Call it self-centered, call it self-serving, put whatever label on it that you like. I don’t care… Life is a story that I feel a need to document.
Saturday, I purchased another motorcycle. 2 years ago, I sold my Honda Shadow 1100, it was rusted, it had LOTS of miles on it, but, IT RAN LIKE A TOP, and never, ever left me stranded. I rode in the 9/11 parade a couple of times and I regretted selling it the moment that I signed the title. Why did I sell that bike you ask, not sure really, it just seemed like the right thing to do at the time. I can tell you, it did NOT start with the statement, “Here, hold my beer”.
Over the last 2 years, I have debated on, and came close to, buying another motorcycle. I have had more motorcycles that I can recall since I was 15. I remember certain ones like the first motorcycle was a Honda 125 enduro that my Pop gave me from the back of the RV that he purchased. My ticket to freedom! I remember the Yamaha Seca 400 that my father and I bought as an insurance total and rebuilt the front end, and I remember the Suzuki bandit that a Pinellas Co Sheriff gave me a speeding “warning” ticket on just 15 minutes after I bought it from the dealer! Yes, I was speeding, but in my defense, I was passing traffic to give it a little air… That very ticket is framed and hangs in my office that I look at regularly. But, on to the latest bike purchase. Fond, fond memories.
Yes, the new bike is a Honda Shadow 1100. This one is fancy, with a Corbin seat, chrome crash bars, foot boards, wind screen, and a fancy “ghost flame” paint job! Just 8500+/- original miles and she runs like a top. She is a 2002, but has been garage kept all of her life and I bought it from the original owner. It even has a set of speakers that you plug your phone into and you can listen to Pandora or Spotify so long as you have internet data working. Unless you look really close, you cannot tell that it is 15 years old. It was a steal of a deal, and drove to Tampa to pick it up. We trailered it from downtown Tampa to Ocala, and I drove it home from there. I forgot just how much fun riding in the rain without rain gear is. For not riding a bike of any kind in over 2 years, making my first trip home in the dark AND the rain was a bit of a challenge. BUT HEY, no risk, no reward!
Now, why am I telling you all of this, that you may not care about? 1. I have not written on this blog for a while, 2. I am going to get to my point here in just a minute 3. Just because I would like for you to share my joy… or not, it’s up to you.
I just forgot my point… OH YEAH, now I remember.
There are few things in life that make one truly happy, at least me anyway
1. The unconditional love of my wife
2. The feeling of skipping the check in line while boarding the cruise ship
3. The feeling you get when you land after a GREAT flight
4. The joy I feel when you are one with the road, riding with no helmet, tackling the curves of “the loop” during a muggy day, air thick & heavy after the rain, while listening to some GREAT music by Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Lynyrd Skynyrd (Think Sweet Home Alabama, TURN IT UP!)
I know, some of you are going to tell me that I should wear a helmet, and I will tell you that you only live once, and if I die while riding a motorcycle, or flying a plane, then please understand that I am OK with that! Believe me, I will go with a smile on my face and great hair… ALWAYS looks great for the rest of the day after riding with no helmet. NOTHING wrong with that.
See you on the “flip side!”
Stephen Woodin has a unique take on his unique life. He is the father of 2 grown boys who have taken the "right road". Steve is a professional trainer & mediator who specializes in eviction and Family mediations. Along with his wife Michelle, he runs the Flagler Mediation Center to serve the citizens of Flagler County. He can be reached at (386) 206-2954.
Over the holidays, by choice, I spent alone in thought about my life and current situation. I started thinking about my father and his death. How nobody other than me took care of remains and saw to it that his last wishes were followed.
After I ordered it, I got to thinking about how that is just so “me”. Warehouse sales, garage sales, discounted store merchandise, used items, free at the curb items, that has been my life. I LOVE it. If it is old, worn, not so perfect, or a little “beat up”, that is what defines me, so this urn (which only has a couple blemishes on the outside) is so perfect for a temporary place to put my remains… As you can see, I opened it, and have it on display next to my TV for now. I may re-box it and put it in the closet for storage at some point. BUT very fitting for me…
time you have left. I will only be 48 this year but if my grandfather or my father are any indication, I only have a good 20 maybe 25 years left! Not much time if you really think about it. Step back and think about this little detail for a second and you will realize how quick life can be. Month by month, year by year, ticking by quicker than you may believe.
The ramblings of Stephen D. Woodin, Sr 