2.0.1.2. - let's do this!

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.

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...

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!

I. JUST. FINISHED. GRAD. SCHOOL.



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

check please!

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

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!!

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

Run your race....boom!

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

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

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

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...

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

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.

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

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

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.

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!)

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

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!

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.