Take a Chance, Live a Little
By Russell Bezzant
In everyday life we are faced with challenges. In this Multi Genre paper lets discuss a few accounts where risks were taken. Every one has taken a risk or chance at some time in their life.
Buying a used car and dating, happen to be two of the biggest chances we take. What are the things we look for in a new car? First, it has to give us reliable transportation from point "A" to point "B", RIGHT? Next, who doesn't take a good look at the appearance. A car has to fit our personality. Last but not least, all the options: CD player, A/C, power everything, and so on.
While dating the motive is to someday find the man or woman of our dreams and eventually get married. Appearance is important, but not nearly as important as the options: killer personality, enjoy similar interests, outgoing, kind, and so on and so forth. This process of elimination is very much like what we go through in buying a car.
The only difference between the two is that once we find our car, we may purchase the beauty. Dating on the other hand, has a catch. "This hot item has to like us back".
Both dating and buying a car have risk factors involved. The used car salesman, Vern, may have been a deceiving sweet talker. Sally, likewise, may have been sweet at first but shortly after her true colors show through.
Taking chances or risks is a part of life and growth can be developed with every chance we take. Besides who says, while chasing rainbows, cars, or chicks you'll never find that pot of gold.
CLIFF JUMPING
Three dripping bodies firmly stand on top of the 75 foot cliff above the waters of Lake Powell. Cheers of encouragement come from the boat below as the two boys and one girl contemplate whether or not to jump.
Tired of listening to the excuses of the so called "macho men", Kristy, the lady of the bunch was motivated to make the plunge first. Without warning she took one step, two step, and then three. Leaving the two pansies above she finally plunged into the water.
Jeff and David were fine with it until the antagonizing words came from below.
"Come on boys, I'll catch you", Kristy says, with laughter, as she climbs into the boat.
"No chick is going to show me up" David says as he climbs another 25 feet above her mark. Jeff quickly follows to redeem his pride also.
1, 2, and 3. They both jump together, hang time seems like forever. A serious of "yeee haaaaa's and oh yaa's" are broadcast as they both anticipate the landing. Jeff and David submerge in the water together.
With grins on their face they gracefully swim to the boat where the competition is. While climbing in David remarks, "beat that jump Kristy".
"Who da Man"
The night was very intense as the woman of his dreams was sitting right next to him with her hand resting on her knee. As the romantic movie rolled on, I observed the techniques of the fearless college student, one row away. Thoughts must be racing through his mind as he contemplated whether or not to hold her hand. "Does she want me to hold her hand?", "Will she think I'm too forward?", "I'm too big of a geek." He knew one of two things would happen, approval (yaa) or rejection (ouch).
With approval comes sweaty hands and puppy dog eyes. With rejection comes embarrassment and a stab of ones pride. He was faced with a decision. This would require taking a chance.
As courage overcame him, he gracefully swept her hand off her knee where it was perched. He did it! After a sigh of relief on both sides, the woman of his dreams laid her head on his shoulder. Oh yeah!
He accomplished his goal. "He da man." Now it was my turn to follow the smooth techniques of the gentleman sitting in front of me.
I-15
The peddle was stomped into the floor board of the car as Fernando rushes to his first day of work. Swerving in and out of traffic Fernando cuts off a car load of faithful car-poolers pushing them into the emergency lane. Brake lights are flashed, at the same time all five of the car-poolers flash their favorite finger towards Fernando's lime green Geo.
As the pride overcame him, the lime green speedster quickly returned the gesture. With the gas peddle to the floor, Fernando manages to leave the angry motorists in his past.
Managing to make it to work on time Fernando slicks his hair back so he can look smooth when he meets his new boss. Calmness overcomes him as he waits in the office.
As soon as the door was opened, fear shot through Fernando's body. Two words were spoken as he looked into the eyes of the lead car-pooler.
"YOUR FIRED".
Have you ever wondered why people do the things they do? In a recent interview, I found out how and why a local racer loves to ride motorcycles.
Q. How did you get into riding?
A. My grandfather had motorcycles all through my childhood and I grew to love them as I road them off and on throughout my childhood.
Q. How long have you been riding?
A. I started riding when I was about six years old. I bought my first motorcycle when I was about fourteen years old.
Q. Where is your favorite place to ride?
A. I really like going down to Green River, Utah. It's a great place to go and experience freedom and enjoy the many different beauties down there.
Q. How long have you been racing?
A. For about six years.
Q. How has taking risks on your motorbike improved you as a person?
A. I feel that taking risks on my motorcycle has helped me a lot as a person. Conquering new obstacles on my bike has given me the confidence to overcome just about anything that comes my way.
Q. What is your favorite thing about racing motocross?
A. The adrenaline rush. I mean when you're bar to bar with twenty other riders, flying sixty feet through the air, you can't help but get a little excited.
Q. What do you hope to accomplish during your racing career?
A. For now I'm just out their to have fun and race with my brothers and dad. It has been really good for our family in that way. To answer your question: I'm always looking for ways to improve. With that I would like to be able to compete on a professional level someday. To accomplish this I will have to dedicate a lot of time and training.
Q. What's your biggest fear with motorcycles?
A. Fear is what this sport is all about. It's that riding on the brink of disaster that really makes motorcycle riding so much fun. The one big fear that I have is the idea of that day when I'm going to have to put my bike away for good, but we know that won't happen for a long, long time.
Q. What's the worst injury you've ever had?
A. I would have to say that I have been pretty fortunate in my days (knock on wood). I've been banged up quite a few times, but the only serious injury I have sustained is a concussion.
Q. What's the biggest obstacle you've overcome?
A. The biggest obstacle I have overcome is winning my first race. Before then I never thought I could do it, but once I took that first checkered flag things rapidly changed. It instilled in me the confidence to go out and overcome those hard to tackle obstacles and to go faster and fly higher than I ever had before.
Q. What's your favorite thing to do on your motorcycle?
A. I love to jump. The feeling of flight is just awesome. Each jump brings a new challenge and accomplishment. From the small ones to the huge ones that really get you thinking about what the heck you're doing.
Q. How much longer do you plan on doing this?
A. Till the day I die. I plan on riding for as long as I can. I would like to give my kids the same opportunity that I had.
Mom knows best
The young man rushes home from school to ride his cherished peddle bike. Before the tire exits the garage. The voice of a concerned mother says, "you better change your school clothes".
"Mom, come on. I'll be OK. I'm a good rider."
With mom shrugging her shoulders, Jr. peddles off with his friends to the park where the first daredevil stunt was about to be performed. With the set of stairs in front of him. Jr. grasps his grips, grits his teeth, he's off. The bike approaches the first step. He jumps. He's in the air. Life is good. He sticks the landing heading for, oh no, not the garbage can. The bike stops. He's air born again. His school clothes are done for. Life sucks.
The walk home for Jr. was a long one, thoughts rushed through his mind, thinking about the burning pain coming from every hole in his cherished school clothes. Jr.'s pride is hurt and now it's time to face his dear mother.
As his front tire enters the garage, he hears the not quite stern, but obviously put out, those loving words. "I told you so."
Motocross
Seconds before the gate drops, clouds of blue, puffy smoke fill the air with a sweet smell comparable to mom's freshly baked pie. The rider's muscles stiffen as their hands tighten around the handlebars with the throttle rolled back half way.
All riders were staring at the gate with their clutches slightly engaged. The gate dropped, without hesitation the riders release the untamed power of their dirtbikes. The clutch slips out of their fingers. The noise of a hornet’s nest is carried through the air as they race to the first corner. Elbows and handlebars bump with the determination of each rider fighting for the number one position. "This is only the start," Aaron thinks, with a straight face and determined eyes, as he is placed in third place.
The leader number 60 launches his bike in the air, clearing the large triple. Girl's cheering on the left, are heard over the pipey engine as he maintains his two second lead.
A good look is taken at the graphics on the helmet of the second place rider. Aaron grins as he lands the jump smoothly and moves into the second place position, never looking back.
With moist dirt reflecting off his lenses, Aaron quickly moves to the rear tire of the leader. The pressure is on. Aaron follows closely as he carefully studies the number 60 machine in front of him. Taking the inside line, Aaron shows the leader his front tire. The leader begins to crack under the pressure as he bounces around nearly crashing in a series of bumps.
The white flag comes out as they both jump the triple in sequence. The wind cools their sweaty faces. They head down the straight away leaving the sounds of faithful fans behind. With one lap to go, Aaron repeats, "you're mine, you're mine" over and over again in his mind.
Heading into the series of bumps, their muscles begin to tighten and cramp. Side by side they attack the bumps with full throttle as the pain penetrates the forearms of both rivals. With the bikes rocking beneath them, the tired hands grasp tightly.
Pain shrieks through the cringe on the competitor’s face as his competitive hands are torn off the grips. The front tire of the fearless leader makes a sharp turn and digs into the dirt. The front of the bike stops as the back end continues causing him to do a "stop, drop, and roll." Aaron takes on the number one spot with ease as the competitor scrambles quickly to his bike.
The checkered flag flies high and Aaron has tastes moms blue ribbon pie. Airborne, Aaron struts some styling points with both legs extended and his eyes and finger pointing to the crazed girls on the front row.
HOW MANY OF US TAKE RISKS?
IN YOUR PERSONAL LIFE
(Answer each question Yes or No)
Do you:
- Eat nutritious, balanced meals and control your weight?
- Exercise regularly to maintain muscle tone and flexibility?
- Avoid tobacco products and avoid or severely limit your use of alcohol beverages?
- Get adequate rest and relaxation time?
- Adequately manage the stress factors in your life?
DURING RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES
Do you:
- Avoid activities which may be beyond your physical capabilities?
- Prohibit children in your family from participating in activities which may exceed their physical or mental maturity?
- Wear the appropriate protective equipment for the recreational activity?
- Adequately supervise the recreational activities of your children?
- Prevent access to dangerous recreational areas and equipment to those not adequately trained or mature enough?
AT HOME
Do you:
- Regularly conduct safety inspections of your home?
- Check the smoke detectors and conduct fire safety drills?
- Keep hazardous materials under lock and key and out of sight and reach of small children?
- Have a complete first aid kit available?
- Conduct safety discussions with your family on a regular basis?
ON THE ROAD
Do you:
- Drive only when your mind and body are free of drugs and alcohol?
- Insist that you and your passengers always wear safety belts?
- Regularly conduct a safety check of your vehicles?
- Drive defensively, avoid tailgating, speeding, running red lights or stop signs, and illegal passing?
- Watch out for other drivers who may not drive with the same safety attitude as you?
ON THE JOB
Do you:
- Work for a business that is concerned about your health and safety?
- Follow all established safety rules and regulations?
- Wear the proper clothing, shoes and other personal protective equipment required for safety?
- Keep all the guards and shields in place and practice safe housekeeping practice?
- Correct co-workers when you see them take risks and gamble their safety and that of others?
PLAYING IT SAFE
Not many of us could answer "yes" to all twenty-five questions. Not many of us "play it safe" all the time. But if you answered "No" to five or more of these questions, you are definitely a risk-taker. You are gambling with your health and safety and with the welfare of your family. (http://hammock.ifas.ufl.edu/txt/fairs/27206)
In a local survey, these questions were asked to a number of UVSC students and 8 out of ten students qualified as a risk taker. There are many things we tend to look over as risks. Taking risks or chances is part of everyday life.
Extreme skiing
The sharp, brisk wind struck us all like needles as we reached the top of Mt. Baldy. Smashed peanut butter and jelly sandwiches were quickly engulfed after peeling them out of the clear protective coating. Without further delay, Nate, Lance and I converted ourselves into official ski bums. Boots were placed securely on each foot, along with each ski. Gloves, covered each finger as they wrapped around the handles of the poles.
The smell of challenge was in the air, IT WAS TIME TO SKI!
"Sweet! check it out" Nate yelled as we broke the wilderness silence and glided across the firm surface. A series of "S" turns were made as we reached our favorite part of skiing.
"Nail it Nate," Lance says. Without hesitation Nate jumped off the cornice. His arms flapped in the wind as the daredevil teenager floated through the air anticipating a landing. Nates eyes are wide open as the skis break through the surface into the fluffy snow beneath. Lance and I followed right behind as the furthest mark was carefully judged.
"Its time for some form lessons," I yelled as we all started down the face of Baldy. The chilling wind blew glass-like slivers of snow, stinging our faces and cutting to the bone. Accomplishing every turn was challenging as the edges of the skis were catching like iceskates into the slope. Jump turns were the way to go as in sequence we cut our mark into the slope. No sooner than we started our run then it was over as we reached the end. "We did it! Nate said. We had skied the untouched."