Trekkin'

It all started when we were kids. I'm not sure when Ace's affection for motorcyles started, exactly, but I know he was pretty young. For me, it was somewhere around the age my daughter is now (or maybe a little younger?). Anyway, it's been a LONG time that we've both had this craving...

A few years ago, we finally had the ability to buy a motorcycle. However, knowing what I know (my ex lost a family friend to a really bad accident back in 1996), I refused to let him even sit on one without taking the certification classes. He had to wait until summer, and make sure he had the days off (they're only offered Fri-Sun), but he passes with flying colors.

Next step, decide what size, etc we want. A 650 was our original choice, but after talking to T, we decided to go a bit bigger. We ended up with a Suzuki M50 (equivalent of just over 800), in a beautiful purple-blue. At the time, they had a "no payments/no interest for a year" deal, and since we had only 10 months left on another loan, we knew we could pay it off in full before the year was up (which we did). We then got him geared up -- Scorpion helmet, Tour Master jacket/pants/gloves, and a great pair of biker boots. He was ready to go.

Once we got the bike, I had two rules: (1) I would not ride on the bike with him until he'd been riding alone for at least 6 months. (2) I would be the FIRST person to ride with him. He agreed and off he went. That summer, he rode the bike everywhere he could; even taking it on back roads, hilly roads, curvy roads. He wanted the experience, plus it's FUN! The older kids bugged him to ride, thinking that since they're mother owns a bike and they ride with her, it wouldn't be a big deal. Sorry, kids, first ride is MINE.

However, I wouldn't ride until I was properly geared, too. I got a Scorpion helmet, but all the rest of my gear is also Scorpion, and (if I do say so myself) I look pretty hot in it (hahaha). Well, Ace approves, and I feel safer, so that's all I need. We took our first ride together in the Spring of 2008, and every chance we get, we're on it together. It's one of the ways we bond.

Yesterday, we both had the day off, and it was 81 degrees, so while my daughter was in school, we took a nice ride. Headed west, drove through areas where E used to live (that's the older brother) and made a huge circle. Drove through, among other things, farm country & timber areas, and saw horses, lots of trees, and big old homes & barns. We even stopped for ice cream. Took us a good 2 hours or so, and we were home in time to pick up the Princess from school.

Ace's ultimate goal is to get a bigger bike and give me this one... For, now, though, I am perfectly content riding "bitch", and looking good doing it.

The Joys of Softball

I love softball season. For me, it is one of the signs of Spring. This is my daughter's second year playing, and she loves it. Not as much as she loves soccer, but that's ok. Softball is different. You're not on the move all the time, you're waiting for the ball to come to you so you can do something with it, and HOPEFULLY, make a couple runs and get a couple of the girls out. We're lucky in that she's had the same coach (one of her bff's dad) for many years. He coaches both soccer (this fall will be her fourth season) and softball, and I love how his is with the girls; gentle & firm at the same time, and very patient.

Last year was her first year. We realized a bit late in the season that she should have been wearing her glasses under her helmet (when she bat); she probably would have connected with the ball a bit more... This year, I made sure she has a pair in her bat bag for every practice. They're not the newest pair, but they do help. I think I may break down and buy her a pair of "sports goggles" with her prescription (probably next year, before softball season starts).

So, I noticed that, from last year, there's a big improvement in catching the ball (knowing where to hold her gloved hand is a big part of this), but also in throwing the ball. She can throw from home almost all the way to 2nd base without it bouncing! She's also more accurate with her throws. I'm hoping this means she'll have some interest in learning how to pitch, but again, this is a sport for fun, so that will have to be her & her coach's decision.

So far this season, she's made contact with the ball while at bat about 1/2 the time. I think it's just a timing thing more than anything else... After last year's season was over, I told her that if she decided to play again "next year", I would buy a glove for myself (I have NO IDEA what happened to my own glove that I had had since I was a teen...) so that I can help her practice. I did play as a teen; I even have a trophy to prove it (hahaha), but I don't know all the detailed rules for her league (things change and things are added as they get older), so we'll stick to batting practice, pitching practice, and throwing/catching practice.

Right now, she has an art class after school on Wednesdays, softball practice Thursdays & Saturdays, and a science class after school - also Thursdays. So, if her homework & chores are done, most Mondays & Tuesdays are good days to go to the park and work with her; Sundays, too, if her weekend chores are done.

PLAY BALL!

Muffins with Moms

This morning, my daughter's school hosted a breakfast called "Muffins with Moms". Back in October, there was a "Donuts with Dads" event; of course my daughter wanted her Papa to go with her! He had to get up 2 1/2 hours earlier than he normally does (he works a modified swing shift), but he has a hard time turning her down. This morning, she and I got up a little earlier than normal, got ready for the day, and off we went. According to her, the "Donuts" event only had slightly less people than the "Muffins" event. I even got to chit chat with a couple of the other moms, and enjoy 1/2 a large COSTCO muffin. I was home by 8am, though, as they did have school to start...

I love stuff like this. I don't always have the time to volunteer as often as I used to; my business has picked up again and when you work for yourself, you take it where you can get it. I am lucky, though. My husband runs the Soup Labels & Box Tops for the PTA and goes to every meeting; not to mention all the homework assistance he gives her. My mom volunteers in-class about once a month. I was supposed to be the Field Trip parent, but they've only had one this year and I had to work that day. Oh, well.

And So It Begins

Just an intro for now, as it is late and I don't feel like messing with this right now. First, I truly am a busy mom. In fact, "mother" is what I do before I do anything else. My husband knows this, and really is okay with it. He is "Papa" first, and my husband second. Second, this blog will be different from what I blog on another site. This will be all about my life as a mother, a wife, and a nail technician. Third, I haven't decided if this will be a "public" blog (for any and all to see) or a "private" blog (for any and all I choose to allow to see). I'll let you know later. For now, I am signing off. I have a breakfast date with my daughter in the morning.