So last Saturday I'm at a xmas party thrown by the lovely and vivacious Wendy... when a guest, whom I have never met in my life, sized me up and down, and then calmly stated: "You look like a pussy".

Now granted, he clearly had too much to drink. Our conversation began as any other. Within the first 3 minutes of chatting with me, told me about his pesky gambling addiction, his unfulfilling $16.50/hr job driving a Hyster forklift for Boise Cascade, and the fact that a wonderful lady leaving the party had just scoped out my ass, on her way out the door (musta been the new pants). Perhaps he was dismayed that I didn't make a move on her. Who knows?

Initially, I gasped at his brashness and was stunned by his observation. He could have told me that I'm SHORT and gotten the same disbelieving response. My first reaction was to laugh out loud. The people around me were wondering if there might be more fireworks or an escalation of verbage.

Sorry buddy.. it wasn't that kind of party. I assume he might have been more in his element in a crowded bar with the Lakers game blaring on the big screen, and half dressed waitresses serving him pints of Budweiser. Unrestrained outbursts of machismo aren't on the menu. Formal parties clearly aren't for everyone.

I blew it off and continued to mingle...but his "You look like a pussy" comment stuck with me all weekend afterwards.

I took mental stock of my activities for 2006.

• I went skydiving
• I went to the racetrack Yeha!
• I did a 60 mile desert race on my Husaberg and finished in 2nd place, and in one piece despite a highspeed accident out in the middle of nowhere Idaho.
• I hucked off Corbets Couloir without killing myself. If you are unfamiliar with THAT, I suggest you type it into Google.
• I went to the sand dunes for 3 days where I jumped higher on my dirt bike then I ever previously considered or attempted.
• I found out the actual top speed of my car, which doesn't sound too significant until you consider just what my car is, and compare it's abilities with the maximum allowed traffic velocities. In retrospect: doing so, had more in common with stupidity than bravery. Ogden to Boise in 3 hours flat is a egregious waste of fuel resources, but it sure is fun.

2007 should be interesting as I'm racing the entire Enduro series, the Idaho City 100 mile Nat'l, and will be doing some serious track days on the Miller Motorsports roadcourse with my Ducati. I'm going scuba diving and deep sea Marlin fishing in Mexico next month. Now that my broken ribs are healed, I'm just waiting for warmer weather before skydiving again, but you can bet I'll be catching some airtime on the snowboard until then. Tamaracks 18ft halfpipe is calling my name.

While I am the first to admit that my adrenaline addicted lifestyle isn't for everyone, I find it quite gratifying. Considering the time, effort, traveling, and cost of my typical weekend adventure.. it's a damn good thing I like what I'm doing, despite the inherent risks.

As for me "looking like a pussy".... it must have been the sweater.

In retrospect, I could have easily taken advantage of this rambling wanker and his alchohol impaired judgement by wagering a bet regarding my "pussiness". But as I told him: I'm not much of a gambler with my money. It would seem that I'm far too busy gambling with my life instead.

Oi!