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Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Santa Clara PAL BMX - Board Meeting

Yesterday evening, amid questions as to why our local track has been closed, I attended a meeting at Santa Clara PAL BMX. Yuan and I stood in the cold on the bleachers with so many other amazing people in the BMX family to hear what has been going on. There were city board members there, the chief of police, track board members and the T.O., Nick Valencia. This was a public meeting, so I'm sharing some of what happened below, to the best of my memory: 

To get down to it, the TOs, Nick Valencia and Marissa (not sure of her last name), were (falsely) being accused of “mismanaging money”. This came about because a new person on the city board saw a commercial being filmed for something in San Francisco on track property and noticed that a company’s logo was displayed on the SC PAL jerseys. He asked the people doing the commercial who they paid, and the people responded that they didn’t pay anyone, they were just allowed to be on the land. The new board member brought up that they didn’t have insurance, and the people filming called in and added the track on their insurance for the day, providing the board member with the correct paperwork. Instead of going to Nick, the new city board member went to the company to ask if any funds were exchanged for the jerseys. The company told him no, and that they had donated the jerseys to the track. The city board then had an issue with the track not asking permission to put their name next to another company on the jersey. 

* Edit: I saw part of the commercial in question- no logos, jerseys, etc. were anywhere in the making of that production. From what I saw, the city board falsified their claim. 

Apparently, Nick found out that the city board member had gone to the company, and several track board members claimed that he apparently had portrayed himself as a police officer or as having police backing to do so (the city board member denied that he did this). Next, the board came into the signups booth and began taking money and Nick’s work laptop from the booth. There were no adults there at the time, but there was a child there. Nick immediately told them to leave and told them that this was harassment of a minor. The board also installed cameras inside the sign up booth, directly pointing to the computers and workstations inside the booth.

They continued to accuse Nick and Marissa of money mismanagement (let’s call it what it is- embezzlement) without any proof whatsoever. Marissa had enough and quit. It’s a very serious accusation, and Nick didn’t feel safe continuing to have the track open, so he and the board put it on pause until they could resolve something. 

The meeting started out like a hot mess. There were about 50 or so people there, including (like I said above) Nick, the track board, 3 city board members and the chief of police. They began the meeting by stating that they wanted the track to continue to be open but the current track board has been voted out by them and are gone, then they immediately began to ask for volunteers to step up and run the track (a.k.a. “scabs” in my opinion). This was met by angry resistance from all, as well as letting them know that the entire track board and Nick were in fact there. The city board would not tell anyone why they made their decision to get rid of everyone, until a few people with notes stood up and told everyone the above story.

Also during the meeting, a woman stood up on the top of the bleachers and told the city board that the reason the company donated jerseys to the track and had their name on them (the Santa Clara PAL track jerseys) was because her husband had a connection there. No money changed hands, and nothing was done wrong. The city board members didn't bother to even find that out, and had no idea that this was the case. 

Everyone there very passionately stuck together and told the city board in no uncertain terms that if the board goes and Nick goes, they won’t continue to ride or volunteer there. They told the board that in the last 10 years they have not even been out to the races once, they know absolutely no one there and have no idea what it takes to run a top-notch facility. A woman even brought up that if they really think there’s something shady going on with the money, they could do an external audit. The city board member responded that he was doing an audit, and that’s why he went to the company, and several people told him that that’s not how an audit is done. It needs to be done by an external person, not someone who has an issue with Nick. Nick said that would be great, because he has never and would never steal anything from the track. Several people said that when the track was getting started, he even gladly put his own money into it. The meeting participants also said that the city board would consistently tell them one thing in an email and then another thing verbally, throughout their time running the track.

For several weeks before the state qualifier, the track had volunteers out there doing a TON of work, and at the end they got them burgers. The burgers were paid for with a credit card associated with the track ($150 total charge). They had been told that they could use the card, then in the meeting the board members said, “oh well this other person had to be the one to physically use it”. The city board was told that getting everyone a burger at the end of a very long, grueling and time consuming three weeks is not money mismanagement. Receipts were kept, there was paperwork, etc.

While this was going on, USABMX has offered to manage the money directly, but the board doesn’t like that either due to certain words in the paperwork; however, talks with them are still on the table. Wednesday (not sure if it’s this Wednesday or next) is the deadline with USABMX, as they need to figure everything out about the national. The city board members had no idea that that was even the deadline, until they were informed by the track board in the meeting yesterday.

The meeting went on for an hour and a half, and towards the end they began communicating more, which was at least something. My take on it is that the city board members should be ashamed, firstly of accusing people of embezzlement without any proof, second for not taking the time to even interact with or get to know any of the hardworking members of the track-then pulling this stuff, and third for not having any numbers, etc. prepared for the meeting. The track members had notes, numbers, ideas, etc. and the city board wanted to have a “pissing contest” and not even listen. The city board also tried finger pointing several times during the meeting that it was Nick- not them- who closed the track. They received backlash for that too. Who would continue to run something when they are being wrongly accused of a major crime?

I stand with Nick, and don’t blame him for closing the track. If I were in his position, I wouldn’t feel protected there, and that’s exactly what he said as well.

My feeling on this is that it is VERY up in the air right now. All we can do is wait and see and hope.

To watch the meeting on Instagram Live, here's a link (not mine): https://bit.ly/3oTvfzf 

One of the MANY posters in support of Nick, the track board, and the kids/riders taped up on the bleachers and the track fence yesterday. Photo not mine.



Thursday, October 21, 2021

California Living!

 Well, it's definitely been a minute! Between loads of interviews, packing, downsizing, and selling a house in about a month and a half to move across the country, some things fell off the plate for awhile. 

Changes are scary, but if you never change, you don't grow. (image source)

I guess I need to back up a bit first. 

Last year, Y and I decided that it was time to begin looking around in the job world. We had each been with our companies for some time, and no matter how much we loved them, it was time to move on and pick up new responsibilities. We wanted to live in the city where we met several years ago, so we began searching in the SF Bay Area. Long story short- and lots of interviews later, we each accepted new positions, and had exactly a month and a half to downsize from a 3 bedroom house with a basement, pack up, sell the house, and move to San Francisco! 💪

Can we just move our entire house? Lol! (source)

I might be glossing a bit over the stress of that time. During all this, we went to Nashville, TN for a BMX national, and I was so stressed out I had a breakdown, complete with random crying at the track. This isn't something I love to relive, but hey- we're all human, and I had reached my breaking point. That said, I am SO thankful for the people there who talked to me and gave me support. Really, thank you guys! That meant the world. After that, we decided to pull out of the races and go see downtown, eat at a really nice restaurant and be tourists. It wasn't the weekend we had hoped for, but changing plans when we had to was much needed. A week or so after this, we both accepted our new jobs and the countdown was on. I'm happy that during this time I got to go to my local track, Blue Springs BMX, race a few times, and say goodbye. It was really hard, because I made some really good friends and I still miss them a ton. 😥

Thank you for being so awesome, Blue Springs BMX! (source)

While going local for a few hours was still doable, more nationals were not, as we needed every bit of time to dedicate to the move. Originally I had committed to certain nationals, but as an adult, when something this big happens in life, if you can't deviate from your original plans at all, you're going to be in trouble. What I will bring with me into the national season next year is love for the people who supported me even though I had to take that fork in the road. If there's one thing I've learned, it's that you need to stick with the people who care about you as a person, not just what you can do for them. 

You know it! Weather it's a team, a neighbor, co-workers, etc. There are so many good people out there who become good friends. (image source)

By the way, the board at Blue Springs are some of the nicest, most professional people. They make everyone who comes to the track feel welcome, and they are always out there working on the track to make it the best. They deserve so many kudos. If you ever are in the Kansas City area, go to Pink Hill Park in Blue Springs and check them out. Tell them Erin says hi! 👋😀

While downsizing within a tight timeline was tough, I feel so much better now that we don't have a ton of stuff. We will never be minimalists, and I don't want to pretend to be one by any means, but our two bedroom two bathroom apartment is neat and cozy and we have all we need. The hardest thing for me to get rid of was selling the treadmill. I had wanted a treadmill for EVER, and the one we got was amazing. I actually cried after we sold it, but I hope the new owners are loving it just as much as I did. I miss friends, but we love living here- it makes us both so happy! 

San Francisco's full of so many amazing things, and it's so beautiful! We've been here about two months and we're still adventuring. I hope we never stop. (image source)

I have been enjoying getting my running mileage back up slowly, racing at Santa Clara PAL, which is my new home track, and being tourists with Y and friends on the weekends. Right now as I stare out into a rainy city, I'm so proud of the hard work that got us both here, and so thankful for the wonderful friends we have and the luck that has gone our way. 

Santa Clara PAL BMX (they now have asphalt turns) is so much fun! I'm so grateful to be able to have this place as a home track. (image source)

That was a good catch-up for now. I'll be back with some running and riding posts. I hope you all are having a great week and living your best lives! Until next time. 💓

Thursday, May 13, 2021

Spring Has Sprung in KC (Finally!)

 Happy Spring everyone! 

Kansas City in the Spring! OH, how I love you! (Source)

It's the middle of May, and the temperatures are finally climbing into the 50's - 70's, something that makes me smile when I wake up with the sun pouring through the blinds and the birds singing outside. It's been a long, bitterly cold winter, but I've been able to be back on my bike for about a month and a half now, give or take. Making it though a winter here really makes me appreciate how amazing the good weather in the late Spring, Summer, and Fall really are! 

Kansas City, 2019 (Source)

I'm excited to analyze my training and set new goals- goals that now include being outside! Of all the goals I set for myself, the goal to write more hasn't really happened, nor has upping my running mileage. To be honest, after Connor passed last Spring I've had very little motivation to do either. It's been difficult coming to terms with what happened, and I've realized that I can't push myself to feel a certain way in a self-prescribed time frame. I'm just going to have to feel what I feel, and work things out in my own time. Connor was such a good person, a good influence, and made such a positive impact on my life that I'll always carry his memory and the things he taught me along, however, I can't help but think how much he would have liked to see 2021, and I wish harder than anything that something could have changed his mind. I miss my friend. If you or someone you know is battling depression or having a tough time, it's OK to not be okay, and it's OK to talk about it. In the U.S., the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number is 1-800-273-8255. You're not alone. Please talk to someone. 

During the winter several things did happen. In January, just to get out of the house, my boyfriend and I donned our masks and went to Whiskers Cat Café, like we do every now and then, to play with the kitties. I fell in love with one in particular, a little 5 month old, white with faint cream polka-dots, blue eyed kitty with a chocolate tail and masked face (I later learned that he is a Snowshoe). They were having trouble finding a home for him and his best friend, a 1 year old, green-eyed tuxedo (Tina Belcher, aptly named) who was terrified and never came out of the back room. They had been surrendered from a multi-pet home in Missouri to the Joplin Humane Society, where they remained for months, until they were transferred to Whiskers. Everyone was interested in the tiny kittens, so no one wanted them. They mentioned that the Snowshoe (Yoshi) never goes up to anyone, and he held eye contact and went straight up to me. We went home, tossed it around, and decided to go for it! We outfitted the house with a cat tree, toys, and the usual necessities, and two weeks later they were ours. I'm a firm believer that pets pick their owners, and rescuing seemed to us like the better choice. While this seemed like something out of the blue, getting a cat was something we were planning on, just not for a year or two. They've been with us 5 months now and they are the most loving, kind cats. 

Meet Tina Belcher. And yes, they have their own custom couch. 😂

This is Yoshi (and he will tell you- he LOVES to chat!)

The second thing that happened is that we started in on a fun, custom made cruiser. I don't race cruiser right now, and don't really have a strong plan to, since traveling with one bike is SO much easier, but this bike will be ridden anywhere and everywhere around here! You never know though, a race or two may be in its' future, lol! It's a long term project, and has just been sent to paint. I'm so excited to see it all together, but it may be a few more months until it is. Patience is definitely key, since I'm inwardly jumping up and down at the prospect of riding it. 

Speaking of riding and BMX, this is now my second year of assisting a local track with social media. Throughout the winter I came up with several campaigns, which included reaching out to different BMX racing professionals throughout the U.S., as well as to local racers, gathering information, photos, required sponsor tags, etc., and creating unique, interesting posts with the help of my friend and fellow board member, Mike, for some cool graphics. This helped us increase traffic and engagement throughout the winter months when the track was closed, but it also provided racing and training tips and featured local riders to the BMX community. I had a blast doing it! Our metrics are up, our page is interesting, and overall it's been a good experience. The challenging aspect to my being asked to volunteer with social media actually came in the form of the newest board member. He doesn't see the value in it, and constantly disparages me and my hard work. Despite his ongoing unsolicited efforts and digs, I try my hardest to be pleasant and professional when I need to interact with him. After all, he may be going through his own battles and just doesn't know any better. In my experience, people who react negatively toward others for no reason are looking for ways to feel better about themselves, so it's really about them. They typically aren't very happy either, so I have a certain amount of empathy for him. I am glad that the riders and the members in charge love it, and it makes me happy that I can help the track out! 😀

Raytown BMX (Source)

Now, let's talk (a little) more about goals. 

Circling back up to earlier, one more goal I have is to cut out eating so much junk food and eat healthier. This is a goal that is ongoing, and requires multiple trips back onto the wagon. I can't help it, I love Skittles! Well, my friend Trisha is amazing- she lifts weights like a beast, mountain bikes all over in Texas, and has a clean diet to boot! She basically rocks. Recently, after I asked her a little about her lifting and diet, she suggested an app called My Fitness Pal, which is free to download. You can give it your goals, input what you eat (no lying, lol), as well as your activities, and it will help keep you on track. I can't wait to try it out, so thank you so much Trisha!! 

Check out My Fitness Pal if you need a little extra help with keeping track of your diet!

I am going to give this healthy diet goal a good effort. I can't promise that I won't eat a cheat meal now and then, but I plan to pick right on up and keep trying. After all, by July it should be warm enough here to go for a swim, and eating healthy will help me feel more confident when I need to wear a swimsuit. Not to mention, it's just a good thing all around. I hope everyone is having an awesome Spring so far. 

Repeat after me, everything doesn't need to be perfect for something to still be enjoyed. 

Until next time! 👋😎

Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Living in the Arctic Tundra That KC Has Become

Happy Hump Day guys!!! 

I have my puffy coat, my USABMX beanie, and being from Texas, sometimes snow is pretty cool. I'll never admit it though.

It's been awhile since I've written anything, and one of my goals in 2021 is to write more here. For a while, it's been tough to write. Some events in the past year took away my drive and excitement, and for a while I didn't want to write about anything. In fact, I think I preferred, like a lot of people, to not have to look back on last year at all. Good things did happen though, and little by little I've begun coming to terms with the negatives. Even though Covid and the resulting issues slowed my travels down to pretty much only BMX racing, I've had a blast with it and have been making my own fun at home (hello, ice-dying!). We also adopted two kitties from the shelter, and they're so much fun to play with and be around! 

Meet Yoshi, our little polka dot Snowshoe kitty.

Yoshi and Tina (Belcher).
They are a bonded pair and are related (we think big sis little bro).
Adopting instead of shopping was the best decision! (Nothing against the other, though.)

I have mixed feelings about leaving 2020, because that means leaving some friends behind. They'll never experience 2021, and that gets to me. I think about it on the treadmill a lot; it's a tough thought to get  through, and an even tougher one to cement in writing. No matter what though, I try hard to do things that would make them proud, so in effect, maybe I am carrying a part of them into 2021 with me. I miss you everyday, Conor.

As always, winter in the beautiful Midwest is the usual mess of frozen tundra most days, this time including Oklahoma and Texas, which has been mind-blowing. Wearing two pairs of tights, including all the other needed layers, only to go outside and feel your face tighten, then lose all feeling, isn't something I like. In fact, I've always disliked it enough to get in the car and head to the gym for my off-season workouts. I used to fight it, but you know what? I'm OK with it. Having a treadmill this year has helped with my motivation levels, and I've been running nearly everyday on it, taking classes and running virtual races. I feel stronger, not to mention happy that I can look at the beautiful snow while not floundering around in it.

 

What my kitty tries to do and why we have to put him upstairs when it's treadmill time, lol! 

Speaking of the cold, we were all set to go to the Sooner Nationals last weekend, but ended up cancelling when the temperatures dropped so low I felt uncomfortable getting there (close to 0), and I am SO glad I did. I will also mention that due to the cold, I felt there was no way to socially distance like we normally try to do, and after seeing photos of the area and stands, only about half the people were even wearing a mask. There are plenty of warmer nationals coming up, so this girl is going to wait it out! Good riding to friends and teammates who went. I’m so proud of your hard racing!

As for KC, I've got my fingers crossed that we get some not freezing temps soon, and I can't wait for Spring. Until then, I'll be getting ready. 

Source





Thursday, December 17, 2020

Being Your Own Best Advocate

 2020 is now nearing an end, and I'm pretty sure most of us are happy to see it go. After losing several friends, including a very close one, I found myself unable to do much of anything for a while, including writing. I needed to use that time to process everything (still processing in fact), regroup, and start over. I also had to learn to set boundaries with others, and focus on myself. I've always been avoidant on self focus; in my mind I tied that up with narcissism, which is the very opposite of how I want to run my life. I've known my share of narcissists, and once I figured it out I couldn't run away fast enough. However, when I took the time to understand the importance of self-advocacy and care, I no longer lumped it in with narcissism, and began to think of it as laying a healthy foundation for improvement. After all, can't we help others more when we, ourselves, have a healthy foundation/boundaries/outlook? 

Source

I had a conversation with a friend a while back, and she gave me the best advice. She told me that you have to be your own best advocate, in sports, in your career, and in life in general. "No one will be a better advocate for yourself than you.", she told me. The first time I began to fully practice self-advocacy was almost two years ago, when I began a lengthy job search out-of-state. In short, I had to sell myself. I had to believe that what I brought to the table was worthy, and I had to not be shy in asking for what I felt I deserved (NOT to be mistaken for arrogance or cockiness). In the end, that advocacy and confidence paid off. 

While I haven't been face to face with it in sports, I recognize it as something that eventually has to be done. Self-advocacy includes being true to yourself. Do you know what you're looking for in a team? They're all very different. Don't be shy in saying no and waiting for the right fit. Do you want to represent or use a certain brand? Find a team that allows this, or kindly pass. Do you want a smaller or a larger team? Do you want a forced "family" type feel, or are you happier with more space and individuality? Keep true to that, and if, along the way, you learn that something isn't for you, learn from it and look for something different next season. Self-advocacy starts with understanding your own wants and needs, and how you can best help others. When I started back with BMX, I had no idea what I was looking for, team support included. As I progress, I learn more and more about what I ultimately want, and will be pursuing that as well. 

Source

Years back, a man once told me, "I wanted to go to college, but someone told me I wouldn't be good at it, so I didn't go." During our discussion I told him that I never let anyone dictate what I can and can't do with my life, and I've heard it all. He looked surprised, like this was something he hadn't thought of. He never once thought to question that or push on with his goals. He let someone else dictate his life and regretted it years later. You know yourself better than anyone else, so why would you listen to anyone tell you what you and and can't do? Go for what you want. You don't have the experience? Find a way to get it. Consider the source of any advice and decide for yourself weather to take it or not. 

Being your own advocate definitely isn't the easiest thing to accomplish, but since the returns on it are in your own best interest, it's a worthy goal. If you're afraid to ask for what you want, you'll never get it. 


Thursday, October 29, 2020

Trick or Treat! A.K.A., I’ll Just Buy Myself Some Skittles

 Who else is excited for Halloween!!?? 🎃 Because THIS girl is! 😎 I don't have plans for this day, really I'm just super excited to pull on my favorite (uh..and only!) llama onesie (complete with llama face on the hood) and hang around the house (and maybe the car wash) in it all day! Aside from being a LITTLE stir-crazy with this cold spell we're having (a.k.a. winter), getting to wear a llama onesie and possibly eat some skittles seems like an OK day, that and I stopped dressing up as "sexy" everything after college. Let's see, in college I was a sexy maid, sexy sailor, sexy Belle (from Beauty and the Beast), and sexy Dutch girl, to name a few. I also had frat parties, house parties, and clubs to go to all the time. Those were fun, but for one, it's way too cold for that here, and two, onesies are WAY more comfortable. Plus, if you're not going to a party, what's the point of hanging around in a sexy anything costume? No, thank you. The llama costume is definitely pretty awesome though, and I like it a lot. Here's the llama onesie in all its glory from last Halloween. Yes, I am a costume repeat offender, lol. 

The second-annual no drama llama Halloween.

Sailor costume at a sorority/fraternity Halloween party.

If you ain’t first...

I don't think I'll ever get used to the Midwest winters, especially since I love going outside year round, but I AM learning how to effectively layer, and that has been a life saver many times over here. Growing up in Houston meant that layering consisted of a hoodie over a long sleeved t shirt, so there was a lot to learn. 

Being stuck in the house means that it is always super clean, the dishes are always washed and the laundry is always done, so huge benefit there. I also really love our house, so keeping it clean rarely feels like a chore. Recently, my mom got in a cleaning mood as well, and she told me to expect a pod delivered to our driveway with some of my stuff I didn't have room for in my move. I'm a bit nervous since we have to find room in the house to put said stuff, and we just got everything how we like it, including the gym. Unnecessary clutter is something I despise more than sour cream, so putting everything away might take a while. I am excited to pull out my custom made birthday dress though, a silver sequined tube top dress with a pink tutu bottom to it. It’s buried in a box of old clothes somewhere. What can I say? I know how to ring in a birthday with style. 💅🎈🎉

January’s in Houston were (and still are) unpredictable. Sometimes you can go out to celebrate and it’s 80 degrees.

Today's my day off- training, not work- and while I should probably learn to embrace a day off here or there, it drives me crazy. When I get to program in a virtual run on the treadmill or do a class on the bike or with weights upstairs, it wears me out and gets me out of my head. 2020, combined with this newly colder weather, has made me feel more stir crazy than ever before, and I'm going to take a wild stab in the dark when I say that many of you probably feel the same way. 

Today's outfit...well, not the whole outfit, just the best part of it (jeans are boring).

Working out aside, I've been reading a lot more, and have discovered some really good books. My taste in literature is all over the place, so poetry by Pablo Neruda might come right before Glamorama, or vice versa. It's been fun. Currently I'm reading How to Murder Your Life, an autobiography by ex-Conde Nast beauty editor Cat Marnell. Cat isn't the most likeable woman in this book, and while the thought of being friends with her (non sober) in real life would have me running for the hills, I love how candid and unapologetic she is regarding her addiction to drugs and alcohol, starting in high school and remaining like that for years to come. If you're looking for an interesting read, this is definitely one. A Man Called Ove surprised me as well, but that was a hard one to read since it deals with thoughts of suicide, and my year has been affected by that pretty strongly already. The book was so good though, that I read it all the way to the end and would give this one two big thumbs up! 

Source



Wednesday, October 7, 2020

It's Fall, Ya'll!

It's officially fall. Time for pumpkin carving, pumpkin seed roasting, sunflower-field visiting, spraying the house with whatever pumpkin-something scented room spray I have left, throwing up the three pieces of orange-ish decor I own, justifying eating pie and digging out all those cute jackets and long sleeves that have been patiently waiting in their cubby holes since last year. Fall also means it's only 2 months until Grands, the biggest BMX national of the year, and continuing to train hard. I'm super excited for this season, because that means that 2020 is coming to a close, and it also means that I get to see how all my hard work will end up coming together. I'm also excited to continue my 2021 race year with the SSquared National team!

I miss the Texas bluebonnet fields, but fields full of sunflowers work just fine. 😀🌻

My last BMX national before the Grands is coming up this weekend in Omaha, NE. I raced this Monday at Raytown, banging bars and falling in the rhythm section in the 1st round, but qualifying out in the second round and getting 3rd in the main. I also went to my usual practice at Blue Springs on Tuesday, but my normally chill practice was packed with riders, most likely also getting ready for Omaha. It was good, but I'll take my much less packed practice any day with the Tuesday regulars, and it should go back to that hopefully soon! 

Practice a few weeks ago at Blue Springs BMX.

Our annual meeting is coming up (virtually this year), so fall is also the busiest time of the year work-wise. Last year's meeting was in NYC, and even with all the long days, it was a blast! Meeting prep and execution is always hard work, but with this year being virtual, a lot of new challenges come to the fore. I enjoy challenges; they give me new experiences and new tools to work with next time, including new stress-management techniques! 

Last year in NYC for work. They were just starting to get the big Christmas tree ready to go up.

Times Square didn't disappoint. 


A little window shopping at Kate Spade. I love her quirky stuff!


Yuan and I checking out some of the city after work.

Speaking of stress, running almost daily has helped A LOT with that; it allows me to get out of my head for 30 mins. to an hour each day, and allows me to think through anything bothering me. More times than not, I can come up with a new idea, etc. by the end of the run. Running has been a passion of mine for over 5 years now, and despite having had a toxic, overly-competitive person in my life that almost took away my love for it, I'm glad to say that I was able to get that love back for this sport, and plan to continue enjoying it for the long-haul. Never let anyone take away the love you have for something. Especially if you were doing it first. Like Wayne and Garth would say, "Ssshhhaaa!".

I don't know about you guys, but I'm going to be spending some much needed time outside, enjoying that amazing 80's, sunny weather! Time to get outside after work and take my tired butt for a walk. Happy hump-day guys! 😀


Even the sunflowers at Grinter's Farm are cool. 😎🌻