by Luann Dawkins

Created on: September 18, 2008

Our neighbor is a nice person, kind and helpful, but I know the priorities in his life to be very different from mine. My husband and I believe in having nice things, they don't have to be new or the best of the best, just something we enjoy. This neighbor, on the other hand, is compelled to have the biggest, best, loudest, prettiest of everything. Nothing is ever enough for him in his quest to be the leader, his every thought is hard wired for perfection and out doing those he calls friends.

We have a motorcycle that my husband purchased for us to ride on the weekends and short trips. She's nothing fancy, a bright yellow 1985 Goldwing, with dents and scratches and a lot of miles on her, but she is ours, bought, paid for, and loved. We have taken several cross state trips and when she needs tuning or attention, my husband gets out the tools and takes care of business. In essence, she is a gateway to freedom and fun, not a status symbol to us.

When this bike entered our driveway, our neighbor came to welcome our new addition, laughing at the bright yellow bike and calling her "Big Bird." He wouldn't let it go, he believes we should keep up with the "Joneses" and purchase a brand-new bike, not this run down old heap. I took great offense to the mocking of my beloved new friend. "Why don't you get off your wallet and buy a real bike?" he said, with a casual laugh. "I don't feel the need to show off for other people," I replied with a snarl. "This bike is in great shape, just because it wasn't rolled off the showroom floor yesterday, doesn't mean it isn't a "real" bike.

I thought about that exchange for a few days, simmering at the gall of someone to put down something I have because it doesn't meet their high standards. Where are societies priorities these days? Has the world decided that only the newest and best is worthy? Hopefully not, I wouldn't be considered the newest or the best, but I feel worthy. When did it become unpopular to purchase something used and be proud and grateful to own it, should I hang my head? No, I will not hang my head, ever.

My priorities are for health, happiness and to be able to live a good life. That means purchasing within our budget, and by so doing, we have been able to truly enjoy the gift of this bike. Our trips are inexpensive and the means of transport are paid for in full. No worrying about payments, scratches, or breakdowns (yup, it happens to new bikes also) we are free to go where we like in comfort.

Money seems to be the driving force for most of society today, and people will cheat, steal and kill for the right to have the most. I find it sad and scary, that a persons worth, is measured by the amount of high dollar possessions, they own. I strive to never judge someone for their belongings or lack there of. Yesterday, I heard the loud pipes of a motorcycle coming down my street, our neighbor has purchased a brand new, bright yellow, Gold Wing. I'm glad to know he is keeping up with the Joneses, but who do you suppose, are the Joneses?

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