Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Three Years Later

Ha.... that post was so long ago, it's amazing how many things have happened.

I did train and do that Half Ironman in May 2006, then did my second Marathon in October.
Unfortunately during that marathon I tore tendons in both my feet and had to have a couple of surgeries.

But this year, I am back! I have already completed a sprint tri, and an olympic tri... granted since I'm not allowed to run anymore, they were both a bit slow. But hey, beats sitting on my couch for almost two years, and the time in the wheelchair, and crutches.

So.... next on the list? I'm embarking on a six-day bike ride down the coast to my friends Jaime and Chris's wedding www.weddingroadtrip.com . Should be interesting since the furthest I've ridden this year is 28 miles. So the plan is to ride about 80 miles a day for six days down highway 1.

It's funny that I was talking about doing online dating back in 2006, I was horrible at it, had only one date that wasn't good, and called it a day. I was in a couple of relationships in the past 3 years, one really serious with a great guy, but in the end they just weren't right, and here I am in the Spring/Summer of 2009 about to possibly/maybe venture into the dating world again.

I haven't really felt comfortable putting myself out there, I met the last boyfriend when I felt great about myself, mentally and physically, and due to the time spent inactive and in pain I just wasn't quite there yet.

Soooo to officially turn a new chapter, I'm going to do something I didn't think I'd ever do again..... I'm going skydiving!

I went skydiving back in the Summer of 2000 with my girlfriends when we were traveling the east cost of Australia. As www.lagirl.blogspot.com knows I've been terrified of heights since a very young age. It was a great experience, I was 22, and I thought ok check that off the list.
But, my cousin has wanted to go forever, and for her graduation from grad school, her, another friend, and I will be jumping at 18,000 ft.

Wish me luck...... it's my jump into a new attitude, and new chapter in this fantastic life.

Coco

Monday, February 27, 2006

What am I thinking?

Ok so I did that damn biathlon and boy did it suck. One reason being that the bike that I borrowed from a friend is a mountain bike from like 1985 with only really two gears, it didn't have clipless pedals or cages and then in the middle of the "rolling hills"- my ass bike course, it started to rain. I think at one point I was pedaling up a hill and I swear I wasn't moving. It made me realize that I do need to put a serious investment in a nice road bike, and that I have a long way to go before I'm ready for the half ironman. At one point I think I turned into my Dad and cursed the rain, the bike, and my stupidity for awhile. But after getting off the bike, running the next 2.5 miles and getting my finishers medal, it felt pretty good, I wasn't super happy, but it was done. I'm hoping to do the same course in a month to see how long it will take after some further training.

In unrelated news I've decided to embark on the interesting venture of online dating, ewww! It's something that I've thought about, and I know some people have great experiences and all, but it weirds me out and the whole process of "selling yourself" and pimping yourself out is so not appealing, I've always been a hopeless romantic where I thought I would just meet someone and it would just be right. But something has to be done with the lack of dating in my life the last couple of years, yes that's right years. I haven't met anyone in a long time that I've had that spark or connection with in a long time, and the social scene in SF is great, but I think I have too much fun with my friends when we are out to actually notice the other superfluous people in the bar. That is unless I'm drunk and want some boy to kiss.
So, it's official day one of putting myself out there to see what kind of fish this shiny lure attracts. That's the hard part, the immediate rejection that occurs, well maybe that won't be as bad as the rejection after they get to know me. But it's soo hard to convey who you are in a profile and sarcasm sooo doesn't translate unless people actually know how you talk.
But we shall see how it goes, but I know that it will have to be better than the blind date I had earlier this year, where the dude proceeded to down maybe 7 or 8 shots of Petron and got so sloppy drunk I just wanted to see what he would do next, the kareoke was sweet. Yeah, that friend is not setting anyone up anymore. Hey if these dates do compete with that one, there will be some goood posts.
So, day one I've searched the men in the area, and am pleasantly surprised by the number of cute and seemingly nice guys that actually want to date are in the area. I've clicked on a few profiles, selected a few favorites, and actually e-mailed one today. Yes I was convinced by a friend that if I was going to do this I couldn't just sit and wait for the men to come to me.
So we shall see where this venture will take me, maybe nothing, but there is the possibility that I will find someone that I will enjoy hanging out with for a while, so that possibility makes me pretty stoked.

Wednesday, February 22, 2006

Might As Well Tri!

Ok I will never be like Lisa and keep up with this damn blog on a daily, weekly or even monthly basis. I was supposed to publish some resolutions, about I don't know 50 some odd days ago but yeah it never happened. And that's not really going to happen now except for one resolution: To train for and complete a triathlon.

See, I was training last year and was 4 hours away from completing my first Olympic triathlon when my dear friend May ( www.mayraiter.blogspot.com ) had a bad car accident on her way down to watch my friends and I compete. Luckily, we had enough time to get out of the campground before it closed so that we could get to the hospital to get to her side. We were reminiscing recently about that day, as horrible as it was seeing our friend with a head injury in a coma and wanting to erase the image of her tiny body struggling to survive, it revealed how each person in my urban family reacts to extreme situations. I learned that I am innately an extremely maternal person who is good when it is hard, and that I extremely admire those who know that they can't handle the burden and set their limits.

Another thing about that day, that will actually put a smile on my face, is that because we still had the RV from the Wildflower trip and a lot of food we made a makeshift campground with about 10 friends in the long term parking lot with a habachi, camping chairs, hot dogs, hamburgers, card games, beer (lots of beer), card games, and the beginnings of ground control determining who would take care of what tasks, like I said we are her family, and it solidified the incredible bond that we all share.

She is doing great now, she still has limitations as far as her right side, but has returned to work and her life.

So, I didn't do any triathlons last year. However, I did do 2 half marathons and my first marathon. So, I'm getting ready for tri season, because of last year I didn't want to wait for Sunday to do the Olympic triathlon so instead I signed up for the ........ Half Ironman Triathlon. I'm frickin insane and really really nervous about the race, especially since i lack some very important items, a bike and a wetsuit. But I have begun training, but I have a long way to go, especially with the way I've been partying these last few weeks.

My other goal is to do some sort of race every weekend. My first is this weekend with a Biathlon, a 2.5 mile run, 12 mile bike, 2.5 mile run. I'm the most uncomfortable with the bike so this will be a good entry into being on a bike for a while. Anyways, I am going to try to channel my inner Dietrick to keep things current.

Friday, January 06, 2006

Reflections of 2005

Last year I reflected on 2004 and made some Resolutions for 2005:
So it's the New Year and the time to reflect on the year that haspast and make our wishes and resolutions for 2005.So let's start with my reflections and lessons of 2004.

-The best thing of 2004; was being surrounded by great friends old andnew that have all greatly enriched my life. I learned that it'snever too late to meet people that can affect and change you.
-A job without gloves, I learned that a desk job is sooo differentfrom a lab job, and that somewhere in the last year I almost became an adult. I think the defining moment for adulthood is the lack ofIKEA furniture in every room of the house. I'm so not there yet!
-I learned that I'm not a robot and can care for someone, sothat's pretty cool.
-I learned that I'm really competitive, and I like to win and begood at everything. Supposedly, I should have figured that out justby being a member of my family.
-Book club, I've always loved reading books but this year I learned that I like to talk about them, thanks Leif for keeping ittogether.
-Lip liner, I learned that I should be wearing it. Thanks Jenn forinforming me of its necessity.
-I learned that speed dating is a great place to meet girls. We met awhole bunch of tools, but also met Marci.
-I learned that I still love the Fourth of July! From rafting, nakedhot tubing, dancing and all the frickin Cranium, I'm ready for070405!
-I learned that the combination of exercise, pampering, alcohol, andCarolyn can leave you with 2nd degree burns, good times!
-Snowboarding in Whistler with my cousin for a week, I learned that I love boarding in Whistler with my cousin.
-The love of the game, I learned that having to explain baseball to a guy is a total turnoff and that tailgating rocks (especially if youare well dressed).
-All of the weddings this year, I learned that I have a lot of friends who don't mind me singing "Bust a Move" "Baby gotBack" and doing the worm at their wedding. Those are some great friends!
-Losing my grandfather, I learned how easily I am broken and how the loss of one amazing person can put life into perspective. It was one of the hardest things I went through this year and made for a prettydifficult holiday season, but with his death came the birth of my nephew, which leads to…Becoming an aunt, twice. I learned how much I love my family and that I love kids, other peoples kids!!

Resolutions and things I'm stoked to do in 2005!
-Take better care of myself, go to the doctor and boring stuff likethat.
-Not eat out for every meal, yeah that is killing me. I say more dinner parties! Good wine, good people, and good times!
-Snowboarding in Vail for four days with Monique, Leif, Carolyn, andCynthia. Yeah, that is going to kick ass!
-My friend's band, Mercury Legion has asked me to go back in time about 10 years to my former cheerleading days and dance on stage fortheir upcoming show. If anyone wants to listen to some punk pleasejoin me at laughing at myself for a night Feb. 12th at PoundSF.
-Celebrating everyone's birthday in the next year, I think we aresure to have a great party every month.
-More hiking and camping, I've been neglecting my hiking group andthe surrounding mountains.
-The WildFlower Triathalon in May, I am so stoked to compete in thistriathalon this year. Let's start training guys!
-Cabo San Lucas trip for a week in May with mi familia. Si Si, mas cervesas por favor! I hope to not get stuck there like the last time,no hurricanes!
-Wakeboarding this summer, oh yes I'm going to get some seriousair. Are you ready Mike?!
-I want to do the Muddy Buddy race, and am looking for my Muddy Buddy.Let me know if you are interested, it's not until November.
The last thing that I am so stoked about is loving my life as much asI did in 2004! Get ready for some good times!!

Thursday, January 05, 2006

Back to the Blog

Ok it's a new year and i'm actually going to attempt to keep up with the likes of the former Ms. Durso who kicks some major blog ass. Don't have much time now since i'm at work but thought i would post some pics from the Holiday Break.

One of my favorite nights out was with Carolyn and Orlando (who I just met for the first time). We went to a gay country line dancing bar where Carolyn and I attempted to do the Cotton-eyed Joe dance and ended up jumping around like fools, good times. Then we went to the most diverse dance club i've ever been too, especially since it was a gay club where they had a mix of gangsta g's breakdancing, a K. Fed lookalike, some skater/surfer boys, and some preppy pretty boys, it made for some great people watching!

Sunday, October 09, 2005

Sunday is my favorite day!

So over the last few years i have discovered that Sunday is my favorite day of the week. Now most people go with the standard Friday and Saturday as their favorite, which is understandable, you don't have the 'Monday is just looming around the corner' thing going on. But i love Sunday, there is no expectation to Sunday, there is no 'What is going on tonight', who is doing what crap that causes you to make tons of plans rush around the city, and spend lots of money while you go out to eat, drink, and dance. Now i LOVE Friday and Saturday don't get me wrong, i mean i wouldn't have some of my greatest stories without them, but there is nothing like waking up Sunday morning thinking ' ah i have nothing that i have to do today' ! You go to brunch, knock back a couple of mimosa's, hang out in the courtyard, hang out at the park or the grove, play some Scrabble, and just chill or it can be crazier than most Friday's and Saturday's because only the finest are out in full force at the bar scene. Like last Sunday my roomie and I ventured out to the Red Devil and Shanghai's, which were both packed and so much fun. We ended up staying out dancing near some guy with a barstool on his head while his girlfriend gave him dirty looks, and i channeled axle rose once again for some dancing to 'Paradise City' and i also did my first ever air-harmonica to some song that i personally thought rocked, but some spectators failed to feel the same way. What came of the evening is some exchange of numbers, a new cute guitar teacher, and i'm sure that guy with the stool on his head is still trying to get the gum out of his hair.

So now i'm going to enjoy the rest of my sunday.
ah Sunday!

Monday, October 03, 2005

Why I love San Francisco

There are soo many reasons why I love this city, but the last two weeks have just been awesome.

Wednesday September 21st
Headed up to Sacramento after work to meet up with a friend I met in Cabo to view a documentary showing of "Out of the Shadow". It's a film that this woman made about her mother who is schizophrenic and the ups and downs of the mental health system. A remarkable film and many people that spoke at the preview were mentally ill and shared their stories.

Thursday September 22rd
Met M, C, and T for drinks at Kells and then off to the Cat Club for some stage and cage dancing fun. Nothing like 2 rooms of 80's music, pop and rock to start off the weekend. Home by 3am to set the stage for the next two nights.

Friday September 23th
The weekend officially begins with the last Orange Friday at Jillian's, and marks my friends first bar outing since her major car accident five months ago, she is doing absolutely amazing! So dollar Budweizers that then became 25 cent Budweizers when the Giants won! Dangerous place for those looking and not looking to get drunk. I won an autographed baseball that i will put somewhere safe i guess, i don't have like a sport memoralibilia shelf or anything so it may become more of a bookend than anything else.
Then we were off to Mighty in the short bus to prepare for the Love Parade and all of the house music i would be listening to all weekend. In a place where sodas are 3 dollars a flask is definitely a must. The bed truck outside provided me a nice relaxing vantage point and a place to rest my feet until we left at 3am to go to Farolito for a burrito. There is nothing quite like a good burrito at 3am, so home by 4am to get some shut eye before the crazy Saturday began.

Saturday September 24th
Woke up around 11am and started thinking about what crazy outfit i would wear for the Love Parade http://www.loveparadesf.com . Decided on some sweet cream polyesther pants a silk 70's top and flourescent pink bob wig and white sunglasses, Sweet! Headed down to Market, margaritas in tow, to watch 20 floats with DJ's on each and thousands of crazily dressed people dance, hula hoop, stilk, stumble down the street toward the civic center for an all day party. Settling in front of the Spundae float I decided like I often do that I need to be on the float to truly make the day so I made my way to the front of the crowd and jumped on. It was an amazing view of about 10,000 people in the beautiful sun, dancing around.
Then it was off to home to change, eat and leave for the Green Day concert. Cabs were sparse so we actually hoofed it home ordering pizza on the way! Realizing that there is a) no time to shower to get my hair dewigged and b) that a flourescent pink wig rocks I sported it to the concert. Green Day played an awesome show at SBC park with fireworks and new and old songs, however I couldn't actually see them since i'm too short and basically watched the show on the side screens, it was still cool though!
After the concert we were off to the Opel after party where I was told we would be out until 6 or 7am dancing. Fortunately we left around 4am and called it a night! Glad there was pizza left over at home!

Sunday September 24th
Should have slept in longer, but my eyes popped open around 10am ready for the day, kind of! Brunch at Rex's with some kickass eggs benedict and a strong cup of coffee helped ease me into the morning. I should've gone running but instead we laid in the couryard in the sun, actual warm sun, for a couple of hours. Then we felt that we couldn't leave the Sunday completely uneventful so four of us donned wigs (red, green, pink, and black) and headed down to the Grove for some coffee and competitive Scrabble. Great weekend.

Ok so I woke up Monday not really feeling 100% i think i now know why looking back. So the next week begins and I have a head cold, no fun! By Wednesday I am not feeling good at all and I just want to sleep all day! Woke up feeling like crap but went to a 8:30 meeting and left around noon.

Thurday September 29th
The most badass event was happening around noon to four. Snow was brought up from SoCal and groomed on two blocks of Filmore street in Pacific Heights creating a ski jump in the middle of the street, this was initially going to occur last month for Johnny Moseleys 30th birthday, but Pac Heights protestors stalled the event. I stopped by and watched the last four snowboarders and Moseley jump. Flips and turns, it was awesome! I was already signed up to guest bartend at the Black Horse so I went over for a few hours and somehow got convinced to be in the next calendar, well I never need too much convincing! I'm thinking strategically placed Chimay glasses or a large keg!

Friday September 30th
Woke up at eight to the construction above my head. Took some Nyquil put in some earplugs and slept till noon! My mom was coming in on Saturday so I cleaned the house, I know it's exciting. After laying around all day I was antsy to get out of the house so I went out for M's 30th birthday dinner of Tapas before her party night at Circolo.