Spoked out

2.0.1.2. - let's do this!

2012-01-05T00:19:00.006-06:00

With almost a year away from this, no better time to get back into the swing of writing. I am entering my 4th semester at UT in Student Activities and learning so much about my profession, myself and where I want to be down the line in Student Affairs. I've worked in Admissions, Orientation, Residence Life, Campus Recreation, Multicultural Student Affairs and now Student Activities, This year I will make strides diving into more of my field and determining my next step, whether it is academically and the job. In student affairs we are taught to be knowledgeable in all areas, thus Master in our Universe...sity to best support our student population, and challenge them along their way (when appropriate). But I feel as though I have lost the ability to intentionally challenge myself and dig deeper into my plan. OK, maybe not lost, just placed on hold for some time. My goal is take charge of this and walk forward to the next step. I am excited and nervous, naturally, all at once.

Did you like my He-Man reference? :)

I know I'm not the same person that started work, thank goodness. Even the powERs that be have made strides to challenge me and improve my growth. I'm so thankful. I'm not just looking to be better, I'm searching to reach out more and support more. But I have to take care of myself to become a stronger pebble in this ripple effect.

My pup is quite large, and he will be 3 this March. I remember the 1st day I saw him. He was from a litter of 9 and was the chubbiest, quietest and the pup who was by himself in the family. Perfect grown into his own, and no surprise to me, he is the strongest, loudest and most extraverted dog I have ever met. I feel safe with him around and living in a city full of animals and interesting people, he's quite the ice breaker.

My bike and I are in a complicated relationship but I assured myself soon I will be back in the saddle. This year I participate in 3 scheduled bike rides and 3 running races. I have no intention in running a marathon, although I think about it, I just don't believe my knees would last the distance. Taking care of my health is mandatory. Less sugar, more protein and veggies are a must. I'm watching my parents make strides to the gym, and it makes me excited to see them eager to burn some calories. My brother is a beast at the gym, and I need to play some serious catch up, in my own way, to ensure I improve my endurance.

2012 Re-solutions
I was going to make a lonnnng list, but I thought I would keep it simple with a 5 point plan.

1. Follow through with my intentions
2. Take a chance on myself and not give up
3. Write/Read more
4. Find Balance....then exercise balance
5. Stay Organized

Each month, I have instilled a MBS formula (wow, my "J" grad colleagues would be shocked at this) that will help me stay balanced. I mean really, no one runs a marathons in one shot. Let me re-clarify that statement. No one runs a race in one shot, we need to break it down. For me, at least, I need to see steps. If I have some check points, I know I can accomplish and reach the finish line.

M = Mind. Read/Write more. Stay committed to reading professional articles related to my work and other topics of interest.
B = Body. Its time to hit the gym. Stay focused on breaking a sweat b/c its fun and worth it in the end. 2x week is a must!
S = Soul. It doesn't have to be church persay, but finding time to do community service at least once a month may just what the soul needs. Keep praying and ask someone to pray with me if they are comfortable with it. I miss that praise and worship.

Hopefully next time, 10-11 months will not roll by without something said. :) Say something b/c you are worth it.

ER.

Six.

2011-02-16T22:40:00.004-06:00

I have always played some sort of sport. Soccer, tennis, curling (just kidding), figure skating (again, jk) and softball. When I was in middle school, my mom dropped me off for my first game with this new team. I was always the shy, quiet kid, but I owe it to running around and team play to get me to open up. When I showed up to our first softball game of the season...they were handing out our team jerseys. I, of course, was so pumped to get a shirt with a number on my back. In the last city I played in, I was number 3, so I was aiming for that number again. Well, the number was taken and all that was left was six. I can't say that I was immediately excited, but I thought to myself, six is twice as much as three, so this has to be a good thing.

I can't tell you if we lost or won the game or even how I played, but I can tell you this fact. Once upon a time, my mom's father Antonio H. Perez played baseball for the Delores Coal Miners in Mexico. He played catcher and he was huge. I'm completely opposite in size, but we might have comparable smiles. My mother informed me that his lucky number was the same as the number that I wore on my back. :) Yeah, I was sold. Ever since then, I have always worn six each opportunity that was presented. I love it.

I realized the following today in a meeting.....

SIx months ago, I started a job in higher education in Austin, Tx working in student activities. Maintaining my practice in student development, supporting students and helping to reduce risk on campus because we all know we cannot eliminate it. I get to work as a Policy Advisor and get the opportunities to interact with students on a daily basis and help them create success for their organization. I'm in a city that I'm growing to liiiiike ;) a whole lot and given the time, I feel that I might just say the L word. :) People, I'm not going to rush love. I realized my last post was about traveling to Central Texas for an interview... as you may have guessed, I got that job. How incredible, I work 30 miles up the road from a place I called home for so long. Texas State, I love you. Please know it wasn't you, it was me, and I had to bounce and spread that Bobcat Pride.

Six months prior to my start date, takes me to February. I was sitting in class listening, learning and definitely exercising my brain in (possibly) massive amounts of thinking. The concept of oral comps crossed all of my classmates' minds on a daily basis, as well as getting a job, maintaining classwork among other things..... I got to run my dog, where am I going to live, it will be nice to live in a place I can ride my bike more often. How did I get here? Where am I going? Am I ready? Whoaaaaa - Amazing what a group can do together. Get that support wherever you go, trust yourself, work hard, but always work smarter, collaborate and whatever you say, know it always means something (2008, S. Carpenter - just that last part though). I'm incredibly thankful for my grad school experience and what it revealed to me.

It amazes me what time does to people. Everyday is an anniversary of something from five years prior, or a decade and depending on your age 20 yrs! A year ago, I had no idea I would be living in Austin with my dog and just doing what I do. I'm blessed. I'm thankful. I'm evolving.

My hope for the next six months to have completed some of my 2011 goals, thrown on some extra miles on my road bike, taught Tanner how to settle down and ridden my bike to work more than I have taken the bus. I got that BIG HOPE in my heart that seems to be growing but I'm not sure for what. I'll let it do its thing and be thankful its beating for me.

Pray. Pray for whatever you are going through that its preparing you for the next step. You will land where you are needed the most. Well, that's what I do. Its not full or fool proof, but I'm thankful for what's going on right at this very moment.

And in the next six minutes, I'm going to prep for tomorrow.

ERRRRRR

On the Road again...

2010-06-28T16:40:00.004-05:00

On my way to Central Texas for an interview. I'm praying for the best. I'd like to say I have a feeling about this week, but that could be for anything. I'll continue to put my best chancla forward and keep my head up. I am moved by the power of "I can." I have received a lot of powERful words and recently have figured out somethings on my own.

This month I moved home, said "see you later" to some friends, my brother turned 30 and my dog calmed down. My heart remains on my sleeve and my spirit is all around. I find my way to the running trail and the pedal while in Corpus and rediscovered my outdoor sense just makes sense. Wherever I land, I plan on continuing living like this and taking my dog with me on those trails. I trust that wherever I land, is where He needs me the most. Blessings, prayers and positive thoughts to everyone.

Letting go and Letting Him is what I got.
E.

DONE!

2010-05-07T10:12:00.001-05:00

I. JUST. FINISHED. GRAD. SCHOOL.

more later. I just can't believe it right now, but I know its true.

check please!

2010-05-05T06:42:00.002-05:00

Much has happened since last I post...actually, I believe I have left some things out.
Half Marathon - check. Triathalon -check. Interview in Colorado - check. Interview in NY - check. Cut and donate hair after 3.5 years - check! big ol long ponytail - check! Graduation photos - chhhheck! Realized I need to apply for different types of job and cast that net much wider - about to be CHECK. Walk in to last week of Grad School - :)

Tomorrow is my last class of grad school. All that stands in the way is a revision survey, 3 questions to my final and a presentation. I'm hoping for papitas. But the mountains I have climbed thus far, it might just be papitas. It'll be good.

I've realized much about myself. The woman I hope to be and the one I never want to be like. The value system that I hope to share with students, but more importantly to always live. It would make life so much easier to just live by the golden rule, ya know? Imagine if the world just al worked in giving and forgiveness.

Graduation is next week. And I have a big grin sitting in the airport in Long Island. Who's a big girl? lol

Who doesn't need to miss her flight!

I'm out!!

E.

LIFT

2010-04-25T14:50:00.003-05:00

As a class assingment, I was to present my leadership philosophy. fun assingment, but afterwards through reflection, I summed up the majority of my presentation to this:

LIFT.

L. Lead by example. Love yourself, faults and positives. Let yourself Learn from your mistakes, b/c they are Lessons.

I. Integrity. To the very core of my being I have the power of choice and fuel my moral development. I cannot control anyone but me. I am willing. I am able. Maintain a solid, honest, working core so that self can stand, and that others understand how to as well.

F. Forward. Even in the midst of negativity or hell, keep moving forward. Becoming still only creates staleness and the repetition of a place you do not want to be present. Winston Churchill, an optimist, said it best, “If you feel like you are going thru hell, keep moving.”

T. Team. Together Everyone Achieves More. If I am present, if I am able, if I am willing, if my core is strong and considered of similar values to my teammates, my staff and my organization, we WILL move forward.

ER.

BOOM!!

2010-03-14T20:59:00.003-05:00

Resume - check.
Chicago job interviews - check.
NASPA Conference - Amazing! & check.
Finish grad school - 05.14.2010.

Run your race....boom!

2010-03-02T16:54:00.005-06:00

Nothing beats the feeling finishing something you started. Recently and not to mention one of the most incredible events I have finished thus far happened two weeks ago. I can't let anymore time pass without saying, but finishing a half marathon was incredible. :)

The most I have ever ran up until that day was only 6.2 miles. The race (which I consider a me vs me event) was a slightly more than doublt that distance. I admit, I was nervous, not about the event, but how my body would react to running such a distance. My friend and Half Marathon Mate kept each other going with positivity fuel and engined our way through Austin. I'm impressed in how the mind was a major piston in this run. The body will always tire out, but the mind will never become defeated unless you want to stop.....and quit.

Every step after the 10k/6.2 mile mark was one step further than I have ever conquered in my life. I am blessed. Not just to finish, but to be a female in this part of the world to freely be active in this type of sports. There are women elsewhere who just want the opportunity to run, swim and just play in team sports to fully express themselves. I feel that I not only kept running for my health, but I ran for the females across the globe who secretly want to run and play like this.

We finished the race in 3hrs and 3 min...32 seconds. :) Any one person can finish this race IF they wanted to run. I'm proof of this. The hardest part of the run was not the 11 hills we faced, or the weight on the legs....but getting to the starting line. Anyone can finish, but all one needs to do is get to the start.

Boom.

Right now I'm preparing for job interviews and getting to the start of a new job and possible a new place to live. I don't know what life has for me and Tanner beyond May 14th, but I pray to remain calm and jog in the right direction. God willing I will be placed in the job where he needs me the most. I just hope they allow Tanner too. If not, I'll have to find a new place. Love that dog.

Some things to keep in mind.... be calm, be patient, be prepared and just run your race. And, get ahead too.

E.

Texas or Colorado sky

2010-02-09T14:53:00.003-06:00

Its sunny and cool in San Marcos. I look above me and it nothing but blue blue blue skies and scattered clouds. Feels good to have that over my head than anything else. It truly does overpower the metaphoric stuff thats hovering when I look up to our Texas sky. It reminds me alot of Colorado. :) I would love to head out to Co sometime soon. good memories, maybe I'll see you soon.

E.

T minus 5 days, 19 hrs

2010-02-08T11:18:00.004-06:00

I'm sitting here at my desk, listening to my AC and wishing it were the rain. Actually, I'm thankful for the AC, b/c last week and like many weeks b4 it was like a sauna in here. UGH! thanks to good staff, they fixed it! woo!

But I sit here, knowing that next week, this very moment, I would have, God Willing, finished my first Half Marathon. I learned, according to my PA cousin, that our bodies shouldn't be running that far, or at least 26.2 miles. I'm running half that, and I know that if my mind can run it, and my legs and lungs are willing - I'll touch ribbon. Big goal is that I'm going to finish. It doesn't matter if I have to take little breaks but in reality, I'm going to need it. Turtle pace, smiling (mostly) and I'll get there.

We'll all get there. Whatever race you're running, go at your own pace, speed it up when you are ready and and knock it out.

Keepin' it simple, (or at least doing my best)
E.

Glass and glasses

2010-02-05T14:13:00.003-06:00

A quote from Winstin Churchill, "If you feel like you are going through hell, keep going." Learned today he lived as an optimist. Somehow, I felt that. If that glass of yours is half empty, refill it or get a new glass. Get a new glass, a new lens to look through. Eventually we see things, people, topics and ideas so differently.

No Soda November...

2010-02-02T13:11:00.003-06:00

I agreed to No Soda November with one of my students. We finished strong and by Nov 30th, we agreed to take it a little further. I said till New Years and she said, "Boss, we can go further than that, c'mon now!" So, I couragously said, "Check out day....May 14th (or 15th)!) We had witnesses and shook on it.

So far it has been good, but I have my moments when I just want a lil' taste of some cherry coke :) It's so tempting and easy to fill up your Ice Cup with a Bubbly Sparkling drink of Cherry Coke from the Dining Hall. But I won't. Takes too long to put back all the water that soda has dehydrated me with, and I rather not drink my calories and chew on something real good :) Now, I will sniff me some soda (that sounded horrible) and get my little fix, but I just decided I don't want that in my system. Icks Nay on the syrupy carmel color stuff and just get me some water or Diet Powerade (my own mix).

Big decision to follow through on.

Reduce the type of calories you injest and that allows your body to work on improved fuel, instead of the uncessary.

Be Good,
E.

Trek it out

2010-01-31T17:54:00.002-06:00

13 days until the run. I'm signed my life away to the Austin Half Marathon on 2.14.10. Call me crazy, but I thought that would be the hugest Valentines Day adventure of my life. thus far, 15,000 people have offered their Sunday to their legs and charity fundraising. Seems like the best fit for the soul. Multiply 15K people by entree fee - 26 different charities will benefit from at least 1.4 million dollars of donations. Yeah, this is something way bigger than any race/run/ride. I'm pumped, and hoping that my legs keep me trekking to the next water station.

Want more info, check it out at http://www.youraustinmarathon.com/

Funny thing is that my friend and I are using this run as a training tool for our Tri on April 11. It will be her first one, and my 2nd. My goal is to not doggie paddle my way to the finish line. Must trust and work with the water Gods on this one. Slicing through the water is something new. Form is everything.

Keep trekking,

E.

The E.N.D.

2010-01-31T17:33:00.004-06:00

I had the chance to engage myself in something quite intense. What it was, is beyond my words, but what I have learned is meant for anyone that wants to read. It's about energy placement. We may not have the luxury of having some choices on occasions, or having to face the unbelievable as we are painted into a corner, but we have the choice where to place our energy. Yeah, that doesn't sound simple at all. I know I know. But what I do know, is that energy delivered, and where its and who its expended is all a matter of our choice. I'm sure everyone has read that we have a choice to be happy or not with our scenarios or situations. I don't think I can agree with that anymore. We can't force how our hearts should feel...how can one be happy when something horrible has happened? With that said, I find myself lifted to another level of that choice bracket. The choice of where to expend your energy, and how we choose to let it empower ourselves and/or others is another game. I'm positive, I know this. I'm positive that sometimes I hit the wall, and don't feel that way anymore or at all times. My choice....where will I put my energy now? And who deserves it? How do I get to a place that is so deserving of this energy? How could I have been so careless to place it somewhere where it wasn't cared for or appreciated? What corner have I allowed myself to be painted into that I'm not forcing myself to hop and make huge leaps over the nasty spill of paint that will most likely stain my new kicks? How did I move past the negative scenarios, the hurt, the unfortunate ripple affect on others? Change the direction of energy. It has to be the only way. What else is there?

The silver lining is that change does happen, whether we want it or not. Its a tug boat pulling every decision we have made or failed to make. I have no regrets but one. I have so many choices right now, and this energy is just now regrouping. Here's to putting it in the right place and hoping the energy never dies. Letting go of some of those decisions will make the lil tug boat move faster and catch up to the place it needs to be. It just needs some energy too.

Feb is tomorrow. Let's get this done right.

E.

A new decade

2009-12-31T11:03:00.003-06:00

Someone wrote on their facebook and asked about shared memories of the decade. I didn't realize till now that tonight marks the end of a decade. For me, right now, it feels like just a regular new year. I don't have huge downtown, firework type, celebratory plans. I just have the idea, hope, fears and anticipation for the next year to come. I know what is in store for me and at the same time, I have no clue. As a P, that is not supposed to be alarming, but its somewhat worriesome. a wee bit. When I don't know the unknown and life as I know it is truly going to change - that is where it gets me.

On the other hand, this past decade has been nothing but growth for me. I finished undergrad and started a new job. Realized I needed to get my butt in gear, and get back in the classroom. It is our true ammo to prepare our mind and soul for survival in what is referred to as the Real World. Boo - If you are paying taxes, bills and report to someone - you are in the real world.

I know I am inching my way to where I need to be and I got some faith in that path. It will be good, and all I should be doing is loving and living each moment. In the end that is our sole choice. To embrace each moment, and rock the next..repeat. :)

We shall see...

Runnin...a little off track in recording, but still going

2009-12-28T01:43:00.004-06:00

Thurs - 1.5 mile interval run on treadmill...it was a late night and had to get it the run in regardless. The treadmill was a calling my name. It was a foul name and not meant for blog. :) Sat - Tanner and went for a 4 miler. Knocked it out and smiled the whole way back! He impresses me on a daily when we run. He has a bottomless pit of energy!!

Right now, it's all mental. I move my hips and my legs follow through. I'm hoping that I can strengthen my endurance and take it the distance.

Next run is manana. It's on!

Peace.

2009-12-28T01:39:00.001-06:00

Dec 26 - 1.5 mile interval run on treadmill...it was a late night and had to get it the run in regardless. The treadmill was a calling my name. it was a foul name and not meant for blog, but it was done.

ran and conquered.

Must make this a habit.

running day dos...xx ( I wish!)

2009-12-24T00:55:00.003-06:00

On the eve of Christmas....I'm posted a belated one. Yesterday (technically b/c it's after midnight) I ran again. :) 3.4 miles in 46:48 mins. Felt realllll good to run. I got my dad to ride his Trek on the path. I ran on sidewalk and very little street. Homeboy rode on the grass on high gears. I loved the fact that he made it challenging for himself. I love the fact more that he came with me. Been consulting w/ my fitness guru, CQ to incorporate P90X workouts with my running. Ill advisable but w/ modifications its doable. P90 is grueling and shreds (w/ smart eating) the fat and builds strength in your core. Oh how I want that! It can happen in time, I will just have to be careful in the combo action. Careful in the sense, not to overdo the body, Anywhere (for the exception of Sun) are modified P90x days. I'm thinking if I rotate 30-40 min upper, lower, yoga and plyo, I might be able to strengthen as I go. Regardless, the running will continue. It feels good to cover some miles. :) I like to look at a road and know that as the cars go by, I'm covering the same distance, but on foot. I feel so much connection to the Earth like that. I like that a lot.

Tomorrow (or today) is Christmas Eve. Which means I'm contributing to the economy with last minute shopping, preparing Menudo, and running another 3 miler. I'm down for the crown.

10-Week Half Marathon Training Schedule
Week Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Total
1 3 Rest 3 3 Rest 4 Rest 13
2 3 Rest 4 3 Rest 5 Rest 15
3 3 Rest 4 3 Rest 6 Rest 16
4 3 Rest 5 3 Rest 8 Rest 19
5 3 Rest 5 3 Rest 10 Rest 21
6 4 Rest 5 4 Rest 11 Rest 24
7 4 Rest 6 4 Rest 12 Rest 26
8 4 Rest 5 4 Rest 9 Rest 22
9 3 Rest 4 3 Rest 8 Rest 18
10 3 Rest 3 Walk 2 Rest 13.1 21.1

Till next time -

E.

rest and home sweet home

2009-12-23T00:15:00.003-06:00

Rested up today and headed home for the holidays. Not sure how long I will be here, but I know I will get in some good quality time with the fam during my stay. I intended to rack up some miles on foot and on wheel. I'm curious to see if my little/big bro wants to run with me. I'm more than sure he will blaze right by me as I pass out. I'm hoping so! Minus the passing out part.

tomorrow is another 3 miler, and I'm going to throw in some upper body work. today I was just sore in the hams and scapulas. odd, but understandable.

Playlist should include something upbeat.... but I'm thinking Glee vol 1 & 2. Yeah, that's how I'm rolling tomorrow. DBJ!
Peace out!

Training: dia numbero uno!

2009-12-22T02:05:00.005-06:00

This morning....er..This AFTERNOON was the start to my first day of training. I am setting some physical activity goals for myself this spring season. Nothing short of crossing some finish lines ;] My running partner and teammate, Angela ran a good 3 miles today in some realllllllly nice look division of SM. I kept thinking thing is where all the Red Permit people dwell. Well, I'm thinking it was a nice neighborhood, and I did something thinking while I was running. (more on that later). 3 miles came and gone, and I thi....yea, I know I could have gone 1 more mile for sure. The idea is to get to 13.1 miles without passing out, collapsing or run in the wrong direction. I really want to finish this run, not just to finish, but to encourage myself to stay active and become healthier. The Austin Marathon, as Angela puts it, is to help train for the spring triathalon. Running is a way of getting there (no pun intended...btw, I love puns)! This girl needs to get into the water pretty soon and make some waves.

So I'm going to include a little summary/stats of the run/workout for the day.

Week 1, Day 1: 3 mile run (41 min). followed by protein shake and some migas :) Run consisted of encouragement and motivation and just good talk. Post stretch was real good. Hams are super tight, and need a good stretch. Where is my ma-soooos?

Its amazing what we learn about ourselves when talking to someone else. I've grown, but there is sooooooo much more to go. big thanks to the women in my life who have helped shape me.

Everything starts w/ the 1st step. got to start somewhere. Right about now is a good time.

Fall 09

2009-12-14T17:08:00.003-06:00

What a feeling! I just turned in my last document for the fall 2009 semester and I'm DONE! Well, not completely done. I still have to shut down my building and ensure that all of my students have left the premises. But its hard to believe that 2 years ago I was sitting in a very different office a couple of streets away from this very desk, and experiencing life in a completely different perspective.

We all make changes, some small others monumentus. But all are in regarding to the gears in motion. Right now, for me, it's about staying in motion. I don't know where my road is taking me, and each day I wake up thinking about my next step and getting prepared for it. New job, new university/college, new location. I have met some of the most unique and powerful minds in my classes. From Professors, cohort, assingments, assistantship and the occassional (yeah right) stress that faces me everyday has pushed me to a different level. I am a new woman each day. I don't doubt it for a second, but I know I am blessed. I know there are people on the other end of this monitor that may never have the chance to learn and expand their exposure. Let me tell you, if you want it - go get it. It doesn't matter what it is, jut get it.

I'm running a half marathon on Feb 14, 2010. In my mind, I have done it, just need to get my body to the same place. March 2010, I flying up to Chicago for some hopeful job opportnities. Who knows what will happen. My career appetite is far and wide, so this could either help me or hurt me. April 2010, my hall and another is putting together a fundraiser 5K. It's all for charity, just hoping it all works out. And sometime in April or May 2010 I'll return to the tri world and complete number 2 with my friend, Angela. It will be her first, and I don't want to miss it. It's the swimmin I need to work on big time. If you want it -Get it! I got to eat my own words.

Come Jan 2010, is my last semester of Grad School. (pause) I can't believe it. Alum and my past co-workers were not kidding it was going to fly. I started this post by where I was 2 yrs ago. Now, I wonder where I will be next year. God willing, I hope to have a job. And God willing, I hope to stay focused for the next step in my career and education. May 14th, 2010 2pm is branded on the finish line tape. It's me vs me and that is the way I like it. But I could not have done any of this without the neverending support of my family, friends and colleagues. Like I said, I am blessed. Believing in oneself a milestone for me. I am here.

Run. Read. Eat. Cycle. Write. It's what I do. Swim TBA.

If you want something....now is the time to plan. Get yours. You are powerful. Don't deny yourself anything.

E.

Some thought on change...

2009-11-17T22:00:00.000-06:00

We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty. ~Maya Angelou

The count down....

2009-11-17T19:14:00.001-06:00

Get yours...

2009-11-16T12:17:00.001-06:00

check this...YOU have the power to do anything. ANYTHING. You want it, you can do it. You are so powerful you can choose to victorious or live in someone/something's shadow. Today is Monday, the day of the PINK. How will you live today?

Cue the pulse to begin... just listen

Pretty much awesome!

2009-11-16T00:26:00.001-06:00

Need a pick me up....read this! It's pretty much awesome- so check it out!

I am the captain of my fate.....Master of my soul.

2009-11-10T23:53:00.002-06:00

A student of mine emailed me this poem weeks ago. I, unfortunately never heard it before that day, but everything has it's own personal time of arrival. Somehow, someone always knows what we need at that exact moment. I love that.

It's called Invictus by William Earnest Henley...and it's amazing.

OUT of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

Soulful....so full

2009-10-26T14:39:00.003-05:00

Flooded with music and thoughts and ideas....its becoming more important to sort through it all in my life. They mean something and I feel as though to honor those ideas, feelings and music is to follow through with each. How rare is it to find a connection with a song and a feeling. At the very peaks of our lives, there is a song to mark for it. there is a checkpoint of the peak of your feeling to capture what you got going on in your heart. Never deny yoursself that moment. You are of worth, just as I am.

What an opportunity you have to write down what you feel and think. You owe it to you and your heart. Tell me you are not worth it, and I will counter and show you otherwise. I've been on both sides of the spectrum of that idea of value. Feels pretty decent to say you are worth it. The you in the mirror and the you, generally speaking. If anyone decides to read this....may you find value in the eyes you so couragously look into while in the mirror.

Look deep and feel your soul,
E.

I don't know specifically where that came from... But when darkness turns to light, it ends tonight.

Such great heights...

2009-09-16T21:26:00.003-05:00

Such great heights. That's what we are supposed to be achieving, right? How, as a culture do we get there? How as a people do we recognize the barriers that surround us? How do we as a people convince ourselves not to be comfortable in these barriers? How do I, one voice, start to talk about this problem? That's just it. It just has to start with conversation....and the conversation has been happening. Now to do something about it all.

Vision without Action is a Hallucination.

As a culture, as a race, as a people struggling to break through the glass and not fall through the cracks. Why do I feel that the the people in my culture are barely touching the glass to break through it? I feel like I have been waiting for someone else to bust the glass of our entrapment. Shit. It's going to break. And when it shatters, please help each other up and not step on heads. Thank you.

E.

Crawl 4 Cancer.

2009-09-14T14:17:00.002-05:00

For my cousin on her 27th b-day! Whoa!! Hard to believe but we all grow up so fast. So when you get that chance spend time with people that you care about and spend it however it makes you smile. This was a pic from the weekend in which we walked, ran and crawled a little to help raise money for cancer. Alll in good fun and then some.

Here's hoping for some cool weather this week - Peace!

weird dream

2009-09-08T10:17:00.002-05:00

So I woke up from a crazy dream...and I'm pretty sure it was a re-run, or it just felt like it.

Somehow it is the end of the world, and me and a few other random people are faced with the choice to change our DNA structure to become...wait for it.....Transformers! Well, the day that we were supposed to change, I have a little cough and miss the transformation. I did, however witness the pain of the super morph and it looked like a lot of pain. Yeah....no. So the world ends vs me turning into some suped up power ranger veggie transformer. hmmm - looks like I'm undergoing a little H to T operation. That's human to transformer if you didn't catch that.

The night before that actual change I was downtown in some large unknown city trying to find food when I was faced with some sort of reality. A transformer/dinosaur (my guess brontasaurous from the looks of the head shape- also a veggie) crept down and faced me. I thought, this is it! All he/she had to do was zap me with his/her lazer. (mind you there was a medal module fixated on its fashionable helmet). I look directly into its eyes and thought how easy it would be to just be done right here and not have to worry about how to save myself or the rest of the people. But the creature ended its paused and hesitation and just left me alone. hmmm. Either I'm supposed to be doing some saving in the dream or I was spared for later.

Maybe there is a fight for me to do. Maybe I'm worth the fight. Maybe there is something more deeper than just the easy way out. How many times have we all taken the easy way out of anything? I know I have, but more recently I find myself stumbling on the road less traveled. And more so, I find myself tripping over my own shoelaces and picking myself off the ground. Dusting myself off and removing fragments seems pretty familiar so I just keep going. Something tells me there is meaning to all of this. Or maybe its the positive side of me who is hoping to catch onto the silver strand in this all. Maybe I already have it? In all, I can't give up on a fight. I know I'm worth it. PS.....And that took a lonnnnnng time to actually believe. There is something so true in my beating heart that just wants to make everything better for the world and the people around me. Don't know if they will let me. Either they don't want it or I'm not trying hard enough. Right now, I'm fighting to finish school, stay healthy, find me some bliss and some balance. Not to mention some sick hills for a bike path. :)

ok---No more Extreme Pringles and rootbeer before bed. Off to my Tuesday!

Tanner can catch!

2009-08-31T23:15:00.003-05:00

TANNER CAN CATCH FOOD WITH HIS MOUTH!!! :) MAMA = PROUD!!

Today during lunch, as I was feeding my boy, I was wondering if Tanner could catch his food in mid air. You know, without his paws. Took a few tries to get it down and needless to say - to get pass the flinching and squinting. He/we progressed and well, he now can catch his food like an ACE! I really think he knew this whole time how to do it, and it is I who learned to toss the food to him. Tomato tow-mah-toe. :)

It was a great feeling and I'll have to get someone to take his pic for proof. Paws Down....I'm proud of my boy.

E.

1st day of school

2009-08-26T18:47:00.002-05:00

Sing with me....School's Out for Summer!! Now the new verse....School's in for Fall!!!

It's that time again and we are in full swing. Just had my first ALL HALL MEETING and met some of the community. Good times! Had my first class today and realized this will be my last class in the fall for Texas State! Woo! If all works out and God Willing, I'll finish up in May 2010. Hoping so.

Right now, I just want to run and get myself in shape. I took a hiatus the 2nd half of the summer and I'm paying for it now! ahh! Let me show you how to work it! Getting myself in gear and breaking a sweat. cross your fingers and light a candle this works out!

Be good, and if you don't-call me!

E.

It's about that time....

2009-08-18T23:54:00.002-05:00

New school year...new hall...new staff...new binders...new dog...(wait same dog!)....new everything!!

It's on like Donkey Kong. The new spin on this year is that I'm flying solo with my job as hall director and managing the facility, staff, professional development (working on mine)...and completely balancing everything at once. I said that all in one big ol' breath. I'm really psyched about it all and hope that I can provide a platform of growth for my staff this year.

I really wanted to challenge myself with taking this job - and it has stretched me more than I thought. Yet, I do get a bit stressed with tasks and situations, but its definitely more sweeter when I figure stuff out.

So this year, I'm taking it all in stride, working to get stuff done ASAP and trying to stay ahead of the game. Ahh - I miss the game. (softball fools!-where you at?!)

The following video was filmed by my staff. It is true caption of their creativity, character and what I get to see everyday. Oh my!! Love my staff :)

26.2

2009-08-05T21:50:00.002-05:00

Tanner and I made a trip to the Vet today. You would think he was about to go into a boxing match when the Vet Asst. said, "Now for the weigh in!" Tanner was carried back and the VA tells me my boys weighs in at 26.2 lbs!! lol That is incredible and great! He's getting to be a big boy and healthy too. :) Mama is a happy camper. Also, he has moved locations from the bathroom to the kettle cage (courtesy of Bruce Lee). Looking good Tanner. Pics to come. You know I'm busy!!

lol. Love me.

E.

PS. So Tanner weighs the EXACT number of miles in a marathon. Wow! Don't get any ideas Colleen. MY knees don't go past 6 miles while running. :) at least not yet.

to smile or not...

2009-07-30T10:28:00.002-05:00

Question.....if someone smiles all the time, are they responsible to always smile? Can they not own a day where they do not smile? Just a thought.

But it also works on the flip side....if someone doesn't smile, are they responsible to always be non-smiley? And is weird if they do smile? I'm sure I misspelled that smiley or maybe not.

....and I just noticed my lap top screen is cracked. damn.

Def not smiling.

A Frogg's Dogg!

2009-07-27T01:54:00.002-05:00

Tanner-licious is growING! You can see some pics of his and he is just getting taller and taller by the second. Last week, on Monday, I truly realized his height. He is the taller than the length of when I go him. Homeboy loves to eat is most behaved in the kitchen, Almost every time I am getting something to drink or maybe a snacky snack, he makes his way in there and takes a seat. Real sly!! I call him stealth at times, b/c he is sneaky when he trys to escape his palace of an apt or when he surveying the floor for "droppers." An amazing dogg nonetheless. Although he has managed to knock over an XBOX, check through my apple laptop charger, several chanclas and numerous showlaces. Mind you that I need to replace them now. At least it was the lace and not the entire shoe. I'm really thankful for that.

Here are some pics for ya. There is one (the 3rd one) of Tanner taking a swing at me. What is the PETA for cruelty for owners? I'm callin! :D I love this little guy! He's snoring away as I type away. Love that lil dogg!!

Peace,
E.

P90X

2009-07-17T01:18:00.002-05:00

I'm on day 31 of P90X! Oh and it's been a challenge to become consistent with the workouts. With training, work and school all in the mix, it's hard to round up the crew to knock it out. But nevertheless, it's going to get done and I'm going to knock it out. There is just something about a good work out to make you feel proud about yourself and what you AND ONLY YOU can do for yourself.

Big goals with P90:

Complete 10 chin ups.
Be able to develop a strong core.
Develop stronger upper body strength.
LOL and fit more comfortably into my clothes :) of course I'm throwing that in there.

Point blank, I want to run and cycle longer and stronger. Yeah, that would be amasing. Yes, as my staff would say...Amasing!

E.

Prayer request.

2009-07-17T01:11:00.003-05:00

Sad news. Both of my parents are feeling ill and won't be able to make the trip up this weekend. I think this would be a great chance for me to go home and get some Corpus air and get out of town for a bit. Real sad they are sick, and I really can't afford to get sick, but I might risk it. It's like the table turned and I want to be sure they are healthy and ok. If you could, say a big prayer and or send positive thoughts their way.

On a happier note, my dawg Tanner just turned 4 months this past Wednesday! Right now, he's playing with himself. No, dirties, not like that. He's got one of my old softballs he picks up and throws around to chase then catch. Pretty remarkable little guy. I wonder where he got that from. I just heard him pick up Mr. Bunny and give him a few squeezes, only to return to the softball milliseconds later.

Right now, I'm just feeling thankful. Had a good afternoon and evening filled with some good people, ambitious students and positive conversation. Definitely thankful. Blessings to you.

E.

random.

2009-07-16T03:04:00.003-05:00

I had the most unusual day today. My stomach jumped up and then it all went away. I was reminded of the pain and hurt.....and reminded how I have changed and how it all changes me. Odd how someone can make you feel like that, but it is us that can morph that feeling into something far opposite. I know I'm something much stronger than then-I just forgot for a second. I guess I needed that. A good smack in knowing I have some crazy hidden core strength that I need to tap into. I need to take a new look at myself.

It was an odd day.

The good stuff.... I got a job. In school. A dog. And a sense of humor. I think that about wraps it up.

E.

P90XXXXXXXXXXXXtreme!

2009-06-18T19:35:00.002-05:00

Just finished day 11 of p90x. My body is feeling it! Today was yoga, and I wasn't especially ready for the attention I am supposed to give the exercise, but I muscled through it. What I'm proud to see are my staff members getting into the work of reshaping themselves physically. To take this a step further, one of my guys ate a salad for the first time. :) To my surprise it was right in front of me. Of course I took a pic. :) This is a 90 day committment and will fill our summer up with working on helping those lost muscles reacch the surface of our skin and kick the fat out of our bodies. Sounds good doesn't it? One of my staff members can now touch the floor! Yeah, big styles over here!

My goal is to do 5 chin ups and 5 pull ups and get in crane position at the end of 90 days. I wonder what day 30 will be like?

I'm just glad I have some solid people around me doing this too. Always good to know there is a support system standing right next to us all.

PS. My bad for not posting as frequently. Summer school, work, mini commuting (yeah, not really far at all), trying to find some food from the dining halls when it is actually open and sleep kinda get in the way. The one joy that I'm glad is there is Tanner. Super Dogg with a super attitude. balla. He's getting shots on Monday. We'll see how balla he is then.

Peace out and Pedal OUT!
E.

cha-cha-chia!

2009-06-15T00:47:00.001-05:00

Tanner is growing everyday! Pics to come!

Be well,
E.

nap time

2009-05-22T10:07:00.003-05:00

You can't see this, but Tanner is napping on my lap. Pictures to come. :)

E.

PS. This is my 100th post!!

PSS. No pics of napping puppy. my bad!

When in doubt, pedal out...OR run it out.

2009-05-21T09:49:00.003-05:00

Got up a little earlier this morning and treated myself to a run. It was only a mile, but definitely a start. Haven't ran in such a long time that I can't remember when my feet hit the ground in such a rythmetic way. Felt good. Hopefully I will keep it up and continue to better myself in this way, physically and mentally. Its another way to clear the mind and think. What think so early in the morning. Yeah, it happens.

I let the dog out and drank some long awaited h2o.

Off to shower and work. dang, why do I feel like its going to be a busy day?

Duece,
E.

sleeves are for snot and hearts.

2009-05-21T00:56:00.003-05:00

hmmmm....I have realized......

I tend to wear my heart in places other than where it belongs....that would be inside my chest. I never really have learned to keep it hidden, just exposed and loving is what it knows best. I guess I'll have to learn the hard way. But really, is it learning? Could that be confused with living? I mean, if I hide for a lifetime until the "one" comes along, wasn't there a waste of heart in life when it could be loving the whole time? Why the eff hide it? Let it be and let it serve it's purpose and just beat. Chances are it's going to beat at something or someone when we least expect it. And we wouldn't know it unless we let it be.

I have always kept in mind to expect the unexpected and remain honest with myself and the hearts that surround me. It's not something that happens overnight, but an ongoing process. In all, that is the best I can do for myself. Dang life is truly what it is L.I.F.E.

Randomness and inspiration from an evening of the unexpected. Here's to positive heartbeats and all in between.

I'm OUT.
E.

PS. This might not have been a very positive or Elisalike post, but nonetheless honest.

graduation

2009-05-15T20:32:00.002-05:00

Today I saw some friends who will change the world graduate. Amazing stuff. And to put some cherries on that sundae....I saw two of my students graduate. utter bliss and happiness :) I'm so proud!!

Work it! The world is yours!!
E.

I got next!

Almost there...

2009-05-06T20:29:00.002-05:00

Needing some serious inspiration.
Feeling oompa loompa.
Need to work out.
Got a 2 hurdles to jump before I can put a close to this semester.
One hurdle is frickin' huge.
I've done it before.
So I'll do it again.
Reading eyes, do yo' thang.
Prayers to all those in that spot.

we just gotta to buckle up and do it.

Just need to finish strong...

2009-04-26T23:00:00.002-05:00

I got some stressors that keep floating in and out of my mind. The only thing to do is to just face them and do the best I can. As I was thinking about this....I randomly surfed to a gossip page that one of my students introduced me to last semester. lol, it's not all that big of a deal, but its entertaining. You can be the judge of it, and you will probably get addicted to it. Anyhow, I can across the video that made me smile. Check it out.

I truly just want to finish this semester strong...get a little break and make my way into the summer. But one thing at a time. One foot in front of the other. That's all anyone can do. I just hope that if I trip, I'll bounce back up and keep moving forward. Ahh Elisa, that's all you can do. Hope everyone has a very productive week of school, work and everything in between.

Peace, Prayers and Hope....b/c that is all I got to give.

E.

rounding third.....

2009-04-20T19:07:00.002-05:00

well, it feels like I just passed second base with this semester, but I'm actually about to round third base! ahhhh! I'm not yet ready to slide home, but I know I need to prepare myself. A few more papers to write, a presenation and a handful of internship hours to turn in just yet before I can trade my spring semester for some long awaited summer time.

I'm so stoked about it all though. Last year this time I was anticipating the day to start grad school and feeling shy and on the edge nervous about my transition. I look back and I'm so thankful that I made the switch in career and the jumped into the educational line too. It's a buffett. If you want it get. If you want more - get it. The more you put into this experience, the more and more will be revealed to you. It's incredible. As I tell my cohort - the ever powerful, diversified and stylish OGs - we work and work and take that experience to class. We learn and learn and take that to work. rinse and repeat. It's a sweet cycle and keeps us going. Love it. No lie, it's alot of work, but def worth it the hours and the time and the people.

Here's me working for the student.

Everything else -

I'm not sure if I gave this statement in an earlier post but I just need to say it. My b-day was a blessing. thank you. It's good to be alive and well. I know we have our ups and downs with our days, but really - can we truly appreciate those wonderful days when we don't have those bad ones?? I really don't think so. I mean, I'm not inviting bad days into my life. but there is that deep dark moment in those says that I challenge myself to just give thanks. I just know there will be a time when I feel completely opposite from that sad moment. You Found Me. So here is to appreciating both moments the good and the bad. take them both and chew on them. You can get alot our of them if you really sink your teeth into it.

Get it. Get Yours. And Have an amazing DAY!!

E.

Easter!!

2009-04-10T08:54:00.002-05:00

All cleaned up and ready for this day. Seriously, I think I still smell the soap on me. :) Well, partially ready b/c my hair is still wet, but nothing the sun can't take care of for me. And speaking of which, the Son, is definitely in full effect. This week of stress snuck up on me. I had no idea what I was in for, but I'm good. I give credit to Him for letting me experience it. I know it's for a reason, but wow. The greatest thing for me is that I know I'm not alone on this walk.

In the spirit of this holiday weekend, Happy Easter! If you are celebrating and exercising Lent, my best to you. I know it has been a long 46 days (yeah, I count Sundays), but you made it. No matter what you offered during this season, you did it. Even if you broke your Lent for a day or two, its the fact that you offered. That's huge! My best to you and your family the holiday weekend.

It will be a work weekend for me. Yeah school :) And work outs!! P90X here I come. I'm on Day 4 Yoga! I even have a mat. That's what's up!

E.

Tetris.....

2009-04-08T21:56:00.000-05:00

Thanks!!

2009-04-07T02:37:00.005-05:00

So frickin ridiculous! So much has happened since last I was on here....
Work.
School.
Internship.
Spring Break.
Birthday!
People.
P90X.
Amazing!!

I will say that every time I have a birthday, I call it a new year for me. Fresh start. New step. New bounce. New bounce in my step. It's on. I feel as though I experienced everything that I wanted to from 4/1/08 to 4/1/09. I'm completely grateful and blessed. I just can't explain it. Had a birthday lunch and prayed my little heart out silently. Chipotle never tasted so good! My friend noticed that I took awhile before I ate and it's true. It was my first meal of the day (bad Elisa very bad) and so I had to make it count, ya know. A girl has got to do, what a girl has got to. I just thank God for allowing me to live to this year. I know He didn't have to, but I'm thankful. Basically, my prayer was of thanks and gratitude.

A big shout out to my friends who I got to hang with throughout the week, or stopped by my casablanca or called/text/emailed me up from afar. I'm blessed and I'm a better woman b/c of the people in my life. Thank you. Big Froggie Style Love from me to YOU! Here's to Staying Fine in OH NINE! lol

Blessings to you!

PS. If you look closely at the pic, you'll see this big bright shiny thing. Yeah, that is the brightness you give me. Thank you!

OTS

2009-03-28T01:36:00.003-05:00

One of my students introduced me to this guy. He sings and sings and sings and ALL in one take. The OTS refers to One Time Session. You might like it. I've always loved acoustic music. And what is better than acoustic music.....when someone covers mainstream pop or anything music into guitar. Love it!!! Here is a song to remind you about the thing in your chest that pumps and maybe speeds up when someone special rolls on by. I dig it.

If you open up your heart, you'll find love love love.... :)

Shibby

2009-03-25T00:47:00.002-05:00

It's been a busy week and it's only Tuesday night. Classes are good and busy. Work is good and busy. Internship is busy. I can handle it all, but combine it all like Voltron and I'm like whoa. I like the busy though. I need to eat more throughout the day and consume more water. I got some love for the people that I work with. They make life a lot easier and they make me proud. Thank you God for every blessing and every challenge. You are making me into something I probably can't imagine.

I got a lil bday coming up and I'm just thankful for the air I get to breathe and the ability to love freely. And to be myself. Thank you.

here's to you and I'm out. Gotta lay down and catch some Zzzzzzzs.

Peace out and Pedal OUT,
E.

2009-03-19T17:09:00.002-05:00

At home....and I can really use a ride to the beach. Came to a stop on my taxes, and need to get out of here for a bit. Hopefully the ride will clear my head of some stuff. Ahh, life.

E.

Get it.

2009-03-16T02:30:00.003-05:00

So I had this Spring Break plan. I was going to head home, make my way to the beach, meet up with the fam.....and throw some miles on my bike. Yeah.....but this weather is cold, wet and whining. Oh wait, that is me. But whatev - if this weather keeps up, I might be throwing some miles on the trainer. ahh - but I love pushing those pedals outdoors. The compromises.

Well, this mont has given me much to smile about and to think about. I have some new challenges and some things I want to accomplish.

1) Finish Lent Season Strong
2) Start P90X - yeah, it's on.
3) Get in the pool and start constructing swimming plan.
4) ...and some other things too :)

Hope this Lent season has given you much to consider. Focus on the big things and the rest will fall into place. It is just how it goes.

Work it. Get it.

E.

PS. Snap! And now G-G-G-G-G-G SAC is prepping for a step show. Oh my. Can we all study Stomp the Yard?? I think so!

2009-03-14T13:22:00.001-05:00

Its a sweater day...in more ways than one.

E.

Keep Riding

2009-03-12T18:50:00.003-05:00

Like clockwork. I had some downs today, but looking back at it, I guess it all needed to happen. The weather, the situations, the unforseen. I see it now. I got a better grasp on these handlebars of mine. I got a feel for the road and I'm going to put my best pedal forward and nail it. But really what is the best pedal? Well, I will tell you this, some people need both when others need but one. So the answer is yours for determining.

I'm hoping and praying for the best. In the mean time, I will pedal hard and pedal OUT!

If you are pedaling uphill, keep pedaling. We will get there!!

E.

TGIM!

2009-03-09T11:49:00.003-05:00

Yeah, I said it. Thank goodness its Monday! who says that? Well, I do. starting today and every Monday from now. In 5 years, you have 260...wait, make that 261 with one leap year (perhaps) of a day to start your week anew. If we lived for that Friday, which is at the end of the week, we would generate all that positive energy into our weekend. Heck yeah that is worth it! Who likes to have bad weekends? But what about the 4 days before the weekend? What about all the possibilities at the beginning of the week? I say, let's bust a U frickin' Turn on this mentality and switch it up. Not saying we shouldn't live for Fridays, but let's not forget the day that got us there.... I salute you Monday.

It's Monday. And on Monday, we wear PINK. Why? B/c winners wear pink on Mondays!

E.

YOU CAN!!

2009-03-02T00:18:00.002-06:00

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us, it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." - Nelson Mandela

This quote has popped up more than once in my life and I have seen in a few times hanging on the walls of my colleagues offices. I have to share it b/c it hit my heart once again. I read a book about the power you have within you to make change and this quote opened and closed the book, The Power of People by Verna C. Price, PhD. I gained much from the readings and realized how important it is what words we deliver to people. It made me think about the men and women in my life that had added to it, taken away, divided or multiplied my being. NOT only this, but it made me reflect on how I am inserted to other people's lives. How can I add more to others or multiply their being. Let me, help you. My goal - Focus on my growth to serve others. Ahh, it's the servant in me to help others. It's what I do. I'm just so thankful for those that have continued to inspire and help me to grow. Even from the negative parties. Thank you. I see what drive they have to say as they will, and how tough they have made me in the past, and probably in the future. I pray that I will not take from someone's life or divide it. If so, may I stop in my tracks.

It's been a "deep" day....or a day of depth I should say. I spent it reading, listening and evaluating myself. Not only this, I got to play some softball. 2-0 baby! This is what we do. :) I love the game. I feel so connected out there, on the field....in the dirt, with bat or glove in hand. Completely blessed. My heart goes out to the females in the world that are not able to express
themselves through sport. I don't know what I would be with out it.

In closing, let yourself shine. No matter what it is, do it and DO IT BIG. The light is in you. Give yourself the chance to exercise your gift for everyone to see. That is your gift to God. You have the wick inside you, you just need to ignite it. I feel that you have it, and just need to exercise this light. Let that fire get fueled and light the world. Imagine if everyone did this and how much light would be in this world? Let us illuminate the world. Yeah, I said it. If I can, so can you. It is in me, It is in you. Do it.

Thank you to all my adders, multipliers and those in between. Each one plays a purpose. Thank you. And thank you for letting your light shine on me.

Do not be afraid,
Elisa

Gear 27

2009-02-23T23:42:00.003-06:00

I definitely feel like I have been riding some fast lane bike race/ride the last several weeks. Nothing I can't handle, but WOW! I would so like to change gears and ride that granny gear for a little bit. I hope that sounded appropriate. Don't get me wrong, I love the busy. One of my students said I look all professional when I'm busy. Awe - I thought that was funny b/c now it got me thinking that I need to look busy all the time. Ahhh! How about get busy! lol

I haven't made the time to ride my road bike, Chase, in quite some time, and let's knock on wood that I'll be able to get a ride in before the month is up. Ok, I'll knock on wood. Feb is a McShorty month, but there is still time to take advantage. I do ride my mtb (mountain bike) and get plenty of miles in during the week to class, internship and random midnight/evening rides. Love it! I certainly love the wind and riding through campus. I hope that whatever university I work for at Texas State will allow me to ride my bike to work, shower up at the rec and make my way to my office. Oh yeah! That would a great life. :) I love it when someone tells me, I saw you riding. I say - come ride with me! I'll race ya. I might not win, but I love to pedal. My quads are burning up! woo!!

OK, I'm off to write paper on the coming out process and integrate it on the effects of student development in higher education. I just pretended to fix my glasses. Let me get my nerd on. :)

Hello Gear 27!

Pedal OUT!!

E.

Diversity is different....

2009-02-16T15:37:00.004-06:00

Here is a video that 2 members of my cohort created for a case study competition. It was fun...recognize any of those rapping voices? :)

Find more videos like this on iStudentAffairs.com

Diversity is different, diversity is cool. If diversity is new to you, let us show you what to do!

E.

Go Go Go!!!

2009-02-11T17:53:00.004-06:00

Many thoughts....and all are positve and or can lead to positive things.

I find myself thinking about upcoming challenges in school and in life decisions, and I feel good about them. I have some more to make, but I got some insight today. My past experiences have created a platform of readiness. Alas, when we think we are ready, it is like wearing a bull's eye for an attack. Today just feels good. I have this hunger for more and I like it.

Today felt like the busiest and productive day ever. Sat in some meetings, made some decisions, ate good (oh, I'm so hungry right now) and BOUGHT SOME BINDERS!! If any OGs are readings, you know this P is trying to shift her ways to some some J-ness in her life. But not completely, just some areas. The weather is breathtaking and I got a small ride in today. I pay omage to the mtb (mountain bikers) who scale the dirt hills up and down and side to side. I have mad respect for anyone who can ride uphill without getting off and walking up. I love the burning sensation in my legs when I ride uphill. And might I add - look so fly in my work/internship clothes too. :) I'm a big ol' nerd like that and I love it and own it.

Workouts have been on the low end of the calibrating spectrum this week. I was battling some non computer virus known as allergies and sinuses. Yeah, big ol sad face. Today I feel good and will hit up the gym later on tonight for a good run and some raquetball. It's on. It's so on. It's so on that the off switch doesn't know what to do, that it stays on.

If I find out you didn't go outside today - boo on you. It's glorious. The day was made for you. get out there and get you some Vit D!

E.

PS. Vit D reference was brought you by Tri Coach.

mac and cheese please!

2009-02-09T10:59:00.002-06:00

I've been feeling under the weather the last few days. sinuses, allergies and a little heartache. But I'm taking meds (finally), doubling up on vit C (orange juice and vit c packets, and processing what is up. I think the heartache just comes and goes as it pleases. I laugh and roll my eyes at myself sometimes b/c I let my emotions get carried away like that. I'm girlie like that. It's only natural that I wear my heart on my sleeve. I tried removing it once, but that didn't work b/c it's not me. I just somehow tend to roll my sleeve down just a little bit. The heart peeks out, but that is what she does best. So I'll stick with that for now...for just alittle bit.

Today, lots of school work to knock out. Had 10 hrs of sleep last night, so I'm feeling more of a champ. Somehow my outlook went back in time to to Nov 2008 and deleted all my emails and appts, but my phone has all the goods on it. Thank goodness, but I need it all on my pc. PC vs MAC..hmmmm? I love my mac, but the pc is all work stuff.

I miss me some mac and cheese. My mom used to make it when I was 3 foot nothing. Love that stuff! she would put hot dog pieces in it. I ate those first then chowed down on the mac. I preferred to enjoy the mac and cheese without hot dog interruptions. Oh, it was good!!

all right then! enjoy your Monday for it is a day that we all just gotta conquer. Step it up and step it out!

As always, thanks for reading,
e.

Vitamin C Please!

2009-02-04T22:00:00.004-06:00

Kinda feeling under the weather so I'm battling it out vitamin c style. My prayers go out to all those under the weather which is all of the Bobcats. Workouts are mild, but I'm till breakin a sweat. Workin out with a tall friend of mine. So fun and to exciting to share the passion of treating the body right. Its a challenge b/c campus doesn't have the most healthiest eating options. But you know we'll work it out on the hills. That's what we do.

Oh, I just had a thought. I have lived on this campus as an undergrad, worked on this campus as a professional and lived again as a grad student. That wasn't my thought, but this is.....where will I work next? I know it's next year this time I will be making sure that my interview suits are looking fly and that I have polished my resume and cover letter. But where will it be sent. I have a few places in mind......a few states in mind. I love Austin, and I would just be tickled to officially live there. But no matter what, I want to work for a university that I can ride my bike to work...shower at the rec and get to the office in time before the admin. Ok, maybe after the admin.

My heart feels chill right now. It's not leaping for anyone, but just feels content. I like that. Finally. Well....I'll leave that statement riiiiiight there. :)

Made some vegetarian soup tonight for me and some of my sick students. I'm always proud (and thankful) when someone smiles after eating the food I make. I love to cook. My mom is inventive in the kitchen and always seem to make a masterpiece with whatever is in the fridge. I try my best to follow her ways and invent as she. Don't think I can duplicate her work, but some meals are meant to be made by just one. Although, I do like to throw a bunch of spices together and get a KABOOM flavor in my meals! LOVE IT! I feel that cooking is an extension of your soul. Anything you make, you are putting yourself into it. So, if you get to eat a meal of mine, you'll always have a part of me with you. Think great thoughts when you make a meal. Its the secret ingredient. Without words, that's what my mom taught me. I miss her food!! I must get to Corpus soon!

Big goal is to read a chapter a day for school. I need to get routine with this. It's doable.

So...
Goals to work on:
Academic: a chapter a night
Workout: slower and more focused on ab work outs
Intake: Stick to all natural food

Thanks for reading, yo.

IF its real, then its real GOOD! Chow it down!

E.

Low cal brownies with a HIGH grade taste!

2009-01-30T19:56:00.005-06:00

I'm telling you, its good stuff! All you need is this pretty pink box w/ the lil piggy on it and some All Natural Dannon yogurt (Vanilla natural flavor) and an oven! It's good! And you can't tell its low cal. Ok, maybe a lil, but whatev-it tastes like. AND I love me some cake!

Check it out and ride it out!

E.

Ingredients:

1 box of No Pudge Brownie Mix
I cup of All Natural Dannon Vanilla yogurt
an oven and some tastebuds!!

Do it to it!

Green Lights!

2009-01-28T01:16:00.004-06:00

Something that I noticed...I feel physically stronger than yesterday. I'm waking up in the morning and telling myself if I ride 20-30 min that is 20-30 min of cardio closer to my goal. I'm down for that. I love having my trainer already set up and ready to go. I hope on with my glasses, strap on my Lake shoes and this girl is good to go. The coolest things about a trainer is that there is:

No traffic! & No red lights!

And, not that I'm condoning this behavior, but I can ride w/out a helmet on the trainer. Although, one time I should of been wearing a helmet while on the trainer. An intense song came on the ipod and I stood up and fell over, lol dumb ass. PS. I always ride with a helmet outdoors when I'm w/ Chase (road bike). It was funny though! 8)

Lately, I have been focusing on strengthening my upper body and I can feel the soreness in the morning. Lovely. Today was bike then abs in the morning. And tonight I ran a 1.5 miles on the treadmill at a 5.o incline at 4 mph, and then hit the track for .5 mile sprints w/ one of my students. I don't know what came over me, but I just had to run some more.

Chale, and I wonder why I'm hungry? lol Yeah, I'm more than sure the metabolism is cranking and rising as it should be. I have been just crazy hungry the last few days. I had my two classes tonight. During break of the 1st class I swiped an Einstein Honey Whole Wheat bagel with a veggie smear. Oh, you think I was in heaven!! It's so good. It's a meal trade, so it doesn't cost me anything. Thank you Res Life! And a powerade. Which might I add, I nearly spilled that on my paper I had to turn in. Snap, I would have been - oh well and let me dry it off. I did gasp though. phew! Thank goodness for quick hands! And, in between both classes, I went and swiped a veggie burger from the Den. Oh, I totally tossed out the bread and just ate it. One of my classmates thought that was the strangest thing, but he seem to understand. Let me break this down. If I can take out the unnecessary food, that is less crap I have to run off when I hit the track or hop on my bike. Less is more. And, you gotta ask yourself, is it fuel or food?

I know that I need to refocus on the type of intake I'm feeding my body. So important. I know its not easy to just eat the right thing. It easier when you eliminate all the junk food from your pantry and start from square one. If you are reading this and have yet to do that...start on Feb 1. Try it. Start small and do it for one month. It can be your own personal Lent. Treat yourself to some goodness and good food. You deserve it. Your body will thank you later. I guarantee it.

Ok, I'm about to shut down and hit the pillow. Oh I love a good sleep. Next goal, is to get more hours of rest. That maximizes your workout by the way. 8) Yeah, its the jam. When you wake up, you basically did another workout in your sleep....just by catching some Zzzzzz. And on that note....G'night!

May your wheels spin and take you the distance. Thanks for reading.

E.

Fuel my Soul

2009-01-22T18:16:00.003-06:00

As I step into this spring semester, I realize that I am facing a seriously busy and exciting chapter of my life. My days will comprise of readings, class, working students, managing a portion my hall, a new internship, an officier position, creating opportunities and making decisions for the fall semester (yes we are only January), balancing my workouts, maintaining correspondance to my homefront, finding time for my rides and running, AND eating right. I must get that food for fuel, and the sleep too.

I'm pumped about it all. I know that when the end of the semester rolls, I will develop into someone else and I'm invite her into my soul. In every situation, there is an opportunity to grow and become. To grow and become are what we can give ourselves and the world. Let us fuel ourselves for society. Imagine if we fueled ourselves with the ingredients to make some positive change in the world? I'm down for that. Let me start w/ the woman in the mirror.

I make a lot of sport references throughout my day :) Ummm...I'm pretty sure it's b/c I feel that sports is one of the few internatial lanuages and the heartbeat to my eternal icebreaker. And to stumble across this video only made me pumped up for...well, EVERYTHING! I hope you feel the impact as I did.

"Everything you need is already inside." - unknown

check it:

Proud Mary....Proud Momma!

2009-01-17T15:42:00.004-06:00

I gotta good short run in this morning and had migas drivin in from SA. Oh what a sweet and great thing. Thank you! :) Met up with some boys I knew from a while back and had great chat. It's good to see people so happy.

A friend of mine had a baby boy yesterday. :) Talk about amazing! I love the sound of newness and a new baby takes the cake on that thought! Or in my case....the pumpkin pie w/ cool whip. Blessing to the newest and proudest parents. If I'm able to get some pics, I'll post them. W/parents consent of course.

In addition, I saw one of my students' band play last night. Again...a proud moment. My friend and I went to watch....and she asked me if I was feeling like a "proud momma." The word proud is w/out a doubt exactly how I felt. The word momma I thought about. Well, I guess I if I call them my kids....that would make me the momma. So yeah, I felt like a proud momma.

Amazing food. Amazing people. Amazing music. Amazing new baby. And now, I'm going to get some rim tape for my ride. Momma has new tires for Chase, and homegirl can't wait to ride!

Peace,
E.

Feeling Proud

2009-01-15T11:51:00.002-06:00

That's what I feel right now. My staff is working hard and getting their tasks done. I'm doing my best to stay on top of all my tasks. As they jump on my plate, I do my best to devour it, process it and move on to the next. Can't dwell on too much - just got to move it-move it. Big events/things happening:

1) Second semester of grad school.
2) My work. My students.
3) My health. My workouts. My cycling. My running....getting back in the water.
4) Learning something new and applying it to life.

I'm pumped about this semester and my internship. My brain and my heart want more and I'm ready to get stretched and become pushed upward and outward like I never imagined. There is no other way. There is something I love about a new year. It's a fresh start to getting gears moving and putting all you learned from the previous year into the NOW. I'm down for that.

I'm excited and wonder at the possibilities. I am on my way to become healthier than yesterday. And I just want to remain consistant in what I'm doing and adding different workouts throughout the process. I'm definitely blessed with the positive people around me and their support. I'm just going to try my best and hopfully others can do it for them too.

One of my students asked me what I was training for. I didn't really have anything to say, but this...

I'm training for life. For longevity. To see the most aI can in this world. If I can't stay healthy, I might not get to see it all.

That's all for now.

Feelin oh so thankful,
E.

Let Yourself Glow....

2009-01-09T23:48:00.003-06:00

I love Glow in the dark stuff... check out this bike!!!

Ride on,
E.

Get to stepping!! Kick it!

2009-01-09T23:34:00.007-06:00

1st day of staff training. Our staff is beyond amazing. How much do we rock? I will tell you. Have you ever tried to schedule 22 different class schedules, extracurricular activities and personalities together? We did. In less than 1 hr. Snap!!

Designed a method of programming that is going to give our staff solid success. Had some powerful minds that help collaborate this blueprint into the Spring 09 masterplan. NICE. It's so sharp you might need a band-aid. Yeah, maybe those glow in the dark ninja turtle bandaids so you can think of us in the dark! You know you want to.

AND, after training, knocked out 3 miles on the track. Made the track say my name!!!

Don't you know....

"Never doubt that a thoughtful, concerned group of citizens, can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead

The Kanye pic was for fun as most random things I post. :)

Keep it fun. Keep it real.

Keep it real fun,

E.

Are you ready for this? Yeah, I am!

2009-01-09T00:16:00.007-06:00

Feeling ready is the idea of this entry. And there are so many different outlets of my life that I really feel I can hit the floor running and take on '09 like it is meant to be grasped. lol, or at least I want to do this. Work. School. Love. Friends. I feel so blessed in all these areas. I

Work. It will be busy and I have learn a lot from the fall semester and ready to apply it to the spring. I've got solid employees with a lot of energy. I'm pumped!

School. I have been told that the this semester will be fun and memorable. We shall see. I've got the same profs, and I'm aware of my weaknesses and strengths. Let's do this. This semester includes an internship.

Love. My heart feels the love from the people that surround it. I'm feeling the love and I like that. No, not a personal relationship, but just in general. I love my friends and even those distant ones that I don't get to see as often as I like. I miss them. What love bug will be in store for this year, who knows. But I'm grinning at the possibilities.

Friends. I've got a handful of some very special people that will graduate in May. I will be sad to see the go, but psyched for their new chapters and opportunities. I have this great appreciation for the people in my life. I can't describe it. I just feel blessed at the thought that God chose our lives to run side by side for the time being and maybe for a lifetime.

Something that I hope we all can instill in 09 is kindness. Just be kind to people. It's so easy. We create more tension and pain by becoming disgruntled and hurtful to each other, and really, is that what it is all about. Well, I'm sure there are times that we might feel quite the opposite w/ a given reason. IE. Almost getting run over by a truck while on a bicycle. Yeah, that makes me upset. (knocking on wood). Show kindness. Look people in the eye when you are talking to them. And, if you get the chance to love and to be loved - tell him or her what truly is in your heart.

To '09 I say - It's on. I'm ready. Bring it and let's do this.

Resolutions - Get a JUMP on EVERYTHING!! Get my workout on. Continue to stay true to myself. And focus on school.

My Jan commitment is to get 4 workouts every week including weights, yoga and cardio.

When in Doubt, Pedal OUT!
E.

2008......2009

2008-12-31T19:15:00.001-06:00

SEE YA NEXT YEAR!!!

Christmas Time...in the city

2008-12-28T19:29:00.003-06:00

of Laredo!!

Haha nothing like times with the family, cousins and being outdoors. Yes, family and cousins are one in the same, but are they really? I think on a longitude view of the family tree, these people are like extended siblings who are all so similar yet different. I love them. lol.

I felt like I was 12 again riding in truck to Laredo from Corpus. I was nominated to drive to Laredo. Oh yes. I think b/c I suggested to take my SUV for the family trip. I think that we'll always take a family trip to Laredo until I'm married.....and we know that is not happening. At least not yet. (optimism or I am just trying to convince myself?) Thank goodness I like and love the people I all share my genetic blueprints. Well, I basically informed my dad that me driving the family to Laredo would not be a great idea b/c I was tired. Oh, snap! He was tired too. I'm sure if I needed to, I could do it. But why did I conk out before we even left Corpus and didn't wake up until 3 blocks from my grandfather's house?! Yeah, real embarrassed...but rested too :)

We were actually not the first family there - impressive! Met up with my cousins who drove themselves. Oh they are getting so much older. Which only means that so .....are my aunts and uncles. lol. No, I meant me too. Alas, I'm comfortable w/ again, but in my business, everyone I work with stays young and they think 22 is old. Oh, I can't wait till they turn 25...haha!

My Grandpa's, the Ramos side, is the designated place to meet up for Christmas, to open gifts and to just celebrate the day. It's amazing. I remember before my family relocated to Germany how we would run around the place. Yearrrrs later, cousins are still running around. :o) We have celebrated the holidays at my Grandparents houses in Laredo since as long as we have lived in the states. So intense. So much love there. I smile at the thought of walking through the front doors. 'Wela and 'Welo Perez have long passed, but I keep the memory of Christmas at their house on Davis Street alive in my heart. There is no extinguishing those pages of stories or thoughts or pictures that are engraved (in color) in my heart. Once my brother and I found my 'welo Perez's laundry and played, yeah, you guessed it - dress up. We rocked the fedoras too! But the funny thing was that my 'welo's yellow/gold boxers fit like pants for us! haha We also wore his dress shirts and fat ties. He was a large man...and I was probably no taller than 3 feet. The man, Antonio H Perez, never frowned. He was a baseball player, a barber, a husband, a dad and a grandpa. What's to frown about?? I loved that guy. Mom once said, that it was sad to know that he never saw my play baseball/softball. I felt like he saw every game. Heaven has certainly given the best seat in the house. I'm more than sure he was there every second. He actually passed during the '89 World Series, Giants vs A's. In the Battle of the Bridge (or Bay) Series. It was the one with an Earthquake stopped the game. Go figure. He passed during a game - seems perfect if you ask me. I read him the paper during his funeral. It seemed appropiate. Still feels that way today.

Wow - I just put some serious memories on the table. Nice. The holidays bring it out and I more than fine sharing. If you read, than you probably know my middle name, and that makes it good.

Christmas was better than ezra. Can I say that?

I loved seeing my cousins, aunts uncles and grandpa Rrrramos. Cute as ever. He was overwhelmed with the amount of people in his house. Mom counted 33 total. Felt like 84 for me. I stepped outside to get some air b/c it was too warm in doors. Oh, and check this out. I got to meet my cousin's daughter, Haylee. She is a smiler. Ahhhh, I love her. I told Chris that I think she is going to be athletic. :o) And as promised, I hooked her up with a soccerball. I'm thinking I might need to get her kicking it around. So great to see kids running around everywhere!

We were the last family to leave, but wow it was good. I was slightly tired upon our return to Corpus, but nothing a lil sugar free Red Bull couldn't cure. :) Oh, I think that might be last red bull for a long time. I felt my heart racing and almost leap out of my chest. Yeah, that would make for an interesting post (enter sarcasm). But wouldn't you know it, my family passed out on the trip. ;O) I take it as a compliment that they can sleep while having faith in my driving. Although, I'm more than positive, they were super tired and needed to catch some Zzzzzs.

Well done. It was a good Holiday. I'm thankful for my family and our time together. Family is family and sometimes we have those rough patches. I certainly appreciate those times. All more to appreciate when we have passed the patch. Now if I can withstand the evil power of my mom's kitchen, I will be good. I fall weak onto it's power to just consume, consume, consume! The kitchen is my kryptonite!! It's a vortex of consumption and calories. I might implode at any moment.

Frickin kitchen. It erases the moment that I last ate, so my mind thinks I haven't eaten in forever! ahhhh!

Dueces,
E.

Lovely Day

2008-12-28T18:57:00.003-06:00

Yeah! So I'm hooked on this song, Lovely Day by Donovan Frankenreiter :) I was running along and came across the song on my lil ipod. I had no idea I had the song, but sure enough I found it on my iTunes and replayed it a few (to say the least) times. Thought you might like to listen to it and get pumped for your day.

I give credit to the creative mind {Chriz*} who put the video together with all of the sights to be seen! Yeah, I want to get out there to the beach again w/ crisp air, blue skies, and some serious waves.

check it:

Hope your week is as lovely as you imagine it! I'll be at the dentist tomorrow....listening to this song...no doubt!

Pedal OUT,
E.

Christmas Eve

2008-12-24T17:49:00.003-06:00

Soooo....Cue the music b/c I survived the holiday shopping. Phew... YES!!! :D No more looking for parking spaces. No more searching for the shortest line (which doesn't really exist this time of year). And no more searching for the "perfect" gift. Well, I might be making one or two later in the break. I just owe my cousin for getting her brother a gift that I'm supposed to get him. Secret Santa at its best. Work it!

My brother made some menudo, which I can't eat, but it smells soo frickin good!! I will rock out another meal. Tonight, I'm just going to chill out, hop on the treadmill and relax with the family. I'll wrap some gifts later on tonight while sipping some Pear Ace. I totally got my mom hooked on it! hahaha

To your family, you, yours and the yours to come - Happy Holidays!!

Elisa

God only knows....

2008-12-21T00:29:00.002-06:00

Nothing too much here. But have you ever had one of those days where you just had to lay around? Yeah, I had a great lunch with one of my former student workers who is going to law school. Wow they grow up fast! And the remainder of the day I spent battling a headache. Although I talked to two of my staff members, that also made me smile and even had some Oreos and milk. Lactose for me please :o) I haven't had oreos in 4 ever!! And there is nothing like good conversation with it. Not to mention, I talked to cousin for a bit and chatted about family. AND in between all this, I napped on the couch napped, took medicine and drank oj. Ahhh, what a day, lol.

My headache is like N'SYNC - GONE!!

Well, I head home tomorrow, but not without some shoppin! Christmas is cinco days away and I gotta hit up some stores b4 I head home to Corpus.

Over the break at home, I'll get to learn some new recipes from mom, do some bike riding with dad and chill out with brother. Yeah, I'm down for that. And, I want to get some miles on my running shoes. I've been hitting that new gym campus has and it's more than amazing. So much dang space and lots of equipment. Not to mention a rock climbing wall that shall be conquered. AND a swimming pool! What-What?! Yeah, I've got some personal goals to get after in that area too.

My work outs have not been consistent, but have present. I want to increase my endurance, strengthen my core muscles and work on bone mass. Yeah, I have my work cut out for me....but I'm down for it :o) Work out schedule to come.

Have you ever seen Love Actually? I love how the movie has so many different stories in it and how it ties and overlaps in the end. Love it. I just cheered for the little boy who told the girl he loved her. When your heart is full and you find someone you truly love, tell him/her - there is no stopping the words. Just say it. Get lost in that feeing. :o) Love is all around.

God only knows what I would be with out you.... sing it Beach Boys!

E.

Oh Christmas tree.....

2008-12-19T21:08:00.003-06:00

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree, you are leaning to the....oh nevermind! As long as it is up and lit, that is all that matters!!

I love me some Christmas time, but it seems every year it comes so fast! It's like you can't wait till it gets here, and when Dec arrives, the month flys by like a train. Like a silver bullet. Like a....realllllllllly fast cyclist :o) I swear it was a few days ago and literally realized Christmas was coming up real quick!! Ahhh! So have I shopped till I dropped?? Not so much and not at all. Well, I did get my mom a gift the other day and so that is one down. I have appreciated all the little snacks, goodies, and gifts. I truly see the joy of giving from others. I love to give and I hope to get some shopping in on Sunday before I head home. Love me some Corpus time!! (ahhhh-haaaaa!!! That was the Kumbia Kings signature cry!) All Corpus, All the time!!

During my trip home, I'll get some personal reading time completed and some cycling in too! You know I'm pumped!! Even the reading. Speaking of which, my first semester of grad school has completed, and it was a challenging, thorough look into the amount of academic stretching one can endure. I loved it. I love to get pushed and I love to see how far I can push myself. If you think you can't, think again. YOU CAN.

So, on this note. I'm heading out to conquer a dance floor and leave my mark metaphorically into the night. I trust you will have a wonderful evening and dive into something fun and something that will make you smile!

You BETTER WORK IT!

E.

34 and counting

2008-12-18T03:11:00.003-06:00

I just remembered taking this photo sometime two weeks ago when it was a-freeeezing (nearly) in SM! lol! I had one of my RAs perfect the photo. IT's literally cool. It was a great night. It was Tuesday and I just finished my last presentation of the semester, turned in a paper, and a final (3 papers)......and helped with the Moonlight Breakfast at one of our dining halls for our students. It was a good night. Then I headed home.

So frickin cute b/c some of the students starting yelling out, "It's snowing!!!!!" :o) Sorry kids, it was only slightly sleeting in SM, but maybe we will get some real snow! Spent the evening sipping my favorite hot coffee - Spiced Pumpkin Latte while watching my residents slip and slide in their shorts in 34 degree weather!! Ahh!! Yes, I do make note to them about the weather and their choice of clothes for it. :) They just entertain me by running around in the cold. Talked to some of my staff and ended the evening talking to a friend. I love me some good conversation.

Good times. We may have some more cold weather this Holiday Break. I'm ready for it! But if it's hot, cold or somewhere in between, it will be great. This is our time off and time to just relax and recuperate. Do it up! I had to save the pic b/c I could believe how cold it was!!

Stay warm,
E.

E is for Elated

2008-12-17T03:24:00.003-06:00

Frickin A - simply amazing. Just simply amazing. I love how we can ...ok, I'll get (generally) personal on this and you let me know if you can relate. Or you can keep it to yourself.

I love how I can talk to someone and just listen and learn about them. I just love learning about people. Who they are, where they came from. How the heck they got here. And where are they going. Where they want to be in life. And it brings something out in me. I love the exchange of conversation that just happens. You can't plan it or force it, but I just love it when it happens. I appreciate it on so many levels. And when it happens, you just roll with. Well, you don't have to at all. But to be a part of it, its so intennnnnnse!!! I love that.

I want to say that I appreciate the people in my life. The adders, subtracters, multipliers and dividers. They all have got me to this point and I'm grateful. Thank you. In the end and during your process, I hope that I can somehow get you where you need to be in your path.

Be well, and good night (or morning),
E.

E. is for Elated.

Yeah, I'm about to say it...

2008-12-11T21:28:00.002-06:00

OK, OK. So this is the season for Christmas/Holiday Music and I'm all about it. I might hum it or make up my own words. Whatev. But I will tell you what...what. I will tell you that my all time favorite song is this, and in this version. I love it. Makes me want to nod my head, get excited, and feel the cheer. Call me what you will, but I love it. It tells me that not all Christmas/Holiday Music must be winter wonderland type, but can be agressive....and sexy. Ha! It's the good stuff.

It also makes me think off how in the huslte and bustle (sp?) of the season, take that time to slow it down and make the moment count. If you got a missletoe buddy, have fun with that. If you have two, high-five to you! But when you hear this song, jam out. Know that Santa is watching and he digs it when people love the Holiday Cheer.

So turn it up and play it! You don't even have to watch the screen. Tis the season!Don't hate, celebrate!!

just let go.

2008-12-11T10:31:00.005-06:00

I could very well be hooked on this dude and his explanation on life. When I saw this, thanks CQ, I couldn't help but think of my life travels. More spefically, I could help but remember the countless times when I would hang on to negativity and the things that hurt me the most. Negative words, negative situations or negative people. Or in somecases it was random strangers. I just couldn't let it go. It's not easy, but learning to let go each day is a great step forward. Imagine the weight you carry when you are walking up a steep hill? Imagine what it would be like with nothing on your shoulders. Well, I know for me, I would be riding my bike uphill in my semi lowest gear. :o) But I'm sure you could have guessed that too.

Check the video out and let go of something today. Just one thing. One. I promise it will make a heck of a difference.

I would like to thank those that help me let go and continue to inspire me to live each day. Thank you so much. Here's to the next 5 years. ;O)

E.

When your arms aren't ready to let go, you aren't free to embrace today. Let's not miss out on today.

Inhale, Exhale

2008-12-10T22:05:00.001-06:00

Just something to think about...

E.

1 year

2008-12-05T20:52:00.004-06:00

It's been one year since I have meat. In Nov 2007, I decided to give up beef and chicken for one month so I can increase my veggie intake. Well, it was a hard task, and I almost lasted 1 month. I think it took more of a toll on those that surrounded me more than myself. I had some explaining to do to my mom, who every year prepares the Thanksgiving turkey. She was a little on the surprised and slightly upset side that I wasn't going to eat da bird. So Thanksgiving 07 I had a little turkey. In the end, there were 3 other days I accidently ate meat that same Nov, thus I rounded up to Dec 5th, 2008 as my Pescatarian Birthday. :)

It's been a good year of food and striving to be healthier. I wasn't sure if I was going to last, but it has been good. Along the way I met two other pescatarians and learned more about their eating habits. Yeah, talk about random, but when I attend a retreat in May, I actually learned about the label pescatarian. So how did I spend my day - worked, worked out and ate like a queen!

My workout was amazing! Warmed up on cardio, worked the rowing machine and tackled the rec's new Rock Climbing Wall!! Amazing!! I got higher than I thought, so next time I will get higher! I guess one might say, I rocked it :) (yeah, I said it, lol) I had a good dinner and now some homework. I know I'll be sore tomorrow, but it will be totally worth it. :)

Nothing else here but positive thoughts. I know I have a big week ahead of me and the only thing that is going to get me through it is going to be positivity. Did you ever realize that if you just think positive, good will happen? Or if you find yourself at a point in your day when you find yourself having a bad mood, but there is chance when you can choose a good mood? Try choosing the good mood and see what happens. Chances are your day will change and you will have a better day. It's amazing.

I found myself facing a bad situation last week and couldn't do nothing about the situation. I was left choosing to have a bad mood or a good one. Whatever the situation was, (which I don't remember anymore) it turned into a great day. YOUR mood IS factor of good day. :)

Yeah, it's amazing stuff.

Be well and enjoy your day.

Never Give Up

2008-12-01T15:16:00.003-06:00

With Finals around the corner and monsterous tasks at hand and graduation for some, I refer back to this picture my coach provided me in 12th grade. It was, among anything, one of the greatest tools in my box. He probably will never know this, but I still refer to it as my motivators upon uphill metaphoric battles. Our softball team was hand delivered a packet of information on the opposing rival team late in March. Coach knew that if he was able to provide the mental tools, all we would need to do is outplay the girl in our position on the other team.

Sidenote: one of the team members of the other team is now a close friend of mine. I love when life works like that.

In the game packet, was a picture of a surprised pelican and more than eager frogg. No doubt the pelican was hungry. No doubt the frogg was thirsty and fighting for life. I can't imagine the grip the frogg has on this bird, but from the looks of it, its about holding on and gripping life. The frogg, probably from the other angle, has white knuckles blaring behind the pelican's throat.

My message. Don't give up on yourself. Keep squeezing. Keep walking. Keep strutting. Keep breathing. No matter what uphill battle you are facing, keep going.

If you find yourself walking through hell, keep walking. -Winston Churchill. I'm sure no one likes to admit that they have been in that dark place, but if you have, I'm sure you have an appreciation for a brighter day and life.

So, Walk it out. Literally.

Elisa.

PS. Oh and we won that game in extra innings. 3-2. It was a sweet day. Our knuckles were white and our smiles were wide.

High Heels and whatnot

2008-11-26T14:35:00.001-06:00

No, not me! I just love this guy and had to share this video with other Justin Timberlake fans. :o)

justin timberlake snl beyonce single ladies video

Enjoy!

E.

mmm pie!!

2008-11-26T14:06:00.003-06:00

I love me some PIE!! (Hence the photo) I did some help in the kitchen from some great ladies assisted in producing 2 good sized pumpkin pies. Yum! Needless to say, the next day one of my students asked if they were store bought. I stopped what I was doing to make sure she knew that they were hand crafted from my kitchen. Holla! We had a good laugh.

Now, I do heart all the Thanksgiving food around the table. And, there are times when I feel like a vulture circling my way around the kitchen smelling all the goodness mom has made and brother too. It's all so fun. I love me some Thanksgiving Day! I don't know, there is just something about it. People just saying thank you for what they have is just plain awesome to me. I love that. I will have to watch calorie intake and not get too carried away, but so hard to resist when you are in mom's kitchen. There are no rules. :) Ahhh - I will wear my strechy pants! What if I set up my bike on a trainer at the Thanksgiving table?? Solution? Suggestion? I will probably end up wearing the food. And that is a Thanksgiving Food Foul! yellow flag! penalty box - 2 minutes.

My brother and a good friend of mine will be traveling down to "C dub" as Cousin calls it. Ummm - that is the first time I have ever heard Corpus called as such. I'm down though.

So far this semester has brought me some smiles, truth and good people. All for which I'm so incredibly thankful for in my life. I know the Good Lord continues to funnel goodness this way. Even the hurdles and trivial things are in good favor. It's just knowing that they are in place for a reason and it will make the traveler all the more stronger along the way. I'm down for that.

Goals for Thanksgiving:
1. Quality time with family
2. Bike ride with my dad
3. Homework (articles and role play - don't ask)
4. Trip to the waterfront
5. Learn how to make empanadas
6. Laundry

And just enjoy it. Ok, so I know Laundry and family time should never be on some goal list, but whatev. #1 is a given. Love me some RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRamos time!

The thing I'm most thankful for is just life. I know I didn't have to be here today. It's a miracle to just wake up and take that first morning breath. I would love it if I had a balcony that I could open up the double doors and just take in the air. I'm sure I would get some looks from my students if I stepped outside to for a morning breath of air. hmmmm - I think I might start doing that. :o) I'm bound to almost do anything these days. Just creating boldness to my dash. I said almost!

Don't hold back. If you feel like doing something, do it up! It might be the best memory and experience yet!

Here's to you, yours and your family! May your cup runneth over with blessings this Holiday season!

Feeling Thankful,

Elisa

One of my favorite quotes...

2008-11-18T02:53:00.003-06:00

This came in handy today for me and for a friend. I had this card taped to the inside of my front door for quite some time. It always reminded me that the strength of the woman inside was far greater than the one on the outside. I hope it can bring you the same thoughts when you feel that you need it.

When in doubt Pedal OUT,
E.

So random

2008-11-17T00:37:00.006-06:00

Tell me why? Today a friend tells me - "So, Elisa, I see that you have gone country?" Umm, no. I asked why and she made this determination b/c I was rockin' my light brown boots that will invite me to kick anyone's ass. :) yeah - only if I needed to b/c I'm not the fighting type. I'm more the, "lets talk it out and see where it gets us." Well, she continued to tell me - You look like a country song - someone wrecked your truck, took your girl and shot your dog. My only reply was -since I have neither of the three, looks like I'm doing good. :) Mind you -- well nevermind the rest, but I thought I ended that conversation pretty well.

I'm so not country. Too dang sad for the most part. So much so I have this playlist titled "Country I actually like." Well, ok, there are some songs I favor. AND, I'm so not country that right now and for the past 45 minutes Brad Paisley is singing live in the background. No he is not here, he is in the TV before you women and some boys come running to my doorstep.

I'll tell you what - today was good. I worked on homework. Got up insanely early to knock it out, made a protein shake, worked out a bit and had time to make it to Mr. Gobbles Day. This is an annual Thanksgiving Day event that friends of mine from undergrad get together and celebrate thanks. Yeah, this has been going on for years (it feels like) and today was pretty intense. It was held at my Goddaughter's house and it was a moment. My Goddaughter is a year younger than me if you are perplexed by my last sentence. It amazes me how people can be so distant when they live so close by. It also amazes me that when we get together, how we can pick up where we left off. It also amazes me how sometimes we can become so distant that it feels like we are talking a million miles away and that might be where it stays. Its all such an awakening. But it is what it is. My Goddaughter led us all in prayer, much like her Grandfather did all those Easters when I couldn't go home for the holiday. Intense. Life is about those moments we can share. When we can just look into the eyes of a friend and have that conversation and just know what the other is thinking. Or look across the table to someone and wish you could have those conversations you once shared. Ahh, I miss it. I'll take what I can get. I'll cherish every second.

I stopped comparing my life to others along time ago (mostly), but I can't help but notice where people are in their lives. All in good time is the theme - my theme. When life happens, don't forget to breathe it in and thank the person next to you. They just might need to hears those words you have lingering on your lips that just need to be said.

Thanks. Such an intense word. Say it when you can, mean it when you say it.

But in the end, love thy neighbor. Celebrate those moments. And, tell your friends you love them.

So, to Mr Gobbles Day (if I would have made it earlier, I would have tried to free the turkey) and to all those that were able to make it- Thanks! I love ya. We've been through a lot and without a doubt I'd stand next to you in the craziest of storms all over again. Thank you God for being in our lives. Seriously, thank you.

Elisa

I just thought, I'm so not country that I will two step my way through a dance floor b4 you can get your hands on a cold one. :) I like me some boots. Random and tired and a recovering from being a little teary eyed.

Parfait this!

2008-11-14T10:34:00.002-06:00

So I needed some snackage and something a little more on the healthy side this morning as I muscled my way through readings and such. You might like this, if not, I'll eat it :)

Ingredients:
3 scoops of Dannon All Natural low fat yogurt - it's got a vanilla flav to it, but it's natural, so it's good!
1 spoon of Soy nuts (for protein and crunch!)
1 pinch of Grounded Flax seed (fiber, ay)
Just enough Agave Nectar for some natural sweetness

Put all four parts into your favorite parfait cup/glass and you are set!!

Amazing. So amazing I had blog it :)

Word. Happy snackin!

Super Tuesday!!

2008-11-04T08:44:00.004-06:00

It's Super Tuesday!!!! So if you haven't taken advantage of early voting, there is still time. No time like the present to hop in line and get your vote in place. It's not hard or difficult. Just walk up to the line. Wait for it to move. Then give the rep your vote card and a smile and off you go to change the world. Do it up!

Real easy, Real simple. It's all YOU.

Rock that vote,
E.

My prayers and positive thoughts go out to our world leaders, future and current. May what they decide be the best for the many and not the few. Blessings to all.

Bummer

2008-11-01T03:58:00.003-05:00

So I just came back from a rather interesting Halloween evening. I get all cleaned up to go to bed, but I get that little hunger pain. You know. The one that says, ah, just LITTLE snack it won't hurt. So I slide on over to my kitchen. Low and behold I left my most amazing Asian Garden food out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was all kinds of bummed out! Well just momentarily. I knew if I put it in the fridge hot, that would be bad news. So leaving it out was sadness. But oh well. The spring rolls were a great snack and a good treat for my trick, I mean Halloween evening. lol. My mild attempt with puns did not work out as I thought. Sounded funnier in thought. Well whatev. My blogg, my funny, my posting, Take that AP. It was a goodnight. :) But thumbs down to leaving good food out!! My bad.

E.

PS Homeboy in pic is retiring from acting. again, thumbsdown. I really liked him in Gladiator, Ladder 49 and Walk the Line. ahhh! Joquain Phoenix come on back!

Gavin Degraw - what is up?!

2008-10-24T01:37:00.003-05:00

So I did the unimaginable....I wore orange when I went to attend a concert on ut's campus! lol Oh well, can't beat them, join them. A friend of mine works on campus and invited me to go see some Gavin Degraw! Oh snap - i had no idea what I was in for with this concert. It was more than great! Homeboy has some lungs and was rocking the mic. Who's Mike? no se! Granted I only know 2 songs of his, but WOW his new stuff is really tasty to the ears! Uh-Mazing! I might have to look up his stuff and download some songs ala iTunes.

Me and the Pirate ventured off to the concert and had a great time :) Naturally we had some talking time beforehand and chatted it up with random strangers. Fortunately for everyone around us, they got to see his eye patch. That children is what happens when you tease your parrot. The lil' Paulie wants a cracker bit goes a little too far when you start with the teasing. sadness. utter sadness.

The music. The crisp air. The cold. All made for a great outdoor concert night. So I will refrain from putting my fist in the air and waving it like I don't care. :)

It was good stuff dot com.

Have a good night! Pics to come. I'm in the process of moving...again :) and my picture transfer wire is in my other apt. Soon!

Be well, Be you,

E.

NKOTB

2008-10-24T01:18:00.004-05:00

lol...yeah you read that right.

So this boy band (guilty pleasure #13) that I use to listen to growing up decided to go on tour. So me and some girls had to part take in some boy band action. AND we had to do something pretty different - we made shirts! Yeah, we went there and made some sweet shirts! My friend John at printthistx@yahoo.com made some sweetness to rock for the special day :) Yeah, it was amazing!

We took the night step by step and rocked our faces off song by song!! I don't what it is. There is a sea of women and they are screaming for these 5 boys from Boston. I need to clarify, I do not scream, I yell. Oh and did I ever!! I Jammed and Danced my way through each song. And if I didn't know the words to the new songs, I learned as I went. Half of the time, I would have guess to say what they were saying... which makes me wonder. I think my cheering and yelling and dancing, made me want to be a part of this boy band-ness :) Yeah, I would have rocked that. Ahhh - the new cd, The Block is a keeper. Thank you for the copy, ay :O)

What else? Random, but as I was walking to the end of the line to catch up with my friends I noticed people in line were not smiling!! Why the heck would they not be smiling? It's been 14 years since the last time a New Kids album was released - and they got sad face all in the air!! No good. So I played with the audience. lol side note: what is this orientation?? lol End side note. I love that! So through my chit chat and some light light light flirting some may say, I ran into a friend of mine from middle and high school!! random. I remembered her name was Teresa, but I neglected to say it. Do you know the most important word in the world? think about it. Are you done thinking?? It's YOUR NAME!! balla. that is a whole other entry, but just think about that.

The concert was more than I could have ever asked for in a Friday evening. So glad I was able to make it out there! Amongst kindred spirits. Lives that were connected long before we all ever met, through this band. Making people smile and dance.

I was playing song number 1 of The Block (new album....which I mentioned earlier in this post by the way) and one of my RAs asked me who was the band. She was REALLY surprised to know it was NKOTB. She didn't know they could be that cool. lol. :)
Lovely.

PS. One of her friends went to the show and heard I went too. Next response was "I didn't know hall directors could be that cool."

haha! I love it!

AC/DC

2008-10-12T14:00:00.002-05:00

So my dad and I had the great little bike ride excursion through south Texas. Upon one of our rest stops (or lunches) I heard this song and I was jamming out! I sang...."she shook me allllll night long!" And I sing this song all the way until I see my dad. Well, you know the music blaring and what else are you going to go when you are rocking some serious biker short spandex. Note: Ok, it's really not that bad! There is padding so you don't see stuff - AND I'm not looking! Anyhow, I walk up to my dad and ask him if he has ever heard this song. He thinks about it and says no. :) Oh wow! So I gave him the run down on the chorus and I thought he was pulling my leg, but he really had not heard the song. But days later, he left me a voicemail that he got another song from his buddy and it was "stairway to heaven" by Led Zeppalin. lol - That's funny to me only b/c I completely forgot AC/DC sang the other song. Runs in the family, no?

So I sent dad the youtube video. Thank goodness for youtube! Can we pause for a second and give them an applause!?? I mean really, where else are you going to watch the series finale of Wonder Years or the very first episode of your favorite 80s sitcom?? Yeah, I think that is pretty much prime that we can do this online. Since ER does not air online, nor do I have DVR anymore - I'll have to settle for youtube episodes only if someone continues to put that online. :) a little help please?

So, now he, my dad, knows the song and has the lyrics - I am sure he is jamming out to it on his iPod. Oh, sometimes we just have to teach those around us. :) B/c you know someone taught me. The word of the day is Education. Spread the WORD.

In this case its 80 heavy metal music and I'll take that song by song. Did I mention New Kids on the Block are playing in San Antonio? lol Guess, who's going? And, making shirts?

lol

3AM

2008-10-07T02:59:00.003-05:00

It's 3AM and I just finished (somewhat) an article I have due tomorrow for class. I heard a noise outside my door, and I swear it sounded like someone peeing. Ummm...I hoped that it wasn't, but I checked the window just t be sure.....and it was raining outside. I'm not going to lie (1) I really did think someone was going to the restroom outside my door (2) I am actually glad I'm up this late and I'll tell you why. There is something peaceful about the rain. It is just so soothing to listen to. So I opened my front door to my hacienda and I just watch the rain make its way to the ground. Hitting the sidewalk every second...I love it. I wish my video would have uploaded. I will get on that after tomorrow :)

E.

PS I will have MS 150 stuff up later in the week. :)

Digits....

2008-10-04T00:56:00.004-05:00

OK, not those digits, but my rider number for the MS is.....

2468. :)

As in 2-4-6-8 who do we appreciate?! :) I love it. So so SOOOO random, and it's so me. I'm off to bed. I have so many thoughts right now. Lots of things that shouldn't be floating around up there, but I'm not going to lie, it's distracting me. I think its just God's way of just letting me think about those things now, and get to enjoy the ride tomorrow.

That thought and method to His madness (my word for stuff like that) makes me thankful. It's going to be a gorgeous two days on the bike. Watching my dad get his number on his bike and helmet and being silly makes my heart beat stronger and smile. His rider number is 1837. I say it ONE EIGHT - three SEVEN!!! Yeah, but my parents are sleeping, so no yelling the numbers. :) Just watching him get ready is all I needed to see. I can't believe the day is here. My mind is ready. There is nothing to think about other than the ride....(and an article due on Tuesday - yikes!) It will get done. I can't take my laptop on the bike! lol

To be on my bike....is to have time with God. I'm taking my rosary. I would like to start something called Rosary Rides. I'm pretty sure that it is self explanatory, but just in case..... you pray a rosary while you ride. KEEP your eyes open!! :)

Ah - it's time for bed. But before I do that.... my thanks goes to God. You had/have this big plan and purpose for me. I pray that I can at least fill my day with things that you had hoped for me. I would always like to maximize my day and put my best into my day for You. And just to live it out loud. My thanks goes to my parents who seem to always have my back no matter what. Thank goodness. A brother like no other. Love you. And to some pretty amazing friends who come through with words of wisdom and love. You seem to know what to always tell me when I'm down. I am amazed by you. Blessings.

Here's to my 2nd MS, and to the names on my bandana: Troy (biker guys friend), Rasmus (my friend's brother in Germany), Melissa Vallance (unknown woman's name was on the bandana when I received it) & Alex Perez (my friend's brother and namesake to Team Alex). All of these people I have never physically met, but I'm more than sure we will cross paths one day. May our pedalling bring joy and positivity to your lives. Be Blessed.

In Him, With Him,
Elisa

It's GO TIME!

1 more day.....

2008-10-02T19:45:00.003-05:00

It's almost go time! The MS 150 is the day after tomorrow and I'm getting excited....and nervous....AND excited :)

I got asked today if I was in shape for this ride. ....well, I told her, I'll find out on Sunday when I cross the finish line. Of course she meant no harm by the question, but it made me think. Being in shape is only a part of it. If you feel in your heart you can do this, you WILL do it. If you let the negativity get to you and then (check this out) you are going to start believing it. Yeah, don't go there. It's not worth it. All I know is that I want to do this. I want to do this for people who can't even get up in the morning b/c they are living with a disease they never asked for. At the same time, I will be getting one of the most intense work outs of my life - and a kick ass tan! lol I'm down for this ride more than ever.

My dad is going to ride with me, and I can't wait to see him cross the finish line. I'm so proud. Who's the parent, who the kid? Yeah, I love that guy.

Come Sat morning....730am....it's so on. Highway 181 beware.... I'M COMING FOR YA!!!

I will rock this.

E.

Getting ready

2008-09-29T14:56:00.002-05:00

In less than 5 days, I'll be on the road with my dad cycling our way through Texas. I'm excited, nervous and excited. Nervous b/c I haven't ridden that far in such a long time, nor has my dad. We will ride 90 miles the first day and 60 miles the second. My body already knows what 90 miles feels like and the only hurt I had was my shins. At mile 70 they felt like they were going to break in two. And last year I was eating meat, so I wonder if my changes in appetite will alter my strength? Nah. OK, I was rambling outloud through my fingertips to the keys.

We will be more than fine. My body feels good. I have far to go healthwise in where I want to be physically. I don't need a cover girl body physique. That is a bold no for me. I just want to be healthier than yesterday. I have come so far and know that I can do it.

The cycling is going to be bliss. Today Chase goes through inspection and I might need a new helmet. I somehow accumulated a small and possible nasty crack on top. Yeah, that can't be good. :) ahhh, what I have to get a new helmet? rats. ok. lol Speaking of helmet, I bumped heads with some guy playing flag football this weekend. Ouch. I got all dizzy and thought I was bleeding. I'm ok, but I got a bump on my head. Yeah me. Maybe I shouldn't run into them like that? my bad.

deep thought of the weekend. My friend talked about how she runs 6 miles a day. Then was asked what are you running from. I couldn't help but jump in and say - it's not what she is running from, but she is running towards.

It's about the towards. Better health. Healtier lifestlye. Longevity. Stamina. Everything. It makes the heart beat stronger. Natural High. I love it. She loves that. We all love it. Maybe that is what makes us so crazy with our running and cycling or whatever we do. YOU have to do what makes your heart beat. No matter what it is. If it can better you, it can impact those around you. Do what makes your heart beat and change the world.

I can't say me cycling will change the world, but what if it did? What if my love for riding a bike, got someone interested in cycling? And they got healthier. And they lived longer and happier. And what if this one person saved someone's life. And that person's life who was saved changed thier life for the better and didn't take things for granted. And this person wrote a book on maximizing your life and not taking things for granted. And then they were on Oprah or Ellen. And you know what kind of platform that is. And the world was better b/c a little latina decided to ride her bike one day instead of being indoors. Well, maybe it can be done. Change the world one pedal at a time. Shift those gears and max out!

:) I tried to explain how to shift gears to my friend. Yeah, it's one of those things that I just feel out. I realized this when I was not making any sense. It's so different when you are looking at the gears. My bad. :)

But what if you could really change the world from the seat of your bike? Dewitt!

Anything is possible.

Oh what a day!

2008-09-25T01:28:00.002-05:00

After one good day always comes "uh day." And I say it just like that...a day, but pronounced "uh day.". It was a day of mishap - that I could only laugh at. A day of - oops! And, a day of blunder-- oh well, it happens. And a day when you gotta just sit back and just laugh. I know it could be so much more worse and I'm certainly glad it wasn't. But looking back it wasn't so bad, but it really shows you ----you gotta laugh at yourself.

SO if you get your email account expired, send a text to the wrong person, maybe say a little too much.....just laugh b/c someone already did it (me). And tomorrow, someone will do it again (who knows)! lol

Oh my. I'm going to bed.

Have yourself a great rest of the week!

E.