DDT (12)
Member
Posts: 4113
Sometimes ya just gotta go...
Winter Springs, FL - Occasionally...
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« on: August 03, 2020, 04:47:05 AM » |
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Yeah, that is definitely one of the expected PC things we're all supposed to be practicing... as is, of course, wearing our masks 24/7... All y'all are wearing one continuously, aren't you... even in the shower, right? I confess, I have been a wee bit derelict regarding the meeting of the mask expectation; however, the social distancing thing hasn't been much of a challenge at all...
A bigger challenge for this solo trekker is to not be rude to others while avoiding too much contact. Many folks think they need some sort of constant interaction in sometimes huge doses, so they seek conversation anywhere they can find it; and, they are more than willing to force it upon another... even when we're not particularly inclined to engage... Common courtesy and personal preference can and do occasionally become mutually exclusive!
A classic example of that happened to this normally sociable recluse the other day, and it did give me pause... It hadn't been an overly long day, but it had included many miles, a couple of tense calls on the timing of fuel stops, frequent encounters with moisture and attendant delays while we waited for it to move on, plus one or two egregious miscalculations on bladder capacity. All in a day's work, of course, but tiring, nonetheless. To say the least, I was more than ready for some calming quiet time...
The temps later that afternoon had moderated to a most pleasant level, so the appeal of the patio furniture in front of my room had proven irresistible. Soon after settling in and finding that special 'sweet spot' for both relaxation and contemplation, the spell was broken when a guy from the next room came out and sat down... and immediately began bombarding me with questions. I'm not sure if he was six feet away exactly, but the distance was too close to that to quibble over. Anyway... I really wasn't interested.
I gave polite, short responses but volunteered no additional information, and I asked no follow-up questions of my own. In a while he apparently got the message, and he left. Afterward, I felt bad. That guy had reached out for some level of contact, and I had essentially denied that to him. Of course, I owed him nothing, and there was no bad or inappropriate conduct on my part... It's just that someone had needed something, and I had let them down.
It would have been no major sacrifice at all for me to have been more cordial and accommodating; but, I had instead taken a pass. I do routinely enjoy vast quantities of solitude anyway, so... I resolved to be less self-serving the next time, and to offer a tiny glimpse at my own joy of life to those who seem to struggle to find it on their own. It appears there are many needy, socially malnourished folks running around out yonder, so... maybe next time I can help a less fortunate soul a bit more... at least to start. I can always just say no later...
DDT
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Don't just dream it... LIVE IT!
See ya down the road...
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NewValker
Member
Posts: 1348
VRCC# 36356
Oxford, MA
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« Reply #1 on: August 03, 2020, 06:12:25 AM » |
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Been there myself Bruce. I can be anti-social without trying. Especially if I’ve already judged someone by looking at the cover...
As I’ve aged, maybe mellowed a bit too, i make an effort to be more cordial. It’s working out pretty good!
After the Kung flu hit, there were lots of people walking around town during the day. While working, I took some $1.00 store toy construction trucks and tractors with me and gave them to little kids that were out with their parents. Always puts a smile on the kids’ faces, but the poor parents are confused why I’m giving brand new toys away.
Anyhow, I’m forcing myself to be less anti-social, and kinda liking it!
Craig
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Turns out not what or where, but who you ride with really matters  |
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Wizzard
Member
Posts: 4043
Bald River Falls
Valparaiso IN
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« Reply #2 on: August 03, 2020, 09:32:44 AM » |
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know exactly what you are talking about. This covid stuff has people searching for who know's what.
Anyhow good to see you and hope you got some quiet time when we all left.
Always a good conversationalist Bruce.
See you down the road.
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Bigwolf
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« Reply #3 on: August 03, 2020, 02:25:31 PM » |
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“Soon after settling in and finding that special 'sweet spot' for both relaxation and contemplation“
I would bet that a pleasant nap was about to begin and the inquisitive neighbor was delaying it’s beginning. That’s enough to cause a certain amount of uncooperativeness. Although that intrusion, if encouraged, might have offered up a new destination or a pleasing backroad never before recognized. I guess it’s just another conundrum for a biker rambling around the country.
Bigwolf
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Rams
Member
Posts: 16262
So many colors to choose from yet so few stand out
Covington, TN
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« Reply #4 on: August 03, 2020, 02:35:57 PM » |
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the spell was broken when a guy from the next room came out and sat down... and immediately began bombarding me with questions.
DDT
I'm think'n I've identified the problem. Had he been a SHE and asked you the right questions, you might of responded differently.  (Although, Social Distancing would have still been the PC thing to do.) Rams  |
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« Last Edit: August 03, 2020, 02:38:27 PM by Rams »
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VRCC# 29981
Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.
Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.
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Patrick
Member
Posts: 15433
VRCC 4474
Largo Florida
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« Reply #5 on: August 03, 2020, 02:59:40 PM » |
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' (Although, Social Distancing would have still been the PC thing to do.) ' For awhile.  |
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Willow
Administrator
Member
Posts: 16631
Excessive comfort breeds weakness. PttP
Olathe, KS
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« Reply #6 on: August 03, 2020, 03:15:15 PM » |
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PC? DDT? ???
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #7 on: August 03, 2020, 04:47:50 PM » |
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It would have been no major sacrifice at all for me to have been more cordial and accommodating; but, I had instead taken a pass. I do routinely enjoy vast quantities of solitude anyway, so... I resolved to be less self-serving the next time, and to offer a tiny glimpse at my own joy of life to those who seem to struggle to find it on their own. It appears there are many needy, socially malnourished folks running around out yonder, so... maybe next time I can help a less fortunate soul a bit more... at least to start. I can always just say no later...
DDT
I have my suspicions that you might be being a little hard on yourself. Either that, or I'm a bigger asshole than I realized. I remember a lady down on her luck in Roanoke, that I had already formed an opinion about, that you graciously provided a smoke and a shoulder to lean on. You describe yourself as socially recluse. And that may be so. But, you give 100% of yourself 99% of the time. (or...... like I said, I'm a bigger asshole than I realized) LONG LIVE THE VISION QUEST ! |
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Serk
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« Reply #8 on: August 03, 2020, 04:53:50 PM » |
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PC? DDT? ???
DDT has a history of choosing the less expensive and yet far superior in almost every way product so yeah, he's definitely a PC guy, can't see him buying a Mac! |
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away...  IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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Willow
Administrator
Member
Posts: 16631
Excessive comfort breeds weakness. PttP
Olathe, KS
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« Reply #9 on: August 03, 2020, 05:03:38 PM » |
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PC? DDT? ???
DDT has a history of choosing the less expensive and yet far superior in almost every way product so yeah, he's definitely a PC guy, can't see him buying a Mac! You do realize that blew right past a large percentage of our friends? |
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #10 on: August 03, 2020, 05:17:57 PM » |
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PC? DDT? ???
DDT has a history of choosing the less expensive and yet far superior in almost every way product so yeah, he's definitely a PC guy, can't see him buying a Mac! You do realize that blew right past a large percentage of our friends? Hey ! If I got it, everybody else is going to get it.  |
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Rams
Member
Posts: 16262
So many colors to choose from yet so few stand out
Covington, TN
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« Reply #11 on: August 03, 2020, 05:28:16 PM » |
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PC? DDT? ???
DDT has a history of choosing the less expensive and yet far superior in almost every way product so yeah, he's definitely a PC guy, can't see him buying a Mac! You do realize that blew right past a large percentage of our friends? Heck, even I got that one and I am very selective on who I call a friend. Rams  |
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VRCC# 29981
Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.
Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.
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scooperhsd
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« Reply #12 on: August 03, 2020, 05:52:44 PM » |
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I may have many "acquaitances" - but my "friends" list is pretty small, and people tend to stay on it a LONG TIME - we're talking DECADES...
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BradValk48237
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« Reply #13 on: August 03, 2020, 08:07:15 PM » |
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Not that reclusive Saturday night.... life of the party snuggling up with all the ladies and keeping me out past midnight......
But I had been slightly over served...
Good to “re meet” you and tell some tales
Til we meet again safe trips
Brad
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« Last Edit: August 03, 2020, 08:08:56 PM by BradValk48237 »
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Rams
Member
Posts: 16262
So many colors to choose from yet so few stand out
Covington, TN
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« Reply #14 on: August 04, 2020, 06:29:41 AM » |
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I may have many "acquaitances" - but my "friends" list is pretty small, and people tend to stay on it a LONG TIME - we're talking DECADES...
Ditto! The vast majority just happen to ride a Valkyrie. |
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« Last Edit: August 04, 2020, 06:31:17 AM by Rams »
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VRCC# 29981
Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.
Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.
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Wizzard
Member
Posts: 4043
Bald River Falls
Valparaiso IN
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« Reply #15 on: August 04, 2020, 07:05:07 AM » |
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I am not real sure but I believe I might have witnessed the scenerio described here by Bruce
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VRCC # 24157 |
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