Mix It Up

Up until two days ago, I had a flight booked to Denver.
Then, I decided to make a road trip out of it.
(Never have been one to get used to routines.)

And, what a nice change of pace.

As I sit here in a Pilot Truck Stop,
Sippin' on my coffee and muffin, I reminisce of the days when I longed to be old enough to have my OWN money, my own car, my own things...

Well... Here I am and, it feels gooood!

To walk into a store and have the freedom to buy any junk food I want?
(Well, the coffee did have hazelnut creamer. That counts... right?)
And, how in the world did I survive so long without satellite radio?!
Even though I am SO tired of Lady Gaga.

Point being, growing up may not be as fun as mixing it up every now and then.

Time to roll...

Not Two Tired to Ride

Went to San Francisco this past weekend. I have missed riding. So much, as a matter of fact,  that when I unmounted my bike off my car and clipped my shoes into the pedals, I had an INSTANT smile. One that was desperately needed and one that lasted all day long.

The stresses of life just have a way of catching up with you and it's the little things that bring you back to that "glass half full" mindset.

If THIS wasn't enough to get me back into my element, then I don't know what could have done it. :)

(And can you believe I only wrecked once and it was in someone's backyard?! Shhh... doesn't sound as cool as rolling head over wheels off these steps.)

Camarillo, Cali

This morning, my brother, Carlos and I woke up at 5 a.m.
I had stayed at his hotel in Camarillo, California on my way back from a business conference in San Diego.
We decided to go for a run.
Went downstairs and there were two treadmills but one was taken so I lifted weights instead.
He ran about 5 miles.
I ended up running about 2.5.
He, then, got ready for work and I had breakfast.
It was SO good.
Probably since I was hungry from my run, but STILL!
Then, he left for the office but he had a flat tire! Ugh.
So, he calls me up, I go downstairs and we fix it together.
I didn't want him to get all dirty since he was suited up (looked so sharp)!
And off he went.

I, on the other hand, go back to the room.
Get online for awhile.
Then, take a nap.
I was SO tired from the night before.
We had stayed up talking. Nice conversation, too. :)
Woke up a few hours later and it was late morning by this point.
My plan was to get on the road by 10ish but when I opened the window, the weather was PERFECT!
So, I decided to go for a run.
Ran about 11 miles but probably could have ran more had I not run out of water!
It was SO scenic in Camarillo.
The area we were in was very quiet, peaceful and clean.
Reminded me of a modern-day "Leave it to Beaver"-ville. ;)
(what WAS the name of his town? I remember Wally, Beaver, Eddie Hascal, June, Ward...)

So, I finally get packed, load the car and hit the road around 4.
This was after I took my time, showered, ate, etc.
But, of course I hit rush hour traffic!
What was I thinking?!... I WASN'T.
So, here I am... 6 hours later (should have only taken 3)!

Tired. No... exhausted.
Physically AND mentally.
2011 thus far has been exhausting - ALREADY.

Tomorrow, I go back to work.
Then, work half a day on Friday and drive BACK down to L.A. to catch our flight to Phoenix for our half marathon on Sunday.
Carlos and I will fly there and back on the same flight.
His fiance Lisa will be meeting us there.
Should be a great time!

I have friends who invited us to their post-marathon party but I don't drink.
Carlos and Lisa, I'm sure will want to party as well but I'll just want my banana, computer and Powerade drink.
THAT won't fly over very well!
I'll just roll with it.
Maybe be designated driver??

Well, anyway... it was a great trip and I have NO regrets about ANY of it.
Just hard at times, to deal with reality (traffic, long drives...  ...).

There will be so many more trips to come...
Until next time...

~ Patiently Waiting.

A Trip Home (Texas, Colorado & Wyoming)

My last post... showed my travels to San Antonio.

Here are a few pictures from that trip.

And a few more as I ended up flying to Denver, CO for a few days then driving to Gillette, WY for one night.

Can't believe how much can happen in just a short amount of time.

I'll say this much...

There is a lot going on in my life.

Lots of moving pieces... lots of love, sorrow, happiness, pain, and...


Definitely an emotional roller coaster.


But. I am trusting in God. Trusting that he will take care of me and my loved ones (you know who you are).


I am blessed that I am still here. Walking on this earth. The same land that He walked on just a couple thousand years ago. Think about things like "Why am I here? Why have you saved me so many times in my life. What purpose do you have for me?" And I anxiously await the answer.


I have taken advice from so many people throughout the years but there are a few people in the entire world that I can say I LISTEN to. My advisers, so to speak, of sound, sage guidance. This trip, I was reacquainted with a few of those people. And, know this... I trust you. Completely.


What you see...


Me, cousins, cousins, and MORE cousins, mom, dad, brothers, sisters, niece, nephews... view of Wyoming hillside... .. Tamales in the making. ;)


What I see... many other family members missing from my life.  ~ Someday.


{ confusing, this one... i know }

A day of travel...

30 November 2010

~ San Antonio, TX ~

(Navy Conference)