Reflection on my Cyberhood Experience

Myspace, Facebook, Blogspot, Match.com are all different forms of online communities. Some are promoting their community as "A Place for Friends" while others are promoting romance and love. However so someone looks at these online communities, there are a few credentials that are not met in order to truly have a community-based relationship with other people. In congruence with Barlow's beliefs, I found that through by experience with the cyberhood community, both prana and other less in depth, but equally important, qualities found in neighborhood communities make or break relationships and played a vital role in the un success if growing closer through our blogs.

Throughout my blogging experience I have realized how impersonal cyberhood communities can be. By both seeing my classmates in class and than trying to make relationships with them online as well, it was very easy for myself to compare and contrast both communities and my relationships I have made from them. From our class blog I have learned a few interesting things about some of the people, like if they have a passion for sports, movies, etc. However, just knowing someones' likes and dislikes will not help me establish a relationship with them. In contrast, from class discussion and face to face interaction I have been able to learn about my classmates' hearts, their motivations in life, and what truly is important to them.

In Barlow's article, "Cyberhood vs Neighborhood," he discusses a Hindu term prana. He describes prana to mean breathe and spirit; "the vital element in holy and unseen ecology of relationships." My interpretation of prana is the face to face interaction someone has in conversation and the physicality of a neighborhood community. In my opinion the only way I can develop a relationship with someone is with the presence of prana because the physicality of one's breath while speaking, the tone carried in their voice, as well as their physical body standing before you is what creates interaction.

I did enjoy the blogging experience but it was not because of the relationships I developed. It was because my blog was like a mini-journal for me to write about things in my life that are special to me. The topics I chose to write about make me happy so by writing about them I was able to encourage myself and realize how truly important my family, my horses, and my health are to me and how I never want to lose any of them to anyone or anything!

I owe it all to my family...

“What family situation?” I asked my Principal when she called me into chat about a newspaper article I was soon to play the main character in. “Oh! Do you mean about my brother and sister?” I questioned her. “Yes, that situation” she replied.

I always find it interesting that when people ask me about my family they often seem somewhat apprehensive. Or even worse, they seem to feel sorry for me. My family may be "unique" but it is all I've ever known and I've always considered myself very lucky to have been blessed with such an incredible family.

The “situation” my principal was so curiously referring to is about my brother and sister. Both my sister Kelly, 24, and my brother, Kyle, 22, were born with disabilities. My sister, one of the happiest people in the world, is autistic. While my brother, my real-life hero, has a very rare syndrome known as Marshall-Smith’s, which has caused him significant physical and medical challenges.

I have learned so much from my siblings and my parents. Perseverance and courage from my brother from those many times he spent days, even months, in the hospital, his main concern being for everyone around him. He didn't want anyone to be sad. He taught us all how to make every day count. From my sister I have learned to always see the good in people and simply be happy and appreciate life. My parents have shown me the importance of love and laughter in every day. They never look at things as being a problem but instead as a challenge that can be overcome. Through my siblings' and my parent’s actions I have become the strong, independent, and persevering woman I am today.

I am so thankful for the family I was blessed with. From my grandparents who watched me for days on end while my brother was hospitalized to my brother and sister themselves for teaching me what is really important in life I will be forever grateful.

The racetrack: What's it about?

A few years ago my family and I went to Del Mar Thoroughbred Racing Club outside San Diego to watch the races with my cousins. While hanging are arms over the rail, screaming for the horses to "Go, Go, Go!" my cousins asked me how I can watch this. I told them that the racetrack isn't what most people assume it to be...

By being any equestrian in the sport, beside a jockey, it is assumed that I am against "the racetrack". Most horse people not part of the racing profession find the racetrack as a cruel, abusive, and derogatory way to propagate the inborn talent of the equine. I may not be entirely for the racing of horses however I do enjoy some aspects of "going to the track". Here is a brief summary of some of the straight facts about the good and the bad of the racing industry.

Horses, especially thoroughbreds, have an inborn competitive nature. When two horses are put eye to eye (similar to Seabiscuit) their natural way of being is to race. In addition, the whips, more commonly known as crops in the horse world, are far from physical abuse to horses. So, when the horses are on the turf and the race begins, most of the performance is coming from the horse's heart and the horse's desire to be lead horse.

On the other hand, because of the racetrack horses are sometimes ridden before their growth bone is completely mature resulting in horrendous and usually, untreatable injuries. Once horses complete their racing career at the age of four they are usually turned into jumpers or show horses, however, ex-racehorses tend to be handfuls in the arena and also are accompanied with minor but many joint and ligament problems.

***Note***Beside the physical ailments, the horse racing industry does consist of many illegal performance enhancing drugs and training methods that can erratically destroy a horse both physically and mentally.

How important is BREAKFAST?

Everyone has heard the saying, "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day", but what is so special about the meal?

When you go to sleep your metabolism seeks its lowest possible speed for the day. Even once you wake up, your metabolism remains sluggish until you refuel your body. With a slower rate of metabolism, less calories are burned. By eating when you first wake up in the morning, your metabolism will get right back in gear and start burning calories. If your first meal of the day starts around lunchtime, your body hasn't burned as many calories as it could in the morning.

Statistics from BBC News have shown significant more successful weight loss from populations who do eat breakfast every morning. Breakfast also decreases risk of diabetes and high cholesterol. "Breakfast-goers" were 1/3 less likely to become obese in their lifetime. They also showed to maintain a more healthy diet throughout the day including a less calorically dense diet.

Now the next question is "What should I eat for breakfast?"

Well, as college students we neither have the time nor the access to cook a full plate breakfast of eggs, bacon, toast, etc. I would also stay away from the Hot Spots breakfast buffet! However, there are still many options available to us for breakfast. As for me, I have become obsessed with Special K protein bars and a piece of fruit. It gives me the carbs I need to start the day along with some additional protein for my workouts! Besides meal bars, cereal is and will forever be a decent breakfast option. The best cereals being ones made with whole grains and with a limited amount of sugar and fat. Carbs aren't going to hurt you too much at the early time in the day. One other favorite breakfast option of mine up here is the beloved PB&J sandwich. Once again the (whole grain, fiber full) bread gives me the carbs to stay energized as well as fiber to keep me full and the peanut butter is an excellent source of protein!

In my opinion, breakfast is not an option. I cannot remember the last time I didn't eat breakfast and I plan to continue eating the delicious meal for many many years to come!

The Ups and Downs of Horseback Riding

I have been riding horses for almost seven years and have competed for five of them. When I first started riding it was merely a fun thing to do once a week. As I became more and more interested in the sport in became a 2-3 times a week event. Eventually, I purchased my own horse, and with my birthday pony came an everyday responsibility.

Horseback riding it far from just fun and games. It has its perks but it also has its downfalls....

Good workout: When "actively" riding a horse, primarily in a lesson, you can burn anywhere from 200 calories to 500 calories per hour. Beside a good cardio workout, horse equipment isn't light. Saddles weigh anywhere from 15-50 pounds and considering the fact that a horse's back is typically eye level with you, thats a pretty good weight lifting excercise! Riding at a competitive level requires core, arm, and leg strength.... core strength to jump, arm strength for the young horses that "gotta go go go", and leg strength for the stubborn ones!

Enjoyable, Something different: Horses are very interesting and sincere creatures. They are quite amusing to watch out in pasture as well as while being ridden under saddle. There are so many avenues of riding to do such as jumping, dressage, rodeo, trick riding, etc. One day of riding might include a few jumps while the next day may include a ride up the mountain. I enjoy riding for its variety and for its uniqueness. It could be an acquired love for the sport I have but I just can't seem to get enough of it!

Falling happens: So, the saying goes “You can’t call yourself a cow[girl] until you’ve fallen off ten times.” Well, I am definitely a cowgirl then! Luckily for me, my falls have never been too detrimental. Once you get used to the feel of dirt being pounded into your side, you start to just get a laugh out of it. Now I am not saying that it is something I enjoy doing or even ever want to do again but horses are unpredictable creatures and it’s a fact that I will continue to fall off every so often. As a rider, you have to accept the fact that horses are bigger than you and that you have limited control over them. No rider has absolute control over their horse, it’s simply impossible.

Money, money, money: Horse back riding may not be the most expensive sport out there but it can sure be close by. The financial cost of riding depends completely on the rider's committment to the sport. My parents were not about to buy me a horse the first time I came back from my lesson asking for one. However, due to liability and cost of equipment lessons aren't cheap. Riding equipment can be quite costly too when it's time to get a saddle, etc. It's not untill you purchase a horse that a significant dent goes into your wallet. Horses are extremely expensive. Not only is the initial payment of the animal costly but upkeep of the horse after purchase adds up as well. Horses require multi-annual doctor visits, dentist appointments, new shoes, boarding, etc.

Sometimes I think my parents just wish they kept me at the dance studio away from the mud, smell, money, and quick obsession horses tend to create with people. However, their money didn't go to waste and they know that. I have recieved over 100 ribbons in my competing years as well as a state title. Now, I train other peoples horses for a very nice amount of money and maybe one day will be able to reimburse my parents for all those checks written!

My brother, My hero

It was almost six years ago when I found myself on Thomas Rd in Phoenix, Arizona running beside my 17 year old brother along with about a hundred other famiy and friends, as well as the relay officials. It was almost seven years ago I submitted an essay to the Salt Lake City 2002 Olympic counsel recommending my brother to carry the Olympic torch as it passes through Arizona.

When I decided to write such an essay the words almost came effortlessly. There were so many things to say about my brother. If I can remember correctly the theme of my essay was my brother, Kyle, being my hero. I spoke of his many "set backs" as a child being hospitalized many times but always staying strong. The last thing my brother wanted was to see his family sad. I explained how I found my brother to be an absoultely extraordinary guy who wanted to make sure everyone around him was as joyful as he was. I spoke of my brother as truly being thankful to be alive, "healthy", and happy. To this day I would most likely write the exact same essay however probably with bigger words and less grammatical errors.

Once my brother recieved his letter of nomination (about 6 months prior to race day) the process began. There were multiple newspaper articles, relay meetings, and "torch fittings" that had to occur as well as notifying all the family and friends of the good news. Throughout the whole process, my brother continued to be genuinely thankful for such opportunities and always gave the reporter his signature thumbs up! It was an early February morning when we arrived at the grocery store parking lot with about 10 other relay participants all with their own story. As the race came closer Kyle was taken to his section of the race. I remember so vividly the moment when the torch was passed from the previous racer to my brother and off my brother went moving those wheels as fast as he could for that quarter of a mile. The smile on his face was undescribable. My joy overwhelmed me as my mom's did as well. The family, in tears of joy, as Kyle passed the flame to the next racer with a high-5 and thumbs up!

Such an event will be engraved in my mind forever. I am so extremely proud of my brother. So extremely grateful to have such an exceptional man in my life. Self pity isn't in my brother's vocabulary. However, such words as courage and perserverence are. Kyle considers life to be full of adventures. No matter how big or small, Kyle faces them head on.

Here's how it is...

Hey guys,

So I never could decide on one thing to write about. At first I was going to write about my family but I realized that I might be the only one who would find them interesting to read about week after week. Then I was going to write about the competitive side of horseback riding and once again realized I might be the only one interested in reading it by week 12. And lastly I was going to write about fitness and nutrition but I don't want to write about that seven times. In conclusion, this blog is about me and my life and the many avenues it takes!

My blog will represent what I love. My family (all 40 of them) means the absolute world to me. I have two wonderful siblings that have accomplished great things. Horses are a passion of mine. After 4 years of competing, traveling, winning, and losing the sport will always be apart of me. And lastly, I am a health and work out freak and would love to research new health hints and provide them to you as well!

Can't wait to write!