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".  

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.