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You Go, Girl! |
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by Diane Gross
Have you ever heard that -- or is it just me? Was buying a Harley at my age totally out of character? If so, why didn't that thought ever cross my mind? Just so you know -- there are really good reasons why I -- now at the whopping "OLD age" of 53, ride a Harley. It's American made, it's a fun way to travel, it's exciting and new, and quite frankly -- I needed it! I am hitting these beautiful Georgia roads on two wheels and meeting people just like me and having a blast -- so get out of my face! Why do so many of my "friends" and family automatically think that because I am a granny, I should look and act the part? Just because my hair is long but not in a bun -- and I work out to keep fit enough to ride a motorcycle -- some think I am indulging in ludicrous behavior! What does "act your age" mean anyway? Actually, I believe that I stopped acting my age when I got married and started raising a family at nineteen. I must bare the truth for my generation. We have worked hard and if we have taken care of our responsibilities, it's okay to do something for ourselves. It's okay to take a cruise. It's okay to buy that beach house getaway you can finally afford! It's okay to take that long trip to see this beautiful land in which we live -- and it shouldn't matter if it's on four wheels or just two! We certainly DO deserve some fun in our lives now that for some of us, our children are grown and retirement is staring us in our weathered faces! Why is it that if you finally do something you've never had the opportunity to do before (because you had a commitment to behave responsibly), everybody says you are having a "mid-life crisis?" Who came up with that phrase "mid-life crisis" anyway -- some kid worried that his parents will squander away "his inheritance?"
So I finally can afford to buy a Harley Davidson motorcycle -- and my friends, relatives, and co-workers whisper about me behind my back. Or to my face: "Oh Diane ... I love your leather vest hun" ... then turn to Mary and say, "Can you believe her ... I'd like to know where she has her tattoo!?" Well, I don't have a tattoo YET -- and I wear leather because it is the best material to have over my body if I am unfortunate enough to slide across pavement in my travels. Why do I feel the need to explain? My goodness ... let me just slap myself in the head!!!! What am I thinking?!? A Harley! And just where do I think I'm going???? Shame on me. I mean, what if the kids need money to bury me or pay leftover debt? I could die tomorrow -- after all, I'm 53 and now living dangerously! I should be listening to my kids, grandkids, friends, and co-workers (who "behave" themselves) when they say, "act your age!" Act my age? Oh . . . I don't think so. This Georgia Peach just whispered in her own ear and said to herself, "You Go, Girl!” And I will -- I plan to see this great country from sea to shining sea on my new little sporty. Crisis? Nope, not at all -- I call it my "mid-life CELEBRATION and I DESERVE IT!"
"HarleyGirl Diane," as she's known in biking circles, can be reached by email via her real name, Diane Gross. Read HarleyGirl Diane's other stories -- click here. |
Hey
girl ... aren't you a bit "too old" to be acting like this? 
I
think those who condemn us for being a little selfish at this
point in our lives must just be a bit jealous. Maybe they are
still strapped with debt or have to raise their children's children.
Maybe they are physically limited because of sickness or accident
or just not taking care of themselves. If someone is able to have
fun at 53 -- why wouldn't everyone be encouraging?