Inspired

Someone recently said that those with blogs are narcissistic. After consulting Webster’s I began to ponder just that theory. I hope that my blog does not come across in that manner and if it does, there is always your freedom not to visit or read. For me, this blog is an outlet of sorts. A place where things that so inspire me to think and feel can be expressed. I don’t write about my daily life, I don’t publish personal information or a play-by-play of my life. I don’t post my picture or promote myself as something I am not. I do however, write about those things that get under my skin enough that I find myself mulling over the events and the emotion that cause such inspiration. For me, the simple act of recreating that feeling in such a manner that I can relive it again when I choose to reminisce, revisit and reread allows me to release it from my being and move on to the next significant event. Life is about the ‘feelings’ that you experience with each new day and the joy you can create for yourself and those around you.

Today, however, my thoughts are consumed by this joy and exhilaration I experienced last night as I watched my son shine. More confirmation that truly caring about others can bring joy to your core when they succeed. My son is 9 and is on his first basketball team. He has talent; only he has intimidation that takes over. He always says “why can’t I just play street ball?”. See, in street ball, nobody is watching, there are no refs, nobody gets a foul and there are not all those rules and boundaries.

Last night was his time to shine. Something happened to him, of which I am sure even he cannot explain. It just clicked and he finally got it. He played point guard and got 8 rebounds, 3 assists and made his first 2 points. I erupted and looked to the coach sitting directly across the court only to see him doing the same. Ear to ear, two fists up and a yell of pride in my boy. We all knew he could do it, and now he knows too. I want nothing more from this season. I will sit through the remainder of the games as I have done with all the ones before not missing a one cause what is important to those I love, is important to me by default. A good day indeed.

Pure Ecstasy

Pure ecstasy…the only way I can explain it.

I was fine with winter, really I was. Didn’t even mind the snow, I love seeing the kids revel in what Mother Nature can deliver. But someone came along and we started talking bikes and it got to me. I have not even uncovered the bikes for almost 4 months.

So, Sunday February 6, 2005 I find myself trying to get ready for the big game, and get some chores done around the house. I should be taking advantage of time without the kids around and get some things accomplished. But in the back of my mind are the bikes. After getting the errands done and riding home with the windows open I was drawn to the garage…almost unwillingly.

“I just wanna see if she will start. Ohhhh…..what a beautiful sound, and oh the smell. Maybe I should just pull her out into that brisk sunshine and dust her off. Well, just a quick blast up and down my little side street. I just want to feel it again”

I spent many a recent time with my own internal doubts. Did I lose the confidence I had started to gain at the end of last year? Will I be as comfortable as I had become after last years track day? I was sure I needed some ‘alone’ riding time to regain my composure.

The “I just want to feel it again” turned into about an hour ride. I found myself in fourth gear going up the hill and out of the neighbor hood and this deep yell of pure exhilaration was filling my helmet. All doubts where gone….I did not forget. It was a struggle, I have to keep reminding myself there is still lots of ice, melting snow piles, sand, salt and the newly acquired riding surface cluttered with potholes.

Since I was only going to try it in front of the house, I had not bothered to dress appropriately for the brisk 44 degree day. Wife beater, leather jacket, jeans and no gloves!! Chilly it was, only I realized that I did not even notice, not even a shiver. I stopped to top her off so that she can retire again to the safety of the garage; however, pulling into the doublewide driveway was the hardest turn of the day. As I dismounted I realized that my hands were so cold I could barely move them. The keypad to open the garage was almost impossible to navigate.

I am surely ready for spring.

Needless to say, the laundry remains unwashed and I was wiring my suround sound with much appreciated assistance from a certain someone during pre-game. But that shall be another entry.