Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Starting It Off Right


My New Year's resolution is to work less and restore balance to my life.  So when I felt the urge to go into the office today, I fought it.  There must be a special circle in Hell for people who break their resolutions on the first day of the year.  (Checking Dante's "Inferno"...)

Few activities please me more than riding a motorcycle.  It's inherently fun.  Especially on a fast bike like my Yamaha FZ-1.  This motorcycle is a thrill machine.  Super-fast, accelerates like a bullet, and handles like a racing bike.

So when expected snow didn't arrive, I knew what my first choice for fun was.  I took the Yamaha out for a spirited ride.  Stretched both its and my legs.  It's good to ride in Winter; the bracing cold wind reminds you of nature's powerful force.

What did you do on the first day of the year?


 
 
 

 
 
 

26 comments:

  1. look at you! glad you went out for a ride. you know, they say what you do on the first day of the year is what you'll be doing the rest of the year! lol. i guess for me that's eating! actually, went to a friend's for most of the day to eat good luck ozoni (mochi soup)...then ended the day with a jog. i'd say that's a good start! happy new year, A!

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  2. I am thrilled that you did something fun instead of work!!!!!

    Our New Years Day tradition is to go for a walk with my friend Alison at the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens and end off with breakfast ... It is a super beautiful place (have blogged about it in the past) and it really restores the soul. We then spent the afternoon at home with Wendy's boys visiting/swimming ~ All in all a wonderful start to 2014.

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  3. Good choice - motorcycling should win over work every day of the year! We're being battled with gales here at the moment so no riding for me but I did get loads of those little jobs that add up done which means I feel I started my "make the most of my time" resolution off well.

    Unfortunately I am back at work today... ho hum.

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  4. you´r did it right!
    i was on a hiking to the top of the "winterberg", with a couple of friends. it´s a exhausting way to spend the 1.day of the year - but a very satisfying. :-)

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  5. I find your writing about your motor bike really interesting! Great job on taking active measures to enforce your resolution on the first day of the year.

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  6. That's a set of scales I've been trying to balance since...hmm, you know, come to think of it, probably since the first day I ever went to work (so ages ago!). It can be such a constant battle, but it's important, especially if you're a workaholic (like me) to find that balance. Time spent on each can benefit the other big time, I've come to learn. All work and no play on an ongoing basis is a surefire way to burn out or at least feel your spirits sinking, which in turn will hurt your ability to give your work at all. Get out there, have fun and say hi to the open road plenty of times for this year, dear Ally.

    ♥ Jessica

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  7. Good for you for not going into work and doing something you love! My hubby rides a Harley but I have a feeling he won't be taking it out again till Spring, haha.

    -Sharon
    The Tiny Heart
    Headband Giveaway!

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  8. GORGEOUS! You, your bike, your leathers--everybody looks so happy!

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  9. Omg, my first day was such a waste. Matt and I slept in till nearly 11, cooked and ate a massive brunch together, then did absolutely nothing until we met some friends for dinner. And then did more nothing afterward. We're still in vacation mode, I guess... :)

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  10. I know that you ride your motorcycle all of the time, but whenever you post about it, it seems so exciting to me! You are the only person I know who owns a bike, and you are very, very badass! Also, kudos to fighting the urge to go into work! :D

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  11. There is nothing nicer than throttle therapy, even in the winter! Glad you got out there and stretched your moto legs. I had a house full of kids on New Years and was dealing with the remaining 10 the next day. Made French toast for all of them and ended up serving it and coffee to their parents as they were picking them up. After that it was tidy up time & making lasagna, I did manage to stay in my pjs though :) it was a good day.

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  12. You are very lucky to have the chance to take part in such an awesome activity. I've always longed to be a motorcyclist... and yet I can't drive! HAH!

    Hope you have a great start to the year.

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  13. That bike looks pretty sweet! We had a family day on the 1st :)

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  14. I watched movies and took a nap. :)

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  15. Good on you!!! I had the day off so I spent it with B. We got a TV stand, assembled it, and then spent the rest of the day noshing and reading together. Bliss! GAH! I wish I had the balance to be able to stay up on a bike! That sounds terrific!

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  16. Good for you!! we are very similar that way my friend… the drive to work is never ending!! Great that you went for a wild ride instead. i would LOVE to have a motorbike so I could go really fast and (sometimes:) reckless :P
    I spent the day moving into our new house.. can't wait to show photos of the before and after projects I will be up to here!!
    Happy New Year xx J

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  17. Shit, riding in winter, you're a beast! I re-watched season 1 of Homeland to get my BF caught up and today, I went to work. Yay! Happy 2014.

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    Replies
    1. I ride year-round. I don't see putting my bikes away (like some motorcyclists) because there are always a few nice days during the Winter.

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  18. Thanks so much for your sweet words, they made my day! I'll let you know whenever I'll plan a trip to the States! :-)
    I love riding, too - even though it's on a horse. The exercise outside and being with the animals I love so much is my favourite pastime ever and also reminds me of how small we humans actually are.

    Have a great weekend,
    -Kati

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  19. Balance of life is essential. On the first day of the year, I rested, and still semi-on holiday now, until next week. Happy New Year my friend! :-)

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  20. Happy New Year! It's so hard to find balance and take care of ourselves in todays gogogo, rushrushrush society but it's so important! I have never been on a motorcycle, I guess you could say I'm a little afraid of them though they do look like fun :)

    Em

    I relaxed on new years day and it was awesome!

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  21. I too am trying to find the balance in my life. My problem is the flip side of yours though. I used to WORK WORK WORK WORK.....and now I'm working here and there (since I'm a self employed hair stylist). It's been such a blessing to have time to smell the roses, but also a burden for me. I find myself worrying too much about things, and my boyfriend's schedule is opposite of mine, so he wants to hang out and relax when I want to work...etc etc....I've always had such a hard time finding balance in my life. I think I almost have to set a strict schedule to feel like I have balance.

    I love your bike! So cool. I would be freezing my butt off if I was riding one this time of year though. :)

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  22. Slept and ate. That's what I did. It was good

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  23. Good for you ! do more of the things you love.
    The first day of the year I went to our weekend home and checked out my spinach ! it's growing!

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  24. I bet it really felt good to get out there. I'm determined to get more rides in this year.

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