J

I take a lot of risks, many of which people don't seem to understand. I've failed at so many things in my life, that there is one thing I do really well. One thing I NEVER fail at. Adventure. Be it wilderness survival, the rush of going 200mph on one of my bikes, or something else, these experiences enrich my life in a way that I cannot find anywhere else. They bring something to my life that no friend, no woman, no family members could ever give me. This is not to say that friends, women, and family can't give you something you can't get anywhere else, but adventure is something I require to maintain a healthy mental state.&&&***If a man dies while aggressively living life to it's fullest, then that death was not in vain, nor tragic. However untimely death may be, it's something of a poetic end to the otherwise epic adventure of life. I would not pitty such a person, nor ask pitty for myself. We should all be so fortunate as to die doing what we love.***&&&===Not that I want to curse myself, but if something SHOULD ever happen to me, do not pity me or feel sorry for me. I would rather live to 30 having the adventures I do, than live a safe & boring life to 100.***&&&===Oddly enough, after having written this, this November, I was diagnosed with Cancer in my jaw (lower mandible), the same day my Grandfather (whom I was taking care of) died. The cancer was identified as Osteosarcoma...which oddly, is almost ALWAYS found in the long bones (legs, arms, etc). For whatever reason, I am the 1 in 75-100 million people, who gets it in the jaw. I am now bald from chemo therapy, and life has taken a drastic turn for me. I should finish up chemo therapy sometime around Christmas, and when I bounce back it's going to be with a new found energy. My month long solo wilderness survival trip (with no pre-obtained food), and solo motorcycle trip through Baja, and half a dozen central American countries is nothing. Next I plan to ride the Baja 1000 race, and then the following year buy a used 40' sailboat, put one of my motorcycles on it, and sail around the world. Each country I stop at, I'll unload my motorcycle, and explore it.***&&&===If there is one thing cancer has taught me, it's that you should not live your life in fear of the possibility of danger. If the possible pay-off is "epic" enough, that you think it will change or enhance your life...do it. You could be a "Stay At Home" parent your entire life, never take any risks, and be driving to the grocery store one day, and get hit by a drunk driver. You could be flying away for a vacation somewhere, and die. Or...you could be diagnosed with cancer, and lose the battle. Treat each day as your last. Never let bad blood settle. If you have a problem, fix it NOW, don't wait, because today could be your last day.