Only 18 more states left!

One of my bucket list goals is to visit all 50 states before I turn 50 and to see all 7 continents before I die.

I've got 18 more states and 4 more continents :)

I knocked off TX and WI just this week.. hooray!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone and I will post more later!

3rd world meets 1st world

When 3rd world meets 1st world.....

This morning I got up and answered a few emails and headed off to the gym. After gym I decided to go for a little stroll and grab a chai latte (which I must say, is better than any chai latte I've ever had in the states). As I was strolling back to my accommodation, procrastinating a bit for my presentation tomorrow, my creativity almost attacked me. I thought of a million things I could write about and I felt so free. Suddenly, I experienced independence again- I felt like me. I'm struggling to find the same words now and wish I had a journal to jot down some small notes with because....an open laptop notebook right now puts me into a mental block.

America- a land of freedom, in the sense that you have an open voice, but you work until the stress runs out your pores. Life is go go go and go some more- which frankly, i'm much more comfortable in. But what I realized today probably isn't always the best. If i'm go go go and on the go some more, I don't have to think... I don't have to know who I am and I don't have to worry about others around me because frankly... I don't have time.

It took me 3 weeks to fall in love with this place. South Africa isn't without its challenges but there is a sereneness here. Apartheid still knocks on the glass house. People don't talk about it, but I feel it. To be safe and be free people live behind high walls, fences, security systems.... Its the only city I have ever been in where you can drive from huge beautiful mansions to Squata Camps where people's houses are made of any type of scrap piece of material one can find. Its no wonder that crime is increased here, from what I can gather there is a reason for it--people are trying to live. Does it make it right- no, but...basic survival needs are not being met. Then welcome to white suburbia.. Not like America's sprawling, no culture, cookie cutter houses- no suburbia in Durban is actually quite nice. I quite enjoyed myself on my walk today and felt complete safe. Its interesting as I compare the ups and downs of places and find myself at peace here. Yes, there are no school year work demands placed on me at the present moment- but does that tell me something as well.... I don't feel like I'm going to work every morning, it plan and simple doesn't feel like work..

As I stopped at the art gallery and bought my chai latte, I asked for a "take away." Happy to complete my request, I know the man behind the counter found it odd. Why didn't I want to sit down at 9:30 in the morning, enjoy the weather and sunshine like everyone else at their tables were doing... well frankly.. I didn't have a journal, didn't have a person to chat with- although I think that would have come, and had a million things on my plate.. However, something occurred to me as I looked around... not a single soul sat there with their nose buried in an electronic notebook- not a soul. some were contently drinking their coffee and people watching, others were chatting in friendly conversation, and yet others were...what appeared daydreaming. I thought to myself.. hmm "this is what life should be like!" yes, we all have to work and make a living- I need that feeling of success.. but on the other side of that coin we need to know how to enjoy, relax...smell the roses. So.. I took a deep breath, fetched my take away and pushed onward toward what I am now call home...

But it was on my walk that surprised me.... I was thinking about tomorrow's lecture... I was thinking about me.. who I am, where i've come, what i've done, and what I want to achieve. I was thinking about how lucky I am and... what things are desperately missing in my search for happiness... or contentedness (for lack of a better term). Now, I'm not unhappy, not one single bit, but their are circumstances that would complete the gestalt.. When you find yourself at such a crossroad its hard to stand their and not pick a direction. You can only wait at that fork in the road for so long.. I'm at my fork, i've been there and just like for the same reasons I decided to pack up and head across the world to Australia, because I was sitting at that fork entirely too long.... so, here I am.. again half way across the world, but my own choice but this time with a purpose- last time to escape and this time to take action. I realize I need to sit and be patient for some time, but I can't sit forever...I must continue on..

As with all my travels I try to take something away from the culture, take something back- a piece of mind, a tradition, a better aspect. When I came back from Australia I was freer, more independent... I have no clue what else.. I guess I realized I didn't have to settle. the world was mine where-ever I wanted to go.. The Australian sense of adventure I guess is what I adopted. I turned down a great job, started applying to graduate schools, didn't get into 2 out of the 3 I applied at, moved to colorado and got in.. destiny worked the way it was supposed to BUT... had I not gone to Australia I am sure I would have never taken that leap.... It taught me to shoot for the stars and even if you miss you'll still be amongst the clouds.

So.. what has South Africa taught me so far. Why has it taken me 3 weeks to fall in love with this place? Well I stepped off the plane and felt a renewed sense of independence. I could do this! I was here!!!! excitement and joy! Then...I felt lonely and today... I felt me again.. I realized this is what I want... I want to travel. I'm intrigued by other cultures- the way others live. I realize the more and more I travel the more and more, I don't like pieces of the American way of life- materialism, live to work, live to be.. yet there are other aspects that I wouldn't change for the world- the security, the freedom....the opportunities.. but we've lost tradition, culture, importance. I was revived the last two weeks in the school I was visiting. Teachers were happy, proud, and for the most part wanted to do everything they could for a child. it wasn't about teacher unions, pecking order.... political.. it was about teaching.. at least from the surface. thats what it should be about!!!

I've quite enjoyed the tea time- I think it is important.. I also quite enjoyed the conversation time... here people may not be as friendly on the front at the beginning but as soon as you get to know them its genuine... versus the U.S. where someone will smile, nod and be over ecstatic about meeting you...then... never hold another conversation with you---fake.. Its interesting!

I sip more tea and think... this computer gives me a mental block... I'm annoyed by the social networking world I realize... at the same time thankful for all the people it allows me to stay in touch with. however, hearing a voice is so much more... When I was in australia I loved the world card- and yes, they have them here.. but I haven't bothered to really find out where because at any point in time.. I can bop on fb and send someone a message... I miss my family, my sister, my nephews and have to think had i not had easy internet access i probably would have made a phone call by now..

enough of my soapbox... bottom line, I felt creative again, something I haven't felt in 6 years... so i must go by a scratch pad and see if in the next week I can put that to good use.. because the answers always come then when you can release your fears, anxieties, burdens and simply enjoy...the answers come.

good night and wish me luck tomorrow- I'm going to try to make the world a better place for someone else!

Yep, I'm gonna get hit!!!

so never explained my first title- pedestrians do not have right aways. Today, I attempted to cross the road on a red light- but the person making the right hand turn certianly must have thought this was completely unacceptable, as they sped up and missed me by a few inches. Now, it was a little old lady, I'd like to give her the excuse that she couldn't see BUT with my experience a few days ago- I'm guessing that is highly unlikely!!!



Well I am still alive.. So my trip in the mountains was lovely. I was able to see some of the "real" cultural villages- pictures attached. These really intrigue me. I also was able to walk through a tourist cultural museum- which was very entertaining. I love learning about the way people live outside of the United States! You will see a photo of me dressed in Bosotho female attire- 4-5 layers.. Yikes.. I have several pictures that are just kind of comical- the sign above the toilet and the locked frig (aparthied in full effect), and a locked toilet paper roll.



I am definintely enjoying my stay however have to admit, everything is LOCKED!!! gates, fences, wires, bars, keys. I hardly think I could do that.. I def. enjoy leaving my door open and letting the spring air flow in our the cool autumn breeze bit me to wake me up or the summer warmth overtake our house....



The couple I am staying with are lovely and so accommodating. James and Caz, have run me from one side of the city to another. I don't miss my car but do feel like i'm a pest having to have people lug me around.



Attached are also some pictures from an old battle ground- quite interesting! And rock writing that dated back to 1890- can't believe it is still there! The Drakensberg mountains were lovely, reminded me somewhat of Grand Junction- except the mountain range was much much longer. Saw some mountain bikes and reminded me of home

Pedestrians don't have right away so it appears

Welcome!

I haven't been blogging much (1) because I don't make the time to do it (2) haven't had much exciting things to write about (3) wish I was a much more interesting writer

but I thought i'd start tonight and post some pictures as well!

So, I arrived after a 24 hour excursion in the air and in various airports across the United States and South Africa! The flight from Atlanta to Johannisburg was about 15 hours, and in all honestly didn't seem all that bad. I've been er almost a week already and the time has flown by. I have to say the jetlag hasn't affected me too awful bad, but I also made myself get up at 6am the following morning to try to get into sync as much as possible!!

it is funny to be here and seen as an expert in the autism field ... I still have a lot to learn and a long way to go! It scares me in one sense that maybe I won't have all the answers and in another sense there is this quiet confident piece of me that just has ideas as issues arise.

I spent the first day here just recovering from the flight, getting organized and oriented! My second day was spent all day at school- can I tell you how much i LOVE the concept of an outdoor campus- it just brings and added naturalness and happiness!!! the school is great- what appears to be someplace I would want my kids to go, if I had kids that is of course! A few tweaks to the system need to be put into place, however, a lot of it is there!

I spent this evening going through downtown, driving along the beach, and heading out grab a mocha and cheesecake! it was fabulous. The people with whom I am staying are wonderful! I feel like i'm a home away from home! The culture is amazing! Oh wait- lets backtrack- here is a joke that rings oh so true- What are you called if you know 2 languages? "bilingual" what are you called if you know 3 languages? trilingual and so forth....what are you called if you know one language? AMERICAN.. yes this does put me back on my soapbox- we are so ignorant in many ways as a culture. Yes, I love America and all of its freedoms; don't get me wrong but... once again I feel so ignorant and naive that I can speak one language, and one language only fluently... Kids here in as young as 1st grade are learning 3 languages - Affricans, Zulu, and English- Hebrew is also taught at an early age and French is taught in high school- we as a culture are pathetic in this arena! thats all I have to say on that piece!

okay where was I.... oh yes, the culture... this place is so rich in culture and so new to freedom. The city is a typical city- good parts/not so good parts.. but rich!

I am losing focus- either jetlag, tiredness, or my self-diagnosed ADHD kicking in.

This weeking we are heading to Drakensberg- the mountains! I'm excited for this trip and heard it is supposed to be absolutely beautiful. I'm hoping to get some authentic gifts and suveniors for the nephews and family back home..

so far here are pictures of my stay- sorry folks, I can't focus or hang on any longer!

Africa

I have arrived in Africa, South Africa, Kwa-Zulu Natal, and Durban!

I haven't seen much as it was dark when I drove in last night. The sun is shining and it feels like it is somewere in the 50s or 60s this morning. Typical winter day, from what I hear! Beautiful outside. I'm staying with a very nice family!

I have not taken any pictures but when I do, I will post them!

stay tuned.....

Ironhorse- Durango

So my first year of racing in the cycling realm is underway. I would say I hoped to do many more races than I actually did but circumstances change! I'm headed off to South Africa in one week, so I'll be back at the racing scene in the fall. I'll chat more about that in a few!!!

Ironhorse- exciting!! Two weeks prior to the event I got extremely sick and well...work is work..it got busy and crazy- 12-14 hour days.. ugh! So I went in with no expectations because I knew I wasn't on top of my game the last few weeks! I surprised myself. I took 12th (out of 34) in the road race on Saturday (Durango to Silverton), 4th in the crit on Sunday (well...lets just say I need to learn how to take the final sprint in the end- I was on the front or in the top 3 the entire race), and then took 5th in the TT on Monday (not my personal best performance but considering the prep going into it, I'll take it)! I LOVE Durango and have attached some pics for ya all to view!!!

Ironhorse was the first race I did with female teammates in the cat 4 categories. Holly and I headed out late Friday evening. Claudia, Holly, and I were up bright and early for the start of the RR on Saturday- we all did fantaastic!!! Then again bright and early Monday am for the TT- again a great time!! Since, I'll be heading overseas for the summer- a shout out to all the teammembers for the remainder of the season- good luck!

I come back at the tail end of July and will be ramping up for some running races--I have a half marathon in San Antonio in November and another half in here Colorado in December! I may jump in a couple of mountain bike races as well as complete on more omnium before the summer's end!!

As for Africa- I'm heading over there to spend some time with one of my most favorite families that I worked for in Denver. I'm hoping to continue to further educate the public education sector about autism, treatments, and such!! It should be a blast- I will be there for 6 weeks, then NY for a week to see my sister's newborn- hopefully she comes early or on time. I've only given her a 5 day window! YIKES!!!

I have attached pictures of the Duathlon in New Mexico in April as well as pictures of Durango this past weekend!!!

Cheers & Happiness!

Atomic Man Duathlon

Pictures from the Atomic Man Duathlon! I took 5th overall female and 1st in my age category. Can't say I was thrilled with my times, as I didn't meet my time goal- however, I met my other two goals- to place within the top 5 overall and to win my age group!!!

wow... where does time go

Wow! Time is going by so fast! I cannot believe it is already the middle of March!

Anywho-

Friday was my bday- yes one more year closer to 30! Yes, I'm fretting about that number! D took me out to Nosh- one of my fav. restaurants down here in the Springs. The evening was chill because the next day was full of some cycling up high-grade! kicked my bum :)

I entered my first cycling race. It was the Colorado Crit- I had a blast! I'm looking to put in some good times this year! My team I'm involved in has been a great experience- the girls are great and the support is wonderful! I'm learning so much :) Its also nice to have a live-in coach! D is working with me and was excellent support during my first race EVER!

I haven't been running nearly enough. I'm trying to put in two days a week running and 4 days a week cycling. It is a shift for me. Especially because it is so easy for me to get out of bed and put running shoes on in the cold. oh wait, it was 65-70 today! I can't complain about that :)

There is more news about this summer but i'm going to save that for later! I'll post some new pics soon!

Hope all is well with you :)

Get Your Own Map

View Larger Map

Pictures from Tucson

thats about mile 310 out of 322 of the week... I'm about fried.
ouch....
hot tamales--nothing else to do while driving through NM
D and I near the University of Arizona Campus
Cactus...
Backtrack... D and I in the springs at a Mexican Res.
Awh the Mtns are getting closer!
This is me driving through NM. It might rank right up there with driving through Kansas.

Tucson Sun

Good Day Mates-

oh wait, I'm not in Australia! Well I'm sitting at a fun little coffee shop/cafe in Tucson, AZ! It is absolutely beautiful out- about 75-80 degrees! Its been a nice fun break from the cold! Even enough for me to dabble with the idea of moving down here for a year or so. I'm waiting for D to finish is ride now. I'm bummed because I didn't conquer Mt. Lemen but I've done some long rides this week, longer than I ever have and... my body, my knees more specifically were just screaming at me on the way down- I can't complain though- I got a good 2:15 minutes in.

So here is the week run down: (I will post pictures later as the Camera is currently with D).

Monday- 80 mile ride to the small town of Mammoth and back (one 12 mile hill at 6-9% grade)
Tuesday- WRECK but still managed to finish a 75 mile ride- fairly flat through Saguaro (http://www.nps.gov/sagu/) some small poppers but nothing serious. Lots of taxing in the group.
Wednesday- 60 mile ride to and up Kitt Peak (http://www.noao.edu/)
Thursday- 80 mile flat ride through and around Tucson (best days on the road) Happy New Year!
Friday- 40 mile ride, up Mt. Lemen and back through the neighborhoods where we are staying. Nice chill pace- the knee caps were blown apart..

okay friends are here to join so i'm signing off!