard, enjoy a good laugh, love their families, and agree that our elected representatives perform their duties abysmally.
While on the campus of a large public university yesterday, I thought about all the students and their futures. Unlike others, I don't sense a dire emergency. Certainly there are severe issues with which we must contend. Hard choices to be made. And disagreeable matters with which to deal. Our history, as a predictor of the future, indicates the nation will find its way through these extraordinary times. And it will be the people, these college students and the millions of average citizens, who will make the changes. It won't be the politicians. It won't be the national or state legislatures. It won't be the courts. It will be us - the people - who will take the necessary actions to cease the chaos and place the country on the right track again.
As a people, we've done it before and we will do it again. So maybe it's actually a good thing that Congress is taking another break. If it isn't in session, it can't make bad decisions.
Of course, they aren't too busy to take pot shots at one another, making singularly idiotic and unsubstantiated allegations.
Truly amazing. If one of our coworkers decided to depart, after a recently concluded summer recess no less, it would be the final departure, because they'd lose their job.
But enough negativity about the members of Congress.
Thankfully there are millions of our fellow citizens who work hard, enjoy a good laugh, love their families, and agree that our elected representatives perform their duties abysmally.
While on the campus of a large public university yesterday, I thought about all the students and their futures. Unlike others, I don't sense a dire emergency. Certainly there are severe issues with which we must contend. Hard choices to be made. And disagreeable matters with which to deal. Our history, as a predictor of the future, indicates the nation will find its way through these extraordinary times. And it will be the people, these college students and the millions of average citizens, who will make the changes. It won't be the politicians. It won't be the national or state legislatures. It won't be the courts. It will be us - the people - who will take the necessary actions to cease the chaos and place the country on the right track again.
As a people, we've done it before and we will do it again. So maybe it's actually a good thing that Congress is taking another break. If it isn't in session, it can't make bad decisions.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Essentially the same
Sitting and observing, one can really see a great deal. Engaged in this activity over a cup of coffee, near a local busy intersection, it struck me that the vast, overwhelming majority of our fellow citizens are essentially the same.
Regardless of race, creed, color, religion, income level, political affiliation, age, gender, or any of the countless other groups into which the media and others attempt to either pigeon-hole or shoe horn us, folks generally want the same from life. Health, happiness, family, friends, laughter, love, security, etc. (Obviously, how each goal/objective is precisely defined varies from individual-to-individual.) In pursuit of these goals/objectives, the majority of folks are law abiding, like to smile, enjoy laughing, care for each other, respect one another, love their families, and are generally self-motivated. We are essentially the same.
Why then, I ask myself, are there so many so dramatically intent on identifying and exploiting the ways in which we are different? Why do so many work so hard on creating, and capitalizing upon, differences? Why are differences heralded and commonalities ignored? Why are we subtly and not-so-subtly trained or conditioned by societal forces to look for the differences in one another rather than the similarities?
To be sure, we are a nation of individuals and I would never suggest that we yield to those who support belief systems that lower the value of the individual to the level at which it is virtually meaningless. I'm not advocating the dumbing down, as it were, of the nation, in which everyone is expected to be given the same. I'm merely commenting upon the members of our nation. I believe in the individual seeking his/her unique objectives and working towards their attainment. I believe in team work, as a family, as a nation, in the work place, in the military, in government, and in politics. I believe hard work, as individuals, as families, as teams, is what made the country great. At the proverbial bottom line, it is the willingness to work hard in pursuit of individual and team objectives that exemplifies how we are essentially the same. Seeking our goals and objectives, through our own hard work, and being good citizens throughout.
So, while sipping a cup of coffee, watching the world go by, I am struck by the similarities of my fellow Americans. Automobile traffic flows well, without the chaos I've seen in other places around the world. Commerce flows well, with people politely waiting in line, without the loud, frenetic, bustling confusion experienced elsewhere in the world. Friendly conversations are being held, smiles shared, and laughter overheard. These all present evidence of the similarities we share, not the differences highlighted by some.
When those who, in pursuit of their own selfish agendas, choose to highlight differences between us, they do a tremendous if not profound disservice to our society. After all, we are essentially the same.
Regardless of race, creed, color, religion, income level, political affiliation, age, gender, or any of the countless other groups into which the media and others attempt to either pigeon-hole or shoe horn us, folks generally want the same from life. Health, happiness, family, friends, laughter, love, security, etc. (Obviously, how each goal/objective is precisely defined varies from individual-to-individual.) In pursuit of these goals/objectives, the majority of folks are law abiding, like to smile, enjoy laughing, care for each other, respect one another, love their families, and are generally self-motivated. We are essentially the same.
Why then, I ask myself, are there so many so dramatically intent on identifying and exploiting the ways in which we are different? Why do so many work so hard on creating, and capitalizing upon, differences? Why are differences heralded and commonalities ignored? Why are we subtly and not-so-subtly trained or conditioned by societal forces to look for the differences in one another rather than the similarities?
To be sure, we are a nation of individuals and I would never suggest that we yield to those who support belief systems that lower the value of the individual to the level at which it is virtually meaningless. I'm not advocating the dumbing down, as it were, of the nation, in which everyone is expected to be given the same. I'm merely commenting upon the members of our nation. I believe in the individual seeking his/her unique objectives and working towards their attainment. I believe in team work, as a family, as a nation, in the work place, in the military, in government, and in politics. I believe hard work, as individuals, as families, as teams, is what made the country great. At the proverbial bottom line, it is the willingness to work hard in pursuit of individual and team objectives that exemplifies how we are essentially the same. Seeking our goals and objectives, through our own hard work, and being good citizens throughout.
So, while sipping a cup of coffee, watching the world go by, I am struck by the similarities of my fellow Americans. Automobile traffic flows well, without the chaos I've seen in other places around the world. Commerce flows well, with people politely waiting in line, without the loud, frenetic, bustling confusion experienced elsewhere in the world. Friendly conversations are being held, smiles shared, and laughter overheard. These all present evidence of the similarities we share, not the differences highlighted by some.
When those who, in pursuit of their own selfish agendas, choose to highlight differences between us, they do a tremendous if not profound disservice to our society. After all, we are essentially the same.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Friends
The importance of friends has been commercially hyped to sell beer; played and overplayed in film and on TV; written endlessly about in books large and small; blogged about; exploited by so-called reality shows; sung about in every genre of music; and generally the source of every form of commentary one can imagine. Arguably one of the more clever uses is the Facebook tool of "friending" someone, although even this has been commercialized.
Nevertheless, second to family, friends are the single greatest source of happiness in our lives.
I've often thought and commented that if one has one or two real, very close friends for life, then he/she is "wealthy" beyond words. I'm fortunate to have two such exceptionally close friends, one for nearly 50 years and one for nearly 30. One lives in another state. One lives around the corner. One I grew up with in the old neighborhood. One I served with in the Marine Corps. With one, I walked the hallways of grade school and high school. With one, I served at Camp Pendleton. One I ride with on motorcycle road trips. One I compete with on the tennis courts. One stood up with me at my wedding. One stood up for me at my retirement ceremony. One surprised me at the ceremony marking my retirement from the Marine Corps. I surprised one at both his 40th and 60th birthdays. With one I chased girls in high school. With one I was ready to lay down my life for my country. With both I laugh. With both I've shared my innermost thoughts. With both I've shed tears at the loss of parents. With both I've watched our children and grandchildren grow. With both I've shared special moments of humor and humility. For both I've worried as they faced life threatening health issues. With both, our wives have put up with our continuing juvenile humor, even in our 60s. With both I've grown gray. With both I've discussed entering retirement. With both I've discussed how crushed I'd be without my wife. On both I've leaned when times were tough. From both I've had support, no matter when or where. For both, I'd be there, no matter when or where.
These are the men who know me best, because they've seen me at the highest of highs and lowest of lows. Even when separated by oceans and thousands of miles of American landscape, I've been connected with these men. The ties are unbreakable. The bonds built on the unique, distinct, and unassailable relationship that defines friendship. As someone once said, we love our closest friends "in spite of" our human failings. Lord knows these gents provide a wide exception for me.
So when thinking of all the elements of our lives that come together to define our happiness, apart from family, friendship is the most important. Not the friendship the media or Hollywood would have us believe, but the real, in your gut, no BS friendship that develops, expands, and endures over decades.
This is wealth, real wealth.
Nevertheless, second to family, friends are the single greatest source of happiness in our lives.
I've often thought and commented that if one has one or two real, very close friends for life, then he/she is "wealthy" beyond words. I'm fortunate to have two such exceptionally close friends, one for nearly 50 years and one for nearly 30. One lives in another state. One lives around the corner. One I grew up with in the old neighborhood. One I served with in the Marine Corps. With one, I walked the hallways of grade school and high school. With one, I served at Camp Pendleton. One I ride with on motorcycle road trips. One I compete with on the tennis courts. One stood up with me at my wedding. One stood up for me at my retirement ceremony. One surprised me at the ceremony marking my retirement from the Marine Corps. I surprised one at both his 40th and 60th birthdays. With one I chased girls in high school. With one I was ready to lay down my life for my country. With both I laugh. With both I've shared my innermost thoughts. With both I've shed tears at the loss of parents. With both I've watched our children and grandchildren grow. With both I've shared special moments of humor and humility. For both I've worried as they faced life threatening health issues. With both, our wives have put up with our continuing juvenile humor, even in our 60s. With both I've grown gray. With both I've discussed entering retirement. With both I've discussed how crushed I'd be without my wife. On both I've leaned when times were tough. From both I've had support, no matter when or where. For both, I'd be there, no matter when or where.
These are the men who know me best, because they've seen me at the highest of highs and lowest of lows. Even when separated by oceans and thousands of miles of American landscape, I've been connected with these men. The ties are unbreakable. The bonds built on the unique, distinct, and unassailable relationship that defines friendship. As someone once said, we love our closest friends "in spite of" our human failings. Lord knows these gents provide a wide exception for me.
So when thinking of all the elements of our lives that come together to define our happiness, apart from family, friendship is the most important. Not the friendship the media or Hollywood would have us believe, but the real, in your gut, no BS friendship that develops, expands, and endures over decades.
This is wealth, real wealth.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Small kindnesses
It truly is easy to get caught up in the never-ending-cycle of negativity broadcast by many (mainstream media, bloggers, conservatives, liberals, ad naseum). Actually, every day we all experience and observe small acts of kindness. So-called "average" citizens sharing the human experience in a kind, thoughtful way. As a newly retired individual, I've committed to recording some of these acts each day. For example, the lady who sees someone approaching the crosswalk into which her car had intruded as she attempts to peer around the corner. Observing an individual approaching, she backs up - clearing the cross walk. Or the Japanese clerk at the local Starbucks. After responding to her in Japanese, she has always presented a smile and recognition in Japanese (ohio guyamus). Nothing that is required of her, but a small, kind gesture. A regular, run of the mill kindness.
As the decision to retire was made, I realized that there is too much negativity. Hell, I've even posted negative comments about the current candidates for President. However, there is so much more to life and most of it is very happy and kind, even if we have to take the time to focus on it. Sometimes it sneaks up on us, catching us by surprise. Let me provide an example.
First some back ground. My high school buddy and I usually join up each summer for a road trip on our Harleys. Yep. the quintessential white guy middle aged attempt to return to our youth. Won't say what year we graduated from high school, but the Detroit Tigers won the World Series that year. Anyway, on our annual road trip a few years ago we were rolling north on Route 101 in southern Oregon. It was very cool (high 50s), which isn't a real joy on a motorcycle. After a couple of hours of riding in the cold mist, we stopped at a local place that was sort of like a coffee shop combined with an art gallery. We parked the bikes, dismounted and headed for the front door. You need to try to imagine the way we looked. Leather chaps, leather jackets, beards, Harley ball caps. boots, the whole nine yards. I also wear a denim vet over the leather jacket. The vest sports a variety of U. S. Marine Corps patches and emblems, plus the US flag. As a retired Marine, figure I can pull it off. Anyway, we walk up to the front door. As we approach, a lady was also heading to the door. So we stopped and held the door for her. After entering, it took a while to get our bearings. Being the astute land navigation expert that I am, I saw the natural tracks to follow. Actually, it was the big signs overhead that led me to the coffee shop. Here we encountered the lady again. Numb from the cold ride, we stepped out of line and insisted she go first. Finally, after reading the posted menu, we ordered our coffee and some nosh. After placing the order, I reached for my wallet and was surprised when the clerk stated, "The lady paid for your order." Thoroughly amazed, we attempted to locate her, but could not. To this day, I don't know what motivated her to perform this act of kindness. was it that she took pity on two cold souls? Did she recognize the USMC patches? Did she respond to our courtesy of holding the door? A simple kindness that stays with me. So, on another road trip last summer, with the same buddy, I decided to pay it forward. We'd topped in Santa Cruz for breakfast. It was a really nice diner, with a great menu. While stuffing myself, I noticed an elderly couple who came in. Appeared to be late 80s or so and out for a meal. Can't say exactly what it was that motivated me, but as we were departing, I went up to their server and paid for their meal. Really made me feel like I'd done something nice. We quietly departed and never looked back. A small kindness for some strangers.
Anyway, there are small and large acts of kindness all around us. I challenge us to be on the lookout for them every.
From my front porch ti would be a better world if we focused on the positives, not the negatives.
As the decision to retire was made, I realized that there is too much negativity. Hell, I've even posted negative comments about the current candidates for President. However, there is so much more to life and most of it is very happy and kind, even if we have to take the time to focus on it. Sometimes it sneaks up on us, catching us by surprise. Let me provide an example.
First some back ground. My high school buddy and I usually join up each summer for a road trip on our Harleys. Yep. the quintessential white guy middle aged attempt to return to our youth. Won't say what year we graduated from high school, but the Detroit Tigers won the World Series that year. Anyway, on our annual road trip a few years ago we were rolling north on Route 101 in southern Oregon. It was very cool (high 50s), which isn't a real joy on a motorcycle. After a couple of hours of riding in the cold mist, we stopped at a local place that was sort of like a coffee shop combined with an art gallery. We parked the bikes, dismounted and headed for the front door. You need to try to imagine the way we looked. Leather chaps, leather jackets, beards, Harley ball caps. boots, the whole nine yards. I also wear a denim vet over the leather jacket. The vest sports a variety of U. S. Marine Corps patches and emblems, plus the US flag. As a retired Marine, figure I can pull it off. Anyway, we walk up to the front door. As we approach, a lady was also heading to the door. So we stopped and held the door for her. After entering, it took a while to get our bearings. Being the astute land navigation expert that I am, I saw the natural tracks to follow. Actually, it was the big signs overhead that led me to the coffee shop. Here we encountered the lady again. Numb from the cold ride, we stepped out of line and insisted she go first. Finally, after reading the posted menu, we ordered our coffee and some nosh. After placing the order, I reached for my wallet and was surprised when the clerk stated, "The lady paid for your order." Thoroughly amazed, we attempted to locate her, but could not. To this day, I don't know what motivated her to perform this act of kindness. was it that she took pity on two cold souls? Did she recognize the USMC patches? Did she respond to our courtesy of holding the door? A simple kindness that stays with me. So, on another road trip last summer, with the same buddy, I decided to pay it forward. We'd topped in Santa Cruz for breakfast. It was a really nice diner, with a great menu. While stuffing myself, I noticed an elderly couple who came in. Appeared to be late 80s or so and out for a meal. Can't say exactly what it was that motivated me, but as we were departing, I went up to their server and paid for their meal. Really made me feel like I'd done something nice. We quietly departed and never looked back. A small kindness for some strangers.
Anyway, there are small and large acts of kindness all around us. I challenge us to be on the lookout for them every.
From my front porch ti would be a better world if we focused on the positives, not the negatives.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Being inappropriate
In the aftermath of the killing of our Ambassador, both candidates for President acted inappropriately. One sought to seize political advantage by commenting on the apparent disconnect between the White House and one of our embassies, vis-a-vis an "apology." One spoke publicly about working with the Libyan government to "bring to justice" those responsible for the killings.
Using the attack and killings for political gain is simply shameful. Whether there is/was a disconnect between the White House and an embassy is NOT fodder for the political machine in view of the deaths of four of our country men.
Reading from a script to convey the message that those responsible for the killings will be brought to justice fails to convey the anger the nation's anger. Obviously reading previously written comments is shameful. Where is the outrage and conviction other heads of state can so eloquently communicate?
In the first case, the candidate wrongly attempted to turn tragedy into political advantage. In the second case, the other candidate did nothing to convince me or anyone that our nation will hunt down and deal with the killers.
On this serious matter, neither candidate acted appropriately.
Using the attack and killings for political gain is simply shameful. Whether there is/was a disconnect between the White House and an embassy is NOT fodder for the political machine in view of the deaths of four of our country men.
Reading from a script to convey the message that those responsible for the killings will be brought to justice fails to convey the anger the nation's anger. Obviously reading previously written comments is shameful. Where is the outrage and conviction other heads of state can so eloquently communicate?
In the first case, the candidate wrongly attempted to turn tragedy into political advantage. In the second case, the other candidate did nothing to convince me or anyone that our nation will hunt down and deal with the killers.
On this serious matter, neither candidate acted appropriately.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
9-11-12
As the nation remembers the attacks of 11 years ago, it is truly pitiful that the unifying reactions of our politicians no longer exist. It matters not which party is examined, as rhetoric, carelessness, and pursuit of personal gain have trumped the spirit of nationalism. Apparently the lessons from the loss of thousands of lives have been lost on those elected to local, state, and national office. Cities going bankrupt, states on the verge of insolvency, the national debt ballooning at an unbelievable pace, real dangers to the security of the nation lurking across the globe, and other concerns are not being tackled by our best and brightest. Rather, the political parties posture, state untruths, pursue power, and recklessly take this nation towards the precipice of calamity. The unification of purpose and action noted 11 years ago had evaporated, as special interests drive the national debate. Personal hubris by politicians is revealed in unethical behavior. And the lack of integrity in Congress results in its approval rating being so low as to provide a profound low water mark for our history. Division instead of unification. Selfishness instead of selflessness. The political class brings nothing but shame on itself. So, while we recognize the tragedy of the lives lost on 11 September 2011, we should also shake our heads in disgust at the political machinery and those who run it. Shame!
As the nation remembers the attacks of 11 years ago, it is truly pitiful that the unifying reactions of our politicians no longer exist. It matters not which party is examined, as rhetoric, carelessness, and pursuit of personal gain have trumped the spirit of nationalism. Apparently the lessons from the loss of thousands of lives have been lost on those elected to local, state, and national office. Cities going bankrupt, states on the verge of insolvency, the national debt ballooning at an unbelievable pace, real dangers to the security of the nation lurking across the globe, and other concerns are not being tackled by our best and brightest. Rather, the political parties posture, state untruths, pursue power, and recklessly take this nation towards the precipice of calamity. The unification of purpose and action noted 11 years ago had evaporated, as special interests drive the national debate. Personal hubris by politicians is revealed in unethical behavior. And the lack of integrity in Congress results in its approval rating being so low as to provide a profound low water mark for our history. Division instead of unification. Selfishness instead of selflessness. The political class brings nothing but shame on itself. So, while we recognize the tragedy of the lives lost on 11 September 2011, we should also shake our heads in disgust at the political machinery and those who run it. Shame!
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