Musings from the Toy Store (Part B)

Well, the big bang is over. This past weekend (and the one before that) we celebrated our grand opening. Even though I was there for every glorious minute, I missed just about every glorious minute.

I won't mind sharing what I know happened, however:

• Thousands of hot dogs and drinks
• Thousands of people consuming said hot dogs and drinks
• Three different music stations (and even more advertising)
• A couple rock bands
• The Toyota Yamahauler (a tricked-out 4 wheel drive Tacoma)
• Red Bull, Monster and No Fear energy drinks
• Hundreds of giveaway tee shirts and helmets
• The "sphere" - where three bikers on minis rode round and round and upside down...
• The same minis were doing jumps on a ramp in the parking lot
• Rudy's barbeque
• Lots and lots of noise from lots and lots of people
  
• Loki (yes, that's my coworker's name) taking lots of pictures in-between selling accessories
• The occasional system crash
• Actually finding parts that the aforementioned system said we had
• Discovering parts we had checked in a month ago had completely disappeared from the system (and re-entering them)
  
• The rewording of a popular song to say, "Lightspeed is broken, broken..."
• Long days, late nights and the hope that Saturday would bring a two day weekend.

So, will normalcy arrive Tuesday? Hm. I don't know about "normalcy," but I imagine that things will be shaping up nicely in the weeks to come. My parts room is finally becoming organized, we're overcoming the technical difficulties. Even service is getting the parts they need to function (which is a pretty big deal with the $30 oil change special... but that's a topic for another day). My hours will soon return to "normal" which means smaller pay checks, but time to mow the yard and work on household chores. Everyone rejoices!

Musings from the Toy Store (Part 1)

We had our first successful day of business Saturday, but we closed for Monday and Tuesday to work on inventory.

Why, you ask, would we do such a thing? I cannot share such a thing publicly, except to say that I've been having to work very hard, very well, and largely without much assistance until recently. I've done my job well and as specified, but some things are just out of my domain of influence, no matter how well (or poorly) I do them. It seems that my job should have only one result; it's only a question of how long it takes. I've done my part right, but there are other technical issues which continue to haunt us.

Now, my poor managers (I'm breaking out the violin) have been incredibly stressed out. I was stressed out until I realized that I wasn't a manager. I'll do as much as I can in my role - and I'm fulfilling my responsibility. But I can't help anyone beyond that role - and my help isn't desired. So, contrary to my instinctual desire to contribute to a working solution, I've detached myself from trying to solve the problems (though there's nothing I can do about it now except what I've been doing all along) and let those responsible for them deal with it. That makes all the overtime and just plain old work so much easier! I can't say that the attitude is right, per se, but it helps me cope.

I've finally brought the FJR to the shop twice since I started working at the new place. I park it outside the window right in front of a brand new 2007 silver FJR AE. She doesn't like it and is upset that I'm taunting her with the possibility of trading her in for a younger model. (First the XT, then the FJR, right? The garage has gotten a lot more empty lately...) Regardless, it's just plain good to ride to work again. I've had to dodge a lot of rain lately, but that's okay, too.

Now if I could just get the grass mowed...

Progress takes time... and overtime!

I've heard about 80 hour work weeks. I never thought I'd work one.

I worked about 75 hours last week, typically 14 hours per day, with less time on Sunday and Monday. I managed to get off a short ride, a trip to church with my wife and a nice dinner (with the same wonderful person) Sunday. That's probably the most we've done together since I got back from Wisconsin. (To clarify, I rode alone and met her for the other activities later).

In fact, it was the only riding I've done since I've been back. The FJR was a little tickled when I sold the XT (she had been jealous for a long time) but the long absence from riding has changed her mind. I think she suspects that she will be sold next, replaced by a younger model.

But I can't do that yet. I still need to fix the damage from "Bambi" and hit the forums and see if I can pick up some clean saddlebags and used exhaust. If I do manage to do that, I wonder if I'll still want to sell her?

It's nice to have the space in the garage. I wonder what will happen next? Regardless, it won't happen for a while; I can't do anything 'till the store opens and I probably won't have time to do any work at home for another couple weeks.

The Wedding

Madison Wisconsin

Okay, so I'm not into protests. I'm not anti-war or a disaffected college student (well, maybe). I'm not a hippy, nor am I extremely environmentally "conscious." However, I am a fan of all things two-wheeled. Madison, Wisconsin enchanted me with its many, many bicycle paths, laid back atmosphere and places for people to relax and enjoy a weekend.

So Madison has high taxes and a heavy "liberal" presence. That's outside my norm, but it was pleasant nonetheless. If I could afford to live there, it'd be worth considering.

I got the okay at the last minute to leave for my uncle's wedding last Thursday, caught a flight early Friday morning and Friday afternoon I enjoyed seeing my uncle marry his beautiful bride.

So Saturday I hiked downtown Madison, camera in hand. I spent the night at a local campsite with other relatives, and hiked the nearby ski trails the next morning (so I have to assume that people still camp up there in heavy snow?) Again, trails, bike paths and places to see were spread out all over the place. Most enjoyable!

Sunday, I got to have lunch with my uncle and new aunt back in downtown Madison, and left for Northern Illinois to visit friends there. We watched the Spurs defeat the Cavaliers in game two. (Okay, I only stayed awake during the first half, but I heard it was a great game!)

Monday involved yard cleanup, which always seems to happen each time I visit. (Here comes the Chronic Rider - put him to work!). I drove back into Chicago for a late flight that evening and was back at work on time Tuesday.

I noticed all kinds of bikers on the roads between Chicago and Madison. Of the 50 or so maybe 5 wore helmets. Most wore little if any protective gear. I even saw one guy on a Goldwing (pic) wearing what appeared to be boxer shorts, sunglasses and flip flops. The traffic was simply terrible; driving less than 30 mph - when you were actually moving - seemed to be the norm on the freeways. And then there's the not-so-free ways: toll roads. Chicago has convinced me that toll roads are pure and simply a bad idea - ever.

The proximity to Milwaukee suggests an explanation for all the Harley motorcycles I saw. I cannot explain the other rider's behavior. I guess I'm used to people in Texas toughing it out wearing their helmets and riding gear in 100°F+ heat (and a helmet law of sorts is in effect). Those riders up North can't handle something? Hm...

What a weekend!

Goodbye, Old Friend!

Just sold my 1995 XT600 with the assistance of Craig's List. I'll miss the old gal; she worried me a lot but never really let me down. This is just one more step in simplifying my life and reducing expenses as well.

The first two pictures are from when I rode the bike home from Alamagordo, NM and the last two are pictures I took in order to sell the bike. Fitting that I show the beginning and the end of this bike's history with me.

Now the FJR is an only child again (and the jealousy between the two bikes will no longer exist; the FJR would get snippy if I was riding the XT more).

Checking In?

Checking In!?
From the movie Spaceballs

We've finally obtained occupancy and are able to start "moving in." I'm checking in all kinds of new merchandise as it arrives, though we're still waiting for some of the displays to be finished. With the building nearly ready and one of the vendor rooms partly stocked (think of how WalMart will have shops inside the main store) I'm wholly impressed. It's incredible. This is motorcycle shopping on a whole new level.

I've been told to keep details mum until we open, so I'm not going into greater detail. You'll just have to see for yourself!

The old location will stay open - at least for a while - since the place is leased on a contract. It will sell used bikes and discount apparel and accessories.

It's very good to have started moving in. We're in the process of doing something new, big and amazing.

Fortune Cookie

"Be demonstrative, but do it with dignity."

Yeah, there's nothing like trying to get your point across with a temper tantrum. It doesn't work well, even if you're right. And if you are, others will resent it.

Now, if I could just demonstrate that my ideas at work are actually valuable, that would be worth something.