Abode of Clarus

Loyle Thanksgivings are all about commotion, excitement, and food. Normally it consists of 3 parts siblings, 2 parts family friends, add seasoning and shake. This year, I led a caravan of people across the great states of Pennsylvania and Ohio in an attempt to bring Loyle Land a little closer to the east coast.

One of the great things about this was being able to non-family things. Since Vadim was out, it seemed like a perfect chance to be able to go for bike rides like we used to do back in the day. I still remember our rides with me on my Kawasaki, Vadim on his Ex-500, and my Dad on his Harley.

I'll admit, when I had first heard about "mini-bikes" the first thing that popped into my mind was this:

Of course, if you look at the actual thing, they really arn't much different:

Only a few people know this, but one of the first cars I ever lusted for (I belive the first was a Jeep CJ-8) was a DMC Delorean. I mean, how could you ever go wrong with something like that! Mid engine, all steel construction, and nothing but smooth unpainted crisp lines all over the car. 'Course it was a big difference from Shaun's Pacer which he wanted (and got) around the same time.

Anyway, Vadim and I ran across one last weekend. They're rare enough to be worth taking a picture of.

Well, after two weekends, Vadim finally got me to break down and find / buy my own XR 50. This one hails all the way from California, but was so cheap that it saves even after shipping! I don't want to talk it up too much until I get it here (and assemble it) and put a few laps down on her. Now I'll have a great tool for the colder winter months to be able to carve up the pavement.

For the price I got it for, this'll be a great fun factor! I can't wait! Might be the best Birthmas present I've ever gotten myself.

Well, it is official; I am starting a new job. Some of you may find this as old news, but I've realized there are a lot of people out there that don't know. I hesitated mentioning it before I had more information about my new position. Anyway, starting January 5th, I will be leaving Boeing SM&P and will be working as an Application Analyst for Boeing's UK TLCS program. Sure it's a bunch of acronyms that I'm sure you don't know, and really wouldn't mean much if I explained it to you.

Three plain non-descript UPS delivered boxes... Of course, as they were delivered by the UPS man, panting as he wheeled 120 lbs up my walkway, I asked him, "Do you have any clue what you're actually delivering?" and he said, "Exercise equipment?"

... Close.