"You can't always get what you want"

 I've finally gotten some sleep and feel human again. It's been a busy weekend. I'm starting to look forward to the alone time in my helmet. The bike wash on Saturday was a success :) You can check out the pics below!

 There was a punk rock show at Caledonia Lounge this weekend. One of my friends is a huge fan so I was lucky to get introduced to a fun style of music. And I added a few new local bands to my favorites list. Check out Burns Like Fire and Ganges Phalanges the next time you see them on a play bill.

 I got a gentle reminder this weekend the veterans The Wounded Warrior Project are helping could be (and are) my friends and loved ones. Even though I was raised by two military police officers- I find myself disgustingly ignorant of the challenges facing Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom veterans. The veterans of my generation. These guys and gals are my firemen, security gaurds, nurses, tutors, bartenders, fellow students, neighbors, and homeboys :)

 I was also reminded our OIF/OEF Veterans are just like me and nothing like me. They have similar dilemmas as I (Like how does my motorcycle collect so many effing bugs? Did I really forget to pay my cell phone bill? And my aging dog is making me anxious about leaving him for this trip...). But veterans are very different from me in the sacrifices they've made and their life experiences. Most vets have spent months or years away from their loved ones on boats and planes. But mostly alternatively baking and freezing in the desert. Sometimes living in tents with an inescapable threat of death or serious bodily injury every day. So take care of the veterans in your life because they took care of you (in ways we won't ever know or understand).

I spoke to a young, veterans wife this weekend that told me about WWP provided her husband with job training and hooked him up with businesses that were hiring. She told me that they recently took him fishing. She explained exactly how valuable that trip was in reducing his stress level, helping him be a better father, husband, and employee. I'm proud to be raising money for WWP. 

 Your next opportunity to come out and have a good time for a worthy cause is May 16th (from 6pm until 11pm....or midnight... or lets see how the night goes ;) We are organizing a bon voyage celebration at Allison Creek Farm. It will be an intimate setting with lots of laughter and cheers, taking advantage of their pavilion and bar area. A friend of my family is gonna cook up some ribs (I'm thinking about begging Trae up at Kumquat Mae to conjure up some delicious food with her magic.)  But I think we are going to keep it to finger style foods and a wet bar downstairs. You can find the address below but please contact me to get on the list. Anyone is welcome to attend. There will of course be music :) I've started working on a play list for this party.

 Also regarding music, I need a few suggestions for music to listen to on my trip, I'd like to know what y`all listen to while you travel. Maybe I'll do a post about it somewhere along the way.

Bike Wash and Cookout Thanks to:
 Everyone who attended, brought bikes, appetites, and smiles :)
 Arienne, Amy, Rachel donated their time and energy to help me wash bikes (also one Vespa and a Porsche) and collect donations. Thank you, my friends, for being willing to get dirty, and doing the tiring work.
 Bob Suter and DJ Clarke as grillers.
 NPRDucati for the pavement, water, hours invested, promotions, and most importantly expertise, I'm sure I'm forgetting somethi
 Kumquat Mae for the delicious cookies :)
 Cori Carter and Justin Morris for taking pics. 
 My father, my sister, and Duarte for the background support. 

 This endeavor has been another reminder of my amazing support system, not just my family but my invaluable friends. I hope I bring half as much value to your lives as you bring to mine. And thank you for putting up with my energy :) 

~Amanda Terranova
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Read more about why I chose The Wounded Warrior Project

 

  

 

       

  

 

 

 

sugarlips and bikerchicks

 One of the Good Ol' Georgia boys I know just called me "sugarlips," I got a kick out of that :) So, the day is fast approaching when I leave! I took my last final on the 6th, and I started packing this morning (I'll do a separate post on the complete pack list). I need to do some housecleaning and hit the grocery store (/liquor store to stock up for my friends staying at my house). I have a thousand emails to send, you should see my to-do list :( 

My dog checking out the
pile in my living room ready
to pack into saddle bags :)

 I picked up a wrist splint from Care Medical on Prince Ave for $36. My throttle wrist has been giving me some trouble (sometimes the outside of the joint burns SOOO badly). So Ive been trying to rehab it and build its strength before my trip. I switched up my workout routine to include fingertip wall pushups, and planks with fists (instead of on the flats of my hands). I have Ashley Maxwell, a friend and colleague, to thank for the rehab advice- she knows her shit, its really helping!  I also have a Cramp Buster on the way. It is a $9 device that fits around the throttle and lets you maintain speed but releases your grip. I will let you know how well it works. 

 Cramp Buster

 In case you haven't heard- This Saturday (May 10th) a few girlfriends and I are having a Bike Wash from 10am to 2pm at NPRDucati. Come by and let us wash the highway off your bike. Proceeds will benefit The Wounded Warrior Project. We will be firing up the grill for some burgers and hotdogs! So bring a beer or two and hang out for the afternoon :) Also please, please spread the word! I could use your help inviting people. 

 Preparations for the kickoff party at Allison Creek Farm are under way. Keep your schedule clear for the evening of May 16th and I will send out the rest of the information soon! My sister and I are also working on a party at Durhamtown when Margie and I get back so expect those details soon as well :) I am heading to Stagecoach in Buckhead to see a few friends tonight and pick up more donations. So far between pledges and donations we have raised about $5000!!! 

 I've dreamed off and on through the years of getting a license to fly a plane. So when I met a pilot last weekend I enjoyed the opportunity to learn a little bit about the lifestyle. Our conversation left me with the realization that I had no idea what its like to be a pilot. While I am certain that I would enjoy the well-known benefits of a captains uniform (the layovers, chasing sunsets and oh how I love discovering new restaurants- hey I know myself ;) Turns out pilots work A LOT, not to mention the time investment to even get licensed. And its more sunrises than sunsets (which are equally amazing--I just usually sleep through them). I don't think it pays very well, at least in the beginning. Yes, he had some heart thumping stories similar to the ones I find on my motorcycle, but in the end, I think a high altitude life would be too lonely for me. I have deep roots here in Athens. And I like seeing both family and friends often :) Perhaps if I ever find myself with a lot of extra time (and money) it would be a fun adventure. 

 Last night a friend and I checked out Athens Word of Mouth. I really didn't know what to expect, except person after person reading their poems. And I'm happy to report I was impressed with the quality of work our Athens poets produced. The verses were inspiring and captivating. The audience was appriciative of the courage it takes to get on stage and bare your soul. If you like this kind of thing and want to check it out the group meets the first Wednesday of every month at The Globe. You can even sign up to share something you've written.  

 I don't write poetry (I'm still struggling with the idea that I've become a writer), but I want to share my favorite poem from my favorite poet. "To The Not Impossible Him" by Edna St. Vincent Millay. IMO, Millay is one of the most fascinating women of the 20th century. One of the first openly bisexual woman, she lived in NYC during the Roaring Twenties, you've probably heard her "First Fig" (My candle burns at both ends; / It will not last the night; / But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends— / It gives a lovely light!).

"To The Not Impossible Him"

HOW shall I know, unless I go
  To Cairo and Cathay,
Whether or not this blessed spot
  Is blest in every way?
Now it may be, the flower for me
  Is this beneath my nose;
How shall I tell, unless I smell
  The Carthaginian rose?
The fabric of my faithful love
  No power shall dim or ravel
Whilst I stay here,–but oh, my dear
  If I should ever travel!

---->  Here's a hint, reread it- because it's not about travelling at all, it is about men.      

Until next time, 
~Amanda Terranova

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Bike Wash for WWP

Bring your bike for a wash this Saturday (May 10th) to NPR Ducati! Me and a few of my girlfriends are going to be scrubbing bikes and collecting donations from 10a-2p. There will be food near lunchtime :) Most likely burgers and such! Come hang out, eat, and ride a clean bike home (but bring your checkbook ;).

Facebook event page can be found HERE.

I borrowed this pic from ducati.org. Thanks guys!

Funds raised benefitting my Motochicks for The Wounded Warrior Project fundraiser, which you can learn about by clicking this link. 

Please spread the word! And contact me if you have any questions or suggestions! 

~Amanda Terranova 

Follow me on
Google Plus: Amanda Terranova
Facebook: FromTheRefuge
Twitter: FromTheRefuge
Youtube: Amanda Terranova