August 27, 2011=PermaSmile

Salado Creek, Salado, TX

Let's Go to Luckenbach, Texas

We spent Saturday in Luckenbach, Texas touring by bike in the Ring of Fire ride put on by Red Licorice Events.  We logged 65 miles total, Neal rode 42 and I settled for 23.  My intent was to ride 26 but I got a little confused going out of the gate (we were running late so I didn't start with the group).  My mistake was the first turn out of the start instead of turning left to ride the little ring (13 miles), I turned right.  This meant I was on the big ring (42 miles).  The 10.5 miles I peddled on the big ring were the most difficult I have ever ridden.  Here's what goes through ones mind when they are unfamiliar roads in the Texas Hill Country with temperatures rising to 100 degrees.

                                I am going to sell this bike.

                                Why am I out here again?

                                I could run faster than I going right now.

                               Am I going to right way? Where is everyone?

The first aid station was at mile 10.5.  This is where I realized my mistake and there was NO WAY IN H*** that I was riding 31.5 more miles.  Luckily another rider realized the big ring was out of her league and she had already called a ride back to the little ring.  She looked at my face and kindly asked if I wanted to ride (in a car) back to the little ring.  I wanted to kiss her!  The little ring was much more my speed, dare I say, enjoyable!   I will keep my bike, but we are now  frienemies. 

This guy rode 55 miles with his dog on his bike.  He said they have ridin over 4,000 miles together.  After the race he was getting a characture drawn of him holding the dog.  I overheard him say that the dog has separation anxiety..um odd? yes.

Post race beer and enjoying the local entertainment.  The quality of the photos is not stellar, I dropped my camera in the dirt which caused lens errors, dang it.  So all the photos are from Neal's blackberry camera.

We made some new friends and might have finally found a club to join.  When we lived in D.C. and were members of D.C. Tri, we were training, racing or volunteering at a race almost every weekend.  Since moving to Austin, let just say notsomuch.  

It was a great way to spend the day! Totally worth getting up at 5:30am on a weekend.  

Just Because.

I really like him,

LOVE.

Count Down-Update

Remember this post?  30 is approaching quickly, so let's check the progress.

• Run a marathon, like for real.  Rock N' Roll Marathon FINISHER November 13, 2011
• Visit Sea Turtle, Inc on South Padre Island
• Take the economic development certification test 
• Full weeks vacation to somewhere other than visiting family or a holiday
• Get engaged, hopefully even married :)  (sorry Neal, had to add it)  Neal proposed August 27, 2011, our wedding date is May 19, 2012!
• Welcome a new baby niece or nephew in to the world! (going to happen in October whether I put it on this list or not)  Elliot Brooks Leasure arrived October 4, 2011
• Sign up or complete a flower arranging class
• 70.3 Half Ironman
• See a Texas Tech game live, hello never even been to Lubbock, TX
• Shoot a gun (this has been on my to do list since 2006)
• Volunteer to serve at church on a regular basis   COMPLETE and ONGOING: volunteered for the summer in 0-6 months old nursery.  BABIES BABIES BABIES, there is no better way to spend 3 hours on Sunday morning: worshiping then rocking babies.
• DEBT FREE Made last credit card payment on July 15
• Grow an herb garden  Attempt one FAILED, might try again
• Complete La Sportiva Vail Half Marathon  BEAUTIFUL, it was a challenge but the scenery is worth all the effort!
• Visit Omaha, Nebraska
• Volunteer at a Ironman Competition
• Add anything else to this list at anytime in the next 13 months and then immediately cross it off.  Yes, I am one of those people.

A few that may take longer than 13 months:

• Visit Anguilla
• Spend at least one night in all 50 States
• Ride in a Hot Air Balloon
• Go to the Kentucky Derby 
• Host monthly dinner parties or start a dinner club

Rocky Mountain HIGH

N and I are running jogging walking trying not to die in the Vail Half-Marathon this weekend.  You know just a little challenge incorporated in a visit to see family.  The race starts at 11,650 ft above sea level, climbing 4000 feet during the race.  Hopefully oxygen will be provided along with water at the stops. This is the pep talk via email from Race Director Josh

"It should be a beautiful morning for a challenging and scenic run. There will be snow on course between mile markers 8-10.  From mile marker 8 there are small piles of snow that can easily be run over or around.  

Once you hit the 9 mile marker expect to have large piles of snow to navigate around or over.  

The course will be well marked in this area to help guide you through.  You will end up with wet

feet after this section but it will be a fun challenge."

Excuse me did I read SNOW, the rest of the country is under extreme heat warnings and we are choosing to run in the snow.  Can we say Crazytown.  

If you are curious the race map is below.  Before we endure the altitude we are going to Coors and Red Rocks. YAY! I have not been to either since the summer of 2001 when I was a tour guide at Coors Brewery.  This will be N's first visit.  I guess I should brush up on my script.

Wishing everyone a Happy Weekend! Please keep us in mind Sunday a.m., say a little prayer for a safe race while you are at church! 

Warby Parker

Ever heard of this company? Warby Parker? It is an online eye wear company that offers glasses at low cost.  For every pair of glasses they sell they donate a pair to someone in need. AWESOME.  Like TOMS but for your eyes. I was introduced to the company by CBS Sunday Morning. The segment peaked my interest and clearly I am in need of new glasses. 

Last week I ordered five pairs of glasses to try-on at home.  They are delivered right to your house. Just like this.

I had five days to try on, show off and take pictures.

Click on the pictures to make bigger.

My top choice is Reece Midnight Blue.  What do you think?  Now I need to send the glasses back, a prepaid return label is included and order my new eyes. Then viola my glasses will be at my door step for less that $100! Can't beat it!  If you need new prescription eye wear, they have sunglasses too, check out Warby Parker.  It is inexpensive, for a good cause and stylish!

**A current prescription is required and your pupillary distance (PD).  Don't know what a pupillary distance is ( I googled it) and found this. 

Quiet Time: Prayer is Essential

There is a lot going on right now, some exciting opportunities for my career.  A few opportunities have come up that I am trying to sort through, the decisions are not only for me but also for the future N and I have together.  Prayer is essential. 

Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that you are creating these opportunities and leading me to the right one, the right one for future growth.  The right one that will bring glory to you and happiness.  The right one that will challenge, reward and further your kingdom. Amen 

Please pray for the decision making process.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.  John 14:27