OTS

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

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.

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.

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!

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

E.

Keep Riding

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!

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!!

"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

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....

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!!!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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

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!

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

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....

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

Ride on,
E.

Get to stepping!! Kick it!

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.