two hundred ninety eight

THIS IS SPINAL TAP

The spandex hair bands in the 80's were a unique phenomena. The epic movie "This Is Spinal Tap", is a mockumentory about one of the loudest heavy metal English bands of that era. 

Each time I watch it, I find more and more comedic nuggets. This is one of the most famous lines that has found its way into todays culture. 

Nigel Tufnel, lead guitar player while giving a tour of the bands equipment says"You see our amplifiers and guitars all go to 11, you see that is one more then 10".  

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The movie captures the rock and roll lifestyle and rock band drama were captured perfectly. These guys had a passion to do something epic. They were rock gods on a Saturday night, they had ventured out of the box to chase a dream.

Living and loving at full volume has been a phrase I've used for many years. I know being excited like a kid on Christmas morning everyday is just not realistic but I do jump around on the furniture when I buy a new pair of sneakers.

When strangers ask how I'm doing I say "I'm Livin large and livin the dream". This always brings a laugh and a conversation. 

If a close friend asks that question it is different, somedays life kinda sucks so I have learned to say it out loud. After that acknowledgment I move on to realizing it is my perseption of things that actually sucks. After a mutual laugh I'm back on track again. Living life at 11 is a choice plus it is "one more then 10". 

Do I choose to see a sunset or bitch because it's getting dark? In a Restaurant do I complain about the service and the prices or do I have a conversation with the person I'm with? 

It is the difference between eating and dining. Eating is a focus on food with a side of conversation, dining is a focus on conversation while enjoying food. 

Human interaction feeds our heart and soul while food feeds our stomach. Both are nessesary and should be enjoyed.

Climbing a mountain, facing a headwind, days in the rain or even a flat tire can be enjoyed if you have the right perspective. A day of bitching and moaning never got me over a mountain, a single extra mile, kept me dry or fixed a flat tire. 

These things are not 11 material but I can manage an 8 or 9. I'm that nut climbing a 6% grade mountain pass with a stupid grin on my face. People actually ask me why the hell am I smiling aren't you tired? I'm exhausted but I'm exactly where I want to be doing exactly what I want to do, it's perfect.

If you find that place or thing, do it with all of your might, life is way too short to bitch and grumble it away.

I found two perfect places that I fit, one is on my bicycle in the middle of nowhere. This is my 11.....that is one more than 10.