Tag: support

Mountains and Boots – So Much Love

So…my hiking boots were stolen. I loved them. They were a gift from my hubbie, and they went with me to a lot of places. Together, my boots and I created a lot of memories. <SIGH>. However, they are gone, and I had to accept that.

It took me a while, but I finally settled on a new pair to purchase. It wasn’t easy, since I have tiny gidget feet. But, I find some really good ones at a good price. TODAY – they arrived! Yes. I put them on. I walked around the house. They are like PILLOWS on my feet. I might never take them off again. I am in love.

In case you are interested, these are KEEN, Targhee III. They have been highly rated for winter (waterproof), traction, comfort, long distance. My hubbie has KEEN and has been very impressed. The price point is good too. I want boots that will become part of me and last for a long time. So, I will let you know how this new *relationship* turns out.

On another high note, I had a week of physical body BLAH, which is not the norm for me. Then, I came through the other side, and it has been AWESOME. Yesterday, I hiked with a friend up to the very top of the teetering rocks of Nihahi Ridge (Kananaskis). Don’t have the route (hiking watch is also…stolen…don’t worry….I’ll get a new one so I can share routes again!). But, it was so much fun. Some good scrambling at the top. And a lunch time view to die for.

My love for my hiking boots and the mountains is deep. What about you? What do you love?

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I Am A Writer

The last few weeks of 2017, I found myself launching what will be my biggest project for 2018.  After self-publishing my first book, an open, honest, raw and inspirational capture of my own personal journey, I found myself on the receiving end of some really wonderful feedback.  Those that read my book took away a boost of motivation and were inspired to do things they hadn’t before tried, or had put off doing.  I was asked multiple times if I would be writing another book.  I kept saying that I didn’t know.

After some soul searching, and reflection upon where to spend my time and talents, I realized that I knew I should write another book.  Thus, before the end of the year, I made space in my life, and I launched myself into the writing of my next book.  This time I am venturing into the world of fiction

When I came across the ‘Insecure Writer’s Support Group‘, which was posted by an amazing author who is deeply passionate about helping other writers, I immediately joined.  A monthly post to share about our own writing journey is part of being in this group.  Thus, this is my first post !!!

Continue reading “I Am A Writer” →

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Another Blog Award – Mystery Blog Award

WOW!!!  The blogging community continues to be amazing, strong and supportive!

Thank you SO much to elanaflutterfly for the nomination for the Mystery Blog Award.

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Mystery Blogger Award is an award for amazing bloggers with ingenious posts. Their blog not only captivates; it inspires and motivates. They are one of the best out there, and they deserve every recognition they get. This award is also for bloggers who find fun and inspiration in blogging;  and they do it with so much love and passion.

– Okoto Enigma

 

Continue reading “Another Blog Award – Mystery Blog Award” →

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Another Blog Award – Liebster Award

liebster-aware

A BIG thank you to iMac for nominating me for this award!  I received the nomination quite a while back, and am finally responded.  It surprises me, but I had much more content planned for my blog than I realized.

 

 

“The word “liebster” means “dearest” or “favourite” in German, and the tag is used to spread the love awareness for the smaller bloggers in the community.” — SBD

So, this is how it works…

The rules:

♦ Thank the blogger that nominated you
♦ Write 11 random facts about yourself
♦ Answer the 11 questions asked by the blogger that nominated you
♦ Nominate 5 to 11 other bloggers and let them know they’ve been nominated
♦ Come up with 11 questions for the bloggers you’re nominating

Continue reading “Another Blog Award – Liebster Award” →

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A Healthy Holiday Season – The ‘Big’ Festive Salad

It is that time again….as the festivities flow, we find ourselves amidst a plethora of treats.  There are parties to attend where we swim through a sea of savoury appies, sweet cocktails and decadent desserts.  There are people to see, and many drinks to be had.  The baking is all around us, and the family dinners are abundant.  With so many functions during such a whirlwind of a time, how does one stay healthy?

Don’t worry – you can have fun without getting whisked away into a world of gluttony and inactivity.  I am here with you.  Together, we can make it through the holidays and into the new year.

My approach?  Keep it simple – I say!!!

One trick that really works for me is the ‘big’ salad.  Whether it be for lunch or dinner, you can whip it up real quick, and pack if full with protein and greens!  Your protein of choice will keep your hungry at bay, and the veggies will pump you up with the vitamins and minerals you need especially at this time of year.

Really, all you need is a simply protein, lots of greens, and whatever other veggies you like.  Here is a sample to get you off and running.

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Continue reading “A Healthy Holiday Season – The ‘Big’ Festive Salad” →

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Fast and Gracious: Mel the Running Rabbit

{Welcome back my feature series on those who have inspired me on my journey.  Today’s post is about one the fastest, most dedicated athletes I know.  And, everyone loves her because she exudes positivity, encouragement and support.  If you missed Strength and Spirit, My Warrior Friend be sure to check it out!!!}

The other day, as I finished one of my regular, moderate runs, I glanced at my running watch to see that I had accomplished about 5 km in about 34 minutes.  Not bad, fairly consistent – I was happy with that.  As I uploaded my data, I browsed around on Facebook, and came across Melissa’s results for the 10 km race she had just finished that morning.  She had reached her goal, a personal best, and a time of 39:10 for 10 km!!!  Wow, I thought.  How does she do that?

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Melissa full of winning attitude

I am constantly thinking how does she do that when it comes to Melissa.  It just seems that she is always accomplishing another amazing win!  She has been most known for her running.  She has been competing at many distances for a long time.  Since I have met her, she has continuously expanded her horizons.  She took on the road racing world with a bang.  With only two seasons under her belt, she has already moved up a category and has multiple podium finishes.  She has taken on cross country skiing with zest, and recently entered the world of cross biking.  The whole time, she is chasing down and challenging her equally speedy husband, Reinier, who is clearly the passion of her life.  During a recent foot injury when she could not bike or run, she focused on swimming – something that she knew nothing about.  She simply looks at something, and does it. Continue reading “Fast and Gracious: Mel the Running Rabbit” →

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Strength and Spirit: My Warrior Friend

{Welcome to my feature series on those who have inspired me on my journey.  Today’s post is about the strongest warrior I have ever met.  Every time I spend time with her, I walk away wanting to be better.  If you missed My More Aggressive Twin, or Racing and Climbing, Fierce and Strong, be sure to check them out!}

I was sitting at my desk, plugging away, when I overheard a conversation at the desk beside me.  This tiny, Asian girl was telling my co-worker that she had to leave early to get home before her husband completely dug up the backyard with some homemade contraption that he was trying to use to dig a hole.  The passion and energy coming out of this little woman was amazing.  The way she described this preposterous scenario was incredibly entertaining.  Her perspective on it was unbelievable.  I felt like this woman had years of wisdom and experience.  I immediately felt like I needed to know this woman.

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Andrea and me at a wedding celebration

The desks were quite open, and thus, it was easy to join in the discussion without intruding.  From that day forward, this tiny woman, Andrea, has been one of the single most influential forces in my life.  There is nothing tiny about her.

 

Andrea and I shared a geeky IT background, and an aptitude for interfacing between the IT techies and the business side of a corporation.  It turned out that we also shared a love for many things including, but not limited to: goat cheese with honey, sparkly wine, soft and fuzzy clothing and blankets that you can’t stop touching and puppies.

Continue reading “Strength and Spirit: My Warrior Friend” →

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The Influence of Cycling – Jonathan Deguzman

My feature series on those who have inspired me on my journey continues and stays strong.  In my last post, I introduced you to an amazing rider who supported me and helped my confidence to grow, Dehnis B Delacruz.  Today’s post is a follow up to share some of the amazing work that Dehnis is doing in the cycling community.

Take a few minutes and watch the documentary that Dehnis created on an amazing cyclist, Jonathan Deguzman.  I have never met Jonathan, but when I watched this I felt like I knew him.  I was so touched by his genuine responses, and how he conveyed that regardless of the level or ability, we all come to cycling for very similar reasons.  Jonathan was so authentic in his responses, and Dehnis’ work in capturing this was absolutely brilliant.

Thanks to Jonathan for sharing his journey, and to Dehnis for seeing this opportunity and putting in the work to capture it!

 

 

This documentary can also be found here: The Influence of Cycling – Jonathan Deguzman

{If you enjoyed reading this, you can read more posts or follow me at Just a Girl and a Bike}

 

 

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A Smooth Riding Companion: Dehnis B DelaCruz

{My feature series on those who have inspired me on my journey continues and stays strong.  Today I introduce you to an amazing rider who supported me and helped my confidence to grow.  If you are curious, be sure to check out this Slowburn post.}

The alarm starting beeping way too early, but out of bed I leaped.  I was pumped.  I had been waiting all week for this.  This morning, I would be joining my beloved Slowburn group once again after many years.

The feat would not be easy.  We would be doing the famous Great Western Loop – A.K.A. GWL.  This ride would see us climb almost 1200 metres and cover nearly 70 km.  The climbing starts almost immediately, and most of it is accomplished in the first 2/3 of the ride.  So,  you literally feel like you are climbing, climbing, climbing…

As the group began to gather, a felt a twinge of excitement edged with a bit of nervousness.  No matter how many rides I completed, I just never knew exactly how I would feel until I started pedaling.  So many things can happen in cycling, so you just never really know what a ride is going to be like.  It seemed like it wasn’t that long ago that I couldn’t even fathom riding a road bike, never mind take on the ride that I was about to embark on.

SlowBurn
Me, Matt Tabaya to my right, Dennis Caco and James Hiner up front.  Dehnis was behind us, and took this beautiful photo.

 

Continue reading “A Smooth Riding Companion: Dehnis B DelaCruz” →

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