Letter to the editor

I wrote a letter to the editor of our local paper today. I hope it gets published.

Copy of it follows:

I am disappointed in the Star’s coverage of the protests against SB1070. When I attended the protest the very first day, I did not see a single Mexican flag. I did see at least 5 American flags at one point. There were cars full of supporters driving loops around us waving American flags. We even chanted “USA, USA, USA” and “Viva los Estados Unidos” at many points.

As a born citizen of this country, I am offended and frightened by the prospect of having to carry identification saying I was born here. It reminds me of a sort of oppression that my great-grandparents fled from in the 1940’s. I’d sooner be arrested for not showing proof of citizenship while out for a run or ride than succumbing to the powers that be, who presume me to not be a part of the country I love, based on my skin tone.

Edward Arriola

Two weeks

I’ve registered for the insurance test and will start studying today.

That means I turn in my 2 weeks today, as well.

I’ve also put together some information for my clients so they know a little about why I’m leaving and how to reach me. As much as Massage Envy would like to leave them in the dark about my departure, I cannot facilitate that. Servicing their needs and giving them as much information as possible are two predominant traits of a reasonably competent massage therapist, of which I fancy myself as being. Hell, I’d say I’m even a little more than reasonably competent!

The only issue I have today is that I seem to have misplaced one of the full-fingered riding gloves. It’s frakin’ chilly outside!

I had a great Bowenwork treatment yesterday. The first one I had (last week) was okay, but yesterday’s was amazing! I feel like my entire chest and lungs are far more open, like I can breathe deeper and the air I breathe actually goes deeper in my body. Great stuff!

More fantastic news: the pool right by my house is open again! I’ve missed the convenience of the pool and the crew that works it. I hope to start swimming more because of the seasonal re-opening. We’ll see what happens with the new job and how much time I’ll have, though.

Easter and beyond

Yesterday, I went to a small family dinner with Jacque. Her mom drove her grandma, Jacque, and me up to Phoenix to have dinner with her aunt and uncle. It was really nice. I quite enjoyed it — it’s not often I get ham!

Anywho, today’s quite a big day for me. I go in at 8 to get my study materials for my insurance license exam. Quite exciting. I’ll probably turn in my two-week notice by the end of the week, if not tomorrow. I’m also working on getting some brochures together to give my regular clients so they have all the information on why I’m leaving and advantages and disadvantages of following me independently and staying with Massage Envy.

It’s going to be quite an exciting day.

After the Aflac meeting, I’m hoping to drive home, then hop on my bike and ride in to work. After work, I want to ride to the salsa lesson…I could use some blood pumping in my veins to start the week. Sadly, my Massage Envy career resembles the work shirts they gave me: falling apart with no move to improve upon them on their part. I haven’t had a replacement uniform in the over two years I’ve been with them! Sad.

I really want to be successful with Aflac. I have some ideas on how to inspire confidence and hope with small, local companies. I just need to talk to my soon-to-be managers and trainers.

To be honest, I have quite a bit of respect for them. As I’ve said before, it will be quite nice to have a manager who knows more about the industry I’m working in than I do. For 5+ years, my managers have known considerably less about massage than I. Changing careers is, I suppose, one way to switch it up some!

On sails and winds

I went to a networking group lunch today which I was invited to. Spent about 5 minutes there trying to get information about them and who was there and whatnot before plunking down a Hamilton and signing up.

I was interrupted too much to get that information, and then they tried to sign me up. No dice.

The people there seem to be predominately older (50+) and unhealthy. I don’t want to associate with that sort of crowd, as while they may know business, they don’t know the youth. I am interested in catering to athletes for my massage, this group didn’t seem to outwardly have that predisposition. Sadly, I won’t get to find out, as I’m too finicky to give money just to find out what I’m giving money too.

I had a really great interview with Aflac yesterday. They’re considering taking me on as one of their…representatives?…sales people?…field agents?… Well, one of their crew at least. I researched the company and like what they’re about. I believe in their product. I just need to ask them a few (15?) questions and figure out if it’s something I can put massage on the far back burner for.

I’m still sleep deprived. I woke up earlier than my body wanted to in order to make it to the waste-of-time lunch thing. It was even at a restaurant (Sakura) which I detest. The food is subpar and the business practices of the owner are more dubious than a Republican senator at a gay bar.

I really want to work out but have no energy. I think I’m going to fuel up and chill out, get my energy together for a photoshoot tonight. I’m helping get some promo materials for a fire group I work with.

Gonna go pull myself together.

Tri results

I finished 15th overall out of about 360 people. My time was 1:06:42. I came in first in my age group.

Not bad for a first triathlon.

Okay, finally to update this.

In all men, I came in 13th place. There were a total of 18 men in my age group, so coming in first is quite a thrill for me. My swim time was 12:04; my ride time was 33:51 for a mile pace of 2:49; my run was 20:47 for a mile pace of 6:56. Fantastic results for what I was actually expecting!

The biggest pain in the ass was the start. I hadn’t had time to get my goggles situated quite right when they started the race. I ended up swimming it with water in both eyes…half blind! It was a thrilling swim, though.

The ride was great. Some nudnik driver turned out of a neighborhood into the coned off bike lane and drove about a block and a half in front of me for probably a quarter mile. Crazy.

I’m so glad Jacque and Shaina made it, and it was great to see my mom and dad cheering me on with huge smiles!

My dad offered to coach me in running…I’m considering taking him up on the offer. It could be fun.

My pal Cody, who is my mentor in photography and leant me the bike for this event, came out and snapped some fun shots. It was a total surprise to run into him during my first lap running.

Running was great, actually. I maintained a really comfortable, yet intense pace. Everyone I passed got some words of encouragement from me, I know I’d appreciate the same if I got dropped (which I did, and did). One older woman (I know she was older because our ages are written on our calves!) was barely moving along. I told her I knew she had some more left in her and to start kicking it out. She stood up taller, squared her shoulders, and started pumping it out with a big ol’ grin on her face! Made my day.

What a fantastic day! All this on only 2 hours of sleep! Photos of today are in the general photos gallery. 🙂