up for air
I don’t know how long this moment of relative clarity will last or how legible this post will be, but I hate feeling so disconnected from this space and so a brief explanation is in order. I thought I was no longer sick when we set out for a 700-mile motorcycle trip Friday morning, but apparently hurtling through icy wind and rain on the back of a vibrating chrome jumbo-bullet is not the way to fast-track recovery. For most of the weekend I was fine, maybe a little sniffly, but that was to be expected, what with the constant drizzle and fog and all around general bone chill that comes with spending hours at a time on a motorcycle.
Once a year the tiny town of Tomahawk, Wisconsin plays host to thousands of Harley enthusiasts, its downtown strip devolving into a five-block biker bar. My small gang included only my mother-in-law, her boyfriend, and Dave, and as badass as I felt on the inside, I’m not sure it translated though my Ann Taylor jeans and my borrowed men’s leather jacket. This lady in line behind us for breakfast ordered a beer to sustain her wait, and when she learned it could be up to 20 minutes she demanded two. I, on the other hand, shopped for pottery.
Despite the fact that I am clearly not cut from the appropriate cloth, I loved spending the rare weekend with Dave sans kids and no TV and bunk beds on the lake and spotty to no internet on my phone. It rained almost nonstop, remnants of Ike pushed so very far from home, and I thought nothing of it as I stood there for hours upon hours soaking wet in the street, baptized and fortified by love and cheap beer and the constant collective drone of thousands of bikes undulating as one. I had this funny thought around 9pm Saturday as I watched these dudes shoot t-shirts from an air gun atop the stage of one of the bands, the crowd pushing in waves to catch the prizes, a cold hard shove to my back, all for the love of a Pabst Blue Ribbon tee: Here, people are celebrating. Yes, down there, refugees are awaiting their fates from the safety of evacuation zones, but up here we are dancing in benign cold rain from the same distant storm and it’s not meant to be cruel, and it’s not meant to be flippant, it’s just simply human nature, since the beginning of time, that where there is great sorrow in one place there is always great celebration in another, simultaneously. It’s just the way of the world, it’s just the way we spin. Speaking of spinning, I should have recognized those frenzied musings for the fever then.
The next morning, the four-hour ride home stretched out like eternity. Curled into a ball against Dave’s back, frigid, teeth chattering, every pothole a bomb up my spine, I prayed and prayed and prayed for us to finally be home, for the love of God, gritted my teeth against each stop, tried to keep my head attached to my neck lest it pop off in protest. I was so miserable. Once home, finally, I crawled into bed about 2pm yesterday and promptly lost my will to move. I have lost my voice as well, and I haven’t felt this sick in ages, a big fat man squatting on my throat, a cough that wracks my entire esophogas, stabbing aches in dozens of places. Piles of work, piles of emails, hundreds of blogs to read, an entire afternoon that should have been a happy reunion with my children wasted, and all I can think to do is shrink myself to miniature so I can dive into this mug of scalding tea and drown.
OK, so I’m a little dramatic when I’m sick. It really was a fun weekend, it just ended in flames. Or rather, it hasn’t ended yet, not until this fever breaks.
I leave you with a picture of my gang. Bet you wouldn’t mess with us, huh?
(No, Dave’s grandma didn’t go, she was just proudly seeing us off. This is the beginning of the trip, when I still have color in my cheeks and before my hair started doing its famous Don King impression. How hot is my husband in his chaps, by the way? Just saying.)
Wait, one more thing, I almost forgot: One of the things that sucked about being away from my computer for so long was that I couldn’t point you all in the direction of THIS on Friday. See if you can tell which photo is mine — I know at least one of you got it wrong, thinking Jenny the Bloggess was me – but the look I’m rocking in this era is pre-Sally Jessie Raphael glasses. (If you haven’t gotten in on the new fun that is Fug Fridays, you’re missing out big time. Submit your photos, I can’t wait to see you all exploited and cute.)
Jim says:
The weekend sounds fun, but I feel so sorry for you for your ride home. Get better soon.
If I see that group coming up fast behind me, I’ll pull over fast.
P.S. Hell’s Angels called…you’ve been demoted to a Heck’s Angel.
September 15th, 2008 at 7:58 am
Renée aka Mekhismom says:
Oh, I am so sorry to hear that you are sick. It sounds awful. I am wishing you a speedy recovery! And your MIL rides? Cool!
Renée aka Mekhismom’s last blog post..Do Something
September 15th, 2008 at 7:58 am
The Stiletto Mom says:
Poor thing! I had the same thing but I was mercifully in bed while the remnants of Ike blew through which was nice…if you have to be sick, best to pick a rainy day to do so!
You guys are one bad ass lookin’ crew…
The Stiletto Mom’s last blog post..The Toof Fairy
September 15th, 2008 at 8:10 am
we_be_toys says:
Oy! Motorcycling in the rain with a wicked virus abrewing? Yah, not so good…!
My poor Maggie, get some rest and kick that fat little man off of your throat pronto-like. It’s no fun in the blogosphere without you.
I had a hell of a time guessing which picture was you – there wasn’t any tell-tale Curly Maggie Hair to go by! You were so styling girl!!
we_be_toys’s last blog post..Anniversary of a Nightmare
September 15th, 2008 at 8:19 am
Wendy says:
Awww. Sorry you got so sick, but it sure sounds like fun to be on the back of a vibrating chrome jumbo bullet for the weekend. Teehee. I don’t understand why y’all didn’t let Grandma go, though. She looks like a blast!
Don’t feel bad for celebrating while others were having it hard. If you worried about that too much, you’d never celebrate. Just mourn all the time for someone else’s tragedy.
I’m glad I found your blog! It’s great. I hope you feel better soon
Wendy’s last blog post..Just Resting. Not Quitting.
September 15th, 2008 at 8:40 am
Gwen says:
I love when I find out these totally unexpected things about bloggers–like you and a Harley!
Sorry you’re sick, though.
Gwen’s last blog post..Lips that Never Speak
September 15th, 2008 at 8:43 am
Twenty Four At Heart says:
I’d pay money to see Grandma on a Harley. You should have taken her with you. Hope you feel better soon. If it is any comfort, everyone out here in California is sick too even though the weather is spectacular. (In fact my post today is about snot – aren’t I a deep and thoughtful writer?!)
September 15th, 2008 at 9:00 am
Natalie says:
I think guys get a bad rap for being babies when they are sick, because I am a total drama queen. Moaning and groaning and the whole works.
I hope you feel better soon, my dear. There is some pretty nasty stuff going around right now.
I LOVE that picture, you should have put granny on the motorcycle! HA!
September 15th, 2008 at 9:15 am
O'Neal says:
Awwww, hope you feel better soon! It sucks even more to get sick when you’re a Mommy cause Mommies CAN’T get sick! Or at least they can’t just stop to recover like a Daddy could… (NO offense to anyone!)
O’Neal’s last blog post..Proof that I have always had mental problems?
September 15th, 2008 at 9:26 am
Whitney @ Baby Tunnel Exodus says:
A lifetime ago my husband and I made a 4 hour trip home on a motorcycle in the rain too. But we were young and dumb enough to have a street bike – Y’all were riding in high luxury; neat picture! There is never a good time to get sick when you’re the Mama – Praying you feel better soon! Blessings, Whitney
Whitney @ Baby Tunnel Exodus’s last blog post..Childhood Cancer Awareness
September 15th, 2008 at 9:36 am
PAPA says:
I was dragging a bit yesterday, too but sans taking a big trip. Ana said it was because the moon was full. I said what the hell? But totally went with it. Today, the moon is also kicking my a*s.
September 15th, 2008 at 9:37 am
Betsey Booms says:
There is nothing worse than not feeling well on the back of a bike in foul weather.
One thing I learned? A pair of earplugs makes the entire trip way more tolerable! You’d be amazed!
Betsey Booms’s last blog post..It’s Friday, Yo
September 15th, 2008 at 9:37 am
sam {temptingmama} says:
You = AWESOME.
Get well soon friend!
September 15th, 2008 at 9:51 am
Jennifer says:
Love the pic of Granny w/ the choppers. (Choppers? Is that the right slang for motorcylces?)
The ride home sounds like a nightmare–you poor thing! I hope you get lots of tea and aspirin and sleep and that you’re better soon.
Jennifer’s last blog post..Anatomy of a Bacon Breakdown
September 15th, 2008 at 9:52 am
Jen @ blissfully caffeinated says:
You guys are BADASS. I wouldn’t mess with you MoFos. Especially the little one in the hot pink pants. She looks like she could take a beeyotch DOWNTOWN.
Hope you feel better soon.
P.S. Checked you out the other day at Fug Friday and I lurved your Olivia Newton John look. The headband, the socks, it was so cute! I freaking miss the 80′s, man.
Jen @ blissfully caffeinated’s last blog post..“Stop Using Words That Diminish Us…Like Boner Shrinker…”
September 15th, 2008 at 9:57 am
stacy di says:
Ann Taylor jeans…SO funny!! sounds like a fun weekend.
Feel better soon.
September 15th, 2008 at 10:06 am
qt says:
Tomahawk weekend always has horrible weather. I went last year, and I am pretty sure if you look at my post, you can see SLEET on the windshield of the bike…feel better soon!
qt’s last blog post..Good Eats – Seattle
September 15th, 2008 at 10:20 am
qt says:
PS – loving the new look of the site!
qt’s last blog post..Good Eats – Seattle
September 15th, 2008 at 10:21 am
merlotmom says:
I did see you on Fug Friday. Too cute. Hope you feel better soon, biker chick.
merlotmom’s last blog post..Merlotmom Does Japan – Part 2: The Sights, The Sounds, and The Sacrilege
September 15th, 2008 at 10:49 am
anymommy says:
Oh, you guys so rock the motor cycle gang scene. That picture is classic, with your adorable tiny grandma in the middle! I hope you feel better in no time. I know that climb into my scalding hot tea and drown feeling (although I never would have thought to put it that way!). It sucks.
anymommy’s last blog post..Sister of My Heart
September 15th, 2008 at 11:45 am
Captain Dumbass says:
I don’t know if I’d want to travel 700 miles on a motorbike even if I was healthy. Lookin pretty hot in that leather, though.
Captain Dumbass’s last blog post..Got Ink?
September 15th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
Jenny, Bloggess says:
If you lived in pioneer times you totally would be dying of pneumonia right now. Or yellow fever. Maybe both. I’m glad we don’t like in pioneer times.
Jenny, Bloggess’s last blog post..Hurrication: All I never wanted (updated)
September 15th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
Mojo says:
Okay, figured out Dave from the chaps, but who’s the babe on his left? Oh wait a minute…
Yeah, I guess he’s hot in his chaps… doesn’t quite do it for me, but you wouldn’t expect that. You on the other hand… are stunning.
Don’t think I want to run afoul of the leader of the pack down front either. She does not look like someone to be trifled with!
Mojo’s last blog post..Thematic Photographic 15: "Closeup" (v.2.0) My Garage Redux
September 15th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
mom in law says:
I am sad I didn’t know you felt so bad! Thanks for hangin’ in there. I loved the time with you two! Feel beeter soon. Hugs
September 15th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
mom in law says:
That would be feel BETTER soon, not beeter!
September 15th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Mojo says:
Damn you were even a cute kid! (BTW, you gave it away in the caption… just sayin’)
Mojo’s last blog post..Thematic Photographic 15: "Closeup" (v.2.0) My Garage Redux
September 15th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
OHmommy says:
LOL. I scrolled through your post, in my reader, earlier today and ASSumed that you rode. Your hot husband is hiding you.
And your kid picture is too cute. I might have to find one of myself. I was so awkward as a child in the 80s.
OHmommy’s last blog post..Not regretting it.
September 15th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
Rhea says:
That’s quite a gang! And deep (fever-induced) thoughts in the middle of a crowd. I like it.
It’s all about perspective. I hope to never lose it.
Rhea’s last blog post..Black Hockey Jesus
September 15th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
A Free Man says:
Never having really been butch enough to pull off the whole Harley thing, I tend to avoid two wheeled motorized transport entirely. So, I can’t really imagine anything fun that involves the words “sick”, “cold”, “motorcycle”, “tomahawk” and “wet” in the same sentence. But I would totally knock anyone down for a PBR t-shirt.
Nice old photo – digging the sort of piecemeal Flashdance look.
A Free Man’s last blog post..I only feel alive when the VU is flashing
September 15th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
Heather says:
I second the badassness. I also wanted to tell you that I have been very sick as well. (Insert lame virus joke.)
Heather’s last blog post..Women READ THIS:
September 15th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
Maria says:
Still loving the new design!!
Maria’s last blog post..dear gas prices
September 15th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
Susan says:
One of the best times I ever had was on the back of a Harley, It was warm outside though. I can’t imagine riding in the rain..let alone, the cold.
Hope you feel better soon!
Susan’s last blog post..Trying to psych myself up
September 15th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
Felicity says:
Poor Maggie! Did your snot freeze like in Dumb and Dumber? Priceless moment. And chaps are definitely sexy!
Felicity’s last blog post..50/50
September 15th, 2008 at 9:13 pm
Tina says:
You totally rock. And that picture is fabulous – I’m thinking you should blow it up, frame it and hang it over the mantle. Hope you feel better really soon.
Tina’s last blog post..Is this an omen?
September 15th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
vodkamom says:
you’re pretty damn cool, aren’t you??? And yeah, I need to get my husband a pair or those chaps. even if he doesn’t have a Harley….
vodkamom’s last blog post..The "Ass" Family Reunion
September 16th, 2008 at 3:52 am
Black Hockey Jesus says:
I had no idea before reading this that you were a biker chick.
The facets the facets.
Black Hockey Jesus’s last blog post..Note On The Door
September 16th, 2008 at 5:46 am
Mojo says:
Hope you’re feeling better today dammit.
Get well soon Mags… we miss you!
Mojo’s last blog post..Relentless Redux
September 16th, 2008 at 6:36 am
Kat says:
700 miles on a frigging motorcycle, and you thought *I* was nuts for staying during a hurricane? I know motorcycles are sexy and all, but the last time I rode one on the highway was the last time I rode one, period. Too many crazy ass drivers in Texas to risk life and limb on a bike.
But I’m glad you had fun, and I’m sorry you’re so sick!
Kat’s last blog post..Hell Hath No Fury Like Ike
September 16th, 2008 at 10:05 am
Mojo says:
Sounds like you might be getting some of your fight back girl! Enough to hurl a very appropriate epithet at the Big “C” anyway. What I forgot to do was link to the last post I did on that subject, back when Julia first passed. It explains where some of today’s post came from.
Funny, I could have used that for my Ruby Tuesday post, but I didn’t. But what I did use was tied really closely to it.
BTW, I loved the Mustang too… But I cringe at the money that guy must have put into it.
Mojo’s last blog post..Relentless Redux
September 16th, 2008 at 10:22 am
San Diego Momma says:
You look totally bad ass. I pegged you for a biker chick the first time I read your blog. I don’t know, it just came to me, and I went with it.
San Diego Momma’s last blog post..PROMPTuesday #22: Writing Poetry
September 16th, 2008 at 10:35 am
karey m. says:
oy…i can feel your sick. or maybe it’s that weather {thought i blocked out that midwest sideways icy rain. it’s back.}
and yes. chaps. lovely. i mean, badass. eek.
karey m.’s last blog post..the s word…
September 16th, 2008 at 11:08 am
Gypsy says:
I love those fish-out-of-water times, when you’re part of the mass but standing apart from it, too, enjoying the people watching and the glimpse into a world that could never be your own, not really.
But sorry about the cold.
September 16th, 2008 at 11:16 am
Vixen says:
Hope you recover quickly…maybe some hot toddies would help?
September 16th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
noble pig says:
Okay I cracked up when I thought Grandma with her pink pants went along…how awesome would that be! Love it. I hope you are feeling better.
noble pig’s last blog post..No Monkeying Around
September 16th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
Megan says:
I hope you feel better soon!
Megan’s last blog post..Pre-wedding Jitters Pt 2
September 16th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
The Stiletto Mom says:
comment schmoment….reading this? okay fine dammit maggie. hope you are feeling better!
September 16th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
Cindy says:
Feel better. Football season is no time to be sick.
Cindy’s last blog post..Right Music, Wrong Words
September 16th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
patty says:
It must be kismet. I followed you here from Whiskey’s place, after I posted an ode to my Harley-ridin’ mother in law.
A little Jack Daniels will cure what ails ya.
Not really. But you won’t care quite so much any more.
patty’s last blog post..sadist & associates
September 16th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
insane mama says:
Are you still sick? I love Granny, she’s so cute and YES, you guys are a bad ass group. I wouldn’t mess with you
insane mama’s last blog post..Swirly Stuff and Meanie people
September 16th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
The Stiletto Mom says:
commentschmoment….okay fine dammit…maggie, hope you are feeling better!!
The Stiletto Mom’s last blog post..Snee
September 16th, 2008 at 5:57 pm
manager mom says:
Hope you are feeling better, Ms. Mags. It sucks to end such a great weekend in a blaze of germs.
And, you looked MUCH better in your fug than I looked in mine.
manager mom’s last blog post..Manager Mom’s Gallery Of Shame, Part 2
September 16th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
Andrew says:
OMG! I almost passed out Monday morning when Dave told me you were sick in a txt… all I could think was it was the cake!!!
Hope your better!!
Lunch SOON!!!
September 16th, 2008 at 6:21 pm
sam {temptingmama} says:
Test, test – Again!
way to fluff up the comments Mags!
September 16th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
chanda says:
Oh, Girlfriend! I hope you feel better soon. Those knock you on your ass colds/bubonic plague things are the worst! My suggestion is ginger root tea (yes, it’s your granola girl friend). Take some raw peeled ginger and boil it in water until it smells a lot like pledge, then pour in a cup, add OJ and drink. It’s awful shit, but I swear it works.
Great pictures! I never pegged you for a motorcycle mamma, you guys look totally hawt.
chanda’s last blog post..Of Wine and Comfort.
September 16th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
Jennifer H says:
It’s about time for Ann Taylor and Harley Davidson to do a tie-in…and now they have their model!
Hope you feel better…
Jennifer H’s last blog post..The one where she loses her PG-13 rating…
September 16th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
nora says:
I’m speechless with your coolness. I wouldn’t even presume to be in the presence of your coolness if I hadn’t witnessed an old Spanish lady ordering a cerveza with her morning pastry in Barcelona.
nora’s last blog post..Lemonade out of lemons
September 16th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
emmysuh says:
“it’s not meant to be cruel, and it’s not meant to be flippant, it’s just simply human nature, since the beginning of time, that where there is great sorrow in one place there is always great celebration in another, simultaneously.”
This is one of the best delightfully exquisite and yet simply stated truths I’ve read in a blog, and I’m probably going to save it and share it with more people soon.
Sorry you’re sick!
And for the record, I probably wouldn’t mess your gang!
September 16th, 2008 at 10:02 pm
nutmeg says:
Way hot! And you are soooo cool! Feel better girl.
nutmeg’s last blog post..jagermeister and his bitch
September 17th, 2008 at 8:24 am
XUP says:
Ugh – there’s nothing worse than being far away from home when you’re sick and then having to endure the transporting of sick self to the much longed for home.
XUP’s last blog post..The Pink & The Blue
September 17th, 2008 at 8:41 am
Mojo says:
Maggie Darling! Are you feeling any better today? Just wanted to look in and see if I could bring you anything while I’m out. Chicken soup, cake, sushi?
No? Well get the pillow off your face girl, you’ll smother. Momma always said so!
And do feel better soon… We miss you!
Mojo’s last blog post..Still Relentless
September 17th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Elisa says:
Dude, I am still sick too. I, too, thought I was all better. And I was better, before I got worse. I hate being sick. I don’t get dramatic, I get very bitchy. And I really want chocolate and brie and crackers and white wine. I only have crackers.
On other news: I think you are #7.
Elisa’s last blog post..Dangerous squeals
September 17th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
Daisy says:
Hope you’re feeling better. (I know I’d feel better if I had a smokin’-hot husband like yours.)
Daisy’s last blog post..Where “Powerless” has a New Meaning
September 17th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
jenboglass (steenkybee) says:
According to the GOP, you’re not sick, you’re just in an “adjustment” period.
jenboglass (steenkybee)’s last blog post..Our Weekend and Laundry I Just Don’t Want to Do
September 17th, 2008 at 6:43 pm
Jett says:
(today’s attempt)
September 17th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
Jett says:
IT WORKED, HOLY SHIT.
Wait, can I say ‘holy shit’ here?
pee ess….I unchecked the commentluv doohickey and voila.
September 17th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
bejewell says:
Granny needs a sidecar – STAT.
bejewell’s last blog post..Living a Girl’s Adventure Tale
September 17th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
Carrie says:
My god, that is the cutest grandma I have ever seen – and yes, those chaps aren’t bad either!
Feel better soon Maggie!
Carrie’s last blog post..Death by Electrasol Tabs
September 18th, 2008 at 12:43 am
Kelley says:
RAWR at the pair of you. And granny don’t look too shabby either.
Smootches and hope you are feeling better babe
Kelley’s last blog post..That kid will go far in life…
September 18th, 2008 at 1:48 am
ZDub says:
That is the sweetest gramma I have ever seen. Love the pants.
Hope you are feeling better. A woman in Ann Taylor jeans and a leather jacket is not to be messed with!
ZDub’s last blog post..Voted Off MILF Island
September 20th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
Kristin says:
Good words.
October 27th, 2008 at 9:37 am