My husband, who's a pretty decent rider, says you aren't a qualified, "real" motorcyclist until you've dumped your bike

Does it count if you're the passenger? We hit black ice when trying to avoid an idiot and went down. I had to use the bumper of the minivan that had skidded to a halt behind us to balance to get myself up.

juliana, darling, I am so glad bike dumpage did not result in damage to either your shiny new motorcycle or you. Now the first one's out of the way and you know what to expect.

Had mine yesterday, and I think it was the first one I ever went into without that feeling.

The niggling doubt has decreased every year, but I can't seem to make the damned thing go away completely. I know I do a good job, and I know I don't screw up, but my stomach doesn't listen to my head and riles up the butterflies anyway.

Last call: If anyone wants a postcard from Italy, reply in my LJ or forever hold your peace. The entry is flocked, so let me know if I need to add you. [link]

Granola:

I swear I've said this, and I keep realising I haven't, but lots of ~ma to Kristin and ND on the moms front. It's a lot to deal with, especially if you're not *there*.

Happy birthday, Deena!!!

My husband, who's a pretty decent rider, says you aren't a qualified, "real" motorcyclist until you've dumped your bike

I'm a real motorcyclist now! feels like Pinocchio

Happy Birthday to the wonderful Deena! You add so much to the board with your wit and support and your heart.

Juliana--congrats on your first lay-down!

Happy day after your anniversary to you and your DH, Robin!

Happy birthday, Deena! May the day be as wonderful as you are.

Thanks--we ate In n Out burgers on folding chairs in our new yard, and planted the bouganvilla and duranta plants our realtor left for us as a house present. It was WONDERFUL.

The good about freelance is I don't have an annual review. The bad is I'm only as good as my last project.