DOUBLE TAKE OF THE DAY!

I know some people love to take their "pets" out and about...But, a PONY!??

I guess mini-vans come in handy for this beyond the imaginable!

HAHA!

DOWN AND OUT

"Be careful," are words that every snowboarder has heard. Reason being that snowboarding is an extreme and dangerous sport. Especially for professional snowboarders, who make a living by constantly putting their bodies on the line to progress the sport. Every pro snowboarder is a natural risk taker and loves the thrill that snowboarding offers. So "being careful" isn't an option, and that comes with consequences. As much as snowboarders look past the "risk" factor of snowboarding, injuries are inevitable and basically come along with the job description.

Injuries are never expected or wanted. But, accidents happen and here's my story.

It was another beautiful November day in Mammoth. Mammoth Mountain had only been open about a week and snow was still very sparse. But, it didn't seem to bother any of the riders because everyone was in complete euphoria about being able to snowboard again after a much anticipated winter. I was cruising down the slope having a blast with my friends, when out of nowhere, like a soldier in a mine field, a rock got the best of me. I was on the ground and felt it right away; a dislocated shoulder.

I can't even explain the feelings that came over me once I was in the hospital and it all hit me. I had been so prepared for the upcoming season and could not even believe what had just happened. The doctor said I would be out for six weeks and the chances of me re-dislocating was about 80 percent. He told me that surgery was unavoidable if I wanted to have a lasting career. But, I decided to take my chances and try to get through the up coming season.

The next few months, was more of a mental challenge for me than anything. I wore a tight-fitting brace underneath my clothes to hold my shoulder in place. I gave it my all to ride at my best to ride at my best despite my discomfort. But, in all my efforts, I ended up re-dislocating at the end of February and again at the US Open. The US Open was "the straw that broke the camels back" and I went decided to go in for surgery a couple weeks later.

UPDATE:

My recovery after surgery went really smooth. It was hard to be inactive for the first month but, it made me that much more anxious to start physical therapy. it's been 4 months since surgery and I'm feeling really good. Lots of rehab and gym visits have me feeling back to normal. It's hard not being able to ride at this point because I feel good. But, the doctor gave me a recover sentence of six months and that's what I have to do because I want to do this right.

I've learned to take positive experiences out of everything in life. As crushing as it was to get injured, I've learned a lot through this whole experience. Most importantly, I've developed a much more profound gratitude for my life.

What NOT to do: Advice through my mistakes

It's often said that we learn through our mistakes. Well, I made a mistake, suffered the consequences and learned a huge lesson. I now have the opportunity to share my story so you never have to have the same experience!!

When riding as a passenger on a motorcycle....

1. Wear pants- that was my first mistake

2. Observe where the tailpipe is- that was my second mistake

3. Never step of the motorcycle on the same side as the tailpipe- that was my third and most crucial mistake.

The third degree burn on my leg definitely put a damper on the beginning of my summer!!

So, next time your riding on the back of a motorcycle....remember!

:)hehe

Caffeine, the many ways to get my fix

The ubiquitous green circle symbol is everywhere! The impact that "Starbucks" has made in our society is fascinating. Starbucks has not only taken over the coffee consumers but it has also encouraged people to feed into the lifestyle of simply getting your daily fix.

I myself find great pleasure in my coffee rituals. Depending on my mood the type of drink varies.

1. Non-fat s/f vanilla latte- the morning "wake me up"

2. Non-fat s/f vanilla latte ( extra shot)- the morning after NO sleep "wake me up"

3. Non-fat s/f carmel misto- the "warm me up/pick me up"

4. Non-fat s/f vanilla ice coffee ( low ice)- the "cool me down/pick me up"

5. Non-fat chai latte- the "sweet craving warm me up"

6. Grande yerba matte latte- the "no milk today healthy kick warm me up/pick me up"

Some say caffeine is bad for you, well, I speak in terms that most everything is good for you in moderation. So indulge and feed your cravings! :)

10 things you probably didn't know about me before this blog.

1. My name was supposed to be spelt "Mollie" I'm named after my great great grandmother from Ireland, "Mollie McAllister." A few years after I was born, my mom inherited some sterling silver that had been my great great grandmothers. Engraved on the silver was her name, "Mollie." My mom was bummed.

2. My mom used to tie the fridge with a bungie cord at night when I was little because I would wake up in the middle of the night and get into the pickles.

3. I used to play beauty parlor between the ages of 6- 8 and often had Mason as my "client." One time, I shaved all the hair off his arms and legs.

4. My first kiss was in a dog house when I was six.

5. I didn't learn to say my R's until the 3rd grade

6. When I was 12, I hit a parked car while riding my bike in our neighborhood bike parade. The best way to describe it is from the scene from " Wayne's World".

7. I took dance seriously for 12 years.

8. All through high school I aspired to be a doctor.

9. I went to state in high school for golf

10. I still wear my retainer often.