Day 68 - A Mini Me

In more ways than one this photograph is a self portrait. There is the obvious reflection of myself in her shades, but this kid is a reflection of me in almost every way.

This is my only full day home without a to-do list so I opted to spend it with my 6 year old niece. We made a whole day of it. I picked her up just before lunch and we hit the park with one of my other nieces, Murphy. She’s a 1 year old puppy but still as much fun as the girls. This was by far the best way to spend my time at home.

After the park we went back to Grammy’s house and helped Grampy clean out his van, then rode bicycles outside. After that we made bracelets and necklaces for ourselves and her uncles and daddy and Grammy and Grampy. A full day, but all of it was active and creative and learning and exploring. She is a mini version of me in looks and thoughts and humorous moments.

Her version of bike riding is different than mine. The bike she has here is a bit too big for her, so she requires an adult (usually her dad) to hold the seat and run alongside her while she peddles. Well, Aunt Ria don’t play that game. So to save myself the extra cardio I taught her to brake and stop the bike by herself. First we practiced in the grass, while I was holding the seat so she could react to the stopping motion before hitting the ground. Once she got used to putting her foot on the ground when she wanted to stop I let go and she practiced without me holding her. She landed well, on her tush and told me she was tough and got back up. Then we practiced on the road so she knew what to do if a car was coming. She kept asking, “If I get it right this time can you get Grampy’s bike and just ride beside me?” So eventually she got it down enough to be able to ride all by herself. We did laps around the block; she took direction very well for an energetic 6 year old. After a couple turns, we were riding next to each other, she looks over at me with her pink Barbie princess helmet on and says, 

“Best. Day. Ever!”

 She was right. I could have just frozen that moment. Being an Aunt doesn't get much better than that.

BTW’s the interview went great! I gave them the most professional relaxed version of me I could. Also, Mom’s home from the hospital so all is good.

Day 67 - Power Suit, Power Shoes

Did I mention my mom’s in the hospital? Yeah, On the flight home for this interview my brother calls to confirm my airport pick up and lets me know ‘she’s ok, but at the ER right now’. Oh ok, no biggie. Also my car hasn’t been started in months, so it’s dead. I think it’s a quick and easy fuse issue so I can handle it later, but the day before the big interview and mom in the hospital, it’s too much. A dear friend let me use her car while she was out of town for the weekend. Such an answer to prayer. It was a sweet ride too, with a GPS, back up camera and XM radio.

Anyway, I’m off the morning of the interview far too early. My check in time was 10:30am and I was in the parking lot at 8:30am. Parking is a beast on campus and I didn’t feel like fighting it. So I bought my parking pass and found a spot and read for an hour. Then I walk upstairs and follow the signs at am engulfed by 60 young applicants in pants suits. Every one of them, wearing a jacket. So funny, they looked like men. I opted for a pair of dress pants and loose emerald dress shirt that hung ruffled from the shoulder and conveniently hid my extra lbs around my middle and any perspiration that would have otherwise been too obvious. I applied a light covering of makeup and pinned my curled hair half way up. Professionally casual.

The most ‘not me’ aspect was the shoes. These bad boys took some practice too. Everyone else had their power suits, I had power pumps. Of course with the dress pants you could barely see them, but I knew. I could feel the “I am woman, hear me roar” vibes coming through my toes and heels up my calves into my knees. Or was it pain? IDK, but I felt nothing but confident with a small side salad of excited nervous/anxious.

They did a great job to ease the pressure of this make or break encounter. Current nursing students were on hand before and after check-in to calm our nerves. We were assigned groups of 4 applicants with 3 interviewers (2 faculty and 1 community member). I presented the most professional, relaxed version of myself that I could. That is all I had in me and all I wanted them to see. They score you on that interview and are in no other way involved in the admission process. That score is 50% of my consideration, entrance exam is 30%, GPA is 20%. Here’s hoping! 

Day 66 - Strange Self Portrait

The interview is just around the corning, which was an unexpected but much appreciated opportunity to impress the admissions of this program with more than just my ability to test and complete assignments. This is the chance to show them you I really am and why they want a person like me, or ME in their program.

I practiced everything. I bought a professional outfit and tried it on days prior to ensure I looked the part without overdoing it. I rehearsed some possible questions and scenarios out loud in the mirror to make sure I had my interview tactics down. And I practiced my hair. The color is still new to me and I love playing with it, plus I really don’t have any excuse to get dolled up while on vacation so why not. I decided on a half-up half-down look. Cute and stylish, but proficiently out of the way.

While I was admiring my work and determining this was the look I wanted I captured this erie self portrait, but was inspired. I needed to work on some more visual renderings to define myself. This one makes me laugh, which is probably the opposite of what I’d want to evoke if I intentionally shot this image. Whatever.

Tomorrow’s the big day, so off I fly, east coast bound.

Day 65 - One Way

The process of applying for any nursing program starts for most at the launch of college. You decide where you would like to go and plan out each tedious step, each tedious class, each tedious year. For me, I had completed an Art degree in an arduous eight years of major changes and school jumps. I couldn’t decide…eh-um, poster child for ‘undecided’.

A year later, I am facing the brutal realization that I need a career and cannot - will not - work at the Y for the rest of my life. So I listened to some tough, but wise counsel and embarked on the journey of becoming a nurse. Nursing appealed to me on many levels. First, it’s a real job with a real salary and good benefits and opportunity to grow or change or move. This was not the case with my previous employment or degree. Plus, I like people for the most part and I think the human body is a wondrous thing. It was either prevention or patch work. I chose to patch up those who did not choose to prevent.

I investigated the programs available to me and pursued the prereq’s necessary. I knew my art school GPA wasn’t going to win me any seats in this highly competitive nursing field so my mission, should I choose to accept it, was A’s. I had to get A’s in all the classes I had gone into art school to avoid. Math and science. YUCK! I did it though. I quit my job and abandoned my family (or so they often think), to work on that goal. I achieved it. It wasn’t easy at first, but I was relentless.

Then the applying and the check marked lists of to-do’s and forms and certifications to turn in. Not to forget or take lightly the entrance exams. Oh my, the exams were monstrous. I rocked them, note cards and all. Always could have done better and if I don’t get in I’ll retake them and reapply.

Also, my preferred program requires an interview. So I’m adding that to the one-way street that is this endeavor. 

Day 64 - Chicken and Waffles

I love new renditions of an old favorite. Take the Lays potato chip. You know they’re tastey because they are so bad for you. I remember the slogan, “Betcha can’t eat just one.” And they were right. Such a good marketing campaign too. The competitive nature of the American public rose to the challenge and lost, buying bag after bag. Who cared if most of the bag was air and the rest was a greasy fried unfulfilling snack full of all the bad trans, saturated fats.

And now we have a new gimmick with these crazy flavors and a contest to keep one. I’ve tried 2 of the three. First, the cheesy garlic bread doesn’t match up. If I wanted to snack that tasted like cheesy garlic bread I would in fact eat actual cheese topped garlic bread. This one should be voided from the contest entirely, thus my voiding it from my taste test. Second, Sriracha – you know the flavor. It’s the “insanely hot” Chinese red sauce in clear bottle, topped with a green lid, displaying a proud rooster on the front. This one I found intriguing prior to sampling a few. Now, after a seasoned hot sauce sampler has burned, scorched and flambéed her tongue on a variety of insanely hot sauces, I’m not inclined to call this chip inflamed. It is moderately spicy, but had a good combination of kick and crunch. It was what you would expect from a uniquely flavored yet traditional snack.

The third sampling was beyond comprehension. Chicken and Waffles are a pair of food items I’ve heard of and considered much an urban legend of foods, not something people actually ate. Then with that flavor combo in a potato chip, I wanted to know. My boyfriend and I sat down together to experience this flight of the imagination as a couple. It was an instant favorite. He described it (and I concur) as the perfect breakfast chip. It has the buttery sweetness of waffles and the complimentary seasoning of chicken. It is surprisingly delectable and unsurprisingly addictive. His photographic reaction was also priceless.

**There were a flip-book type sequence of these, but this one is the finale.**

Day 63 - New Hair Feeling

Ya know that feeling when you’ve just done the same thing for days and months and years and years? Yea, well if you’re female you do what we all do…get yo hairs did! So after 63 days of 2013 all pretty much the same, just a different location, it was time for change. I wanted to go crazy neon bright red with my hair or at least the ends. But I have an important interview coming up so, I went burgundy instead. You can barely tell, unless there is a light behind me or you are my boyfriend or mother. They noticed immediately, another reason I love them so much!

I have a dark borwn almost black natural color, so I stepped jst outside that and in normal lighting or if you aren’t aying attention you can barely tell. But in direct sunlight my new shade looks punk-style deep red and I love it. So does my man.

It’s new for me and it makes me feel like I made some radical change for the better and everything in my life will work out, when in reality the color of my hair which will fade and grow dull has absolutely NO effect on my life circumstances. But still, I relish the new hair-do feeling and confidence. So, *SNAP*!

Day 62 - Restored Hope in Humanity

My time prior to pursuit of a nursing degree was spent much like it is now. I take pictures, maybe they’re good; maybe they’re not. Sometimes people comment, most of the time not. Only difference is that I used to get a grade. Now I am a grown up. I realized a valuable lesson in art school, a good grade DOES NOT validate my life, purpose, concept or art. A grade is one persons mandatory comment, usually compared to their great masterpiece photographs (that they’ve been perfecting for the last 30 years, I might add).

While accumulating this life lesson, I earned a meager living working in a fitness center/gym. Five years through college I worked at the front desk on the membership team. If you want join, see me. If you missed a payment, I’m calling you. If you lost your _____ (insert a variety of items here), I’m the one who digs through the box-o-unloved-stuff.

My experience working in the fitness industry has earned me a unique perspective and kindred attitude towards gyms, especially the people who work at them. I’m devoted to my own fitness enough, that I’ll pretty much workout anywhere. Yes, I’ve used gallon jugs of water for resistance when my car died and I couldn’t get to an actual weight room.

Thank goodness that is not the case here. In the small town where I spend most of my time on the west coast there happens to be a stellar fitness center that has become my second home. I love the staff and business model. They are extremely laid back and their attention to customer service is above the industry standard. This doesn’t mean that they will let their members do whatever and act however. They even have words printed on all the mirrors, saying: “Please Do not Slam weights”, “People are impressed with how much you lift, Not how much you slam down”, “Rerack your weights”, etc. My favorite posting is the rule list. A sample includes this gem, “Unless your mother or maid work here, no one else is going to clean up after you.” My all time favorite rule is the final one listed, “Please be sure to rerack all weights when finished. If they are too heavy for you, ask the girls at the front desk for help.” Now that’s good management right there.

The equipment and facilities are also state-of the art, but not too fancy. They are still developing the areas and shifting some things around to make their expansion less awkward, but I like it. It’s a little grungy but well equipped.

Today during my visit, I went to the downstairs ladies locker room. As I’m walking towards it, I glimpse this note hanging on the community bulletin board for members. I couldn’t help but smile.

Not only does this simple note, restore some faith in humanity in general, it does my heart good to know that I contribute to the economic well being of a place with this kind of membership base. It is such a rare thing to lose anything of any value and have it returned. I can count on one hand the times priceless items were actually turned into the front desk and returned to the rightful owner. Contrary to this, I have lost track of the amounts of thievery and “missing” items from lockers and gym bags. It was actually comical at times when someone would call and ask us if their iPad or iPhone or $500 watch had been turned in. Usually the answer was “I’ll check, but it’s not likely.” We would check for them. We would ask any staff; we would get a timeline of when and where it was lost, but usually to no avail.

Another average day, another ordinary workout, but with added hope that the crap shoot that is this country has glimmers of goodness. Keep an eye out for them; they are the best type of surprises.

Day 61 - Scrapbooking Station

During my mega-vacation on the west coast, I’ve had a bit of down time along with the tons of fun you’ve seen already. My sweetie works hard so I can lay around and read, go to the gym or, most importantly, I scrapbook. I’m current on recent life events and now have started scrapping this trip. I have recorded so far: the day he left, the LOOOOOOOONNNGGGGG wait until my flight west, my arrival and the first scrapping this trip. I have recorded so far: the day he left, the LOOOOOOOONNNGGGGG wait until my flight welittle bit of my time here. I’m probably a month behind, but with our departure for home rapidly approaching, I’m hitting it hard.

This is the kitchen/dining room area of the small apartment I call home. This is the only work space to speak of. Since we usually eat at the coffee table laughing at the latest episode of Duck Dynasty online, I am allowed this entire space. After all, a woman’s place is barefoot in the kitchen. ;) Here is where some women would comment about the joy of scrapping in the kitchen but not fixing any meals or something liberal. Well, I like freedom and enjoy a variety of them. I also love cooking and caring for the man who, not only provides for me in every way imaginable, but also makes my life a joy. Exhibit A: 3 month long couples snowboarding retreat. No need for further evidence. I digress.

I’m a barefoot, standing scrapper; I like to have full range of reach over any supplies I have out on the table. I only keep out the limited supplies necessary for this topic. Also other pictures are put away so I can keep focused. I sort my pictures ahead of time and organize any cutesy little tidbits I’ve picked up as well. I really have a different approach than most scrapping veterans out there. I am not into all the details. I like the pictures; I find some paper; if I have a title or embellishments for it, good; If not, I move on. So later I’ll come back and embellish some more, add titles and journal notes I’ve handwritten or printed out. My main objective is to get everything glued down. Then I can sweat the small stuff later.

I hope to get all finished, barring the fact that I need to print about 250 more pictures, before we start home. Then in mid-April a group of ladies from my church are getting together to have an all weekend scrap-a-thon. We set up tables like mine here, but there are 10-12 of them in a house. We eat, sleep and scrap there for two days and one night, somtimes until 2 am. There is also a whole lot of chatting and admiring and sharing ideas and life stories. We also watch a couple movies while we work. It is a fun time with sweet friends. I should be at the journaling and embellishing phase, except for the cross–country road trip home.

Actually, you'll have to excuse me while I upload some of those pictures I need to print.

Day 60 - It's Artistic...

“It’s artistic, you wouldn't understand.”

During a scrap-booking session years ago, a couple of friends and I were joking about our craft and I replied with the idea that everyone has different views of art and what is artistic or not. Abstract anything is a perfect example.

My drawing professor used to tell me I had a knack for abstract work. I think she was being nice and was basically telling me that my still life drawings didn't look anything like the actual still life in front of the class. It’s ok. At least she got it. She saw my effort and gave me credit for the attempt at art. (Art school is mostly about learning techniques, then practicing, developing, attempting to better yourself with at those skills and concepts.) This was the seed to the idea I later developed. Anytime someone outside the art world would respond critically or negatively to my work, I would simply respond, “It’s artistic, you wouldn’t understand.” Who are they to argue with my artistic process?

My answer, by the way, to that question ‘what is art?’ is summed up as a depiction of anything interesting. If you find interest in a water bottle, snowboard, cluster of trees, part of a transmission covered in grease - then show that off in your medium of choice and there you have it. An age old debate settled. Art.

This artistic photograph is just that. Part of a transmission we had taken out, cut off and a newer, better working part spliced back on. It made the problem in the truck a little better for a moment, but there are still issues. The technician gave us this one to show us the corrosion and bare wire. 

I see my next post. 

I see something interesting. 

I see art.

Day 59 - Tire Chains

Chains are a new concept for me. Oh, we have chains, just not like these. Where I’m from, we don’t have snow - we barely have cold! 

We are in the process of selling our truck, I've been tasked with photographing the details of the sale for a potential buyer. Since these are specific for the tires on our truck, the buyer will inherit a beautiful, unused set of four with this purchase. I’m glad we haven’t had to use them yet. We've never been in bad enough weather that we needed them. People get crazy when the weather turns. They forget the basics. On the other hand, drivers on vacation think they’re entitled to do anything on the road they’d like. People on vacation in bad weather are the worst.

I thought a thunder storm during spring break at the beach equaled bad driving. That’s got nothing on white out conditions, whilst drivers are hummin’ over some mountain pass with a ‘falling rock area’ on one side of the road and a ‘drop to your death’ valley on the other. Then add in turnouts for installing chains, semi’s mixed with regular Joe’s, all trying to hurry up and get ‘em on so their limbs don’t freeze and they can be on their way. Yeah, thankful we've been able to just drive on through. 

Day 58 - Tuning the Board - Shaving

The third step in tuning a board is all about that even coat. It was too dark yesterday to go outside for this step so this is the second installment of my tuning posts. To remove any inconsistent amounts, you scrape away all excess wax. My photographic heart beats wildly for this one. I believe firmly that everything could be more interesting with a change of perspective.

Another step, smoothing out any ridges. This board should glide across the snow now.

Fake snow, naw - banana flavored wax shavings, YUM.

Day 57 - Tuning the Board - Hot Wax

Tuning a snowboard is essential to the performance you will get out of it. If you don’t tune your snowboard before going to ride, you are just cutting yourself short. Tuning includes waxing, sharpening the edges and a few other things. For more info, visit http://www.the-house.com/portal/how-to-tune-a-snowboard-part-1/

When tuning his board, my babe starts by removing as much of the old wax as possible and continues by adding new wax. This wax was shaped like a banana split long ways and smells the way a banana flavored Now-and-Later tastes. He's using this iron to spread a thick coat of wax on the board.

I’m constantly in his face during any project and was able to catch these sweet shots. I had fun with it.

 The perfect moment.

He only had to drip a couple extra times for me to catch this one. Gotta be one of my top five faves.

Day 56 - Frozen Everything

After a full day on the mountain anything you leave in the truck is frozen. Everything you have in your pockets...Frozen. Any ungloved fingers...you guessed it, Frozen.

I don't know why I am so amazed at this. I mean, I know its cold out there. I can feel it, but the workout involved in snowboarding is terrific, I don’t realize I’m cold until my blood slows down.  Also, the trucks heater is sub-par at best, so I still have on my jacket, snow pants, warm socks and boots. This bottle was among a collection behind my seat to keep us refreshed throughout the day. This was the only one that looked like this. 

I like my drinks with a slight chill, no ice, not frozen, closer to room temperature. This was too much. I must have taken 30 shots of varying exposure times, aperture settings and angles. I was trying to depict my amazement via digital image and I feel I've failed miserably. Eh, you get the point at least.

Day 55 - Aerial View

I promised a picture of me on the mountain, this isn't exactly what I wanted, but it was too great of a shot to pass up. One of my favorite places to hang and rest is the ski lift. I was initially leery of it because getting off the thing without looking like a goof and filling the backside of my jacket with snow was such rare. 

Now I'm straped into the left side of my board and I'm on and off the lift like a seasoned veteran. I'm not without falls but the nerves are more settled, for sure.  

Day 54 - Learning the S Curve

TODAY WAS AWESOME!! 

The week boarding started rocky, remembering the basics, but today was the day it all came together. There is a certain lean tactic to snowboarding that helps you brake or slow speed, as well as turn. This can be done toe side or heel side, the pros can hit this back and forth movement (the S curve). You start gaining some momentum by pointing the board straight down the mountain and then letting an edge catch, or dig into the snow and leaning that way. Not an easy concept to lean, much less have the body know and feel the movements smoothly without falling. 

The man had been working with me on this skill for ages. Towards the end of our last trip to the mountain I was on the edge of getting it down but today we experienced total success. I was afraid of the speed. It is terrifying and exhilarating all at once and I'm addicted. We had 2 good runs before we called it a day. 

This is him slicing down the funny bunny slope. He's got more skill than a green slope, but he humors me and works so hard to help me progress.  I'm working on getting a picture of me carving down the mountain, we'll see what we can work out.

Day 53 - Feels Good

My time on the west coast is 2/3rd's past and I'm a little sad. I feel it ending and my relaxation and vacation with it. Soon I'll be trading the fresh, cold air and scenic snow covered mountains for skills testing, papers, midterms, lectures and classes, mountains and mountains of classes. This week I am celebrating. My sweetie is treating me to a couple days hitting the slopes. The good news is that I will have ample internet to upload my favorite images. Today I'm highlighting a birthday/Christmas gift from my brothers super sweet girlfriend from Indiana. She knows about winters and got me these socks. I love them. They are the best birthday/Christmas gift, besides the trip itself. 

They are so warm and reach the knee, so they are the perfect fit in my snowboard boots. They are soft and compress in the right spots to help with circulation. Also, there equipped with antimicrobial aspects that help fight the funk if you wear them a couple of days in a row (which I do). This morning I put them on and was reminded how amazing it feels to ride fresh powder and focus on skills, progressing an activity that I've fallen in love with.

Day 52 - Monster

So yes, I am an almost 30 something and I'm on the same crazy schedule as my boyfriend, who works some odd shifts. He survives on Rockstar (Energy Drinks) because he is one. He can fix anything with an engine, figure out any problem given enough time to mull over it and is the most handsome man I've met to date. He rocks his job. He rocks as a supportive boyfriend, while challenging me to be a better person. He rocks at being both encouraging and motivating. Rockstar.

Me on the other hand, well I survive on Monster (Energy Drinks). You guessed it, I can be one. Crabby, sensitive, irritable - YIKES. Not all the time because I check myself before I wreck myself, as the saying goes. Caffeine always helps the monster within. I have a couple drinks of choice, either Starbucks Red Eye, Black Eye, Cafe Americano, Sumatra or Komodo Dragon brew, pretty much anything with an extra shot of espresso or this.

This one is my favorite. Tastes great and has that kick. Whew, gets me through that lag and has none of the calories or sugar. TONS of other terrible ingredients, but it's a citrusy, carbonated flavor that is a slightly more appropriate (opposed to other sugary drinks) for my training program (barely appropriate at all). A guilty pleasure for sure. Plus, I think that the can is beautifully marketed. Textured embossing and intricately designed label makes it taste better, duh!

I was goofing around and thought I'd pay tribute to the caffeinated delight that could be the highlight of my day.

Day 51 - Lake Side Finds

In my many travels (aka- while I ride my bike to the gym) I come across all sorts of characters. The bull dog puppy I mentioned last week, bums, kids in the park. I shoot what I find most interesting. It's gotta be eye catching for me to stop the bike and snap a pic. I probably look strange with my bike propped against me digging through my backpack for my camera then, squatting, leaning, lurking around to get the shot I want. No one has stopped me or said anything, yet. 

I find beauty. Some classic natural display of contrast and grace. I love the pop of colors that can be seen all around us. I miss them more often than not, but once in a while I stumble upon something that calls to me. It is screaming, stop look, shoot, smell the ...tulips.

I find intrigue. What is this? where did it come from? will it sting me? What happened here? I'm engrossed in something I've never seen before. I need to explore it. I need to capture what I see. Sometimes I shot and the image captured is NOT what I see. I see dimension and shape and design and lights and darks. The fun and frustration is also in trying to replicate real life on screen. Then there's that moment, "I've got it!" Happiness and more bicycling follow.

I also find the unwanted. I'm interested in the stories, the reasons for things. I have a need to explore beyond what is an average image or subject. So finding death and morbidity in the midst of beauty is a wonderfully atypical juxtaposition to the idea of finding beauty in the mundane. 

It's all interesting. It's life. It's there whether we chose to see or not.

Day 50 - Snowboards

Today I felt great and productive. Had a great workout, rode my bike as an active recovery workout around a small lake in our little town. It was nice, a little chilly, but felt good to stretch my legs. 

Took these before I left. They are just pretty, right by the door calling out to me.

I never thought I'd love this sport as much as I do. Really there is nothing I've experienced like it. We're all out there learning and trying to have a good time. No competition except with your last run. Everyone learning at their own pace. Everyone responsible for their safety AND the safety of others around them. Employees of the resorts are truly genuine and happy to be at work. Always friendly and looking out for you to have a good, safe run, but they don't take life too seriously, ready to kid around with you while you're waiting on the lift or whatever. I love the workout it is too. I get done with a run, my quads and calves on fire, totally worked and I want a break, but I want another run more. It's freezing, but I work up such a sweat I'm shedding layers hourly. 

Here are some detail shots. 

These were fun to take because when I look at my board it's normally covered in snow or I'm trying to strap in quickly so I can shoot down the mountain again. So to see them all clean and dry, ready to go, so out of their element, it's strangely elegant.

HIS

 HERS

Day 49 - Not-so ‘Compact’

Tons of parking lots on the west coast have these type of indications. This is my sweetie’s truck trying to “fit in”. We park far enough away from the front entrance no one should really care, but it struck me as humorous. Like a tall man in a smart car, that’s just funny. Or a fat guy in a little coat, fat guy in a little coat, fat guy in a…**RIIIIPPPP**

The parking job wasn't even straight, as if he wasn't even trying. We were a bit rushed. He made it work though. Hey, when you're that big, no one really messes with you. Parked or in motion.

Gotta love the snow, salt and dirt residue on the truck. I almost hate to have to wash it. It makes me happy.

Day 48 - New Mode of Transportation

Gotta love my bike! Or my boyfriends bike, but whatever. Our small town was a walking town and now it's a riding town. I love cruising on this beast. It's got a ton of gears, that I have yet to figure out, plus front and rear brakes that remind me of my dirt bike. I'm careful with that front brake, I've done an 'endo' (end-over-end) on dirt in 3rd gear while practicing on my Honda CRF 150 and I'm just fine never experiencing that again on anything with wheels. 

I did have my first mishap on this bike today, which isn't bad since I've been riding around town for about 3 weeks.  I'm usually headed to the gym and I brake when arriving at any intersection, wait for the cars to stop, go or recognize that I am in fact, part of this transaction, then proceed with caution. Today some joker coasts through the stop not looking out for me. Well, I was looking out for him and before I even left the sidewalk I hit the brakes and slammed my foot to the ground to catch myself from falling over. Yup, caught my shin on the pedal less than a block from my destination. I didn't investigate the injuries right away, I waited until the bike was locked up and I'd checked into the gym. I already had a good goose egg. Now it's a little bruised and tender. No biggie. Actually the worst part was the killer leg workout that followed and the dreaded fireman's carry I do daily to get the bike up the front steps to the apartment. Yeah, I'd say today my legs got WORKED, in so many ways.

And yes, I have to park it in the kitchen. Gotta love apartment life. This one is a mansion compared to the studio back home, but a home is a home and I'm grateful for both of mine.

Day 47 - Secret Sister Gift

I LOVE getting mail. It makes me feel special. Especially special when I don’t expect it. Today after getting pumped to go workout, I dragged my bike down the front stairs and as a habit, I checked the mail box. There tucked neatly into our slot was a USPS priority shipping box. Priority! Someone loves me! Ok, that’s a little extreme, but special all the same. I opened it right there at the bottom of the stairs with my bike leaned up against my leg, house key cutting through the tape.

This was the outcome.

It’s a fuzzy pink unicorn with shiny silver polka dotted hooves, ears and horn. I love it! So cute and tied perfectly around its neck is a red ribbon dotted with white hearts. Also in the box was a Happy Valentine ’s Day hanger, which I will add to my collection of Christmas ornaments. Why not? The card is simple and direct, “Happy Valentine’s Day” – pink daisy’s on the front – my favorite flower. Inside the card wishes me a beautiful day. And it is! The handwritten note says: “To my little secret sister, Guess who?” YAY!!! I’ve got no clue who, but they are fun and love the mystery of secret pals.

Yet another reason why this special group of ladies from my church is one of my favorites. We each have someone we secretly send love to and in return someone from the group secretly sends us love. Maybe a card, or small trinket or just prayers and thoughts but all year I know that person takes moments out of their life to think of me and lift me up. That is awesome. Each year is a different person and at the end of the year, another person is added to my eternal prayer list. I remember all of them and think so fondly of them. For 12 months I paid special attention to their lives and families, trying to find unique ways to show them love. They are always with me, and the number of ladies just keeps growing.

Day 46 - Valentine’s Day

“Happy Valentine’s Day”

Or should I say...

Happy “buy pointless, cards, candies and flowers, in an effort to profess affection in a way that makes amends for the fact that you've been taking it for granted the other 364 days of the year” Day

One of the most commercialized, unnecessary holidays, makes me sick. At least it should boost the economy a little. One can hope. I was going to post a long, drawn out blurb expressing further disdain for this holiday, but instead some lyrics:

Can't buy me love, love 

Can't buy me love 

I'll buy you a diamond ring my friend 

If it makes you feel all right 

I'll get you anything my friend 

If it makes you feel all right 

Cause I don't care too much for money 

For money can't buy me love 

I'll give you all I've got to give 

If you say you love me too 

I may not have a lot to give 

but what I've got I'll give to you 

For I don't care too much for money 

For money can't buy me love 

Can't buy me love 

Everybody tells me so 

Can't buy me love 

No, no, no, no 

Say you don't need no diamond ring 

And I'll be satisfied 

Tell me that you want those kind of things 

that money just can't buy 

For I don't care too much for money 

For money can't buy me love 

Can't buy me love 

Everybody tells me so 

Can't buy me love 

No, no, no, no 

Say you don't need no diamond ring 

And I'll be satisfied 

Tell me that you want those kind of things 

that money just can't buy 

For I don't care too much for money 

Cause money can't buy me love 

Ooh, can't buy me love, love 

Can't buy me love, no

Day 45 - The Missed Opportunity

Walking through town again, to get breakfast when we came upon the best picture I’ve seen this year. No camera. Seriously? Not even a disposable that I use when we are snowboarding. I keep it in my outer coat, which I was wearing on this walk, but I had taken the camera out so I could wash the coat. Oh the frustration! I wouldn’t have believed the sight, if I hadn’t seen it myself. I don’t expect you to believe it either through just words, but I’ll give it my best.

So here is the picture painted with words:

A small, well attended yard inside a white picket fence sits a quaint town home. Red brick facade with window boxes full of colorful flowers placed perfectly on either side of the front entrance. A small concrete walk leads up to the archway covering the small porch, which normally would have been large enough for a couple to stand under. Today it was crowded with a small chair and peculiar canine squatting aimlessly in the way. This beautiful mess of an English bulldog eyed us warily as we walked by chatting. He was the picture perfect blend of soft white and faded tan coloring, along with that pouty bulldog face saying, ‘love me, hold me, cuddle me’. One eye lid slouched just a bit lower than the other, those eyes were filled with such longing, wondering when his owner would let him inside or take him home. His joules had that deep, adorable sag, typical for the breed except for the one bottom incisor that peeked curiously over the top of one side, adding such character to this already full palate. And topping it all off, the poor beast was wearing a white plastic satellite collar, fresh from the vet’s office, preventing any kind of comfortable movement or resting position. He sat meekly as if to say, “Hurupgh” with an adorable pouty face, following with those irresistible puppy dog eyes, “Can we go home now?”

My heart melted immediately and I was ready to take him home. Poor pitiful pup. But with no photographic evidence of his plight, what is there to do. Oh the shame, walking right by, not even stopping long enough to grab a pic. Maybe it’s for the best, documentation of this sweet soul would make me want a loyal companion to snuggle with and play.

Instead, here are the images of the day, I don’t know about you, but I’m thoroughly disappointed.