Happy New Year 2013

Another year has come and gone so it is time to reflect on 2012.

Of course, starting with most recent memories first, I'm thinking how terrible 2012 was and how the New Year simply had be better. But, then I looked further back and although the last couple months of 2012 were... let's say less than ideal, the rest of the year was pretty damn fantastic.

We miss you mom.

Unfortunately, along with two thousand and twelve playing me the unemployment card, my mom passed away on December 1st.

I took her passing pretty hard. My unexpected lay off was a bit of a blow, a difficult transition and an emotional roller coaster for me with looking for work all the while thinking of my mom.

We went to Washington in October to visit her as she wasn't doing well and although I didn't want to admit it, deep down we all knew we were there to say goodbye. I'll be forever grateful for making the trek north and getting to see her. It was only two short weeks after our visit that she was admitted to hospice where she received the care, attention and the  rest she needed.







Thanks so much to friends, family and most of all Brandy's love and support. I did my best to keep a positive attitude, eventually letting go of some resentment I had about my job and realizing how fortunate I truly am. I was able to evaluate what was important to me and discover what it really means to be happy, also life is too short and money costs too much.

It took me a bit longer than I expected to find work, I patiently waited for companies to get through the election, then the fiscal cliff scare and now year end budgets, but great news came when I was offered a position with a major distribution center and I start my new job in January.

Looking back through both of our blogs, reviewing photos and posts detailing everything else we did last year I must admit, despite the lows, 2012 was pretty awesome.

Just two weeks ago it was a brief conversation leading to a quick and impromptu decision to attend the Motorcycle Show turned into a welcome respite.

Thank you Andy for driving!

Another way to get me out of the house and blow the stink off, Trobairitz humors me and tags along when we go for hikes...

I say 'tags along' because I hike then wait for her to catch up.

 It's not that she's slow, it's the fact that she stops for so many photos.

This works out well for both of us as it gives her blog fodder and me a chance to catch my breath and admire the scenery.

Last summer we went to Seattle, camped out under the skies of Sea-Tac, saving hotel fare for the Experience Music Project Museum instead.

Then that same weekend met Sonja and Roland for the ACE Cafe Summer Shakedown at the LeMay Museum.

It was only two weeks earlier we met up with friends from Canada that we hadn't seen in years and plans for next year are already being discussed.

Jared, Brenda and Andrew from Penticton

Then there was the iMBC2012 in Baker City and Hells Canyon, what a fantastic trip. We made some new friends and the blogosphere became a little bit smaller.

Stig and Mrs. Stig came to visit and I got to ride with the famous Everyday Rider himself.

For 2012 I also got to ride a Triumph Bonneville for a little while.

And we visited giant marshmallow farms in Tillamook.

Fuzzy taught us how long February can really be with her photo challenge #29 in 29.

Great challenge but never again, it was fun and a whole lot harder than you'd think.

We also started the year off with a honey-do project...

And finally put down flooring in our home.

Of course I cannot forget all the support, the fun and the journey I started by joining Team Oregon Motorcycle Safety Program. I can't wait to get back into the classroom and on the range.

Team Oregon Instructor Training - Braking Clinic

OSU Visibility Day

Team Oregon Instructor Training - Cornering Clinic

My 'home range' at LBCC

So all in all, 2012 turned out alright. I had a lot of fun, made so many new friends and overcame some personal challenges. Of course without a commute the last four months of the year I didn't cover the same mileage I did in 2011, but even so, with 8653 miles I only came up 1885 miles short from last year. I'm closing 2012 with my odometer reading 43,227 miles and here's to many more miles and smiles in 2013.

Happy New Year everyone and shiny side up!