NKOTB

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

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

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....

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.....

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

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!

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.

Wrong Way, way!

This is so random and just proves where my mind was.....

I had got home from class and was a bit hungry. Went out to get some grub and headed back to the apt. Well, I'm used to riding my bike on campus, so I have routine paths I take. I guess I was thinking about my dinner, listening to music and maybe thinking about other random stuff too....and I notice something. I was taking my bike path home while driving my suv! Now this would be funnier if you saw me cut through a parking lot and watch the light bulb turn on when I realized what I was doing. I completely drove into a dead end that normally I can ride my bike through. Ummm....no ma'am, not tonight, and not in this ride. So I made a u-turn and proceeded to get to my place so I can grub and maybe stop laughing. No! I did it again. So so funny. It felt like all roads led to this dead end. I was just trying to make my way to mi casa mufasa y no. It was funny, but I sure was hungry.

and now I'm sleepy.

Today, I thought was going to be the longest day ever. Turned out pretty good and got to share a few smiles along the way. Oh yeah, I rode my bike home from class, and it felt great. Felt like I was riding stronger. So odd, b/c usually I'm tired after class. It was a good day.

Blessings,
E!

A woman should have

A poem by Maya Angelou

This is for the ladies and the guys. Maybe women will read this and be reminded of things to add to her life. And if guys read this, perhaps they can help the women in their life fulfill this poem. Thanks Jade for sending this to me.

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

enough money within her control to move out
and rent a place of her own,
even if she never wants to or needs to...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....

something perfect to wear if the employer,
or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..

a youth she's content to leave behind....

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to
retelling it in her old age....

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .....

a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

one friend who always makes her laugh... and one who lets her cry...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....

a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems,
and a recipe for a meal,
that will make her guests feel honored...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

a feeling of control over her destiny...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

how to fall in love without losing herself..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

how to quit a job,
break up with a lover,
and confront a friend without;
ruining the friendship...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

when to try harder... and WHEN TO WALK AWAY...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

that she can't change the length of her calves,
the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

that her childhood may not have been perfect...but it's over...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

what she would and wouldn't do for love or more...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

how to live alone... even if she doesn't like it...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW.. .

whom she can trust,
whom she can't,
and why she shouldn't take it personally....

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

where to go...
be it to her best friend's kitchen table..
or a charming Inn in the woods...
when her soul needs soothing...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

What she can and can't accomplish in a day...
a month...and a year...

Why Bob Why?!

I'm in the middle of writing a paper for class and have got a little side tracked. I have learned to either fight temptation or give in and take care of whatever it is that is distracting me. Usually it isn't for that long and I have got it out of my system. Plus, it allows me to have more consistent time on my what I'm trying to accomplish. Or I just try to take care of the BS. :) Yeah, I think you would agree to that more huh. Or if you only knew :)

OK, so I'm about to get ready to go play some flag football. :) Now, I'm not 18, nor 19. I'm about to go play a sport that is going to leave me sore for probably most of the upcoming week. Not only that, but these college kids are pretty serious when it comes to intramurals. I'm not going to break anything when I play, so if I must dive for a ball..... I better catch it, and be able to get up. Oh Geez- what did I get myself into. I'm shaking my head left and right for those of you, all of you, that cannot see me. But I'm also laughing and smiling. Yeah yeah, I love sports. Love them to the moon and back. But I love my health more. It'll be fun times and I'll get to interact with these kids born in 1990. Oh yeah - I went there.

So here's to you the reader. Here's to the Chupacabras and a winningful...and safe night!

Oh snap, so our team had a scrimmage game last week against a group of 18 year old boys. lol. I'm still laughing. I'm so glad they went easy with us during plays n snaps n interceptions. Well, we caught one and they caught the most. Anyhow, I thought it was something out of movie when the boys decided to play shirts and skins. lol. Where were my other friends - they would have loved that! Well, I still felt like I was in a movie. I will say chivalry is not dead. They boys were polite and let our non 18 yr old co-ed team gain some yardage on them. lol - it was eventful.

Here's a thought. Ever wonder why some people are great multi-taskers and able to listen and retain everything? Then you have a population of people who can only do one thing at a time? Yeah, there is a whole study of this, and guess who's reading about it. If you say some pirate.... well, you're close. It's the pirate's friend - me. It's good stuff.

There is so much going on right now, I don't know how to post it in words. But the good thing is that we are all still standing. Stay strong, stay tall in all that you do.

It amazes me to see such maturity in youth. This week, my friend buried her mom. Her kids, which I have known for almost 10 years are great bearers of my smile. I love those kids as if they were my own. I saw them this week, and they were young young adults. OK, not young adults, but you can see the makings and early stages of adulthood. Almost as if they were embracing the fact that they are growing up and handling life well. One of the kids is my Goddaughter. I'm so proud of her. I love them truly equally. The boy just turned 12 and I remember when I first met him. I felt like a parent when I saw them. I guess that is the paternal side of me loving. I can't wait till later in the future when I chat with them about their adult hood. My friend and her husband are raising two amazing people. I just feel so proud when I think of the kids. My prayers continue to go out to them and their family during their loss. If you are reading this, please holla out some prayers. I know the family would appreciate it. Don't worry about the names. God know who you are praying for.

Did I get all that I need out on this posting? lol, mostly. Till next time.

Daring you to run,
E.

Amazing.

I saw this and almost teared. It was the scene with the kid at the hospital. It's a Lance Armstrong Nike commercial.

It's true - they do give you wings!

So sleepy....so great :) It's amazing how a little and big sugar free red bull can take you :) night night :)

YOU

So much to say...but I'll sum it in this....

Enjoy your day. No matter what you do. Appreciate your past b/c it made you - YOU. Take the good with the bad, no matter how bad you think it is. We all make mistakes, but we gotta learn from them. I mean really--- those mistakes are lessons. You have to learn from your scrapes and scars. If you don't learn from any of that, then they truly are mistakes. I know I have made my fair share and I'll make more along the way. But I mos def learn from them all.

Take the opportunity to do something that scares you. It might not be as scary as you think. And, I can sign off without saying this... but take another opp to do something for you. Something fun. I don't care what it is, but do it up! Keep it legal and clean please. I don't condone the illegal.

That's NOT all I got, but that's all for now.

Dueces,
E.

quote for the day...and forever

"OUR LIVES BEGIN TO END THE DAY WE BECOME SILENT ABOUT THE THINGS THAT MATTER."

-DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.

1st Day

I just finished a workout. Snap it was amazing. Ran 3 miles and cycled campus from Blanco to the valley and back up all the hills. I looked at my watch and I have burned 400 cals biking campus! Put that in your back pocket. So that is good info to know.

Ok, so before the work out, I sat through my first grad class. It was pretty good :o) I think I'm going to really like it b/c it relates to my current job and that is working with students. I have always like to listen to students and to people in general. YES, students are people. But with what I'm learning here, it might help me apply these unknown theories to what I have been dong all along. And we are going to be videotaped during sessions! I'm not a big fan of what my voice sounds like recorded, but I'm sure it will be fine. I'm looking forward to the next class, and this time I'll have the correct book. Yeah, go fig - the book that cost more than an iPod shuffle was the wrong one. Thank goodness for receipts. Phew!

Haha - so my good friend, The Tri Coach, (U know I don't use names people!) send me the pic above. I was telling her that myself and my supervisor will be having staff mtgs with our amazing RAs, and that today was my first day of class. So this pic was sent to me. I think I'm supposed to be Curious George. All cute and brown. :O) Well, I do love me some George de Curioso! But as for the older gentleman behind George - no se!

Thoughts for today: Take a plunge. Take a step in the direction that you have been aching to go. No matter what is is. Do it! I dare you. It's only a matter of time once you have taken that step, that you finally get to the place you have been day dreaming about.

Get there.

E.

Just smile.

I feel like my days are as busy as ever. The students are moving in and getting situated. We are muscling through requests, handing AC probs, interesting situations and we keep rockin that smile. All and all it's good.

I realized I haven't been on here in a while, so that just made me realized - yeah, its been a bit on the busy side. No worries about that b/c I'm learning lots. The staff is more than amazing and I couldn't be more pleased. I'm excited about the staff development and how these students are going to grow in the next few months. Crap - I'm wondering how I'm going to grow in the next few also!

Grad school starts the day after tomorrow and I have a blender of feelings about it. I feel anxious, nervous, a bit timid, but one the surfaces the most. Readiness. I feel ready for it. I think I have the last few years to thank for that one. So much change has happened and I just kept second guessing the whole thought of heading back to the classroom. I want to do this. Who knows, maybe I just think I'm ready. Well, I'll find out in a few days, ay. Whatever this semester and the next two years hold, I just have to start it with a positive attitude, pray for the best and work hard. The rest will fall into place.

I got asked some personal questions today that got me thinking. Got me thinking about relationships and what I was looking for. I'm pretty sure that everyone is looking for same thing. I mean really - who wants to ask for someone who is mean, foul and rude? Of course people want someone fun, someone to make them laugh, someone to dance with (ok, the dancing is more for me - lol). I guess for me....it's someone I can make laugh, someone I can love and hopefully love back. Someone I can cook for and teach me a thing or ten in the kitchen. Someone who might like try new things like being outdoors. I mos def want someone who is trying to understand themself but still wants to learn more about them and accepts their flaws. Sometimes things cannot change. I'm cool with that. I know there are things about me that I'm trying to change, but that will take time. I'm learning as I go. It's the little things too that I like. One day, when the time is right, it will happen. Love will makes it way through my door. So glad I have an open door policy.

I guess I have love on my mind for today. Crazy. Crazy like a straw.

I read this quote on my friend's desk and I'll leave you with it....

"Don't cry because it's over...smile because it happened." I don't know who wrote it, but it makes sense. It's bittersweet thing to swallow, but once you do, you can turn the page to your life and move on. Well yes, one you turn that page, you can start writing some new stuff. Here's to page turning. Today was my day to just smile.

Dueces....yes, they are still wild.

E.

Manana!!

Tomorrow is check in.  I'm pumped for it and the staff is most def ready!  I love my students! 

And... if you are having a bad day....watch this -->  Click here. Guaranteed smiles.  If that doesn't work, check it at this link.

Have a more than blessed day....yeah we do it big on the westside at BSS, 

E.

I feel....

I feel good. Something inside me feels just good. I don't know what it was, but I just had a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction at this moment walking to my office on a Sunday night. My intital thought is someone will try to take that from me. Well, only if I let them. When you got a good feeling, no matter what caused it - smile and say thanks. I just did.

God is Good stuff dot com.

E.

So I lost track of time.  No not the hour....the day.  I was in a training session today with my amazing staff and realized I didn't know what day I was living.  If I was quizzed on the day of the week and was going to be offered a cash prize, I may have lost.  I had no idea it was Friday!  lol - We have been in training since Tuesday and will be going strong till the new students move in.  Snap!  I'm learning lots and getting to know the staff more.  I like that.  There is just something about working with students that makes a day go from good to great....ER! :)  

Random, but I just spent 3 hrs with some of the staff talking in the hallway. I had no idea.  Time just flew by.  It is my hopes that I will be able to provide these students the mentorship, support and direction that was given to me in undergrad.  It is also my goal to make sure they finish the year with with career ideas and more confidence than what they already have.  They are amazing.  Point blank - amazing.

Diversity was a big topic today.  It made me think of the issues that make me feel uncomfortable.  Subjects that I don't think I am strong in.  The presenter, a friend of mine...we will call him the Brit, made an excellent presentation.  Talked about privilege, equal rights and where are we going and how far we have come.   We should be scared about diversity - It should make us want to learn more.  I felt that even thought I am diverse.....there is so much more for me to gain when meeting with people who carry different characteristics.  If I meet those people, maybe they will gain something from me?  I know that I will be a stronger and a better woman for meeting them.

It's all about the walk. We say we are equal.  But are we really?  Are we all at a place to say we are equal amongst our neighbors?  Then why are their laws that restrict gays from marriage?  How equal is that?  That is just a thought and there is so much more to the topic of diversity, but I'll touch on that in a later post.  But really, who is anyone to say who can marry who?  They are not going to be living with that person - so who cares.  Why can't people just be?  Why will I have to let some law out a damper on the one I love?  I don't get that.  Well, I guess that is the problem.  People just don't understand the logic behind that rule.  B/c there isn't any.

All in good time.  It will happen.  Everyone will have equal rights.  Life will work out.  I just hope I see it in my lifetime.  Ahhhhh.....I know I will.  :)

OK, I'm out like trout.  Have a good night!

E to the R!

Character Counts!

I just hopped off my bike from an evening ride through campus.  There is just something so peaceful about riding at night.  When no one is out - the world is silent.  There are no cars, no people....just you and the hills.  You and the wind.  You and the night.  There is just something about the wind in a ride.  It can be your enemy or it can be your assistant.  But also, it can be the whisper of peace.  Just riding and listening to the sound of the wind in my ears...I love that.  I feel unstoppable.   I feel free.   

Today was a first time in a long time that I have had a long day at the "office."  I miss that.  We are in the midst of training and learning.  I feel that I'm learning everyday.  And now that our leadership students are back, I'm gaining from their experience in this field.  I had the opportunity to sit for an extended period of time with one and really mash out some professional development.  I like that stuff.  If I can connect and get one student motivated, imagine what that student will  do with that energy.... I love that thought.  We talked about empowerment and providing to others.  I love talks like these.  We just want to take that to all the students and students to be.  Imagine if you can just impact one person.  And maybe that very person will impact another and so on and so on....  A global domino effect.  

So after a productive day of training and listening and thinking outside the box..... I hopped online to browse for motivational poster for my office.  I found a pic that might help me along the semester.  I posted it above.  Choosing our words is so important.  It just leads to so much more than what we say b/c it has an effect on those that hear it, and also transforms our actions....and in the end our destiny.  If we can select the right words and words of empowerment, we can help others around us grow and develop their character.  I like the pic and the sports reference in it.  Play fair, but play firm too.  Play strong.  Live fair.  Live firm.  Live strong.  OK, that last part was some of my add in. :)

I'm glad I had the chance to ride today.  My bike just kept staring at me as I sat on the couch using the laptop.  I couldn't have a day (especially this day) with out a ride.  I wasn't sure if I was going to get a chance, but you know....if you want it - go get it!

Keep on Pedaling, 

E. 

iPedal

This weekend was pretty sweet!

Friday - Dinner with friends, bowling and then a movie. Then it came down to some personal business on the road. Check it -

Sat - 38.08 miles Including a ride down Sessoms!!! weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!

Sun - 35.69 miles

MY heart is feeling pretty good. I haven't ridden back to back like that in so long. Body check:

Legs - tired and tanned

Heart - Feeling good

Face - a little on the tanned side - no differt than usual

Smile - from ear to ear!

Bike - Chase is ready for more!

I'm spent. :)

Now to some softball practice! lol

E.

P.S. This pic needs a ponytail!

Oh Susan!

I received the following quote from a fellow cyclist and thought it was something to blogg about. I'm def pro bike. And I'm also pro girl power (duh) :) But if you, guy or girl, have never ridden a bike, try it. So awesome. A bike can take you anywhere. It's free transportation. Great for the environment. Good for your health. Give your legs definition. oooow! It can release that inner child that is achin to play. Or it can release that inner beast that has been caged up for so long. Try it. You can borrow mine. Take Link our for a lil spin, but if you even think of keeping my bike - I will find you or you will be buying me a new one. :) Whoa - that was my inner beast saying it's time for a ride. Dueces! Here's da quote from Susan B. Anthony....


"I'll tell you what I think of bicycling. I think it has done more to emancipate women than any one thing in the world. I rejoice every time I see a woman ride by on a bike. It gives her a feeling of self-reliance and independence the moment she takes her seat; and away she goes, the picture of untrammelled womanhood." - Susan B. Anthony 1896

Oh Susan....Rock it, don't stop it!


Pedal OUT,
E.

Cheers!

Snap - Good Times!  I just spent the evening with some good people and strutted our way through First Thursdays in Austin.  Good stuff!  Two of the people in the group were newbies to the festive event which made it fun to show the area around to them.  One of them grew up in the same neighborhood as my dad and his brother and sisters.  Ahh - I love me some family.  So much history.  Puro Laredo.  Puro Proud.  Love it!  And I'm from Corpus!  :)

Check it - this time around, one of the participants decided not to wear heals and going out clothes, but was rockin a dress!  Actually two of them were making their way sporting dresses.  Looking fly- I hope they have passports!  Mine, of course, was at the cleaners, thus, I dressed in comfy tank tops and shorts. :)  Yeah, that is how I rock it.....I don't do dresses unless, MAYBE someone is getting married or something huge.  I did have a sweet yellow messenger bag that was mistaken for purse. Ummm, no.  It was clearly a messenger bag.  Messenger bag.  The Pirate made an appearance and so did another Laredoian too.  I wonder if I spelled that remotely close to correct.

Dinner at Doc's.  Walking South Congress.  Hitting up the tables. Looking at crafts.  Eating a Pop - So Cool.  Love it. I even bought a ring.  It just popped out at me, and I couldn't take my eye off it.  Girly moment #2 of the evening.  Whatev - it's a sweet ring.

The night progressed and after feasting on a veggie burger, salad and snacks along the way I couldn't help but smile along the way.  I know it is not everyday that I get to see these people, so I just take it in whenever, wherever I can.  Love it.  

And love me some Austin.  I get teased sometimes that I'm always there and should move there.  Yeah no, but I wish I could.  I am dedicating my next two years to San Marvelous and then we shall see.  Weird, but in 2 years, who knows where I will be.  Who knows where YOU will be?  Where do you want to go?  If I got a reader out there....write down right now where you want to be.  Do it.  Right now. I'll be waiting.  I want to hear about it.  In fact, if you want to let me know - go for it.  You can go anywhere and do anything....ANYTHING!!

This weekend, a good friend of mine will be celebrating her 30th birthday.  IF you are reading this - Happy Birthday to YOU.  You have lived so much that I think you have lived for others too.  Pedal your way into your new year.  It's going to be something very unique and special all that it should be.  Love u!  And thank you for inspiring me to just be.  

Here's to all the birthdays (yeah you!!) this weekend and all the grand promotions (atta girl!!) and all the celebrations to be celebrated!

Cheers!

E.

Random, but I think I met Hello Kitty.

A quarter

I got my suv back....she's up and running.  Although Mr. Mechanic said I might need new tires b/c one of mine has a bubble and may blow out.  Wow - if it's not one thing, it's the other.  I totally sound like my mom when our mini van was acting up.  Actually, the first time I ever heard the word "alternator" and "sylenoid" (which I'm sure I'm misspelling) was when we had the mini van.  I loved that ride.  I would snag the back seat b/c I could fit perfectly across it.  Loved it!  

Well, I have Taylor back (my suv - and yes, almost everything has a name.  Why not?) and I'll look into some tires after I get them inspected.  Ching, I'm just thankful I got a vehicle.  It's been crazy hot outside and riding my bike super fun, but it's just hot!  OK ok, I could be elsewhere in some desert heat.  Point taken.

Tonight, I had a softball game.  We lost.  We lost by 2 points.  I didn't like the fact that we lost, but oh well.  We all did the best we could and to me that is all that counts.  We play again next Wed and we'll do better fo' sho'.  

Had a lat night treat at Sonic with some team players.  Good stuff.  A sonic girl hooked me up with some soda to make a coke float from my vanilla reese's peanut butter cups shake. Yeah, there were not that many reese's in it, so the float was a shot in the dark and I was pleased to get some beverage.  

I got home, answered some voicemails as I changed to go for a bike ride.  Yeah, it was 1030pm and I wasn't done with my day.  I still had some energy and felt like spending it on my bike.  Went to Wells to attempt to deposit a check (no envelopes  = sadness) and then to check my mail!  What up!  

My night was a bit better.  I don't know sometimes ....well, we all have our good moments and then those that are opposite than a smile.  It didn't hit me until I just sat down to write this, but I'm trying to work on this change thing and letting something go.  For instance, at the softball game I found a quarter.  I smiled b/c really - who ever finds a quarter?  It seems that almost everytime I have a game, I find change.  The light hits the coins well and I just pick them up.  Here's the thing - I smiled for a few reasons.  1. Free money - hello!  2. I remembered an old friend who would always try to be funny and take my coins. 3. And lastly, I realized that change is good.  I guess God is just trying to get me to seriously remember that.  It is good.  And it's ok to let go of burdens.  If something is weighing you down, shoot - just let go.  I should def spend that quarter somewhere.  Hello laundry fund.

It's been one of those days.  Ummm....I kinda feel like Doogie Houser, MD writing in this thing sometimes.  Homeboy should have coined the word blogg back then.  Cha- Ching!  Now, that would be a lot of coin!

Final thought: today was well spent (get it coins...change....get it?  yeah I know you do).  Despite the craziness.  The headaches.  The silly running around.  I realized as I started my late night bike ride that all three of my family members called me today.  Mom, dad and bro.  I felt the love right at the very moment of that very thought.  A phone call is so powerful.  Even if it was a voicemail.  Love it.

Pedal OUT, 

E.

Correct spelling is Solenoid :)

Ready and waiting

So I heard some good news today.....

My suv is up and running!!  :)  Totally good news.  Although, Mr. McHandy Mechanic misquoted me on the price of labor.  Ummm...so I'm left with a dilemma.  He said I can either pay him what he quoted me or pay him a little bit more.  He is going to short himself a lot of cash if I pay him the quote amount, so naturally I feel bad.  But seriously, don't quote a price if you don't know.  And yes, I'm going to give him more than the quoted price, but not the full amount.  He says that he understands and doesn't expect to get paid the full amount.  Well,  I will see tomorrow.  It's been a long day, but good one. 

I think its a sweet profession to fix cars and be knowledgeable in that area.  Everyone who had a vehicle will have motor troubles one day.  So why not know something about your car?  

So tomorrow afternoon, me and purple princess will be heading over to the body shop to pick up my ride.  How pumped am I??  This pumped {------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------}  That is supposed to be my hands and arms stretched out on both sides of me.  :)  Yeah, real descriptive.  :)

I hope she is ok and ready for a fun filled Wed.  I have some tubing with my former office and a play off softball game at 8pm.  Who's comin with me??

SO here is to you all who work on cars:  May you always have good business and correct quotes.  :)

E.

Dirrrrty Hands & High Hopes

Got to ride my mountain bike today :) So you know I got a smile on my sun kissed face. Although not only can you see me coming at cha, but you can hear me too. But it's my brakes you hear - squeakin' louder than ever. I swung by the Bike Cave after lunch, which was after work (yes I work). The bike mechanic did more than help me, but taught me about bike pads and adjustments! Yeah, it is the little things that make this girl smile.

You can either give someone the fish you caught, or teach them to fish. Teach me. Not only that, but I got my hands all McGreasy and my ride no longer squeaks. I rocked it!

Now for by SUV, I'm waiting on the results of my battery. My ride is in good Hands. Just praying for the best.

Back to work -

E.

1 Mexican wrestler, 1 pirate, some pizza, 1 cousin and a possible new battery??

This weekend had so many turn of events, I don't know where to start.  First off, I will say that I'm incredibly thankful for the friends that I have in my life.  They are a big reason why I'm able to stand.  But I def will give me some credit too.  

Sat was good times.  I worked a bit in the early afternoon, attended a work blank-quet and picked up a friend and headed to Austin.  Typical Sat or so it seemed.  I informed my friend that, everything or everywhere we did and went that night would be something new.  No matter what.  From the very place we parked my ride, to the very place we showed our IDs and to the very place we sipped thru our straws.  New.  And so we did.  ha - except once.  Now, b/c I vowed to never post a pic of my friend - we'll call her Dee Dee, with beverage in hand online, I will most def keep my promise.  Oh, but I have such a great photo that I might have to frame :)  Sometimes our word is all we have, and I'm going to keep it.  

Ah, but the evening was grand and we got to hangout with our friend we'll call "The Pirate" and another called Roommate.  Oh, these names.  Whatev - it sounds all Dick Tracy to call them this.  

After one dollar bet, one mexican wrestler and my random high fives to strangers....the night progressed to a little place we call heaven.  Ummm, we will call this place Homeslice.  Well, b/c that is it's real name.  Oh this was our pleasure principle ala Janet Jackson.  We completely bypassed Roly Poly O's and headed to South Congress for some long awaited pizza.  The trek there reminded me of the movie Harold and Kumar go to Whitecastle.  You can just taste what your craving are Clay Aiken for.  Although we did not have any hurdles but red lights, we got there in no time.  

So there 4 of us are making comments about our evening on the west side of town in between the long desired bites.  And my friend the pirate is eyeing someone b/c I see him staring.  He is looking or possibly checking out some girl in line.  I follow his eye sight and what do I see - MY COUSIN!!  lol!  :)  I haven't seen her since June (or maybe May), and go fig, last time I saw her was on South Congress for First Thursdays.  Love this girl!  My little cousin.  Ok, not little.  She is def a lot taller than me and a few years younger, but you know they will always be your little whatever - forever.  I couldn't believe.  It made me smile just thinking about it.  I love my family to the end and back.  I realized how much I missed home and the people who fill that "house."  Cousin and I got to talking and we will make some plans to hang out soon.  It made me laugh some b/c we were getting after each other for not calling one another to go out.  I sometimes forget I have a relative 30 min away from me.  So blessed.

It was a great Sat.

Sun was eventful.  I was a bit bummed out though.  Just one thing.  One little thing.....

My suv, Taylor died.    Randomly, a mechanic drove by me and my 2 friends and stopped to help us out.  Ah geez - I guess something like this was supposed to happen sometime or another.  I am more than sure that I take care of my ride.  You know the saying - be good to your car and it'll be good to you.  I told Mr. Mechanic that I was a bit embarased that I got stranded, but he assured me that not matter what you drive, that something like this happens to everyone.  That made me feel a bit better, but did not bring my car back to life.  Right now, my ride is in the hands of the mechanics business and I'll find out tomorrow around 1pm the status.  I'm just praying it will get better and not cost too much.  I know that God does put people in your path for a reason - and I'm super duper thankful that I wasn't stranded too far and distant from the people who helped me.  Thank you.  And to Mr. Mechanic guy - thank you too.  This is interesting, but when I was stranded with my first car, the same friend was there to rescue me.  Thank you Rocky! 

God, you do wonders.  Blessings.

E.

Christmas ...in August

Christmas socks in July....I mean August!  IS that such a random bad thing?  Ah, but they are so comfortable.  :)  I was telling a friend of mine how I was rocking red Christmas socks and she thought that sounded like fun.  Why do we have to wait until the appropriate month to sport the complimentary clothing?  But what if it just felt right?  I say  - go for it.  The more comfortable - the better.  And if it makes you crack a smile - then by all means slide across the floor with your most fave socks.  You know I did, minus the make shift microphone :)  

Thank you red socks, it was a long day.

Keep pedalling,

E.

PS. Forgot to mention that I was watching Family Stone too.  ummm - guilty pleasure #22.  Great Christmas movie.  It'll make you laugh and cry at a whole new level. 

Da nuh nuh! Da nuh nuh!!

Oh, how I love me some ESPN and Justin Timberlake.  Go figure the two together.....  Check it out here!  This is too good so don't pass it up :)

E.

Walk it out!

What an amazing day!

Lots of great things happened but there is one thing I want to mention as of now.  Shoes.  Random random.  I was recalling a conversation I had with a friend of mine - and she told me I had a lot of shoes.  I beg to differ, but I see where she was coming from.  She was not referring to high heeled stilletto or however you spell it type.  She was referencing my shoe for almost every sporting event.  :)  I think we were bowling, and my shoes look like 8th grader Tony Hawk Airwalks.  I have to admit, they paid for themselves.  I'm not the best bowler, but the fact that I have shoes, people think I am.  Negative Space Ghost.  It just means that they were on sale at Academy and I like to bowl for fun and not have to pay for shoe rentals each time I go.  Yeah - my bowling kicks are in my suv as we speak...well, as I type and as you read.

OK, so the last pair of shoes that I acquired are Lake Tri shoes....for FREE!!  :)  Heck yeah!  I'm so thankful!  One of my old roommates, who is 5'11" gave them to me b/c they didn't fit her.  I'm 5' 1/2"...that is 5 foot and half inch and they fit me.  We wear the same size shoe - so odd, but so great!  amazing.  lol - the next decision is to decide to keep the same pedals, or find some sturdier ones that will help with my power transfer on Chase.  hmmmmm..... ok ok, I will get back to that later.   The reason for the tangent and the talk about shoes is this.....

There is a shoe for every occasion.  For every part of your life.  You might just need chanclas (flip flops - racial slur! sorry bud) for a lighter part of your life...and sometimes our lives will require steel toe shoes.  I believe that the basis of our foundation is through our walk.  Where we go and what we experience will recreate or add to our core and strengthen us for the next step.  Spiritually speaking we will never walk alone.  Physically, we might be by ourselves, but when you check your tracks that you have made - you are never solo.  The times when you see evidence of only one set of footprints - your footprints are not your own, but will be deeper b/c you were carried.   I love the thought that I was being carried during my harder days.  I know that I couldn't do it alone.  Walking through a valley is not the easiest, but looking back - I'm glad for 2 things.  Knowing that I wasn't alone and that I just kept walking.  It sucks and yes it is hard, but the best thing to do is keep walking.  Cry it out, laugh, get mad, but whatever it is - just keep walking.  I'm pretty sure that I wore a variety of shoes during that walk.  Mostly runnin shoes, b/c that is a pair that kept me movin'.  But not high heels.  That is way too girlie.  But shoot, you know I can rock them too!  :) 

Whatever the case may be, just keep walking.  You will get to the place you need to be.

Walk it out, 

E.

Change it up

If we didn't roll with change, the changes in our lives....chances are we would get run over. I saw an inspiration poster in my supervisor's office the other day, and it struck me. Actually, it hit me and confirmed something for me.
The pic had a a tidal wave. I can't recall if it had a surfer on it, but let's say it did. If we didn't go with the changes that are around us, we would be caught by the undertow instead on top of the wave.
There is nothing wrong with a fight. Especially when you feel you are right and you believe it with all your heart. But months ago I was fighting a change. And it took sometime and a lot of prayer to just let go, and see what He may have for me. I am on a wave right now. I love water and all they symbolism that comes with it. Seeing that poster staring back at me, I smiled and knew this is where I need to be.
It will be a long trek, but I'm game. God is so present. He is here in the good and most def in the bad. Just keep trusting yourself to trust in Him. His Hands can hold us all.

Holdfast,

E.

Sweet n Sour

So we had 2 softball games tonight.  The weather was humid and a bit rainy.  We were short a player or just a few and totally borrowed a guy from the other team.  We all had some great and amazing plays and hits too.  But in the end we came up short. Rats.  

No there were no rats there that was just me saying it.  Rats.  We all like to win it up, but sometimes we just gotta be on there lower end of the stick and take it like a .....well just take it.  Get a straw and suck it up as my fellow bloggin friend would say. 

Game 2 was rather interesting.  I had a chance to get some energy from some tasty cupcakes that were especially delivered from my friend's gf.  Thank you!  Amazing cupcakes.  Boy do I love me some cupcakes dot com!!! Maybe b/c I'm only five foot nothin (ok AND half an inch) and I feel like a giant when I eat one!  Raaaaarrrrr!!!!  N-E-ways....the cup and the cakes were great and def shared with my teammates.  Needless to say - I have one left.  Maybe I'll save it for tomorrow....if it can last.  The interesting stuff on game 2 was that we were behind and started to catch up.  This team was good, I'm not going to lie, but I just felt we were missing something.  Then we started to click.  Well, I have to say we were holding out own throughout the game.  I was pitchin, and was not consistent AT ALL.  My bad guys.  And gals too.  You know what I mean.  But this was random, I lost my right contact after being frustrated with pitching and found it on my shirt.  Thank you contact lense fairy!!  Yeah, here is me trying to pitch with only one good eye!  That reminds me of someone....who could it be???  A pirate?  No.  Someone else.  Well, I'm only going to say this once, ok, maybe twice, but clearly everyone was ripping that ball.  We started to catch up.  I almost forgot, but I hit a 3 run homer.   !!!!!!  Those exclamations were delayed, b/c I just remembered and it just now hit me.  And also, the left fielder just stopped running after the ball.  Apparently his knee gave out.  I hope he ices it.  He got me out later - guess his knee wasn't all that bad, but still he should ice it.  We were inches in closing the gap and in the near end, we tied the game.  The other team did win by one point though.  But some much happened in that one hour.  Gotta take the good with the bad.  The sweet with the sour.  Can't let the outside stuff wear you down.  

I went into the games hoping that walking into my happy place would allow other stuff to be postpone.  I did shake it off, but it allowed the little things to make it's way in.  I don't know, I have always been good at shaking stuff off and just talking it out.  I may have found my kryptonite.  Everyone has something and until I work it out, it's always gonna bug me.  So I'm gonna fix it.  

So here to a glass half full.  And a here's to the people around me that always find a way to refill my glass.  Dumela.  

E. 

Love/Hate...Just run it!

I just came back from a friend's place and an eventful day.  This consisted of training, working, working out and hanging out with friends in no particular order - well, training was first.  :)  Have you ever just known it was a long day when you start referring to morning events as a couple of days ago?  Well, I completely did this earlier tonight.  

Officially I have been gone from my last job for exactly one week.  I miss my colleagues from admissions, and starting to adjust to life literally on campus with housing.  The greatest thing about this is that I'm on the same campus and surrounded by supportive and good people.  A week of training is now complete and I feel like I'm learning a new language.  Ever been to another country and was slowly picking up what people around you are saying?  Yeah, I feel that way a bit, but in a good way.  I'll get there and I'm sure there will be a sweet t-shirt and or polo at the end to greet me at the finish line.  But really, it's higher ed people, there is not finish line.  There will always be students and I'm real pumped about being a part of it. :) 

Tonight, out of no where I decided to make a run through campus.  UP and Down those library stairs.  Not once or two times, but on each stairway.  So that would be a total of six times.  Feeling a little bit like Rocky I out there.  Minus the morning air and minus the fab statue at the top.  Although we do have a statue on the opposite end of campus and one in the center.  Did you know there are 46 stairs that lead up to top??  Ah yeah!  Feel fly and just truckin along.  I made my way to the opposite end of campus to Old Main.  :)  MY favorite building.  This is where it all started.  The very seed to our campus.  My route continued through our park, all the way to the stadium and to HEB, over the railroad tracks, past the Veteren's Memorial to Cancun Rob's (which was bumpin!!) and up the Edward Gary Hill.  Low and behold there were 2 girls coming down the hill and I cheered them on.  Our town is such a small world of a place b/c I ran into one of my former student workers!  lol  I love it.  Talked for a hot second and made my way back.  An hour run is just what I needed.  The whole time I had some random thoughts.....  Like why did you forget your iPod.  Normally I have it, but tonight I went truly solo.  I thought about the upcoming months.  What should I expect and what will be expected of me.  I thought about people who I care about.  Loves lost.  And what love will be in my future.  I later wondered - will I have the opportunity again.  I don't know, but I do know that I'm an optimist and I always looked my glass as half full.  If it isn't I'll talk about it, but I will find somewhere and somehow to get a refill.  I always do.  But honestly, if its meant to be, it will happen.  I also thought about my family and what a strong foundation they are to me.  My parents have done more than I could ever have asked and I'm just so proud of who they are and their love.  They amaze me.  I also thought why don't I run more often?  It's such a treat to spend that time solo with the pavement and the ground you run on.  It's always there waiting for you anticipating your arrival.  And it's not going anywhere....unless it's San Marcos and the road is getting a makeover!  I get a lot from a jog like that.  I hope others find a way to spend that me time.  It's amazing, I just felt like I conquered out there, and I just ran.  :)    

Actually, I'm glad I left my iPod at home.  It was well worth it.  

Not to mentioned - I got to ride my new bike home from my friend's casa.  Oh, it's a sweet lil' mountain bike.  It's super dark blue with some Sol cerveza and lil' devil stickers on it.  It's a diamond back and really simple bike.  I love that I actually take it around campus and to HEB.  We'll see how much I ride in the future, but wow - I just love it.  I think it's more of a he this time around.  Chase, my road bike is a definite she but is a complete tomboy.  Where does she get it from I wonder?  Anyhow, the mountain bike was basically free thanks to Sprint and Craig's List.  Sprint sent me a cell phone that I wasn't pleased with and when I tried to send it back - they said keep it or give it away.  Umm, so a day later I put it on CL's to barter for a used bike....2 days later, my dad and I are putting on new tires and tubes for my new bike.  New to me kids.  It's so fly it needs a passport!

Big thoughts for today:

Be patient with yourself.  All that you need will come to you when it is the right time.  Just be patient.  :)

Dueces are still wild, 

E!  

Uphill Downhill

So here is a little something that happened during a bike ride late May.  So my dear friend and I sign up for a bike ride.  She and I are all pumped and psyched about it too.  Well, we hadn't been riding consistently but whatev - we were going to tackle the ride like no other.

Ride starts, and we take off.  Granted there are a variety of distances you can do: 80miles, 65, 50, 30, 15 or just watch.  We decided on riding for 50 miles.  Yeah buddy!!  We will rock this!  Look out!  Well the looking out and the rocking last about the first 10 miles.  Those route was ridiculous!!  Not only where there hills, but there were hills upon hills!  And the heat was ridiculous!! It felt like someone brought the sun heck of alot closer than what we were used to.  Could that be possible?  Uh yeah.  

Well, my cycling buddy and I got separated in our drafting packs.  She's got some definite speed and I was trailing behind.  Ummm, I think b/c I'm .....oh what's the word - OOMPA LOOMPA!!  Ok, that's two words...or maybe one b/c it's hyphenated.  Don't judge.    Yeah, anyway, I really need to work out.  And so the course goes up and down, left and right, upside down too.  I probably could have walked next to my bike Chase and made it up the spawn of satan hill alot faster.

Well, I did manage to catch up to my friend at the first rest stop 10 miles into the ride.  Mind you, I was already thinking....no no, I had already made up my mind that I was going to opt for the 30 mile route if I didn't see her at the rest area.  And if I did see her, I would have to persuade her.  My chances of that - well, I did not know.  Found my friend and without speaking a word.... just the look on our faces said it all.  And we just said "30," and smiled in relief.  I have need been so contempt with going the shorter route.  

Even though we managed to persuade each other to take a shorter route to the finish line, did not mean it was easier.  We still had more hills, a flat tire, and some crazy heat to battle on our way.  But  I will say there were some fly bikes and cyclists out there!  Yeah for me!  

Ahh, but aside from the amazing lunch they gave us, Portabello 'shroom burgers :) and the free Sweet Leaf Tea that I would marry I could and the great talks I get to have with my friend...... I got to experience this one of a kind amazing downhill.  

Ever feel like you are about to walk off the face of the world when there is a steep downhill up ahead when you are driving?  Or it may look like a drop you are about to go on while sitting in the front of a rollercoaster.  :)  There was this massive hill that I got to fly down.  I was going so fast that I pumped my back brakes a little just to be safe, but really, what else can you do?  You just have to go with it.   It was amazing!!!  I even yelled like Goofy yelled when he first learned to ski down a slope.  It was awesome!   When the ride was over....when I got down the hill, I rode that momentum as far as I could and pedalled out as much as Chase would let me.  I looked down at my max speed and to surprise it read 41 mph!  I was pretty sure that I read it right as I flew downhill, hence the Goofy yell.  I took my double take and cheered on my friend as we coasted almost the rest of the way to the end of the race.  Uh-mazing!!

When in doubt, pedal out, 

E.

Changing Gears

I'm slowly getting settled into my new place on the WESTSIDE of town.  Slowly I'm figuring out that I have alot of junk ALOT of stuff that maybe I should have deleted from my side years or months ago.  Slowly I'm gaining the strength to donate it and throw away what needed to tossed many moons ago.  :)  I have give goodwill at least 8 big bags/boxes of stuff.  And 2 big bags of clothes to friends.  But dang, it's hard to get rid of the physical things that have so many memories attached to it.  Some memories still hurt and some just made me laugh in the moving process.  As weird as this sounds, I'm pretty damn grateful for both.  In all this, I have most def re-learned the trueness of a friend.  I'm incredibly thankful for each person that has walk along the side of me, in front of me, behind me or just crossed paths with me.  And I'm even thankful for those that just popped in for a second.  I feel slightly changed with each encounter and I tend take a little piece of them with me.  Even those random strangers that are passerbys.  Love me some strangers.  Nothing more fun to wave hi at a sexy stranger in a car and get a huge smile back.  Haaaay!  Happy Fourth!!  I'm still smiling.  I still concur, I have no game.  lol

So I'm moving.  I'm changing gears for a bit.  I'm going back to school.  I'm changing jobs.  All these changes and I'm still standing....or technically sitting at the moment.  I never thought I would see the day.  I have often thought what the day would look like when I leave a place/job I love so much.  How can one walk away from something they love, something so secure and something that you just know so well???  I don't know.  I just had to Dive In and do it.  Snap.  It was not an easy choice to make, but one I knew that needed to be made.  Through this transition I have discovered more about me than I thought.  I like to think that we all find something new about ourselves in times of change.  It's exciting to get to know a different side of yourself.

I know the only way to grow is to change it up.  I'm pumped about that!  It's like a pet fish.  You buy a fish and put it in a fish bowl.  It's only going to grow as big as the fish bowl.  Change the bowl, you change the fish.  Just gotta TRI.  Yeah, I learn plenty from my one triathlon.  It was hard, intense, uphill battle, but something I always wanted to do.  I'm feeling this change.  I know I'm going to tossed a lot of verbage that I'll have no clue what it means.  But I've learned before, so I'll do it again.  

I guess what I'm trying to throw out there is that..... if you want something - go get it.  It's all yours for the taking.  No matter what it is.  I would put it on a silver platter for you if I could.  There is nothing that you can't do.  You want it, eff, go for it.  You have nothing to lose, but all to gain.  

One of my most favorite quotes is from Nelson Mandela and it goes...

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.  Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.  We ask ourselves who I am to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?  Actually who are you NOT to be?"

It's brilliant and perfect.  Step outside the lines and that box. Do it up and do it big.  You are worth it.  

:) E.

Hit it away now

So I'm feeling a bit better.  Work. Softball.  Swam.  Showered.  Snack.  iChat.  Blogg.  Hi.

My whole day dragged a bit.  Of course there were some high parts, but it just took a while to get through.  Although today is Wed and we know what that is....SOFTBALL WEDNESDAY!!  

I play on a softball team.  Well, not only that but I get a chance to play on a team that is comprised of some pretty amazing individuals.  People from all walks of life who's main goal is to help college students and people in general.  It's pretty breathtaking to know that these people all want to help others.  

We play great together.  Even on the back of our shirts it says "Team Player."  That is not our team name, but I think the phrase is a good reminder of who the person is next to you on the field.  If the person playing next to me is a Team Player, I better be one too.  I don't want to let him or her down.  That is how I see it.  We have people in the stands that wear the same team shirt we do, but their shirt says "Cheer Squad."  It's appropriate.  They are more than cheerleaders, they are a pod of people that are keeping it positive for us all.  And this is something else - our team just has a positive attitude about everything.  I think if you ever have a bad day, you can just play softball with these people and be better individual when you started.  Amazing.  

And to top it off - we won our game!!  Not bad :)  Yeah it was good times during the game.  We even had a combination of friends, a few student workers and some staff members.  They are great people :)  Take a walk with and meet them!

My spirits did lift a bit during the game.  Hearing teammates encourage others to do better is just so soothing.  Softball has a way of taking me somewhere far away from any kinds of negativity.  Keep doing what you do best team! And do it BIG!!  We all did great and I'm proud of everyone!

You guys rawk!