RickkciR

  2014 Indian motorcycle makes home-state debut at Twin Cities dealer   Polaris offered fans of the iconic Indian motorcycle a chance try out the new models at the Twin Cities dealership. The venerable brand is seeing its first redesign in more than five years. Article by: Dee DePass , Star Tribune After unveiling the new Indian Chief motorcycles in Sturgis, S.D., earlier this month, Polaris Industries Inc. has finally rolled out the highly anticipated bikes to riders in its home state. To promote the first redesign of the iconic 1901 bike since it acquired the business, Medina-based Polaris over the past few days has been allowing fans and prospective buyers to drive 12 sparkling new bikes at its first Minnesota dealer, Indian Motorcycle of the Twin Cities, in St. Paul. “Anyone showing up with a valid motorcycle license can ride,” said Art Welch, co-owner of the dealership. “Over a five-day period we

Change ..... growth ....  maturing   ...  call it what you want.  But eventually for most of us , our interests change. I feel like I've been going 100MPH my entire adult life.  The way I attack everything I do whether it be work, relationships, friendships, entertainment..... even my 'down time' .   Never thought about it much until the 100th time ( or so it seems ) that someone said "do you ever slow down?" My wife has told me this for a couple of years now...  my dad has mentioned it to me a few times recently ...  for some reason, something has driven me to push hard in most things I do, and for the life of me I don't have an answer. However, I'm starting to question that pace.  Question why I push hard in most things.  Why I feel the need to be the best, at the top of the pile.   I hope that never changes, because it's driven me to accomplish what I have so far in life , but .... I'm slowly putting on the brakes. I was in Austin yester

   Whoops!  Guess somebody didn't like my comments?   This is the first time I've ever been given a 'time out' .. had my comments deleted before, but not this.  We can assume free speech doesn't apply here?

Deciding I didn't want to follow my parents to Italy in '79 Deciding to Enlist in the USAF with a six year enlistment that had a guaranteed retraining option Volunteering for Airborne Maintenance during retraining A fight that almost ended my USAF career; it ended up changing the direction of my life in a positive manner Pursuing a position at Det2 while in the USAF Upon retiring from the USAF, going against the grain and working for a Data Storage Manufacturer

I don't consider myself a lucky person.  I've thought about this subject many a time.  Most of the turns/twists in my life were thought out decisions.  However..... Three luckiest moments in my life were : - Working my part time job on the first day of May in1986. The love of my life walked in that night - Deciding to have our child when we did; Jessica is the result of that decision - My boss walking into my office in 1997 with two magazines in his hand. He put them in front of me and said "we need to look at these SAN and NAS technologies" I think what many of us perceive as luck or destiny , is actually the result of decisions we made that day or well before, that led to 'lucky moment'.  However, the three I mention above.... were pure luck for various reasons..

“Jeannie ... We had a great life!” When mom passed away, that’s the first thing I remember Dad saying to her. I was going to talk about that. How she lived their dream… her dream. How she and Dad met in California and within a few years, began to travel around the world. How she got to live in the tropics, and then in one of our most Northern states.  How she traveled to Asia and Europe and even lived in Italy. But what I believe mattered too her most was realizing her dream of moving back down South, being closer to her roots. She didn’t make it all the way back to her old stomping grounds, but close enough to visit whenever she chose. She was living her dream. She may have traveled the world but her home was down South. When Mom talked about Cousins and Aunts and Uncles she grew up with and still kept in contact with, she always had that soft sweet look in her eyes. She’d lost her dad when she was so young. Her mom when she was just starting HS. You would think that would pro

Celia Jeanette (Kiker) Lossner Jean Lossner, 78 of Water Valley passed away Friday, Feb 22, 2013 at the Flo & Phil Hospice House in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Funeral services will be held at St. Stephens Funeral Home in St. Stephens, Alabama on March 2 with Visitation on March 1. Jean was born and raised in Alabama. After graduating HS, she moved to California where she met her husband of 50+ years. After living in California for several years, they moved to the tropics living on the islands of Guam and Hawaii. Then northward to Minnesota where they lived multiple times over the years. From there she ventured out of the country to Italy for a few years with her family. Eventually, she realized her dream, back to her roots in the South retiring to Arkansas to enjoy for over twenty years. Born July 27, 1934 in Lamison, Alabama she was the daughter of the late Ernest and Celia (Brooks) Kiker. She was also preceded in death by her Daughter Cheryl England. She is survived by her

I've always enjoyed it .   Always considered myself a content, happy person.   I believe for most of my life that I've been happier than most; at least if measured outwardly .   I remember back in my military days, a supervisor in the USAF actually cornered me and told me he thought I was  full of BS.   Nobody is this happy every day he told me.   That one still makes me shake my head; w ondered how many others shared that opinion. My whole life I've been aware that many people go through life without smiling.   Without laughter. Without truly enjoying each day. I've keyed on it for some reason.   I used to go out of my way to change the environment attempting to bring smiles and joy to the moments.   Somehow , I felt this was my mission.   Somewhere along the way I grew wary of it and minimized that behavior, but it's still there in me. Whether it be while traveling in a vehicle, or at an airport , or a mall, I've always noticed that so many seem

Got on the scale today and good news. After traveling last week and sippn' some good stuff over the weekend, came in a pound lower for my Monday morning weigh in Got several workouts in and only one day of cardio. Definitely made me appreciate having my own gym! Workout today/tomorrow and out of town for a few days visiting mom. Had hoped to juice it this week but it'll have to wait until I return. Bringing my gear in search of a local gym though!

I've been there lately ..  My mom is going through some serious health issues currently.  My wife recently had surgery, making our bed her favorite location for six weeks.  It sucks . You're miserable.  And the best sometimes comes out of others because of it. I remember when I lost a friend to Cancer about 10 years ago.  I rarely visited him or went out of my way to stop in.  In all fairness we weren't that tight, but that wasn't the issue. I was uncomfortable with the situation.  After he passed away, I have to admit it bothered me I didn't stop in and see him more. Guilt set in.   When I lost my older sister to Cancer , I went through the same guilt pattern; why didn't' I go to Mississippi more often to visit?   Of course I did visit ( never often enough ) , but also didn't realize we'd lose her as soon as we did.  Now I'm dealing with something similar with my mom.  I'm on a business trip as I type this, back in 2 days, then have an a

Out here in San Diego on business this week. May have found a new vacation destination Great weather , beautiful beaches, restaurants galore and great service

In the airport this evening with the opportunity to people watch Praying my weight never pops back up Again. Waddling....gasping....sick looking....people everywhere. Got five days coming up out of town. Need to hit the gym, watch the calories, and stay focused! No waddling allowed!

Yep .. I'm guilty.  To some degree.  I love bikes.. always have.  I ride specific types of bikes for various reasons.  I love the beauty of them.  The power of them.  Some are more bad ass than others, some are more comfortable.  To each their own. That all being said, I think I'm going to puke if I see one more post in some of the forums I frequent that someone is bragging they ride their bike in the snow... on the ice... in the rain ... consistently, because "that's how we roll!" .. .I say.. Dumb-asses.   If it's snowing, I get in my 4x4 , lock in the transfer case, and go.  If it's raining, I put up the top on my 'vert.  Or close the windows on my truck.  Makes sense to me.... Sorry .. anybody that gets on a bike.. KNOWING .. it's going to be snowing .. sleeting.. pouring rain ... and somehow find there are bragging rights to it...   the joke is on them. That all being said.... shit happens... you've got a ride planned and ... weather

About 3.5 weeks ago, I kicked off a week of juicing for the new year.  I dropped a lot of water weight and moderate fat , ending up approx 15 lbs lighter.  I've settled in at this weight for about 2 weeks now, going up and down a few pounds ( sodium intake causing water weight gains).  Bottom line is, my weight has settled in and I've got a new starting point.  Within the next 10 days I'll kick off another 3-5 days of juicing; that should drop me another honest 5 lbs or so.... I'd go longer, but don't want to risk any muscle loss. Still have yet to reach my first target goal; specific pants size.  One or two more 'jucing's' and I should be there!!!

Headed down to strokers today. Finally spoke to the painter. Thank god. What a disconnect we had! Hoping to have it done within the next 3 weeks. Missing it!

Man I feel like shit. After New Years, I went on a Detox Fasting/Juicing regimen and 10 days later, felt like a Rock Star.  Crazy amount of energy, stomach began to flatten out, and slept like a baby. The last three days I snuck in some crap food , though in low quantities with a little bit of alcohol.  Yesterday I got on the scale and was in disbelief.  Told myself I was holding water.  Feel just as crappy today, and I'll be weighing in later this morning to record my weekly weight.  I know the number's going to be high and ugly. Crazy. How did I ever eat like this before?  2-4X what I did this weekend?  And still function? Well, just to hold myself to my recent goals, I'm going to juice it for the next three days to kick off the week and get things back on track.  My guess is by next Monday, I'll be lighter then ever.  If not, I'll juice it yet again!

Yesterday, I made it to my first real gun show.  Sure, I've done a few around here in Hunt County, but that was it..   Before today, I'd go to Hunt Country fairgrounds, pay my $5 or $8 entry fee, walk in a building smaller than my garage, see less than a dozen folks set up to sell their trinkets, with 1 or 2 having anything worth looking at.  I'd bought my first 9mm handgun here, but was disappointed in the choices. Can't say I was prepared for yesterday.  When we pulled up , there was a line of vehicles threading their way through the overflow parking lot.  We were there early, yet hundreds of people were already leaving, and many more of us attempting to replace them.   After jumping the curb and sneaking into a spot a long walk away, we hiked it up the hill with the rest of the folks, everyone looked to be in a great mood. At the entrance was a line of more than 100 people we joined to pay our $7 Entrance fee.  At this checkpoint were also three officers checking

What if?  But, not an option for me today.  I love my family too much; My wife and daughter depend on me.  I love my job .  I love my life...    but damned if I don't 'fantasize' about the 'what if''? My dad told me many moons ago that I could park it on a section of his 80 acres.  Not something I want to do, but has always had a calming effect on me... knowing if things go bad, I could park a 'double wide' over in the corner and survive.    Last year while RVing at a Bike Rally, I noticed how many folks at these RV parks were full timers.  I'm retired from the USAF and my RV and Truck and paid for.  I could do that .. i could afford that.  .....  that calming feeling came over me again.     Year or two ago, I was reading a guys blog on Frugal Retirement.  This guy bought a 30' sailboat, pulled the plug and lived on it for 12 years down in the Carribean.  He pointed out what do you need but some swim shorts, flip flips and a few shirts?   You k

First time I've taken Gym pics in a long time.  Starting to feel pretty good ... and lean , in comparison to where I was a few months ago! It's obvious from the pics I need to get the traps area worked and trim down the waistline a notch more.  Along the way, the chest, arms and legs should harden up.  Muscles are getting back their size , but strength is going to take a long time to get back.  However, every workout, reps and weights are going up.  Hopefully by 1 MAR, should have some respectable weight back on the bar!

Every once in awhile I have a conversation with someone that has me scratching my head thinking .. "where the f*ck is this person coming from?" How is it in the Year 2013 people are completely clueless on all the different Social Media?  The benefits and uses of Computers in our daily lives?  The options available to us on our television whether it be delivered via Cable, Hulu, NetFlix, Vudu or the airwaves?  How is it someone isn't truly tuned in political issues that affect all of us , whether it be ObamaCare or Gun Control? I don't expect everyone to agree with me..or debate...or argue with me.  But, at some level you hope that people have a basic grasp of what is going on around us.  For some reason , this has always bugged the hell out of me.  There are times when I've actually felt embarrassed when I realized I wasn't up to speed on current events.. and then you realize , 80% of the people out there ( my standard percentage I like to toss around) are

........ is the inevitable. Over the last few years.... make that ... 18++ years, I've found myself in a viscous cycle.  Back in the gym, working out, injured, layed off, unmotivated, gain weight, re-motivate, back in the gym, etc, etc.   Over... and over.. and over again. I've been going through this blog.. through my notes.. through my memory.  I think I've finally come across the problem/solution.  Every time I get re-motivated and back in the gym, I convince myself I'll stay injury free.  Overcome my back issues.  My Achilles issues.  My wrist issues.  My shoulder issues.  My bicep issues. My elbow issues.  Then, the issue(s) return, I withdraw to nurse my wounds and then fall into the 'woe is me cycle''.  The more i think about this and realize the recurring pattern, it's actually embarrassing! Facts.  I got my first recurring injury when i was 23 ( elbows).  At 25, shoulder.  At 28, serious back injury.   At 33, the wrists.   One

Weighed in this morning at 285.5. If you believe the body fat percentage of 28%, that means my target weight is somewhere between 250 and 260. Getting motivated!

I've been so focused on getting my waistline down , that I forgot about another issue that had cropped up over time.  Snoring.  Until a few years back, I'd never snored my entire life.  But when my body weight crept over 285, I developed a mild sleep apnea of sorts, and was constantly waking myself up.  It's gotten to the point where I felt exhausted many mornings.. After several years, I got better at sleeping through my self made noises, but caused hell for my wife.  I'd said many a time that when I got back under 275 it'd probably go away .. but ...  hadn't been thinking of that issue lately. Several weeks ago, it became apparent our bed was shot.  My body weight had caused it to give up the ghost early so we decided to take it to the next level with the solution.  My back issues last year pointed out I needed to go over and beyond if I wanted to take proper care of it.  So, we headed out to check the Sleep Number Beds.  Love at first Lay!  Within five minu

First morning I haven't work up feeling like I'm shrinking!  That's probably a good thing!   Been dropping 1 or 2 lbs a day it seems. Yesterday, I had two protein drinks and two cans of tuna, in addition to a couple glasses of juice.  Last night I had several pieces of pineapple as well and felt stuffed when I went to bed.  So the good news is, weight is the same, no loss, no gain. Also, yesterday was a 2 dayer in the gym.  Hit the weights in the morning with Larry and back again for aerobics on the elliptical last night to break a sweat! I've been sort of concerned about losing muscle; brakes have been put on .  Next several days, will continue the juicing with a little bit of protein.  Add in the gym workouts out and it's going to be an awesome week!

Damned.. woke up at 287.5 today ... feeling awesome, but nervous..  Going to kick in some protein today before I work out to ensure I don't have any muscle loss. Have to admit though.. this is addicting!

Four days in, 289.2 lbs and under the 290 water mark.   Four days ago and 10 lbs heavier , kicked off the juicing.  I've been supplementing with whole fresh fruit as well.   I don't want to do this too long and start burning muscle so I think I'm going to hang in one more day, and start with some liquid protein added in tomorrow. Next stop... under 280!!

I've said for many years, until something that gives us deep pain whether Physical or Emotional occurs, we most likely will not change our ways. However, given a Significant Emotional Event (SEE), one may change their behavior voluntarily or involuntarily.  We may not even be conscious of it. Example 1:  At the age of 14, I was assaulted by two H.S. Seniors and suffered a broken jaw in multiple areas.  My behavioral  change following this was to begin lifting weights to increase my size and strength, and began studying Martial Arts to enhance my ability to defend myself in future situations.  This SEE directired my behaviour for well over 30 years. Example 2:  Several years ago I lost my older Sister and a friend to Cancer.  The two together for me were an SEE.  I found myself living more for 'today' and not as concerned about the long term future since it'd been reinforced to me  we have no guarantees of living a 'long and prosperous' life.  This lasted w

Woke up Hungry ... down to 291.5 .. .. should be under 290 at this pace tomorrow....  sore from the Gym yesterday ( light .. VERY light .. workout ) This is a great first week!

For someone so anal.. you'd think I'd be a little lighter??  

I don't miss diets.  It's easy to see why they fail!  I'm only 24 hrs into this and sick of it. Good news is the Juice I'm doing is awesome!  Full of energy ... but....  body is giving me feedback that it wants more!  Slight headache today, little dehydrated.  Working on fixing all that this morning.  Have a 10am workout scheduled to kick off the year... then....  the fun begins....  I honestly believe by Monday I'll be close to 289 based on history ( juicing in the past ) .  Once I get to 289, I can get some real protein in the system............

Let the 'diet' begin! Man .. up FOUR pounds since yesterday!!!  Why?  Had seasoned up hash browns in the morning, some salty ham in the afternoon, and a rib last night... FOUR pounds??? Well, doesn't matter .  Today I start juicing.  Yesterday morning i was 295.5 lbs.  I expect to be close to 290 by Monday, between a couple of pounds of fat and water ( LOT of water!). Hope to make 7+ days... going to be tough.  Just need to kick it all off .  After a week or so , I'll migrate to a modified South Beach Diet ( lots of protein!).  This afternoon or tomorrow, I'm in the gym.  Larry Kea and I are partnering up to kick off the new year in the gym. GOAL?  At the simplest level; to fit back into my 38 waist pants.  In reality; get back into the shape I was in , in the late 90's before I retired from the USAF.  I retired at 263.  I believe I've put on a few pounds of muscle since then,, however, I've still got 25 lbs of 'fat' to lose I'm sure.

I think I'll take a moment, celebrate my age The ending of an era and the turning of a page Now it's time to focus in on where I go from here Lord have mercy on my next thirty years Hey my next thirty years I'm gonna have some fun Try to forget about all the crazy things I've done Maybe now I've conquered all my adolescent fears And I'll do it better in my next thirty years My next thirty years I'm gonna settle all the scores Cry a little less, laugh a little more Find a world of happiness without the hate and fear Figure out just what I'm doing here In my next thirty years Oh my next thirty years, I'm gonna watch my weight Eat a few more salads and not stay up so late Drink a little lemonade and not so many beers Maybe I'll remember my next thirty years My next thirty years will be the best years of my life Raise a little family and hang out with my wife Spend precious moments with the ones that I hold dear Make up for lost time here, in my next

Survived another year! Great time spent with friends last night. Leanne was our DD, woke up feeling pretty good and ready to get this day / year started! Gonna' be a good one!