Flex Friday… Getting back into the groove

See my journey

Sure, 2020 was a complete mess, but things didn’t get too much better in 2021. Still dealing with restrictions forced upon us by the virus debacle, I wasn’t able to get back into the gym until late March.

It was such a wonderful feeling getting back into the gym, and getting back into my groove. Unfortunately, the time off and lack of motivation really took its toll on my knees and ankles. That’s right, I said ankles. I’ve been dealing with knee issues for some time, but ankles? This is something new… I don’t recommend getting old my friends.

Anyway, I couldn’t believe how much was lost, and how tough it was going to be to just get back to where I was before all this mess. I started off slow, and very frustrated. I wanted to do so much more but just couldn’t find the strength, and my endurance was totally shot. After settling down a bit and realizing nothing was going to happen overnight, I relaxed my mind and slowly began to regain the strength that was lost. Just as I started reaching many new goals and feeling better and stronger than ever, life got in the way. I fell out of my normal routine due to community obligations as well as my personal health.

Unfortunately, I hit another low.

It was pretty hard to take. Surprisingly, prior to this I had been hitting goals and lifting weight I have never lifted before. Things were looking good for hitting the goals I made for myself by the end of the year. It’s funny how frustrated you can get when you know that with every day or week that goes by, you are losing more and more of the hard work you’ve put in. When I was finally able to get back to a regular schedule, I was again surprised at how much was lost so quickly. After coming back the first time and hitting highs like never before, I found that once again I had to start well below where I thought I’d be.

This time I was more prepared for how long it would take me to get back to the weight I was lifting before. I’m still not quite there, but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I’m feeling healthier and stronger everyday, and I feel confident that I will hit and quite possibly exceed the goals I had missed last year.

Let’s go 2022, I’m ready!!!

All Hail the Full Size Spare Tire!

This Thanksgiving, I’m thankful for the optional full size spare tire.

After owning the new Bronco for only a week, my wife found a tire air removal device on the drive home from work. It was so nice to pull out a full size matching spare rather than the little donut options we’ve had in the past.

Now we can run the Baby Bronco normally until we can get the tire fixed.

Update (11/26)

Well wouldn’t you know it? I took the tire into the local shop today to get it plugged and back on the road, but when they were breaking the bead, a part of the sidewall split open. They could not see any damage at all on the outside, but the tear is pretty huge.

Huge rip in the sidewall

I’m heading down to the dealer tomorrow to see if they will cover this as a defect. This poor thing only lasted 824 miles, and now it’s heading to the tire graveyard.

Update on the Update (11/27)

Well, they didn’t warranty the tire, I had to pay full price. The dealer wouldn’t even look into it, just got a quick NO and asked if I wanted to buy a new one. Which is strange as one of the things that stood out during our purchase of the Bronco was that the finance guy specifically mentioned that even the tires are covered against defect.

Back on the road in full regalia

So, my wife was driving home when the air pressure warning hit. She pulled over immediately and the tire still had enough air for her to think it was an error as it looked fine to her. By the time I got there it was totally flat.

AAA swapped to the spare and I took the tire to our local shop for a plug. The shop said the sidewall split when they broke the bead. So either it was some kind of defect, or the shop damaged it and didn’t take responsibility (which I feel is highly unlikely).

Buckin’ Bronco!

Well, look what we did!!!

Had to take out a 30 year loan for this bad boy, but say hello to our new 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, Badlands Edition.

This thing has so many new gizmos and gadgets, we’re going to spend the next year just trying to figure everything out!

Axe-cellent night at Yosemite Axe Throwing!

OMG, I had such a great night at Yosemite Axe Throwing during the Summer League Tournament. I’m so thankful that we have such a fun event in our small mountain community! I’ve been hooked from the start and look forward to competing again in the fall league.

If you’re in the area and are looking for something different to do, please join us on Tuesday nights for our fun and family friendly league.

-> Yosemite Axe Throwing

Right OnTrac

Another fine delivery from our friends at OnTrac.

I came home to find this little gift in my front yard, delivered by the ever vigilant OnTrac employee in his fancy U-Haul/OnTrac delivery van.

Wait a minute, could this be the same individual who was seen fleeing a few months ago when he heard our dog barking from the back yard?

I think so!

Cutest Easter Bunny Ever!

Yesterday we wrapped up our online Easter Basket auction and brought some joy to our community.

It was a good day!

Thank you to our wonderful community, Soroptimist members, Sue Graham of Oakhurst Giftworks for use of her front porch, and the best Easter Bunny ever, our daughter Ali. ??

1 2 3 4 5 6 29