Month: June 2011

This weekend I took a motorcycle safety class. It was a two day course with classroom session in the morning and a range session in the afternoon.

So why? Several people asked me, mid-life crisis? I dunno. Maybe. But I’ve been accused of that then I decided to go bungee jumping. I just felt like I was in a pattern and needed something to break that pattern. I wanted to learn something new. Since I’ve been wanting to learn how to go putt-putt on a scooter for a while (maybe 2-1/2 years?), and more recently, have been interested in the workings of a motorcycle, I decided to do it one day while driving home. Like the Nike commercial: Just Do It.

Of course, after signing up, and talking with a few people, I thought, oh, no! What am I getting myself into?! But I plowed ahead. That and I paid money.

The classroom session was nothing. I passed the written test there with only 1 mistake. Go me!

The range session was a bit different. It was scary at first, but you know what? The instructors did a good job of preparing us on getting to know our bikes. I felt like they were giving us baby steps, and it was good. By the end, I was comfortable shifting from 1st gear to 2nd gear, and coming to a complete stop with both hand and foot brakes.

I rode a Yamaha duel bike. I’m not sure exactly what kind though.

The only real hitch I had was at the very end of the first day. When we were finished, we were told to park our bikes at the end of the parking lot. I had a dehydration headache, was mentally and physically fatigued, and just wanted to go home, so I forgot to put the kickstand down when I got off the bike. I realized my mistake as soon as the bike started tipping over onto me. I went down and knocked my head on the concrete. Fortunately, I had a helmet on, so no concussion for me. Knocked my left hand knuckles into the ground pretty hard, too, but it was okay since I borrowed sturdy riding gloves from a coworker.

Near the end of the second day was the riding test. If I failed, I could take the class again as standby for free. I passed the course, so I’ll be getting a certificate in the mail I can take to the DMV. I have to pass the written test there, but I don’t have to do the riding portion to get my M1 class added to my license. Nice!

I’ve only gone to the gym twice since the Santa Monica 24 Hour Fitness closed for renovations and an upgrade from Sport to Super Sport. ATVI is getting a tour of the place next week, and I signed up to go. Nothing like a little reconnaissance. I can’t wait to hit the gym during lunch again.

Tuesday was the day TA let us out to go to E3. There wasn’t much I wanted to check out besides the Wii U. Playstation Vita seemed interesting, but seeing how I wasn’t a fan of the PSP, I wasn’t particularly enthusiastic about getting my hands of the new incarnation.

The most I got to see of the Wii U was from about 5 feet away. The line to play the Wii U was too long.

Also played a demo song of the new Glee Karaoke Revolution. They still had the annoying, “Glee!” chime in when you sing a note in tune. I hope they allow the option to turn that off…

The game I would have LOVED to play: StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm. It wouldn’t be there because Blizzard has their on convention to show off their new titles.

The last thing I did at E3 was go to the Into the Pixel gallery reception. It was interesting. Adamu and I got caught on video on CNN. You don’t see my face though.

Breakdown: I don’t think E3 was great this year. There weren’t that many must see titles, at least in my opinion and the opinion of my coworkers that I’ve asked. Maybe I’m getting old and jaded. I mostly went to take pictures anyways.