Casey’s Neighborhood

So, after visiting Mexico for the first time last week, I felt that I should post just a couple of pictures of our trip.  I am so happy to have gone with friends.  I love to travel with friends and look forward to doing it again this year. 

The first picture is of the beach and the surrounding buildings.

Beach, Mazatlan

View from the Inn

So the first picture is of the Pacific Ocean and the second is of the historic district of Mazatlan where we stayed - El Centro.  The power plant you see was about 20 miles away and with all the smoke really was shocking but I guess at the same time I know that we here live in a very protected environment unlike our neighbors to the South.  The air there was really not so great.  On the other hand, in these days the dollar wasn't so bad.  What pollution?

Pigeons

I had to add this picture.  It shows a sample of how a house may look there.  In this particular house, the woman was older and felt the need to feed the pigeons everyday at 6:30pm as if it were clockwork.  She also had roosters which I hope they eradicate before we go back.  They crow at all hours - day and night.  Ugh!

Well, I hope to add more pictures as I have a chance.  I have to give a shout out to Kenny at the Olas Altas Steak House for providing not only great food but personal peace.  Thanks Kenny and staff. 

Made it to LA on my bike, forgot how much I hate this place, but really glad for flushing toilets again.

When I signed up for AIDS/LifeCycle 7 I had my heart set on riding every single mile from SF to LA. I did it my first year, and I wanted to prove to myself I could do it again after spending much of my second year sick.

Despite a foot injury and knee problems, I was holding up pretty well. Even with a case of bronchitis, I made it through the entire day yesterday, though coughing the entire way.

Another sleepless night of coughing got the better of me and I had to sag out today in and I hope with the rest and antibiotics I will be able to ride the final 65 miles to Los Angeles.

I know the ride is not about riding every single mile, but I feel like I've brokena promise I made to the friends, family, and coworkers who sponsored me and more importantly to everyone living with HIV and AIDS who I help by riding.

I broke down in camp this morning crying when Walter (my roommate) asked if I was feeling well enough to ride and I had to tell him I couldn't.

With illness and sleep deprivation, I've lost that feeling of being part of a community working for a larger goal, and on the bus I can't even cheer on rider's from the sidelines.

I really hope I'll be well enough to ride across the finish line in LA tomorrow.

Below are some pictures from the county fair I went to this past weekend.  It was great -even held in the San Francisco County fair building.

Although this was a private event, I feel as though the organizers put on a good show.

IMG_4512

A beauty queen and her entourage - not without homemade pies for the pie baking contest.

Hammer Game - Hit the bell

This young lad was one of the many Bare Chest Calendar men who were present for the 25th Year Reunion.  They were abundant in size. 

BCC 25th Reunion

An excerpt of the group picture.

Sister on stage AEF 2008

What a great day for a great cause.  Thanks again the our friends who made this a great day!

So, I was stumbling around the net tonight and happened upon this site that talks about an old form of media and the new way to capture your audience.  The funny thing is, anyone who drives a vehicle is the target customer.  I say customer because all adds want to spark your interest. 

Read this story first.  Then you will understand my picture below.

Random Billboard

What do you see?

What do you think they see?
This provided by The South Carolina Foreign Language Teachers’ Association.
Link

Yesterday I did one last 50 mile training ride before AIDS/LifeCycle 7. The big 545 mile, 7 day ride from SF to LA to fight HIV/AIDS starts sunday and I’ve already started packing.

My fundraising dropped off during the last month, when I was injured and worried my foot would keep me from riding. So far I’ve raised $3,900 in the fight against AIDS and have less than a week to raise another $1,000 to reach my fundraising goal.

The money raised on AIDS/LifeCycle goes to fund the SF AIDS Foundations prevention and policy work and direct services for those living with HIV/AIDS. Please help me in the fight against AIDS with a donation of support.

If I can reach $5,000, I get a nifty new cycling jersey to prove it. The jersey is an incentive I’ve achieved twice before and it's made them two of most treasured possessions. I’m hoping I won’t fail at getting one this year too.

Let's hope this helps a person get in better shape.  No, round is not the shape I am thinking of.  hehe

Wii Fit

The SF Chronicle was at the courthouse for the California Supreme Court ruling today for reactions. You can spot San Francisco City Hall, where all of this began four years ago, kitty-corner in the background.

Link

Hillary404