If I could post a pic of me with all my motorcycle gear, I could demonstrate the meaning of 'glowing.' And I have had colleagues tell me, how I glow in the dark.
Countless time it has saved me from getting in trouble in the first place. On my way to work, as I am going through a turn, there's two blind spot on each side of the road. Heading in each direction, I have had people really notice me, and stopped from pulling in. From the beginning of my moto adventure, I realized I am going to treat riding from a different perspective than lets say the usual folks.
First, for me it is a mean of transportation. And that's all. Not a sport, but riding is a way for me to get from point A to point B. Second, which means learning everything I possibly can about the vehicle, techniques while minimizing every possible risks. I also set my priorities to help me focus. My first priority is my family, being able to spend time with them and being there for them. And my second priority and my true love is running. I love to go for runs and I plan on doing that for as long as I can.
You see treating biking as a means of commute only doesn't mean I don't have fun. I do, but being cautious about it. With that being said, woke up this morning feeling like going for a run at the Latta Plantation. So, I suited up and headed out the door. As I am waiting in my car to get on the main door my eyes felt a little sleepy still. I am waiting for the on coming car to pass. As soon as it passed, I motion to get on. When I look again. For a second, I see nothing. An empty main door, but only after that I realize there's actually a biker on the road. He was close to the car that just passed but on his dark bike, beige jacket and the half face black helmet, he was invisible this whole time. He looked me in the eye, he knows I didn't see him first and just noticed him. He nods at me for stopping on time and allow him to pass. I nod back but inside the thought of me not noticing him, getting on the main road only to have him hit the side or the rear (most likely the side) of the car terrified the hell out of me.
So, the lesson: please hear high visible gear. Leave the high beam on and if you see a car trying to merge or get on, swivel the bike to separate yourself from the background and make yourself more visible. Please.
Coincidentally, here's an article talking about the same issue.
http://www.cycleworld.com/2013/07/26/the-art-of-being-seen-on-your-motorcycle/#.UfK8M6hut8E.reddit
Rain riding...
July 23, 2013: Prior to that date, I was having a hard time concentrating. Twice the day before I made mistakes on my bike. You see my mind was somewhere else. I was thinking about how in few hours I will take the oath, I will walk down to receive the certificate of citizenship. I was wondering about all the time I have spent on getting to this point, the hardship, the joyous moments.
So on July 23 officially I became an American citizen. I was feeling many things. It was however sad afterwards. After the ceremony we went to celebrate the occasion at Safforn Indian Cuisine. My initial plan was to get a bagel and coffee from Owen's Bagel and head to Freedom Park. But because of the heat, decided on the more popular option at our house, Indian restaurant. My wife suggested I call Mom, but I didn't. And that's the sad part of the evening.
Later that afternoon, I talked to my mom, my brother and except for my wife not a single one of them said 'congrats' or anything to that effect. It was as if my becoming a citizens is a no deal for them. I wonder if they will ever realize the value, the essence of becoming a citizen. If it will ever sink on them what it means to take the oath.
Talked to dad last night. Didn't even bother to ask how things are in my life. Just went on about how mom sucks.
Anyway, yesterday met with my wife after work to run some errands. I was trying to hurry up since it was getting a little dark and seemed like it might rain. Well, what do you know? I got caught in rain trying to get home. However, I realized as I am commuting more and more, rain or shine; I am starting to become more comfortable in riding. I still talk to 'Elanor' and correct myself. But now it is not as intimidating riding in rain as before.
And this afternoon during lunch went for a short walk in the garage to find a bicycle parked next to 'Elanor.' My heart sank immediately seeing the bicycle so close to my bike. I hope he/she got off on their right instead of the usual left.
Speaking of rain, now I know why you should have more than one riding gear. The obvious reason being, one gear getting soaked in rain and having to use the wet glove the next morning. Amazingly however, the helmet stays dry or else it would be quiet uncomfortable.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLpJi9JL79g&feature=youtu.be&t=37s
So on July 23 officially I became an American citizen. I was feeling many things. It was however sad afterwards. After the ceremony we went to celebrate the occasion at Safforn Indian Cuisine. My initial plan was to get a bagel and coffee from Owen's Bagel and head to Freedom Park. But because of the heat, decided on the more popular option at our house, Indian restaurant. My wife suggested I call Mom, but I didn't. And that's the sad part of the evening.
Later that afternoon, I talked to my mom, my brother and except for my wife not a single one of them said 'congrats' or anything to that effect. It was as if my becoming a citizens is a no deal for them. I wonder if they will ever realize the value, the essence of becoming a citizen. If it will ever sink on them what it means to take the oath.
Talked to dad last night. Didn't even bother to ask how things are in my life. Just went on about how mom sucks.
Anyway, yesterday met with my wife after work to run some errands. I was trying to hurry up since it was getting a little dark and seemed like it might rain. Well, what do you know? I got caught in rain trying to get home. However, I realized as I am commuting more and more, rain or shine; I am starting to become more comfortable in riding. I still talk to 'Elanor' and correct myself. But now it is not as intimidating riding in rain as before.
And this afternoon during lunch went for a short walk in the garage to find a bicycle parked next to 'Elanor.' My heart sank immediately seeing the bicycle so close to my bike. I hope he/she got off on their right instead of the usual left.
Speaking of rain, now I know why you should have more than one riding gear. The obvious reason being, one gear getting soaked in rain and having to use the wet glove the next morning. Amazingly however, the helmet stays dry or else it would be quiet uncomfortable.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLpJi9JL79g&feature=youtu.be&t=37s
Trip to Florida
This was by far the most awkward vacation we had taken. Considering everything we've been through since last year this time, we have been talking about taking a vacation. Go somewhere to ease our mind, but with so many things going on it seemed impossible.
On a whim, I booked the ticket to the Hilton Resort and thus the journey began. It was an odd vacation, cuz this time we weren't racing to sightseeing, taking loads of picture for Facebook or anything like that. It was just a relax, swim, eat, drink and play by the beach type vacation. Few things turned out great and few didn't. Like the car rental from Thrifty. Our bodies are still soar from the drive. It was one of the most painful car I have driven so far. The car was dirty, things were left from previous renter in the glovebox, things didn't even work properly in the car.
On the other hand the hotel worked out great. We had an ocean view room on the very top floor. I wish Hotwire had mentioned, there's a $10 resort fee each day. You can use that to your advantage by taking the hour free bike rental, getting free appetizer from the restaurant and few other amenities. The valet parking guys will try to get you to use the valet parking. But I found the self-parking much more convenient, and cheaper as well. They don't give you good direction on how, where to park.
Well lets get started then, shall we?
Friday we picked up the rental car and left home around noon. On the way to Daytona Beach, we took a detour and stopped at the Little Talbot Island. It is $5 per car to enter the State park but since my first time in Florida and we were only an hour and half shy from 8.30pm closing, the ranger let us in at no charge. Worked for us as well since we forgot to get any cash. LTI is amazing. My kind of beach. Not many people and the view is simply spectacular.
From there we headed to Daytona Beach. After getting to the hotel, I see the valet parking right in front but I am not using the valet. I look for the self-parking. Drive around and ask few people but no luck. Seeing how tired wife and kid are, I drop them off to check-in while I look for the self-parking. Driving around I can clearly see the parking lot but no clear way of getting there. Anyway, this is the self-parking spot. And when you check-in you have let the front-desk know you will self-park and they will activate your key to be used and charge it to the room. It is actually cheaper to do so and it is not that hard to find a spot. You can leave and come as many times you like and only pay $12 dollars for 24 hour. You must swipe your key on the second box when entering and exiting, don't worry about getting a ticket or swiping your credit card. Also even if you can't find a spot and just park under the tree or something, as long as you are a hotel guest you won't be ticketed/towed.
Next day we headed out to Ponce Inlet Ligthouse. Another true gem. The beach in the lighthouse park is quiet amazing as well. Had we known, we would have brought our swimming trunk with us and spend the day away on that beach. You can even rent kayaks to go over to some one the small lands on the Halifax River. We went back next day around park closing time and that way we didn't had to pay the fee to get in. Drove right in and it was amazing to see the park.
The Atlantic has some good waves. We can go quite a bit in and still be able to stand up. Do keep in mind in the evening the wave gets stronger and as bigger waves starts to form it will pull you backward as well. On Saturday evening as I am swimming, hitting the waves. After a while I decide to go back since the waves are getting stronger and the pull is getting stronger too. As I am heading back, some kids I saw earlier are screaming. And then one kid point out a kid to me and screams 'save him, save him. He's drowning.' First I thought they are messing around but then looking at the kids face I knew immediately he's terrified and in danger. The problem was, the water was pulling him backward and the land he's trying to stand on is a little deep. He tries to hold on to me, but being small myself I know if he holds me then we both will be in trouble. For a second I am scared myself, wondering the question do I save him or myself? And then with all my energy I push him forward and I start talking to him. As I am swimming/walking, I keep pushing him forward and try to calm him down. Finally he has enough land under his feet to stand up and walk. His mom comes over, thanks me and screams at him without actually realizing where the issue was.
Sunday we spent pretty much all day on the beach. Monday on the way back wife again had us take a detour and check out the St. Augustine Beach and drive through the town. This place has to be a trip of its own.
On a whim, I booked the ticket to the Hilton Resort and thus the journey began. It was an odd vacation, cuz this time we weren't racing to sightseeing, taking loads of picture for Facebook or anything like that. It was just a relax, swim, eat, drink and play by the beach type vacation. Few things turned out great and few didn't. Like the car rental from Thrifty. Our bodies are still soar from the drive. It was one of the most painful car I have driven so far. The car was dirty, things were left from previous renter in the glovebox, things didn't even work properly in the car.
On the other hand the hotel worked out great. We had an ocean view room on the very top floor. I wish Hotwire had mentioned, there's a $10 resort fee each day. You can use that to your advantage by taking the hour free bike rental, getting free appetizer from the restaurant and few other amenities. The valet parking guys will try to get you to use the valet parking. But I found the self-parking much more convenient, and cheaper as well. They don't give you good direction on how, where to park.
Well lets get started then, shall we?
Friday we picked up the rental car and left home around noon. On the way to Daytona Beach, we took a detour and stopped at the Little Talbot Island. It is $5 per car to enter the State park but since my first time in Florida and we were only an hour and half shy from 8.30pm closing, the ranger let us in at no charge. Worked for us as well since we forgot to get any cash. LTI is amazing. My kind of beach. Not many people and the view is simply spectacular.
From there we headed to Daytona Beach. After getting to the hotel, I see the valet parking right in front but I am not using the valet. I look for the self-parking. Drive around and ask few people but no luck. Seeing how tired wife and kid are, I drop them off to check-in while I look for the self-parking. Driving around I can clearly see the parking lot but no clear way of getting there. Anyway, this is the self-parking spot. And when you check-in you have let the front-desk know you will self-park and they will activate your key to be used and charge it to the room. It is actually cheaper to do so and it is not that hard to find a spot. You can leave and come as many times you like and only pay $12 dollars for 24 hour. You must swipe your key on the second box when entering and exiting, don't worry about getting a ticket or swiping your credit card. Also even if you can't find a spot and just park under the tree or something, as long as you are a hotel guest you won't be ticketed/towed.
Next day we headed out to Ponce Inlet Ligthouse. Another true gem. The beach in the lighthouse park is quiet amazing as well. Had we known, we would have brought our swimming trunk with us and spend the day away on that beach. You can even rent kayaks to go over to some one the small lands on the Halifax River. We went back next day around park closing time and that way we didn't had to pay the fee to get in. Drove right in and it was amazing to see the park.
The Atlantic has some good waves. We can go quite a bit in and still be able to stand up. Do keep in mind in the evening the wave gets stronger and as bigger waves starts to form it will pull you backward as well. On Saturday evening as I am swimming, hitting the waves. After a while I decide to go back since the waves are getting stronger and the pull is getting stronger too. As I am heading back, some kids I saw earlier are screaming. And then one kid point out a kid to me and screams 'save him, save him. He's drowning.' First I thought they are messing around but then looking at the kids face I knew immediately he's terrified and in danger. The problem was, the water was pulling him backward and the land he's trying to stand on is a little deep. He tries to hold on to me, but being small myself I know if he holds me then we both will be in trouble. For a second I am scared myself, wondering the question do I save him or myself? And then with all my energy I push him forward and I start talking to him. As I am swimming/walking, I keep pushing him forward and try to calm him down. Finally he has enough land under his feet to stand up and walk. His mom comes over, thanks me and screams at him without actually realizing where the issue was.
Sunday we spent pretty much all day on the beach. Monday on the way back wife again had us take a detour and check out the St. Augustine Beach and drive through the town. This place has to be a trip of its own.
Daughter on the Bike
Yesterday I got home and after a long day in home Tina is going to the gym. Great. Well, I rode to work and now back again. Need to cover n lock the bike since we live in an apartment. Can't wait to move in to the house....=)
So I go out to move and cover the bike with our daughter. Just covering the bike is not good enough for me. It has to be in a spot where I can see it, check on it from our apartment. Being always worried more about our daughter, I tell her to hop on the bike in front of me. First she resist. She is hesitant. Then she says if I take the key out of the ignition, she will hop on. A three (soon to be four) year old, how do you come up with this kind of stuff??!!
After putting the key in my pocket, finally I get her to hop on. Only one problem. I am not tall enough to reach the handle bar with ease and maneuver. So, I tell her to get down and get up from the back. She actually gets down and up with quiet ease, as if she's done it before. I ask her to hold me real tight. I push the bike over with my feet to where I want to park it. Have her get off and then I cover it and lock it.
What was amazing is her reaction the whole time. She was enjoying every moment of it and after getting of the back she even patted and kissed it too. While I was getting ready to lock it up, she kept wanting to get back on it again and again. First I was reluctant and then I figured why not. If anything it will only encourage her down the line.
And that is true for any other settings as well, my friend. I have noticed, how she's become more and more of a book worm. She loves going to the library, buying(to her) books, and reading. Sometimes she will pretend to read herself and most times she will ask one of us to read them to her. She always loves collecting cars, playing with them to. She plays with cars more than dolls. A lot of these things are influenced by one of us, either intentionally or unintentionally.
So I go out to move and cover the bike with our daughter. Just covering the bike is not good enough for me. It has to be in a spot where I can see it, check on it from our apartment. Being always worried more about our daughter, I tell her to hop on the bike in front of me. First she resist. She is hesitant. Then she says if I take the key out of the ignition, she will hop on. A three (soon to be four) year old, how do you come up with this kind of stuff??!!
After putting the key in my pocket, finally I get her to hop on. Only one problem. I am not tall enough to reach the handle bar with ease and maneuver. So, I tell her to get down and get up from the back. She actually gets down and up with quiet ease, as if she's done it before. I ask her to hold me real tight. I push the bike over with my feet to where I want to park it. Have her get off and then I cover it and lock it.
What was amazing is her reaction the whole time. She was enjoying every moment of it and after getting of the back she even patted and kissed it too. While I was getting ready to lock it up, she kept wanting to get back on it again and again. First I was reluctant and then I figured why not. If anything it will only encourage her down the line.
And that is true for any other settings as well, my friend. I have noticed, how she's become more and more of a book worm. She loves going to the library, buying(to her) books, and reading. Sometimes she will pretend to read herself and most times she will ask one of us to read them to her. She always loves collecting cars, playing with them to. She plays with cars more than dolls. A lot of these things are influenced by one of us, either intentionally or unintentionally.
Nicest Thing to me.
Came across this particular story on Reddit couple days ago. I still have it open on my browser tab to remind myself who and what we are.
You don't need a lot of money to be happy. You need a big heart and be happy, content with yourself.
Sometime in 2011, one evening, we decided to go to the mall. After a while, our daughter is hungry. The poor girl wants food, and she wants it now.
With our daughter on my arm, I order some chinese and then go up to the register to pay. I hand them my card but it's not working. The card won't go through. I told them I am really sorry, but I don't have any other card on me. I can't take the food. As I proceed to leave, my daughter starts jumping on my arm. She wants food. She's hungry. Seeing that, the Mexican lady on the counter just hands me the tray and tells me not to worry. I keep insisting that's not necessary. But she won't budge.
I come back with the tray on the table. Tell my wife the whole thing. My wife reminds me about my card being expired and the new card in my wallet. I go back to pay for it, but now she won't take the money.
To this day I am greatful for what she did. We will never forget her kindness. And whenever we eat out, we always try our best to pay back the service the cook, server and everyone in between provides us.Whenever we go out to eat, both me and my wife always pile up all the plates, silverware in one place to make the server's life easy. Most of 'em always appreciates the gesture.
You don't need a lot of money to be happy. You need a big heart and be happy, content with yourself.
Sometime in 2011, one evening, we decided to go to the mall. After a while, our daughter is hungry. The poor girl wants food, and she wants it now.
With our daughter on my arm, I order some chinese and then go up to the register to pay. I hand them my card but it's not working. The card won't go through. I told them I am really sorry, but I don't have any other card on me. I can't take the food. As I proceed to leave, my daughter starts jumping on my arm. She wants food. She's hungry. Seeing that, the Mexican lady on the counter just hands me the tray and tells me not to worry. I keep insisting that's not necessary. But she won't budge.
I come back with the tray on the table. Tell my wife the whole thing. My wife reminds me about my card being expired and the new card in my wallet. I go back to pay for it, but now she won't take the money.
To this day I am greatful for what she did. We will never forget her kindness. And whenever we eat out, we always try our best to pay back the service the cook, server and everyone in between provides us.Whenever we go out to eat, both me and my wife always pile up all the plates, silverware in one place to make the server's life easy. Most of 'em always appreciates the gesture.
Stealing Curry
Last night, I kept waking up on & off. Finally I just
got up, walked over to the kitchen, open the fridge and helped myself with my
wifes’ amazing beef curry. Beef curry and loaf of breads are my favorite. It was
hot, spicy but awesome.
I guess that was the underlying reason for me to not eat a
heavy dinner. I kept asking her if the curry was done while having dinner. She
was so tired she didn’t get the hint. Finally I gave up. And she thought I didn’t
like the ‘Khichuri’ she made. Ooh, can you imagine her hot beef with the
khichuri.
Sorta glad, I didn’t have it. For sure I would over indulged
with absolutely no regret.
After coming back to bed though, weird how thoughts can
enlighten us even in the middle of the night, all of a sudden I had an
epiphany. And it was about stealing.
You see, what I did last night can be framed more or less a
manner of stealing food while everyone is sleeping. But here at least I don’t
have to worry about my hand being chopped off. Even though it may truly suck
for the victim, but for the thief it is a mean to survive. The act of stealing
is a way for society to balance itself, ensure survival.
Just to be clear, at the moment I can think of three kinds
of thief.
1.
Habitual,
2.
Greedy, and
3.
Desperate.
And here I am referring to the desperate kind. A person who doesn’t have a job, haven’t been
able to find one for some time. If such a person gets caught rather than
cutting off their hand, we should save his/her dignity and try to help the
person anyway we can.
In conclusion, here is something that has been discovered
recently.
The Religious Dogma
It amazes me to meet people, to find people who believes it is upto the government to find & prosecute people who blogs against religion. In a democratic society, the government and religion are separate. That means, I as an atheist have the same right to express myself as a religious person does.
It is also sick to see the same people making the injuction, being gay is more of a state of mind and the possibility of finding a cure for it.
It is also sick to see the same people making the injuction, being gay is more of a state of mind and the possibility of finding a cure for it.
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