Today I wrapped up the #1 State Championship, walking away with a shiney new #1 State plate, and a spiffy new State Champ backpack. Not too shabby for having to miss out on the first half of the season. I'm getting back into the swing now. Today was some of my best racing ever on the local scene, it really felt like things are coming back together. This season may only see a State and District ranking, but next season I'm going to get a National and N.A.G. ranking, or die trying.

2007 just hasn't been a good year for me, plain and simple. Now that the national series schedule has been wrapped up for the season, I took a look at the point standings. For only having been able to hit 1 national this year, the 161 national rank wasn't too bad. But, I'll not be sporting a NAG plate next season, and that chaps my butt. When I got my NAG plate in the mail last year, I was on cloud 9, it was just so amazing I was at a loss for words. And to only be able to sport a District #2, or National #161 next year instead of a NAG plate doesn't REMOTELY sit well. I want my NAG back, and what's more, I want a top 5 next time. I've found my fuel for the 2008 season, and I'm going to let it burn HOT!

This has been a rough year.  Extraordinary veterinarian bills, sidelined with mono for 3 months, the death of my best friend to cancer, and the loss of my job. But, life goes on, and I'm rebuilding. I've got a new job and I'm catching up on my bills. I'm working out and rebuilding the muscle and stamina lost to the mono in the spring/summer. And, I'm learning to deal with John's death one day at a time. It's been rough, but I'm pulling through. I'm looking forward to hitting the 2008 nationals fast and hard. In april I'll move up into the 31-35 Girls Cruiser class, and I plan to raise a few eyebrows when I do. 2008 is my season, I can feel it. It's gonna be great!

My sis, Bur, and her hubby, Steve succesfully spit out another one! He's got all his parts, and is very healthy. Braden Patrick S. was born at 11:53am on 6/14/07. He's 7 lbs. 6 oz., and 20 1/2 in. long. "Peanut" has got a great set of lungs and he and Mom are doing very well. Braden has his "Baby Lo-Jack" installed and is nice and secure. Jake's not too happy about Mom having to spend the night in the hospital, but he's knows it will make her and baby brother Braden feel better. He's got Grammie to play with to help pass the time though, so he's alright. Pics are downloaded and on my pic page for ready viewing.

Well, it would appear we have an answer to why I feel like crap lately. I have an inflammed liver because I've managed to come down with mono. (yea) At least now I know what's wrong. The major bummer being that now I have to start eating right. How am I supposed to live without McDonald's?!?!?! It's horrible. LOL. I have to completely rethink my diet because everything I currently do eat is on the "no no" list sent home by the doctor. (R.I.P. Curley Fries) Just because I tell my nephew he has to eat his veggies evreryday doesn't mean I want to listen to my own advise. Oh well, I needed to change my diet anyway, and this just makes sure that I have to do it now. It's actually a very good thing. My racing will definately benefit from the change. On the major down side, the doctor says there is no set run time for mono, that it varies from person to person, so it's looking like no Rockford again this year. I've had to miss too much work in the last couple weeks to afford it anyway. Makes me want to cry, but also makes me want to stick to my new diet to get better sooner. Trade off, I guess. I'll just have to tear it up there next year. Well, that's my update. TTYL.

Went into the hospital this morning for more tests. Last weeks blood draws indicated an elevated vitamin D level, so the doctor thinks my liver might be overproducing it. So........this morning I had a full abdominal ultrasound - the gel is VERY slimy, and warm. Yuck. Then they put about 10 electrodes on my chest and made me trot on a tread mill for a stress test. I was so tired by the time I got done I wanted to pass out. And, last but not least, they drew more blood. Yeah! But, the way I see it, I don't care what tests they do as long as they find out why I've been feeling so bad, and FIX it. SOON. I don't want to miss Rockford next month. I go back to the doctor on Friday to get the current results. Crossing my fingers it's an easy fix......

I been feeling horrible all week. Been weak, tired, and light-headed. Missed 3 days of work already. I went to the doctor Friday. Got a general physical. They took blood, urine, and x-rays. They're gonna schedule me for a stress test. I go back next Friday to get the results. Hopefully they figure out what's wrong quick, I don't want to miss Rockford next month. I won't be able to race at all til they figure out what's up, I get winded and light-headed just from walking around too much. This sucks.

Well, Dayton Indoor BMX is closed until 4/15 for a break. Easter is coming up, and the volunteers need some rest, they deserve it. On the bright side, it gives me a couple of weeks to help heal up a fractured thumb I got over the Redline Cup Qualifier weekend. And, it gives me time for endurance training, you can never have enough of that, especially if you plan on racing the GRANDS. I hope the Bruns, Kludts, Cooleys, and Williams enjoy their little "vacation", and I'll look forward to seeing them all again on the 15th.

I finally got my wheelset in from Sun Ringle, and OMG was it worth the wait. They ride SO smooth, it's awesome. I got 1 x 24" Superstock RR WHEEL 36H BLACK - Rhyno Lite (E294GRP1336813), and 1 x 24" Superstock FT WHEEL 36H BLACK - Rhyno Lite (E294GFP1336813). I just didn't know what I was missing. Plus, they're lighter than my old ones, SHIBBY!