Jack Hampster & Company

The bubonic plague or the pneumonic plague… no I don’t have either one, but I’ve been sick, just a little cold.

The black death killed one third of the human population on China, Asia, India, Europe and Northern Africa in sixteen years from 1334 to 1350.

The Black Death was both of those plagues hitting at the same time. The bubonic plague causes swollen black lymph nodes and kills its victims in about 5 days, it was carried by rats and fleas. The pneumonic plague was also spread by rats and fleas with humans being able to transmit it as well, in the same way as the common cold, it killed its victims even faster within 3 days or as little as 24 hours.

Anyway, I’m better now, thanks for asking…

It was a grand and glorious weekend – Well I’m talking about the 4th of July so I had to slip the grand and glorious in.

Now for some trivia – The Declaration of Independence was actually voted on and approved on the 2nd of July, The document was then rewritten and the final draft approved on July 4th and sent to the printer.

The document that we think of as the Declaration of Independence, was hand written and signed on July 19th The bulk of the signatures came later, on August 2nd, 1776

The first public reading of the Document happened on July 8th at Independence Hall.

Congress was going to celebrate the 2nd as “Independence Day”, but did not remember until July 3rd 1777, and so celebrated the first celebration of Independence Day on July 4th, 1777.

So what did I do over the 4th of July Weekend? Well first it was clean the garage, which I never get enough time in there to do it the way I want to do it, because it would just take too long, to reorganize everything the way I want to, but I did get all the cobwebs swept out.

We then went shopping, I for some plaid shorts at the Gap, size 31 waist, which are still too big. I guess the diet has been working. Bought some other nic-nacs, paddy wac, give a dog a bone.

Saturday, we went to barbecue in the East Bay, saw my relatives, HI FOLKS! Had a good time, and then came home again, it was nice not to have to drive all the way to the South Bay.

Sunday, we worked in the yard some, and then looked at houses again. We found one that we really liked and are looking at financing right now, getting reports, cleaning up around the house, throwing old stuff away just in case we will be moving soon.

Caress it, take it in your hands and handle it gently.

I’m talking about pet peeves of course.¹

My favorite pet peeves are:

1. When someone walks all the way to the door and can’t decide to go in or out, blocking it for others folks while they try to decide.

2. When someone walks up to the fax machine, looks at it, sees that nothing is on it and then asks, “Did a fax for me come?

3. When someone is looking for paperwork, makes all sorts of noise while looking for the paper-work, so you finally say “Write me a note about what your looking for and I’ll find it for you” and they reply, “I don’t want to bother you” then they proceed to ask all sorts of questions about where the paperwork might be filed.

4. When someone (who can drive in the commute lane, fast lane or the slow lane) drives slowly in the fast car lane, instead of moving over to the slow lane.

5. When you get an email from an old friend, asking if this email address is correct, you reply ” yes” and ask them how they are doing etc, and you never hear from them again.

1. of course, I would be calmer if I didn’t let these things bother me [↩]

Star Wars

Sex & the City

Nothing on my mind right now, no words to share.

So I think I will post some pictures from the ride.

- But FIRST a video from last year - highlighting events from the ride

A video from ALC 6, which was last years ride

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Now some pictures from this year’s ride

a picture from inside the Cow Palace - Opening ceremonies - in the corner of the picture is a cycling helmet with Wonder Woman on it, My Friend Emily’s helmet

A partial shot of our sleeping quarters - Tent City

Our luggage trucks - every morning we load our luggage and our tents back in the trucks, and then we unload them at the end of the day in our new location and put our tents back up.

SUPERFRIENDS - we all have action figures on the tops of our cycling helmets - here we are unmasked
I was Green Lantern - it did not match my bike

My Friend Beau - His action figure is Animal Man - he had to have a Super Hero that matched his bike

My Friend John - His action figure is Superman - and his Superman matches his bike too, which is black & red

the ever present porta-potties - what funny is when you first use them you feel funny because you don’t flush them - but when you get home you have to remember your not using a porta-potty anymore.

here am I standing in front of the Rock of Morro Bay - I had to stop just for a picture to send my friend KIM

this was RestStop4 the 4th and Final Rest Stop of each day - they go over the top to present new themes - that entertain and delight us.

the First Rest stop of RED DRESS DAY - it starts out, of course when people leave their tents in the morning and then we laugh all the day long…

Me in my Red Dress - I bought it at Ross two years ago, last year I wore red arm warmers and gloves but this year I thought I’d dress it up a bit, with white gloves, arm-warmers and pearls - I threw it away when I was done with it this year.

My Friend Luis and I, He had a red tutto on, which you can not see in this shot

And some others go all out - do themes with their friends - I think these are the St Pauli Girls

and sometimes action figures and movie characters come to life - Meet the Incredibles

Some people surprise other friends with recognition of their incredible feats - here they are recognizing and congratulating David Duncan for his tenth ride - that is my head sticking out

The Incredible Rest Stop 4 again - this is our version of Studio 54 - notice Andy Warhol on the Left

And well - here is an example of how well we can read after seven days on the bike

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and now another video from last year

and then a video from a roadies point of view

I’m a quiet guy, most of the time. I don’t always say what is on my mind. I used to figure that saying nothing would make “it” better.

What ever “it” was.

I think this nature of mine comes from my upbringing. My mother¹ was the type of person, who just started her tirade all over again if you argued with her or interrupted her.

My Dad tended to be the type that just ignored what you said, such as if I was helping him in the garage working on something, and I saw what he was doing wrong - putting something together, such as a lawn mower that he had taken apart – he would just ignore me if I suggested that it would fit if he just turned it over.

Almost everyone in my life “knew” the correct way of doing whatever “it” was.

So at some point I just stopped talking. I think I stopped listening too. I became very isolated and withdrawn.

I was still involved with the things I was interested in, but I often did not share my feelings. I don’t think it helped that at about the same time an older brother and younger sister left home. There was much more going on than I ever knew, and theirs lives were very different than mine.

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Still life goes on, and we slowly become whom we are. If we are able, we forgive and forget and learn and embrace that sometimes, people did the best that they knew how.

I slowly discovered who I was, a Spiritual Gay Man, and eventually the truth of who I was became more important than who my parents wanted me to be, so I came out. Slowly over the years, I have become closer to my family, and I love them even more than before.

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I used to have this idea, that when two people were trying to decide to go to a movie, that if I said “I don’t care which movie we go to see”, that it meant I had a credit in the “ bank” for when there was a movie that I really wanted to see.

It took a friend to point out that “ I don’t care” means “I don’t care”.

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Slowly I learned that I have to tell people what I want every time, and though that doesn’t mean I will get it, but at least they know what I want.

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So what is this all about? – Just something I need to get off my chest.

Over a year ago, a friend came to my house, this friend, like most of my friends is opinionated. Now for a little history – We have known each other for many years, and over the years I learned to disagree with him, and he would sometimes call me up and ask “if I was mad at him” I was never mad, for I knew that he had his opinion and I had mine.

However, the last time he was at my house, he said things that were out of line. A year earlier, he was all most killed by a drunken driver, and when he was here, he had too much to drink, was impatient and did not wait his turn at the stop sign and ran into a motorcycle rider and passenger.

Thankfully he did not hurt anyone, however when he got back to my house, he then proceeded to get drunk, and because he was drunk, he said things to me that I felt were his projections of my relations with my family.²

I told him he was drunk and to go to bed, his reply was “If you agree with me, don’t say anything, otherwise let’s keep talking about it.”

Well I don’t argue with drunken people, usually I don’t allow them in my house. So he went to bed, he left the next morning and we haven’t talked since.

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Cowboy said, “Your not the same person he knew so many years ago, you’re more confident in yourself, you work out, you’re happy”

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I guess, I expected him to call up and apologize at some point, not for his thoughts, for he is entitled to his thoughts, but for the fact that he was drunk, that he expressed them in such a way, that he was drunk driving, and that he verbally attacked my family.

Well, life doesn’t happen that way you think it should sometimes, and I guess that I really don’t need people in my life that can’t apologize for the hurt they have caused other people.

Do I miss him? Sure, but I don’t need that kind of drama in my life. – So life goes on, and I’m a little sadder, for I had hoped that he would be the kind of person that could listen. That our years of friendship would mean something to him.

I’m sure you could ask, “Don’t the years of friendship meant something to me?”

Well, yes they do, but sometimes we have to let go of things that do not allow ourselves to grow, to change. And I no longer am willing to let someone verbally abuse me.

1. stepmother#1 [↩]
2. concerning my relationship with my father, my old business, various religious beliefs of my family [↩]

One of my favorite reads is Moby – He says what is on his mind, and he does so in a manner that is refreshing and respectful - this week he is talking about Community - Go there to read more if you wish.

It got me thinking about myself however, and how I live my life, and also how some of my friends live their lives. In my church, we have a saying, “ If you want to be loved, then go and love someone” In other words you only get what you give.

I feel like a lot of times that I’m not part of a community, but when I think about it. I must admit that if I don’t feel part of a community, it is because of my own actions.

Some examples of the things I do are; I don’t comment on every one’s blogs that I read.
When on a bicycle ride, I don’t talk to everyone that might be on the same ride. I don’t call people on the phone and talk to them, ask them how they are.

I starting riding in the Aids-Lifecycle as doing something that was giving to others, it brought me great rewards, but though I was now part of this “community” I still felt a disconnect, so I became a Training Ride Leader.

This required more giving on my part, more of my time, more of my knowledge, more of my heart. And, so my rewards were greater. I received back in return more love and more gratitude. And I discover, the more I give, the more I get back.

On one of the rides, a rider came up to me, and said, “What is you TRLs do, no one is talking to me. – I wanted to say – We are not your social club, we are here to train you. But cooler heads prevailed, and we gently guided him into introducing himself to the people around him, and then checked in with him, to make sure he was putting himself out there. Sometimes I forget that THE RIDE is about the people we help, that THE RIDE, only works because of the love that is THE RIDE.

This also happens at Church (and many other social functions) people tend to think that if they show up that is good enough, no, you have to interact, you have to talk and listen.

I’m good at the listening part, and that is important, especially if you can listen (not thinking of what you are going to say next), but one must say what is on your mind, hopefully in a respectful manner.

If you are outspoken, but think you have no friends, it might be how you express yourself. Sometimes people get tired of all the drama.

Sometimes, I want more interaction, but in reality, I’m pretty busy doing my own thing, so it boils down to, I make my own decisions about where I want to spend my time, though if I didn’t have to work…

I’d be traveling, visiting, commenting on everyone’s blogs, going on longer bike rides, doing more gardening, painting more.

By that friend of mine Al who is sadistic and mean, he knows I’m brain dead right now, and now If I’m going to answer this I have to think. We can just forget witty that is just not me.
I’m joking, I like being tagged. These are my answers. Should I tag some one? Hmm… How about my Sister-In-Law Coco. I’m adding a variation - delete a line you don’t want to answer - and add a question.

Does someone love you?

Yes, I know it, I feel it, I embrace it, I relish it. And he of course is Cowboy

Do you know anyone named Dave?

I have known a couple of Daves, but I don’t know anyone right now who goes by Dave – I do know a David.

Ever kissed anyone with the name starting with a J?

We are talking about kissing, not some sweet little harmless peck on the cheek right? –

Well I used to date Jeff, the Sex was awesome and he did a layout for Men (I still have the issue somewhere) last time I saw him, he was saying to a friend of mine (I was in the restroom) “ Not only did he tear my heart out of my chest, he threw it on the ground and stomped all over it” – I’m sure he was talking about when I told him we could not have sex anymore, because the lust I felt for his body was confusing me about how I felt for us as a couple.

He was more of a big city limo guy, while I was more of a country boy. I also dated a James, but that was not the name he went by.

Has anyone ever mistaken you for a family member?

Not that I know of, but some people thought some friends and I were brothers.

What color is your parents bathroom

I think it is a light blue, I should know this because I did some touch-up painting when I re-hung my Step-mom’s curtains (3 times) she kept moving them

Do you think that hair extensions look skanky?

Haven’t really thought about it, but toupees do.

Are you named after a grandparent?

Nope, all of are named “M” – my real name is Matthew, but if I every change it I want to name myself after my grandpa on my Dad’s side – I didn’t know my mom’s parents

Say you were given a drug test right now. Would you pass or fail?

Pass

Are you taller than 5′6″?

by 2.75 inches (on a good day)

Do you know anyone in jail/prison?

Nope, but I know people who have been.

Ever see a dead body?

Yep, too many

Do you like the color green?

I dislike the color green – I was in the Army for 8 years, fatigues were all green then, and when I was a kid working at a hamburger joint, we painted all of the shelves a pale green, I was small enough to fit in the shelves, to reach way in the corners, breathing those fumes and seeing nothing but green, makes me not care for it.

What is your best friend’s Dad’s name?

Bill

How old are you?

51, going on 52.

Who was the last person to send you a text message?

AT & T

Ever drove into the ghetto to buy drugs?

No, I have my drugs delivered. - Though I used to deliver Marijuana for a suburban housewife from Palo Alto - sort of like “Weeds”

Last restaurant you went to?

Sake O – I had Spicy Shrimp & Sake of course

What is the weather like today?

Clear & Sunny, though not warm enough.

Last voice mail you received?

It would be from my brother Marvelous

What did you do yesterday?

Made Tequila & Lime Shrimp for a Father’s Day barbeque

What’s the first thing you would do with five million dollars?

Run away with Tater. – ha ha, nope, I would recheck those numbers, you’re sure, you not fibbing are you? I’d give half of it to Cowboy, and then buy myself a new car – a Mini-Cooper Convertible is the car of the week.

What nationalities are you?

Spanish & Italian is what I’m going to say – the family debate is still going on.

How many hours did you sleep for last night?

Probably about 5, I tried for six, but I spent an hour listening to Cowboy snore. It used to bother the hell out of me, but then I decided to focus on how much he loves me. Now if I can only get him to stop kicking me in his sleep.

Any upcoming concerts you want to attend?

Bette Midler

Who’s the last person that you felt was stalking you?

Anthony, a cute 27 year old from New York, who I met on the ride and he instantly got the hots for me. I think he wanted me to do him in my tent. – Well actually he did., but I didn’t.

Have you ever been on your school’s track team

Nope, running is not my thing.

What jewelry are you wearing?

A watch my Dad gave me, a copper bracelet that Cowboy bought for me, and a wedding ring

If all of your friends were going on a road trip, would you?

Sure, I’m open to going places, doesn’t matter where. (if I can get the time off)

How much money do you have?

Enough for my needs, enough for my true desires, enough to give gifts to those I care about, not enough to give every place and everyone my heart desires, not enough to indulge my every senseless desire, not enough to spend on those who will not do for themselves.

Do you swear at your parents?

Nope, not ever, not even under my breath.

Is your phone right beside you?

My cell phone is glued to my hip

Have you cried today?

I have cried about 14 times today, reading the discussion boards for the AIDS-Lifecycle, the thanks and heartfelt good wishes from the riders to the roadies and the roadies to the riders, people sharing why they rode, the people they wish to remember.

Do you think that someone is thinking about you right now?

Sure

Do you untie your shoes every time you take them off?

I don’t untie my shoes until I need to put them back on. When going out I wear Cowboy boots.

What is the color of your bed sheets?

Champagne, 1500 thread count – but I actually bought them for Cowboy, he is into sheets. I like dark colors, he likes light.

Have you ever crawled through a window?

When I was young, my bedroom was on the second floor, I would often forget my keys, so I d get the ladder out of our orchard and set it up against the house and crawl in my bedroom window – then go downstairs, unlock the door and put the ladder away

Are you photogenic?

Sometimes I am surprised when someone takes a photo I like, and some people think I’m good looking, but I aint no model.

What’s your star sign?
Leo

Where do you spend most of your money?

Rent and car payments

What was the last thing you did?

Unlike a certain someone I’m not going to say “ Pressed “Enter” after writing the last answer. – I‘ll say looked outside at the hunky blond number who is installing carpet in the brand new apartments next door

Do you have a tattoo?

On my left tricep/bicep - an Arthame floating on a Sun

Is there a secret you’ve never told any of your friends?

Yes – and it is going to remain a secret.

Have you ever told someone you loved them but didn’t mean it?

Yes,

Have you ever changed your clothes while in a vehicle?

Yes I have, I think, no actually I think I said, screw this, and stepped outside of the vehicle. I have changed my clothes in a tank however.

What are you doing in 2008?

Blogging, painting, riding a bike.

What is your ring tone?

Like my Red dress - Classic

What were you doing at 2am last night?

Sleeping

Are your parents married/divorced/separated?

My dad was divorced once, wife two (Step Mom #1) is dead, he is remarried again. My Mom never remarried. My step mom (#1 Step mom) was married 8 times before she married my dad. They were married 34 years before she died.

What are you doing tonight?

Cuddling – our code word for sex.

What are you doing tomorrow?

see answer above

Who did you last message on Myspace?

Andrew – if I have Myspace – I forget these things

Does it annoy you when someone says they’ll call but never do?

It doesn’t annoy me, more likes disappoints me.

What did you dress up as for your first Halloween?

I have no idea.

Favorite Disney movie?

Disney’s Emmy-winning update of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic fairy tale, Cinderella (Brandy) believes in the impossible, and not even a wicked stepmother and stepsisters can keep her from her prince. Whitney Houston as the fairy godmother heads an all-star cast that includes Paolo Montalban, Bernadette Peters, Whoopi Goldberg and Jason Alexander.

Should gas taxes be increased?
I feel like we should increase taxes to discourage driving in cars, use that money to fund mass transit, encourage cars that use less gas.

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Feel free to add your answers to any and all questions on your own site, or in the comments.

7 Days on a bike condensed down to 7 minutes

View from my Handlebars from littlesteph on Vimeo.