Where we want to be....

For each of us that question differs in many ways. If you are lucky you have found just that path that has led you there...

But, there are those of us who are still on the path looking... for something or someone.
My journey begins each day. Whether I choose to ride my bike or participate in a sporting event that takes me away.... this is mostly the case. This particular blog is very personal to me and I enjoy expressing how I feel, no problem there.

Thinking back to where you want to be... does that mean now or sometime in life. I have many visions of what I see myself doing years from now. For me the freedom to be free and happy is all I want. I do hope to enjoy someone that makes life complete with the same aspirations that I have and a best friend. Compatibilty is key.... I want to smile from my heart. As where I'd like to be? I want to be anywhere that I can make my own choices.

This week Jason did the coolest thing for me. As he drove to Vegas with his friends for the weekend he saw a very cool sunrise. He was prompted to take a pic of that awesome sunrise and sent it to me. That made my day and brought a smile to me all day. I sure am lucky. That was the best gift anyone could have given me. He knows that I love the clouds, the sky, sunsets and sunrises. I knew he thought of me, and that made it more special. It's like those times when your child comes home with a flower he picked from the lawn, because it reminded him of me and because I love flowers. Priceless ....right? Nothing can take that away. Ever. I m a huge sentimentalist who will think others in that manner.

Sometimes you have to accept things in life. I say acceptance is deciding to dare to be who you want to be from within. If we could close your eyes and choose progressive changes to life, to goals, relationships, and the determined drive for happiness.

What drives you? Nothing is permanent. Goals can be achieved. No one person has the say about who you are, and what you should do and when, only you have that luxury. What would you change? I would never judge another person, its not my right to do so. Be a friend... be happy. So be where you want to be in life.....

H

Ask...thats all."I love you, There, I said it!!!"

I find that people have these perceptions about what they like in others, and come to conclusions. Then when you are asked what yours are and share. Either you gain a friend or others become nothing, and should might as well be invisible. I have met many people in my life, whose appearance is not reflective of the person inside. I have found that they are a diamond of kindness and love. No body is perfect that's a given.

If only people were like cats and dogs who trust in who you are unconditionally without expectations. Our pets have this deep trust and love for you and appearances are of no matter. It is so sad when you find people with that shallowness in their hearts.. I have often seen grown adults make children think as such. The most kind hearts I have encountered are the ones whose appearance is not what someone thinks is the norm. The heart is simple and yet complicated by the senses.

Ignorance is hurtful and causes conflict. Too bad this world is marred and blind. The simple things life holds is truth, love, and openness.

I love you... and I will tell you so. No shime in that one bit.... if you can't see the truth in that simple statement and be accepting of it, you are the one missing out.

If life were like we'd like, love would be so simple and wouldnt hold pain.

The best and yet hardest aspect of life is to accept who we are and share the love we all have and be strong for each other. If you could just teach a class about love of the heart. Wow... that would be my kind of place, where you can have music, song, laugh, and soar doing what you hold in your heart always. It would be easy to share all of that with the love of your life at your side.

Communication is... challenging, dare yourself, just ask and let yourself speak. Can you accept it??

Like learning to ride a bike... it's learned, but not forgotten...

New roads with my bike....

This weekend was a serious challenge. I managed to ride my bike on roads I've never traveled on, and met new friends along the way. The latter is the best. However, my choice of where to ride was not initially my choice, but I did enjoy all of the challenges.

What's ahead?? Not sure... its all about where and with whom I travel the roads with my bike. Cheers to that!

H

Dont count out doing the ride.....

This morning I awoke at the time I set on my alarm, and did what I always do.. put the snooze back on, haha. I dressed In the gear I carefully laid out the night before. The plan was to ride a quick ride to Newport Beach and ride back to head to the swill and swim. However, as I tried to confirm there was not a response. I drove to the beach, as I had said I would earlier in the week. Molly and I waited for 15 mins and seriously thinking about busting out a ride on my own.

However, I was aware of my other buddies who were going to head up Glendora Mountain Road today and quickly changed my plans. I'm riding.... haha!

A couple of quick calls confirming my heading to the mountains, and a full tank of gas was in the plan now. I have been training to ride hills, but not mountains, so I thought. Challenging yes but an awesome ride, no stop lights to stop at, and very little traffic. Who knew??? My new friend Ralph told me that I am ready. Felt good to hear that from a guy who can bust out the loop no problem.

The trek up to the top at six in the cool morning was beautiful albeit relentless. Of course I wasn't prepared for the mountain with proper nutrition and water. You see the ride to the beach is more of a flat speed ride and requires less water, and the ability to stop at will for nourishment and drink is plentiful I had my credit card. Pish.... to the card on the mountain. Haha. No deal can be made there, however I did manage to grab a granola bar as I left from home.. that saved my butt for sure. It was the best tasting granola bar on the planet at the time and a gooey mess to eat. Note to self: Chocolate doesn't travel well. Lol! A delish mess all the same.. The 12 mile trek spinning to the top was so cool. I found myself glancing at the views of the city below in the far off distance, and thinking about what the guys on the Amgen Tour of California must have thought as they rode up. It simply kicks ass to put it simply.

Things happen... plans change. I'm happy for options. I briefly thought while at the marina this morning, hmm, I could just go home make myself coffee and a big breakfast to boot. Then thought, hell no, I'm riding. What next, I can still make it to the mountains..... glad for persevering.

I thank the guys who ultimately, made my day for Molly (my bike) and I a great day and a great ride to be had. Cheers to Ralph, Jose and Christian!!! Thanks, I'm glad we did the loop.

Best ride for me ...I will be back up there very soon loving the ride.

H

New places, new people.... the ride is good...

I happen to be early for work on this cloudy morning. There is a slight breeze in the air, thoughts always take me to mycomfort place... that is thoughts of riding or lack of a batter way of putting it, flying as I ride. I don't refer to the actual feeling of riding fast but the feeling of actually flying. There are portions on my treks to the beach that are near cliffs overlooking the water below. Sometimes I want to fly like the gulls that are flying off to the right side of me. Imagining is something of a gift I always see it that way and smile at that....

I thankfully enjoy people and the friendships they individually bring to me. No, I am not shy and will say what I think and I expect the same in return. You know how it is, you have folks in your life that are acquaintances and those special people you consider your friends. Some are as close as family, and in some instances closer than that. I prefer the latter.

Places you go, people you meet most often are part of your life for a reason... alas, if we only knew why. I take what I'm given and if someone chooses not to know me or my world, can't help that... I however am an open book without shame, blame, or regrets. All you need in my book is talk about whatever you want.... I befriend true hearts.

As I broaden my views about the places yet to come and the best friends yet to meet in the last half of my life. I can only be grateful to wake and enjoy each day different in every aspect.

Back to the start of this very nice day. The sun is doing its thing elsewhere at the moment, but I am thankful to know I'm up for anything today offers ....

Like when I ride my bike. Each trek out the door on the same path, there is always something new.... look for it.

Cheers always!

Evaluating goals can cause a bit of thought...

These past few weeks have me evaluating my goals, which include training for a Gran Fondo, a 70.3 next march and an Ironman. Thoughts and concern about the time on hand necessary for training, which at best is limited. I know that there are those of us who do not have the luxury of training as we would like.

The aspect of work.... being slammed every day it seems. Work is what it is WORK, WORK, WORK, as we are being hammered at work o get so spent, and thus effects my desire to get out after work and train. So I am relegated to the weekend warrior mentality of training, and is often the course taken.

I have however, been reevaluating with loads of self talk.... demons if you will. Can I manage? Or is it a waste of time and money? There you go.... I have to kick those thoughts right in the ass EVERYDAY LATELY. Haha.. manage I will!!

Then along comes along a fun Triathlon and one that brings back that love for triathlons again. Our 5:30 Club Team does this fun tri every year... loads of smack talk and friendly rivalry from the guys I consider my brothers is something I cannot do without. This year we have several new members who will be inspired just as I was. Twelve of us at the Camp Pendleton Triathlon.... I am so stoked!!

I guess being reasonable with my aspirations, keeping perspective, and know that these feeling are a norm. I sit and relax while listening to music I love remembering the feelings I love as I push myself to new challenges. Failure is not losing and is something that should be struck from thought. The actual win is really about trying your best, if you can't see that then I'm sorry for you.....

As I watched the sun end my day with sillouettes of what was... I know the sun will not disappoint and be there for me tomorrow. So I will do my best to meet the new day full on, doing and being the best I can...

Evaluating what I can do....oh yeh, being accepting of the time at hand. I just have to be happy with just that!! Cheers to life full on...

Working on the plan of living life...everyday.

Choices....

Would we make them if we knew the outcome? That's what so incredible about who we are. The choices we make form all that we are. I lay on my bed listening to my music and think of my day. It was a tough one, but I made a choice to work a full work week. Funny how money can be an inspiring aspect when I'd like to buy an entrance fee to a Triathlon. I just do what we all do and that is work hard.

I look forward to my ride tomorrow, longing for nothing but challenges that surpass those I encounter in my everyday life. For me the aspect of choosing to challenge myself doing what I love to do. If I got so tired I'd smile and say, it was my choice to suffer. Call it crazy yeh, I suppose you can do that. Bottom line I really don't care.

Like my my favorite Limp Bizkit songs, The One , there is a fav verse I love to sing....
I believe that you and me we could be so happy and free inside a world of misery...
What do you think? We could give it a try...if we never try you will never know.

I am so happy to have the ability to see things in a possible manner. I have gone through many trials in life and love. I know what I love and one thong is certain for me and an unchanging constant.... it is the feeling of being on my bike. The sensations you get with the roads you choose make you feel like there is some sort of control and freedom to be me. As a cyclist/triathlete I find that my loyalty is towards riding. I have had differences with my friends as to what type of riding is more superior. I just say that any aspect of being on a bike is rewarding. There areno comparisons.... and will defend my stance on that subject.

I think my brothers first bike, a yellow Schwinn with a banana seat was the best.... I rode it more than he did.... in fact I had asked for a bike first. Remembering my learning to ride my bike, my first good crash into a car at age 7... it was parked. A nice old man carried le home. Come to think, maybe he wasn't old really (you know how everyone is old when you are a kid). Lol! Ah... oh yeah, riding downhill in an alleyway over a makeshift ramp my brothers and I would put together. Cool memories... choices that help form what I am... daring I say? Maybe... life is once.