Cycle the WAVE

A year ago, while sitting at a restaurant with my girlfriend, Connie, she told me about a cycling ride that she wanted to participate in and asked if I would be interested in riding as well. I completed some research and decided that it would be a fun ride with a great cause. Cycle the WAVE (Women Against Violence Everywhere) is a local ride that helps raise awareness and funds for the fight against domestic violence. It is a ride for women only and has 4 mileage breakouts to choose from. There are some sweet swag bags, beautiful jerseys, fun t-shirts and lots of wonderful volunteers to help out on the big day.

Sometime in June I decided to start training for this ride and over the last few months have completed the following:

• 485.8 miles training


• 44.55 hours in the saddle


• 2 falls - one a Charlie Chaplin moment, the second left me with some severe road rash, bruises and scars


• Two flats


• Greater confidence in road riding


All culminating in:

• One day


• 6:09:31 finishing time


• 3 flats


• 61.5 miles


• 4 liters nutrition consumed


• 4,177 feet elevation gain


• Title obtained: Burly Girl!!

Not sure if I'll do this ride again; there were quite a few things I did not appreciate about the ride. If I did do it again I would only do the Middle Sister ride (42 miles) and I would ask my mom to accompany me! There was a definite sense of satisfaction that I completed one of the hardest things in my life, but still some feelings of frustration and definitely some sore muscles. Nick was so sweet and was at every rest stop to help trade out my nutrition bottles, provide his coat to keep me warm, check my bike and cheer me on. I would not have been able to finish this ride without his support - thanks babe!!

Back to school

It's finally here!! Most everyone else - grade school, elementary school, high school have all started their classes, but college is finally ready to begin. I am headed back to school on September 27th to begin my Masters degree. I intend to obtain a Master of Arts in Cultural Studies (MACS) from the University of WA, Bothell (my BSN alma mater). The first question everyone asks is, "What are you going to do with this degree?" I am sooo excited about what I want to do!! I'm shifting from nursing to a more health/wellness and education career. I want to work with kids and help with teaching them about gardening, farming, health and wellness. Our earth is dying and I want to be a part of something to change that by returning to our roots - literally. I'm hoping to work with the amazing group Seattle Tilth or with a CSA that focuses on educating kids about farming, gardening and our earth.

In two years, who knows where I'll be - I just hope it involves being outside more!!

Would you?

If I did not speak your language would you exclude me from the conversation?

If my skin was another color would you make sure not to touch me?

If I could not hear would you speak louder?

If I did not earn as much as you would you think me uneducated?

If I was dirty would you cross the street to avoid me?

If I had a disability would you think I was handicapped or disabled?

If I believed in a Higher Power would you think I was weak?

If I danced in the rain would you be embarrassed of me?

If I chose to leave a career for a dream would you think I had lost my mind?

If I believed in something that you did not would you discount my credibility?

If I was tough would you think me unable to feel?

If I experienced great tragedy would you think me unable to love again?

Would you accept me for who I am?

Summer Delights

Every time we walk out on the patio we say it, "Why didn't we do this 6 years ago - we have missed out on so much!!". I guess you learn from your mistakes - right? Nick and I finished the patio with this beauty, put the furniture out and have stopped watching TV and spend evenings eating dinner outside or reading or laying reveling in the sunshine. A few more touches and it will officially be DONE (adding flower pots and some lighting). Still want to have a backyard warming party, in the meantime though, stop over and put your feet in the grass and your behind on the patio furniture. We'll have a glass of wine and enjoy the last delights of summer!