Back to school to prove to Dad that I'm not a fool

Ater some laughs, some screams, a couple tears, and a hissy fit or two, I've successfully made it through my first week of classes. It's been hellish to say the least to organize my classes and transfer credits, but I'm the only one to blame for putting it off this long. I'm currently taking 6 courses, with a tutorial. One of my classes is a full year long. I'm waiting it out until the end of this week to decide if I'm going to drop a class or not. My schedule isn't TOO bad, considering, so no complaints here.

I'm still trying to fit in as many swims, bike rides and runs as I possibly can, but it's inevitable that my training is going to be on the back burner this fall and winter. Ultimately, it's a good thing. I feel a little burnt out from the summer. I'm tying to keep my diet on track so I wont turn into much of a heffer.

I'm also working very part time, looking after a 12 year old girl with autism, OCD, ADHD, and tourettes. It's very challenging at times, but it's a fun job and time flies by pretty quick. Not to mention it's going to be a good addition to my resume.

I went over to Tom's this evening, and overheard a conversation between him and his roommate, Craig. The conversation is as follows:

(Tom's standing and eating a bowl of cereal, Craigs sitting on the couch)

Craig: "What you got there, buddy?"

Tom: "Raisin Bran"

Craig: "Didn't you tell me a while ago that you were shitting a lot, lately? Why the hell are you eating BRAN?"

Tom: "I like Bran"

Craig: "Bran will only make you shit more"

Tom: "I just really like all the foods that make me shit. It's not my fault"

Craig: "Do you like Mc Donalds?"

Tom: "No"

Craig: "Well that shit will really make you shit"


I hope you found that as funny as I did.

Keep on rockin in the free world,

J

Compliments of Coops

classic.

J

Tribute to Paulie

I went to Salmon Arm this weekend to visit Paulie and, for lack of a better word, compete in the Apple Triathlon in Kelowna. It was a great weekend.

Not only did Paulie wash my car AND bike, we also had some wicked night hawk walks. Paulie treated me to lots of delicious ice cream, and to some of the best company that I've had in a long, long time.

The night I got there, Paulie and I chilled out and relaxed, watched the Olympics and caught up on things. The following day, we went for a short, but awesome ride in Salmon Arm - my first ride in the Okanagan. You can't go anywhere in Salmon Arm without climbing a bloody hill.. other than that, it was fabulous. Paulie then came down to Kelowna with me for package pick up and came to the race meeting with me - you know, all the fun stuff!


Not only did Paulie wake up super early on race day and drive me to kelowna, but at the race, Paulie was the best support - always had what I needed, whether it be water, cheering, or my time split for the previous lap... you would have thought I was elite or something!
Because we only took one car, Paulie ended up riding back to Salmon Arm, a 130 kilometre ride, which translates into 4.5 hours of riding.... AFTER wandering around the race course, cheering me on in the 38 degree Kelowna heat for 2 hours and 50 minutes. The heat really takes it out of you.

Paulie is one of the most amazing people I've ever met. So devoted to his family, work and training. He is one of the most positive people I know. He always has the best advice and delivers it in the kindest, most respectful way. Somehow he knows exactly what to say at exactly the right time. Sometimes I think he's not human.

Regardless if he's human or not, Paulie is one of the best people I know and I feel so blessed to have him apart of my life.


Thank you, Paulie, for everything you do for me, and for everyone else you meet along your way.

Coincidentally, as I finish this post, I realize that today is the 20th of August, one day shy of Paulie's birthday; A day that I will be thinking of Paulie every minute and asking the heavens above "What good deeds have I done to deserve such a marvelous father?"

Happy Birthday, Dad. I can't imagine where I would be without you.

Pound it!

J

Pain Train

When it hits you, it really hurts. The past couple weeks, I've been trying to recover from my encounters with the pain train.... it's been a struggle, but I feel like I am getting on the up and up. Two weeks ago, I did the Cowichan Challenge - a triathlon in located in the heart of Duncan. A friend of mine convinced me into doing it, and she didn't register herself! 5am on race day, a time on the clock that's a little too familiar to me, I head up there for the first time. I think if I would have known how hilly the bike and run course was ahead of time, I wouldn't have done it! It's a good thing I didn't have time to pre ride or drive before hand. All in all, I was pretty happy with my times, and I had a great day with some friends I met up there. Since then, I've been working on improving my motivation and diet, and I am looking forward to seeing some improvements soon... (hopefully!) I'm hoping to get in some good swim workouts before my 3K swim for MS on the 27th. Yesterday, Carolyn and I did beach-to-beach at Elk. Swimming from the boat house was fabulous. We had a tail wind - that we were practically riding waves on, but it was easily made up for as we were being thrashed around by the head wind on the way back.

My Mom has been in town for 5 days now, and this week I am planning on taking her sight-seeing spots... hiking up Mt. Doug, going to see the gardens at Royal Roads Uni, etc.. If anyone else has some suggestions, I'd love to hear em!

Until next time,

J

To race, or not to race?

Ah, Yaletown, the infamous crit that takes place in downtown Vancouver and known for the mass amounts of spectator's all around the course. I am debating whether I should race or not. I find it's extremely hard to pick a first race, because I don't know how fast I go, or how fast the women's cat 4 goes. Tomorrow morning I hit the road for the mainland... the registration deadline is at noon, and the race goes out at 1pm. That's when I am going to decide to race or not.... so wish me luck!!

J

Strokes for MS

I registered myself for the Thetis Lake 3K open water swim for MS the other day. I'm a little nervous about it, seeing as I've never swam that far in one period of time before, but I thought it would be a great experience, good training and for a great cause.

BUT, this does mean that I'm going to have to do some fundraising for the MS Society of Canada... meaning: asking people to donate money..... not my most favourite thing to do, but I would love if you could help me reach my goal.. Nothing too extravagant, even a couple dollars will do some good!

Check out my Fundraising Webpage for more info.



J

Family Fun Weekend

This past weekend was the Squamish Test of Metal. With both, Tom and Paulie racing, we also decided to double it up with some family fun! After chilling at the beach for most of Friday afternoon, Tom, Craig and I drove to Squamish in the evening where we met Paulie and Dan at our hotel room. We quickly got settled and pumped for the race Saturday morning.

The race started at 11am, so we had a chance for a sleep in and to leisurely get our acts in gear for the start. Paulie is such a trooper for racing only 8 weeks after his surgery! Not only did he have an amazing finish time, I never saw him without a smile!

Saturday wrapped up nicely with going over to a friends for a bbq potluck.

On Sunday, we decided to hike 'The Chief'. I didn't realize how epic of a hike it is. Tom, Dan, Paulie and I met Marty and Tara at the lower level parking lot in the morning and then made our way to the top in an hour and a half. It was one of the hardest hikes I've ever done.

Tom, Dan and Marty layed down the hammer!

Happy Father's Day, Paulie! (and Happy Birthday, Tom and Dan!)

J