A holiday is a holiday, no matter what time zone

In the Southern Hemisphere, a bit north of Wellington NZ, my sister's family is about to partake in a "feed" that would put the traditional American Thanksgiving to shame. But she claims her husband has lost the translation of the validity of the holiday and just wants to dress up like cowboys and Indians and have a living room war.

Young Griffyn learning to surf, digging deep for his long-lost NorCal roots.


I feel as if brother Jeremy spent the majority of our younger years, with that exact same pose, but he had TWO sisters, not just one...

Gwen, starting out as a little lady...what's with all the pink?! And could my rear even sit in that pool?

Good work Griffyn, way to embrace that second passport. Now USE it!!!

It's a holiday, I might as well post a blog...

Other people raced some cross races. I have quit. Although my final race was atrocious, Larry Longo had this to say: "It's not how you finish Joy, it's whether or not you can race and pull off wearing a white kit, and you DID." Thank you Larry, i feel so much better.

I rode, leisurly, by Christie's house to bid Matt, Christie, and Sarah farewell. They looked pretty stoked about it. Way to keep up the faith guys.
Then i completed my teacherly duties. I went to a convention in Long Beach. With a bunch of teachers. This is what happens at the Hyatt when the keynote speaker rolls the ball out to a gaggle of PE teachers. Classic.

I walked 2 hours on monday, all fast - like my mom - and got blisters. i threw my shoes away. And no, i had no desire to pick up the pace and run.

Quote of the day - while i was in the restaraunt restroom with 3 other teachers from my school.

Me: "This is the first adult convention i have been to." (i was just feeling all mature, like i have finally arrived in my career. They took it differently...)

I also had a run in with my razor and had Nancy call room service for a bandaid.

Today we rode our bikes. Don't be suprised, it happens. I rode my bike yesterday as well, and that is the plan for Friday too. we are not afraid of the clouds...

Tricia and i hit the pavement yesterday on our road bikes, it was her first ride since her crash before Labor Day and she did fantastic!!! we were dodging the clouds and rain storm the whole time. Somehow we managed 2 hours with out a drop, although once i closed the garage, the sky opened a can.

Uncle Greg is starting a tradition:

Coffee, bagels, bikes, and holiday cheer. Not a bad way to send off a ride, and completely rad to have a HUGE and still hot, coffee can awaiting our return.

Thank you Stell Coffee for the Coffee!!

She called me pragmatic

Did you wear your riding kit in therapy?

Yes.

Why.

Because I rode my bike there. What else am I supposed to wear.

Normal clothes.

Why.

Because it’s normal.

That’s why I am going to therapy.

I know a lot of you go to therapy. Its cool. I started riding my bike for therapy, but when that wasn't good enough, i began riding my bike to see a therapist. The only awkward part of the whole thing was walking out of the room with my bike and lights in tow, kitted up, and coming wheel to knee(s) with a couple i know. We don't talk about it when we see each other. And as of yet, i haven't stumbled out blubbering.

The therapist has given me assignments. No joke. I did 2/3 last time. But then she started in with the insults. She said I was way too pragmatic. I had to look it up when i got home, and I couldn't agree more. Except i would remove the "way too" and just leave it as a fact.

a realistic description

a realistic view of the possibilities

aware or expressing awareness of things as they really are

a straightforward practical way of thinking about things or dealing with problems, concerned with results rather than with theories and principles.

Down to earth

Cause and effect

Excellent! And thank you.

It is what it is...

And since Mr. Freeman said that photos are mandatory...here's a few for you:

Five months and counting. Could I be branded for life? Awesome.

Although Willie Stewart and his family just moved to Montana, he and some of the other athletes from Challenged Athletes Foundation stopped by school for a little show and tell.

Sending my girl to the gallows

The Great Shake Out

The end is near. Or so we think. As all civilizations have thought.

Today at 10 am, my work is participating in The Great Southern California Shake Out - an earthquake drill for the record books, so they say. At the precise strike of 10, millions will "Drop, Cover, and Hold on" simulating the inevitable 7.8 earthquake that will last over a minute. The drill will take place from San Diego to Ventura!

Now the Northridge earthquake lasted 11 seconds at 6.7 on the Richter scale in 1994. It was quite devastating. Imagine a 7.8....

i always hope that i will be teaching on the field when the Big One comes. there is nothing to duck under or hide from, but with our luck, the fault will open right beneath us and swallow us up.

When i lived in the mountains i couldn't get renters insurance and one of the 5 reasons was that the Yucaipa Ridge Fault ran through my back yard, and is part of the San Andreas Fault system. Awesome.

Anyways...