But here we are, Christmas week. What a quiet joy I have found. I'm officially on vacation and we really rested through the day. I have things I need to get done this week but I'm not feeling the stress of it. It's just so good to look at my phone and see the next alarm is next weekend. I'm off with my family, That's it.
Now, I do enjoy and need the solace that being on the road on the bike brings. And maybe I'll get that in over the next week. But, I certainly can't say it's better than being with my girls.
The only heaviness in my heart today comes after reading accounts of a tragic group accident in Las Vegas. A series of circumstances, seemingly all avoidable/preventable have cost a rider his life. We've got to realize as we are enjoying life that we must protect it and care for it. Do I enjoy the little adrenaline of cranking on the throttle of a machine capable defying common sense and the laws of physics? Of course I do. But I also realize that riding is a risky proposition anyway (really so is life in general) and if I wish to continue enjoying life, I must minimize the risk and stay in control of myself and the things I choose to do.
One of the folks I have met through the long distance riding community posted on his Facebook page a quote from a movie he just saw. One character had no idea how he would spend the rest of his life after his world was turned upside down. The other character commented on how exciting that was.
Many of that group of friends sees the world that way. There are things out there to see and experience and live. So many new things. And yet, most of us choose to live sanely while also choosing to live. We take precautions against unknown hazards while relishing the discovery of the unknown.
And so this week is that way for me. Although I might not take risks with life and limb this week, I will choose to live. I'm happy enjoying my quiet time with my girls while eagerly looking to see what tomorrow will bring. I have a whole week of life without the routine ahead of me. What will it bring? Maybe nothing. Even that will I relish and enjoy.