I have a problem with toys. Previously, I thought that it was something I could control -- that I could be responsible for my behavior. However, we live in America! Everything, and I mean everything, can be attributed to something out of our control -- demons we battle from our youth, a disease, etc. Lucky for us, all we have to do is pop a pill or blame our environment, and all responsibility for our actions has been absolved. Therefore, my need for toys -- big and small -- is not my fault! I can now freely pursue all of the toys (motorcycles, bicycles, electronic gadgets, etc.) without guilt!!! How convenient!
Lucky for me, one of the toys I won't have to purchase in the near future is a sailboat, thanks to Ali's family. What a prefect way to spend Easter! First, she and I went for an early hike at her local trails. Although the view was not ideal due to the haze, it was still enjoyable getting out. We wanted to be active, knowing that the rest of our day would be pure relaxation! The boat was gorgeous -- a 31' Hunter! We spent the day with her parents, brother, and his girlfriend sailing much of the lake -- when we had wind. Eating, drinking, and sailing with family on a holiday -- does it get any better?! I have a feeling that we will be seeing that boat quite a bit this summer! Of course, she wants to spend part of the summer skiing, too. I might actually have a slight tan for the first time in many years! It is gonna be rough! HA!
Her brother and his girlfriend leave Friday for the British Virgin Islands. They are chartering a 35' sailboat with another couple to sail the islands. That will be amazing! Can't wait to see their photos!
Under way
Before setting sail
Gorgeous day on the lake!
My galley wench
Speaking of toys, it looks like the trip to TX to pick up the motorcycles and van will be delayed until June. Nothing like driving a van (with no AC) and trailer across the country in the middle of June! HA! Amazingly, Ali is up for the challenge -- am I lucky or what?! She might regret this decision... So, what am I doing with these vehicles? The van will become the shop van after Luke gives it a full going over, a paint job, and a wrap job. The SV1000 will be another motorcycle for the stable. What about the VMAX? Why would anyone need three VMAX motorcycles? Well... The goal has been to turn one of my current bikes into a Mad Max style creation. The blue and white VMAX at the bottom is the best version I have seen yet of what I am hoping for. In my opinion, restoring my father's old bike into a (supercharged) piece of art is the best homage that I could give him. I have always talked about doing it, and I know he would have loved to see it.
Stock Yamaha VMAX
Complete customization of VMAX
What other toys am I currently seeking? Well, I have plenty of projects to keep me busy at the moment, and a wonderful girlfriend who encourages me to pursue them! Don't get me wrong -- I am making sure that I keep a happy balance between time for myself and quality time together. She even wants to spend time with me on the projects, so it can't be any better! I need to write a list tonight of my project goals for the year, then start working on them. I definitely want to get my saltwater aquariums going again, so those will be at the top of my list!
The shop is really coming around! Summer is finally here, so the shop should be rocking very shortly. Since we had a slight break from repairs last week, I tackled installing the remaining slat wall on the left side of the shop -- I have put that off for four years! I finally decided that I should stop saying "one day I will fill in the missing pieces of wall" and just do it! It is amazing how much of a difference it made! Bob is working on the clothing changing room, the door to the warehouse next door, and the remaining slat wall. I am mulling options for the floor. This place is really coming together!
Nick has been painting the new fit studio, so that should be ready for the carpet installation shortly. The color is called "Ships Ahoy," but we have nicknamed it our "Happy Place" -- where we will go when we get stressed out! HA!
That's all for today -- time to get to work... The words to this song are so appropriate for where I am now:
I have a problem with toys. Previously, I thought that it was something I could control -- that I could be responsible for my behavior. However, we live in America! Everything, and I mean everything, can be attributed to something out of our control -- demons we battle from our youth, a disease, etc. Lucky for us, all we have to do is pop a pill or blame our environment, and all responsibility for our actions has been absolved. Therefore, my need for toys -- big and small -- is not my fault! I can now freely pursue all of the toys (motorcycles, bicycles, electronic gadgets, etc.) without guilt!!! How convenient!
Lucky for me, one of the toys I won't have to purchase in the near future is a sailboat, thanks to Ali's family. What a prefect way to spend Easter! First, she and I went for an early hike at her local trails. Although the view was not ideal due to the haze, it was still enjoyable getting out. We wanted to be active, knowing that the rest of our day would be pure relaxation! The boat was gorgeous -- a 31' Hunter! We spent the day with her parents, brother, and his girlfriend sailing much of the lake -- when we had wind. Eating, drinking, and sailing with family on a holiday -- does it get any better?! I have a feeling that we will be seeing that boat quite a bit this summer! Of course, she wants to spend part of the summer skiing, too. I might actually have a slight tan for the first time in many years! It is gonna be rough! HA!
The shop is really coming around! Summer is finally here, so the shop should be rocking very shortly. Since we had a slight break from repairs last week, I tackled installing the remaining slat wall on the left side of the shop -- I have put that off for four years! I finally decided that I should stop saying "one day I will fill in the missing pieces of wall" and just do it! It is amazing how much of a difference it made! Bob is working on the clothing changing room, the door to the warehouse next door, and the remaining slat wall. I am mulling options for the floor. This place is really coming together!
Nick has been painting the new fit studio, so that should be ready for the carpet installation shortly. The color is called "Ships Ahoy," but we have nicknamed it our "Happy Place" -- where we will go when we get stressed out! HA!