Gone Walkabout - Page 10

woodly1069 · 11-07-2012, 01:26 PM

Enjoying the report! So much honesty and thought here for "just a ride report" but I'm diggin' it!
In reference to the stranger in the parking lot, it is my opinion that you were just caught off guard... I reckon that since you had thoughts after the fact, it says enough about you to know that you do care about folks. To me, it's as much about how someone asks for help as much as it is what they are asking for. Just my $.02...enjoy the ride and if you need anything on your way home let me know. I am in Kentucky so you may be coming through my neck of the woods.

jub jub · 11-08-2012, 09:10 AM

Great RR. I thoroughly enjoyed it so far and thanks for taking the time to share it with us.

One thing you said that rang true.

Quote:

Often times the things we see in others is a reflection of how we feel about ourselves but are not yet aware.

That is so true. Now, when I feel myself being annoyed by someone, I realize that is a characteristic or flaw in myself. I've forgotten that so it was a reminder to me to treat others how I want to be treated. Thanks for bringing that to lite.

You have a very diverse resume. Wishing you all the best in finding something you enjoy doing.

HowlingMad · 11-08-2012, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jub jub

Great RR. I thoroughly enjoyed it so far and thanks for taking the time to share it with us...
.

Quote:

Originally Posted by woodly1069

Enjoying the report! So much honesty and thought here for "just a ride report" but I'm diggin' it!
...

Thanks gentlemen, glad to have you along for the ride.

Nice_Rumble · 11-08-2012, 01:21 PM

Snow and cold going on back here now but there is a window of opportunity opening up for you to get home safely. This weekend through Monday we are forecast to have temps in the 60's and nearing 70 on Monday.

HowlingMad · 11-08-2012, 01:55 PM

I've been thinking about the generalist vs. specialist issue for the last few thousand miles and realized something that helped me not feel pigeonholed. I've been wrestling with the idea that I might be forced to specialize in something again to be properly employable, but then a parallel hit me that gave me hope.

After Engineer Pass I remember laughing aloud in my helmet at the stunning contrasts that these bikes are capable of. My tires had cuts and bites and chunks missing from a trail where it seemed only specialized vehicles would dare tread. And yet, with no modification, no adjustments I was on my way to Ouray at 75mph and cruising comfortably with heated vest and grips purring along in relative luxury. What an amazing machine I thought, the more I push these bikes the more I become impressed with them.

The embarrassing part is that it took me days to make the connection with my dilemma. Considered the widest little niche market, the dual sport bike seems to have caught on everywhere and riders choose them for all sorts of reasons an put them to work in a wide range of duties. Most of us are probably here for similar reasons, because we too appreciate a machine that isn't the best at anything, but great at lots of things, especially when they're really pushed. I'd like to think that I too am the master of nothing, but pretty well rounded and capable of excelling in specific areas when needed.

I was looking for synonyms for "generalist" and was struck at what I felt was a positive description. From MacMillan : "someone who knows a lot about a wide range of subjects" It gives me some hope that if so many people can appreciate the generalist nature of dual sport bikes, then maybe someone can appreciate what I have to offer.

Now, where are they? How do I find them? How do I market myself to someone I don't know for a job that may not exist yet? I welcome your ideas.

Photo unrelated, but made me smile.

HowlingMad · 11-08-2012, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nice_Rumble

Snow and cold going on back here now but there is a window of opportunity opening up for you to get home safely. This weekend through Monday we are forecast to have temps in the 60's and nearing 70 on Monday.

Thanks Skip, I'm pushing some miles lately to try to squeeze through that window before it closes. I ran the math today despite some very exciting scenery in Oklahoma

and it said 1683 miles to home, which is a minimum of about 5 days for a tenderbutt like me.

P.S. Currently just north of Tulsa, OK. Someone please turn off the wind turbine. I think we already know this is a flying brick.

RTLLTR · 11-08-2012, 02:04 PM

In my series of movie line quotes....."Look at the big brain on Brad"

Name the movie Howly!

twistedthrottle · 11-08-2012, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RTLLTR

In my series of movie line quotes....."Look at the big brain on Brad"

Name the movie Howly!

Pulp fiction. I think Samuel may have actually said "Check out the big brain on Brad...." but that may be a fuzzy memory

HowlingMad · 11-08-2012, 08:18 PM

I was naked when our eyes met, both of mine and all eight of yours. I'll admit it was awkward at first, and I'll admit that my first thought was to kill you. "That's not very Buddhist" I thought to myself so I refrained from washing you down the drain. So how could you do it? I was willing to look past the fact that you didn't pay your $12 campsite fee, that you were in the wrong gender shower stall (yeah, I looked, so what?), and I was even willing to forgive you giggling at me when bumped the handle and the water went cold. So how could you do it? How could you wait until I had soap in my eyes to pull your little disappearing act? Oh I looked for you, I searched every crack and crevasse of that shower and me. But of course you already know that, watching me freak out will all those beady little eyes.

I should have killed you when I had the chance.

Nictrolis · 11-09-2012, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HowlingMad

Now, where are they? How do I find them? How do I market myself to someone I don't know for a job that may not exist yet? I welcome your ideas.

Not sure your field, but being a problem solver is pretty effective way of marketing a "generalist" in any field. At least, it's worked for me... of course, you have to have enough depth to be able to solve difficult problems, so it's pretty important to at least gain some level of focus on the areas you're interested in. For instance, I'm an electrical engineer (by day... muhuhahaha) and focus on medical devices. Even though I'm not really a digital or analog guy I've made myself useful by knowing how to do enough of each and being really good at product development in general. That, and getting a bit lucky of course.

So... uh... specialize in your generality. Yeah, that's it...

I suck at career counseling.

HelloKitty · 11-10-2012, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HowlingMad

I should have killed you when I had the chance.

Yup, should have! No way I'd have turned on the water with one of those sharing my space.

I guess I am not very Buddhist when it comes to those situations.

HowlingMad · 11-10-2012, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nictrolis

Not sure your field, but being a problem solver is pretty effective way of marketing a "generalist" in any field. At least, it's worked for me... of course, you have to have enough depth to be able to solve difficult problems, so it's pretty important to at least gain some level of focus on the areas you're interested in. For instance, I'm an electrical engineer (by day... muhuhahaha) and focus on medical devices. Even though I'm not really a digital or analog guy I've made myself useful by knowing how to do enough of each and being really good at product development in general. That, and getting a bit lucky of course.

So... uh... specialize in your generality. Yeah, that's it...

I suck at career counseling.

Some good, inspiring stuff in there. I needed it this morning, thanks.

HowlingMad · 11-10-2012, 08:49 AM

Hit a wall yesterday, despite a great start enjoying much of eastern Oklahoma and northern Arkansas, I'm afraid that I let my emotions get a bit on top of me.

Before I even hit California, I started telling myself not to rush home. I always seem to pick up the pace once I start the return path and forget the journey and focus on the destination. Someone in here (sorry, can't find your post at the moment) cautioned me not to be in too much of a hurry to get home, because as soon as I arrive I'll wish I was out here again. But there's snow on the ground at home and a weather window is about to open that will allow me safe passage home. So I've picked up the pace a bit lately.

I was ok with it until a call home yesterday reminded me that all the reasons that prompted me to take this trip will still be there waiting for me when I get home, and a few more like a leaky roof and downed trees to add to my unrewarding to-do list. I suddenly felt like a drunk who just climbed out of the bottle to discover all of those problems are still waiting for him when he sobered up. Now, with only 1300 miles left in my journey I don't really want to go home but I don't have any other place to go.

I didn't make as much progress as I had hoped for on this trip, I had even flirted with the idea of not coming home until I had a job, but that seemed like an unnecessary artificial amount of pressure that would be more of a burden for others. I knew when I left that I might not accomplish anything more than going for a ride and making some great memories, and for that I'm very grateful. Still, I'm a little sad and disappointed in myself for not putting more energy into finding my purpose. I know that it doesn't really end when I pull in the driveway, but still there's a sadness that I can't seem to shake.

I have made some great memories so far and those will keep me warm in the winter of my years. I know that attitude is everything and that once I get my head screwed on correctly I can get focused and get to work, but at the moment the threads just don't seem to line up.

Thanks to Nictrolis, I keep hearing Morgan Freeman say "get busy living, or get busy dying". Now if I could just figure out how to turn that into motion. At the moment it just feels like burning fuel and making miles without direction or purpose.

Just keep breathing.

Nice_Rumble · 11-10-2012, 09:18 AM

A quote from George Moore, "A man travels the world over in search of what he needs and returns home to find it."

HowlingMad · 11-10-2012, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nice_Rumble

A quote from George Moore, "A man travels the world over in search of what he needs and returns home to find it."

Thanks Skip.

11-07-2012, 01:26 PM	#136
woodly1069 Beastly Adventurer Joined: Jun 2008 Location: Louisville, KY...really too far from the hills! Oddometer: 1,099	Enjoying the report! So much honesty and thought here for "just a ride report" but I'm diggin' it! In reference to the stranger in the parking lot, it is my opinion that you were just caught off guard... I reckon that since you had thoughts after the fact, it says enough about you to know that you do care about folks. To me, it's as much about how someone asks for help as much as it is what they are asking for. Just my $.02...enjoy the ride and if you need anything on your way home let me know. I am in Kentucky so you may be coming through my neck of the woods. __________________ If you can't fix it with a hammer, you've got an electrical problem!

11-08-2012, 01:21 PM	#139
Nice_Rumble Beastly Adventurer Joined: Dec 2004 Location: New London, NH Oddometer: 2,009	Nor'Easter Snow and cold going on back here now but there is a window of opportunity opening up for you to get home safely. This weekend through Monday we are forecast to have temps in the 60's and nearing 70 on Monday. __________________ '13 KTM 500 EXC, '08 Yamaha WR250R, '08 Kawasaki KLR650 (Sold), '04 CRF250X (Sold) Member AMA, NETRA, MVTR, CCCOFVT Stealth is good! Noise annoys!

11-08-2012, 01:55 PM	#140
HowlingMad ^OP drags knuckles Joined: Sep 2004 Location: Cranberry Country, MA Oddometer: 1,316	I've been thinking about the generalist vs. specialist issue for the last few thousand miles and realized something that helped me not feel pigeonholed. I've been wrestling with the idea that I might be forced to specialize in something again to be properly employable, but then a parallel hit me that gave me hope. After Engineer Pass I remember laughing aloud in my helmet at the stunning contrasts that these bikes are capable of. My tires had cuts and bites and chunks missing from a trail where it seemed only specialized vehicles would dare tread. And yet, with no modification, no adjustments I was on my way to Ouray at 75mph and cruising comfortably with heated vest and grips purring along in relative luxury. What an amazing machine I thought, the more I push these bikes the more I become impressed with them. The embarrassing part is that it took me days to make the connection with my dilemma. Considered the widest little niche market, the dual sport bike seems to have caught on everywhere and riders choose them for all sorts of reasons an put them to work in a wide range of duties. Most of us are probably here for similar reasons, because we too appreciate a machine that isn't the best at anything, but great at lots of things, especially when they're really pushed. I'd like to think that I too am the master of nothing, but pretty well rounded and capable of excelling in specific areas when needed. I was looking for synonyms for "generalist" and was struck at what I felt was a positive description. From MacMillan : "someone who knows a lot about a wide range of subjects" It gives me some hope that if so many people can appreciate the generalist nature of dual sport bikes, then maybe someone can appreciate what I have to offer. Now, where are they? How do I find them? How do I market myself to someone I don't know for a job that may not exist yet? I welcome your ideas. Photo unrelated, but made me smile. __________________

11-08-2012, 02:04 PM	#142
RTLLTR Studly Adventurer Joined: Apr 2009 Location: America's Hometown Oddometer: 706	In my series of movie line quotes....."Look at the big brain on Brad" Name the movie Howly! __________________ " You never see a motorcycle parked outside a psychiatrist's office"

11-08-2012, 08:18 PM	#144
HowlingMad ^OP drags knuckles Joined: Sep 2004 Location: Cranberry Country, MA Oddometer: 1,316	I should have killed you when I had the chance I was naked when our eyes met, both of mine and all eight of yours. I'll admit it was awkward at first, and I'll admit that my first thought was to kill you. "That's not very Buddhist" I thought to myself so I refrained from washing you down the drain. So how could you do it? I was willing to look past the fact that you didn't pay your $12 campsite fee, that you were in the wrong gender shower stall (yeah, I looked, so what?), and I was even willing to forgive you giggling at me when bumped the handle and the water went cold. So how could you do it? How could you wait until I had soap in my eyes to pull your little disappearing act? Oh I looked for you, I searched every crack and crevasse of that shower and me. But of course you already know that, watching me freak out will all those beady little eyes. I should have killed you when I had the chance. __________________

11-10-2012, 08:49 AM	#148
HowlingMad ^OP drags knuckles Joined: Sep 2004 Location: Cranberry Country, MA Oddometer: 1,316	Hit a wall yesterday, despite a great start enjoying much of eastern Oklahoma and northern Arkansas, I'm afraid that I let my emotions get a bit on top of me. Before I even hit California, I started telling myself not to rush home. I always seem to pick up the pace once I start the return path and forget the journey and focus on the destination. Someone in here (sorry, can't find your post at the moment) cautioned me not to be in too much of a hurry to get home, because as soon as I arrive I'll wish I was out here again. But there's snow on the ground at home and a weather window is about to open that will allow me safe passage home. So I've picked up the pace a bit lately. I was ok with it until a call home yesterday reminded me that all the reasons that prompted me to take this trip will still be there waiting for me when I get home, and a few more like a leaky roof and downed trees to add to my unrewarding to-do list. I suddenly felt like a drunk who just climbed out of the bottle to discover all of those problems are still waiting for him when he sobered up. Now, with only 1300 miles left in my journey I don't really want to go home but I don't have any other place to go. I didn't make as much progress as I had hoped for on this trip, I had even flirted with the idea of not coming home until I had a job, but that seemed like an unnecessary artificial amount of pressure that would be more of a burden for others. I knew when I left that I might not accomplish anything more than going for a ride and making some great memories, and for that I'm very grateful. Still, I'm a little sad and disappointed in myself for not putting more energy into finding my purpose. I know that it doesn't really end when I pull in the driveway, but still there's a sadness that I can't seem to shake. I have made some great memories so far and those will keep me warm in the winter of my years. I know that attitude is everything and that once I get my head screwed on correctly I can get focused and get to work, but at the moment the threads just don't seem to line up. Thanks to Nictrolis, I keep hearing Morgan Freeman say "get busy living, or get busy dying". Now if I could just figure out how to turn that into motion. At the moment it just feels like burning fuel and making miles without direction or purpose. Just keep breathing. __________________

11-10-2012, 09:18 AM	#149
Nice_Rumble Beastly Adventurer Joined: Dec 2004 Location: New London, NH Oddometer: 2,009	Riding Home A quote from George Moore, "A man travels the world over in search of what he needs and returns home to find it." __________________ '13 KTM 500 EXC, '08 Yamaha WR250R, '08 Kawasaki KLR650 (Sold), '04 CRF250X (Sold) Member AMA, NETRA, MVTR, CCCOFVT Stealth is good! Noise annoys!

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