Time with my second family

I got a message on Sunday from one of the most profound influences in my life over the past 15 years.

Patty said she needed her house "Joanietized." This is a term she coined because when I was her nanny I liked things organized, routine and a certain way.

I went down to their home Monday night and surprised my Godson Chandler.

Tuesday I was given the task of bringing the Christmas ornaments up from their storage area. It was fun to reminisce seeing different items I remembered the boys having when I shared my Christmases with them.

I would often share my thanksgiving with them as well. I hadn't had a chance to do that for the last 4 years so it was good to go visit this week. I am so thankful to my friend who pointed out to me that my priorities were a little displaced and brought to my attention that I needed to go spend time with my second family.

I went to my favorite orchid wholesale shop. Westerly Orchids in Carpinteria and I found a deep violet infused phaleonopsis that I placed in the front entry way of Patty's beautiful peaceful home.

I was able to take a lunch break and go do a crossfit workout. I was happy to do all the pull-ups in the warm up and do the wod and learn how to do a weight lift better. I'm excited about the challenge the ladies of crossfit Grover Beach are doing its really helping me with my health and fitness goal and has made it easier to hold myself accountable.

Tuesday evening my Godson Chan and I went to the hardware store and had fun maneuvering the plywood board through the isles. Afterward we went to the place we still call the pumpkin patch to pick out a Christmas tree. He selected the first one he saw then we proceeded to look at others and settled on his first choice. He and I worked together and lifted it off my car and into the house. Everyone commented on the large beautiful tree we selected. We then picked up dinner from a drive thru we've been going to since he was 4 and had a parasite that had him living on a bland diet of chicken noodle soup and French fries. I found our order comical I had the bunless burger no sauce no pickles he had the burger with the bun no sauce no vegetables. I loved watching Chan just having fun hanging out together enjoying his sour apple sticks, loving the pine scented candle, seeing the horse at the Christmas tree lot that he says has been there forever, but I only just noticed it last night because he pointed it out.

Today I got up to make Chan and his brother JT breakfast. I woke JT up and he requested pancakes. It's so great to think he's almost 18 and he knows he can ask me for nearly anything. My reward is his appreciation. He says thanks for breakfast Joanie then asks when I'm coming back again I tell him I want to make it back before Christmas which is also just before his birthday. He gives me a hug and thanks me for coming down and he asks if I can drive Chan to school so he isn't late.

I got to spend ten extra minutes with Chan and snapped a pic of him by the Christmas tree just before he left for school. I made sure to sneak in that extra hug too when I dropped him off at school. I loved that he wasn't too cool to give me a hug or say love u too as he headed off to class.

I am so grateful for this little time away with the people I cherish the most who always give me so much love.

No Better Time

Today I got up and continued on the mission I began on Monday. I wanted to make some minimal changes that would have a major impact on myself as an individual. The first change was to get rid of the coffee with flavored creamer in it addiction. The second change was to be more positive about my physical fitness efforts and recognize improvements.

In stepped Miracle T once again. She decided she wanted to do a paleo challenge and have her friend's support. Well now it's turned into a little friendly competition amongst many of the ladies of Crossfit Grover Beach. This has made my desire to keep up the changes I decided to make even stronger.

Two days ago I received another invitation for a holiday maintain not gain fitness challenge where my friend and her husband set some noble fitness benchmarks they'd like to achieve. I've made a decision to match it. This will be in addition to my mtn. biking, running and crossfit. My mom says this sounds like a little extremism and I have to agree, but it's how I have fun outside of work.

Two years ago I gained that oh so stereotypical ten holiday pounds that the average American gains then discovered Crossfit and worked to lose it only to have some of it return when I got derailed for my minor back injury. I then found another Crossfit box and lost the weight again, but somehow I let life events dictate my choices and I got off the great path I was on early this year so those sneaky little pounds have decided to make a cameo once again. I think I hit them with a vengeance this week. My scale says so and my fitness app has been busy. I asked my friend to tell those pounds to stay lost if they show up on a milk carton and she promised not to call a search party. Uh oh she's also part of my competition now and she's just as driven as me if not more so. Sara has been an amazing friend and confidant this entire year that I've known her and she was the individual that encouraged me to begin crossfit again. She along with T has put a lot of time into making this challenge a possibility. I'm very grateful to each of them. I will be accountable for all my eating, sleeping and fitness habits and will have an amazing support network all along the way.

I will be honest today was a very challenging day for me. I began with a trip to the grocery store for breakfast and then walked over to the crossfit box. I wanted to do the workout twice today, but did it once and decided that was enough. I had to deal with a life situation that I would have preferred not to, but am determined to get through it regardless of the outcome. While I was faced with that challenge my favorite ultrarunner friend said he was having trouble getting motivated to run in the rain. I thought a run would be just the thing to boost my attitude and it did. It was a short run but my friend made me push myself on the hills and when my legs said no on the last mile and he asked me if my legs were dead and I replied yes it encouraged me to keep going. I finished and looked at the results and saw I didn't improve much on my pace, but of course my friend had kind positive words to say.

I went to Em's house after my run and had tea and talked and she offered me wonderful advice and encouragement and her sister had decorated their home for Christmas just beautifully.

I came home and had a dear friend send a message with exactly the words I needed to hear. There are no coincidences!!! I wasn't seeking validation, but I needed it and that message was so timely.

I have a box of quote cards my mom found at a yard sale and sent me. I'm not sure who sold them, but thank you for the gift. The one in my windowsill right now could not pertain to me at a better time than now.

Because we move in the direction of our currently dominant thoughts, it is imperative to control and manage them in the direction of those goals which are our highest priority.~Dennis E. Waitley

A muddy fun time

Yesterday I got to participate in my favorite event. Mud mash at Laguna Lake. I had a goal to complete the course in under an hour and to get over the 6 foot wall that always gives me grief. I got over the 6 foot wall and all it gave me was a really purple and blue bruise. I even got half way across the monkey bars which I couldn't do at mudmashx in May. I completed the course in an hour and five minutes and I had an excellent time.

I was blessed this week with a slight schedule adjustment that I've wanted for 8 months now. That's going to allow me to get my running back on track because I will not be stressed with the small window of time I had to run before work two mornings each week.

I don't know how it's happened or if I've changed anything really, but I'm noticing gainful improvements and that means a lot to me!

Time to Lose Deceit

That lie you tell yourself over and over again until finally you no longer realize it isn't truth. This deceit clouds your judgment, causes insecurities, limits your true potential, burdens friendships, builds trust issues and the list goes on.

There are also lies others tell you that regardless of how far fetched or unkind they are you take them to heart.

I once was told I wasn't skinny or athletic enough. I believe I took it to heart so strongly that I've tried proving it wrong ever since.

I had a random thought just over a week ago and I shared it with a friend. I told her how I know that none of us would tolerate abuse from anyone else so why do we abuse ourselves. We believe our own lies, eat things we know are not conducive to achieving our goals, we make excuses for poor behavior and the abuse continues. I decided it was time I start being kinder to myself and lose the deceit. I like the phrase it starts with a decision. The decision I made was to stop being abusive to myself both physically and emotionally.

Here is where my lie comes into play. I began running about 4 years ago. I've completed a half marathon, numerous mud runs including an extreme mud run. I've done trail runs and set up a three day a week running schedule that I have followed with inconsistencies for 7 months. I've never run a sub ten minute mile so I just let myself believe i was the slow runner.

Thursday night my drinking club with a running problem had an alternative plan that involved very little running. I decided to leave and that I would drive to my favorite trail head and do a time trial. I nearly talked myself out of going, but my car knows that exit means fun and I think the steering wheel turned that direction. I put in my ear phones turned on my running program and began my run. I felt great it was getting dark and the temperature was perfect. I got to my one mile mark and the little voice on the program said,"8 minutes 57 seconds." I paused the program and stopped and thought to myself wow you just did something you didn't think you could. I took a little break to practice pullups on the bar on the trail. I can do those now too only a couple in a row, but I know I'll improve with continued practice. I did some pushup sets and decided to see if I could do a repeat performance of that under 9 minute mile run. I completed the next mile in 9 minutes and 5 seconds. My run yesterday was longer and back to my slower pace, but I'm content.

I'm on day 10 from the time I started my decision. I had one small setback on a bike ride a week ago when I let my feeling of inadequacy get the best of me, but all in all I feel great my weight and health and overall fitness level is improving. I only noticed this because I was able to clean and jerk the prescribed weight of 115 pounds during a crossfit WOD on Friday that was a first for me.

I'm curious to see what heights I will challenge myself to achieve this week!

Time to Overcome Discouragement

I called the ER and they informed me it would be another charge for the visit to remove my stitches. My friend told me she could help me, but I was impatient and determined to do it myself. A week has passed since I removed my own stitches.

The day after stitch removal I was back on my bike going up Stagecoach road
with my sidekick Aussie/Labrador MJ just like we do each Monday afternoon. That ride is my therapy after the long 48 hour weekend shift at work. MJ makes me laugh hysterically every time he launches himself over the metal cattle grate. I only did a short ride no falls, no knee trouble.

I went to crossfit wearing my shorts and tall socks with duck tape on my knee and double unders were on the WOD. I've finally after months and months kind of learned the trick to them and I shocked myself completing 11 in a row. We did box step ups that challenged me because I had to use my left leg every time to step up. My legs were sore the next two days. I also did another bike ride after and had a great time and climbed trail that I usually choose to descend.

Thursday I went for a morning bike ride, an afternoon jog/hike where a helicopter flew over my head at the top of the mountain. I finished my day with an evening bike ride.

My evening bike ride was on lemon grove with a new friend.
I climbed the first section well and I thought I was just going to do a quick ride very short loop, but my riding partner took me on the longer portion of the trail. He was great! He was patient, opened a gate for me, told me how itchy the yellow jacket sting would be the next day (yes first sting ever). He told me to follow his lead which helped me successfully accomplish a climb until I got stuck and had to hop off and hike my bike for a minute. I cleaned a downhill section even though I was extremely nervous. It was a section I've ridden in the past, but my confidence level got rocked from the fall I recently took that ended in the stitched knee. I learned it was time I overcome the discouragement. We started running out of daylight and my partner asked which way I wanted to go then quickly informed me he was making an executive decision to take the quick way down. The quick way isn't hard, but it's rocky and intimidating with very little daylight. Well much to my surprise I finally learned why people tell me my 29er rolls over everything. I had a really great time it was probably my favorite ride all week. I almost left out the best part...my riding partner showed me a side trail that was an option if I wanted to skip the hill where I knew I'd have to hike my bike. I take the trail option and the easier hill to ride at the end of it. The best part of this side trail is when my riding partner tells me he spent his time clearing the poison oak and improving the trail. I asked him if he did the entire trail that I rode. He did it on his own, expecting nothing in return and he did it because he couldn't ride while he's been healing from a hand surgery. Yes he earned major brownie points! Anyone that would voluntarily remove poison oak is a saint in my book!

Sometimes Setbacks Occur

I've put up a pretty good front trying to stay positive through this setback that occurred.

Thursday I was dealing with being tired of "taking it easy." I finished putting ice on my knee and I went to a friend's house to make dinner for he and his extended family. I was later told his family would not eat what I was fixing and his sister ended up making a second dinner for her family. This left me discouraged and deflated. I try not to expect much. I wanted to do a kind thing that left me feeling completely unwelcome and unappreciated, but I was determined not to let the situation get the best of me. I left just as soon as was appropriate and went to meet one of my mtn. biking friends at bike night.

I decided to take my bike out of my car to see if I could ride it. The rear tire was flat again. My friend helped me pump it up. This is my same friend who helped me fix the flat the last time and same tire tube he helped me replace. My knee cooperated despite the stitches in it. It was slightly uncomfortable but the range of motion improved.

Friday morning I decided to try to crossfit. Fran was on the WOD and I was excited to try it. I modified my depth of the squat and was ten pounds shy of the RX weight. I also chose to use a band for the pull-ups. Pull-ups are the most discouraging skill for me, but they also push me to go outside my comfort zone and try harder. I once stated at crossfit,"I will own those pull-ups!"

In comes my setback. I had decided to begin training for my first off-road triathlon and not tell anyone. I was doing two and sometimes 3 workouts a day on my days off. I started doing longer bike rides meeting great new people to ride with. I ran with my friend who's a seasoned ultra-runner. I was continuing crossfit and I was enjoying pushing myself.

I've had to admit to myself that this setback usurped some of my positive attitude. This week I'm going to attempt to get back on my previous schedule. It will be scaled, but I want to try to make the most of it and I know I'm going to need a lot of encouragement and to hold myself accountable.

Distraction Time

Today I returned to the ER for my suture check. No sign of infection and I was encouraged to practice more range of motion each day. I also got cleared to return to work. I wasn't cleared for physical activities, but I wasn't given any specifics other than to keep the stitches in as long as possible to prevent another tear in the future. I'll use my discretion here which means I will drive myself crazy trying to continue to take it easy.

I went to a movie with my friend Kevin after my ER visit. It was a movie with a lot of biking skill involved and a good story line. Kevin told me he ran the trail today where I had fallen and it was in horrible condition and there are future improvement plans in the works. This made me feel better.

I walked to habitat and smelled my favorite candles from comfort candle company and saw a gorgeous glass ball with two holes in it and succulents placed inside. I loved it and thought it was so brilliantly beautiful.

I came home and sewed another baby blanket with more of the butterfly material I received from my mom over a year ago. I often wonder if I'll ever finish using all of it.

I walked over to crossfit and paid my monthly dues so I'm committed to my knee's healing process and my fitness. I attempted to jump rope and did some pull-up practice.

I came home and made a little stir fry and used little spinach leaves and made mini wraps that turned out very delicious.

I had a good time today and found that distractions can be healthy.

Time to be Patient

Today is day one after getting stitches in my knee.

My morning was okay I did my regular Monday morning housekeeping job.

I made my guacamole with red pepper strips in a watermelon to take to some friends moving away picnic.

I met a new friend for a very short hike. While I know this may not be well advised I needed to know how limited I was. I got my answer I limped the entire time with my leg straight. My knee isn't bending very far.

I came home and wanted my pajamas on. Just getting my tall socks off was a challenge. I assessed my knee and saw how swollen it was and I just broke down in tears. I also realized I don't like pain and I wanted an extra strength ibuprofen. I rarely take anything other than my multivitamin and fish oil. I also realized that I needed to eat, but didn't want to strain to walk anymore and dinner would require a trip to the grocery store.

In steps my little miracle friend. I call her T. T doesn't know I think of her as my miracle friend. I met T at crossfit and later saw her at a mud run and she had this fun pink and blonde hair and she was adorable. I didn't start getting to know her better until a few months ago when I went on a bike ride with her. I was amazed everything came so easy to her. I had my first flat tire that day. I call her my miracle friend because she always pulls off these little miracles. Knowing I need a text to laugh or inspiration and my phone lights up or I see something on Facebook from her. Well tonight she continued her tradition. I asked her how she got through her emergency appendectomy recovery which led to a series of texts and then she asks if I want chicken and dumplings. My body says absolutely, but my weakness is accepting kindnesses. Especially when it's the second one she's performed of the day. Yes she gave me her ninja blender and food processor. Teresa brought me yummy chicken and dumplings, but it's no ordinary meal it's paleo and all pretty in a glass bowl with the beautifully brown crusted dumpling right on top and it's just the right temperature and I'm no longer worried about the ibuprofen I took minutes earlier on an empty stomach.
T tells me I need to be better about asking for help and she's right. She says no one minds and I believe her.

Well I left my phone charger at work. I do everything on my phone. Email my mom, research, text, map my exercise. I have a phone charger for the car and Its interesting to think I've become so dependent on an inadament object, nonetheless I have.

My friend I met recently and showed some new biking trails a couple weeks ago lives close by and has an iPhone so I asked if he might have one to spare me. Of course he says yes he's on his way. He had asked me to let him know if I needed anything and well I guess I am improving on asking for help.

The important thing I like to bare in mind is that although I feel most of us as humans like to feel needed and are happy to fulfill our loved ones requests for help, I like to remember to not set expectations and no one ever owes me anything.

Time to Take Advice

After Fridays biking adventure I went to work yesterday morning with my bandaged knee. Then today I asked for my sisters advice. She told me it needed looked at and irrigated and stitched. She gave me the pros and cons list and the cons list included sepsis which I have seen only once and know I don't want it. Another good friend of mine said she would show the picture to a local ER doctor and he advised treatment as well.

I called my office to be relieved and took myself to the ER. I was scared and nervous, but all that changed as one nurse took my vitals, looked at the wound and the doctor came over to treat it right away.

A little cleaning a shot for numbing and a "freezing cold" fluid for irrigation (cleaning). 4 stitches that I wish I could remember the name of. All I know is Dr.Greenburg said they were a very strong stitch and shouldn't tear away during my activities.

The funniest part of my visit was when I asked if I could still do crossfit and the doctor responded in about five days and the ER nurse chimed in and said they'd use elastic stitches. She got a great response and laugh from me. I even got my tetanus shot updated.

I clean my awesome friend's house on Mondays and it happens to be just down the street from the hospital. I called him and he's not here so he told me to make myself at home. I sure am grateful for so many kind people in my life!

The lesson I learned from this is that sometimes its important to heed others advice it may be more sound than your own.

First Time For Everything

Thursday evening I joined my drinking club with a running problem in a non-traditional run. One of the members of our group John Byrne is a firefighter who is riding his bike from San Francisco to New York to raise funds to purchase a hands only vehicle for his sister. We did a bike ride in support of his efforts and to raise money for him.

A dear friend of mine graciously donated biking apparel from the company he works for and I was able to present that to John to help him be comfy during his ride.

Another great local company FLUID has joined in support of www.laurensride.org and gave John products and advice how to use them along his 3500+ mile ride.

Friday I did my crossfit workout in the morning where I promised that I will own those pullups one day. Pullups still seem to be my most challenging feat and I refuse to use a band for assistance. Double unders come in a close second.

I then went to my chiropractor appointment where she tried a few new techniques and I felt a lot better as I left.

I wanted to get my bike brakes checked before my scheduled ride in the evening. A friend offered to take a look at my bike for me. I had a great time watching him have fun with my bike he even set my chain on fire. He made my brakes awesome too.

My evening mountain bike ride started out by meeting up with a new friend at the local college and heading to the trail. I have never tried to ascend the trail we started out on I've only descended it and I thought an ascent would leave me hiking my bike the entire way. Surprisingly enough I only had to walk one really long nearly vertical hill at the beginning of the ride. The mid section which happens to be one of my favorite downhill rides gave me a little challenge in a couple sections. I took one graceful fall to my left and hopped right back up. We then continued on a fire road where I walked another hill because my legs felt fatigued. Thats an understatement the sun was in my eyes and my legs hit failure. My only choice was to walk and stretch my legs before jumping back on to sprint to meet up with my friend at the top of the trail. This trail is one I've been wanting to try for a while even though I'm full aware it is most likely highly over my skill level and very far out of my comfort zone. I tell myself I wanted a challenge and I start riding. Oh my goodness the first 3/10 of a mile of the trail was so scary, but somehow I rode it. My friend pauses to ask me how it was and if I was scared. I respond yes as he quickly replies this is your chance to bail out. If there is one thing I've learned about myself it is bailing out makes me unhappy, but following through and conquering a challenge fulfills me. So I keep trying. I walk sections, I fall to the right on the trail into some prickly brush as I struggle to get my left foot out of the pedal. That upset me a little, but I brush myself off and continue. I hit a section of trail that had some technical rocky parts as well as rolling hills and I was having a great time. My friend then tells me most of the hard part is over and I'm relieved, but then more challenging technical trail comes out of nowhere as my friend informs me he didn't remember that part. I get out of the saddle and walk for a while then I jump back on and begin my ride I don't know what caused my next and last fall, but I do know that it's my third one and that saying is false it wasn't charming at all. At this point I realize I did my signature fall which is on my left knee and it hurts and I see my pant leg is saturated so I know I'm bleeding. As I pull up my pant leg I see a gash that spans my knee cap. I start crying, remove my t-shirt, wrap it around my knee and continue the ride. My friend was far ahead he never knew I fell. I take it easy the remainder of the ride. I walk the sections that intimidate me and I make it to the bottom where my friend is waiting. He then tells me he wants to try the eucalyptus park area while it's light because he's always ridden it at night. I tell him I'll take elevator that is the trail name although I wish it could have been the mechanical elevator. The first time I ever rode elevator I absolutely hated it the bridges annoyed me and the berms frustrated me, but now I love it. It's a rolling trail very few rocky parts and just gorgeous. I've learned to love those bridges. Last night was different I was favoring my knee and just knew I was almost done and needed to finish. I alternated between riding and walking and heard rushing water that was so calming. I crossed a bridge to look to my left and saw a beautiful flowing waterfall. That is where that soothing sound was coming from. I met my friend at the bottom and we finished the ride. He rode to his house and I rode back to my car even continuing up the steep hill on the road where I had parked.

As I got to my car I knew three things. I was cold, needed a shirt and needed first aid supplies. I opened my car door to find my mudmashx shirt that I had given to one of the guys in my running group months ago and he had returned to me Thursday at the bike ride. I was so happy to have that shirt.

I drove to the store to pick up gauze, tape and adhesive bandages.

I showered and got warm and toughed out the pain of warm water running over my wound as I was cleaning my knee.

I then set out to assess my injury better. I looked at it and came to the conclusion that if I went to the emergency room they would suggest stitches or just pack it and wrap it. I realize I want packing gauze and not gauze wrap, but I did the best I could with the materials at hand.

I learned a lot yesterday and despite the fall and knee wound I had an incredible time!

Take Advantage of Time Off Work

I took an unpaid day off work today to go be a part of a special chamber of commerce ribbon cutting for All-Out Events. It was to get publicity for my favorite event coming up in October. It's the third annual mudmash 5k and 10k run. I put my hair in pony tails with ribbons and sported my little miss sunshine outfit. My ultrarunner friend met me there to support me. He then asked what I was doing which led to me saying going running of course I asked if he wanted to join. Asking an ultrarunner if they want to run is like asking a fish if they're going swimming, I did 5 miles and it wasn't my 5 mile day. I wanted an excuse to push myself. That last mile I wanted to quit, but I wasn't going to let that stop me from success. Having my friend by my side might have something to do with the continued push.

I took a short nutrition break and embarked on a long mtn bike ride with a new friend. I was riding a downhill trail and a rider came up behind me so fast I had little to no time to react I just moved to my right into a bush. I was so excited I moved and didn't fall I kept riding down the trail. I ran into the slo dirt girls riding up the same trail I was preparing to go down. Those women are amazing! I then learned I had a flat tire. My worst fear is being on trail with a flat rear tire and having to fix it myself. I watched my dad for years repair my flat tires with a screwdriver, a patch kit, sandpaper and rubber cement. I took off my tire with a little help from my biking friend getting the chain out of my way. I took off the tire and got my spare tube out only to learn my spare I carried had a presta valve. Yeah my worst fear manifested itself and I faced it head on. I fixed that flat with a little lesson on the presta valve and an extra set of hands. Another rider even stopped to ask if I was okay and if I had everything I needed. He was so kind. I finished the last half of the ride without further mishaps or flats.

I had a really great ride and my biking buddy even snapped a couple pics.

Time To Recognize Improvements

Thursday started out with a fun little bike ride in cayucos that ended in a warning sign to beware of the attack frog. My riding partner said I could hop the fence if I thought I could out ride a shotgun. Forget that I don't know how big the frog is. We promptly turned around and cruised back.

I then made a little pit stop to donate blood. Last month shortly after my first chiropractic appointment I began taking vitamins and other nutritional supplements and it paid off in benefitting my health. My iron level was up enough so I was able to donate a double unit instead of one whole blood unit. This can benefit me by helping me to be closer to my ten gallon donor goal by the time I turn 40. Because of the one year deferral after I chose to get my first and last tattoo in 2007 I may or may not achieve that goal. I'll stick to my donation calendar and not worry about what ifs. I'm just thankful for the dedication to my health paying off. The really fun part about donating a double unit is the way the fluid is returned throughout the process it looks like I bled red, white and blue.

Friday morning I did my crossfit WOD. It was a 1-10 ladder of box jumps, shoulder presses and kettle bell swings. I love box jumps and presses, but kettle bell swings irritate my back, but I grin and bare it just to get through the workout. I finished that and did a little trip to Trader Joes and found a nearly paleo chicken salad, champagne grapes and blueberries. Yes I improved on that too. I used to dislike blueberries but ever since I went to Gaviota and picked them I really enjoy them as a little snack.

In the afternoon I went to bike ride Johnson Ranch and decided to try it clockwise as opposed to counter clockwise as I usually ride it. Monday the bridge gave me trouble, but Friday the bridge was easy. I decided if the trail is challenging one way ride it the other way and conquer it and that's just what happened. We can do anything we put our minds to including getting over bridges!

In the evening I met my friend and his dog for a hike up Bishops Peak. We had a great time. We met a young lady carrying her 60 pound pack preparing for an 80 day outdoor camp in Canada. She was inspiring!

There have been amazing things happening on the central coast with this gorgeous weather and I'm so grateful I've been blessed with such a great place to be!

A Bittersweet Time

May 5, 2003 I began my previous job as a civilian utility worker at Santa Barbara County Jail.

Shortly after I started I met an amazing officer who was so inspiring to me. Her 7 year old daughter was battling neuroblastoma cancer and she still did her job, maintained correspondence with many other parents whose children were also battling cancer and was an amazing mother to her daughter. A short couple of months later her daughter passed away. It's just two weeks away now from the time her daughter passed away.

Fast forward to 2011. My dear friend and previous co-worker learns she is expecting a baby. I hear this news and tears start falling down my face it's so bittersweet. Her last trimester she learns she has gestational diabetes and stays dedicated to the health of her unborn child. She had a healthy little boy about 4 months ago who honestly is one of the most gorgeous happy babies I've seen and I've only seen pictures.

I wanted to make a special quilt. I asked my friend what her colors are and she said blue and brown with a jungle theme and some green. I was in my kitchen using the table as my cutting and sewing station and the most quiet peaceful feeling came over me. I know this guy is a little angel just like his big sister.

I am so happy for his mom and I love the reward of just doing nice things for the nicest people. There is no monetary value in giving love, kindness and care its simply priceless!!!

A Time To Pass

August 1997 I met and began working for an amazing woman Patty who I have grown to love as my other mother. Over the years I have become close to her family and they have taken me under their wing on numerous occasions. One individual sticks out in particular. That is Patty's mom Linda. Linda would come to visit her grand children as often as she could, first only needing to travel a short distance from San Fernando Valley then in later years making the trek on various special occasions from Las Vegas. Linda never missed Grandparent's Day and her grandchildren's schools. In the beginning I learned to love a quirky little trait about Linda that I was reminded of today while at work. I took a filled glass that had been set aside and I emptied it and I laughed a little as I did it. Linda earned a reputation for never letting anything go idle without placing it in proper order. It became a little mission of mine to try to have the house in order before her visits, but without fail she would find my unaccomplished task and do it for me and if there wasn't a task she would make one and the cupboards and drawers would miraculously be clean and organized. I like to think I adopted this great trait. One Thanksgiving I was given the chance to travel to her home on a train with her two grandsons J.T. and Chandler ages 5 and 2 respectively. Linda was so excited for our visit and I'd never been so nervous as when I was asked to say grace over the meal. A number of years went by and I moved into the home of Nancy, Linda's youngest daughter. Linda's youngest grandson Kenny was born on my birthday. I just saw Kenny two days after his dear grandmothers passing. He's five nearly six years old now. I asked him his birthday and he told me the date and I said to him that's my birthday. He just looked at me and replied,"then how are you so much older than me?" I know his grandma was laughing in heaven at her little grandson's logic. Linda came to stay for two weeks following his birth to help Nancy get settled. Just over one year later I relocated to southern California to accept a new position as a nanny.  I was fired from that job and I remember Linda saying, Joanie it was God's timing. November 2007 Linda was diagnosed with breast cancer for a second time and underwent a bilateral mastectomy and was scheduled to begin chemotherapy. I returned to Santa Barbara to live with Nancy and care for her children so she could be with her mom for her first week of chemotherapy. Linda got through chemotherapy and beat breast cancer for a second time. Fast forward to November of 2008 I was faced with a life altering experience. Patty came to my rescue with her mom following close behind a month later on Christmas day. I had worked my night shift on Christmas Eve at the rehab facility that shared its quarters with the homeless shelter. I slept all day on Christmas. I felt so sad and so alone I hadn't heard from any of my family. I went into Pattys home and Linda was there with a gift for me. It was a set of pots and pans and she said it was for when I got a place of my own. She didn't know I was working on finding a place to move, but that was such a special kindness she shared with me. Linda was amazing that way she always knew what each of us needed to receive, to hear and to have. Fast forward yet again to 2010. Linda had some tests run and cancer was found in her bones. She had shots, radiation and chemo and stayed positive through it all. The last time I spoke to Linda was April 23, 2012 it was the day after my grandma passed away. Linda had posted a Facebook message to me and I was calling to thank her. Linda was on her way to a scheduled appointment for lab work, but she took the time to take my call and she wasn't thinking about herself, but she wanted to know how I was and to send my family her sympathies. That is what I will remember Linda for most. She may have been battling cancer, but she wanted to know how everyone else around her was doing and she put everyone in her life and their needs before her own. I learned she was born in a small town called Independence and she left this earth a short time after midnight on Independence Day. We all knew she would go out with a glow in the sky! Linda left an amazing legacy of beautiful people behind and I know I am forever impacted by her example of strength, kindness and love through all adversities and walks of life.

Mountain biking Time

I recently learned of a girls mountain biking group called SLO Dirt Girls.

I met up with a group of 5 girls to ride Johnson Ranch Thursday morning. The city finally improved the natural water table area and has made it possible to ride without getting off to push my bike across the two wooden planks.  I had a really great time and it's more fun for me now that I'm not afraid to try to ride up and over the cattle grates.  I literally used to hate that trail. It still isn't one of my favorites, but I really did enjoy my ride and building some new friendships.

Friday I volunteered up at Ancient Peaks Winery for the All-Out Events second annual Ancient Peaks Classic bike race. I had a really great time. I ran into an acquaintance I hadn't seen in over 10 years and I saw some of the people from last years bike race in Keyesville that got me interested in mtn. biking. I was even given a jersey that I loved because it was Red Racing and had the american heart association logo on it. I was also given some padded shorts (yes all this time I've been riding without padding). I tried them out today and I have to say they are very comfortable. The best part about my jersey and shorts is they are made locally by a company by the name of Voler.

This great weather sure makes for some great riding aka post 48 hour work shift therapy!

Too Much Time at Work and Play

The entire month of May went by without a single blog post. I suppose I was incredibly busy to say the least.

The month began with me moving into a small space of my own. Its a great little place built above the garage. It has a tiny bathroom off the bedroom and a cute little kitchen nook with built in benches.The greatest part about the kitchen nook is the stove is so close to the smoke detector in my bedroom that it becomes a comedy act every time I cook. There is a small living room with windows that look out to the West. On a clear day I may have an ocean view.

I had my interview with San Luis Ambulance and I wasn't selected as one of their candidates, but I'm okay with it and I'm moving on. I was selected to begin a CNA program in the middle of June, but that too did not come to fruition. I'm just staying positive that with all these disappointments there will come something positive out of it and something better will present itself down the road. I'm still lucky to have the job I do and the clients I have appreciate all I do.

I was able to volunteer at an adventure race and fix a few skin abrasions. The most entertaining part of that was the last team was unaccounted for and when they were finally located and brought down to my check point it turned out to be one of my previous tac officers from EMT academy and his teammate was his partner he works with who is a paramedic. His response to me was, "it's great to see you using your education."

The following week I participated in a ten mile mud run complete with numerous obstacles such as pushing barrels up a hill, a jump off wood planks into a reservoir, swimming, climbing over and swimming under kayaks, jumping from dock to dock, 6 foot wall climb that to this day is my weak point, 12 foot wall climb (thank goodness for that rope), hay bail climbs, monkey bars and a hill toward the end that I thought was never going to go down. I finished it in under 4 hours which was my goal.

In between all that volunteer work and playing I lost sight of a few goals. I stopped running consistently, I stopped going to crossfit regularly and I had a number of changes in my work schedule so I had to make a number of adjustments. I'm looking forward to more improvment in June and just seeing what lies ahead for me.

Invest Time Doing What You Love

I'm at a loss for how to explain just how incredible yesterday was. I started my day by waking up at 6:00 am to finish my 48 hour shift and get my client ready for the day.


I then went to the DMV to get a print out of my driving record to take the ambulance company I've been invited to retest with in 2 weeks. Surprising enough I was fortunate enough to not need to wait in line.


From there I traveled to a property management company to fill out an application for a place I was so blessed to hear about through a previous crossfit connection. 2 hours later I received a phone call to inform me they would love to have me as a tenant. This may seem so small to so many people, but in February when I lost my dear client of 3 years I was informed the very next day that our landlord sold the house and before August I would need to find somewhere to move to. That wasn't very good timing and I was stressed to say the least. I like routine and certainty in my life. Finding a place of my own to rent didn't even seem likely or within my means. I was simply going to try to find a room to rent. I'm a little overjoyed, but overwhelmed at the same time. I laughed when I had to tell my mom I don't even have a spoon to take with me or a pot or pan or spatula. That all got left behind a few years ago and I think it's for the best. I will find the joy in working hard and having my own things even if I have to buy one piece of silverware at a time or look for kitchen items at the dollar store. I may even get creative and turn my little chest into a couch or surf craigslist free section. The place doesn't have a closet so I took the opportunity to clean out my closet yet again today and it was so awesome getting rid of all the size 12 clothes I still had sitting in there. I've truly learned it's not about how much you have but what you do with who you are and what you have that matters and as long as I am happy and doing what I love and continuing on in my goals that is all that counts.

Shortly after leaving the property management office I got a message asking if I would like to pick up 4 55 gallon drums just south of my house in preparation for the upcoming mud run. I was happy to, but getting them in my car was absolutely hilarious. The gentleman told me they wouldn't all fit he could give me two. I was asked to get 4 and doing a task half way just isn't my style. My response, "okay great we will make all 4 fit." My passenger seat looked like it got swallowed by a smurf and I had fun laughing the entire drive to San Luis Obispo.

I then went to help build an obstacle for the upcoming mud run. This involved me learning to use a motorized auger to help dig 6 post holes. That was hard work, but just the beginning. Then came the process of putting the posts into each of the holes. This was a feat for more than 2 people, but you get strong will and put it with perseverance and you get half an obstacle built. I'm still impressed by the strength of my friend to get those posts from the ground to upright. I truly believe by investing time giving to others and doing what you love is the key to happiness.

I ended my day by meeting a new friend for bike night and my hands got cold so I left a little early.


Today I challenged myself to do a long run. I ran 8 miles including a hill at the half way point. The last time I remember running that distance was Thanksgiving 2010. I then went to crossfit and saw that the workout of the day was 100 burpees and pausing each minute on the minute to do 2 deadlifts. I realized I hadn't done very many burpees since the first week of the open competition 7 weeks ago. It was challenging, but I got through it.


I am so thankful that everything seems to be falling into place. Even though I know we all have our struggles and challenges I still believe everything works out the way it is supposed to.

Time to accept compliments

I was blessed to have a special lunch today with the daughter of my client who passed away one month ago. She paid me an incredible compliment and I was able to receive it graciously. There was a time I was great at accepting compliments and even another time I dated a young man I felt I had to coach to accept compliments by saying thank you. Through facing some very difficult life experiences I've developed some pretty intense insecurities that I have been fighting to overcome. Some may argue I need therapy and perhaps I do, but my reality is that I just need to give myself time and build more self confidence. Today as I accepted the compliment I was paid, I allowed myself to step back and be happy that I'm starting to show improvment. This is a very big step for me. Most of the time if I accept a compliment I will discredit the individual expressing it not necessarily to their face, but I will question the sincerity.


A number of months ago I was watching The Today Show and the hosts were discussing the ways women shrug off a compliment and I had to laugh because I could very much relate.

On the other hand I feel that I search for ways to pay compliments to others and I will not do it unless it is indeed sincere. If I tell you that you look great today it's because I really think it or if I know that you've been training your hiney off and I see your results I will tell you so. Or perhaps I tell you that just you being yourself is enough and I expect nothing of you. That is my way of saying,"you are awesome and please don't change a thing!" My only expectation is that you help me along in my journey and just as I am striving and learning to accept compliments I hope that you will pay them to others and as they are delivered back to you that you will graciously accept them.

 

Appreciation Time

A few weeks ago one of my friends from Crossfit Grover Beach encouraged me to register for the Crossfit Open Games Competition . My questions were what was the cost to register and was I fit enough. She said 20 dollars no excuses!!! I registered and it has been one of the most enjoyable events I have been blessed to participate in. Week one was burpees which I enjoy and I was happy to surpass my goal of 50 then surpass my secondary goal of double my age. Week two was a snatch lift which is a ground to overhead with a weighted barbell. I was happy to surpass my goal there as well. Week three I was faced with toes to bar which I had only tried to do once and was only able to get knees to elbows. I struggled each round but I was content with my score as I had said I just want to get through one round and much to my surprise I got through 3 rounds. Today came week four where the workout began with wall balls. Anyone who has been exposed to my attitude for crossfit and my constant desire to be challenged and improved will know that I absolutely love squats. Over a year ago wall balls were my nemesis and I could not even do one with proper technique I would pause and stop midway through the movement and I would make twice the amount of work for myself. Today I made my way through all 150 wall balls and went on to attempt jump rope double unders where I was able to complete 12 successfully.

 

The most enjoyable part for me was when Ben the trainer/owner got back from his radio show speaking engagement and he was kind enough to indulge me and take the time to validate my score I had submitted so I showed up number 1 on the leaderboard for Southern California. The most amazing part to see was I also 25th overall. Now come Sunday these numbers will all change and my number one seat will continue to decline, but for now I am just so appreciative of all the crossfit camraderie and all the wonderful friends and support I have and I am very appreciative my body is healthy and strong enough to help me enjoy the activities that I love.

 

 

Division Individual MenIndividual WomenMaster Men 45-49Master Women 45-49Master Men 50-54Master Women 50-54Master Men 55-59Master Women 55-59Master Men 60+Master Women 60+Team

RegionWorldwideAfricaAsiaAustraliaCanada EastCanada WestCentral EastEuropeLatin AmericaMid AtlanticNorth CentralNorth EastNorthern CaliforniaNorth WestSouth CentralSouth EastSouthern CaliforniaSouth West

StageRosterOpen Week 1Open Week 2Open Week 3Open Week 4

SortOverallOpen Week 1Open Week 2Open Week 3Open Week 4

	Competitor	Workout 01	Workout 02	Workout 03	Workout 04	Workout 05
1 (2946)	Joanie Andersen	1189 (70) 70 burpees Validated by: CrossFit Grover Beach	808 (54) 54 total reps 30 reps at 45 lbs 24 reps at 75 lbs 0 reps at 100 lbs 0 reps at 120 lbs Validated by: CrossFit Grover Beach	948 (140) 140 total reps 3 complete rounds Extra reps: 15 Box Jumps 12 Push Press 5 Toes-to-bar Validated by: CrossFit Grover Beach	1 (162) 162 total reps 0 complete round Extra reps: 150 Wall balls 12 Double-unders 0 Muscle-ups Validated by: CrossFit Grover Beach	--

A Time to Let Go

I've been in my current position at work now for just over 3 years. In this period of time I've been blessed to have my life touched, days challenged, experiences that have enriched me as an individual and learned many good life lessons.


I have primarily been responsible for one lady in those 3 years. My first year with her we had many fun talks as I learned her life story over and over again. My second year with her I was putting myself through EMT academy. I adjusted my schedule to work 96 hours in a row so I could study and go to school. Since August of 2010 I have worked two 48 hours shifts each week and added an additional 24 hour shift every other week. In my job I always try to maintain a professional boundary as to avoid getting attached. I thought the same held true in this case. I was incredibly wrong. As my client's life is nearing its end I have found myself learning and growing in ways I didn't expect. I have also found it necessary to keep tissue boxes nearby me in each room.


I am so thankful for each new opportunity to learn and to comfort another life. In doing so I have found no matter how little I think of what I am doing, my life is touched!


I am reminded of the seastar story.


A boy is watching seastars wash up on the beach and begins picking them up one by one and tossing them back in the sea. A man comes along and tells the boy he certainly can't think he's making a difference. In response the boy picks up a seastar and places it in the sea as he turns to the man and says,"I made a difference to that one!"

We all make a difference in one another's lives each day no matter how insignificant we may feel. We all have the opportunity to do good each day and grow in many ways.  Who's life will you choose to make a difference in today? Will it be your own or another one's life?

You can always make time

Today I got off work with a number of activities in mind I wanted to accomplish today. I wanted to ride my bike to the botanic gardens and see how long I could stay in the saddle.


I got a phone call from a friend right in the middle of my bike ride. He had asked if I wanted to ride Madonna Mountain later in the day. I thought why not I wanted a biking challenge today and I didn't mind altering my original game plan. It was great to have someone to ride with especially when it worked with my schedule. He was a really great rider for having just recently started out as well. I had one of the most enjoyable and challenging rides I have had since beginning mountain biking just less than one year ago. I was also fortunate to learn some trail access points I was unaware of.


Late Thursday afternoons are always designated as my crossfit WOD (workout of the day) time. I finished riding around 3:15 and I knew crossfit began at 4:30. I came home and hydrated and made my way to crossfit. Today was the first time I have completed a tabata workout without any hydration breaks. For those who are unfamiliar with crossfit or a tabata workout I will explain this concept. A tabata is a series of movements set in short segments of work followed by even shorter periods of rest. Today's activity was burpees, situps, deadlifts, double under jump roping. That is 20 seconds of the activity followed by 10 seconds of rest all 4 activities for a total of 8 rounds. 10 seconds of rest is only enough time to take a couple breaths and change your body position to prepare for the desired activity.


A number of people have asked where I find my motivation or how I find time to dedicate myself to these activities. Here is my answer. I work 2 48 hour shifts each week with the exception of a 72 hour shift every other week tacked on to that 48. That is 96-120 hours of alot of sitting each week. When I leave work my body literally says "just move". Even with this schedule I make time to take care of my well-being. Monday is dedicated to my second job (yes I have a second job not to worry its only 3 hours a week) and a doggie outing with my friend's dog that is usually followed by a crossfit workout followed by an hour break then 30 more minutes in the crossfit box doing leg strength training and striving to reach my goal of being able to do a pull-up. A pull-up is my biggest challenge as well as my largest weakness. Tuesday morning comes early with a 7:00 am run. Wednesday I set aside as a relax and recover day where I do yoga core or yoga cycling exercise at work in the evening after I have helped my client get settled into bed. Thursday is a biking, crossfit day and every other week it is a biking, running day as I go to my drinking club with a running problem and make sure my fellow running mates stay hydrated. Friday is usually a fun day depending on my work schedule. Saturday morning every other week is a long run day. Sunday is a day of rest. My great family upbringing taught me that. Is anyone else tired?


"There isn't enough time." "I don't have time." "It takes too much time." "I'll do it when I find time."


Each one of these phrases I have heard often repeated are simply what I refer to as quitting words, or reasons for allowing ourselves to accept mediocrity. I refuse to accept being mediocre I have a strong desire to believe I am completely capable of achieving my astronomical goals. We are stronger than we think and we are not our thoughts we are far more powerful!


Then after all this activity what do I do? I reward my body with some healthy sustenance of course.


I come home and prepare bacon and brussel sprouts, citrus seasoned chicken, apple slices and avocado slices.