Best Weekend in A Long Time

It's half way through the week, but I wanted to write about my weekend. I feel like it's been a long time since I've actually had a truly happy weekend. 

Saturday morning I had planned to go to yoga, but it wasn't looking so good as I kept hitting the snooze button. I knew I needed to go and get mentally ready for an evening party we were going to. I been feeling very anxious in social situations lately. 

Yoga was a great start to my day. I went to a local nursery to buy flowers and veggies for my garden, then I met my brother for lunch. 

After lunch I was really tempted to go home and take a nap, but my brother convinced me that I need to keep working. I busted ass and got flowers planted in my front yard and my garden set up in the backyard. I appreciate my grandparents coming around to help and keep my company. 

Portulacas

Sunday was the best day. We slept in, then went on a group motorcycle ride with Memo, Joel, Johnny, & Bro. We had lunch at The Oaks. It's no secret that I love Utah and all of it's beautiful scenery. Riding up Ogden Canyon and down the North Ogden Divide made me feel so overwhelmed with happiness to see nature's beauty and to feel so carefree and stress free. I think purchasing my bike was one of the best decisions I've made. 

The best part of my weekend was picking up my parents from the airport Sunday night. They were in Mexico for two weeks for my grandpa's funeral. I really missed them. 

That's What I Get For Trying To Be Cool

The weather went from summer hot to freakin' cold and rainy in September so I didn't get to ride my motorcycle as much as I had planned. Then, I took it to the shop to get some cables changed and a tune up so it was gone for a bit. I finally got it back and it feels great. I decided to brave the cold 34 degree weather in the morning and ride to work, because the afternoons are just perfect for riding. I layered up this morning so the only thing that suffered were my fingers. I may need to invest in some cold weather gloves. 

I rode around on my lunch, when I got back I saw this motorcycle that I occasionally see in the parking lot and decided I wanted to park next to it so our bikes could hang out together. The other bike was pulled forward, but I decided I'd back in, because that's how you're supposed to do it. Well, I learned why that bike is never backed in. When I tried to back in I realized there was a slight incline. I pushed and pushed only to move millimeters. Even worse, the guy who owns the other bike came out and asked if I needed help. I said, "no," but he was persistently helpful. He pushed me back into the stall. I was a little embarrassed because I couldn't live up to my butchy persona, but it's okay. We got to chat for a bit before he drove off. 

It seems like all of my embarrassing bike moments happen in that parking lot. When I first upgraded to my Harley my co-workers really wanted to see it. I started her up and didn't realize it wasn't in neutral. That shit jerked and could've gotten away from me. I was embarrassed and happy that it didn't fall over. I'll never make that mistake again. 

Here's a visual

Motorcycle Diaries

I finally registered the new motorcycle. I’m a little embarrassed to admit some of the stupid moves I made last Friday, but I’m human so here goes. I was at a stop light, at a really busy intersection in Clinton and when the light turned green I killed the engine and almost dropped my bike. Super embarrassing, but I’m glad I was able to hold it up and not cause a big traffic mess. Second, my co-workers wanted to see her so we went out and when I started it up I wasn’t on it and didn’t check if it was in neutral. It wasn’t! I could’ve taken off, but I was holding the brake so it only jerked enough to scare us all. I was pretty disappointed in myself by the end of the day and dreaded riding home in traffic. I took HWY 89 home and it all worked out.

Saturday evening we rode to the movies. The night ride home was my favorite. It’s nice riding without any pressure to be somewhere, just riding for fun. I like being able to follow my husband, he gives me confidence, because I want to be his badass wife on her own bike.

I want to get all of the practice I can so I rode to work this morning. I decided to be daring and take the freeway because even though I'm scared to go fast I feel safer on there than passing through a million intersection. When I was getting ready to go this morning I saw two criminal looking men walking down the street in my direction. I’m not usually scared of people, but I got a panicky feeling. I was just going to hurry , put my helmet on and take off before they could approach me. I also had time to quickly think about what if they came up to me in a threatening way, how would I beat them up? I turned my back to them and while I was putting my helmet on one of them grabbed me by the lonjas (love handles). It scared the shit out of me, but it turns out it was only my brother.  

Here's a picture of the shoe collection under my desk. Boots because I rode my motorcycle, heels because I'm a professional, and Vans because I'm in and out of cars installing car seats and carrying other random heavy things. 

Autism Awareness Ride

This past Saturday my husband and I rode in the 5th annual autism awareness ride, a new experience for both of us. It was mostly fun, but way challenging for me. First, I know the flyer said a 100 mile ride, but I don't know what I was thinking, maybe I thought with all of the riders combined we'd have a 100 miles, not that we'd really be riding 100 miles. It makes sense though, who would sign up for a short ride from Riverdale to Clearfield. We went from Riverdale to Logan, then ended off at the car show in Clearfield.

I ride a 250 cc Honda Rebel. My husband is always pushing me to upgrade to something more powerful, but I'm a pussy. After this ride I realized what a pain lack of power is. I really struggled to keep up with everyone. Embarrassing and tiring. I wore my half cap helmet because I wanted to show off that I was a curly headed woman riding, bad call. I should've worn my full face because I was getting pelted by bugs and rocks. The whole hair blowing in the wind thing is overrated on long rides, my neck was so sore after. There were at least 100 bikes on the trip. We had police escorts so we never had to stop at traffic lights. 

This post sounds like a whole lot of complaining, but I wanted to share what I learned on my first distance ride. Here are more photos from the event.

World Autism Awareness Day

Today is World Autism Awareness Day. Autism is something that I hold dear to my heart because I have a brother-in-law with autism and I used to work as an autism aide. This month is the 5^th Annual Autism Awareness Show and I'm so excited that my husband and I will be participating in the bike ride from Harley Davidson to Fisher Park. If you’re in the area please come out and support  The Northern Utah Autism Program.

I’ve attached the pre-registration form, the flyer, and the sponsorship form if you're intersted. 

Uneasy Wife/Adventurous Husband

Ever since Jose got laid off I've entertained his idea that he was going to ride his motorcycle to California. I didn't take him seriously because it was getting closer and closer to winter. It's actually been fair weather here, no rain or snow, so he packed his bag and headed out today. The thing about Jose is he isn't the type to plan, so off he went and will come back when he's ready. 

I am extremely independent and I like my alone time, but this feels different than when we're separated for work. I tossed and turned all night, he kept asking me if I was okay. I know that subconsciously I was worried that my husband was riding 689 miles on a motorcycle in November. I kept hoping that he wouldn't end up going, but I wasn't going to say he couldn't. He wants to spend time with his family, old friends, and meet River. His nephew Jimmy has been waiting for him for months so he'll be so excited when he sees him pull up. 

The last time I heard from him was around 4:30 pm,  when he was in Beaver, UT. I assume he's going to make it to Vegas and spend the night at his aunt's. I won't be able to sleep until I hear from him. 

When I got home I saw this sweet note on the table. 

It's tear stained. Ha j/k it's water. 

Because you need a visual.

SOA Role Play

I am such a Son's of Anarchy fan. This weekend Jose and I did a little SOA role play. We got our bikes out, our leathers on and rode off to free a fellow brother. Ha ha we're weird, but it was fun.

I don't particularly like this pic of me, but Jose looks good so I'm going with it. 

Morning Ride

Today was our first time up Ogden Canyon on our motorcycles. I'm such a wimp sometimes, but I'm glad Jose pushes me because I always end up having a good time. We stopped at The Oaks for brunch. After eating we rode around Pineview Dam and down the North Ogden Divide.

We stopped and hiked for a bit. We saw an old car that probably ran off the rode long ago and found some bones. 

It's been a great weekend. I hope yours was just as enjoyable. I know many of us will be starting school, going to work, and enjoying the last bit of summer. I'm ready for it all. Have a great week!

-Priscilla