the movie...

well C and I just finished watchin "The Da Vinci Code"   we both have read the book and we talked about what was missin or how a smidgen of it was done with liberties   anyways tho, the movie was good   it was the code   we both enjoyed it   it is worth seeing and having your thoughts challenged   maybe one day truth will be revealed surrounding The Holy Grail.....in the meantime, i'm leaving in a couple days    not sure i'll get another entry before then    i won't be takin my computer for i'm limited to number of bags, weight per bag, and one carry on item which will be my cameras   so i'll update this upon my return on or about 3 jun  with plenty of pics  ...so everyone have a wonderful Memorial Weekend   think of me, i'll be in Disney having lunch with Pooh and friends....

bike trip 2 Madrid

well, i had my first bike trip on the road    i went to Madrid, about 40miles from here on the back roads   God it was AWESOME!   what a beautiful ride   i forgot how gorgeous the scenery was back there    and i swear i saw more while on the bike than drivin the car   just as i arrived to the little town, i wondered why i hadn't brought my camera again   o well, next time   i was just sooo anxious to ride everything else didn't matter   and ya know i've heard a lot of bad attitudes about ridin a bike i.e. the vibration, it's hard on your back, etc.  well i had very little problem   the vibration i didn't even feel til i was Off the bike and i only had trouble a smidgens with my shoulder and base of the palm of my hands   i own one of those race bikes, otherwise known as crotch rockets which you have to lean over the handlebars   and it was only bad when riding down the side of a hill (more pressure on those hands)   it was such a great ride, i was wondering why i didn't pick this up sooner than now   everything is what you make it and if you think badly about something, it's gonna be bad   but hell, i was having the time of my life    can't wait til after the disney trip to come home and take some more bike trips   think i'm enjoying the bike more this time than the first time i road years ago    ...anyways, Madrid will be the site of a new movie filmed soon about motorcycles according to the shop owner   i think she said John Travolta and Tim Allen were going to be in it    guess i need to keep an eye out for that news-yeah right, i don't do the news...anyways,   all is good in the west!

one week

one week from tomorrow i fly out to our Disney vacation   yesterday we were thinking that maybe some of the kids weren't going to be able to make it   this morn we heard optimistic news to the contrary   from listening to my sister, it may be more of a challenge than i thought   my sister is tired and has been taking care of 2 of her grandkids   she's had little to no time alone, until yesterday   so i was wondering how 4 grandchildren were going to affect her   but i'll be there doin my best to relieve some of her stress but mostly so we all can have one heck of a good time   only saturday i was ready to be there and back, but yesterday i realized i wood be missing the great treasures of spending the time with them   i love my family but sometimes i'm at odds with them   sometimes it seems more often than naught    i must slow down and enjoy the moment again  each moment as it unfolds each day   i've been really distracted and unsettled since my retirement   slowly but surely i can find my pace again   then's been so much joy and excitement and confusion with retirement, but i am growing into it    Life is Good really   sometimes it's overwhelming...

Happy Mother's Day!

to all the Mothers in J-land    hope you have a wonderful day!                                              hugz

song:  "Heart of the Mother"

men only:   I am one with the heart of the Mother

                 I am one with the heart of  Love

                I am one with the heart of the Father

               I am one with God

women only:   Ave Maria

                     Kyrie Eleison

sing your hearts out!

 

she's insane!

talk about a revolution!   actually i'm listening to that song in my head by Tracy Chapman....anyways, it's Cindy who's insane   we went for coffee tonite @ Starbucks of course   by the time we left, she had me rollin' in tears again   she harassed me because i had my  bare naked chest (and back) showing while her beau, the tattoo artist did my back   of course i had to remind her that i'm sure he's seen alot bigger and better than mine, for mine are about the size of a peanut (exaggeration, but you get the point)   but the laughter picked her up tonite   her and her beau are on two different planets every full moon and they struggle to get thru it    i've taken the job of listening to her struggles during the full moon, but it ain't no sweat    anyways, we were also talking about how she cringes of cleaning up after a dog   i told her to call me, "poop control is on its way"    Cindy is Ms. Femme femme but was being a pink dyke today   it's a private joke, but she was out getting dirty in the yard and sawing and doing all kinds of manly stuff    the stuff that some friends of mine were trying to get me to do plus some in order to be a 'dyke'    that's why i joke about it    i do all those things, but not to be a dyke    so recently i had the pliars, leatherman, and screwdriver out while in my pink shirt and jeans working on my motorcycle so i came up with the 'pink dyke' idea    God if people wood let people be people in lieu of molding them into something   o well, the joke's on them as far as i'm concerned    it was a great nite out for frappucino @ Starbucks!   lots & lots & lots of laughs!

Lady Rider

...that's what the bells says...that's the final answer    i completed my Motorcycle training course today   i passed the written test!   YES!!!!   i'm exhilarated!   this is a major milestone for me   completing this course let me know just how far i've come since my illness   i've come a long way baby!   riding the bike this weekend, my memory of doing so returned   taking the written test and doing so well (i only missed 2 questions) indicated my memory is doing better than i ever thought   Accomplishing this feat with much doubt in myself, has boosted my self-esteem immensely, not that it's been utterly bad   it's just been a loooong road in recovery   this milestone tells me i can shoot for some other dreams that involves formal education and taking written tests   it gives me hope   i can still dream!....and dream i will:-)     (p.s.  i bought a new battery for my bike, installed it and took a ride around the block   this bike handles differently than the one i just trained on, but hopefully once i have my new tires in a few days, the bike will handle much easier).....until another day....g'nite

frustrating!!!

i'm callin myself the pink dyke today   i've got my pink on and i was out fiddlin with my bike   God help me!   well i was already ready to ride   got my boots on, got the keys out, took the cover off, unlocked the bike....and then....it wouldn't start   the battery is all but dead...dammit!!!    so i'm out there trying to figure out how to get the seat off for the battery is located under the seat   well i pushed and pulled and cursed and...finally called the dealership   thank you service department for letting me know about the lock on it   it would have been nice if Marlo had told me about this    well then i talk to parts department about the battery, yep definitely a new one needed   problem is it's going to take them 5hrs to charge it before i can pick it up  (actually longer)   by the time it's ready, it'll be time to head out to class tonite for the written and final test for Motorcycle Training    God i was soooo excited and soooo pumped up!    what a deflater...@#$!

in the meantime, Boo's stitches and all are healing quite well   she hasn't torn at the bandages at all to our surprise (vet included)  so this friday, she gets her stitchers out and she's good to go    then saturday will be our first day @ dog in the park    before then i must get Jimmy out for a hike   Boo's been going everywhere lately, but mostly to the vet...

progress report...

two days on the motorcycle training and one road test and i passed with almost flying colors   there was one test i was deducted points for but i knew i wouldn't do so hot on that part   that was the only one i was deducted for a total of 5points out of 20 points possible to be deducted in order to pass the test    everyone in our class passed the road test, except one woman who withdrew herself for she was not doing well or feeling any confidence   she did the wise thing, but stayed with us the rest of the day and watched   one minor note, i crashed the bike just before the testing   my foot got hung up on the pedal as i was braking and i couldn't get my foot down, so i just crashed the bike   i was already stopped, but ....anyways, minor mishap and i'm ready to roll    now just for the written test which i have more anxiety about   it takes place tomorrow nite   so this evening and tomorrow day i'll be studying my ass off   (i don't trust my aging memory...lol)    so until tomorrow evening   wish me the best of luck   (test anxiety sucks!)

on the bike

today, in the midst of the motorcycle training course, we are actually on the bikes today   although i've ridden before, some of it has escaped me for it's been a very long time   we're on the bikes today and tomorrow then back in the classroom on monday eve for a written test    i'll let you know how i've done once it's all over...

a fwded msg...

I dont know much about the illegal immigrants and the war that is raging right now regarding them, however, i received the following from my niece and it had some very interesting points which i do agree with    thought i'd share for you to contemplate...

 

 

 

>>> Passing on as received......
>>>
>>> Thoughts on immigration from a teacher's husband
>>>
>>>
>>> Subject: Something you won't read about in the papers during
>>> the immigration debate
>>>
>>>
>>> As you all listen to the news about the student protests over
>>> illegal immigration there are some things that you should be aware of.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> My wife is in charge of the English-as-a-second-language
>>> department at large southern California high school which is
>>> designated a Title 1 school, meaning that its students average
>>> lower socio-economic and income levels. Most of the schools you
>>> are hearing about South Gate High, Bell Gardens, Huntington Park,
>>> etc., where these students are protesting are also Title 1 schools.
>>>
>>> My wife tells me that 100% of the students in her school and
>>> other Title 1 schools are on the free breakfast, free lunch
>>> program. When I say free breakfast I' m not talking a glass of
>>> milk and roll... but a full breakfast and cereal bar with fruits
>>> and juices that would make a Marriott proud. The waste of this
>>> food is monumental, with trays and trays of it being dumped in
>>> the trash uneaten. She estimates that well over 50% of these
>>> students are obese or at least moderately overweight. About 75%
>>> or more DO have cell phones.
>>>
>>> The school also provides day care centers for the unwed teenage
>>> pregnant girls (some as young as 13) so they can attend class
>>> without the inconvenience of having to arrange for babysitters or
>>> having family watch their kids.
>>>
>>> She was ordered to spend $700,000 on her department or risk
>>> losing funding for the upcoming year even though there was little
>>> need for anything; her budget was already substantial. She ended
>>> up buying new computers for their computer learning center. Half
>>> of which, one month later, have been carved with graffiti by the
>>> appreciative students who obviously feel humbled and grateful to
>>> have a free education in America.
>>>
>>> She has had to intervene several times for young and substitute
>>> teachers whose classes consist of many illegal immigrant students
>>> here in the country less then 3 months who raised so much hell
>>> with the female teachers, calling them "Putas"--whores--and
>>> throwing things that the teachers were in tears.
>>>
>>> Free medical, free education, free food, day care etc.. etc..
>>> etc.. Is it any wonder they feel entitled to not only be in this
>>> country but to demand rights, privileges and entitlements?
>>>
>>> To my bleeding-heart liberal friends who want to point out how
>>> much these illegal immigrants contribute to our society because
>>> they LIKE their gardener and housekeeper and they like to pay
>>> less for tomatoes: spend some time in the real world of illegal
>>> immigration and see the TRUE costs. Higher insurance, medical
>>> facilities closing, higher medical , more crime , lower standards
>>> of education in our schools , overcrowding, new diseases etc..
>>> etc.. etc.. For me --- I 'll pay more for tomatoes.
>>>
>>> We need to wake up. The guest worker program will be a disaster
>>> because we won't have the guts to enforce it. Does anyone in
>>> their right mind really think they will leave and return voluntarily?
>>>
>>> There are many hardworking Hispanic/American citizens that
>>> contribute to our country and many that I consider my true
>>> friends. We should encourage and accept those Hispanics who have
>>> done it the right and legal way. It does, however, have
>>> everything to do with culture. A third-world culture that does
>>> not value education, that accepts children getting pregnant and
>>> dropping out of school by 15 and that refuses to assimilate...
>>> and an American culture that has become so weak and politically
>>> correct that we don't have the will to do anything about it.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> If this makes your blood boil, as it did mine, forward this to
>>> everyone you know.
>>
>>
>
>
>

 

Remember that everyday is only as good as you make it!  Also remember that someone is thinking about you...and that someone is ME!

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motorcycle riding course

first to answer a couple questions   yes the Da Vinci Code is as good as everyone says, maybe even better   i haven't heard all the rep on it, but it definitely stands up to what i've heard and then some....second,  i bought The Templar Revelation and The Sion Revelation both books by Lynn Pickenett and Clive Prince   don't think Brown has any books on these two subjects but utilized one or both of these people's research in the Da Vinci Code.....now, tonite was the first class for the Motorcycle Riding Course i signed up for    it'll be 3 nites in the classroom and the weekend on the bike   i'm a little nervous, but i always get anxious about tests   but all will be fine ...other than that, Life is still Good!

the da vinci code

Completed!   i finished this book this morn   wrapped it up in about an hour after arising for the day   i read a lot last nite too, but couldn't stay awake for the fantastic finish   now i must return to barnes & noble for a couple more of those books related to this one   one on the Templar and the other on the Sion   will do that in a moment   but first, i finally got in another hike today   the first since my trip to Bandelier   i was suppose to be in Tai Chi, but i postponed that til another time   i didn't hike far and i found a wonderful rock to sit on and feel its energy   the serenity of it all, breathless   with a little prayer, meditation and contemplation i could vision more hikes on the horizon   if i just take a little hike every morn possible, aside guitar lessons and Tai Chi, then my days will begin ever so pleasant in the arms of Spirit   blessed am i for being retired and breathing the air that i breathe, the moments as they unfold, the joy of life   as i was just telling M last nite at dinner, when i worked i hardly anytime for anything   now i have tons of time, but tons of things i desire to do without enough time   all in time, as life unfolds, i will get to it all   Life is Good and i swear it's getting better:-)!

good day in the neighborhood

it's been a good day    went to guitar lessons and my instructor said i'm doin' "well"   i sure don't feel like it sometimes, but i also know i'm too hard on myself and impatient sometimes   but i do enjoy my guitar    after the lessons i headed over to Barnes & Noble   O boy!   well i didn't get out of there with just one book   they had a table with the Da Vince Code (which i'm reading right now) and other related books   think i must go back manana and get a couple more books   i'm almost finished with the Da Vince Code and i'm definitely intrigued   wasn't sure i was even going to read this book, but saw a documentary on it thru the History channel on cable and it piqued my interest   plus the movie is coming out soon and i want to read it before the movie ...after  my escapade at the bookstore, Cindy wanted to do lunch   so we did at the Olive Garden   delicious salad and bread...then this evening i had dinner with M   we talked about our last class a little, but then we talked about wills    funny i've been thinking of doing one lately   she had some good insights and emailed me the lawyer's name she's working with    i just want to insure my son, Kyle, gets my jeep and motorbike in the event anything should happen   i also want to insure first and foremost that my dogs find new homes and some money goes with them to take care of them    so i'll be working on all that very soon....in the meantime, startin tomorrow evening i'll be in Motorcycle Riding Course to refamiliarize myself with a bike   it'll take 3 evenings plus saturday and sunday days   once i'm finished with it, i'll be ridin' all over the place    can hardly wait....well that's about the latest...