tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-230812292024-03-06T00:47:08.302-07:00A Girl Named RooA blog all about me and my world. A late thirties woman happily living in the South-West US with her husband and Dog Gunner.Joey S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15657677111268871759noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23081229.post-3217416742234236892013-05-05T11:34:00.000-06:002013-05-05T11:34:00.871-06:00A New Chapter for Roo and Dreams Come True <br />
Sorry I have been such an absent blogger lately. So much has been happening and really I should have been recording it all here...but I haven't. So now I get to tell you the long crazy story all in one long post. Get a cup of coffee, relax and enjoy the read. :)<br />
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It all started in January when I was just coming off of a year of working so hard and feeling super fried. I knew something had to be done to help preserve what little of my sanity was still left...but I didn't quite know what that was. Well, that's a lie. I knew exactly what that was but was afraid to ask for it or even say it out loud. First I would like to say I absolutely love my job. I honestly feel it is exactly what I was put on this earth to do and it is the only thing that takes full advantage of all of the talents I have been blessed with. For the most part it comes easy to me and I really do have fun at work. But, it does require extremely long hours, LOTS of brain power and I have found it very easy to get completely lost in a problem at work and ignore ME for weeks at a time. Sometimes this is fun, other times it is completely draining.<br />
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As you know, I have MS. Stress is the number one trigger for me. I decided in January as I was headed straight for another relapse that something needed to be done. I didn't wan't to have to burn out and leave my job for health reasons. So I needed to find a balance. Well, I knew what I wanted...what my heart was yearning for...I just need to find the courage to ask for it. It seemed so wasteful, but the more I checked in and explored what would feed my soul and settle my spirit, this was it.<br />
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Thankfully, as part of my regime for treating my MS and keeping it at bay I see an acupuncture regularly I have for years and am positive that she is the reason my MS is not worse. Of course MS is a very individualized disease and it really is all about finding that magic combination that works for you and your disease. Acupuncture is one of the tools that has worked for me. It may not work for everyone.<br />
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But, I digress. During one of my sessions after months of going to see her and crying...being exhausted and seeing my energy levels drop lower and lower until my body finally said enough. She had the courage to ask the question I haven't had the courage to ask. She asked, "what is your heart asking for? What would feed you and make you feel like this was all more manageable?" I thought for a second and said, A house in the mountains...a get a way. A sanctuary. A place I could escape to and know that it will always be there for me to recharge, refuel and if I got to a spot I could no longer do my job....We could live there and just be.<br />
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Her response put the dream into reality and started a 6 month (and counting) adventure. She said, so why do you find that? Start looking, try it on...feel what it would be like to OWN that sanctuary for you. If it doesn't feel right you don't have to follow through. But, explore it for a while and see. You never know...it might be exactly what you need.<br />
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I just looked at her, listening. But, I was no longer in that room. I was picturing myself in that mountain home soaking in the sun and far away views. Listening to the birds and just being. Nothing more...nothing else. My heart sang. I was very happy.<br />
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I went home and talked to my husband about this crazy idea. To my surprise he didn't laugh, discourage me or even ask why. He just looked at me and said, okay. Do you want me to call a Realtor? Do you want to go look at areas this weekend?<br />
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And so our journey began..........<br />
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I won't bore you with everything that has transpired regarding our search over the last many months. But, in hindsight I do feel like a higher power (whatever that may look like for you) has been guiding us all along the way. When I think back to the starts and stops and everything that has gone wrong. At the time it looked like this who adventure was a mistake and it wasn't meant to be. We even gave up several times but in the end we found the absolute perfect home for us. It has every single thing on my list and things I didn't even know I wanted. It is in every sense of the word, my dream home.<br />
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I can tell you that when we first wanted to make an offer on an "okay" home, we were denied financing. It turned out to be a mistake, but it forced us to really look at everything and reconfirm this is exactly what we wanted. We then found another home that was better, but when we decided to make an offer it was already under contract. We looked at probably 30 homes over the last 5 months and I seriously stalked all of the home listing sites. I was more educated on the real estate market than our Realtor was. I really think, he was a little scared of me. ;o) It's okay, I'm used to it. When I decide I want something, I dedicate 100% of my time to it.<br />
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The day we found *THE* home....<br />
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When I look back to the events of this day, I can't help but think this home was meant to be our home. It was a really, really bad day. I was really starting to feel like we would never find that perfect home for us. I even told my husband that maybe we should just buy land and build our own house. OUR home wasn't out there. See, I had VERY specific things I was looking for and one of the most important was it had to be a certain price point so we could easily pay it off in 10 to 15 years (hopefully less) so we could retire here...or worst case scenario we could escape there and not worry about having to pay a mortgage. In our price range, there was really hardly anything "livable" on the market. Which was fine, we were comfortable with a fixer upper or a foreclosure. But, even looking at those none felt right. We had decided to give up. But, there was a pit in my stomach, it didn't feel right. So I asked my husband if we could go up and look at one more listing that had just showed up. It was a long shot, but you never know. On the way, we decided to call our Realtor and let him know we were taking a break and were pretty confident that we weren't going to find what we were looking for and would start looking for land to build on.<br />
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We looked at the new listing and just like so many before it, it was no private and was on easily accessible. it was clearly not right for us. For some reason (and I've never done this before) I decided to check the listing again from my phone on our way back and saw "THE" home. I said to my husband, one just showed up. It looks really cute. Can we just drive by it? It's pretty cute. It's a long shot. But since we're here.....<br />
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He being one of the most patient men I know. Said, "Sure.....since we're here. What's the address"<br />
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We drove by it and we both said, "wow" at the same time. It literally took everything I had not to jump out of the truck and beg the current occupants to let me in to look at it right then. But, I showed some self control and called our Realtor instead. :o) He was happy to hear from us and I asked if we could schedule a showing of this home. I remember I told him on the phone, I really think this might be it.<br />
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2 days later we had an appointment to see it up close and inside. I was so convinced at we were going to be making an offer right after seeing the inside I even wrote a letter to the homeowners asking that they please accept our offer. I realize this is a bit psycho...but it worked. When we went to look at the house there was someone already there looking at it with us. Plus, the listing agent said that they had 6 showings that day. We submitted our offer at 11 AM and by the time they accepted our offer they already had three offers on the home. But, they accepted our and they said it was for the most part because the the below letter I wrote to them:<br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">Dear Current Caretakers of Haus </span><span style="color: #534741; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">Edelweiss, </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #534741; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">My husband and I have been looking for just the perfect home in the mountains and surrounding areas for over 8 months. We have visited often and
absolutely fell in love with the area. We plan to retire to this area in
about 20 years but would like to get a head start now. Since we plan to own,
cherish and live in this home for many years we have been VERY picky. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #534741; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">Friday afternoon we decided to take a drive to the mountains and just
happened to see your listing. We drove by the house and immediately fell
in love. The house is exactly what we were looking for without even knowing.
We LOVED the hand painted flowers and were transported back to our
cherished vacation in the Austrian Alps last year. My husband, myself and
his parents were lucky enough to travel the Alps last year for a vacation of a
lifetime. There isn't a month that goes by that we
don't reminisce about that trip, it was truly life changing. So
many amazing people, sights and of course architecture. We never in
a million years would have thought we could own a home here in CO that would
take us back to that special time, every time we came home. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #534741; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">I tell you all of this to ask you to please consider our offer
and to know that we will promise to cherish and love your home just as much as
you have over the years, if we are lucky enough. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #534741; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">Thank you for your time and consideration. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #534741; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">The hopeful future caretakers of Haus Edelweiss</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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So a little bit more about this house. It was built in 1965 and had been lovingly updated over the years. The original occupants are from Austria and it has been updated with hand painted shutters, eaves and doors. There is an Austrian blessing engraved above the door and of course there are hand painted flowers, ivy and hearts all over the home. When the home inspector was looking over the home he came in and looked at us and said, "this is a really nice home. A LOT of love has really been put into this home" To be honest the home exudes love. Plus, it has a huge wrap around porch with views a far as you can see. It really is stunning. Tons of tongue and groove wood ceilings, floors and wainscoting. Every corner of this home is beautiful and lovingly maintained. I feel like we are no only blessed but so lucky to have found it and hopefully once we close own and occupy it. Below is the view from the porch.<br />
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<br />Joey S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15657677111268871759noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23081229.post-88106358166834555252013-04-01T18:38:00.002-06:002013-04-01T18:43:08.361-06:00A planter for my Bike! Found on Etsy<br />
If you've been reading this blog for a while then you know that I LOVE flowers. I really do. All things floral. I also love bikes. I even went so far as to buy a bike with flower painted all over it. To some, it is horrid to me pure loveliness. Tonight as I was perusing Etsy (as I do most nights....it's the best place to window shop, seriously and get great ideas for art projects). I stumbled upon this amazing bike planter. This artist is amazing, what a fabulous idea!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/wearableplanter?ref=seller_info_count" target="_blank">The Seller's Etsy store can be found here!</a></td></tr>
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What a brilliant and fun idea!! I just might have to get one for my bike!! Since, really....all of my bikes should have flowers on them...on just that one special one.<br />
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Oh, and if you're looking for more lovely Etsy finds, you can check them out here: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/browse/spring-celebrations/garden-outdoors/planters?h=2fce77e6&lid=127190428&ref=cat_subcat_tile_3" target="_blank">Something for Everyone! Etsy celebrates spring!</a><br />
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<br />Joey S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15657677111268871759noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23081229.post-80715194857155487332013-03-30T18:12:00.002-06:002013-03-30T18:35:57.341-06:00Winter Park Adventure!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello everyone! Greetings from Fraser/Winter Park, CO. A super awesome friend of ours has been so kind as to lend his condo to us for the weekend. Since we don't have kids and aren't really religious Easter weekend doesn't really hold any significance for us. But, I am a holiday loving girl. So, we HAVE to so something special on Easter weekend. Even if it's a slow key as chillin' in the mountains for the weekend.<br />
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This is a view from our window and it's just so lovely to watch storms come in from the mountains. The trees are so tall and thin that they always sway in the wind first before the snow comes. I like to think they're dancing with excitement about the arrival of the snow. I know I love to see it...I'm sure they do too. ;o)</div>
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Gunner is really enjoying watching the kids sled down the hill behind us outside. He is also on the lookout for any wildlife that should happen to walk by. So far he's been disappointed, but ya never know the weekend isn't over yet!<br />
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Happy Easter everyone, however you choose to celebrate this weekend!<br />
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<br />Joey S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15657677111268871759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23081229.post-89290835125624645042013-03-16T19:52:00.003-06:002013-03-16T20:16:15.624-06:00Went to a craft fair...and found a bike! <br />
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It's a small bike and not ride-able, but I think it's absolutely adorable!! </div>
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Okay, so this story really starts back in November. I volunteered as a greeter and guide for the local historic home tour here in town which made money for a local bike advocacy group. As part of the historic home tour they also had local artists displaying and selling their wares. In the house I was volunteering at there was an artist selling adorable terrariums. There were so many adorable ones to choose from that I suffered from a sever case of indecision. I decided to grab her card think more about my choices and give her a call when I was ready to decide on one. Unfortunately, I forgot about her card in my jeans and washed them....destroying the card and not having any way to get a hold of her.<br />
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Fast forward to February and I haven't been able to stop thinking about her cute terrariums and really wanting one. I even had the perfect spot picked out in my house for it. After I broke my ankle and had lots of free time on my hands, I started to see if I could find her. After a minor search on Facebook, I found her! I messaged her and asked if she had any terrariums for sale and told her I was still interested. She said that she was going to be at a local craft fair on the 16th and I could come and shop for a terrarium then or she would custom make one for me, depending on what I would prefer. I told her I would just come on the 16th and shop for terrariums with the rest of the community. :o) She asked which one I was interested in, so she could be sure to have exactly what I wanted (which was so sweet, BTW) and I told her it was one with an arch and miniature climbing ivy. Very Victorian garden looking, and adorable.<br />
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So, today was the day. My friend and I woke up early, grabbed some coffee and headed out to shop. When I got to her table I saw the terrarium I thought I wanted with the arch and the ivy. It was as beautiful as I remembered. But then, I looked and saw a super cute rusted red bike laying in a garden with cute red bumpers and rusty front basket. Laying there like someone had loved it, and layed it down to explore. I immediately fell in love. She didn't even know my love for all things cycling and yet I felt like she made this terrarium with me in mind (which is silly) but it was just so perfect. <br />
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I thanked her profusely and with a HUGE smile on my face I headed for home with my brand new bike in it's own perfect garden. <br />
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**If you're in Colorado and are looking for a terrarium, let me know and I will put you touch with her. She doesn't have a website or Etsy site yet...but when she does I will be sure to update this post with her contact info. :o)<br />
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<br />Joey S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15657677111268871759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23081229.post-92061071955562084412013-03-10T14:31:00.000-06:002013-03-10T14:31:20.670-06:00Sugar is My Enemy.....Seriously. <br />
Hello Everyone,<br />
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So a change of pace. My ankle is doing great and healing quite nicely. So back to our regularly scheduled program. Whatever that is. :o) I guess whatever is occupying my mind at the moment...which is sugar.<br />
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Let me explain, I'll try to keep it short.....so I think I mentioned in a previous post that my waistline has gotten a little out of control since I've been "taking a break" from cycling and working way too much over the last year. Which is why I was really looking forward to getting back on the bike and getting in shape. See, not only is cycling great for my spirit, it does amazing things for my waistline and desire to not eat crap!<br />
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But, since my gracefulness (or lack there of) has gotten in the way of that plan. I decided to lay around, eat more and worse and mope for a while, generally feeling sorry for myself. But, after I got that out of my system I decided that there is something I can do to get in better cycling condition. I was thinking if only I could do something to lose weight and get some of this poor poor pitiful me weight off, then when I was able to get back onto the bike I could get up to speed much faster (ha, pun intended). To start I decided to look at how I felt after I ate certain foods. refined sugar and starches were definitely the worst. I have known this for a while, but have gotten pretty great at ignoring it. Until now.<br />
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So I made a promise to myself. Cut out sugar and starches for a while and see how I felt. Not to mention I was bound to benefit from some weight loss as well. Win, Win! It was hard at first, I mean I did manage to cut out all of my most favorite foods in one quick decision, chocolate, candy, cake...and anything else confectionery along with pasta, bread, rice...and did I mention bread? Yep! Crazy right? Yeah, I excel at crazy. :o)<br />
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Oh, I wanted to add that I am allowing myself to eat fruits and veggies that contain sugar. I am trying to stay away from white potatoes for now, but fruit will help me to still get that sweetness but in an all natural sort of way, instead of the processed way. :o) Plus, the sugar in fruit doesn't have the same negative effect on me. So I figured it was okay and good.<br />
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It is now a week later since I've had my last piece of over processed food (I remember it well, it was the last milk chocolate truffle Valentines Day candy from my husband) and I have to say, I feel pretty good. Granted, I have had moments of weakness where I daydreamed about selling my puppy for a piece of bread, but that moment has passed. :o) I still own a puppy and have not given into the bread craving. As time goes on it has gotten easier and I do feel much better. More emotionally and physically balanced. Really, just happier. I fell so much more in control. It's weird, I know.<br />
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I truly believe sugar is a drug for me, just as addictive as alcohol or narcotics to someone else. It is just as unhealthy for me as well. While I crave it and think it is what I "need" it does not do anything for me and only make me want more. which starts a cycle of frustration and negative self talk about my complete lack of willpower and overall worth.<br />
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So, I am deciding to be strong, give it a month and see how I feel take good notes on what is going on inside me and more importantly how my body reacts to the complete lack of sugar. So far so good. I will keep checking in to let you know how it's going. Hopefully I will keep reporting positive things, but I also know it's unrealistic to think I won't ever slip up. Fall off the wagon so to speak. But, the important thing is to make sure I'm being honest with myself and make sure I continue to do what is best for me.<br />
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Which I think I am....at least for now. :o)<br />
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<br />Joey S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15657677111268871759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23081229.post-3362986258790779212013-03-03T14:27:00.000-07:002013-03-03T14:27:38.353-07:00An Ankle Update <br />
Hello Lovely Blogosphere!<br />
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I hope you are enjoying this lovely Sunday and getting to do at least one thing that you love or feeds your soul in preparation for the week ahead. Did you know it's only 17 days until spring? I can feel it. Can you? I'm looking forward to the smell of fresh cut grass and my the fragrant smell of my trusty Lilacs letting me know that Spring has arrived. I can't wait! <br />
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So a quick update on the broken Fibula. I went to another surgeon last week for a second opinion. To be honest I really did not like the first surgeons more than brisk bedside manor and (my perceived) lack of care for my well being. The second surgeon was MUCH better. So, even though the conclusion and diagnosis were just about the same. I feel better. I am happy to report that the second surgeon did a stress test on my ankle (gravity did all of the work and it was not painful) basically he let my ankle rest at the end of a block allow it to drop off the end. He then took and x-ray and reviewed the x-ray for distance between each bone in my ankle. There was a slight distance (indicating a severe sprain) but not a huge distance (which would indicate a torn ligament). He said he was actually surprised about the results because typically with my type of break, it is usually cause by the Tibia ligament (I can't remember the exact name) tearing and causing the fibula to break as a result. <br />
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But, I am lucky. He said there is no evidence of any further damage than a broken bone and the break is extremely stable. He expects me to be off of crutches in 4 weeks and be completely healed in 6. He actually said if I wanted I could put weight on it now if I could stand the pain and wouldn't risk doing any further damage. Wow! So of course my next question was, so when I can ride.<br />
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He said, well you could strap a clip on your boot now and ride if you wanted. (think he started to regret saying that...seeing that I lit up and completely took him seriously and started to strategize with him). He then said, wait, wait. Slow down. Why don't we work on getting you walking first before you dust off your trainer or worse yet, head outside with on a bike with a broken ankle. I said, but! I could just be really careful. I'll only ride inside. He said again, let's work on getting you walking first and go from there. Okay, so I must walk before I can ride.<br />
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But, really in all seriousness I am so happy that 1. I will not need surgery and 2. I will be able to salvage some of this riding season, even if it is for smaller rides and not the century's I wanted. <br />
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There's always next year....right?<br />
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Last but not least, I had debated on putting these on here...but I think it's an interesting history of what my ankle has done in the last couple of weeks. If you are at all sqeamish (don't want to look at a bruised leg...I suggest you not scroll down). Me personally I think things like this are cool...but I will be the first to admit I am weird. :o) The main reason I thought there was ligament damage is because of all of the bruising on the opposite or good side of my ankle. Plus, the swelling has been almost as bad as the broken side. But, the doctors have assured me that even with a bad sprain, an ankle can look like this:<br />
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Below is a photo journey of my broken foot (intro courtesy of Dr. Seuss):<br />
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Here is a picture of my fancy footwear for the next couple of weeks:<br />
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This was my ankle hours after I broke it in the emergency room, mostly swollen the bruising hadn't shown up yet:<br />
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These next pictures were taken about a week after I broke it. The bruising had definitely shown up and my poor foot was starting to show what it's been through this past week: </div>
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This is the broken side: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0aGasGO58vLB5yYSHxHKWL4gqCaJfXRqqm7t8792OBwQF8xo1d3FR5JHZT6rB5JDHl_VW3EV4av5yD9XZS5zU3ZFSj5g0K6h-seev42anovSU2m3ado7wYRvER7XALuLO3SqeAg/s1600/photo+%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0aGasGO58vLB5yYSHxHKWL4gqCaJfXRqqm7t8792OBwQF8xo1d3FR5JHZT6rB5JDHl_VW3EV4av5yD9XZS5zU3ZFSj5g0K6h-seev42anovSU2m3ado7wYRvER7XALuLO3SqeAg/s320/photo+%25284%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And the opposite side (good side): </div>
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These last pictures were taken a week after the last pictures or two and a half weeks after the injury (yesterday). There seems to be even more bruising. But, some of the bruises are starting to yellow and heal, thank goodness. The swelling is still pretty bad, but is getting better. </div>
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This is the broken side:<br />
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And the opposite side (good side):<br />
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<br />Joey S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15657677111268871759noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23081229.post-80576377832490561332013-02-24T11:21:00.001-07:002013-02-24T11:21:59.989-07:00Snowglobe Sunday! I am in heaven :o) <br />
Happy Sunday everyone! <br />
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Well, the "storm" that the weather people have been saying would hit overnight and leave trace amounts of snow has turned into a full blown blizzard on track to leave a foot of snow by the times it has passed along with 30 MPH winds. So, the town...and most of the state from Denver to Wyoming has shut down. Yay! snowglobe Sunday. Below are some pictures from our balcony and our dog, Gunner enjoying the snow.<br />
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Ha! The snow is almost too deep on the railing for him to look out! </div>
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Lucky for me I have a stash of yarn I have been "meaning" to turn into a project....and today is that day. I decided to knit a scarf for my assistant at work, who has been awesome lately picking up my slack and doing more than her fair share while I have been out of the office. She loves hot pink, so I picked this hot pink Italian silk yarn mixed with some variegated gray/black yarn. Below is a not so great picture, but you get the idea. :o) I have a feeling when this is over, I will have knitted scarves for the whole office, thank goodness they're very "in" right now. :)</div>
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If you're in Colorado, please be safe today and enjoy the snow!! If you're where the sun is shining, get out and enjoy it! I am only slightly envious, but envious all the same. o) </div>
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<br />Joey S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15657677111268871759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23081229.post-17538198681593718842013-02-22T21:27:00.000-07:002013-02-23T11:57:42.327-07:00The Big Day....Surgery or no Surgery....that is the question<br />
I have been looking forward to and dreading today since I found out on Monday night that I had broken my leg. Almost immediately after telling me I had broken it, they said in less than a week you need to see a surgeon and find out what your next steps are. Ug.. Honestly, from the amount of pain and bruising I was having, I was starting to fear the worst.<br />
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So, today at 2:30 I sat in the surgeons office waiting to find out pretty much what the next couple of months were going to be like for me. Lucky for me (and probably everyone around me) the doctor came into the office pulled up the x-rays and smiled and nodded. He looked at me and said, "hmmm, well if you are going to break your leg, this is the best way to do it. The break is in the perfect spot for quick healing and minimum medical intervention. You will not need surgery and all I am going to recommend is a removable boot cast and non-weight bearing for 6 to 8 weeks and see what happens" Yay!!!! Soooo relieved. I was so relieved the next question kinda scared him. I then told him that I wanted to ride the MS150 and wanted to start training ASAP, so how soon could I get back on a bike. According to my husband he looked at me like I was out of my mind (um, given) and then said, when is it? June 28th...hmm....probably not. Let's play it by ear but it will probably be months before you can ride and even then it will not be a significant distance. :o( Sooooo very sad. I am still going to keep hoping that I will be able ride at least some of the MS150....but it's not looking good and that makes me really, really sad. I had so many plans for this riding season. I was even thinking about joining a local beginning crit (racing) team and helping to get other women to join...now...I just don't know. I personally like my friend Sam's idea and strap a clip on my boot and ride anyway!! :o) Or, go to spin and just ride with one leg. I can surely do that!! Right? Although, now that I just have a removable boot, maybe I can swim? I wonder if the kicking would aggravate it?<br />
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Oh well, I'm sure I'll figure something out and it could have been MUCH worse. So that's what I have to keep in mind. The good news is that Robb's dad is going to ride with Robb so he won't be riding alone.<br />
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So there you have it, really good news. I am definitely on the road to recovery. :)<br />
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Updating to add a picture of my new footwear:<br />
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<br />Joey S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15657677111268871759noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23081229.post-50823995094251298032013-02-21T07:47:00.000-07:002013-02-21T07:47:00.942-07:00Snowy Days always Cheer Me Up! Good morning lovely blog people! :o) Now that I am spending more time on my bum in front of a computer I have a feeling I will be updating this blog a lot more. Which is good, I have a lot to write about and need to get some things out. :o)<br />
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I am feeling better (mentally) today. Yesterday was a pretty good day work wise, I took my favorite customer out to lunch and it was a great time. Customers like then are what make my job so awesome!<br />
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I also decided to make today and tomorrow work from home days. I have an appointment with a potential bookkeeper for a non-profit I volunteer for. But other than that it's lots of rest, computer and TV time.<br />
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I did receive the below flowers yesterday. They are my favorite and so cheerful and beautiful.<br />
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I also received the below edible arrangement from work, which was so sweet....literally! :)<br />
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Everyone has been super supportive!! I definitely feel so very loved and taken care of. I haven't noticed even one eye roll from my husband....and I've been looking. The only eye rolls I have seen is when I try to do too much for myself and not ask for help (I have a hard time asking for help). ;o)</div>
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The pain is not too bad. It's only slightly unbearable when I over do it and the swelling gets really bad and for some reason I wake up in the middle of the night with sharp pain in my heel or outer edge of my foot under my pinky toe. Not sure what that is about, but I will be sure to ask the doctor. Speaking of, I go see him on Friday and I can't wait. I'm dying to find out how bad or good things are and when I can start riding my bike again!!!! :o) </div>
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Oh, and I found a physical benefit of crutches. I am going to have awesome guns and abs when this is all over. I woke up yesterday with super sore arms and abs like I had spent the previous day lifting weights and doing burpees. Of course! I am using totally different muscles and walking on crutches has to be good exercise, right?! Yep, there's another silver lining. My arms are always my weakest and flabbiest feature, so I look forward to toning and firming them up a little. :)</div>
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In other news, below is a picture of what I woke up to this morning. I absolutely LOVE it when it snows. I think I feel like I need to make up for a life in CA without snow....so I always want it to snow as much as possible in the winter. I mean if it's cold anyways, it might as well be snowing too!! Plus, it's so beautiful and so romantic. I love the quiet peacefulness of a snow storm. In CA when we have storms they are violent loud rain storms.....in CO it's quiet and beautiful. I prefer this storm better. Plus, my puppy loves to eat it...so he always comes in from outside with adorable snowflakes on his nose which always makes me laugh at him. </div>
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Here is a picture of the snow this morning....enjoy my friends! This was taken from my balcony looking down or street. </div>
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<br />Joey S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15657677111268871759noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23081229.post-11883825685838664972013-02-19T20:27:00.000-07:002013-02-20T06:22:52.985-07:00Success....It's a wrap! Okay, I know I owe you a travel recap from the Europe trip, which was amazing. Life changing really. But, well I haven't felt inspired to write about it since I've been back. I think it's perhaps because I don't know where to start or maybe if I write about it...then it will really be over and I want to live with my memories for a little while longer and continue to process before I share. ;o)<br />
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But, there is a reason I am here tonight. I am here to write of course..and I am inspired to write about something else, so that is what I shall do. While we were in Europe my father and I had decided to ride the MS150's again this year (same as two years ago). I have so many wonderful memories of two years ago when we rode them and I loved training and meeting so many amazing people, plus the increased self confidence was a nice added bonus. Also, I have gained some weight since I was training and riding every day, and could really use the inspiration or motivation of an upcoming challenge to get my rear in gear (literally). We both signed up when we get back and I started to put my training plan together. I have been attending the occasional spin class, but my training schedule starts on Friday. Yay!!<br />
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That was until last night...now things are considerably more up in the air. Here is what happened and what explains the below picture of Gunner and a crazy foot. I worked from home yesterday and I told Robb that while he was making dinner I would go pick Gunner up from doggie Daycare. Simple enough. Yep. So, when I got there, it was packed...there was a line to the bottom of the stairs of anxious parents waiting to pick up their puppies. So, I walked in the door which was at the top of the stairs and all of a sudden I started to lose my balance, my ankle had turned and I was grasping to catch my balance....with no luck. I was falling down the stairs crashing into the hard tiled covered concrete stairs on my way down. There was a lady at the bottom of the stairs who I was trying to avoid clobbering her, but she was forcing herself towards me trying to catch me as a fell. The end result was that she punched me in the lip and nose on my way to the ground. In my traditional klutzy fashion, I jumped up...not even thinking to take inventory and smiled and giggled as everyone asked if I were okay, "oh yeah" I said. "I do this all the time, I am such a klutz. I am totally used to this. Darn ankles". I could see it in everyone's face, the concern. I tried to keep my smile as my lip quivered from the pain and embarrassment. By now, I knew something was wrong. My whole body was shaking and I could not put any weight on my right ankle. My whole body was shaking now and my lip and nose were stinging from that trauma. But, I kept smiling....secretly praying to myself that I just wanted to go home..I really, really, needed to go home. Can I please just take my dog and go. But, I was too embarrassed to make a scene...so I patiently waited. Hoping and praying it would all be over soon and I could just rest and let my ankle start to feel better.<br />
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Finally, it was my turn to get my dog and the nice ladies offered to help me out or walk him out, I declined and lied and said I was feeling MUCH better already and really didn't hurt myself. After all, I regularly fall...this is just another one of "those" times. Heck, I almost believed it myself.<br />
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One the way home, I started to really wonder if I actually hurt myself. The burning in my ankle felt like the worst sunburn I had every had, like I had wrapped my ankle in a scalding hot cloth. Everytime I depressed the break pedal at a stoplight, I moaned in pain. Gunner was looking at me like I was crazy. Towards the end of the drive, I was praying for green lights. Then, finally I was home. <br />
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As I walked into the door of the house Robb took one look at me and asked what happened. I smiled and said, I fell again. Twisted my ankle, again. I sat down, took off my shoe and sock, my ankle was starting to bruise and was already twice it's normal size. Not to mention the pain that was not getting better like normal sprains, but was getting worse. But, I still wanted to believe it was just one of those many sprains I had experienced in the past. We had dinner, rested and I was feeling sick to my stomach. But then, I got up to walk around barefoot and I could no longer feel the coolness or temperature of the floor under my foot. So, I told Robb....we have to go to emergency. It's time. He agreed, and had been trying to get me to go all night.<br />
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They did the obligatory x-rays and you guess it. It was broken. Figures.......I told the doctor that I had plans and really need to get better by next week. She said that unless I had super bones, that was not going to happen. The official diagnosis is <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Right non-displaced Distal Fibula Fracture. The doctor told me that this was a lesser fracture but that I needed to see a surgeon because more than likely I had also torn the ligaments and that needed to be evaluated for surgery or if it would heal on it's own. They put a splint cast on it, said to give it a week for the swelling to go down and then go see the surgeon. Ug....this just sucks. Sorry but it does. I am kinda down about this one. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Gunner and I after the trip to the hospital, I can't tell if he's bummed about my foot...or mad that he's lost half of his sleeping space on the couch. ;o)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">So now to think about the MS150 in June, I guess now I wait and see what the surgeon says, but the frustrating thing is that I can't really do much to train. I have thought about spinning with one leg....but I don't know. Seems kinda drastic. I guess I just have to wait and see. But, even more frustrating is that I can't do ANY exercise, no swimming...or walking or jogging or cycling or anything. Sucks. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Oh, and the doctor said best case scenario, I would have the cast off in 8 weeks. Which according to my calculations is April 20th and then there is PT and rehab after that...so I'm thinking the end of May is when I will have my life back. :( Sorry this post is a poor poor pitiful me post, but I am feeling kinda down tonight. I miss my cycling friends and was really, really looking forward to ride every weekend like I was before. Finally when the days were just starting to get long enough to ride after work and the temp was getting over 50 degrees regularly...this happens. :( </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Well, there is always the MS150 in September in CA. Right? ;o) ;o( </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Thanks for listening and letting me vent. Oh, and the title of this post is the one good thing I could find out of this situation, I have been"trying" to break my leg for years with countless falls....well...success! I finally did it. Let's hope this is the last. ;o)</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></span>Joey S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15657677111268871759noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23081229.post-19589435065514431052012-11-25T11:49:00.001-07:002012-11-25T11:55:48.179-07:00A little more about my upconing travels<br />
I am going to take a slight detour from my usual ramblings about bikes, fitness and weight struggles to talk about one of the other reasons I have recently resurrected this journal and to talk about some of the other loves/hobbies in my life. Travel and Technology. <br />
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I am about to take a trip of a lifetime. Well, a trip of my lifetime, your individual mileage may vary. In mid-December I will be travelling to Europe along with my travelling companions (my husband and his parents). This trip was actually arranged on a dare, or a plan to see what his father and I could get away with. Here's how it happened. In July my husband's mother turned 70, and I decided it would be really cool to plan a family reunion of sorts for her birthday. Because I can't seem to do anything half way (more about that later) by the time July came around we had rented a beach house on the coast of CA and my husbands brother, his entire family and my brother and his entire family had joined us for her birthday celebration. a whopping 14 of us had gathered at that house for the weekend and many wonderful memories were made. As someone who has a very small family and since both my parents are gone, family reunions just don't happen, this trip was a dream come true not only for my MIL, but for myself as well. Below is one of my favorite pictures taken that weekend, even our super amazing dog got to join us for the celebration. Below is my husband, Gunner and my nieces and nephews playing on the beach: <br />
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The reason I told you that story is because that trip was the birth of this trip. One day as my FIL and I were watching the sun fall into the ocean and commenting on how this trip was so wonderful and how thankful we were. He threw something out there that I just couldn't ignore. He said, "you know what I've always wanted to do?" "What?", I said. "I've always wanted to do one of those Germany Christmas Market River Cruises", he said. "hmm, really? Well, why don't we do it? I would LOVE to do that" I said. We both continued to stare into the sunset deep in thought and then the next statement actually put things into motion. "I'll tell you what, why don't you mention it to R. and I'll mention it to mom and see what happens. If they don't object....then let's start planning". I agreed, thinking there was no way mom would ever agree to it. But, she yes, not only did she say yes but she wanted to start planning right away. Um, okay...so I guess we were going to do this. Wow. Europe in December. I've never been to Europe. I have always dreamed of going....and now I am going. Wow. Not only that but I get to go with my husband and his parents...so of my most favorite people in the world. <br />
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As we have planned this trip, which pretty much started in July after we got home the trip has changed a lot from what we first imagined and par for the course for me....the trip has gotten bigger, longer and more elaborate. So here is what the trip looks like now. <br />
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We fly into Vienna, Austria mid-December. We're renting a car rather than taking an organized tour on the Danube to allow us more time and flexibility to stop where we want to stop and see more for less. Since there will be 4 of us, and R's parents are experienced European travelers we decided this would be the best bet. Back to the list of cities we are going to stop in, well at least planning on now: <br />
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Fly into Vienna, Austria. Then head to Hallstatt, then to Salzburg, then to Munich, then to Rothenburg, then to Frankfurt and then we take a train to Paris. We will probably travel to other cities but those are the planned ones. <br />
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<img alt="Google Maps" src="https://maps.google.com/maps/api/staticmap?size=300x300&maptype=roadmap&sensor=false&path=weight:3%7Ccolor:blue%7Cenc:kpfeHc_%7CbBvlIhvD%60n%5D~lGp_%5D~lUjsXvuIplGfb%5B~zAlgNp%7BD%7CaOh%7DB~qPbgFnjRjzEzaTpgDdfNvaJl%60UfxHjyOfcAhrRt%7CEvzJzuBbeKm_Ix%7BRkwCfg%5CksHlyUujCfjU%7BvEdj%5CscGxsQgXzyUx%7BDn~Iea%40reMa%7CA%7CrU%7DrCn%7DQwgDzgIfx%40p%7BHpiCbjAhsA~lEia%40vzFetDf_%40uWrvGjbAxmKwq%40dxIvvA%7CjLpjB%60cFugC%7CgIgm%40%60_Eps%40bwHa%60AtjLwyH%60aFauQzrNmwJ~Ggy%40bgBrrDfjJgpHlu_%40dSx%7C%5Dsw%40fvh%40b_Efl_%40olAncj%40siAfa%5E_xK~u_%40efj%40xbUckEnpBe%7DF%7BfBorm%40fnC_sVqWikRfeNszb%40nkGgj%5BrvL%7BeKbtGqlWzlQmde%40thK%7Cw%40%7CzRdlFnje%40p%7BE%60qc%40fjA%7Cvc%40%60hCve_%40noEtwXqmTx%7CCc%60JpkA%7DFqp%40fpJqX%7CcSw%60CfgDrgWjqAdlq%40iaGxcq%40t_D%7Cy_%40phExuR_qDbfc%40%7B%7CF%60kd%40g~F%60l%5Dwc%40%60jZrp%5BvkQ~w%5E~uX%60nZ%7Cmh%40hkHueA%7CrAiqCocAtiB%7BtG~jDsc%5Bmbi%40kh_%40s%60Z%7Da%5EmmJms%5B~kLevm%40m%7CAwlnAe_K_rDoeHoRumB&client=google-maps-sharing&signature=2mnxj7XK-KGdK4jxRiBSJoyS9HQ=" /><br />
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We picked those because of the Christmas markets in each city. I have heard that visiting the Christmas markets is something to see. I love all things Christmas and the magic of the season. I'm not particularly religious....I just love the lights, the magic, the kindness the overwhelms everyone (even scrooge) during the season. I just can't wait. If you're interested or want to see what the markets are all about, check out this website. <a href="http://www.germany-christmas-market.org.uk/">http://www.germany-christmas-market.org.uk/</a> Think of the Christmas Markets as mini festivals that each town holds to not only sell Christmas trinkets but also sell hot spiced wine, there are also carolers and street performers. Here is the wiki page that does a much better job describing than I do: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_market">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_market</a> We have planned the trip in such a way that we are staying in a medieval walled city that was virtually untouched over the centuries and dates back to 1172. It is an out of the way town, not as frequented by tourists, which is what we wanted. The Inn we are staying in dates back to the 16th century. Here is a picture of the town. I can't wait to see it in person. Doesn't it look like a fairytale...not even real. <br />
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<img class="CSS_LIGHTBOX_SCALED_IMAGE_IMG" closure_uid_wrue9o="41" height="777" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphen6GD7vtuiDJtuokkvfhn55Y9r2aSuIfuJA1MxplHT3npNPkxl-sAjeRxAi6tXfHD_o92ucuvWzLU8iDI2Toq-8vFsDo042PzVxclrzjouEg_skiK-RWknKw1ZnGOBUb_iFLS/s1600/xmas.jpg" style="height: 638px; width: 616px;" width="750" /><br />
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<img class="CSS_LIGHTBOX_SCALED_IMAGE_IMG" closure_uid_2z99qp="41" height="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgrbtkfsPFh_fNiDMqlk6J-s0RU6EG6ThnZSQgyA1b4zzaKlKSbTk6tupsIn0gv0Vhyphenhyphen2q2yfP7UW88QXeGk6fqQuZHvnUt75AKIOeDqprFmQ9UONG1wk5Brqh0DUbQ0JF1TipT/s1600/rothenburg-ob-der-tauber-bavaria-germany_47076.jpg" style="height: 367px; width: 490px;" width="490" /><br />
photos courtesy of: <a href="http://ourgermanyadventures.blogspot.com/">http://ourgermanyadventures.blogspot.com/</a><br />
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Once we leave Germany on a train destined for Paris, France. We have actually rented a flat in Paris for a week. We are staying the famed Rue De Cler neighborhood to have a more comfortable base and to feel more like a Parisian for the week. This neighborhood is located at the base of the Eiffel Tower and outdoor markets and cafes are abundant. From all of my research, if you are going to experience Paris, Rue De Cler is the place to do it. Also, our flat has a view of the Eiffel Tower, so we can see all of lights and the nightly light show from our window sipping wine or espresso fresh from the market below. Also, we are spending New Year's Eve in Paris. Ah, I can't wait...I imagine it will be quite the night...and quite the trip of a lifetime! <br />
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<img alt="Google Maps" src="https://maps.google.com/maps/api/staticmap?size=300x300&maptype=roadmap&sensor=false&path=weight:3%7Ccolor:blue%7Cenc:kpfeHc_%7CbBxoWnwExuj%40%7Cb%5C~%7Da%40%60_%5EtiCtsSfrEhyVpfFntYzfJlxZ%60eKd~%5BdcLlbW~hCt_ZthG%7CuNebJfw%5C%7DgJnoe%40qxF~k_%40miHv_g%40%7BeCvsZj%7CEpmOiqDlb%5Cs%7DDfiX%7DnAr%7CKxyDzgBjx%40xkM%7ByEvtAfJraNmUhxO%7CaCxtP_kApkJnMveIo%7C%40~aQykQrmJelTltJ%7BmB%7C~EhgB%60n%5EmlEtaj%40brAfcu%40yBtn%7B%40m%7CGjzg%40iwo%40jxk%40qpHvxA%7D%7Ck%40bY%7Bva%40zZwci%40jzXute%40p_LmfR%7CaSuiu%40%60pP%7CnHrre%40z~B%7Czs%40tvF~kq%40fzG%7Cql%40%7BxXheC_yF%7C%7BEh%7DLuzCvzQh%7DCvvExmaA_iF%7C%7D%60AbtHzsa%40enHlrp%40caH%60mn%40a%7BCflh%40jjw%40xpb%40tle%40dzs%40psGkgN%7B%60C%60~BifV_lNqej%40yco%40sdi%40siA%7Dxs%40bLib%60BkuI_xAkpLfyJdhXdbNhk%5EheDtua%40nkj%40%60sYb_%5Cxm%60%40xhUbjPvaGvem%40~cZvsmAziMnoVlrDb%7DZl%7BFna%5Edj%40r%7Dk%40l%5Efjm%40knMhcUj%7CBbe%5Bob%40vci%40luLl_s%40%7DJpi_%40%7ChDrtm%40~wBtso%40pkFru~%40czBt%7Cu%40sz%5C~hg%40%7DiDxtj%40xlRrso%40~zMjmv%40nuM%7C%7Cn%40brUhkk%40niFrufAanCjzU%7BYhhB&client=google-maps-sharing&signature=yg6x_Z9MRhTNS7QDZz91S9CIlZY=" />Joey S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15657677111268871759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23081229.post-67568783440259865552012-11-21T20:27:00.001-07:002012-11-21T20:30:06.517-07:00Every time you fall down, you are provided with an opportunity to get back up<br />
"Every time you fall down, you are provided with an opportunity to get back up" ~ Unknown. <br />
<br />
Or like the Chinese proverb, fall down seven times, get back up eight. <br />
<br />
I would just like to add the word stronger to the end. :o) I know it's really a duh statement, but it really resonated with me. While this past year I have soared professionally, personally I have definitely fallen down. Now that I am taking stock and thinking more ME and who I am today vs. who I want to be. I am trying to figure out the best way to pick myself back up. <br />
<br />
I took on step on Sunday, which actually ended up being quite the humbling experience thus far. Here is way happened. It actually started two weeks ago when I purchased the flower bike. I was dying to ride her. But, it was snowing...and I was pouty. I was talking to a bunch of friends (okay, pouting to them) and one of them said, "Hey! It's supposed to be sunny next weekend, why don't we all go for a ride then?!". Perfect!! I could hardly wait! <br />
<br />
So it was decided. The group I was riding with has been riding all summer, and was planning a leisurely 20 mile ride. Something to think about is that I have not really been on a ride longer than 6 or 7 miles for almost a year (wow, typing that out makes me kinda sad). But!! Last year when I was riding a 20 mile ride on the greenways and around town was a piece of cake. So really, how hard could it be really? I mean yes, it's going to be tough, but I can totally do it. Plus, I will be doing it on my new bike...who I am dying to spend time with so it will be awesome! Yep......<br />
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The day of the ride, my friend was right and it was beautiful, the high that day was in the 60 and the perfect riding weather...with the exception of one thing. WIND...and lots of it! But, I was committed and just ignored the wind and headed out to our meeting spot. Wow...as I was riding down the road the first thing I noticed was the big knobby tires. Which none of my other bikes have. They were loud going down the road, whoop, whoop, whoop. I sounded like a monster truck going down the road. Cool! Then I noticed how heavy the bike was. It felt solid for sure. I liked the feeling. I felt totally secure on the bike. But, the wind...was hard to ignore. It was blowing east and I was headed west right into. By the time we got to our meeting spot, I was pooped. I was half thinking about turning around and heading home, pretending mechanical difficulties had gotten the best of me. But, since this ride was in my honor, or mostly in my honor...I had to buck up and soldier on. <br />
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When I got there I had plenty of time to rest and talk to my arriving friends. They all appropriately oooed and aweeed at the bike, which was nice. :o) And then....we were off. I swear the wind was getting worse. Oh well...I'll have people to talk to and this group rides slow...I rode with them last year and it was painful to ride so slow. I can do this. <br />
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Pretty much a half mile into the ride I could no longer see the group ahead of me and there was one (super nice person) who had stayed behind to ride with me and keep me company. Wow, how did that happen?! Then, she finally said it. Um, do you mind if I catch up with the group? I don't want to leave you behind.....but they are so far ahead of us. I smiled and said nope, I have my phone and my husband is on alert...so I'll be just fine. <br />
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Which I was....but I only made it about 10 miles into that wind before I told the group that I was headed home. I pretended that I was having gear problems...but just between you me and this blog....it was having breathing problems and my legs didn't want to work any longer. It was such a way up call for me. Wow, how have I fallen so far in my one year hiatus? I don't remember it being this bad last year when I first started training.....this is crazy. <br />
<br />
But, now that I think about it.....I did have to work my way up to a 20 mile ride and at one time 10 mile rides were tough. The main thing was consistency. Getting out and riding or being active every day is the key to getting back to where I was. It's really not that had and not something I haven't done before...I did it once (heck, in my life I have probably done it a couple dozen times) I can do it again. <br />
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After I came home, feeling completely lame and ashamed...no embarrassed. I decided it was time. If I didn't think so before...I KNOW now that it is time. Enough of this. So, Monday night I went to my first spin class in over a year. Yes, it was hard and yes I was sore afterwards but I did all of it, completed all 45 minutes of spinning and felt tired but good afterwards. I took the first step and it didn't kill me...or even better it wasn't as horrible as I thought it would be. <br />
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I was supposed to go to spin today, but work got in the way. Grrr...but I have the next 4 days off and am planning on spinning either outside or inside all 4 days. It will be good and I'm looking forward to it. I'm even thinking about attending kickboxing with a friend or two...so that will be good too. <br />
<br />
Now that I've picked myself up I can totally do this. And...now that I know what it takes to get back to where I was....I can get there again...I already know the way. Joey S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15657677111268871759noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23081229.post-18777604819169178752012-11-19T20:00:00.003-07:002012-11-19T21:02:54.802-07:00Thankful for a bike that remind me of the things (and people) I love<br />
A little teaser...I will explain below. :o)<br />
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Besides the newly found freedom that I have from my job I also recently made a new purchase that has rekindled my love for riding and is causing me to become nostalgic. <br />
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The whole story is that my dad would come home after a day long hunt of junkyards far and wide with a trailer stacked high with a burned car carcass and filthy twisted and crumbled pieces of metal. When he drove up in the driveway I never quite understood his excitement. He would tell me found the coolest car (I must have looked at him like he was crazy, but he didn't care) letting me know what year Corvette it used to be and all of the plans he had for it.<br />
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Over the next year I would spend hours in the garage with him holding the flashlight in just the right spot, my arm cramping feeling like it's going to fall off. Running back and forth to the tool box a million times (give or take)picking the perfect tool he would need next. But, I got to spend time with him...and watch as he excitedly polished, shined and replaced pieces to someone's "piece of junk" that would be reborn as someone's treasure. I never got the bloody knuckles or burns he got from twisting and turning his hands to fit in the smallest of places, but I was there...experiencing everything with him and more importantly, helping. When we would finish a days work, somehow I would always end up with grease on my face and hands and got to use the special "goop" soap in the garage that only people working the garage got to use. He never let me hang out when he got to the fiberglass part. But, somehow I always ended up being in the garage to get the little glass fibers stuck in my feet, fingers or hands. It's messy stuff. Still to this day, many homes and decades later, I still can't walk in the garage barefoot for fear of getting fiberglass threads stuck in my toes. <br />
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I know what you're thinking. "What does this trip down memory lane have to do with your new bike?!"<br />
<br />
Well, growing up, we always had a corvette in the garage..in one form or another. He would fix up the car, build the engine, repair the body, interior and get it painted a beautiful color. Then, I would never see it again. He would sell it to someone (we never talked about that part, it would just disappear) and then a couple of weekends later, we had another project car show up in our driveway.<br />
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So, when I saw that Schwinn also made a Corvette in the 50's and 60's I knew this had to be my next bike....and so the quest began. Did I need another bike, no not really. Especially not a cruiser. But, I did have use for a mountain bike so I could ride on some of the dirt roads around my town. The Corvette was not a mountain bike. Not even close. But, I just loved the idea of having an old corvette in our garage just like when I was little. Even though he's been gone for almost 6 years now, I know my dad would love that too. In a way, it felt like a tribute to him.<br />
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Almost every weekend I would do the random search....and there are a few corvette's out there...but none really made me want to purchase them. Mainly because I already have a cruiser I like and couldn't justify getting a second one.<br />
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But, last weekend....I saw it. A 1957 Schwinn Corvette. She was a beauty. While my dad would always try to restore his Chevy Corvettes back to their original beauty, sometimes he would take liberties with the engine, making it just a little more powerful and beautiful. <br />
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Back to the Schwinn. This one had undergone a complete restoration (if you want to call it that, really it was what I affectionately call a Franken-bike) and almost nothing on it was original, but it was perfect. I LOVE flowers...and someone had gone and hand painted flowers all over it. Plus, it had been turned into a mountain, perfectly rounding out my group of bikes and filling several needs/wants at the same time.<br />
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But most importantly, I now have a Corvette in my garage...and am paying homage to my dearly departed dad. I know that he is smiling knowing that his daughter had a Corvette now too...hope he doesn't mind that it's made by Schwinn and not Chevy. ;o)<br />
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And without further ado, here she is. I know she's not perfect for everyone...but she is absolutely perfect for me! :o)<br />
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I am thankful to this bike for helping to make me feel closer to my dad (silly, but true) I can't help but smile whenever I see it and think of him. Also, she had called to me, yes called to me to go out and ride. Reminding me of how much I loved it. I feel very luck and blessed to have found this new companion. I look forward to our adventures together. :)<br />
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RooJoey S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15657677111268871759noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23081229.post-82437918344165839962012-11-18T19:48:00.001-07:002012-11-18T20:21:10.640-07:00Now to Catch you up on what I have been doing since....<br />
<br />
It has now been over a year since that ride and I have to confess that this
ride was WAY more difficult for me both emotionally and physically that
I imagined. I haven't really been on my road bike since, and looking
back I really regret that. As one of my friends pointed out, at the end
of the CA MS150 ride I was probably in the best shape of my life. I mean, I
did a CO MS150, a metric century, Venus De Miles and another MS150 in
CA. Not to mention hundreds of miles training... That's quite the season. ...when I got back from CA I hung up
my bike...and life got in the way. I honestly think that since I pushed
myself so hard that summer...It wasn't that difficult to ignore the call
of my lovely road bike. To be honest I had a hard time looking at her for a while, she reminded me of many things about myself that turns out...I wasn't really ready to see.<br />
<br />
See, almost immediately after
returning I was given a HUGE promotion at work. It was very exciting and little more than crazy scary. I never imagined I had the talent to do this job...but here they were giving it me and asking me to do it well.
But, they basically said, "show us you can do this new job, oh and we're
not going to back fill your old job so do that one too...AND if either
are neglected we will yank this new promotion away from you and know you
are a failure and can't handle it." Okay, so maybe I am
paraphrasing...but you get the idea. And this IS what it was all about. For some reason (perhaps they know me better than I know myself and knew I would see this as the ultimate challenge...which I did). At the time, I never really understood exactly how much they were asking of me. <br />
<br />
Now
it is a year later, and not to toot my own horn I was WAY more
successful than they imagined I would have been...and because of that
they kept giving me the most difficult problems to tackle, which I
did. I worked really hard at both jobs, averaging 60+ hours a week, working all evenings and weekends just trying to catch up. I am happy to report that no balls were dropped or even injured during this one year period. But, I did kinda start to feel like a zombie robot (imagine that!).<br />
<br />
So, about a month ago I compiled a whole bunch of data and walked into the owners office and told them, either you promote me...or don't. I can't keep doing both jobs anymore. I'm done. Make a choice.<br />
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I made this decision thinking about how much of my life and the people/things I love had been severely neglected. Oh, and did I mention that I settled in my old habits and my horrible eating and lack of exercise have resulted in a 30+ pound weight gain. I had reached critical mass (literally, har!) and something needed to be done.<br />
<br />
Their response, yep...we have been thinking a lot about this. There is no denying that you have succeeded in everything we wanted and more, so starting 11/01 you will no longer have to do two jobs and can focus on just the new job.<br />
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I am now 15 days into just doing my new job and I am loving the fact that I now have some free time and my mind isn't constantly doing the inventory to ensure nothing was dropped. But, I have to confess it is very weird! It has been so long since I've had free time. I almost don't know what to do with it. Almost. I have decided to start writing again...and doing what I can to lose those 30 pounds and get back to a point where bike riding is actually enjoyable again. I do miss it so much! Honestly, I miss a lot of things a lot.<br />
<br />
But, this is a start...and recording my progress and new journey to discover me and what I want to do with these new "spaces or voids" in my life is kinda fun and exciting!<br />
<br />
Roo<br />
<br />Joey S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15657677111268871759noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23081229.post-84569740715922841012012-11-18T19:30:00.001-07:002012-11-18T19:31:58.580-07:00I'm Back Again. :o)<br />
I'm Back Again. :o) Wow, I just read my last post and this poor blog has been so neglected. So much has happened and I have been thinking about dusting this thing off for about a month now but have had no idea where to begin. How far do I go back....how much do I include? How much do YOU really care about? Hmm...dunno.<br />
<br />
So, I have decided to post a letter I wrote to a friend (the one I met during last years Venus De Miles and has become a sort of big brother to me...pushing me when needed, which everyone needs right?)<br />
<br />
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<li class="_2n3"><abbr class="timestamp" data-jsid="timestamp" data-utime="0">September 20, 2011</abbr></li>
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<abbr class="_35 timestamp" data-utime="0" title="September 20, 2011">5:33am</abbr></div>
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<b>From my "Big Bro"</b><br />
<div class="_37">
<b></b><br />
<div class="_53" id="id.288107667871866">
<div class="_3hi">
<div class="_1yr">
<span class="_2oy"></span></div>
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Good morning Roo,<br />
So how did you do? Did you win???????<br />
<br />
Sounds like you had a good time, I was surprised at the amount of climbing you did.<br />
<br />
I
have always wondered what it would be like to ride at sea level, but it
sounds like you just get to push yourself more & breath just as
hard. LOL<br />
<br />
HUGS<br />
P</div>
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<li class="_2n3"><abbr class="timestamp" data-jsid="timestamp" data-utime="0">September 20, 2011</abbr></li>
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<a class="_b9" data-hovercard-instant="1" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=23081229"><abbr class="_35 timestamp" data-utime="0" title="September 20, 2011">9:24am</abbr></a></div>
<div>
<b>From Me:</b><br />
<div class="_37">
<b></b><br />
<div class="_53" id="id.240032019377534">
<div class="_3hi">
<div class="_1yr">
<span class="_2oy"></span></div>
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Hi P,<br />
<br />
Good
morning to you!! :o) um, did I win? Yes and no. :o) I won in a sense
that I rode 150 miles, but I abandoned the hope of riding faster after
that second crazy hill climb on HWY 1 over Mt. tam. Then, I was just
satisfied with finishing and and finally rode my own ride. :o) <br />
I
was shocked at the amount of hill climbing as well, the mapmyride map
only showed 2900 feel of hill climbing on day one (which to this point
was still the most I'd done in a single ride, the CO ms150 only has 2100
according to my GPS.) But the fact we got up over 4000 feet of climbing
for both days was impressive (and super challenging for this very bad
hill climber) I even fell on day two when we we're climbing a 5 mile 22%
grade climb, I was at the top and it was one of those twisty turney
roads that got steeper and steeper around each sharp bend. I was just
about at the top, my legs were burning and spent (we were 60 miles into
the ride) and I turned the corner, went too slow, lost my balance and
fell. Luckily, I was going about 1 mile an hour so only a few bruises,
but nothing major. :o) I walked the 500 feet up the rest of that hill
got back on my bike and finished the ride, it was good the hill and the
fact that I fell really pissed me off. :o/<br />
<br />
Riding at sea level
was interesting. I found it was MUCH easier on straights and for
endurance. My heart rate barely got elevated. But, those are the parts
of my riding I'm already strong at. Hill climbing was surprisingly as difficult as it was in for me in CO.<br />
<br />
But, I do have more body weight
than the average athlete to drag up that hill, so I guess it makes sense.
:o)<br />
<br />
Well, I guess I'll stop talking your ear off about the ride
now. Thanks for asking and thanks for cheering me on in CO, I was
thinking about you guys during those hard hills on day 2 wanting to make
you all proud. :o) <br />
Take care!!<br />
Roo<br />
<br />
To Be continued......</div>
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Joey S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15657677111268871759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23081229.post-40695762872082695502011-09-13T21:33:00.004-06:002011-09-13T22:06:48.297-06:00Off to CA to the Waves to Wine, Bike MS150 Ride! :o)Wow!! I can't believe it's finally here...well...almost.<br />
<br />
First I have to apologize for neglecting this journal. I have been so busy training and getting ready for the trip I haven't had much time to actually sit down and reflect all I have been through and what I am about to go through.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow at 4 AM Ruby will get placed on her brand new bike rack, purchased just for this trip, my husband and I will sleepily hop in to the car...stop for a cup of joe so we can find our way out of town and start our 18 hour journey to California. Wow. <br />
<br />
My last few training rides have been going good. I did suffer a minor knee injury that has been causing problems and affecting my training, but I rested last night and feel it's definitely on the mend) I feel I have done all I can do to prepare for next weeks challenge. I have this crazy desire to really rock it in CA. I would love to ride fast and have it be easy. I know that's asking a lot and know it's probably not realistic. But, it is what my heart desires. We shall see. <br />
<br />
Okay, I'll confess I want to ride faster than my brother-in-law who is an ex-marine, star athlete, marathoner and triathlete. I feel he has always looked down on me because of my "extra" weight and I would love to just really show him! :o) There, I said it and I fully understand it is both unrealistic and just plain silly. But a girl can dream, right?<br />
<br />
This weekend I rode 75 miles, I didn't quite get to the elevation gain of the actual ride of day one next weekend. I will confess it was a tough ride for me. For some reason I never really found my "zone" I tried, but I just never found it and the ride was never easy or enjoyable for me. When I finished the ride my confidence was pretty shot and I was starting to think next weekend might be a nightmare. The fast girl who was going to ride circles around her competition was nowhere to be found. Up until this last weekend I was actually starting to feel like an athlete, dear I say endurance athlete. But, after this weekend I felt like anything but.<br />
<br />
Tonight was completely different for me. I went out for a 25 mile quick paced ride with the local bike group. I found the ride to be very Zen for me. It was like a meditation and helped me to regain my confidence. During the whole ride I was checking in, do I feel pain, nope I feel great. Do I feel tired, nope, I have lots of energy even after working all day...I can do this. Do I feel that feeling of hopelessness, nope, I a full of hope and confidence.<br />
<br />
I might actually be ready to do this! Wow, feels great!<br />
<br />
Tonight was exactly what I needed for next weekend. I have heard that an endurance event is 90% mental, well...I feel I am 100% mentally ready. I can and will do it. <br />
<br />
Well,there it is. I am going to try and enjoy the ride and the experience and the scenery....I really will. Honestly, I will be proud of myself for doing two MS150's in one year.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Well I'm Off to CA, wish me luck and I will be back to give a full report.Joey S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15657677111268871759noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23081229.post-40329532169138635002011-09-05T19:45:00.000-06:002011-09-05T19:45:01.367-06:00Hey! Why are you riding so much? Oh, I'm training...wanna see my plan?During several group rides, I've told my riding-mates that I am following a training plan to prepare for the MS150 and thought I'd share it with all of you. It has been SUPER helpful in getting me ready for both of the MS150's this year. While I will admit that it is A LOT of riding and when I'm at the stage I'm at now, it tends to feel I am constantly on my bike. It really does help to prepare you for the magnitude, length and give you the endurance needed to complete the event semi-comfortably. I say semi-comfortably because it does take effort, and my definition of comfortable is more like lounging on my couch with my pup cuddling next to me while I'm watching a great chick-flick. Riding 150 miles in two days is not that, but it's an different kind of great. :o)<br />
<br />
<u><b>Okay, here is the plan, if you're interested: </b></u><br />
<br />
<i>"1) Take a rest day—here it is on Thursday, but you can adjust to meet your personal schedule. 2) Try to ride most days of the week - especially getting closer to the ride date. 3) Don’t increase your weekly total more than 10-12%. To do so risks injury. 4) “EASY” means relax. This is a recovery period for your body. 5) “BRISK” means 2-3 miles per hour faster than your target speed for the ride 6) “PACE” means your target speed for the day of the MS150 7) The big mileage days on Saturday are critical to the program. It doesn’t have to be on Saturday, but they should be more than 4 days apart, and once a week. Program to help you ''comfortably' complete the MS150" More from the blog:</i> <a href="http://teampwcms150.blogspot.com/2007/02/training-schedule.html">http://teampwcms150.blogspot.com/2007/02/training-schedule.html</a><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUPIvSv4k1HVvyR_ur5VgViqK7lldwllYS3Jn33OBUrH8pwtvsZ5QesyrmguKu3P94uU43MnRomgV9gNAjafH6sxYcSiozYD2sbjpq9CdQ-n7BDgjdTdlxXNesWlYC4VkZWazwQ/s1600/trainingschedule.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUPIvSv4k1HVvyR_ur5VgViqK7lldwllYS3Jn33OBUrH8pwtvsZ5QesyrmguKu3P94uU43MnRomgV9gNAjafH6sxYcSiozYD2sbjpq9CdQ-n7BDgjdTdlxXNesWlYC4VkZWazwQ/s1600/trainingschedule.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Please note that I found the training schedule here: <a href="http://teampwcms150.blogspot.com/2007/02/training-schedule.html">http://teampwcms150.blogspot.com/2007/02/training-schedule.html</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I just finished week 8 and am embarking on week 9. I have actually deviated from this schedule quite a bit, changing the mileage to fit my schedule (adding mostly or incorporating a spin class). You'll see that I was supposed to ride 65 miles on Saturday, but rode 25, making Sunday my big day ride, 50 miles, and 50 miles today instead of the suggested 15. I am finding that it's pretty easy and takes little effort to complete a 50 mile ride, so I'm hoping that jumping to a 75 mile ride in a little less than two weeks will be easy as well. <br />
<br />
I am trying really hard during this training schedule to not feel so run down. I felt really run down when I trained for the first MS150, but to be honest...I don't think I rode as much, rode alone mostly (endurance sports is mostly psychological, so spending hours upon hours alone can take a toll). But most of all, and this I think is the key, I hardly did ANY hill training. As you know from my frustrating blog entries, I've done TONS of hill training this time around, I think that will not only help during the actual event with the hill climbing, I think it will help with my endurance as well (at least I hope it will).<br />
<br />
I think I can feel myself getting to be a better and stronger rider, but still do not feel like I'm ready for the big event weekend. I am going to try and ride 100 miles this weekend, I'm hoping that will give me to confidence to know I am ready. (fingers crossed)<br />
<br />
I will be back later to report about how this weekend's rides went, for the most part I think they went well. I will be back with details.Joey S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15657677111268871759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23081229.post-51419547499420708392011-09-03T20:50:00.000-06:002011-09-03T20:50:26.453-06:00Back to the scene of the climb...hill climb that is<br />
So, as reported on my last entry, I promised to tackle that hill climb that we did last Thursday a few more times to see if it would get easier and I would become more efficient. Today was day 1 of fulfilling that promise to myself.<br />
<br />
I had volunteered to valet park bikes at the farmers market this afternoon from 11 AM to 2 PM. So, I needed to get this challenge done before then. I actually ended up oversleeping a little and woke up about when I was supposed to leave, oops! At first I was starting to talk myself out of it. But, then I said, naw...you really need to do this. Put your bike clothes on before you wake up too much and realize what you're done. Ha! Success, bike clothes on before I was completely awake and couldn't change my mind. Next, only one thing do...tackle this blasted hill. <br />
<br />
I am happy to report that I successfully climbed the hill. What is a success you ask? I climbed it without thinking I was going to have a heart attack. I did manage to still go slow, I think at one time I looked down and my speed was 4.5, but I did it...I made it...and well, it was almost pleasant. Okay, I wouldn't go that far...I'll just stick with the I didn't feel impending cardiac arrest starting to set in. I'm proud to say my heart stayed (semi-comfortably) lodged in my chest. I snapped a pic on my way down (yes I was stopped) you don't really get the full impact, but it was sure fun riding down that crazy hill I just conquered! :o)<br />
<br />
Here is the view of the mountains near the top of the hill:<br />
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And here is the view down the hill I'd just climbed...you can see it, but I an promise you that the ascent goes on for miles...and miles...and miles. ;o) Okay, only bout 8 miles..but that's miles and miles, right?<br />
<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The other good news, is that I finished the ride and still felt like I had enough energy to help out at the farmers market for 3 hours, running around parking bikes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The bad news is, I am a pretty tired girl right now and am wondering how I will do on my ride tomorrow. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Oh, my ride, I didn't tell you guys about that. I am riding 50 miles, a pretty difficult hill climb. The one above is a 7% grade, the one tomorrow is 11.5% grade. Yikes! The good news is that it's only 50 miles (the ride, not the climb) but still....I am a little worried I will lag behind and keep everyone from going as fast as they want. But, I've already decided that I am going to tell them to go ahead if I lag behind, I know they area fairly well and can find my way home. I am certainly not going to race. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In other news, I got to park a bike identical to my new bike at the market today. :o) It is so freakin' adorable!! I got a chance to talk to the owner and she was gushing about it and said she LOVED it!! She also said the bike was great on hills (which I was worried about, cruisers are typically horrible on hills with their limited gearing). But, she said the gearing was great. Yay!! Now, it just needs to get here!! Grrrrr. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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Joey S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15657677111268871759noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23081229.post-21580989324847040652011-09-01T21:46:00.000-06:002011-09-01T21:46:28.713-06:00What goes up, must go slow.....<br />
First things first, I am excited to say that I went ahead and picked the adorable Woman's Trek bike from the previous post. I think I would have been disappointed if I didn't get it. So, I went ahead and made the leap. Now, I get to wait for delivery...they are shipping it to me. Yippee! <br />
<br />
So now back to that crazy tittle of this post...<br />
<br />
Yep, I think that is my motto when climbing hills on my bike. I seriously don't get it and I can honestly say I am super frustrated with my hill climbing. Well, between you and me....I think I know what it is...but I don't know what I can do about it. I think it's my weight. It makes perfect sense,pulling all of this weight up a hill is going to slow me down, no matter now strong I am.<br />
<br />
I feel like I'm doing everything right, I'm climbing, challenging myself with difficult hills. I am going to spin class to increase strength and endurance and I am seeing improvements on the flats, I can average (comfortably) a pace of 20 miles (once warmed up :o) but put me on a challenging hill and not only to I should like a freight train, but my speed slows to a snail, honestly and snail could probably pass me!<br />
<br />
I had a really great ride tonight, and feel I did pretty good, except for that hill. So, on Saturday, I'm going to do the exact same ride and see how I do. The only thing I can think of (and I read this in an article somewhere) is to pick a challenging hill and do it over and over and over again until it's not only doable but easy. Supposedly this is supposed to help wiht hill climbing. I feel like I've done everything else (except lose weight, which I've tried...but no luck) so I am going to climb, climb, climb that challenging hill and see what that does for me.<br />
<br />
If that doesn't work...well...I guess I will just rock the flats and have my friends take a break and wait for me at the top of this hills. It will still be fun, right? :o/<br />
<br />
<br />
Joey S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15657677111268871759noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23081229.post-76803566382272174452011-08-31T20:36:00.001-06:002011-08-31T20:48:52.932-06:00A new bike DelimaSo as you know, I have a pretty amazing road bike. I have to confess I have a probably less than healthy love for that bike. My Ruby is amazing in so many ways and she is just absolutely perfect for me in every way. She allows me to become the athlete and rider I have always wanted to become. The rider that many (even me) thought I could never be, because I wasn't *that* person. She gives me confidence to BE that person. And for that I am forever grateful! <br />
<br />
But, unfortunately she is not perfect for every ride. Sometimes I want to just chill, and coast down the road sitting completely upright holding onto wide handle bars and just taking in the scenery, without challenging myself at all. Without being that athlete and challenging myself or others. Just taking in the sites on the beautiful country roads in my beautiful state.<br />
<br />
For a while I have been looking at old cruisers, I've always wanted one and figured since I already had a favorite bike, I could be a little impulsive and frivolous and get a cruiser. I love the romance and history of an old vintage cruiser. Imagining where it had been, what it's life has been like before it found me and hopefully giving it a better life restoring it to it's beauty and taking it on new adventures.<br />
<br />
But, like many of my road bike adventures, this search has too taken an unexpected turn. As part of a sales incentive that I won recently, I got to pic a high dollar item from a catalog. When I won, I actually tried to give it to a co-worker, because there really wasn't anything I wanted. Until, he said...did you see if they have bikes (yeah, I guess I might or might not talk a lot about my biking adventures at work). ;o) We pulled up the catalog together and sure enough, they did have bikes, LOTS of bikes. Oh no....what do I do now? Well, he saw the spark in my eye and the slight curl of my mouth (trying not to smile) and said, oh, you really should get a new bike!<br />
<br />
Um........do I though? I don't need one. And really I always wanted a vintage cruiser. But, this was free...and it was a new bike. Oh, the decision. So, just for kicks I looked to see what was available. That was the end of me. There were soo many choices and so many different bikes. They even have a city cruiser, multi-speed so I could still go fast, challenge myself...but (and this is the most important part) look cute doing it. I could even add some of my reflective flower stickers to make it look vintage and cute.<br />
<br />
<br />
But, then I looked at the mountain bikes, and wondered if that would be a better use of this "gift". Would I use a mountain bike more? Would I get more out of it? Would I eventually be happier with it? Gosh, I don't know.<br />
<br />
I've thought about it a lot. While, I might get more out of a mountain bike, the cruiser (I think they call is an urban or commuter bike) makes my heart start to beat just a tiny bit faster and makes me smile. I think that means that the cruiser is the next bike I am meant to have.<br />
<br />
So here is a picture of it, I think it's really cute and there's even a place to put a front basket:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://revolutioncycles.com/merchant/471/images/site/allant-ladies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="http://revolutioncycles.com/merchant/471/images/site/allant-ladies.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And with the basket: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQleEgVMrI2c2dGeXyFzB2ZTPnfi-XnpS9LVnPqA0lNBYP5T0-d-s5Of8i7sSomJ9sibjAoOA3S-tBW2EWSMT1g-1b-jiTn2s0kFH66wai1gog7DVdofws7f-djEQDSp-yHeuOrw/s1600/2768710523_0fe9a1c994_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQleEgVMrI2c2dGeXyFzB2ZTPnfi-XnpS9LVnPqA0lNBYP5T0-d-s5Of8i7sSomJ9sibjAoOA3S-tBW2EWSMT1g-1b-jiTn2s0kFH66wai1gog7DVdofws7f-djEQDSp-yHeuOrw/s640/2768710523_0fe9a1c994_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Although I am kinda tempted to get the mens version instead: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO0qqnq5kq_XFGXtK01S0Z3ZjarxWZPN-ABLPuUvSjXBtsmfhZMrf4hzftpzsEUTcRPjOouEmycm30e_VECQSdn6CpzmfuRFqCczDUggOIgK7Ohp7FqYtErgE-FRgrvlQVn1vJ7Q/s1600/3268677381_0322f58234_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO0qqnq5kq_XFGXtK01S0Z3ZjarxWZPN-ABLPuUvSjXBtsmfhZMrf4hzftpzsEUTcRPjOouEmycm30e_VECQSdn6CpzmfuRFqCczDUggOIgK7Ohp7FqYtErgE-FRgrvlQVn1vJ7Q/s640/3268677381_0322f58234_z.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So what do you guys think? Super cute huh? I have to say, I am already falling in love and I haven't even ridden it yet. But, there is still that small part of me that is keeping me from completely pulling the trigger and getting a mountain bike instead. It's so much more practical, but this is so much more fun and stylish. Sigh....what to do...What to do. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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Joey S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15657677111268871759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23081229.post-55260750256834998932011-08-29T22:18:00.003-06:002011-08-29T22:38:52.539-06:00A Challenge Completed - Venus De MilesWell, I am very happy to report that not only did I complete all 67 miles of the Venus De Miles, I actually rode 72 miles. Not too shabby if I do say so myself. Now, don't get me wrong, the ride was definitely hard and not without it's challenges. Let me tell you all about the day.<br />
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First of all, I got next to zero sleep the night before. My nerves were at an all time high, and I kept waking up thinking that I was going to over sleep, or forget something or both! Plus, I drank way too much water the night before so I had to get up several times for that as well.<br />
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But, as I finally got to sleep, the alarm was beep, beep, beeping. I actually for a moment forgot what today was...and started to hit the snooze. Luckily, I was awake enough to remember my mission for today. Ride my brains out until I crossed the finish line. Check.<br />
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Getting ready was pretty uneventful and my sweet husband actually woke up and followed me around to make sure I had everything I needed, ate some breakfast and was excited for the day. And I was off, before I knew it I was riding my bike along the bike path on my way to the starting line. Yikes!!<br />
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When I got to the event, I was slightly overwhelmed. It was 6 AM and there were women with bikes sleep walking all over the place. I parked my bike next to a few other dozen bikes and started the search for coffee. Ahh, found it...of course the longest line. Oh well, maybe I'll chat with some people in line and maybe find a riding partner since I'm solo today (and not really looking forward to riding alone).<br />
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I got a cup of Joe, but no new friends. Everyone seemed either paired off, or not quite awake enough for chatter. I then went over to the Team Venus tent to put some ribbon on my helmet signaling me as a team Venus rider (and hopefully would help me pair off with another lonely rider). But, no...no new friends there either. By now, it was time to find my way to the starting line. There was some confusion as to where the 100 milers and the 67 milers should line up. I kept telling everyone who would ask that I was riding the 67 mile ride and asked what they were doing.<br />
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Then, I heard a voice behind me, "I don't know..I'm doing the 67 mile ride and I know this person in front of me is too so I am following her because she looks like she knows where she's going". Ha! I turned around and she was pointing to me. I started to chat with Alice, who would turn out to be a great riding partner for the day. :o) I asked her if she was riding with anyone (nope, alone...all of her friends dropped out), what pace does she ride at, (13-15MPH, ahh..me too..prefect). Would she mind me tagging along and riding with her, nope, she would love that. yay!! Victory and were were ready to start!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA6-jSbOKkboiCh__gOiiYMKwH2Z9VM8tq1977m4nAeWOmxwSucT2QhkJrcTqtbS2zVxzkzqXzat_4tGxCuC6ScW6VmVl26k9EZM3Bv8ebxehVfIzM0wztUeSad5GjFT5ftRwA7A/s1600/photo%252814%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA6-jSbOKkboiCh__gOiiYMKwH2Z9VM8tq1977m4nAeWOmxwSucT2QhkJrcTqtbS2zVxzkzqXzat_4tGxCuC6ScW6VmVl26k9EZM3Bv8ebxehVfIzM0wztUeSad5GjFT5ftRwA7A/s640/photo%252814%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
The next 20 miles or so were pretty uneventful. Alice and I chatted for most of it and found out that she worked for a company that our company does a lot of business with and so we talked shop quite a bit, which is rare because most people never know what I do, or where I work. Soon though, we got to some challenging hills and I suck at hill climbing and Alice was quite the strong climber, and we were separated. <br />
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It was okay, I hate the feeling that I am slowing someone down and honestly prefer to climb alone so I can concentrate on the task at hand. :o) Plus, we had the big 2K foot climb coming up, Left hand canyon to Jamestown...so I knew I'd probably lost my riding partner for the day. Oh well, it was still nice to have someone for a while. <br />
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At the bottom of the hill as I was starting when I was switching my front chain to the inner ring, it skipped the inner ring completely and landed on my pedal arm, locking up my pedals and my bike started to wobble and tip over, I thought for sure I was going to fall over, but luckily I was able to get unclipped and save myself from humiliation and pain! Yay! As I was standing there trying to stop shaking and regain my composure, a cute guy in a pink tutu (all of the ride support was in drag, it was an all women's ride after all. ;o)rode up and stopped in front of me. He asked if I needed help, and I said naw, my chain just fell off. He stopped his bike and said, Oh, let me put it back on for ya. And in a second it was all better. And so was I, time to start climbing.<br />
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The climb was hard, I won't lie. It took just about everything out of me. I kept telling myself, okay, just one more mile. you can do it. come on! Just think about the feeling accomplishment. So, when I got the Ward turnoff, just three of the steepest miles from the top, I was done. I pulled over and one of the ride marshals was there and he asked if I was okay. I said I was but I was turning around, as I tried to swallow back the tears and catch my breath at the same time. I just can't go any further. I don't have it in me. really, I don't. <br />
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He refused to let me quit, he was an awesome cheerleader and then did a great job of chatting with me about his bike club and taking my mind off things until I was able to get enough water and air, that I was actually starting to feel better. MUCH better. Then something crazy happened, I started riding back up that hill...to the top. He said to be sure to wave to him on my way down. I told him it may be in a couple of minutes if I didn't make it to the top, he said...that's okay, at least you made it further than you are now. Hmm, good point and something to think about. <br />
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It was super tough, but I did it...I made it to the top....and immediately started the super fun 10 mile decent....I managed a top speed for 35MPH on that canyon. On my way down I kept my promise and waved to Paul, gave him a thumbs up and thanked him for talking me off the ledge. He said, did you make it. I said, Yep! I did. THANK YOU!! He shouted a woooohoooo!!! To me and said that's awesome! :o)<br />
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At the bottom of the hill I was on HWY 36 and stuck behind a group of 4 riding double wide so I couldn't pass when Alice came up behind me and said HI! I found you!! Wow! I guess she spent a long time at the top of Jamestown and so I was able to get ahead of her. She said she took an extra long break because it was so hard and such a struggle for her. Now, we were done with the hills and riding together again. yay! We passed those girls (so annoying, you're supposed to ride single file) and raced over the rollers on HWY 36, sooooo much fun!!!<br />
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Soon after that though, Alice got a flat. Bummer!! Luckily some more men in pink tutu's came to the rescue. :o)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzSTVHKKiqNdbb4K7D3oXUT4bJW8dtu15USnZ_a7y0xKgM-aPEvDtuuwnBrwS2c_YwExEuAg21E2KAB_VYWw_7pHGn0GE_EXnCwMHcfIkC2ARA9BMWq2apgniIeY03jlula08ZjQ/s1600/photo%252813%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzSTVHKKiqNdbb4K7D3oXUT4bJW8dtu15USnZ_a7y0xKgM-aPEvDtuuwnBrwS2c_YwExEuAg21E2KAB_VYWw_7pHGn0GE_EXnCwMHcfIkC2ARA9BMWq2apgniIeY03jlula08ZjQ/s640/photo%252813%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
Before we knew it, she was all fixed and we were on our way to ride to famous fruit loops. It was my first time riding them, and even though by this time my legs were cramping something fierce, I still enjoyed them...but my speed was suffering....every pedal stroke was painful. It was hot and all I could think of was, great...is this how the MS is going to stop me today. I won't allow it. I am going to keep going until I can't physically pedal, I can ignore the pain. Right? Yes, I can, and I tried to concentrate on anything..the beautiful scenery. The amazing weather. The miles I've riden so far. I can do this. <br />
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Then, All of a sudden I looked up and didn't see Alice in front of me anymore. Then I looked down, and there she was. She rode on a gravel road and her bike slid out from under her. We sat for a while until she regained her composure and double checked everything to ensure there wasn't any serious damage. Nope, just a little road rash and a few more scratches on her bike, but that was it. She was a real trooper, and soon we were off. <br />
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At the last rest stop, I was so tired...I just wanted more than anything to call my husband and ask him to come get me. But, nope, I promised myself that I would not quit...and I had a little more left in me before I would get to that point. I mean, after all....I already rode 59 miles, what is another 8 miles. I can do that. No problem. Right? <br />
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Plus, these cuties were there to cheer me on and give me the strength to carry on to the finish. After a photo op, some electrolyte chews and some nectarines I was ready to get this thing over with.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIH8eEhTo_CevMDKYM_Mr05Wvet8QuSZ6-5KFIcdsgSmc4VkH3KxWUWd8npCRLX0bq9Qh4Wxfq4StlB5BXkF1M4Rr0gr5er1ejIQUXZFjoj2keb4hF5fECga3zAmIYsIAbo1c4Tw/s1600/photo%252812%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIH8eEhTo_CevMDKYM_Mr05Wvet8QuSZ6-5KFIcdsgSmc4VkH3KxWUWd8npCRLX0bq9Qh4Wxfq4StlB5BXkF1M4Rr0gr5er1ejIQUXZFjoj2keb4hF5fECga3zAmIYsIAbo1c4Tw/s640/photo%252812%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
The last 8 miles seemed to drag as much as the first 20, but I made it. As I turned the corner to the finish line and heard the cheers and whooohooos, I started to tear up. It was a VERY long day, full of challenges and victories...but I did it!! Wow, I did...I did it. Yay! It's over. As I crossed the finish I looked straight ahead and there was my husband waiting there for me, with my flip flops...and the most adorable smile. Yay. I did it.<br />
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Now, where's lunch and the beer? :o)Joey S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15657677111268871759noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23081229.post-35434248871918190322011-08-27T10:06:00.000-06:002011-08-27T10:06:04.027-06:00Still riding like a crazy fool!Hi everyone!<br />
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So, I know I promised that I would write more...and I didn't. Bad me! I have a lot going in in the next couple of weeks and well, I guess that's why I'm here writing to you again. :o)<br />
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I have been training (to be honest not as much as I should be) for the MS150 that will happen in just a few weeks on September 17th and 18th. DH's dad and brother will be joining me for this ride and well, I'm super nervous that I won't be able to do it.<br />
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I guess if I'm going to be really honest...right now I'm just not super confident in my cycling ability. I went for a ride on Tuesday and it was HARD, really, really hard for me and it was only 20 miles. I felt like my legs were mush all of the muscle was on vacation somewhere (probably really nice) but definitely no with me helping me out during that ride. I almost quit. Really!? During a 20 mile ride? If I had that much problem during a 20 mile ride, what will I feel like during a 75 mile ride? <br />
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I think what is getting me, is that I thought I was pretty well prepared, until that ride.<br />
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So I am trying to think what could have possibly gone wrong. What made me feel that way. Could I be OVER training? I did go to a really hard spin class the day before that shredded my legs, but I thought I had recovered. <br />
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My current training plan is, Monday, Spin, Tuesday, Fast ride, Wednesday, Spin, Thursday, rest, Friday, easier 15 mile ride, Saturday, long ride 60+ miles, Sunday, shorter ride 15-20 miles. Repeat until the event.<br />
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I have skipped some days. Like last week I didn't do the long ride, this week, I skipped Fridays ride. But for the most part I am getting at least 100+ miles in each week. So I should be getting in better shape. But I don't seem to be.<br />
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It's crushing to my spirit because it makes me feel like I will always be that fat girl, and not the athlete I want to me. I feel I should be. I feel I am. <br />
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So this brings me to tomorrow. I am riding in the Venus De Miles, which is Colorado's only all women bike event. There are 4 different distances you can choose from, Century, 67 miles, 51 miles or 33 miles. I had initially signed up for the century back in March thinking I would be more than ready for it with all of the riding for the MS150. But, well, life and fatigue got in the way and now I am doing the 67 mile ride instead. To be honest, the 67 mile ride is almost as challenging as the 100 mile ride with a 3000 foot elevation gain (all in 8 miles) so I don't feel like too much of a wimp for dropping my mileage for the ride.<br />
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But I do still feel scared. What if I suffer, what if I am not prepared and can't do it. What if I break down, or bonk during the ride. I want so badly to look at my GPS at the end of the ride, see the 67 miles and feel that immense feeling of pride because I pushed myself WAY out of my comfort zone and completed a challenging ride. Um, successfully completed a challenging ride. I mean, I know it's not going to be easy....I just don't want it to be impossible.<br />
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I have to confess that I am tempted to drop down to the 51 mile ride, this would be easier for me and I know it is doable. But, would I be proud for completing it? Probably not. Will I feel like a slouch for not pushing myself? Probably.<br />
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So, I will ride 67 miles tomorrow. I will climb that torturous Left Hand Canyon to Jamestown and feel that immense sense of accomplishment. Right? I won't die. Plus, there will be LOTS of women riding right along side me, hopefully helping to keep me motivated and distracted from the pain in my legs, the tinge in my back or the strain of my lungs.<br />
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One thing I am looking forward to is the downhill, 3000 miles of twisty turny downhill canyon roads....so much fun! I've climbed this climb before and survived. I did it just three weeks ago....so I can do it again.<br />
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I think what is worrying me is that I will be 30 miles into the ride when I start the Jamestown assent. I am hoping my legs will still be fresh and able to do that. Oh, did I mention 30 miles of rollers? Yep, fun times!!<br />
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I will be back tomorrow to let you all know how it goes...I hope I will be able to post my time and let you know it wasn't as hard or challenging as I thought it was.<br />
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Wish me luck!!<br />
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Roo<br />
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Joey S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15657677111268871759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23081229.post-16465926183632523212011-04-12T22:06:00.001-06:002011-04-12T22:15:21.991-06:00Time to dust this puppy off and start writingSo I did something kinda crazy last week. To be honest it's really not all that crazy. It is a dream I have had for at least 5 years and decided to close my eyes, hold my breath and just click "submit" What was I clicking on you ask? It was the entry form of the MS150 Colorado bike ride. Yep, I'm doing it. Not only am I doing it...but I am a person WITH MS, who is doing it. I think that is pretty cool. Why in the world would I want to do such a thing, and more importantly why would I want to put myself through something like that. Well, the answer is really very simple. Because I can. :o)<br />
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Once the pride and excitement had worn off...the fear had really started to set in. Oh crap, what in the world have I gotten myself into? Can I *really* do this? What if I fail? Or worse, what if I fall off my bike and get hurt. What if I don't have this in me. Maybe I should just drop out now and save myself the embarrassment. <br />
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First step, get a bike. So the research starts. Then, the scary part go to the bike store and decide on a bike. So a little bit of history about me and why this was so hard for me. I was a fat girl..I still am kinda a fat girl. But inside I will always be a fat girl even though really, I think there is a hardcore athlete in there somewhere as well. Well, when I go to places for athletes like a bike store and put myself out there....the fat girl shows up and is super intimated. <br />
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Unfortunately, the first bike store I went to was the prefect mix of intimidation and bully. It was almost too much. The salesperson was trying to talk me out of the ride and basically told me I was not only unprepared physically but it was HUGE undertaking and that I should not be entering into this lightly. Um, hello I am here aren't I? The ride isn't tomorrow...I do have 12 weeks to train and prepare. Isn't that enough time? Yes I do have cellulite, yes, it's probably been 10 years since I've been on a bike, Yes, I am completely unprepared at this moment...but you don't know me. You don't know what I have done mentally to prepare...and am now ready to do physically to prepare. Did he not realize how hard it was to even walk into the store and ask for help?<br />
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So I left, with him still telling me I was crazy and that he has been riding for 20 years and would never even think about doing such a ride.<br />
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Hmm.....okay.<br />
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Now I had a lot to think about. What if he was right and I really couldn't do this. Maybe I should just give up. It's so much safer in this place...then to branch out and try something new anyway. I'm not really an athlete anyway....am I? Why do I always want to be one?<br />
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So, the next morning I volunteered at an event sponsored by the National MS society for the newly diagnosed. I was a peer with MS who would lead one of the break out support groups to answer questions and just help out right now, when things are so scary. It was a GREAT event. I didn't even think I would get so much out of it. I felt for them, and remembered how it felt to get that diagnoses and think my life is over. It would never be the same and it would certainly never be as good. Ever. I now had MS. But all of that is so untrue, I am more fit, stronger, more powerful and so much more of a person than I was before MS and I have MS to thank for that. As much as I don't want to be thankful I have this disease, I kinda am. It has given me a gift that I don't think I would have received any other way. The gift of carpe diem. Live for the moment, go out and get what you want now. Life is not forever and it is for the asking. Live the life you want now.<br />
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With this new found strength and inspiration, I stopped into a small bike store I passed on the way to the meeting. I figured what the heck....I'll give it one more try. I walked in trying to hold my head and chest high, but still pretty terrified and said I wanted to look at road bikes for a ride I am doing. The guy, Mike was nice and walked with me over to the bikes, started giving his sales pitch and talked to me like a person...even more...like the athlete I wanted to become and not the fat girl. It was wonderful. He asked if I wanted to go for a test ride, I didn't. The other shop owner had me terrified that I would fall as soon as I got on the bike. but,I took a deep breath <gulp> and said, um...okay. I asked him if I could just ride around the parking lot, (secretly, or not so secretly terrified to be alone with the bike) He said, no, go ahead take it. There is a bike trail 3 block away...go ride on that...it's a great day and you should take it for a nice long ride to really get a feel for the bike. Um, 3 blocks....um....a long ride...um...are you sure? At this point a cute old russian couple had just come back from renting bikes and the older man said to me, yes, bike trail is nice, we just there, you go. Enjoy. Um, well, okay. </gulp><br />
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So, I started peddeling out of the parking lot thinking for sure I would fall at any moment, but wait...this was easy. Not only was it easy it was enjoyable. Oh, but don't enjoy yourself or get distracted, concentrate, this is a very sophisticated road bike. You could fall at any moment.<br />
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peddle.....Peddle...Zip...Zoom.<br />
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Forget it! This is fun and I am going FAST!! Weeeeee......<br />
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What in the world was that other guy talking about, I can so do this. Not only can I do this...I can rock this! Wow! The wind in my face the speed...it is WONDERFUL!<br />
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Finally after riding around the bike trail for a while I turned around and went back to the bike shop, with a HUGE grin on my face. The guy asked me how I liked it. I said it was awesome, I LOVED this bike. He said, Okay...but you should probably ride a few more to be sure.<br />
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So I did...all were awesome in their own way. I decided that I should go to a few more bike stores armed with this new knowledge and confidence and see which brand/bike I liked best.<br />
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I did and ran into one more jerk, but I wasn't having any part of his biases and insecurities, I AM doing this and I NEED a good bike to do it...so get out of my way and show me some bikes. He did and eventually lightened up. :o)<br />
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But, all day nothing felt as comfortable as one of the bikes at that first store...and honestly I was so thankful to them for giving me my wings. I went back there and bought my latest love, Ruby. She is absolutely beautiful and I feel so lucky to ave found her. We are going to have such adventures together. Here is a picture of her during our first ride together.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5143/5606636427_46eddcf88b_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5143/5606636427_46eddcf88b_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
and a close up of her awesome carbon fiber frame, I love that she isn't shiny and pretty like most bikes, but has a little bit of an edge and her own unique beauty:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5068/5606634929_15e3c3a7a8_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5068/5606634929_15e3c3a7a8_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Joey S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15657677111268871759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23081229.post-42209803302683323792009-09-26T19:19:00.002-06:002009-09-26T19:52:55.447-06:00My Adventure.....recap! :o)Wow!!! Two entries in one day....amazing!<br /><br />So, today as you read previously was the Woman's Adventure in Boulder. The thing I didn't say this morning...was that eventhough it felt lonely to go all by myself...there was a big part of me that felt liberated. I do like being independent and going to things by myself...and that does feel good. I did feel proud of myself for going. :o)<br /><br />Okay, so it was a really good day!! I met many amazing women and there were lots of people there by themselves...so I didn't stand out like a sore thumb, like I thought I would. There were LOTS of amazing sponsors who were all giving away pretty cool SWAG (Stuff We All Get :o) So I probably got at least $200.00 worth of goodies for my $75.oo entrance feel. Unfortunately, I didn't win any of the big prizes...but that was fine. It was still a great day.<br /><br />I learned all about back country safety and while it was a pretty big overview of the subject...I still learned a lot. I also too a orienteering class, that honestly I was completely lost on. I think if I do delve more into that subject a smaller more visual class would be best for me. I got a free facial which was amazing and felt great. It was a really warm day probably low 90's so the cool water on my face felt wonderful!! The only bad thing is that all of the bees found out where the yummy smelling things were...and decided to hang out and land on all of the faces. That was not so relaxing or enjoyable...but luckily...I didn't get stung. :o)<br /><br />I then decided it was time to go check out the food, Mad Greens was there giving out free salads and so I got one of those and ate it while waiting in the LONG line for crepes. The Crepe was super yummy!! I got a ham, cheddar, spinach, tomato and onion crepe. Yum! Then I went into the beer garden to have a seat and eat it. Oh, and get a beer of course. ;o) Okay, kay....I ended up sitting with some really nice ladies and getting a couple of beers. Laughed a lot...chatted a lot...learned a lot and just had a great time!<br /><br />Soon, it was time for the fly fishing class. We all decided to go together. It was a great class and something that came easy for me. The teacher said I was a natural. ;o) Honestly, I wasn't even going to take the fly fishing class, but it was lots of fun and definitely something I would really like to learn more about. I came home and told Robb all about it and he said that he's always wanted to fly-fish as well...so we might look into taking some class together or maybe a trip! Fun!!<br /><br />After fly-fishing it was time for Laughter Yoga....okay this was the most ridiculous thing I have ever done...but I have to say it was loads of fun and I did feel MUCH more relaxed afterwards. It was silly at the time and yes there were times during that class when I was actually saying to myself, "come on...give me a break!" But! It was fun and worth it. I'm glad I did it. Because honestly, that's what this day was all about....taking classes or doing things I probably wouldn't do or try on my own.<br /><br />After the laughter yoga class I went down to the water to take the Kayaking class. Unfortunately, it was VERY unorganized and there were several women down there that said that had been waiting for over an hour to get on a kayak. Yuck, I knew this would both put me in a bad mood and waste what was left of my day...so I decided to go see what else there was to do. I went to the sports medicine tent which was about to start a pilates class. Perfect. So, I took that class and it was actually a pretty good workout and I think I might be a little sore tomorrow from. We used a cool strength band with loops for your hands...so it was a nice strength workout as well.<br /><br />After that class, I went around to all of the booths to make sure I didn't miss out on any SWAG. I grabbed a few more and then they were doing the last drawing...I was hoping and praying I would win something. This was the big one....the cannondale bike and weekend trip. As I was standing there a lady my age walked up to me and asked how I liked the laughter yoga class. I told her it was a lot more fun than I thought it was going to be. She introduced herself, Laura and we both lamented about having not won anything today...and hoped we would win!! As the lady on the loud speaker was calling out names we were both chanting eachothers names....as to give them more power to find their way to the top of the bag...and win!!<br /><br />But, it wasn't in the cards for today...neither one of use won anyting...but also said we were both thankful for what we did receive...it was still a lot. She then just kinda out of the blue asked if I liked to hike or snow shoe or anything like that. I said I love to hike and have always wanted to snowshoe...but never have. She said that she hikes a lot and loves to snowshoe and is always looking for people to go with. So, we exchanged phone numbers and she said we should go sometime. Yay!! So, I did meet a new person to do things with...which is exactly what I needed...wanted. :o)<br /><br />So, in more ways than one...today was perfect and exactly what I wanted....needed. I love that!!Joey S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15657677111268871759noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23081229.post-38950020925718829612009-09-26T08:25:00.002-06:002009-09-26T08:49:01.510-06:00A Woman's Adventure.....My AdventureSo today I am going to this really cool event. It's sponsored by <a href="http://www.womensadventuremagazine.com/index.php">A Women's Adventure magazine</a>...which I actually just found.<br /><br />It's kinda funny the way I found it. I've been looking for ways to get our MS support group notices in more places. So we can increase membership and get more people more help. Anyway, I have been looking at more non-profits to see what they've been doing and getting tips. <br /><br />On my search...I stumbled across A women's adventure magazine and saw that they were having a HUGE event this weekend less than 10 miles from my house. How cool is that?!? So my A.D.D. kicked in and I started reading about it. It looked so cool....it was a day for just women and it featured 8 mini clinics ranging from rock climbing, yoga, kayaking, mountaineering, backcountry navigating and safety and many other. Most of these are activities that I have always wanted to try....but never had the courage to actually take class or even begin to try. So, it was the perfect event for me, non-competitive and just a little taste of the sport so I can see if I actually want to learn more. :o)<br /><br />The scary part though....and probably mostly why I am writing about it...is because I'm going by myself. To be honest, I have been kinda trying to talk myself out of going because I am afraid it's going to be a very lonely day amongst a ton of people enjoying the company of others. If that makes sense at all. I'm hoping that there are others who have decided to go by themselves...and so I won't stand out as much....as being alone. I am also sad that there is no one to share it with. I asked my friends if they wanted to go...but to be honestly none of them are interested in learning all of this...or can't give up a weekend day with their families to go.<br /><br />So, I am going alone. I'm thinking once I get there....and mix in with everyone else...go to a few clinics....I won't feel so lonely and will just blend in and start to enjoy learning and challenging myself. It's just the getting there...that is the hard part. :o)<br /><br />But, I am going for me...because I love to be active, I love to challenge myself...and I love free cool stuff...which this event has LOTS of. Hey! Maybe I'll actually meet a few new friends...people who enjoy what I enjoy...so I will have someone to go with next year. :o)Joey S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15657677111268871759noreply@blogger.com0