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!!!