Another One Bites the Dust

And yet another weekend passes me by without surfing! Friday was flat; Saturday morning was flat; and Sunday was FLAT. I think some small, but surf-able waves appeared on Saturday afternoon, but because of Mardi Gras, getting to the 43rd street jetty or any other jetty would have been difficult. On top of everything else, I didn't have the time to go Saturday afternoon anyway. I ran seven miles on Saturday morning, but I didn't even get to go to my usual Saturday morning ride because of a work commitment. And, of all days, the idea that I didn't get to surf or cycle is SAD! I had a wedding early that evening so I knew that I wouldn't have time to do any of my fun activities in the afternoon. I could only dream.

The good news about my work commitment, though, was that it was great fun. The university I write for held its first ever event for freshman. As an upper level university that has only accepted students in their third year of college, the idea that we might be recruiting high school students to become potential freshmen is exciting and refreshing. I had the privilege of interviewing a few of the students with their parents. They were sweet, bright and energetic, and I can't wait until they possibly choose my university as their university in 2014.

Saturday was Ground Hog Day.
Not sure if the Ground Hog saw his
shadow, but I sure did. Oh my!
Six more weeks of winter?

As I said earlier, Sunday was not any better when it came to waves. I had another commitment in the morning, so, again, I didn't get to cycle until a little later. I was able to ride a few miles, but it was a little chilly in the morning so I didn't get to ride as far as I usually would. I also had a number of other commitments that day including a Superbowl party, which was very fun. (My team didn't win, but it was a close and exciting game, and the company was good.) I sometimes wish the weekend was just one day longer so that I could do everything I want and need to do. Although I rode a little on Sunday and ran on Saturday, I wish I could have surfed and cycled. And, I also need to continue packing. I'm in the process of moving, and, fortunately, I've been given some extra time to complete the move, but I really need to get busy.

I can't say the WHOLE week was a waste when it came to surfing though. Last Tuesday reports indicated that Wednesday morning would bring a short period of clean surf. I'm allotted approximately three hours a week to work out so I chose Wednesday morning for my workout time.  I was sure glad that I had. I found my way to the 43rd St. jetty with all the other local surfers. It was quite crowded because of the Surfline forecast. I was so glad to be out in the water even if it still meant putting on a 5-4 wetsuit on a cold day. I didn't have as many rides as I wished, but I had one really good one that made it all worth while. I don't think I'm paddling soon enough. I know I've said it before, but I really need to work on that. I can't explain, though, the exhilarating feeling of that one good ride. I felt like I was gliding across the top of the wave. And although I'm sure it wasn't as big a wave or as fast a wave as it felt to me, I flew into another place in my mind. I know I need a lot more practice, but rides like that one makes me appreciate all the hard work. I can't wait to surf again.

Oh No, Not Again!

I haven't been surfing in over two weeks now! Just when I think some waves are building, I look at the webcams on Friday and realize there is no way I'll find waves -- not Friday, and probably not Sunday. I'm desperate for waves and surfing these days. I have some stressful things taking place these days and could really use some waves to help me unwind. I kept/keep hoping something will change, but it hasn't. Not only was there no waves on Friday, but the forecast for flatness continued today. After looking at SwellInfo and reading the forecasts on g-townsurf.com, waves should come back one day this week. I just hope that when they return, I'll be able to squeeze in an hour or two of winter surfing one evening.  

The only wave in Galveston
lately is the one painted on
this bench located on the
seawall.

Although I didn't get to surf, I am glad to report that I was able to participate in my other sports, though I must admit in a rather limited way. Heavy fog didn't stop me from getting in an early morning five-mile run on Saturday, but it did stop me from cycling. I was forced to spin at the gym instead of cycling outside with my cycling club buddies. Of course, I was set to go out on my bike alone after the fog lifted, but as I was walking to the back of the house to put on my cycling clothes, I heard a large popping noise and hissing. I ran back to the front, panicked looking everywhere, but finally realized that it was my back wheel. Not really sure why it popped/flatted, but decided it was probably a sign to skip cycling. So, instead of taking 30 minutes to change the  back tire, I opted to go to the gym and finish the last 30 minutes of a 9:30 a.m. spin class.  I was so glad I made it, but even more glad that the fog was gone by this morning (Sunday). I was able to actually get in a quick 26-mile ride today. But, oh how I wish I could have surfed! I need/needed it.

Looking for Excitement, Waves and Miracles

Life seems a little crazy right now... again. I'm in the process of moving, which I may have mentioned before since I will finally have a great place for my boards in the garage instead of in the dining room. In fact, it looks as though my new garage has a special place just for the boards. (Of course, I may have already written about this since I'm a little excited about it.) I digress. Moving is crazy especially when you've lived in one place for 28 years. Going through boxes and boxes of stuff you don't even remember having can be overwhelming. And, then trying to decide what must be kept is even worse. Do I get rid of the hospital identification bracelet I received when I was six and had my tonsils out? (haha) What about the small, square school pics of my best friends from the fifth grade? And, what about all the photos of family reunions from the '80s? Or the certificate my grandmother received in 1922 for reading all of her school books?  My struggle with holding on to "stuff" is a lifelong one that I'm trying to break myself of so that I can move into my new place.

I definitely wish I could have taken a break and surfed this weekend. Unfortunately, there are no waves lately. On Friday I was prepared to take a break and head to the island. But the surf cam proved it was flat. I kept my fingers crossed for a few waves to pop up Saturday afternoon or even this morning, but none materialized. So, I continued to sort through my stuff.

During some late night free time, I've been investigating my next surfing destination. Although my funds are somewhat limited these days, I'm wondering if I can't squeeze a few dollars together for a quick trip to a warm place in March or April...maybe Panama. I've seen/read/heard good things about it. And, there are almost always waves. I've done a little research but haven't nailed down exactly where I might want to go. I have a little while to think about it.  But, yes, Panama might just be my next surf destination.