A Daisy On My Toe's Blog

What I did wrong in 2012

adaisyonmytoe — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 23:47:16 +0000

Oh the list can go on and on, and before I get comments and emails about “you did so much right”, I am going to do What I did right in 2012 and post it up tomorrow. When I say wrong it is not wrong in the sense of bad just things I know I can do better and improve on.

The biggest thing that stands out in my mind that I did wrong was not write down my goals for 2012. I do much better when things I want to accomplish are written down. I can revisit them, see them, accomplish them, and cross them off. I am a big fan of crossing things of my list. So in 2013 I will be writing down my goals and posting about them. I will also try to update as I get them accomplished.

I did not send out as many Thank You notes as I should have. I had ever intention to do so but then I let other things get in my way. Perhaps I should do A thank you note a day?

I did not go after somethings that I should have. I let fear get in my way. Yep I have a fear of rejection. Not failure, the #1 fear among US adults. And it really is only with a few things. But I need to suck it up or let I might just see some wonderful things pass me by.

I started projects that I did not finish. Nothing major just things that are now gathering dust and taking up space, both literally and mentally.

I did not save as much money as I should have or keep a very good budget for myself. A budget is something else that I need to make myself write out and follow. I am a very visual person so any time I can see something it helps.

I did not blog enough. 13 post in one year, that is sad and I know I can do better.

I am sure there are a few more things that I did wrong but I cannot remember them at this time.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s post on What I did right in 2012 and maybe even the next day, Goals for 2013.

So what can you do better?

Update

adaisyonmytoe — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 16:17:06 +0000

So the surgery did not go as expected. According to the doc I was so congested it was not safe for him do the procedure for the sinuses. So I am now, once again, on predniSone and will go see him in two weeks to determine the next step. For now I am still having issues breathing and Kleenex and I are besties.

The good news is he did get to work on my ear. He went in and debreaded my ear, in normal terms it means he went in a cleaned it out really really good. Apparently I had a stubborn infection that was just not going away and was in a difficult spot. Now that it is all cleaned out I am on antibiotic drops to help prevent new infection. After this I should not have anymore problems (should being the key word). If this works going under will have been worth it.

In Other news:

Expect a very exciting and interesting blog post from Girl Scout camping weekend. The leaders of Brownie Troop 628 are braving the out of doors this weekend with 17 2nd graders (and a few of their parents) for a fun-filled overnight camping trip. We did this last year with 12 of them and they loved it so much they wanted to do it again. We will be fire building, cooking, crafting hiking and much more. Pictures and stories to be posted. SO EXCITED!

A fix…maybe

adaisyonmytoe — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 02:20:22 +0000

Tomorrow I will having a surgical procedure call a Balloon Sinuplasty. Apparently my Sphenoid sinuses are almost completely blocked on my left side and need to be cleared. This could be why I have been having more breathing trouble than normal. It IS the reason for constant headaches. The doc says it will only take about 20 minutes and I should be able to work the next day. We will see about that one. The doc also is adding in a little bonus while I am under, he is going to try and fix my ear. For about 5 years I have had a chronic ear infection and tried several things to fix at and nothing has worked. He thinks he knows what it is and is gonna try. I really hope this works. I will update you all on how everything goes.

Let’s all hope this works and I can start to breath better and get back on my bike. I miss it. I also miss walking up a flight of stairs without being winded.

If you want to read more about it- you can here, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balloon_sinuplasty

2 years

adaisyonmytoe — Sat, 08 Sep 2012 18:32:13 +0000

It is hard to believe that it had been two years since I got back on a bike from a 18 year break. Not really sure I even know why I took the break, life as a teenager, or maybe it was the rollerblading stage (don’t act like you did not own a pair). I loved my bike as a kid. It was the thing that my parents took away from me when I got into trouble (I know what you are thing, you got in trouble?).

My first bike was pink with a white seat, some sweet training wheels and streamers. I think I got it at age 5 and my dad was the one to teach me to ride it. According to dad I was a fast learner and the training wheels came off not long after I got the bike. I remember riding up and down the street on that bike having no fear. For my 10th birthday I got a brand new blue/green 13 speed Schwinn that was my friend for the 3 years. I remember taking some really nasty falls on it, of course with no helmet. I loved that bike. It is the bike I learned how to ride with no hands, the bike that took me to the gas station for Nitro Soda and Now and Laters. Both of my childhood bikes are still around and were well loved.

I am pretty sure I did not touch a bike for 18 years after that. Not even sure how much I thought about riding a bike in those years. Wish I had, it would have made going to class in college a lot faster and saved me parking ticket money. So what sparked my interest again? Not even sure about that. One day while working at the kayak shop I mentioned to a friend that I wanted to ride a bike again and was looking into buying one. He told me he had one I could borrow for a while to make sure I still like it. I got it from him right before Labor Day and played around a bit but nothing major. Until the Mayors Hike and Bike on Labor Day (the paddle part was not around till the next year). Another friend asked if I wanted to ride with him for fun. Um, sure? Little did I know that it was going to be an 18 mile ride. Boy was I not prepared. No water, no chamois, platform peddles, and cotton. I did however have a helmet and discover I still loved being on a bike.

I eventually gave the borrowed bike back and got my own (new to me) bike in February of 2011 and have since obtained two more, raced in 12 bike races, joined a team, run a team, run a bike race, announced a bike race, ridden over 1000 miles, lost weight, driven all over to ride/race my bike, and made friends that I am not sure how I lived without.

Over all I am so happy I found something that makes me happy and keeps me healthy. I get sad when I cannot ride. Recently the doctor told me I had to take almost 3 weeks off the bike because of breathing issues. It was so hard. I almost had my sister hide the bikes from me so I would not sit and look at them with longing. I know understand the euphoric felling people talk about when working out, I feel it when I am on my bike, every time. And that is why I leave you with this……

Inspiration, IronMan Style.

adaisyonmytoe — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 17:07:17 +0000

Yesterday Louisville played host to IronMan for the 6th year. A few years ago I volunteered at this great event and was so inspired by the women and men that do it. 140.6 miles and hours of non-stop physical activity boggles my mind. All you IronMen and Women are AMAZING and inspiring. I will be thinking of all of you next time I am on my bike and want to stop. I will think about how hard you all worked and know that I can go just a little bit more.

I did not volunteer yesterday but did go to the finish line and watch people as they crossed. I am still amazed when they come down the shoot, to the cheers and applause, that they still have the strength to lift their hands and celebrate. All’s I’d want to do it pass out and for someone to hand me a beer and a big ol plate of pasta.

Next year I will return to volunteering. If you live in the Louisville area you should too. It is really fun and rewarding and inspiring and well lots of other really cool stuff.

Will I ever be an Iron(wo)Man? Probably not, seeing as I hate to run and all. I can swim all day and be happy. Bike,well I got that too. But never say never right (eye roll from me)? If you do IronMan I will be on your cheer team. I have a good friend that is thinking about doing it next year and I am already making plans for t-shirts, signs, and how to be in 10 places to cheer them on. It is all part of the fun.

The Finish line at IronMan Louisville KY 2012

I am AUNT!

adaisyonmytoe — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 20:19:59 +0000

I am so excited about this news. I am officially an Aunt to the handsome Baby John Hubert. He was born to my little sister and her hubs on August 3 at 12:18 PM. So far he has been the calmest for the longest for his Aunt Christine. I did make a deal with him, I told him if he was really good for me I would save his life one day cause that is what Aunt do. When you get in BIG BIG trouble with mom and she can’t stand the site of you, you call your aunt. I used this trick several times in my early teens (thanks Aunt Nancy). I am excited for this new adventure for our family and hope I am up to the task.

I would like to thank all my friends that have let me practice being a super cool Aunt so far, no worries I will still save your children from near death by a mom glare when they need it. Who knows one day I might need the favor returned.

My Little Glow Worm (my nickname for him)

My Lungs and Me

adaisyonmytoe — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 20:00:57 +0000

We are not friends at this time. I am breaking up with them. They suck, or rather they do not. I am typing this sitting at my computer hooked up to a neutralizer machine that was prescribed to me on Monday. I have to use it until next Wednesday every 4-6 hours. I was also given several other new meds to try and get my Asthma under control. This little problem has also meant that I am not on the bike or doing any exercise and it is driving me nuts. I cannot even walk up stairs with out getting winded. Uggg. The good news is all this IS helping so I just have to have a little patience. I also have to start recording what might trigger these little attacks that are coming more and more frequently. The doc thinks a few things (besides be allergic to everything) might be adding in my problems, like aspirin. I am currently in research mood on all this. Reading and looking for some more answers. All’s I know is that I will not let this rule my life. I never have and I will also not stop doing what I love.

Anyone out there have advice for me on this one?

I hope to be back on the bike this weekend, taking it slow and building back up to where I was a few weeks ago. We are a little over a month away from my race season starting and I want to meet my goal of being mid pack or better. So everyone wish me luck and send some good breathing vibes.

Is there Orb racing? You know the plastic bubbles people can get in and roll down a hill? Maybe I should look into that? Hum, nah I like my bikes too much .

How I spent my weekend

adaisyonmytoe — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 02:52:58 +0000

Partying, that is how and it was F-U-N. Sometime a few weeks ago I posted on twitter how much I love the Olympics and my friend Amanda chimed in with her love for them along with some other people. That got me to thinking, why not have a party for the opening ceremonies? Amanda and my sisters were on board so we turned to pinterest to help us out. Pictures below. That was party #1.

During the day on Saturday I spent that day at a bike race and that is always a party if ya know that right people. Okay as much a of a party at a road race as a CX race but still hanging out with some of the best people I know is always a good time in my book (and getting to watch hot men on bikes does not hurt).

On Sunday I was invited to a Princess Tea Party. OMG, if you all know me at all you know anything with Princess in the title is right up my ally. Did I mention it was for a 3-year-old? Yep a pretty cool 3 year old that is a true princess in training. I also got to help decorate for this one and might have had more fun getting the party room ready than sipping on the tea.

Taking a look back when I used to tell people I partied the weekend away it was not one I hosted or for a 3 year old but I kind of like this parting a little better. Hope you all got to have a little party this weekend.

Thank You. Thank You. Thank You.

adaisyonmytoe — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 19:33:01 +0000

You all are wonderful. I cannot tell you home much all the Birthday Love means to me. I am truly blessed to have such wonderful people in my life that take time out of their busy day to say Happy Birthday. I will be posted the pictures later that I have received and I am so excited to share them. I hope you all will enjoy them as much as I have today.

My Birthday

adaisyonmytoe — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 21:52:57 +0000

I love my birthday! It means I made it another year. Another year of living life. Another year of learning. Another year of celebrating. In one week I will be 32 years old. To me my birthday is my new year. The time where I resolve to do things, plan out my goals, and look back on the past year. Over all 31 was great. It had it ups and downs but still I made it though and all of it made me stronger so now on to the adventures that await me at 32.

For my 30th birthday I asked that people send me photos wishing me a happy birthday, an idea a stole for a friend. Many of my friends sent me wonderful photos though out the day that kept me smiling (see below). Well I am bringing it back this year with an added bonus. On March 16, 2012 I am asking everyone to send me a photo in some way, email, Christine (dot) Vaughan (at) gmail(dot)com, twitter- CHRISTINEinLOU, facebook, or text. I will than post them, unless you tell me not to, on my blog for everyone to see. A panel of what I am sure will be my sisters and mom will pick out the BEST one that will WIN. What does the winner get? I will make a donation to the charity of their choice. A win win all around if ya ask me. I get to smile all day as birthday love comes pouring in and a charity will befit from your efforts.

I will send out reminders as I get closer to 32 so no one forgets