Most of the time being a grown up is ok, and I use that term "grown up" rather loosely when I talk about myself. I'm still sort of a kid, I act like one most of the time and I'm pretty damn immature.
But around this time of year, it's hard not to miss being a full on kid.
I remember when I was five, Santa brought me a Honda QA50. Dude, it wasn't the fastest thing around but it was a hell of a lot of fun for a little kid.
I wasn't afraid of anything as a youngster. I would try anything at least once. Much more if I didn't wind up in the emergency room. That happened several times.
While I accept 50% of the blame for my recklessness, the other half rests squarely on the shoulders of my parents. They used to take me and my sister to events like motorcycle races, demolition derbies and my favorite, the Thrill Show in the Astrodome.
I saw Debbie Lawler jump Chevy Pickups in 1974. Holy smokes, she was HOT! I got in line for her autograph about 5 times. She recognized me on the 3rd or 4th and the last time she gave me a kiss. I was the happiest kid in the whole Dome.
I saw Gary Wells jump there also. I don't remember the year for that one though.
It wasn't long after I got the QA50 that I began setting up ramps in our front yard and jumping wagons and bicycles and other stuff. I don't know if I ever aspired to be a professional motorcycle jumper, I didn't usually think that far ahead, but it was a lot of fun.
