A “Do Epic Shit” Weekend

What does a “Do Epic Shit” Weekend look like? It starts with a drive to the Poconos for CIGAR FEST followed by going to West Point to the Athena Arena: 40 Years of Women at West Point and sealed up with a 40 mile bike ride through New York City at the FiveBoroBikeTour. Whew!

 

Thursday morning (April 28th), The Queen Momz and I leave out to go to CigarFest and attend some of the free events at the Cigar International Stores. We went to the Drew Estate event in Hamburg and then over to the Perdomo Event in Bethlehem.

  

We met up with some other Lodge members for the Loyal Order of the Water Buffalo Cigar Club, hung out for a while, spent a lot of moolah and then we hooked up with Lodge 19 (I am the Grand Poobah of Lodge 19) member, IlaGator. Lodge 19 moved the party to Split Rock Resort where CigarFest was being held and attended the Daniel Marshall “Modern Day Campfire” Event.

  

I was sure that one of us was going to win one of the awesome prizes, but alas, it was not meant to be. I still have my Daniel Marshall Gold Cigar and plan to take it to Puerto Rico with me to celebrate my 29th anniversary.

 

Friday, Momz and I were up early to get to the breakfast for the VIP CigarNUTs (yep, that’s us) and scored one of the nice large ceramic ashtrays, although I thought I was going to have to build a defensive perimeter around it or go all ham on some guys who thought that two women smoking cigars would need an ashtray. Beat it, bub. MINE!

 

We picked up our great military style back packs filled with CigarNut goodies and made our way into the “tent” to go around to meet, great and pick up a cigar from over 50 different Cigar-makers and brand owners. IT WAS AWESOME!

            

So, after we made all of our rounds and had spent all of our monies, we loaded up and made our way to West Point to meet up with the Class of 87 Women for a get together and then the conference on Saturday.

 

It was fantastic to spend time with women grads and to hear from some phenomenal speakers including hearing from the 1st Women Ranger Graduates – all of whom are West Pointers. It was a glorious day for a conference, a parade, Spring Football & Class of 87 Tailgage. Just Simply The Best!!!  

 

After the tailgate, we (me, ConnieB and Momz) drove down to NYC…and that was an adventure itself – missed a turn and ended up having to go across the Brooklyn Bridge where I made a U-Turn where I probably was no supposed to causing a tad bit of havoc on the road, but I got back across and to our hotel which I would say was not really in Chinatown but actually China. It was GREAT! We picked up dinner at a carry out (yes, Val…it had an A on the door) and Connie and I had to spend a little time reading over the menu and trying to figure out what to get – there was no General Tso Chicken or Schezuan Beef anywhere to be found. What we did end up getting was SLAMMING though. Connie and I pulled our stuff together, debated on whether we should even do the race as it was calling for some serious rain, decided we would play it by ear, and went to bed to get ready for our 40 mile FiveBoroRide.

 

We decided to go since it was just cloudy and misting a little, picked up some gloves under the Manhattan Bridge from a street vendor (they were Clutch!) as we rode to the start line – we grinned and kept each others spirit and humor up. I couldn’t have picked a better person to ride with in such miserable conditions. Mark Twain once said if you want to know if you really like or hate a person, travel with them. Not only did I travel with my classmate & friend, but we survived 40 mile in the freezing rain together with laughter, good humor and comradery. I wouldn’t have done it or kept going without her there with me. I HAD A BLAST! A perfect end to an EPIC SHYT WEEKEND!

I have been asked would I do this ride again. Probably not. It was so crowded – 40K people on almost as many different bikes and with so much various experience – mostly a lot of people who don’t have the faintest idea of the rules of the road. People would come to a sudden and complete stop in the middle of the road. Stop on the left side blocking people from passing and weaving erratically in and out of the people without saying a word. I saw a lot of unnecessary and/or preventable accidents of which I had no interest in being part of. I was pretty much over it when I saw a guy bite a jersey wall. Yep. No.

 

I put together a little slide show from the ride. Enjoy

Diva Review: Resistance Bands by Live Infinitley

I was recently offered the opportunity to try Live Infinitley’s Resistance Bands and it came at an awesome time as I have several exercises given to my by my awesome physical therapist. These bands provide varying degrees of resistance and are in a loop style that you can use for a variety of exercises.

 

If you are looking for a resistance band then look no further. For the price point and the variety you get in the pack, you are getting a lot of bang for the buck.

 

Product Information:

✦LARGER SIZE✦ At 14" long & 3" wide these loop exercise bands are designed longer and wider than others to provide more versatility and boost comfort! No more scrunching up and cutting into your skin! Easily combine any combination of bands to achieve the exact resistance amount your personal fitness level needs!

✦PROFESSIONAL GRADE✦ This set of resistance bands includes five 14" x 3" loop bands ranging from Light (3-7lbs), Medium (5-9lbs), Heavy (9-15lbs), X Heavy (15-22lbs) & XX Heavy (22-35lbs). Made from the highest quality all NATURAL latex available. These resistance bands are durable, eco friendly and remove the need for any synthetic additives. Enjoy years of total body workouts knowing these are designed for rigorous exercises and will retain their elasticity.

✦PORTABLE✦ With the included traveling case and the compact size of the workout bands you can achieve your fitness goals at home or on the road. Excellent for all types of at home workouts, strength training, stretching, endurance training or physical therapy treatments.

✦ALL INCLUSIVE✦ Every resistance band set includes a FREE eBook with detailed pictures outlining numerous workouts to get the most from your new Live Infinitely product. As well, you get lifetime access to our how-to video collection explaining how to workout your arms, legs, abs and more to sculpt the body you have always wanted!

✦RELIABLE CUSTOMER SERVICE✦ Every purchase is backed with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. If your not thrilled, simply contact our reliable customer service team and know you will receive unmatched personal assistance.

 

You can get your Live Infinitely Resistance Bands by click on the link above. #LiveInfinitely

Diva Review: Live Infinitely Muscle Stick Roller

Here we go with another Diva Review. Today we are going to talk about the 18” Live Infinitely Forever Massage Stick.

 

 

I have had a massage stick for quite some time now; however, it was always hit or miss in its use until the past couple of months. After a 10 mile run in January, I had some significant knee pain (mostly focused behind my knee and more pronounced when I sat for a long time and then stood up). It forced me to see my Orthopedic doctor. I was sent to PT. I started using a stick on the regular.

 

I was already a fan until I got the opportunity to try the Live Infinitely one. The one I have is longer than this one. The Live Infinitely one is shorter and I am able to get a better grip with the handles and apply more pressure since it is not as long.

 

Here is a short video of me using the Live Infinitely Muscle Stick Roller…

 

Stop Letting Muscle Aches, Fatigue & Cramps Slow You Down
As a runner or anyone who puts consistent strain on your muscles you begin to encounter shin splints, muscle fatigue, aches or cramps. To some degree these obstacles hit every active person. It begins to slow you down or makes it difficult to continue a workout. By using a massage roller you boost blood flow, break down lactic acid and increase flexibility. You can consistently relieve your muscles, which is critical to maintaining a healthy body and continuing to stay active!

What Makes this Massage Sticks Different From Others?
Live Infinitely massage sticks are the highest quality muscles rollers available which are guaranteed to meet and exceed your expectations.
✦ Durable flex resistant stainless steel core, allowing you to be as aggressive as you need without the fear of bending it
✦ ABS plastic rollers, which are squeak free, durable and BPA free
✦ 18" design, giving you the ability to work those hard to reach muscles – easy to take with you and fit in your gym bag
✦ Ergonomic soft rubber handgrips
✦ Dependable and long lasting for everyday use in recovery or pre/post workouts

What's Included with a Purchase of the stick?
✓ Professional grade muscle roller stick
✓ Lifetime access to how-to videos and use guides. As well as a FREE downloadable eBook outlining preventative massages and everyday uses of your muscle roller
✓ 100% satisfaction guarantee backed by our reliable customer service team

 

Where do I get one? Click here --- Live Infinitely Muscle Stick Roller.

 

#liveinfinitely

The TravelDiva’s Totally Tremendous 2016 Race Schedule

Well, I’m a little late getting this out, but I keep getting asked what running, skipping, jumping, flying – completely cray cray adventures I am on in the 2016. Since it is also the year of the HALF CENTURY CELEBRATION – I couldn’t just half step. So, drum roll please….

April 2016

I’m doing this one because I’m doing the Inaugural Disney Paris Half Marathon (my Bday Present to ME!)  and I want the Castle to Chateau medal.

May 2016
         Team GLORIOUS GRADS will be rocking NYC

 

I will be kicking off the KING CRAB CHALLENGE on May 8th with the FREDERICK HALF MARATHON (the other races are the Baltimore 10 miler and the Baltimore Half)

Followed up the next weekend with BEAST OF THE EAST --- Those hills are just DISRESPECTFUL

Closing out the month with a little more OWSwimming -

 

JUNE 2016

The second race in the KING CRAB CHALLENGE SERIES is up first…

And then it is time to jump off the ferry again as I attempt to get some redemption on that Dante Inferno Sand Dune Run in Hell at Escape the Cape…

 

JULY 2016

I’m taking on a new challenge with the DUthe2 Challenge with RipIt Events. That is both the Sprint & Olympic distance Duathlon (Saturday/Sunday) Da Hell was I thinking.

 

AUGUST 2016

I’m going back to where I had my first ever podium finish to reclaim my title and move up the podium at the 27th Annual West Point Triathlon.

 

SEPTEMBER 2016

I best have my shit together by now as I conquer the Patriots 70.3 Triathlon in Williamsburg, VA

 

The I’m off to PARIS for the Inaugural Disneyland Paris Half Marathon (and other shenanigans with my Top Mafia, Pattey)

 

OCTOBER 2016

For grins and giggles and with my friend and Fitboo, Misty… The Seagull Century!

 

Maybe the Metric. We will see!

 

Followed by the last in the King Crab Challenge Series – The Baltimore Half Marathon..

 

 

 

 

…and if I can do all of this, I can wrap this thing up with a little jog at the…..

 

 

 

NOVEMBER 2016

I wrap up the madness with races I have done every year they have been run…

 

 

I think then I will sit my azz down someplace. WHEW!

The Triathlon Training Adventures of Lisa & Lynne

Lynne and I are the dynamic “old lady” (60 & 50 years old respectively) duo on the RipIt Coaching Team. 

Since we have a pretty similar pathetic pace running, we have decided to team up and be accountability buddies and do some of our training/workouts together. Little does Lynne know that hanging with me often results in drama & “adventures.”

We go out for a run today (Airborne Shuffle/walk for me) and everything was going along all hunky dory; beautiful 60degree February morning; we were on the last mile/mile and half when cray-cray in the form of a red Ford F150 comes out of nowhere and practically runs Lynne over. I was a little behind her and jogged to catch up to see if she was okay. We stand there and watch as the truck speeds down the street goes around the traffic circle and comes back. The truck is “rolling coal” -

Rolling coal is the practice of intentionally disabling the Clean Burn Programming of a computer controlled diesel engine, so that the vehicle can emit an under-aspirated sooty exhaust that visibly pollutes the air.

barreling up the road when he suddenly crosses over into on coming traffic. I whip out my phone and start (I think) video tapping. Cars are flying left and right to get out of his way. He is still coming and then veers straight at Lynne and I. Hindsight, we really should have jumped out of the way, but there wasn’t really anywhere for us to go. What did we do instead? Lynne gets behind me as I stand my ground, aiming the phone at him screaming “WHAT!?? You just going to hit me all on video tape!!!”


He slows down, swerves away, says something unintelligible, flips us the finger and proceeds on his rampage….and just like that, a county police officer pulls up behind him, sirens blaring and tries to pull him over. F150 decided to come to a stop in the middle of the street. Just blocking traffic.

Lynne and I had to hang around to bear witness to the actions of the idiot. I thought I had the whole thing on video, but alas, in the excitement I forgot to press the record button and was aiming a non-recording phone at the truck. Go figure. The police finally got the guy out the truck, but then had to get instructions on how to start it again so they could move it off the road. They also ended up calling an ambulance for the thug young man because it looked like he was stoned on something.

Lynne and I walked the mile back to her house and were thankful that nobody got hurt or wrecked.

Training officially starts for me on March 1st. If this is any indication on what the season is going to bring – LAWD HAB MURCY…this is gonna be FUN!


Stay safe out there on these byways. Eyes on Swivel.

Diva Review: Vino Mio Foldable Wine Bottle

I have been know to enjoy some wine from time to time and recently got the opportunity to try out the Vino Mio Foldable Wine Bottle.

 

It can be quite the challenge to take your favorite bottle to events – especially if they are outside or at a venue that doesn’t allow you to bring in glass. Vino Mio foldable wine bottle is the solution for just those occasions. Take it with you to enjoy an evening out without the risk of broken glass.

 

Whether you are attending an outdoor concert or movie, camping or something as normal as backyard barbecue, Vino Mio makes transporting your favorite varietal easy and clean.

 

I decided to try it out at a pre-Army Football Game Tailgate where I had to walk about a mile from the home I was staying in to the tailgate location. I poured a nice bottle of Pinot Noir in the Vino Mio and was off. No clanking against anything else in my tailgate bag and no worry about what would happen if I dropped it.

 

 

After the game & back at the tailgate, I was able to just drop the Vino Mio in my bag. No fuss, no mess, no trash.

 

Vino Mio Foldable Wine Bottle:

- Leak-proof so you don't make a mess.

- Holds a full bottle of wine (750ml).

- Get a 2-pack for red and white bottle.

- Easy pour spout lets you transfer the wine without spilling.

- Easy to clean after each use.

 

Bring VINO MIO to any event where alcohol will be served. Pour your favorite drink into the wine bottle with a twist and take it with you to:
- Concerts & festivals
- Backyard barbecue
- Beach outings
- Picnics
- A day on the boat
- Tailgating

Say goodbye to heavyweight glass bottles that weigh you down!

 

The #VinoMioFoldableWineBottle is available on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B015YMPCAG

It worked for me! Enjoy.

The Invisible Disability: A Mental Health Crisis in Children

Not your child, right?

How could a child that has “everything” – a loving family, 3 hots and a cot of their own, opportunity, nurturing, camps, sports, ipad…blah, blah, blah…be depressed, have anxiety and think about hurting themselves? How is that possible?

When we adopted our youngest (now 11) she was 18th months old with a myriad of issues from nutrition to delayed speech. We enrolled her at a private Christian daycare where we found out at about 2 1/2 that her ears were fully occluded – she did hear barely at all for the first 2 years of her life. We had tubes placed and had her work with a speech therapist. We were told she had a language delay. We got her into an early intervention program, worked with a speech therapist and started on an IEP (individual education program). We tried anything and everything that would help her overcome and catch up. We thought we were making progress. We got through elementary school and she was doing well. There were the mood swings, the sulking, the refusal to talk and instead of just chalking it up to puberty we decided that over the summer we would get her a counselor to work with her to quell her anxiety about going to Middle school among other things.

…and then it happened. The shock and awe. Our beautiful, smart, athletic, kind girl had (Thank You GOD!) turned herself in to the school psychologist that she was thinking about hurting herself, that she didn’t want to live anymore. Everybody hated her, she didn’t deserve to be here. THE SHOCK. The numbness when you get a phone call from your husband from the ER and the recommendation was she needed inpatient intervention. WHAT!!??

Not my child, right?

Now, I know what you are thinking…”why are they sharing this?” Why are they putting their business out on the street?”

We are sharing our story because we want you to know:

• Yes, I could be your “perfect” child
• It is not your fault. Yes, your child that has everything, has that privileged life could have – GO AHEAD AND SAY IT OUT LOUD – a mental illness
• Parents – you are not alone and don’t have to do it alone
• Every situation is different – every child is different. The triggers/stressors that precipitated our child’s depression might be totally different that what is going on with yours: however…
• WE CAN HELP EACH OTHER GET THROUGH IT

So…what was going on with our daughter? Pull up a chair – this might take a minute.

Our Princess doesn’t just have a language delay, she actually has a Language Impairment Disability and it was only the years of intervention and attention that we got her that she wasn’t worse.

What is a Language Impairment Disability?

The developmental period known as adolescence is generally described as beginning at about 11–12 years of age and continuing until 18–21 years of age, depending on which theory of adolescent development is being used. During these years, considerable cognitive, physiological, emotional, social, and educational changes occur. Language changes too, and the changes in language are affected by and affect other areas of development. When an adolescent experiences a language impairment, whether the impairment is severe, or whether it is less severe so that the adolescent’s language is more likely to be shaky, the teenager is at risk for problems in all areas of development.

Much about adolescents with language disorders remains either unknown or empirically unvalidated, especially for those adolescents whose language problems exist in the absence of other conditions known to affect language, such as specific language impairment (SLI) with regard to preschoolers. This more limited information has some not so positive implications for those professionals trying to provide valid and accountable assessment and intervention services for these adolescents. Many adolescents with language disorders remain unidentified, unserved, underserved, and neglected.

 

A Neglected Group with Significant Problems

Socioemotional difficulties are a significant issue for adolescents with language disorders. Problems with social interactions and even socioemotional difficulties are associated with specific language impairment in preschool years and language-learning disabilities in the earlier school years.

 

There are some indications that these students have difficulties with emotion regulation, a psychosocial issue that could be expected to affect interpersonal relationships , as well as other evidence that has begun to document a decline in their self-esteem as they mature and progress in school. Along with the language disorder, these can persist across childhood and into adolescence. In fact, emotional, behavioral, or mental health issues, such as “mood disorders often escalate during or immediately after puberty”

 

I took the liberty to paraphrase and cut and paste directly from this source:

http://catalogue.pearsoned.ca/assets/hip/ca/hip_ca_pearsonhighered/samplechapter/0205420427.pdf

 

What are some of the signs of language disorders (this list goes up through high school students) I’ve highlighted some of the issues we had/have with our girl.

* Problems with speaking and listening:

• seems unable to follow verbal instructions
• reluctant to speak
• talkative, but talk contains little real substance
• tells stories badly
• more grammatical errors than peers
• stereotypes - clichés and overuse of certain words and phrases. May use a lot of slang and swear words - vernacular language
• problems explaining the whys and wherefores of things - can't put the complex grammar together
• only deal well with concrete and here-and-now matters. Abstract language and ideas are very problematic
• taking a long time to respond; problems processing the information
• shows word finding difficulties; uses lots of 'ums' searching for words, lots of fillers e.g. 'you know', 'its the, oh the, that, um', and non-specific words, e.g. 'thing', 'that', 'stuff'. |
• doesn't follow jokes, puns, sarcasm, metaphors. Takes ambiguous language seriously
• says the wrong thing at the wrong time in the wrong tone of voice; can't hold a conversation following normal expectations
• doesn't pick up non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions or gestures - doesn't know when people want to end a conversation or doesn't recognize the emotional content of people's talk.

 

Problems with school work:

• can't complete homework
• participation in class discussion is badly handled or non-existent
• has trouble gaining information from class lectures and from books
• following the rules of the classroom is inconsistent or does not understand them or the need to follow them
• poor at tests
• can't explain what the problem is, or give reasons and excuses for failure or behavior
• has trouble with the school routines - can't remember the timetable, loses the rooms, can't use a diary well. Poor at working independently
• concentration and attention appear poor

 

Behavioral Problems

• poor self-esteem
• problems making and maintaining friendships
• lost motivation, cumulative sense of failure
• depression, anger, frustration, withdrawal, aggression
• reluctance to participate, including in remedial work
• inappropriate coping mechanisms, e.g. bullying, clowning, copying (cheating), delinquency and truancy

( Sources: McKinley & Larson, 90; NSW Dept. School Ed, 89; Bashir, 89; Buttrill et al, 89.)

 

What was the diagnosis: Major Depressive Disorder with Anxiety; Language Impairment

 

What do we do now? Medication, Psychologist, Psychiatrist, School Counselors, Tutors…and ever watchful parents that will bring every resource & brain cell to bear to give our baby a fighting chance at an awesome life.

As for the Mental Health System – that is another blog post. It is abysmal – especially for children where treatment should begin but more often than not doesn’t and then they fall through the cracks to poor outcomes, incarceration, homelessness or dead. If it wasn’t for my “good” insurance and our complete understanding of our benefits and how the system works (there is 30+ years of medical/healthcare sales & management experience between Ron and I) we might not have had the positive outcome that we did. If it wasn’t for the Steptoe Clan that rallied – it was all hands on deck Tribal Council – and the tight group of Prayer Warriors we recruited in the first hours of crisis – Ron and I might have buckled. I imagine that Ron and I were a sight to behold. Ron with his armor on, calm and cool ready to do battle. Me, with my broom, fierce in the fight of taking no shit; give it to me straight.

 

I hope that sharing our story and being transparent helps is some small way if you, as a parent, are in the struggle.

 

It takes a village.