Another experience crossed off my list! I was invited to join a group of friends at the indoor rock climbing gym Stonehenge. I have been wanting to go since I heard about it in high school. When I walk in, I see ropes hanging from the tops of the walls and climbers hanging in mid-air. This is going to be a piece of cake. I used to climb all over stuff when I was a kid. Easy Peasy Rice and Cheesy!! I make my way over the desk to sign in and meet friends. Ben grabs a harness, comes around and shows me how to put it on. Now my adult brain kicks in, I can get hurt!

After I pass the test of putting on the harness, Ben walks me over to the ropes of the “short wall.” He goes over how to tie myself in to belay. I am listening intently (probably too intently) so I make sure I don’t make a stupid mistake and end up on the padded floor. Phew! I pass the rope test and am given the OK to climb. Up I go!

I’m half way up the wall and realize this is harder than I thought. Not only are my forearms getting the best workout ever, the holds are not as big as I expects and the tips of my fingers barely hold on to some. The height part of the wall doesn’t scare me, the falling part does! Even knowing that my friend is below with a tight grip on the rope, I am not so comfortable with the “letting go” part of activity. A few holds are just out of reach that I need to make a little jump. Not so comfortable when you are a 2 inch ledge grabbing for a one inch hold. Ok, maybe I exaggerate..It was a 1 1/2 inch hold. I get to the top, Yeah me! Now I have to repel down and I hesitate to completely let go. I finally get to the ground and my nerves are a little more agitated than expected.

I take my turn holding the rope as another friend climbs up the wall. Nerves calm down and they make it look easy. On the the next challenge. The bigger wall! I get about 3/4 of the way up to the side of a ledge that sticks out and FREAK! I can’t seem to find a hold that I comfortable enough to jump to. I’m let down and continue to watch friends scale up like nothing. Next time, I’m making it to the top!! I’m so glad I stopped when I did. I woke up the next day sore EVERYWHERE!! But it was fun!

The weekend started bright and early at 4:30am on Saturday. I wipe the sleep

from my eyes, throw on my clothes, band-aid my ankles, grab headphones, armband and coffee and out the door I go to Charity #1- Race for the Cure in Sacramento. I haven’t ran in a few weeks since my Achilles was hurting and a bad shoe choice blistered the back of my heels. I’m worried that I won’t be able to finish the race.

I meet up with the rest of the team; Joel Miller, Jennifer Luke and Deanna Shanefelt. We are small, but mighty!

Joel and I take off for the Runner’s start. Mile 1 not so bad. We bob and weave our way around everyone. Mile 2 I’m dying! Joel is talking like he is waling, I’m gasping for breaths between sentences. By the time we finish, I realize I need to up my work outs DRAMATICALLY!! I usually run on flat roads and the little bit of incline in the route totally killed me. Lame, I know. BUT I finished and first official 5k is on the books!! On to Charity #2.

Thanks goodness I parked off site. I easily made my way to the freeway and homeward bound to shower and change for the Relay for Life Luncheon. All team members had to decorate and host a table. My theme was Coca-Cola. Thanks to Mom and her collection, my table looked great! I make it in time to greet my guests and help put finishing touches on the table.

Lunch was deliciously catered by Leonardo’s Cafe. Multiple prizes were donated by team members, local vendors and gracious community members. When all was said and done, we raised over $1800! Not too shabby.

Sunday was a day in Yosemite. Another early start, but totally worth it!! I think the pictures speak for themselves.

Just one of the little critters that made and appearance. Two others were in feeding in this small wooded area outside the main Pavilion.

A squirrel gave a nice “Howdy Doo” earlier. He turned his furry tush in our direction and left a nice little wet spot. I think he was mad because Mike kept shooing him away!

Wow! I can’t believe it has been over two months since I last posted. Let me bring up up to speed then.

My sister is getting married at the end of this month and I said that I wouldn’t work as much in order to help with things. Let’s face it, I lied. BUT I have still been helping with things. I have also caught up with some old friends. Yeah me! Yes, I have been taking personal time.

March:

My Marilyn spread shot by Renee Vang was published in VOLO Magazine’s premiere issue. Make- up by Rykk Martinez.

I shot with Vibram footwear and may be seen in an REI near you! At least my feet.

Total Bragging Rights show with Morgan wrapped. But don’t forget about us! At the end of the season, viewers will pick their favorite friends to compete against each other. Don’t forget, me and Morgan are in bikinis and fight with whipped cream.

http://www.youtube.com/user/TotallyBragging

Shot a music video for Roadkill Romeo.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJv9TiAxEyA

Worked the Car Rental show in Vegas and shot with Dave Alan.

April:

Shot a commercial for Hitachi.

Photo shoot with Samhain Publishing. Already have 2 book covers that will be out over the next couple of months!!

Backstage Scenes shoot was published in Gladys Magazine. Had the chance to work with Orlando Perez, Chris Lombardo, and Martin Rodriguez. Marissa’s Closet supplied the wardrobe and Black Licorice made it’s debut!

Ring Carded the Art of War show with Oakdale MMA at the Chicken Ranch Casino.

Coincidentally was casted for a  commercial for the Chicken Ranch Casino that is now airing on Comcast in the San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties.

http://youtu.be/EUzKob_So5w

May:

Shot a scene for I (Almost) Got Away With It.

Worked the Citrix Synergy Show in San Francisco representing Whiptail this week.

This weekend, Race for the Cure in Sacramento and Relay for Life Luncheon in Escalon on Saturday.  Sunday, nice relaxing day of hiking .

Next weekend, Costco promo in Modesto

And then “The Big Day” Memorial weekend!! I play the baker, hairstylist, make-up artist, bridesmaid, and candlestick maker.

It’s happening and I don’t like it!!
A few months ago a make up artist told me I should start using an eye cream. Ok, I took that to mind. I do have a few dark circles that could use some tending too… And sleep!! Then I seemed to hear from everyone. “How old are you? Oh yeah, that starts to happen about then. Your body changes, hormones” blah, blah, blah.

I have been having “issues” with my skin for the past couple of years. I’ve been using stronger face washes, astringents, masks, spot creams and nothing seems to help. It was getting frustrating. I had a facial and I was telling my esthetician if the problems and that is what I heard. ” How old are? Oh yeah, when I was that age this and this happened.”

Went to the Doctor. I’ve been experiencing this and this. Same thing. “Oh yeah, when you get older…” Waaaaaa!!!!

My Aunt is a cosmetic rep and I asked her about an “blemish” product. She come back and says “I’m out of that, but try this.” It’s the AGE FIGHTING line!!!

I didn’t expect to stay young forever and didn’t think it would never happen to me, I just didn’t expect to be hearing it NOW!! I just got over my anxiety of turning…gulp!…30…and now it’s back again!! Along with a whole bunch of other baggage. I know the wiser ladies are laughing at me, my mom does, but still… Can’t I take a rain check and come back to this later…. Waaaaaaa!!

And I just remembered. Everyone I see a group of teenagers, I think they are up to no good. I’m like the peeping old lady in the neighborhood!!

I was walking up to the store earlier and a group of teen girls were gabbing and laughing. All I could think was 1) do they have to be so loud, 2) I’m such an old lady! They are dressed all cute in boots and the prairie style, then I look at me. My cardigan and jeans… Definitely incognito from my model half, 3) shake my head at them, 4) Was I like that in High School.

When I get back to my car and see it is 7 pm, I think how LATE it is!! It’s Friday night and I’m watching Kitchen Nightmares and drinking wine. Put an L on my forehead!! I’m such a LOSER!!!
There’s actually a Friends episode similar to this. Never mind, feelings validated!! Hahaha!!

Hope everyone else’s night was more exciting!! Please share with Grandma.

I have started running in the last few month as part of my exercise routine and recently to get ready for Race for the Cure in Sacramento (which I’m taking donations for ). I don’t care to run a treadmill, so I run outside. As I was running yesterday, I began to think about all the safety precautions that females could take while running. So here are my thoughts.

*Disclaimer: I am not an expert, nor am I trying to be. The following are strictly my opinions, information from one Self-Defense course, and watching multiple Missing-Person shows. Feel free to disagree or add your opinion*

DON’T PUBLICIZE LOCATIONS- I use an iPhone app to track my distance, time, pace, etc. It also tracks my route. At the end of my run, I am asked if I want to publish information to Facebook or Twitter. I also say NO. I don’t want someone to know WHERE I am running. I turn the GPS feature off on my phone after I am finished also. PS Supposedly when you take a photo, the GPS feature will tag the location of the photo. Sophisticated people can then find you. So turn it off!!

LET SOMEONE YOU TRUST KNOW YOUR ROUTE- I hate to admit this, but I sometimes run by myself. I know this is a big safety no-no, but also why I try to take every other precaution. When I leave out for a run, I tell my sister how long I expect to be gone an the general route I am taking.

STAY IN WELL LIT AREAS- With winter, comes earlier dusk and later dawn. I make sure my ENTIRE route is well lit.

BRIGHT CLOTHING- Wearing all black is probably not the smartest choice. I try to wear the brightest colors I have and utilize cross walks. I have almost hit people crossing the street in a poorly lit area wearing dark colors. If you are running, the car my have less time to react and stop.

BE AWARE OF SURROUNDINGS- Most everyone has an i-something growing out of their ears. I am no exception. I keep the volume high enough for me to hear my music and low enough to hear if someone or some thing is approaching. When I see a neighbor outside, I wave to make sure they see me and know I see them. On the chance the are asked “Have you seen this girl?” They can say “Yes.” This is a little experiment of my own. I hypothesis that the extra second it takes to smile or wave at someone, your brain will register more efficiently and have better recall.

HAVE AN ESCAPE PLAN- Not to breed paranoia, but if you did feel in danger what would you do? Try to out run the person? Run home? Yell? Scream? The chances of me out running someone realistically are slim. And I sure as heck am not going to try to run home. If I make it there, I have now just led them to where I LIVE! My plan would be to go to the nearest house with lights on, call the cops and my sister to come pick me up.

CARRY A WEAPON- Pepper spray, brass knuckles, your keys, anything that can be used to deter someone long enough for you to get away. I went runner later than I usual once and I had a key sticking out from between my fingers. If I swung, something would have been punctured. This little girl is not down without a fight…and your DNA!!

So those are my tips for ladies that run in public. If you have something to add, let me know and I’ll include it in the body of the blog.

UPDATE!! Had a suggestion from my friend Katlin. When possible run against traffic. I also just bought a light that I can clip on the back of my clothes to be SEEN.