Could have done without the snow...
Today I went and hiked a couple hikes I have never done before. The first was Shadow of the Giants above Bass Lake on the way to Yosemite. It was a 1 mile loop educational loop trail on the way to Fresno Dome. After Shadow of the Giants, I carried onto Fresno Dome. I had to park over a mile away from the trailhead because of snow. I probably could have gone further, but I didn't have my chains with me and I was by myself. Getting a stuck truck out by yourself doesn't sound entertaining to me. So I hiked up the road about 1.25 miles (all uphill), and with some difficulty, found the trailhead. Too bad my snowshoes are in LA, I could have used them. The first 1/2 mile of the 1 mile trail was snow covered. I slipped multiple times and fell into banks up to hip deep 2 or 3 times. Took forever. Usually it wouldn't be such a big deal, but I'm still rehabing myself. I was not looking for an injury today. After a lot of swearing, I carried on to the hardest part of the trail. By the time I got to the last .25 mile of the trail toward the summit, I was pretty exhausted. I layed on the rocks on top for about an hour and read. Made it down the summit pretty easily. Almost back at the trailhead, I slipped and slashed my shin with a stick (more swearing). I think I would have enjoyed my day more if there hadn't been so much snow. I'd had turned around at the trailhead if I hadn't drove over an hour and half to do the hike. All and all not a bad day. Traffic was good, beautiful day. I did what I came to do, hang out in nature and relax a bit after a good exercise.
YAY! YAY! YAY!
I've officially been accepted in the Orientation and Mobility Specialist program at CSULA. Yippee!
Clovis Rodeo
Tonight I went with Trudi and her family to the Clovis Rodeo. It's a several day event (runs through Sunday). It was a fun time. I think it's my first PBR rodeo ever. (I don't think the Ottawa County Fair counts as PBR.) Not many guys were able to make their ride. (Only 11 of 40 made it past the first round.) Some close calls and some good rides. There are an incredible amount of fake cowboys/girls in Fresno/Clovis. There are also 2 incredibly annoying girls (20 or 21 yrs) that spent the whole time checking out the bull riders, rating them based on their availability, and talking about their interest in one rider over another. Sorry girls, but not likely that the bull riders are going to hook up with you...especially since you are there with your dad. It was a good time laughing at there annoyingness. Good times.
Going away...
Tonight was going away party number one. It was really great. Of course I ate waaaaay too much, but it was worth it. I got a great gift from the staff (signed photo). Thank you everyone in therapy at Pacific Gardens. I know it's not the end yet (still 2 more weeks), but I appreciate all the staff has done to make the job what it is.
Afterwards, Melissa and Miguel and I went for a drink at the Landmark. Good conversation and lots of laughs. Cheers!
Interview
I had my interview for school yesterday. I think it went well. I'm eager to hear what they have to say. I'm supposed to hear within a few days. It's going to be a pretty strenous program, so I don't anticipate I will be working much. I'm still looking forward to it. We'll see...
Hump Day
I'm in LA. It's the night before my grad school interview. I'm exhausted. Alan has class until 10, so I'm trying to stay awake until he gets home. I'm not so nervous about the interview as I am about keeping my white shirt clean. There is a reason I only own one other white shirt. I suppose if I'm to obsess about something, the shirt is the least stressful.
I think I figured out the Magellan pretty good. I feel pretty confident that I won't get lost tomorrow. It's pretty fun and entertaining for me.
BTW...11 more days of work!
My ancestors wandered lost in the wilderness for 40 years because even in biblical times, men would not stop to ask for directions. -- Elayne Boosler
I bought a
Magellan 2200T today. No clue how to use it.
Friendly update
The school has finally contacted me. I will be playing hooky at work on Thursday to have my interview for entrance into the Orientation and Mobility Specialist program at CSULA (not to be confused with UCLA or USC).
Workin' up a sweat
Today I did my stairmaster for the first time in weeks. It felt good. So good that I was able to do 15 minutes twice with a 5 minutes rest break in between (not willing to over do it). It felt good to be able to actually exercise.
Happy Easter!!!
I just about everyone is getting this as Easter is ending or has ended. Better late than never.
This weekend was a pretty busy one. Thursday night I had my last set of injections. They went really well. Other than some stiffness and difficulty sleeping on Thursday, I had no other problems.
Friday Alan was here all day. We made apple crisp and enjoyed happy hour with friends.
Saturday was errands and festivities with friends. I didn't feel good most of the day. Weird heart burn stuff. All and all not a bad day though.
Today was Easter with Bryan, Sarah, Aimee, Chris, Lynda, Eric, and Alan. We went to Marie Callenders and pigged out on buffet.
Tomorrow is another day and another dollar. Only 20 more days of work!!
Spring is in full swing
It was nice and warm today, but not too warm. I just got back from a walk to Subway and back. I'm playing Jarod today. In a little while I have to head to the grocery store. Exciting life huh?
I finished my Spanish video late Friday afternoon/early evening. Last night I finished making all my flashcards...all 450 of them. The next step is to learn at least half of them in the coming weeks. Blah.
I have my last back shot on Thursday afternoon. Alan is coming in Thursday night since I have Friday off. Hopefully, we'll get some packing done. (That is, Alan gets some boxes packed while I supervise since I'm restricted on Friday from lifting.)
