La vida es perfecta

2011-09-08T16:31:00.001-06:00

Wow! Blogger has gotten an impressive facelift! Nice work team.

If you're still up for reading randomness, get on over to Vida Es Perfecta for an updated thought, babble or shared idea.

Note to life: Golfing solves everything. Golf more!

Just a reminder

2011-03-15T15:28:00.000-06:00

We're blogging about our bike trip at Vida Es Perfecta or haileerustad.wordpress.com

New adventure :: New blog!

2011-02-24T18:31:00.000-06:00

Decided to switch it up a bit. Check out my new blog over at Wordpress.

Vida Es Perfecta :: haileerustad.wordpress.com !

The next adventure!

2011-02-20T14:02:00.000-06:00

In the middle of planning/organizing March and April...it includes a set of 7 maps for our country. 50-60 days of camping, two tires and the word endure!

This life is meant to be lived!

More info coming soon, until then, get out there and experience something new....!

Talent.

2011-01-31T12:26:00.001-06:00

Need another blog to be astonished by? Through the eyes of m.e. is where you need to go then!

Meet Melissa. She's awesome. Passionate. Adventerous. A photographer. So sweet. Annnnnnddd luckily, my roommate!

Important words

2011-01-31T12:15:00.000-06:00

Danke.

Merci.

Toda.

Dhanyawaad.

Arigato.

Mesi.

Misaotra.

Xie Xie.

Tang Kun.

Takk.

Maltiox.

Ke itumela.

Hvala.

Tack.

Dank.

Ngiyabonga.

Dank u.

Ta.

Thank you.

Do you know how important you are to this world? To me?

Winter X Games 15

2011-01-31T11:28:00.000-06:00

Ask Pink, Holler Otto (ever play MadGab?)

Euphoria = term is often colloquially used to define emotion as an intense state of transcendent happiness combined with an overwhelming sense of contentment. (wikipedia)

Standing at the bottom of the SuperPipe with an athlete/industry VIP pass. In the front of 41,000 people. Alongside athlete Gretchen Bleiler's family and friends. Euphoria. 100% perfect satisfaction was felt. The X Games have been on my bucket list for a long time.

History was being made in every event. Kelly Clark's 1080 landed for gold in the Superpipe Finals (first woman to land one in competition) Tucker Hibbert blew away the competition in the SnoCross (snowmobiling races) for the 5th time. Those guys were launching snowmobiles over a 125ft kicker. Then there was Shaun White's second run during the mens SuperPipe final.....watching it, no still thinking about it gives goose bumps.

Here there are people pushing the limits.....a LIFE WITHOUT LIMITS.

The best tho, were the moments that were about character and not necessarily winning. Gretchen Bleiler fell during all 3 of her Superpipe snowboarding runs. Yet, every time she came up to her friends and family. Smile on her face. Still life, in her eyes. Happy to be there, competing in on of the worlds most prestigious events. That is ingrained in my memory forever.

Then there were the adaptive races for SnoCross (men with injured bodies) throwing the 500lb machines around like they're tricycles. As they took off, the announcer said "people, last year, we had prosthetics flying around the course, this race gets interesting."

A glance up on the Skier X course sees a MonoSkier (adaptive skiier, riding on a chair with one ski below) coming down, hitting the bottom 80ft jump, flying through the air only then to SMASH himself on the landing and sliding down to the crowd.

Life, my friends, is about living. Not dying. Have you LIVED lately?

The Minturn Moose

2011-01-31T10:27:00.001-06:00

Coming home from Winter XGames 15. Sharing the backseat with a dog that has worse gas than my father. It's 6:30pm and completely dark now. Yet, car beams shine upon a figure to the right. Eyes attempt to focus, yet denial of pirate patch means no night vision. Figure is running along a path. WHAT IS THAT GIGANTIC THING? Blink. Blink. Blink again. "Thats not an elk. That's..That's.....WHOA GUYS STOP THE CAR....THATS A MOOSE. WAIT....THAT'S TWO MOOSE!"

Photo quality isn't the greatest, yet adrenaline, night time, dog in car and moose sighting doesn't equal photographer skills!

Fact: Colorado does have moose.

Be my guest, be my guest!

2011-01-28T15:48:00.000-06:00

Best part of having an address now is having the ability to have visitors. My good friend Kat came to visit for a few days. She wanted to get the full Colorado experience. We skied. We snowshoed. We skate skied. We even went sledding. Tho, this doesn't look like sledding, it was. Kat, come back and we can work on your form!

There are grandparents. Then there are adopted grandparents. That's Harvey and Evy. They made a pit-stop on their way to Arizona. Yet it wasn't the warm weather they were expecting, think they enjoyed the first time gondola experience and the village of Beaver Creek! By the way Harvey, I'm not going to be needing your AUTOBUY magazine....want it back?

And just to entice you, this is a sunset over Nottingham like, where this girl resides now!

Be my guest!

Life in photos

2011-01-28T15:37:00.001-06:00

Hiking in Maloit Park

Ripley, best snow catching dog ever known to man.

A walk in the woods in Camp Hale

Camp Hale. Was established in 1942 by the govt in preparation for WWII. Camp Hale soldiers included the 10th Mountain Division. Those were the guys that trained for cold weather survival skills, rock climbing and skiing. They were the ones in the mtns of Austria, Switzerland and Germany.

Camp Hale has also been used by the CIA for training.

Camp Hale is now a piece of flat ground. No buildings. No signs of the past. Turns out, after the war, the govt ordered the destruction of the site 'Camp Hale'. So they bulldozed the place. But, mistake on their part, there was 2 Camp Hale's at that time. One in California and one in Colorado. They actually meant for the destruction of the California Camp Hale.....a big govt oops on that one!

It's a beautiful place for hiking around. Back country skiing. And to let your imagination run wild as to what happened in the exact place 70 years prior.

View from trail on North side of Camp Hale

Map of the area

River crossing

During a back country hike, we found this little face that was stunningly perfect. Moments before my snowshoe had sent forces to the snow below making a deep and powerful split of the layers. Enough to scare me to chills. No worries tho, avalanche beacons on!!

That's Tim taking his second run down that perfect face! That day we hiked around 9 miles from Camp Hale. The first few miles were a breeze. Right up until we found the desired trail hadn't been used in some time. For the remainder of the day we broke trail (aka, Tim did!) Two days later, my calves are sore to the touch.

Now or in 10 years...?

2011-01-28T14:59:00.001-06:00

There comes a time in ones life, a tipping point you can say. Where you don't want to live like anyone, or be anyone different. You want to be you. Do what you love and be accepted. This seems so petty. So simple and easy. Tho, it is one of the most trying, life-changing seasons of life. Those friends that always seemed so close are all of the sudden in shock because you're separating from them. No longer wanting a 'part of the crew' name tag.

Life spins wildly.

You hold onto whatever is around, finding the stable, accepting relationships in your life to be your rocks and altar. You begin to feel courage. Make more and more changes in your life. The air is fresher now. A crisp, mountain morning sensation.

You notice the transition in yourself. A person who loves to make others happy no matter what. Now, becoming honest with yourself. A 'true to thy self' character. Some don't like this. They liked you more when you always sacrificed yourself. Not that life isn't good when others are happy. It's just you know the bliss it is when you are you, in your element, surrounded by those who love to live, love to laugh and love to see you as who you are meant to be.....Who you aspire to be.

This transition, that you feel and are living, isn't a 'flip of a switch' kind of change. It's something to be endured. You spin. You're thrown upside down. Tossed sideways. Slammed backwards. Only to get up and be pushed down again by some random Thursday morning decision. It's then, when you realize that you have the power to stay happy and stay you through all, does it become a fun challenge. It's then when you start to move forward. One-step-at-a-time.

The beauty of all starts to glisten. And the inner peace and soothed soul you now have, is smiling. Happy to be 'feeling, loving, laughing' in the place that is absolutely perfect. Whether that place is a physical or figuratively found in your thoughts. It's then you notice life isn't about the easy.

Life. Character, is defined during trying, changing, straining, unknown moments. Accept them with open arms. Embrace it, as you never know what road you might be standing on in 10 years, reflecting on that exact situation and say 'thanks' because of that, I AM HERE NOW.

Tech break

2011-01-28T14:31:00.000-06:00

Ever find yourself over new age communication?

Just want to toss your cell phone into a dark bottomless hole where you won't see it again? You look at a computer and say "no way." Sometimes, life is best lived being away from technology and the lure of lost hours using it. Life, lived in the moment, is dependent on what you're doing right now. Not what happened yesterday, not in tomorrows dreams. But right now, a true 'present.'

Tho in this life very few live without cell phones or email addresses, it is possible to escape or take a break from over-usage. How great a feeling to take a hike through the woods, not thinking about what news is breaking, what texts you need to return or who's blog to read (yes, I know this is a blog.)

My lovely smart phone rang today. (It was in a dark hole, apparently covered in velvet with extra trampoline padding!) My big sis, questioning my existence as a person and social communicator. Kel, I've taken one of those breaks and am working on the balance needed for life, friendships and communication. As I sit here, babysitting, I want you to know that reality has hit once again as I'm being watched by a smiling 4 month boy and am covered in baby vomit and snot!

A true. GIGANTIC. Gaper move.

2011-01-13T18:23:00.001-06:00

The formal definition

What is a gaper?

"I guess you would quantify a gaper as someone from out of town who isn't very familiar with the mountain, or the mountain lifestyle," says Chavez.

"It's someone who is in the wrong spot at the wrong time, all the time," says St. Germain. "Like always standing on the other side of a blind jump or taking up the whole catwalk when you're trying to get through."

The etymology is simple. Gapers garnered their nickname because, while standing somewhere they shouldn't be, thus making them an accident-waiting-to-happen, the mouth tends to be agape.

"They're oblivious. They have no clue," says St. Germain.

Adds Luke Eckenroth of Edwards, "They're the only people in the middle of the hill not moving."

-There are other indicators. If you ski in jeans, you're a gaper. If you wear a jester hat, or big, tinted aviator glasses on the hill, you're a gaper.
-If you still wear your ski outfit from 10 years ago, you're a gaper.
-Head bands. Neon. Rear-entry ski boots. Sports-team jackets (especially noxious, red Huskers jackets).

"You learn real quick what gapers are," says Eckenroth. "If you're a first-time local, you are probably a gaper at one point." (article from Vail Daily)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

STORY TIME.

Riding for a couple afternoon hours at the Beav. Made it to cookie time. Walked to the bus. Put my snowboard on the outside rack and jumped at the chance of sitting and enjoying the warm chocolate chip cookie that Beaver Creek provides every afternoon (served by chefs in white jackets, on the snow and a top a silver platter) "Not exactly roughing it" is soooooo true.

If you're a local. You've already caught my mistake. If not, learn from me. As we're driving down the mountain to Beaver Creek landing my eyes watch horrifically as my snowboard leans and falls off the outside of the bus. CLANK. BANG. SCRAPE. I jump up.

"WHOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA my board just fell off the rack outside. Stop the bus!" The driver is in shock "what?" "please please let me off, my board just fell off" "hmmm, I can't."

She calls security "a board just fell off the bus, its in the middle of the road, can you go pick it up?"

At this point I'm red in the face. About to puke. In a dead sweat. Standing up right next to the driver. Wanting to faint. AHhhhhhhhhhh. WHAT HAPPENED???

I get off at the landing. Have to bend down. The shaking has taken over. Soon a suburban pulls up and a very nice man pulls out my board, in one piece, completely black with mud and hands it to me. "did you know that none of the buses at Beaver Creek have snowboard racks????????"

That explains so much!

10 New Years Resolutions that are GREEN!

2011-01-04T08:58:00.000-06:00

It's easy to think about all the big changes you're going to make in the New Year as the old year comes to an end -- but by the second week of January, most of us are already finding reasons to skip the gym or break the spending freeze. That's why we've come up with ten green New Year's resolutions so easy you'll have no excuse not to keep them -- and as they help you save money, cut your carbon footprint, decrease your home's waste stream, and improve the quality of the Earth, you'll be glad you did.

1. Never buy bottled water again

Trade your bottled water habit for an at-home filtering pitcher and you can help make a dent in the 1.5 million barrels of oil used to make plastic water bottles each year; pair it with a reusable bottle (like one made of glass, aluminum, or recycled plastic), and you'll always be prepared to tackle your thirst. Bonus: With bottled water no longer on your shopping list, you could save as much as $1,400 this year.

2. Brew your own Fair Trade coffee

Photo: Beneath_B1ue_Skies/Creative Commons
Carrying your own coffee in an insulated travel mug helps you reduce waste from cardboard cups and carrying sleeves -- which are thrown away at a staggering rate of58 billion each year. For greener at-home brewing, choose a Fair Trade blend that supports farmers; add organic milk instead of artificial creamers; and try a French press (instead of a traditional brewer) to save electricity.

3. Remember your reusable bags

Photo: Blue Avocado
With more than 1 million plastic bags ending up in the trash every minute, takingreusable bags to the store is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce your carbon footprint -- but the hardest part about using them is simply remembering to take them with you. A set like this one from Blue Avocado is almost impossible to forget: It comes with six different bags, sized for everything from frozen goods to fresh fruit, and the entire collection folds down into a slim packet for easy transport.

4. Cut back on paper towels

Photo: edkohler/Creative Commons
If you're grabbing a paper towel for everything from wiping up spills and cleaning your counter to scrubbing the bathroom and keeping your hands clean at dinner, it's time tomake a change. Instead, invest in a few cotton cloths and some fabric napkins; then drop them in the wash when you run a load of laundry. Using the cloth alternatives is just as easy as using the paper versions, and you only need to buy them once -- plus you can help eliminate the 3,000 tons of paper towels that end up landfills every day.

5. Use a bike for short trips

Photo: laffy4k/Creative CommonsIt takes a certain amount of dedication to permanently give up a car in favor of a bike, but even an eco-slacker can make it work for short trips that don't require hauling a lot of stuff: picking up milk at the local grocery store, after-dinner ice cream at your favorite dessert spot, your morning yoga class, brunch with friends at the coffee shop. Ride your bike for trips shorter than 2 miles and you could cut your carbon footprint significantly, save money on gasoline and car maintenance, and increase your fitness level -- all at the same time.

6. Order from your local CSA

Photo: Comrogues/Creative CommonsGoing to the farmer's market always sounds like such a great idea -- until Saturday morning rolls around and you realize you have to get up early, have enough cash, and fight other customers for the best strawberries. Instead, have your local CSA programdo the hard part for you by putting together a box of their best produce each week -- and, if you're really feeling lazy, have it delivered right to your door so you get fresh, local fruits and vegetables without giving up your lazy coffee-and-crossword mornings.

7. Become a weekend vegetarian

Photo: naotakem/Creative Commons
Cutting meat out of your diet just two days a week can decrease your carbon footprint by about 1/3 of a ton -- and coming up with meat-free meals for Saturday and Sunday isn't as hard as it sounds. Try pancakes and fruit for breakfast; fresh salads or roasted vegetable sandwiches for lunch; and veggie pizza, bean soups, and creamy risottosfor dinner. And since doubling a recipe rarely adds any time to your prep work, you can make extras to eat throughout the week (and trim your carbon footprint even more).

8. Eliminate phantom power

Photo: kalleboo/Creative CommonsIt takes approximately one second to unplug the charger for your cell phone, mp3 player, e-reader, or iPad -- but if you really can't be bothered, then let nifty, energy-efficient gadgets do the work for you. Use power strips to turn off all your appliances at once; put your television, DVD player, game system, and stereo on a timer so they automatically shut off overnight; and invest in chargers that stop drawing current when the device's battery is full. You could cut your energy bill by as much as 10 percent annually -- without lifting a finger.

9. Switch to green power

Photo: Lollie-Pop/Creative Commons
Switching your home to run on green power sounds like a big job -- installing solar panels, geothermal energy, or a tankless hot water heater is not a job for the construction-impaired. But you can also make this happen without getting out of your chair: Call your local energy company and see if they offer renewable options (most do). You might see a small jump in your bill, but it's an easy way to make a big change.

10. Replace your lightbulbs

Photo: dbgg1979/Creative CommonsReplacing your lightbulbs with compact fluorescent lights may be the ultimate change for the eco-slacker. Despite all the jokes, it takes only one person to change a lightbulb -- and since CFLs last longer than traditional bulbs, you'll be saving time for years down the road while cutting your energy use by as much as 80 percent. Can't even face the hardware store? Order your bulbs online and have them come straight to your door.

Article from treehugger.com

Backcountry

2010-12-28T19:27:00.002-06:00

Backcountry. Can mean many things. The land behind your house. Country thats behind you. Untouched land. Or you can do what most Colorado residents do. Clip on an avalanche beacon. Fill a pack with food, water and avalanche gear. Strap on skis or snowshoes and start heading up. Up mountains that aren't groomed, aren't part of a resort and aren't known to the thousands of tourists that visit the area.

Today, Mayflower Gulch. An old mining area. Current magnificent hiking spot.

Kari and her excited dogs, Ripley in front and Kobe behind.

Kobe...in his element. Please notice the icicles on his chin.

Demonstrating an avalanche beacon

Kari's a natural. As many times as it took me to fall and get back up, she stood there patiently encouraging every moment!

Have you seen Smile Feist?

2010-12-28T19:15:00.000-06:00

Define insane, awesome energy and cross it with abstract, hilarious ideas....... and you'll have Anna!

Need a laugh? Idea? Motivation? Recipe? Read her blog.

She's also very in-tune with her fashion side...!

Colorado newness!

2010-12-28T19:08:00.000-06:00

The most breathtaking views....everywhere!

Snowboarding....at Beaver Creek and Vail

Can it be awesome forever?

Tim, Jovie and her sunglasses...Jovie is a natural on the piano and singing, Tim was taking lessons.

Skate skiing for the first time. Up at Tennessee Pass. I stood up for 2 seconds before eating it...several times!

Skate Ski instructors/roommates....Kari and Jake (Ripley minus his head)

Backcountry skiings/snowboarding, another 1st time and with Kari again. She's full of awesome-ness. Mayflower Gulch. Hike up. Ride down! (unless its your first time, then you 'fall' down!

Food Inc.

2010-12-10T09:29:00.000-06:00

Make it a point to get this documentary.
Know what you eat.
Know where it's grown.
Know how it's grown.
Know why its grown.

'You'll never look at dinner the same'

Define your success

2010-12-06T13:56:00.000-06:00

'To laugh often and love much; to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children; to earn the approbation of honest citizens and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to give of one’s self; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived—this is to have succeeded.'

The Elf on the Shelf

2010-12-06T13:46:00.002-06:00

The Elf on the Shelf just appeared in my sisters house. Meeting this little guy, from the North Pole, was the first encounter for me, but not the last.

This tradition is AWESOME.

How does Santa know the kids around you are being naughty or nice? Well, this little elf flies to the North Pole every night and reports back to Santa how the day has gone. Then, he magically reappears somewhere new the next morning. Giving the kids something to find/look forward to every morning, also giving the parents something to point to and say 'look who's watching.' making them more accountable for their daily actions during December.

It's a yearly tradition, starting whenever the Elf (ours named 'Flash') makes his first appearance. IF it were up to me, he'd been here in May.

Yesterday was Flash's first day in 2010! So we had to sit down, read the book on what happens with 'Flash' and remind ourselves that 'somebody's watching!' Today, he's in the kitchen. A reminder to us adults from the kids "he's watching you too!"

We're considered 'Netizens'

2010-12-04T18:24:00.000-06:00

Recent article from WSJ talks about how us 'netizens' are being tracked by all those advertising firms. Did you know, online advertising is a $25 billion dollar industry? With some crack down on all those cookies, come January, some of these agencies, they call it the 'Open Data Partnership,' are going to come clean and show you how they're following your tastes online.

For more info, read the WallStreet Journal article or the Fastcompany.com article. In January, you'll have options on if you even want to be tracked.

More freedom??~~!!

On: being an aunt!

2010-12-03T10:23:00.001-06:00

How do mom's do it?

We're in Lowes and Z turns into another 'thing.' All of the sudden he's sitting on the self checkout bagging area. Machine starts talking to me "there's an unidentified object in the check out area, please remove" Next second, he's pushing buttons on the computer. And now my order 'needs assistance.' That's not the beginning. In fact, earlier in Lowes, a glance over my shoulder sees both boys hanging on the side of someone's cart talking to a 2 yr old girl. If you could have seen her eyes, they matched her moms!

At home. "Aunt Hai, I'm done pooping, can you see if I got it all?" I look in the bathroom, see a naked 3 yr old boy, bent over the tub, showing me that he wiped. It needs another swipe. "Ouch, my booty hurts."

"Wash your hands, please." Five minutes later I realize that the sound of water is still coming from the bathroom. Z's still naked. Now playing in the sink, drain plugged.

"Go play." I walk away for a few minutes and come back towards their rooms. Only to see white paint chips on the floor. BT has sawed the door frame with his plastic tools. Turns out, plastic or metal, they all work. Yesterdays' explaining that the tools are to be used on their toys and in their rooms, not the hallways, wasn't enough to remain registered today. 5 yr old memories from short term to long term aren't what I expected.

Onto lunch. Pizza day. So easy. Yet again, I leave the room and hear the scared, shrinking voice "Hailee, Z spilled his milk." Another milk spill, we just had one 2 days ago. It's starting to resemble to gulf coast here.

Sneeze. AAAAAHHHCHOOO! "bless you." I walk to the sink to rinse the washcloth thats soaked in milk. "I got buggers, can you help me?" Taking a kleenex over I assist in a 3 snort blowout.

The boys are sick. We can no longer play continuously outside because it's cold and windy. They're restless. Chasing and torturing Ginger, Angies dog. Angie left Ging with us when she went to India. They chant, then run; then scream, chant and run "Ginger Baby" as they corner her under the kitchen table. She snips at them. Her warning for the annoyance of the little fingers constantly pulling her ears and tail. They giggle. And transform into savage like animals who want more. I walk in and make my presence noticed. They scatter like flys in the sight of a swatter.

Next a high pitched scream. Something out of a horror film. Walking into the next room I hear BT has convinced Z that this reusable water bottle has lemonade inside, when in reality it's only water. But to a 3 yr old, it's INCONCEIVABLE that he doesn't have the same! A temper tantrum ensues.

This is a constant game. 'How to have fun, maintain peace and sanity in a house with 2 boys.

Afternoon nap time comes and I pass out on the couch. They wake me up 5 different times tattle tailing on each other OR from chanting "Ginger Baby." I give in and get up.

During bike time, Z pulls up to the sidewalk "I need to go poddie" so I say to go in and take care of it. Z calls back "I need help," I reply "you can do it." He starts to whine but goes in. BT comes up moments later and asks where's Z. He goes in to check on him, not seconds later he's running outside, "he had an accident." REALLY. My head hangs and I walk inside.

Toilet paper is thrown all over the floor. He's there, pants off, winter coat still on. Pee everywhere. Z whines and says he had an accident and "it's all over" Literally buddy I agree. Pee is on his jacket, down his legs, on his socks, both sides of the toilet and while we go in his room to get more undies, I notice to enormous spot on his sweatshirt. Wondering, did he make any inside that porcelain bowl?

Randomly during the day I notice them playing in the kitchen with Ginger, another cornering, poor dog. They pet nice. Talk to her like they're all dogs for a bit. Then Z's eyes light up. IDEA! He walks over to the oven, opens it and says "Ginger, come here."

Bath time consists of spills of water, then a song to say "accidents happen and that's okay!" as I'm on my hands and knees for the second time today. Cleaning up an ocean of water and a tipped over bottle of shampoo. That's after BT told on Z for sticking his washcloth in the toilet and washing with in. Not once, not twice, but 5 times.

After nighttime Uno, it's time for brushing teeth, books and bed. You'd think bushing teeth seems harmless until you find that the 3 yr old is chasing the dog, swinging the toothbrush like a sword. The energy flow continues during book time. With feet kicking, pointing and random interruptions.

Prayers are hilarious. "God bless mommy, daddy, Brett, and Zach. Ginger, Aunt Hailee, her friends and the soldiers. Papa Keith and Kevin. How was work?"

(At least he understands that staying home IS work) Kel, love your kids!

Need a statistic?

2010-11-30T21:23:00.000-06:00

datum that can be represented numerically.

Always changing. Mostly stated wrong. Yet, our minds find them fascinating and important.

Feast here on statistics.

Yesterday, HISTORY and GREATNESS!!

2010-11-30T20:46:00.002-06:00

Remember the first day you rode you bicycle by yourself. Without someone running behind you. There to catch you if you fall. Scared of every crack, rock, curb and the fact that somehow you have to slow this big machine down. That day, was yesterday for this little guy Brett.

See video for proof!

"You need balance, think about your belly button. You need speed, don't stop pedaling. You're going to fall over and bleed at some point, it happens to everyone, but it's totally worth it. You ready to try this by yourself Brett?" ......

Do you blame a kid for wearing that helmet if his name is Brett?

If only there was a camera there to capture the smile that was RADIATING from Brett after he was done showing mom and dad his new accomplishment. Fear conquered. Scrapes, bumps and bruises to come!

Zach is fearless....already jumping curbs with training wheels!

Zen and The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

2010-11-30T18:42:00.000-06:00

Recommended by a close friend. This books been burning a hole in my bag, itching to be read. Well, started it today and feel like the underlying message of this book thus far already justifies a blog post and more.

If you're in the market for a book.....might see if you can find Zen for yourself and your soul!

The Decisive Element

2010-11-30T18:35:00.002-06:00

"I have come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element. It is in my personal approach that creates the climate. It is my daily mood that makes the weather.
I possess tremendous power to make life miserable or joyous.
I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration, I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal.
In all situations, it is my response that decides weather a crisis is escalated or de-escalated, and a person is humanized or de-humanized.
If we treat people as they are, we make them worse. If we treat people as they ought to be, we help them become what they are capable of becoming."

- J. W von Goethe

Tapped.

2010-11-30T18:19:00.000-06:00

Please, take a second and think about it. The earth will thank you!

New hobby

2010-11-27T09:05:00.000-06:00

Crocheting: process of creating fabric from yarn with a crochet hook. It consists of pulling loops of yarn through other loops. A hobby my family claims only those over the age of 60 should be doing. I disagree.

Thanks to Tim and Kerin for patiently teaching me!

Ultimate favorite food

2010-11-27T09:00:00.002-06:00

Lefse

Lefse is a traditional Norwegian flatbread. Made out of potatoes, the main food group in Norway! Typically eaten with butter and sugar, rolled like a pinwheel to be devoured.

Try it today or during your next holiday celebration! You won't be disappointed!

Texas

2010-11-27T08:51:00.000-06:00

When in Texas, head to a ranch!

Pickin' pecans

Free Photo Recovery

2010-11-18T21:56:00.000-06:00

Recently deleted some important photos from my cameras memory card by accidentally ejecting it from my computer. The sickly, sinking feeling in my stomach was overwhelming. With a little patience and luck I found a great software ...free and available online, that helps aid in photo recovery.

If you ever delete your memory card:
-don't use your card again or there is great risk you will completely lose them.
-download MjM Free Photo Recovery Software
-smile, watch your photos magically return, reminisce great memories!

Photos that were once lost.....

Making homemade Pumpkin Ravioli with Kari, Jake and Tim

Perfection! Look how long the noodle was before we cut it into ravioli!

My first ever snowshoe!

Mountain Ash

Happy?

2010-11-15T14:38:00.000-06:00

Shared from a friend at Naked Binder

Capitol Reef National Park

2010-11-12T12:41:00.000-06:00

In roadtrip day of snow, Capitol Reef National Park just happened to be on the road towards home.

Because of the snow, we did car sightseeing. We drove along the scenic drive inside Capitol back into the gorge when the snow accentuated the grandness of it all.

Snow falling over Castle Rock

Bryce National Park

2010-11-12T12:21:00.001-06:00

When in Southern Utah.......visit national parks.

Bryce National Park. Best described on the NPS website as 'a cave without a ceiling, a forest of stone.' Another national park where your eyes just need more time to adjust, more time to perceive, more time to attempt to understand 'how does all of this work?'

Spent two days here. Driving the 18 mile long scenic drive. Stopping off at random overlooks. My favorites were Agua Canyon and Bryce Point.

Fences are meant to be climbed!

These 'hoodoos' are rock formations that have been sculpted by water and time. Bryce receives snow over 200 days in the year. With the snow, ice, freezing and melting processing taking shape, Bryce has received its rare shape.

Zion National Park

2010-11-12T11:58:00.000-06:00

Coming from the Grand Canyon, our eyes were used to looking along the horizon line, gazing downward. Until we entered Zion. The way Zion is, you drive that scrapes the bottom of the canyon. Looking up at giant walls of sandstone formations, 2000+ft tall.

We started driving along the Virgin River inside the canyon. Took the Riverside walk up into the start of The Narrows. The temptation took us, the boots and socks came off as we waded through the river, upstream for a few hundred yards. The canyon walls of this gorge are sheer faces and they enclose fast, soon you find yourself enclosed by very steep walls and in a river. As our feet were beginning to freeze, we found a warm water spring and warmed up for the trek back. Next time visiting Zion, I plan on hike the 16 mile trail which is 90% 'in river' walking.

One hike that's a must in Zion is up Angels Landing. It's an easy go of switch backs until you reach the last .5 mile of climb. Thats when the signs saying "not for children or those scared of heights." There you must use a chain to pull yourself up and around rocks. Adrenaline practically seeps out of your body as your knuckles turn white from grasping the chain, looking down on both sides of the narrow rock that your standing on. Below is over 1,200 feet. Cars become tiny. Life becomes a little more real.

View from atop Angels Landing

You walk along and up this skinny ridge line, carefully placing every foot, reminding yourself that 9 people have died along this trail and the number seems small. One of my favorite day hikes EVER.

Grand Canyon National Park

2010-11-12T10:04:00.000-06:00

Driving into the Grand Canyon's north rim was breathtaking. We didn't see the open canyon, desert sandstone or sun-aged rock. We saw forests. Forests after forest fires. Forests flourishing. Forests needing TLC. Totally unexpected, we even saw open golden meadows for the deer.

Pt. Imperial.(highest elevation in the park at 8,803ft)

The vast. Grandness. Creates a wonderment. Questioning of 'how' & 'why.' It's so big our eyes can hardly process a tiny portion of it all.

We obtained a back country permit and hiked down into the mile deep canyon on the North Kaibab Trail. The canyon sees over 5 million visitors every year, tho most in the spring, summer and early fall. Because of that, we were fortunate and saw very few hikers. We stayed at the backcountry camp of Cottonwoods for 2 nights. Hiking from the north rim to Cottonwoods the first day, to the Colorado river and back to camp the next and out on the final day. The hike totaling 28 miles of awesomeness. Of cliffs. Of sheer rock faces dropping thousands of feet down. Of pristine, oasis-like waterfalls. Of rock formations dating back 1,200 million years.

The Bright Angel creek pumped fresh water through our campsite both days. We pumped water from the creek, through a filter for drinking and cooking. Waters' a valueable resource for hikers in the Canyon, did you know over 250 hikers have to be rescued from the Canyon every year.

Returning from the trail

News....

2010-11-02T10:48:00.001-06:00

PS moved to Colorado yesterday. Will be up near Vail for the winter!

View Larger Map

Come visit!!!!!

Off to the Grand Canyon today.

Minnesota's North Shore

2010-10-25T15:09:00.001-06:00

Sunrises over Lake Superior

Sunsets

Waterfall on Pigeon river. The US/Canadian border.

When they finally looked over I waved widely. They'd been taking each others pictures for some time. Resting on the gate that separates them from; the edge, the pumping, rushing of the water far below. The gate that keeps them in and us out.

The waterfall is heaving river water a hundred feet, with no thought, just moving it and moving it now.

They look happy. Rewarded from the hike and they happily wave back. Canadians and Americans sharing a happy moment from our respective sides of the river. Happy to be humans...of the same kind. We all smile. Knowing the moment is bigger that our minds can fathom.

(written 10.16.10)

Dinner via fire roasted potatoes

With gusto and exuberance, right Mary!?

On Travel

2010-10-25T14:47:00.001-06:00

An exerpt from 'Simple Truths' by Kent Nerburn

[ Wanderlust, the urge for adventure, and the desire to know what is over the next hill are like echoes in the backs of our minds that speak of sounds not quite heard and places not quite seen.

You should listen to those echoes. Take the chances and follow the voices that call you to distant places. Live, if only for a short time, the life of a traveler. It is a life you will always cherish and never forget.

The magic of travel is that you leave your home secure in your own knowledge and identity, but as you travel, the world in all its richness intervenes. You meet people you could not invent; you see scenes you could not imagine. Your own world, which was so large as to consume your whole life, becomes smaller and smaller until it is only one tiny dot in space and time. You return a different person.

Travel doesn't have to be to some dreamlike and foreign destination. It can take you on an evening stroll through a distant forest or to a park bench in a town a hundred miles from your home. What matters is that you have left the comfort of the familiar and opened yourself to a world that is totally apart from your own.

Many people don't want to be travelers. They would rather be tourists, flitting over the surface of other people's lives while never really leaving their own. They try to bring their world with them wherever they go, or try to recreate the world they left. They do not want to risk the security of their own understanding and see how small and limited their experiences really are.

To be a real traveler, you must be willing to give yourself over to the moment and take yourself out of the center of your universe. You must believe totally in the lives of the people and the places where you find yourself.

Become part of the fabric of their everyday lives. Embrace them rather than judge them, and you will find that the beauty in their lives and their world will become part of yours. When you move on, you will have grown. You will realize that the possibilities of life in this world are endless, and that beneath our differences of language and culture we all share the same dream of loving and being loved, of having a life with more joy than sorrow.

Travel is not as romantic and exotic as you imagine it. The familiar will always call. Your sense of rootlessness will not give you rest.

You may wake one day and find that you have become a runner who uses travel as an escape from the problems and complications of trying to build something with your life. You may find that you have stayed away one hour or one day or one month too long and that you no longer belong anywhere or to anyone. You may find that you have been caught by the lure of the road and that you are a slave to dissatisfaction with any life that forces you to stay in one place.

But how much worse is it to be someone whose dreams have been buried beneath the routines of life and who no longer has an interest in looking beyond the horizon?

If we don't offer ourselves to the unknown, our senses dull. Our world becomes small and we lose our sense of wonder. Our eyes don't lift to the horizon; we don't hear the sounds around us. The edge is off our experience, and we pass our days in a routine that is both comfortable and limiting. We wake up and one day find that we have lost our dreams in order to protect our days.

Travel, no matter how humble, will etch new elements into your character. You will know the cutting moments of life where fear meets adventure and loneliness meets exhilaration. You will know what it means to push forward when you want to turn back.

And when you have tragedies or great changes in your life, you will understand that there are a thousand, a million ways to live, and that your life will go on to something new and different and every bit as worthy as the life you are leaving behind.

Because I have traveled, I can see other universes in the eyes of strangers. I know which parts of myself I cannot deny and which parts of myself are simply choices that I make. I know the blessings of my own table and the warmth of my own bed. I know how much life is pure chance, and how great a gift I have been given simply to be who I am.

When I am old and my body has begun to fail me, my memories will be waiting for me. They will lift me and carry me over mountains and oceans. I will hold them and turn them and watch them catch the sunlight as they come alive once more in my imagination. I will be rich and I will be at peace.

I want you to have that peace, too.

Take the chances a traveler has to take. In the end you will be so much richer, so much stronger, so much cleared, so much happier, and so much better a person that all the risk and hardship will seem like nothing compared to the knowledge and wisdom you will have gained. ]

------------------------------

Finally, someone who can put it in words for me. Thanks Kent. His book, Simple Truths, is very inspiring. A book to have and read often!

A day made better!

2010-10-25T13:11:00.001-06:00

Last Friday will be forever unforgettable.

Mr. Martin, a teacher in Lakeland FL, set foot for a run. A run longer than most can ride a bike. A run almost twice the distance of a marathon. A run where you set out before the sunrises with intent on running til the sun sets. A run where you change your socks, take in thousands of quick calories and drink oceans of water. A run for his kids. A run for his students. A run to raise money and school supplies for his classroom. Friday was a day made better.

He made it. 50 miles. It was 90 degrees in Orlando, Florida on Friday. And he ran 50 miles in it. Raising money, $15,000 in school supplies and gift cards from OfficeMax, for his classroom.

Awesomeness!

You MUST hear this!

2010-10-17T21:34:00.001-06:00

We sit down. $20 is the bet. Next thing I know I'm down $20. It was worth it!

Ladies and Gentlemen, Mary Runkel

Youth Soccer Month on Fox Sports Channel

2010-10-17T20:40:00.002-06:00

Random text from Ashley in Wichita: Hailee I'm watching you on tv right now. Hmm, how did this happen? Feel free to make fun of my camera presence. Personally, I enjoy the delayed-thought speaking and classy dance moves.

LINK to video here. Working with US Youth Soccer was a blast! Way too much fun, miles and dodging soccer balls in one month. PS my nephews made an epic appearance with their dance moves at 10:10 on the video!

Beautiful things that ought to be shared...

2010-10-12T15:20:00.000-06:00

Painted by Katherine McCabe

Nephews: Zach and Brett

Cafe Beaudelaire's long islands

Fall in Iowa.

Love the feeling of picking your own apples!

Whens the last time you caught the stillness of a perfect sunset?

Mt. Elbert

2010-10-07T10:09:00.001-06:00

Something to put on your bucket list: To summit one of Colorado's fourteeners. That is....a 14,000ft mtn. Or approximately 4,267.2 meters! You're life will be changed.

Mt. Elbert is what happened last Friday!

Meet Mohammed and Steve. I hiked with them to the summit!

Mohammed, Steve, Hailee, Tim completing the trip from Mt. Elbert!

Spectacutlar. Breathtaking Apsens!

More photos on my Picasa!

Sustainability rules....literally

2010-10-07T09:59:00.000-06:00

Been diggin' on some eco-friendly companies lately. Check it out......

Naked Binder is one that stems from Iowa! They're making binders from '97-100% post consumer waste' aka...recycled products. Their culture is cool. They're taking necessary steps to love our planet. I like that!

Wondering if schools will start using products from companies like Naked Binder.

Soccer month has finished!

2010-10-06T15:02:00.000-06:00

Soccer Month ended when September ended....it ended perfectly in Denver CO!!!!!!

Highlights here.

Marketing peeps take notes on Mr. Rogers?

2010-09-28T17:44:00.001-06:00

Relationship building
Under-commit ::: over produce
Consistency
Customer relations
Taking a stand in your beliefs

All can be learned before you enter kindergarten as long as you watch....watched Mr. Rogers.

Read more in the latest FastCompany article.

Mis suenos

2010-09-25T09:09:00.000-06:00

Hace soñar en español consistitue una razón para abandonar el país otra vez?

US Youth Soccer show

2010-09-21T11:45:00.001-06:00

It's Youth Soccer Month! And because I'm on tour celebrating soccer with Stickley (USYS mascot) we got interviewed this weekend. Find us on Facebook here for more photos.

Be sure to check out the show on Fox Soccer Channel!!!!

Go ahead. Celebrate soccer being cool. Sign up to win a World Cup Fifa ball...or maybe $1000 from Adidas.

And get out there. Be active with a kid today, it feels good to be fit.

Sunscreen song

2010-09-21T11:19:00.003-06:00

Can one hear this song enough?

The Girl Effect

2010-09-21T11:09:00.001-06:00

Traveling the US of A

2010-09-16T10:49:00.001-06:00

Reuniting with family and friends is...

Like hand written letters,

catching a sunrise over water,

or dipping warm chocolate chip cookies in milk.

How would you like to find these on the beach after you've swam in the ocean? And yes, confirmed sharks teeth~! Actually, it's common. My mom and Daryle have somewhere over 15,000 of them ranging in all sizes, so big you don't want to know!~

Fortunate enough to spend quality time with my mom in Florida. Thanks for all the food, doing my laundry and entertaining me. Also, it was her birthday on the 8th....Feliz cumpleanos a tiiii (I don't know the word for belated in Spanish, yet)~~!!!!!

Now in Dallas. And as luck has it, my bestie, Anna is too! She's a FM for Science Diet....anyone need a dog treat in the Dallas area talk to her. She'll be here for a month.

Voice Mail

2010-09-10T13:29:00.001-06:00

Wishing her number actually showed up on my phone so I could call and apologize for any stress she received after hearing my vibrant voicemail. That was before the beep. This is what happened after the beep.......

FYI: Bought the SIM card from an AT&T store in Frisco, TX. My phone is black, not blue.

Driving Ms Daisy

2010-09-10T09:51:00.000-06:00

(deep breath) 8 days - 3000+ miles. Madison, WI - Indianapolis, IN - Columbus, OH - Dayton, OH - Cleveland, OH - Harrisburg, PA - Cleveland, OH - Chicago, IL - Indianapolis, IN - Jacksonville, FL

The US Youth Soccer Month tour is taking me everywhere. And FAST. Have seen some cool people and places along the way.

Favorite story from yesterdays 15 hour marathon drive: IN KENTUCKY (use your imagination here) Pull up to a gas station that doesn't have another car at a pump (red flag #1) and proceed to fill my tank. Walk inside to get some water and coffee, as it's early in the morning. The woman working the counter is sitting back in her chair smoking a cigarette (red flag #2--how long ago did they pass laws in most states to stop smoking inside of public places??!!??!). She smiles and in her cracked voice says 'mornin.' I ask where the coffee is. She says "ours is pretty old, you should try the restaurant" and points. I ask for water. She says "again, you don't want our water, I'd see the restaurant" (add Kentucky drawl here.) She points again. Woman working restaurant counter is in one of her 80th years and kindly helps me with both water and coffee, she says "you must be a beginner" as she hands me a half coffee/half milk glass. Moral of story: I love Kentucky!

Yes, I did buy chocolate here. And yes it is even better than you can even imagine!

You have to love the marketing efforts done here in Hershey, PA. Check the light posts!!

Myra, Kelly, Jim (check photo in Myra's hand) are my awesome peeps in Cleveland that I stayed with!

US Youth Soccer

2010-09-05T10:42:00.000-06:00

For the month of September I'll be on the road in the US promoting US Youth Soccer Month at soccer tournaments, Sports Authority stores and other sweet festivals. Thus far been through Madison, Chicago, Indy, Dayton, Columbus and in Cleveland.

Headed to Pennsylvania next. Bring on Hershey's chocolate!

My new ride for September

This is what I set up at events.

Notice the GIANT inflatables!

Sweet kickwall that every kid imaginable LOVES!

Volunteer.

2010-08-31T07:16:00.001-06:00

Ever wanting something more to do with a few hours of your day? Put down the remote and volunteer. You'll meet some incredible people if you're willing.

One that has impacted my life is Big Brothers Big Sisters. 'For more than 100 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life. As the nation’s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”), ages 6 through 18, in communities across the country. We develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people.'

Met Shaya in the fall of '08 and plan on knowing her, well, for the rest of my life! Shaya is an incredible 13yr old girl!!!

Cuba opening to American travelers?

2010-08-30T21:24:00.000-06:00

Interested in visiting the mysterious island only 90 miles away from US coastline. Read the latest and greatest CNN article and see how you feel.

Are Americans free to do as they choose? Should Americans be allowed to enter Cuba? (ps it's the US government holding us back, not Cuba's)

Will Americans destroy the countries culture, lifestyle and eco-tourism spots due to an enormous influx of tourists (est. 500,000 people the first year) when the gates do open?

Dominos for all, in the park, any time and any day!

Iowa......You're so windy.

2010-08-26T11:55:00.000-06:00

Did you know:

Iowa is on the top of states in wind power generation, along with Texas.

Over 14% of our electricity is wind generated in Iowa.

As of a year ago, there were 1,100 wind turbines in Iowa.

The blades are 12 tons and 148 feet long.

Landowners with a turbine receive $2000-$5000/per year royalties.

So what do you do now?

2010-08-26T11:40:00.000-06:00

Question of the month. "Do you have a job?"

Answer: Yes. Many actually.

Currently a consultant (sounds great) for my dad and his businesses. Giving my opinion on everything whether he likes it or not. Helping him gain more powerwashing business, heck, even going along for a powerwashing gig or 3!

Before!

After!

(we've been washing Ethanol tanks. If you're really interested, read here)

Starting another job Tuesday. Going to be the Field Manger for the USYouthSoccer Jersey Tour. Look out MLSoccer games, here I come with some inflateables and soccer balls! Bring it on. Will be promoting Youth Soccer around the country. Get Out! Get Fit! Get Active!

There is more. Let's just say I'll be spending too many days at the Texas State Fair! More to come....

14'rs!

2010-08-26T11:23:00.002-06:00

By definition: a 14'r is a mountain that exceeds 14,000 ft.

Here Kat and Megan are walking at about 11,500' along to trail to Grays. Even walking was hard due to altitude. Sheesh, Iowa girls!

What that doesn't tell you is:
That altitude will suck all the air from you. As you climb your lungs will feel like they're about to JUMP out of your chest. On a warm August day in Iowa, it'll be 30 degrees on one of these peaks in Colorado, heck you may even pass clumps of snow. The wind WILL be gusting. You will be IN the clouds. Your eyes might experience extreme stimulation from some of the most beautiful landscape surrounding you at 360 degrees. It may be one of the most inspirational moments in your life, to summit, by foot a 14'r.

2 x 14!

So this is what happened last weekend. Camping, Glaciers, Colorado's best!, Hiking 2x14,000ft peaks in a day(aka double summit). Grays and Torreys. 14,270' & 14,267' respectively!

Did you know that Colorado is home to 53 fourteeners?

Goal for the summer was 3. Might make another one happen in Sept/Oct!

Kind words...

2010-08-26T10:59:00.000-06:00

My dad looks at me, says "you're famous" and looks back down at the Northwood Anchor.

A few weeks back a very sweet, kind and patient woman, JoAnn Lower sat down with me and her job was to get my story for my local newspaper. Traveling out of country is rare here in Northwood. Imagine being in her shoes when I smiled and started talking for 4 hours about the past year. Having to cut things shorts and even skip stories, knowing myself too well....I gazed her direction and her face was overwhelmed!

The story in the Anchor about my adventures is a detialed overview of what the past year has been like. There are a few things I'd like to correct tho, can't take all the credit for the great things in the story, as some of the actions weren't made by me.

To clarify:

-My friend Luis is from Nicaragua. He built his house with his bare hands in less than a month. Still with no floor, water or electricity, he was hesitant for me to visit, the owner of Hidden Canopy Treehouses donated the money for him and I to install a floor. Jenn, you are a kind and generous woman!

-Luis, lived with his wife and two kids. His parents lived in a full house (11 people in the 10x15 foot room.) When I was in Matagalpa those 17 days, I stayed with Luis and family.

-In total, my time in Nicaragua was roughly 2 months.

-Honduras scuba diving was great. Put it on your bucket list. And go advanced. We went 36 meters below the surface to feel nitrogen narcosis (waters intoxications!) Scuba diving is awesome.

Thanks JoAnn for taking those few hours to chat with me. You are an amazing person!

Speed change: turtle to mig at Mach 10

2010-08-02T18:23:00.000-06:00

Live in the moment. A favorite motto.

Life from Central America pace. To bike pace. Back to American pace. All that = walking pneumonia!
No joke.

July was CRAZY. Who doesn't love the 4th? Grilled food....food in general is good, especially after rice, beans and tortillas! Eating is a new hobby. Potentially dangerous, however, my friends are insane "go'ers."

Pretending to work and be professionals doesn't last long with these two!

Jumped from Nebraska all the way to NYC in a 10 day span. Spent time at a family reunion that wasn't mine, enjoyed a road trip with a bestie where we worked Xtreme hours at a hot air balloon festival in Jersey. Saw the Liberty Bell in Philly.

No Self Service means Self Service ?? Jersey rules....?

Made in home in time to hit a few days of RAGBRAI and have epic sessions of Louisville Chuggers and learn a few 'how to ride and.....' tricks in the two days that I rode.

These are my friends! That includes SPANDEX!

Only in Iowa can you buy Pork Chops in a cooler and they'll be the best chops you've ever tasted.

Everything a dollar? Why not buy 4 pulled pork sandwiches and 25 tall-boy beers...

(deep breath) back on the farm. Had to buy my first pack of toilet paper in over 13 months today. Head hung a bit heavier. Good news: Will be back on the road in September. More on that later.

Need to mention: The bike rests in Iowa!

2010-07-14T16:52:00.000-06:00

The tires rolled happily into Northwood, Iowa June 29th at 6pm.

Happy to be done.
Happy to say they rolled 1,200 miles in Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Iowa.
Happy to have made it without a dog taking a piece of rubber out of them.
Happy to have made it from Dallas, Texas to Northwood, Iowa WITHOUT a flat tire.

A trip of a lifetime. The Central America one too, just different being on a bike for 17 days during the summer, humidity and heat of the South up to the Midwest.

Since being home. My taste-buds have reunited with every possible flavor that'd been missed since last July. Sweet corn. Roma pizza's. Dried beef pickle rolls. And home cooked meals from almost everyone in Northwood. (the towns a small, quaint, love-able community that'll grab your heart faster than cupid....not to mention they've been sitting on the best recipes for centuries)

A big thank you to my support crew. Those who helped encourage at the beginning, set up my bike for success, rode next to me, lent me your tent (it's still destroyed but I'll replace) or rented me your backyard. Thanks to those of you who answered your phones when I was at my weakest, who took photos with me at our strongest. To those who gave me fruit or grilled steaks. To those who ran up to hug me. EVERY moment has been touching. Lasting. And is forever ingrained in memory.

Biking may or may not continue to RAGBRAI. Time will tell. However, the journey's will. Next up. Mountains. Goal: To hike 3 14,000 ft peaks in Colorado this summer. Anyone up for the challenge?

One day to go....final destination tomorrow!

2010-06-28T22:04:00.000-06:00

Quickly, I need sleep, here is the day.

67 miles into a headwind gusting at 25-30 mph. 3 dog sprints, one was actually a close call with a German Sheppard. Can now say 110% that I do NOT like dogs. Mary, my friend that's riding along, probably agrees. After what she was screaming, as we used adrenaline to pump us away from them, I'm conviced!

We're in Clarion at the Nerliens, Brooke and Adam - you make a mean steak. Thanks for the hospitality!

Tomorrow, final destination. YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS! Northwood here I come. Excited to be off the bike seat and let my butt go back to normal shape. Excited to see everyone. Excited. Excited. Excited!!

Pics from the trip thus far!

2010-06-26T16:44:00.000-06:00

Jorge and Hector. You two are a BIG reason why I'm this far (Ames, Iowa) THANK YOU.

Tent city on Free Wheel

Daniel being attacked by our tent neighbors.

When it rains..............go inside!

If you would have rode this day, you would have jumped in too.

Sexy tan lines. David, Daniel, Barry and Byran...y'all rock.

Entering Missouri

Michelle and Mike.......they paid for me to have a hotel one night. If I didn't accept their offer, they threatened to beat me up.

These little guys must have though I was a fellow deer, came right up to me.

This is Sam. He rode with me the last 10 miles into Des Moines. He's got a killer blog about cycling too. Check it out!

Abby! Wow it's only been a year.

Meet Mary. She's riding with me back to Northwood!

Is it always flooded in Iowa?

2010-06-25T07:55:00.001-06:00

Leave for a year. Come back and things hardly change. Buildings still there. People still working the jobs they love to hate. Restaurants pumping out people on Court Ave and Des Moines, still flooded like always!

Yesterday, around noon I rolled into Des Moines through a mud patch that lasted for....well, forever! I was screaming in excitement. Rolled into town with new cyclist friend Sam, who didn't know it at the time, distracted me from the pain in my legs that had been eating them for the last 30 miles. I fought a head wind and hills for 44 miles yesterday.

This bike trip isn't done yet. Just put on hold a few days while I say my 'holas' to a few Des Moines peeps. And on hold is a great thing due to major soreness happenings, from the bike seat region on my body.

Since my last blog, I've convinced myself that dogs are evil. Chased again. This time tag-teamed from black labs. Their teeth were big. Thus, the sprint lasted a long time. When my ankles and tires were finally out of reach, my legs were shaking, still clipped in, from the left-over adrenaline pumping throughout them. That happened in Missouri. Knock on wood as Iowa hasn't brought me dogs yet, just twin fawns about 4 yards away, lots of cardinals and a retired state troopers front yard for camping in Leon!

Happy to admit, from here to home (roughly 130-150 bike miles) there'll be a bed for me every night! No more ghetto duct taped tent on this trip, now only to replace it for the owner.....

90 miles

2010-06-22T17:16:00.000-06:00

Today was character defining. My 'behind' was in the saddle at 6 am. Around noon I found myself doing a sprint away from another ankle biting dog. Only to be completely drained. The day, up to that point had been FILLED with rolling hills. And being self-contained, it was wearing on me.

I roll into Excelsior Springs very fatigued. Hot. And ready to be done. The town was one big giant hill in every direction. A test in itself. From this point, I knew there was 27 miles to go.

I was mentally prepared tho. I'd heard that hwy 69 was new and had a great shoulder. So I thought I'd be rolling into Cameron, where I had a prearranged bed to sleep in, with energy to go again tomorrow. That dream was shot out of the sky after the first 5 miles on 69 provided me with less than 5 inches of shoulder and heavy traffic. So heavy that at one point a over sized semi buzzed me within 2 feet. The suction was enough to scare me into hyperventilating. Then to tears.

I was crying. MAD at myself for lack of planning. HOT, hottest day of the year...heat index at 105. And tired. My breath felt restricted. Calming down to prepare for each hill only to cry once I reached the top. Cars, trucks and semi's still flying by.

I pull off into the shade at a convenience store. Sign says 22 miles to Cameron. 22 miles to air con. 22 miles to a shower and bed. I sit on the blacktop. Drop my head into my hands and cry. The tears formed pools in my sunglasses and drip from my cheeks. I'm Frustrated. Pushed to the limit. Tired and drained. THIS IS INSANE, WHY AM I DOING THIS?

Call my support crew, they tell me to stop if my physical condition can't go further, it's too dangerous. I contemplate hitchhiking. Still crying. I taste the tears/sweat. I taste my own failure. Failure of the days goal, of my lack of planning. I sit there. The clerk comes out to smoke, twice. Think it was to check on me mostly. What to do? Call for a ride? Hitchhike? Camp here? Ride on?

Earlier, I'd decided that character is defined not when you get yourself into a situation, it's defined when you figure out how to get yourself out of that situation. I look down, grab a RB energy shot. Go to the restroom. Look at myself in the mirror. I CAN DO THIS. I CAN. 22 Miles. 22 MILES. I chug water.

The entire 22 miles I was repeating 22 miles in my head. Screaming it out loud as I crawled up the hills. I pumped my arms for semis to honk, feeding off of anything positive. I raced along. Faster than I'd gone all day. Using anything and everything I had in me. A test. 22 miles, I see the 18 miles sign. 22 miles, there goes the 13 mile sign. 22 miles. 22 miles, 8 miles to go. 22 miles, I see the water tower. Another hill. Legs are tight. My body is entirely sweat. Sweat is dripping from my knees, its forming on my forearms. I dump water over my head to cool off. Heat index of 105. It's 2pm. 22 miles and the man outside says "keep going, you've got a mile to go."

And now I'm here. In Cameron. Have had the shower. Washed my clothes and about to eat a steak. Isn't it funny how far we can push ourselves? Positivity can do wonders. Less than 70 miles to Iowa!

Missouri!

2010-06-19T15:24:00.002-06:00

Today marked the end of Freewheel 2010 as we rolled into Joplin' MO.

What an experience with such a motivating group of people.

Had three guys riding / camping next to me for the week....Daniel, David and Larry....all okies and my new groupies! Thanks to them I made it through the week with extra heckling and hugs!

Spoke Spanish with a teacher today..she also advised finding a man to share my time with! I smiled and thanked her for the advice!!!

Then had a New Orleans man buy me a beer at 11 am! Barry-you are awesome!

Alice....girl who rode in and pulled her Achilles before Freewheel even started then proceeded to pass me every day snuck money in my bags today. The kind act still makes me shake my head in disbelief.

Had someone come up and take a picture of me because I'm NUTS and then another ask to take one with me.

All of that and the goodbyes to my new friends had me riding away in tears. Wow such a motivating experience with some phenomenal folks.

Now in Webb City. Alone again. In my tent- in a backyard. Two days of riding and I should be close to KC.

Estimating another 600 or more miles to go!

Thanks Oklahoma for all of the good people you've brought into my life!

Hello Missouri, please be flat!

free wheel learnings

2010-06-17T13:01:00.002-06:00

What can you learn while on a bike?

Well try scraping yourself up off a bridge after you've successfully crashed into a biker ahead of you.

Or learn how much your legs can endure during a mtn climbing day. Somewhere between 4-5 thousand ft of elevation.

Eat an Indian taco with specially made fry bread.

Listen to an old man tell you about how when he was eleven his parents gave him burbon and that's why he likes to drink.

Will be tackling 'how to get sap out of running shorts' here shortly

Also need to find out how to repair sleeping mats with holes.

I've cleaned dog pee out of my tent.

I've gained 10 lbs....how I'm not sure.

Successfully patched 3 sides of my tent after a friendly dog attack.
Washed my clothes in a sink every day.

And have met awesome awesome people....mostly crazies so we mesh really well!

In Pryor Oklahoma tonight after a cake walk of a ride today where we picked wild raspberries....anything would have been easier than yesterday!

Been riding for 7 days now....something around 480 miles!

noodling

2010-06-14T15:52:00.001-06:00

So last night I got a verbal lesson on noodling. Y'all know what noodling is? Hahaha. Well to sum it up......its swimming and catching catfish with your bare arms. You stick your hand in their mouth and wrestle them out of the water. No bait needed. Just your fingers are catching 50 lb biters. No bigs. Turns out this is a national pastime in Oklahoma. Now I'm learning a lot!

Can't even begin to explain to lessons ive learned from all these okies. Haha. We've got some true southerns on freewheel. Yesterday afternoon we had Christian rock music playing for 4 hours straight- at the camp site. We alzo have been passing Baptist churches frequently. There's Indian tacos. There's brisket. The OSU fans are just as upset about the Big 12.

The sweat has been dripping. We climbed what I think are mtns today. They say hills and if that's true let me just say they are the BIGGEST hills I've ever seen. Then coasted for a few miles down at 35 mph.

Right now I'm laying in a tornado shelter cooling off....temp feels like 109. We're expecting storms tonight and rain tomorrow.

Butt cream and powder, gatorade and pickle juice, bananas and cliff bars. Sunscreen and cold showers......all things keeping me alive here in Oklahoma!

Wahoo almost at 300 miles in the trip so far!

Hills and Duct Tape

2010-06-12T13:52:00.000-06:00

In Oklahoma now. Crossed the Red River. But not without great stories. Yesterday consisted of 71 miles. Hills. Thousands of hills. Newspaper reporters. Cops. Dogs attacking my borrowed tent. Duct tape. More duct tape. Lots OF duct tape. After 123 miles in 93 degree heat I have arrived in Hugo, OK to ride the Oklahoma Free Wheel week long RAGBRAI like state ride. Thus far I've got the most ghetto tent with the most duct tape and had the most questions as to why I want to ride to Iowa. I have already washed my clothes in the sink and for all of you wondering, I have showered twice.

Today I was chased by a dog while I was pedaling uphill. Small cute dog but very vicious. Hope the dog trend does not continue.

This southern drawl is way too much for me to handle!

Updated by Kelly, Hailee's sister, via cell phone.

From backpacks to backbags!

2010-06-10T17:05:00.000-06:00

Thank you south wind! Please stay with me for the next 3 weeks.

Beginning another adventure

2010-06-09T21:33:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow, if the rain holds, I'm embarking on my most challenging adventure yet to date. Not jumping a bus to Mexico or a boat to Columbia. Pedaling a bike, north to Iowa actually!

A push mentally and maybe a little physically. Maybe a more than a little. 50 or 70 miles on a bike for 3 weeks. Through the Texas heat. Through tornado alley in Oklahoma. After the Oklahoma Free Wheel, I'll spend a week alone in Missouri. Then the home stretch from border to border in Iowa.

Getting to this point...whoa. THANK YOU JORGE AND HECTOR at REI. I've spent well over 20 hours in their shop with them. Learning. Tweaking. And putting together my bike. You two are bike geniuses!

Have a tent. But I'll make it a goal to sleep inside. Humans are kind! Excited to see what happens. Not sure if my family was ready for this, again. They've sent me off with a phone that has 'road side assistance.'

PS.........Thanks fam for the support. Mary too.....loved seeing your face again, finally!! And Lauren, congrats on graduating from high school, excited to see what you make happen. Quinn---Happy Birthday to you a few days late!

Feelin' the love....wiiings!

2010-06-03T14:09:00.000-06:00

Red Bull is in my blood. No wait, it is my blood. HA! Been done working for them since last June, but still feeling the family love. The Wiiings Team...Liz and Michelle, in Dallas just hooked me up with some Energy Shots for my bike trip back to Iowa! Couldn't be more pumped up, maybe it's because I just had my first Red Bull Cola in a year or maybe because I'm looking at A LOT of E-Shots......or maybe its just because they were COOL!

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

Water bottle Americanisms

2010-06-03T13:30:00.000-06:00

Since being back, my eyes have opened to many of things that Americans do, consume, yell, text or say. A sad, reality that hits me via my family, and their friends, every day here in Dallas, is watching the consumption of plastic water bottles. Mission: to have at least one of them convert to a reusable-environmentally friendly stainless steel water bottle.

Klean Kanteen

It's important to use reusable bottles.......because Americans alone buy over 29.8 billion, that's right, BILLION, bottles of water each year. 8 out of 10 goes into landfills. Think back to high school science when your teacher told you about how long it takes for plastic to disintegrate in the earth.......yeah that's right, NEVER.

Do your part people. Please. I'm working on my family!!!

Bike transformation

2010-05-29T10:53:00.000-06:00

Life consists of 2 boys. My bike. And a very comfy bed. That's right still super nannyin' it up while training on my bike as much as possible--that's after I hand over the kids to their parents with a smile at 5pm every day.

Started riding with bags today. 20 lbs of weights in there to help me train. This is INSANITY! Try telling people you're riding a bicycle to Iowa when they're out riding more miles a day than you.

Before Jorge and Hector

After Jorge and Hector!

Feel like there's a chance this can actually be done now. Can confidently say that without the help of my new Puerto Rican friends Jorge and Hector at REI, I would have been laid up on the side of some road in the middle of nowhere Oklahoma kicking my bike. But now.............feel like its my birthday (actually it's my bestie's bday today. Shout out to ANNA!!! Happy 26 chica!).

Friday night LIVE music

2010-05-23T21:59:00.000-06:00

My first experience at a pre-kindergarten graduation. Consider it an 'ab' workout as they sang in Spanish, danced like trees and accepted diplomas for being 4!

Hitchhiking

2010-05-23T20:45:00.000-06:00

That's right. Already hitched a ride and the Dallas-Iowa bike ride hasn't started. Found myself north of Lake Lewisville, huge lake that has over 185 miles of shoreline, plopped down in the northern Dallas suburbs. Turns out......there aren't many bridges to cross it.

Bike route hit a detour. Next thing I know I'm climbing hills on a 2 lane (one lane each way) road as Texas trucks are barreling past me. Head into grocery store. They do not serve cold Gatorades. Figures. Money gets stuck in machine. Make small talk with people in store for directions to Coppell (suburb, 25 miles south!) and nice architect/biker short wearer man offers me a ride in his Texas truck across the only bridge around. Good ole I35! No way I was crossing that on a two wheel self propelled bike.

Hindsight on the weekend.....Hitching rides is going to become a new favorite hobby of mine as I lose my way up north! And, butt is sore!

REI reimbursement

2010-05-21T12:53:00.000-06:00

Bought my trusty Salomon shoes for the Central America trip. Wore, tore and beat them down on volcanoes and such. When originally purchased the salesman told me I could bring them back within the year and get a refund if anything happened to them.

So, holes, tears and all; off we went to REI last night to see if the shoes (unwearable) were refundable. Guy at the counter is taking his time, diligently looking up the type of shoe it is, my membership number and the amount he can give in store credit. While I'm on the other side of the counter. Crossing my fingers for $60, while I paid $90 new. Hoping, really trying to will my positive thoughts to the computer screen that he was looking at.

He looks up, smiles. I'm feeling good, secretly pumped, loving REI at this moment, Saloman shoes too. Then the news. I'm already feeling it, it's gotta be good. He says "we can give you $6.83 in store credit." I look, in disbelief. "Can you say that again?" He smiles "we can give you $6.83 cents in store credit." Tail between my legs. Ok, REI, you win. I kept the unwearable shoes!

Moral of the story: Can't trade volcanoes for a new pair of bike shorts!

Catch of the day

2010-05-20T09:25:00.001-06:00

Oh how my big moments have changed since returning to the US. Today's life changing moment was shared with Zach (2) and Ginger (dog).

Story goes like this: Dog needs to go outside. Dog starts chasing baby rabbit. I run, rescue half stunned/half chewed on rabbit. Zach falls in love with rabbit. Pets it. Loves it. Then, requests his release to the world to- go see his mommy.

The next idea/adventure!

2010-05-18T15:04:00.000-06:00

Thinking about riding a bike (with pedals) from Dallas home to Iowa. And might do it in less than 3 weeks! Who really needs to prepare for 981 miles on a bike anyways?

Going to be spending some serious time on this guy. Needs a name, ideas?

Oh and for all of you that have said they wanted to visit me or travel with me. Consider this an open invitation to join me on the road for 2-3 weeks. Biking. Camping. And more biking! Leaving Frisco, Texas around June 8th.

Think you're tired?

2010-05-17T13:54:00.001-06:00

This little guy woke up drooling from a nap. Not because he was sleeping good, because he had his tonsils out last Friday. His parents left him with me today. Super Nanny at it again. Except he's not the biggest fan of me. He likes Ginger, the dog, more.

Ten minutes after he woke up from his first nap, I said 'medicine time' and this is what happened. A complete boycott turned into nap #2!

Still have the Spanish touch!

2010-05-17T12:11:00.000-06:00

In Texas. But it doesn't mean the Spanish speaking has come to an end. In fact, was talking to some construction workers the other day and next thing I know, I'm holding this:

Does it mean I still have the touch or accent?

How did you afford 9 months of travel?

2010-05-17T12:01:00.000-06:00

Are you rich? No

Is your family rich? No

Did you win the lottery? Nope

So, how did you have enough money to travel all those countries for 9 months?
I saved. I was frugal. I wanted it, bad.

But honestly, it's not that expensive if you keep to your budget, allow for those spontaneous ideas to have funding and move at your own pace. I wasn't on a bus every other day because that's more expensive. I tended to settle down for 3-5 days, on beaches sometimes 2 weeks!

When I left, my budget was to spend less than $1000/month. Here's my mint spending from August '09-May '10. It tracks all activity coming from any and all financial accounts. Great way for me to keep an eye on where my money was going and most importantly, how fast it was 'going.'

Overall: Spent just under $9,000 for the 9 months. That included: Spanish lessons, scuba diving, 4 flights, numerous buses, heaps of tours and hikes, a bit of food!, a bed each night and 8 countries of intense travel. You can do it too! And you should!

Love you Craigslist

2010-05-14T07:36:00.001-06:00

You have to love the randomness of Craigslist. And the differences a city has to offer. Today, in Dallas, this is what you can find in the Free section:

Free dirt - (Oak Cliff) pic
Free rabbit manure fertilizer - (Wylie, Texas 75098)
FREE BEES AND HIVE - (Joshua)
Free non working Refrigerator - (Lewisville)
wedding vail, 2 left crocs, plastic easter eggs - (Frisco just north of preston and main) pic img

That's right people, this is Texas! You can drive somewhere to pick up someone's dirt or rabbit poo. Make your own honey from the free bees, get a non working fridge to store it in and wear the left crocs while you work!
Here's the the US of A!

Thx thx thx

2010-05-13T15:33:00.002-06:00

Do yourself a favor and check out this blog. My friend Kate , who's a guru on knowing cool things, shared it today. Thx Kate!

Thx Thx Thx

How to respond?

2010-05-13T12:22:00.000-06:00

Meet my nephew Zach (he's 2, expressionless and witty, charming and most of the time, OUT - OF - CONTROL)

Zach: he points at my arm "Hailee, what's that?"
me: "my armpit"
Zach: "why does it have whiskers?"

A night to day difference!

2010-05-10T14:36:00.001-06:00

I went from 2 backpacks and days filled with walking unknown territories. To 2 boys. Ages 2 (Zach) and 4(Brett). In a house, somewhere in a suburb in Dallas!

A few moments ago:
(I had been running on the elliptical, thought Brett was napping or reading books. So I came out into the living room and was doing an ab workout, Brett was taking a #2 in the restroom and somehow we managed to have this conversation)

Brett: "are we going to the park today?"
me: "not sure Brett, we need to be good kids to get to go to the park, maybe tomorrow" (caught Brett stomping on Zach with baseball cleats earlier)
Brett: "ok, are you going to be here tomorrow?"
me: "yes, I'll be here for awhile"
Brett: "are you staying here until you find a man to build you a house?"
me: "ha, well Brett, maybe, maybe not"

Life changes REALLY fast! So do the questions that kids ask!

It's true. I came home!

2010-05-09T18:03:00.002-06:00

Most important thing of the day: Happy Mothers day to you, mom. To you, Kelly. To my grandmas. And to all those other mom's out there!

Here's what brought me home. After Cuba. It just felt right. I'll just say 'my bag was getting heavy' as the reason for coming home!

The price of the ticket was right. So, I flew into Houston on Thursday. Angie was able to keep the secret for a few days. Surprised everyone. My mom-through an email. My aunt and cousins-in person. Then Kelly and her family late yesterday afternoon. My dad didn't know it was me at first on the phone. And my grandmas, well I wished them Happy Grandma's day today with the news.

In Dallas now. For how long who knows. The reverse culture shock is hitting pretty hard. Still having a hard time remembering that I need to FLUSH my toilet paper instead of throw it away. It's fantastic that I can brush my teeth from the water from the faucet, not a bottle!

My taste buds are on sensory overload. Eating a pickle was fantastic! Frozen pizza CHECK. Sushi, oh yeah. The salsa here can't be hot enough. I ate chocolate chips for the first time in 9 months and they were dreamy.

Not only is the food rocking my world. The people, well, it's a bit overwhelming. Lots of my family members are assigning me tasks. Let the SUCTION, the rush, of the US of A begin. Goal #1: see it, understand it, but avoid it. I appreciate the life here, however societies norm isn't appealing to me still.

I ask: please be patient with me. It's hard to answer the 'so how was your trip' question. Think about summing up this:
Costa Rica
Nicaragua
El Salvador
Honduras
Guatemala
Belize
Cuba
Mexico

and everything with that those countries present. Tough stuff ehh? I'll try my best to describe these fantasy places with my words, however to best explain, I say you should go visit and experience it for yourself.

What's next? Who knows. Right now I know I'll be in Texas for the next week. Then who knows? I might ride a bike to Iowa. Or jump over to Arkansas. How long will I be in the US? Maybe for the next year.

Working on the 'next trip' plans now.

Health benefits of Cayenne Pepper

2010-05-08T08:10:00.000-06:00

My sister Angie has relayed a message to me: Cayenne pepper has amazing benefits to the human body. Told her I had a cold and she tells me to drink hot water with cayenne pepper, honey and lemon. Sounds gross, not to mention, kind of crazy.

Did a little research and what do ya know, she's right again! Is this a current trend in the states?

Info below from OrganicFacts.net

The health benefits of cayenne pepper include weight loss, digestion, immunity, heart diseases, dyspepsia, inflammation, headache, throat congestion, and blood circulation.

Cayenne pepper belongs to the Capsicum family and its botanical name is Capsicum annuum. It is the red chili pepper that is used to add flavor in food and has high medicinal values. Cayenne contains vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin K, carotenoids and the complete B complexes. It is also a source of organic calcium potassium, manganese and dietary fiber.

Playing in mi cabeza!

2010-05-07T11:12:00.000-06:00

Anyone else have Cuenta Me in your head? Disregard the video!

Real Mexican food!

2010-05-07T08:36:00.000-06:00

What a change from bland peso pizza and ham sandwiches in Cuba. True Mexican food is stealing my heart, none of this TexMex stuff! The flavor. The fire from the spice! The variety (they put pineapple on the tacos, brilliant.) Not knowing the words to the food, but ordering it anyway....Just going with the flow! I love you Mexican food!

No time to think

2010-05-05T10:27:00.001-06:00

We'd just got done watching a baseball tryout game in a stadium that was condemned after Hurricane Ike, but they let us in anyway, as long as we wouldn't take pictures. Not sure if that was because they didn't want us to recruit their players to other countries or to report that tourists were inside this crumbling stadium that rested on the beach of Baracoa!

We were walking along the sidewalk, drenched in sweat deciding what to do next with the day when we were surprised by a random guy who jumped out of the back of a bicitaxi, hold a guitar and bag of instruments.

Next thing we knew we were making music with the guy, while amused locals poured out of the houses to laugh and enjoy. Things like this were everyday occurrences on the island!

(video is from Jochem Tyhuis)

Lucha Libre!

2010-05-05T10:02:00.000-06:00

When in Mexico............see Mexican wrestling!

Last night went to see Lucha Libre matches in Mexico City. Mystico was the headliner. "Best Mexican Good Guy" as our tour guide says to us, as he's wearing the scariest red mask I've ever seen. Most the wrestlers wear some form of mask, to hide their identity. Probably for many reasons!

My Spanish vocabulary increased as well. But I'll hold those words for conversation only! Ask me later.

This wrestling entertainment is a strange reality. A mans' world of women barely wearing underwear dancing along the catwalk. Where men beat on each other in a gymnast way inside a boxing ring. I swear one of them could have been Shawn Johnson's brother (does she have one?). With midgets dressed as monkeys but look like gummy candies. Old men with died hair and butt pads. Capes. And I'm guessing a lot of steroids! The drama of Lucha Libre brings families, young men and tourists! New to me: the good guys always win!

Check that off the list. Been there-done that-glad to have gone-don't need to do it again!

(all photos from Google images because no cameras allowed in the stadium)

Viva Mexico protests!

2010-05-05T09:33:00.001-06:00

Nothing like getting to Mexico City (third largest city in the world) and experiencing a good ole' protest against the government. Then watching as the 'march' escalates and the Mexican version of a SWAT team shows up!

If I got the story right, the protest is from the people in the state of Chiapas, the poorest region of Mexico. They're tired of the government taking their jobs. This is also the area of the Zapitistas. Not sure if it's affiliated.

Time warp from the 50's

2010-05-03T23:49:00.000-06:00

The debate to post photos from my trip or not was cleared up after I read an email from my mom with an article from my hometown newspaper. I'd sent an email to them before I left, thinking I could report on a topic, from inside a communist country, if they wanted and I laughed when seeing that the email had been quoted in an entire article.

Now that the news is public, I'll just try my luck on the border whenever I come home, hopefully my 17 day dissappearance won't stir up any unwanted fines or jail time from the US Customs peeps. Land of the free but restricted to travel in certain countries!?!?

I'm back. PERMA SMILE. Face hurts actually, still laughing re-living the magical moments from Cuba. By far my favorite country......EVER!

A time warp with cars, buses, and the public transportation of horse drawn carriages. The archicture is stunning, so old the people walk in the middle of the streets in Habana Vieja because buildings fall every day.

(photo from Lukas Rada)

Ice cream for 4 cents. Pizzas and ham sandwiches for 25 cents. Which I hope to never eat one of those again!

Tourist buses. Evil musicals from the 80's. Tourist currency (a 25-1 difference....discrimination?)

Beaches.
Dominos. And Chess in the park.

Castles.
Fantasy beaches in the Carribean.
Cigars.
Temperatures between 80-100 degrees.
Havanna Club. Mojitos.
Cakes fro 40cents. Entire cakes!

MUSIC. Oh the music. Coming from the cracks of every building. It's magical. Live music everyday.

The dancing. Don't even get me started. I felt like a professional. The men......haha oh the Cuban men can dance. It's in their blood.

Latin passion.
Casa particulars. No hostels here, instead you stay with the people.
One day I heard: Czech, Hebrew, Dutch, German, English, Spanish, French being spoken.

Street corner cameras. Big brother is watching.
Safest country I've ever been in. Maybe because the locals can get arrested for talking to tourists.

Bars open 24 hours. A round of shots for the entire bar: $1.50.

Coffee.

Street art.
A name change to 'Linda' (Spanish meaning: beautiful) aka they love Americans.
Everyone has family in Miami.
The billboards are for propagada only.

Solismo si! Viva Raul. Viva Fidel. Viva Cuba Libre!

A local said: Cuba is the biggest prision in the world. Another local told me that 'if she could leave, she wouldn't want to, best place in the world to live.'

(marched with a millon for their labor day parade)

I'm forever changed. My heart hurts because I had to leave, but wow, what an experience. Put this place on your list. It's special and magical. Bring patience!

More to come. Takes time to recall this 17 day adventure!

Great marketing

2010-04-15T14:37:00.002-06:00

Can't help it. Red Bull will always be in my blood. Hence, seeing it on a helmet of a guy driving a scooter, on the streets of Mexico, with his scooter gang buddies beside him, makes me smile! This, my friends, is marketing!

Friday is the day.

2010-04-14T12:42:00.002-06:00

Bought the ticket. Bit nervous. Very excited. Don't plan on using my computer there. Internet is very expensive and rare.

So far I know:
-Heath care is free
-College, heck all education is free
-Maternity is a year long, daycare is free
-Cows are gov't controlled, beef is sold in only gov't stores/restaurants
-They used to eat grapefruit steaks during their economic crisis of the mid-90's
-No such thing as mortgages. Can't sell your house for profit, only trade it for one equal in size to the one you already own
-Little tax exists
-Everyone uses gov't subsidized food stamps, believe it's weekly rations
-The cars are called 'yank tanks' all very old model cars

And that's just from reading a few pages in a guide book! Going now to change dollars to euros for better exchange rate when I get there. They're not fond on the USD, can't imagine why!

Wanted to know.....would you like to know anything about the country?

22-Degree halo

2010-04-13T11:36:00.000-06:00

Believe it or not, I enjoy running on the beach. (Anna, not joking, I LIKE it!) It brings calm and peace to brutal exercise. Also, a great way to explore lengths of beaches. Today's run, especially good.

Saw something I've never seen before. A rainbow-like ring around the sun. A ring around the sun? IS THE WORLD ENDING TODAY? Sure isn't. This is what it is:

A 22-degree halo occurs when the sky is filled with cirrus clouds which are between 3-5 miles up in the atmosphere. Because the clouds are so high, they're cold. And sometimes contain ice crystals. Thus the 22 degree ring is because of the suns' refracted light through the hexagonal ice crystals.

Much more common than I expected, as it was a bit new to me at first, can happen over 100 days in a year!

The Panama Hats and jippi plants

2010-04-13T11:21:00.002-06:00

A new friend Marcus introduced me to Panama Hats and the famous pueblo where they're made. Had to go check it out for myself.

A two hour, 40 peso, bus ride landed me in Becal, Campeche Mexico. From here I was swept away in a tourist 'triciclero' bike, heading towards the nearest caves where the Panama hats are produced. Hand made from fibers of the jippi plant that have been heated, sulfured and sun dried for days, the weavers sit in caves 10 feet below ground to avoid humidity while the hat is in production. In Becal, there are over 40 caves with working weavers. And almost every family has someone weaving hats, they say over 70 percent of the town works the trade.

Meet the maker!

Jippi plant palms

Panama hats for Paul Bunyan

Although you can buy these original hats in Merida cheaper during market days, I bought one from the maker for more. Hoping the money goes straight into their pockets. Two days of work produced a hat for $300 pesos. There are finer woven hats there for $1500 pesos, well over $100 USD. These felt like silk. All hats are bendable and roll-able, good for travel and 'sturdy for life' as the owner says! Time will tell!

P.S. Marcus is very passionate about the hand made shoes here in Mexico. Check out all the photos/info on his blog about the Huarache's!