Jenn Read's AIDS/LifeCycle Blog

Life is good!

Thu, 29 May 2008 00:18:00 PST

Today was an awesome day. As you can see from my total I've passed the $2,500 mark which is the minimum needed to ride. Thank you to all of you who made this possible. I am so grateful. This ride is all about making a connection to Source (God). I cannot tell you how many lives will be touched by your gifts. But I can speak for myself that this ride has touched my life. It has brought me closer to so many people and to God. Let me share with you one of my favorite prayers. This is from A COURSE IN MIRACLES

I am here only to be truly helpful.

I am here to represent Him who sent me.

I do not have to worry about what to say or what

to do, because He Who sent me will direct me.

I am content to be wherever He wishes, knowing

He goes there with me.

I will be healed as I let Him teach me to heal.

Go out and live your life as if it were your last day. Laugh harder than you've ever laughed. Love each other and each moment to the fullest. Tell the people you love how much you love them, and forgive.

Peace & Jenn

Never Stop Reaching

Wed, 28 May 2008 05:16:00 PST

It is only when a seed grows that it can produce more seeds. It is only when you express joy and abundance in your own life that you can help others to know joy and abundance in their lives.

To make yourself miserable for the sake of helping others will serve no useful purpose at all. The best way to be of service to others is from a position of strength and fulfillment rather than from a position of weakness and despair.

The goals and dreams and desires that are so undeniably your own are yours for a reason. They are showing you, and at the same time compelling you, to make the most of your life.

It is not selfish to be your very best. What's truly selfish is to let your enormous potential go unrealized.

What have you always wanted to know, always wanted to have, always wanted to do, and always wanted to be? It is never too late to honestly answer that question, and to answer it with all the colorful detail and passion that it deserves.

For in the answer to that question is your own truly beautiful and unique gift to life. Never stop reaching for the best you can imagine; for when you fulfill your highest possibilities, you raise the whole world up with you.

-- Ralph Marston

As the ride gets closer I look to Ralph for inspiration. http://greatday.com/index.html

God Squad - Bike Blessings

Mon, 26 May 2008 06:15:00 PST

Today was the bike blessing at church. The God Squad (pictured below) was all there to have their bikes blessed by Rev. David and Practitioners. The whole congregation bestowed their love upon us. I could feel the love. Jami Lula http://www.jamilula.com/ was there today. He sang "I Won't Waste" which the full lyrics are, "I won't waste another minute of my life". That to me is what the ALC7 is all about. Thank you CSL for all your love and support. We ride for each and everyone of you!

Love & Blessings

Jenn

So Close

Mon, 26 May 2008 05:23:00 PST

I'm so close to reaching the minimum to ride $2500. Thank you everyone who has donated. I spoke to a friend today and he's up for a drum circle fundraiser. Keep checking back to see when it will be.

Jenn

PREPARE YOURSELF

Sat, 24 May 2008 03:48:00 PST

PREPARE YOURSELF

What is the best opportunity? It's the one for which you're the most fully prepared. An opportunity is of value to you only when you're ready to make the most of it. Nothing is more frustrating than seeing the opportunity of a

lifetime right in front of you and not being able to do anything with it.

Opportunity, when it arrives, does not wait for you to get ready, for that is not its nature. So prepare yourself for the opportunity you seek before that opportunity comes.

Your preparation will not only enable you to seize the opportunity. By preparing for the opportunity, you actually help to make that opportunity real in your life.

The actions you take to prepare yourself for an opportunity clearly signal your expectation that the opportunity will indeed arrive. And what you sincerely expect, will be.

Prepare yourself, and the opportunity begins to come toward you. Prepare yourself, and you'll be able to make the very most of it when it arrives.

-- Ralph Marston http://greatday.com/index.html

Get a bike tune up in San Jose before it's too late!

Thu, 22 May 2008 23:44:00 PST

Hey, I just dropped my bike off for a tune up at Hyland Family Bicycles 1515 Meridian Ave, San Jose. It will be ready in just one day. They even gave me a discount. They are a family owned business. Great friendly service. They love what they do. I would drive 45 miles to get my bike serviced here. Check them out. http://www.hylandbikes.com

BIKE BLESSING 5/25

Tue, 20 May 2008 21:49:00 PST

On Sunday Rev. David will be blessing the bikes of The God Squad riders. I'm taking my bike in tomorrow for a little tune up so it will be ready. This is such a cool idea. Setting our intention sets the pace for the ride. I know that this is ride is all Good & it's all God. And So It Is!

Almost reached minimum goal!

Mon, 19 May 2008 16:28:00 PST

Wow, today I have raised $1860 only $640 to make the minimum to ride. I still have my goal of $5000. But I'm so excited where I'm at at this moment. I just want to thank everyone for giving so generously. This ride is not about me. It's about those who's lives will be touched by your love and support.

Thank You!

Jenn

Thank You CSL!

Sun, 18 May 2008 14:21:00 PST

Just wanted to say THANK YOU to everyone at CSL who stopped by and donated and shared your words of support today at church. This ride has evolved into something greater than I could ever imagine. Being part of ALC 7 has brought me closer to friend & family, and has tested me mentally, physically & spiritually. Thank you Rev. David for saying, "You should be a rider, not a roadie"

Love & Blessings!

Jenn

Rise to the challange

Fri, 16 May 2008 19:31:00 PST

If everything was free and required no effort, nothing would have any value. If there were no challenges in life, there would be no place in which to create achievement.

The very factors that push against you provide a fertile ground from which you can raise yourself up. From your most burdensome limitations can come your greatest triumphs.

Can you identify what's holding you back? Then you've also determined exactly what must be done to take the next step forward.

When the side of the mountain is steep and treacherous, the view from the top is spectacular. By steadily working through the difficulties and challenges, you can reach the summit of increased strength and value.

It is by working toward a goal that you make the goal worth reaching. The difficulties you encounter along the way serve as opportunities to add value to the achievement.

Life is worth living precisely because it requires effort and challenges you to be your best. Rise to the challenge each day and add your own special gifts to life's treasure.

-- Ralph Marston

I Believe

Fri, 16 May 2008 19:00:00 PST

I believe that we are magic,

That all things are possible,

That life is precious,

That peace is reasonable,

That laughter is special,

That blessings are devine,

That love is grand,

And that you (RALPH) are the best thing that's ever happen to me.

I Love You!

~ Brian Burns, George Harris

TOP 10 REASON I'M DOING THE AIDS/LIFE CYCLE

Wed, 14 May 2008 20:58:00 PST

10. I needed the exercise

9. A chance to meet new friends (especially my boyfriend Ralph)

8. I needed a vacation

7. I won't have to cook or clean for a week

6. I've always wanted to see Lompoc

5. Quad Busters - bring it on!

4. I was told this was a life changing event

3. I get to ride with "THE GOD SQUAD" team from my church

2. I love to shop for the cute outfits

And the number one reason I'm doing the AIDS/LIFE CYCLE

1. My friend Raymond who passed away in 1986. God Bless you and your family. We miss you!

Zen message

Sat, 10 May 2008 10:13:00 PST

Zen Message

Good Morning,

If your reading this blog message, I hope you have enjoyed a wonderful nights sleep and woke up to your favorite cup of whatever in your cup.

Today's Zen message comes from my little Zen calendar on my desk.

"In dwelling, live close to the ground. In thinking, keep to the simple. In conflict, be fair and generous. In governing, don't try to control. In work, do what you enjoy. In family life, be completely present." - Tao Te Ching

For me ~ In riding ALC 7, keep it simple, smile, have fun, make friends and raise a lot of money for a great cause.

Go out and make it a great day!

Jenn

FREE WORKSHOP

Fri, 09 May 2008 13:48:00 PST

(PLEASE MENTION YOU HEARD ABOUT THIS FROM RIDE #1939)

Teleseminar
How to Make Affirmations a Powerful Force for Change

The power of affirmations comes not in what you say, but in how you say it. Affirmations are statements of truth, which can be used to create desirable outcomes. They can be directed toward any area of life: health, mood, prosperity, self-esteem, etc. Learn the power of affirmations as a tool for growth in creating the life you choose.

Using affirmations on a regular basis can help you:
·     Create a desirable outcome
·     Raise your energy
·     Improve your mood and lift your spirits
·     Move yourself toward a goal
·     Maximize self-improvement and growth

What will be covered:
·     What affirmation are
·     The difference between affirmations and positive thinking
·     Why use affirmations
·     Fact vs Truth
·     Going beyond rote
·     Tips
·     Using affirmations for self-improvement and growth

Date: Thursday, May 15, 2008, 5:30 – 7:00 pm PST
Location: From your own home and telephone
Fee: $19 + the cost of the call
Register now: www.lifecompass.org/registration or call 408-205-2783

Your Authentic Self- Best Practices for Women
What is the Authentic Self? It is the part of you that you are seeking through meditation or journaling and other processes. It is the part of you that feels the urge to grow and learn and heal. It is the part of you that is determined to overcome the past and live as you choose, not as you were conditioned. It is the REAL you!

Now you have an opportunity to share your best spiritual practices and learn from others as well. This free workshop will involve brainstorming and sharing, discussing and learning, laughing and sharing. Did I say sharing?

It's ok if you don't feel you have anything to share and you just want to learn from others. EVERYONE is welcome. The types of practices that could come up in discussion: affirmations, journaling, inner child work, gratitude, positive thinking, inspiration, prayer, meditation, creativity, breathing, intuition, dream work, present moment awareness and more.

It is my hope that through this event, we can create a group of like-minded women who would like to continue this work together. Be prepared to bring your wisdom, your experience and your open heart!

Date: Thursday, May 22, 2008, 6:30 – 9:00 PM
Location: 454 Kenneth Street, Campbell, CA 95008
Cost: FREE WORKSHOP
Registration: Send an email with your name, phone # and email address to jaqui@lifecompass.org or call jaqui at 408-205-2783

Instructor/Facilitator: Jaqui Duvall BA, CEC is a certified coach, mentor, certified trainer, facilitator and public speaker who develops and delivers workshops, leads mentoring groups and works with individuals to help them create a life they truly love and enjoy. Jaqui has been using Affirmations for more than 10 years.

-- Jaqui Duvall, Speaker, Trainer, Life Coach
-- www.lifecompass.org
-- jaqui@lifecompass.org

Thank you!

Wed, 07 May 2008 12:50:00 PST

Just want to personally thank everyone who has donated to my ride. I know I still have a ways to go, but I am on my way. Each and everyone who reads this, may you know how much you donation will make a difference in the lives of those affected by AIDS. I am touched

Blessings, Jennifer

Mt. Diablo 5/3

Sat, 03 May 2008 22:00:00 PST

I did it! I rode with the East Bay group from the Orinda Bart station to Mt. Diablo. This was an awesome climb. The day was perfect. Not too hot and not to windy. The view was overcast but still amazaing. I did this ride with six other PG&E "Power Pedalers" http://www.aidslifecycle.org/150 from work. After we met at Jan & Dave's http://www.aidslifecycle.org/3296 place for the most delicious meal ever. I want to be adopted by them. It was great after a long ride to enjoy a great meal with great company. Jan makes beautiful scarfs that she is selling for the cause. Be sure to check out her home page: http://www.aidslifecycle.org/8327 for more details. Thank you for opening your home and your 's.

81 miles - can you believe it?

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 10:45:00 PST

I did it! 81 miles. My longest ride to date. I did the "Day on the Ride" ride from Golden Gate Park out toward Point Reyes/Nicasio Valley to the Cheese Factory and back. At the first rest stop in Fairfax my rear tire gave me some trouble and had to change the tube. But other than that, had no bike troubles. I completed the trip in 9.5 hours. I was at the back of the pack but made in time for a delicious spagehetti dinner. Thanks to the cheer squad for cheering me in at the finish line. Ralph was indeed the cutest cheer leader

Thanks to all of you who have responded to my fundraising requests I couldn't do this ride without you!

Sustainable Pace

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 09:26:00 PST

Small efforts bring large results when repeated often enough. And anyone has the ability to make a small effort.

Small efforts meet with little or no resistance. Over time, with patience and persistence, those small efforts can steadily wear down the most formidable challenges.

Often, the progress that is the most reliable and unstoppable is the progress that falls below the threshold of detection. Though each individual effort may seem to have no effect when you make it, at some point you'll look back and realize the enormous impact of all your efforts added together.

When you seek instant gratification from every action, you make life needlessly painful and frustrating. When you choose instead to treat each moment as an opportunity to make a small, positive, long-term investment in your life, the rewards will be many and great.

Progress on your journey with one modest, joyful step at a time. By moving at a sustainable pace, you'll be able to keep moving for as long as it takes to get exactly where you choose to go.

Enjoy success and fulfillment as they come, one small effort after another. Steadily add the special value of each moment to your life, and you'll create a treasure that you can never lose.

-- Ralph Marston

A JOB WELL DONE

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 10:57:00 PST

"Nothing can compare to the satisfaction you receive from a job well done. When the problems have been solved and the difficult tasks have been completed, you know without a doubt that you've created something of real value."

This is how I feel about fundraising. I continue to persue the challenge.

This is a quote from one of my favorite web sites to visit every day is the Daily Motivator by Ralph Marston

http://greatday.com/index.html

Please check it!

Great Affirmation

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 07:01:00 PST

"I am feeling relaxed, focused, energetic and enthusiastic. I recharge and renew myself by taking time off for play and relaxation. I am calm and composed. Every day, in every way, I am getting better and better. I am wholly holy. And so it is."

written by: http://www.aidslifecycle.org/3263 David "PreacherGuy" Bruner

Keep on riding!!

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 16:33:00 PST

Only 43 more days left to train and to raise the funds! Time to put my mind, my heart and my body to the test. I know I can do this. With the support of my friends and family I can do anything. Even the little gnomes that I love so much are encouraging me to get on my bike and ride.

Cycle Buddy Russ photo

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 20:20:00 PST

Here is my boyfriend Ralph #3366 with his Cycle Buddy Russ. They posed for this photo at the recent Expo on 3/30.

Back on the bike 4/13

Sun, 13 Apr 2008 19:45:00 PST

Well, it's been almost a month since my last training ride. I took some time off for work, a fundraising event and a fantastic women's retreat. Today I rode 40+ miles from Sunnyvale to Woodside and back. This time it was up Old La Honda Rd. A great 3 mile climb. This ride was a 67 mile ride with a bail out option on the return. Seeing how I was a little rusty and hot out, I took them up on it. I look forward to some week day training rides around Los Gatos and Saratoga.

ALC Expo

Sun, 30 Mar 2008 19:56:00 PST

Had a great time at the Expo with my boyfriend Ralph.

E-WASTE FUNDRAISER

Sat, 29 Mar 2008 17:00:00 PST

Today we have a E-waste fundraiser at my church "San Jose Center for Spiritual Living". The "GOD SQUAD" team riding in ALC 7 joined together to raiser money for the cause.

1st Choice Recycling http://1stchoicerecycling.com is a great company to work with. Please consider them for your next fundraiser.

3/8 HALF CENTURY

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 08:19:00 PST

I did it! 50 miles in one day. We rode once again from Palo Alto up to Woodside, then over to Hwy. 35 in San Mateo. The Return had a few challenging hills. This was my friend Cherie's first training ride with ALC and she did great. My favorite part was lunch at ROJO's in the Town & Country Village in Palo Alto. Ladies you must check out there bathroom. I call it the ride for after the ride. I am so thankful for all my friends for all the encouragement.

Save the date 3/29. We are having a fundraiser at the San Jose Center for Spiritual Living, 1196 Clark Str. San Jose, just of Willow & Bird in the heart of Willow Glen. This is an E-Waste collection event from 9-4. Bring your unwanted TV's, computers, monitors, and e-waste for recycling. The $$ raised with benefit the "GOD SQUAD" riders from CSL. Hope to see you all there.

TWO DAYS IN A ROW. CAN YOU BELIVE IT!!

Sun, 02 Mar 2008 19:51:00 PST

I can't belive it myself. I rode Saturday a Cat 1 (8-10 mph) 47 miles from Palo Alto to San Mateo. My longest ride to date. On this ride I didn't have to stop when going up any of the hills. After the ride I felt great! So great, I decided to ride again on Sunday leaving from Sunnyvale to Woodside up Canada Rd. This was at Cat 2 ride (10-12 mph) 46.5 miles. I did have to make a few stops going up some of the steeper hills, but just to catch my breath and to hydrate. I feel great for having done almost 100 miles. I think it was my new seat and my new pedal that really made a difference. Thanks to all you Training Ride Leaders for all your support and sticking with me. You make a big difference in my training.

Palo Alto to Belmont Ride 2/16

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 21:16:00 PST

What a nice ride. We left from Peers Park in Palo Alto around 10am. We rode to Portola then up to Woodside. I liked this way better than going up Hwy. 84. Then after a nice break at Roberts Market it was up Canada Rd. all the way to Hwy. 92. That's were I had to walk the bike up the foot bride over 280. Then the breaks got a great work out coming down Ralston Ave. into Belmont. Gilbert was great at pointing out "There's a Hill!" I once aging had to walk for a short distance to get over the last big hill. But I think it was about mile 33 that my butt gave out. Time to get a new bike I've decided. All in all an excellent ride. Thanks again Lynn & Jeanne for being the sweetest sweeps ever. I clocked in at 2:45. Thanks Charlotte for the new sun block. I think I need to reaply it on breaks. I feel like I still got lots of sun. So after riding 40 miles, I danced 30+ dances in a Dance-A-
Thon. Thanks to my dance partner Ralph who made the night so enjoyable. I highly recommed this as an after ride stretching activity.

12/8/07 Mt. View to Edgewood Rd.

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 12:02:00 PST

Wow! What a ride. Again my longest ride to date 37 miles. Thanks to the sweeps (Lynn, Dave & Bob) for staying with me. Thanks to my friend Ralph who stayed with me too. That is until some hard core team rider tried to pass him on Foothill Expressway. Then he showed them who was boss. This was my first training ride with clip in shoes. I didn't fall off! I'm missed you Karen.

11-10-07 Training Ride - Mt. View

Sun, 11 Nov 2007 15:01:00 PST

Today I did my first long bike ride. This was a 22.7 mile ride with Chris, Bob, Russ & Russ's bike wife which I can't remember her name. We rode from downtown Mt. View down to Great America. Then up to Palo Alto and back down to Mt. View. It was cloudy and cool, but we made it back before it started raining. I rode my mt. bike which made it very difficult. But I figure it's helping me get into shape.