Americade

Americade
in Lake George

It has always been a tradition in my house to drive the Harley(s) out to Lake George every year, see the bikes, Steve liked to test drive the new bikes, get his Hog pin and then we all looked for that year's Americade t-shirt. Even if the rest of us didn't want to go a particular year Steve ALWAYS went.

Well this year was obviously different....Steve is no longer here and although I could still ride my Harley out - it isn't the same. BUT I did still go but I drove in a car... with my girl friend. It was a blast! The rain held off and we were able to walk around, get our t-shirts and have a very enjoyable (cheat) meal. A cheat meal I have not had in a very very long time. Not that I have missed them. I haven't. But today I had a cheeseburger on a 1/2 bun and potato chips! NOW I want ice cream. :(

Pros and Cons to the Americade

Pros
1. The heart throbbing sound of a Harley! Still to this day(after 15 years on the back of Steve's bike and 3 years with my own) the sound of a Harley thrills me to no end!!!
2.
3. People watching and bike watching is the best.

Cons
1. 80% of people smoke. I HATE smoke.
2. Alot of drinking and I don't care to drink.

Let's go back to the Pros
4. Lake George is beautiful!
5. Lots of things to do.
6. Great shopping
7. Many good restaurants right on the lake to sit out on the deck

and may I mention again...
1. The heart throbbing sound of a Harley! Still to this day(after 15 years on the back of Steve's bike and 3 years with my own) the sound of a Harley thrills me to no end!!!
2.
3. People watching and bike watching is the best.

Starting Strength

It's a start! Finishing up my second week. One day on one day off.
Lift one day next day do some stretching with Kelly Starrett.
I "think" this is going to work.... I LOVE IT!

After getting my strength back and hopefully stronger than before (6-12 weeks) I'd like to do some "Interval Training" to get back my conditioning. VERY excited about both of these training programs. Check back in 4-6 weeks to see how heavy I can go.

Today's back squat was 130lb.
My 1max rep (before surgery) was 160lb

Man of the House?

FIXED!!

Sick of being Sick

Have you ever been tired of being sick..so much so it could make you sick.

I had been sick for several months.... I had no clue what it was. I heard many, many people tell me it was stress. "It's all in my head" I didn't believe them. After going through weeks of tests they are still not sure what's up with me.....
MY conclusion is that "maybe" I held too much in this past year. "Maybe" I let things bother me too much, "maybe" I bottled up things, or "maybe" I just wouldn't let go of things I "thought" I needed to fix.

SO out of all of this I learned.
1. You can't "always" fix things
2. Don't worry about what your enemies think
3. You don't need to explain "everything" - your friends don't need it and your enemies won't believe you anyways.
4. Life is too short to worry about the "little" stuff
5. Don't waste your time trying to share, or give love to those who don't appreciate it.
6. Share with those who do love you and make them know how much you love them
7. Be thankful for everything, be gracious in what you have and love the Lord your God with all your heart. (for He is the one who is with you through eternity)

Today's Blessings

Material Girl

I never considered myself as materialistic.
BUT, there are possessions in my life that
I "love" and would miss if I didn't have them.
Top earthly possessions I am thankful for.


1. House - I completely and utterly appreciate a "home"
2. My Harley - I guess you would call it a thrill!
Unlike amusement rides which I am scared to death of.
Riding a motorcycle is a thrill and at the same point it is a peace.
Case in point was this mornings ride to work. Gorgeous, peaceful, quiet but loud with the sound of my pipes, feeling solitude but at the same time apart of the world around.
3. My Camera - I love documenting, see again and again, looking at the past, the moments that are now gone. If it wasn't for my camera I would have lost most memories of years gone by.
The good, the bad, the milestones, the events, and of course the people.
4. My weights - I have always had a thing about lifting heavy things! Maybe that's the tomboy in me. I grew up with three older brothers, playing all the "boys" sports. Baseball, street hockey, soccer, searched for insects, and climbed many many trees (even fell out of some).
Years of stiches and broken bones brought me to my later years of riding dirt bikes, fishing and playing pool for wages.
5. My computer - the computer a year ago was more at the top of my list now I have found it less of a "stronghold" Having to be on, reading blogs, writing emails, looking for emails and now it is used almost always for the main purpose of research.
6. My Ipod - music is not only peaceful but buildings me up, fills me with feelings.
I love music, I love to sing and I love to dance!
LAST but not least
7. My Truck - "I LOVE MY TRUCK" a 1996 GMC white pickup. I always wanted one and in 1999 I bought myself one. That truck as done a million things with me and for me.
I couldn't ask for a better friend.
http://littlefirebox.blogspot.com/2009/07/rain-rain.html

Memorial Day

Bitter Sweet.

Awesome 4 day weekend! and I 'm mean awesome.
But also really sad thinking about the people who are no longer here. Cleaned and decorated 6 graves!
On a brighter note.
I did numerous things to thank God for.
1. Cleaned (alot)
2. Gave Stevie my old sectional and bought a smaller couch that looks awweeeeesome!
3. Spent time with Stevie
4. Ran with Stacey
5. Ate seafood ALL weekend.
6. Had a great worship service at Grace Fellowship
7. Enjoyed my motorcycle
8. Started a new strength training call "Starting Strength" and I'm loving it.
For 6-12 weeks you follow a weight lifting program. During this time you DON'T do any workouts. I love this idea. I hope I can stick with it. Find the time and the spotters when I needed. I feel good (and strong) about it.



Phase II fixing lifting platform. Placed another treated and sealed piece of wood on the bottom and then finally glued down the stall mats. Worked on it till sundown..... :)
Came out real good. Very happy. It's "almost" level. Now I just need to chalk the sides.

Tell the World

Yeah.... I want to tell the world!

Yesterday.....
I, yes ME, went to the shed took out the weed wacker for the first time this season, put in the correct mix of oil and gas, and then proceeded to pull and pull and pull. If any of you have ever tried to start a weed wacker (or lawn mower) and it just doesn't want to start. I have had that problem at the beginning of every season. (at which time I would normally go back into the house and get Steve)

WELL, I, (Joy Marie) was persistent! After many attempts the beautiful, loud, sharp noise was music to my ears.

I am proud to say that my yard of obstacles is well groomed.

NOW can someone please show me how to fix the running toilet (of 3 months)!!