thatmysterious1-blog-blog

[thatmysterious1-blog-blog]

Have Our Truth For Breakfast. Just Be Easy.

So far, it's been all about the inhibitions I've found myself coming up short on. I didn't necessarily feel like I was completely bummed about coming back to Fresno, but once I came back and got back into the same flow of what I was doing before I got out on the road I became a lackluster soul that remained stagnant in life. Neither working towards success nor failing to bankruptcy. I couldn't gain any stable ground yet my work ethic and sustenance of life couldn't be denied. Enough about the trudging and distress of the restaurant life, even though I did enjoy it. Red Robin taught me that bussing was easy money that you could make a lot of if you just kept busy. After moving up to Tahoe Joe's I realized how much I'd rather do a job I enjoy, like Baskin Robbins. The job I like most is coaching, of course. Thrilling moments shared with athletes of all ages and events is the utmost intense of pleasures. My athletes of Fresno Christian have taught me so much about the slightly younger generation and how to mix up motivational techniques. Every student is different and needs their athletic attention in different ways. Surely my experience will take me far but at what point do I need to acquire a big boy job. A career based job; something that said that when you really worked your butt off, you saw results for your labor. I'm not sure what direction is the right direction, but it is to take advantage of ALL opportunities that arise. This world is decision-based. Choosing to make the right decision in this moment for the later moment, that's what we hope to do correctly. I have gotten very excited about the ways in which I have applied myself. I want to make sure to post about this before anything is set in stone and moving forward, although the cahoots are more than on file. If coaching opportunities at a higher level arise, I may become something I never saw myself becoming. Maybe the career jobs that have already inquired about me are right to see through and work my way up in. Indeed, the fight to keep work and passion alive in my life may fall short but is only lost if not attempted to beat into a bloody pulp. How happy do I feel to be returning home? How awesome is it to be living in a beautiful familial setting while I contribute to something in society-whatever place may take their chance on me. I am happy to be a better influence on my brother, I think I need him. Of course I hope my influence is strong and our relationship strengthens. But I've missed having my real brother, especially since I've been out gaining brothers of my own. My sister is a boss, plain and simple. I love her and I'm happy to be able to see her and incite a stronger presence in her life. I think she can feed off that. The heart doesn't really doubt that feeling of goosebumps when the shivers grab a hold of your spine. There's no reason to not see the vision, there isn't even a reason to digress your societal growth. Yet once you have an enemy, you better kick that quitter's gene in the crotch and see it through to the end. I've missed out on the end of some things. I've passed up some very prominent opportunities which have lead me to some other very prominent opportunities. Regrets, I do not have. But now I know the importance of the chance. I don't know what the future holds, but I know I can do right now. That was the reason to leave and skate. It's why I didn't tell folks. It's why I couldn't come up with some non-profit or a cause that I enjoyed to ride for. Because I was riding to take advantage of the opportunity that I had free time and a willing heart. After the ride's end, I needed more out of life. I wanted a queen to treat as such. I wanted to achieve goals and work towards a higher purpose. I needed to get active in the pursuit of goals. Grown man goals. The story isn't over, and I think the climax has yet to be determined. There's plenty of obstacles that I've overcame. Many tales I can tell. I would like it to be capped off with the sheer enjoyment of bringing happiness and love to all those around me. Help people see God, and participate in His redemptive story. This week has been great. God is good.

[thatmysterious1-blog-blog]

Insincere Diplomatics

What is incapable of a capable mind? What can't succeed where success has been? There has been an insurmountable amount of pressure I have felt succumbed to. I'm not even sure where I feel like it is coming from, but something is there saying "You haven't DONE it, you won't DO it, you can, but you WON'T". I hates erasing whatever I write down for a blog initially, for whatever the reason may be. But I can't help but be yearning for something in this room at this time, can I not? But I'm not in a room, and my desire isn't that which matters to this world, because I'm not sure I have the worlds best in my heart right now. There's been a reclusive stage that started when I got back to Fresno and started getting back to the same rituals. I live, and I love, and I skate and have gobbs of fun, but I do feel like the skate must keep on. What that means right now, I'm not too sure-and of course that simple fact is what leaves me in this state. Not confused, not baffled for I understand exactly why I feel like this. The elusive bit of information is what the next move possibly is. I am impatient most of all, thus the reason for the wallowing obviously. A good skate can always clear the mind, but as of late even those are rare to come by. Today I got one, it was nice and short enough not to kill me- but even then I picked up new things, that I'd never seen or known before. Every adventure every time is something so different and expressive that the ride never seems long enough. Until you come to terms with the memories you will never forget, then they grow much more significance. In terms of growth there is no cease. There's always a means to an end. Even when the ball is one you've snagged 100 times and the variable that deemed you inca ale wasn't really your ability it was the fence you faced during the tail end of the attempt. Yes that is a Torii Hunter reference. Do you remember the last time you had a bad day? The funny thing. Something that you wouldn't guess if this is my first post that you are reading, is that I can not remember my last bad day nor could I quantify a guess. Years ago from a fantastic teammate and friend to all and every, Meghan DeLaTorre said simply "At the end of the day, you always have a reason to smile." I have most certainly found that to be true. Not that my last bad day was the day before she said that because I couldn't say I was in bad spirits then either. But somewhere every day, there are blessings to be humbly thankful for. I know it, I love it, I'm grateful for it. But catching wind of them and knowing the origin of them is what makes me wonder why I find it so hard to find my footing. Only when I am skating am I stable. The weekend looks long, and fun! And I'm hoping to get a great sense of family, so I can sit back into a great deal of work. Time to get it done! Why can't seals be so competent? Water is my eye. Do people use emojis in blogs? I think I may have ranted a bit yet honesty is key and transparency leaves for nothing but forward progress. Let's go USA soccer, come on train -_-

[thatmysterious1-blog-blog]

Still I have yet to learn patience, and still I am patiently waiting. There is a certain level of discontent I feel each and every day with my lifestyle as is. What I fail to come to terms with is that the correction process has already started, but just like celibacy, it takes patience and perseverance. There is nothing wrong though, I just need to get things going and it's the worst way to start-the way I have I mean. I ran into Jaime again, a manager from Plaza del Pane. He's a smart guy, and he's chill as can be. I think I might actually be in good standing to get another job. It's just about that time. Two restaurants, subbing, coaching, and extra-curriculars. That's quite the load, for not a great amount of pay. Although the perseverance and patience it takes to be okay with those jobs are the two qualities that turn things around. Keep grinding, keep pushing.

[thatmysterious1-blog-blog]

Everybody Shakin, It's Over Too Young

I'm feeling trapped more than ever. I didn't foresee this feeling, but in hind sight, the clues were indeed there. I was reluctant to outright post much of anything that pertained to my world record attempt. It was a personal goal, an individual's idea. I never expected people to care, want to help, or even to want to understand. I know people; and 99% of the time people don't want to see you on the rise- they want to make sure you see them on the rise. Every once in a while there comes a person who DOES want to see you on the come up, and wants to help you get there. Of course there are friends and family members that back you and got you, but I'm referring to the guy who just wants to see everyone get theirs. The guy who walks into a hallway at school and gives a hug to the smartest girl in school, then goes a couple more steps before meeting up with football teammates who walk with him up to the flute player's locker to talk to her and her friends, the cheerleader and the "dyke", about the school play. And at the end of that chain of interactions each and every single one of those people walk away knowing that he (whoever "that guy" may be) wanted nothing but the best for you as a person. "That guy" doesn't have to be a guy, it could be anyone. That attribute attests to the soul of a person, speaking simply to the love in their heart and the outward expression of it. To my surprise, people did care about this adventure. People appreciated the boldness in such a decision and many wished they could at some point have done/or go do something of the sort. When that happened is when I became blinded by the freedom of the road. It became my truest companion and unfortunately I lost contact with a sense of home. I got out there and didn't have to pay rent, THE BEST part of living on the road. I forgot what it felt like to see the same faces or same streets every day. I forgot what it felt like to go home to a bed, or even a building in general. I also saw the world as an oyster. Any place was skate able, any place was reachable. Just take Jesus, patience, and water with you and with the right kind of determination, you can make it anywhere. I didn't see Tahoe Joe's. I didn't see Fresno Christian. I didn't see Crystal Tree apartments. I saw more glamour in the poverty of the road then I do in the confines of comfortability. But it is exactly what I mentioned before that sums it up- I feel trapped! Like even though I could get out for a bit, I'm stuck in this endless race of just working just to work... in Fresno. Life feels like to much of the same thing for me to want it to be like this. I also haven't been here long enough to make any money so I'm still not so keen on work just yet. I just have to keep grinding and pushing, sounds similar. There's a breakthrough somewhere, I know it. I've seen it, for many and for few. Dani California is my girl right now, the fictional character that is my love for my home state. Writing about her and my failures, speaking about my successes and heartbreaks, putting some literary meaning to that which I did, because it didn't translate into athleticism as much as I'd hoped the attempt would. My legs are strong, but I'm weak everywhere else. My stamina is unscathed, but after beginning running this week I have found that my legs had only reached a certain soreness with skating that was unlike running. Right now my legs can go a good 5 to 7 miles, but then they are hurting! Something I didn't even feel on an 82 mile skate from Crescent City to Eureka. Mostly because it's harder on the body to get warmed up for running than it is to skate. I'm incorporating blogging into my daily routine though which is definitely a different activity, and a fun one at that. More writing is a must, especially if I want to get that Master's. I have to write some 20 page dissertation or something or other. More things are needed still, I have too much free time on my hands in which I'd rather be hanging out with friends and doing things. It seems as if a different life is desired right now. I just thought about all at which I am typing and it finally dawned on me. It's about time to go get answers to questions and go to Church On Thursdays at Peep's. A great place for answers yet another ironic ritual that I seemed to come back to upon returning to Fresno. Enjoy life still, smile often, and wish the best for those you encounter every day. Jordan Walker is a shining example of that, if ya know him-follow his lead. For everyone who doesn't, you know a Jordan-appreciate em.

[thatmysterious1-blog-blog]

Still Blogging... My Ambitions As A (w)Rider

Well I mean come on, how do you think it feels to train it all these miles back over distances you spent countless hours in. Distances you left sweat and blood, and NO tears with. It's a sour feeling that's for sure. This train ride pretty much signifies that the ride is over (thus the reason for the lack of update). I made a small push to try to quickly raise money to get back on the road, but just as I have already learned and expect to kept having reiterated to me, quick fixes never come. While it hasn't been too difficult due to me and Jordan having a similar body structure, I definitely need to get some of my own clothes from home. Work subbing has began and I'm of course excited for that just to see students frequently again. Tahoe Joe's begins Friday night and I can't say I'm happy to be back in a restaurant, but I will definitely enjoy being tipped out again. I definitely value being paid for the work that I do, cause I just did a lot of work for free. I've never been one to be a part of the worldwide paper chase, but I do have a goal. I have a goal to break the world record for the longest distance traveled by skateboard. If he financial side is the hardest part of this, then I guess I'll handle it. Who knows where life takes you, right? I know that's right because city to city offered locations and situations in both the extreme positives and utter negatives. The thing that people forget to factor in a lot is time. Unfortunately time, means patience. Patience comes from understanding, understanding from learning, learning from creativity. Fresno State for my masters in English. For anyone who wants to know what's next. And after that, probably go back out and attack this again, maybe even take it international.

[thatmysterious1-blog-blog]

Keeping This Short

I'm pretty tired from a decently long day out on the road. Not only that, I want to get to bed as early as possible so I can wake up early and get on the road. Today we left the campground and after being sent on the runaround, Nate had his first freeway day... twice. We continued eastward into the wind and it almost kicked our butts, yet we still made some pretty good time. The desert is unrelenting and dangerous. Without water, things seem impossible. When elevation is added, nope. The next two days look very risky. There is some pretty decent grade coming up and a stretch of virtually nothing, but that doesn't mean quit. The next two days look like freeway days. 50 miles on the freeway. Then 55 more miles the next day. Things may get a little slippery here but it's the only way through. I'd be lying if I said I didn't think about going home every day. But the simple solution is to keep going. After all, Dory kept swimming right?

[thatmysterious1-blog-blog]

Critical Check The Doors

Leaving the comforts of a home is always the toughest part of continuing the journey. This morning began with coffee and pancakes and watermelon. WATERMELON! Breakfast was quick and filling, I was ready for the road. I really was ready for the road, too. I think getting into something is always easier when you're just a little more experienced than the person you're with. Nate is a great sport in this and I'm so glad he came. It's like He sensed I needed companionship, and that I was seeking it elsewhere. It is a blessing to have a friend here, to burn away the desire from seeking unnecessary attention. Today we set out from right outside the house to head for Banning. The ride out of town wasn't bad. Small ups and downs, minimal traffic, a little more heat then we'd like but what more is there to expect? We really cranked it up when we got out to Hwy 79. The climb looked intense from the moment we came around the curve Gilman Springs Rd. The 6.1 mile hill session was most definitely more uphill than downhill, and to add to it the air was so dry water kept getting sucked down. It was a struggle a bit for Nate and at times even for me, as I was running low on fuel in my stomach. The thing I keep repeating to myself is that soon there will be a day in which all if these hills and mountains are just behind us! That'll be the day! After battling elevation again we covered the ground and prevailed. The ride down is never what it is going up. We started off up 7% grade and finished with a mile long down in which I guarantee I didn't reach over 35 mph! Although there was a Jack In The Box at the bottom and that fueled us well for the last push into the next town. We made it and got our campsite set up, which as some can see on Facebook that it is atrocious. If anyone would like to donate to the new tent fund, it'd be greatly appreciated. But we got set up and are almost in to the desert style camping. Still got a bit more to go before we are desert-exclusive. But that day will come, we just gotta keep pushing, even when emotions try and push and pull ya each and every way. Just gotta keep remembering to be me.

[thatmysterious1-blog-blog]

Ode to the Beautiful Rust Cords: Well Timed Workouts

I'm not quite sure where I left off the last bit of my days. But we can start on the return to Huntington. We left Moorpark and went into Downtown LA for a while. I also got a confusing text at which I have no intention of sharing it on here, but I do acknowledge it because it had that much of an effect. After chilling in the park and talking and working our way through a sea of T. Swift fans. There was blonde hair and plaid everywhere! Then we hopped on the light rail to Long Beach. It was busted and kept stopping, the driver was even frustrated as all get up as well. It was dark by the time we got there, and we had to meet Jeremey. When he called to say he was heading our way we decided to meet up at In N Out. My initial thought of Jeremey was before I even knew it was him. I thought,"Man that guy really looks like Trevor." He came over and introduced himself and helped us get our stuff into the back. Then came the semi-interrogative questions, which I had to say I expected. I conveyed myself as best I could and we got a jump on a positive relationship. We arrived at his house pretty late so we pretty much headed right into bed. That is after we met little Gabe. We put on some It's Always Sunny and knocked out pretty quick, knowing we had to wake up early for church in the morning. Six o clock rolled around too quickly and I woke up 4 minutes before my alarm went off. I trudged up out of bed and showered, then we continued the interrogation process. I think Jeremey sensed the effect all the questions were having on me and tried to ease up. He was just trying to get a feel for how and why I got into this so he could help me properly convey my message. After helping to guide people into the parking lot, we go in for the service. I don't believe I had ever been to a Lutheran church, but I enjoyed. Worship wasn't the strongest point but it was engaging. We sang a good couple songs, ones I had already known. Before we listened to a great guy in Mike Jobst, we were brought up to share what was going on, how we got started, and how we incorporate the Truth and the Word into our journey. The opportunity to share my story so far with so many people made it easy for me to make connections and approach anyone I would have liked to meet. Although everyone wanted to initiate the conversation with me, I was so grateful for the hospitable treatment and support that I wanted to meet everyone there. After two services of a similar quick-message, Myster and Nate had just about become names everyone down to the kids knew. The little ones went wild for Nate, as they always do. For some reason they were drawn to him without any form of relent. We hung out at the church congregating and getting to know others until it was time for lunch. When Jeremey asked what we should get, I immediately recommended Porky's Pizza (thanks to Randy for turning me on to that!) We went and got the pizza to take home, this was more time to hang with the kids, Gabe and Neriyah. Once we got to the house we ate family style and then the day was the kids'. First we watched them ride bikes and then we played the game of Life. There's something about board games that just give you that genuine sense of enjoyment and fulfillment. I actually ended up winning that game of Life, which felt good saying as to how this journey often makes me feel like I'm losing. After Life I took a nap which is usually something I'm against, but I always find myself yearning for them since being on the road. I woke up and the family decided to go and visit their best friends while Nate and I decided to just hang out at the house. We talked for a while and enjoyed some down time then went on a walk for some food. We stopped by Fresh and Easy and got some meals and heated them up in-store. That is a place I can't wait to shop when I'm done with this journey. I feel like I'm really being taught how to live at the point in life. We ate outside while we sat down and talked and listened to music. Enjoying someone's company is something I couldn't even fathom before but it feels great to have a homie. Later we returned to the house and turned down for the night. Jeremey and his wife Michelle went between Nate and I and we all interchanged conversation for a while, then we all went to sleep. It was a nice, full day and it was great to have help come and make sure the journey continues, at least for a little while. We went to sleep knowing that death was around the corner and traveling was happening soon. The morning was spent in more fellowship and conversation. We hung out and got our bags ready for a long day of travel. I helped Jeremey make crepes while Nate hung out with Neriyah. Gabe had been sobbing the night before because he didn't want us to leave, so we both made sure to spend some quality time with him in the morning. The day kept moving though and eventually it was time to leave. Jeremey took us to Long Beach to start and that's what we did. The day was long and we didn't reach his uncles house all at once, but it was a heck of a first day for him. I forgot how difficult it is to ride a bike for a long time. We are easing Nate into this and in a week or so, travel is going to be consistent and routine, but right now it's all about getting him into shape, and quick. Today was day 2 for Nate, and once again we got a late start. Starting after noon always makes the day shorter. We got dropped off back where Nate, Dale and Mary had picked me up he day before and set off again for Nate's uncle Dale's house. Almost 20 miles and lots of heat stood in our way, and I was sure it'd be a great day for Nate. It's important to get back out there, exhaustion and all. It wasn't long before we got separated on the day but we both kept pushing on. The work day was short, but the load was big. Going out in the hottest part of the day ALWAYS makes things 1,000 times harder. I knew the day would be tough and it was more a test for Nate than anything. I arrived at the house in just under 3 hours. Nate got in after about 3 hours, 45 minutes. The day was done and I was very tired, as was he. He was actually ready to go at 5 for a second round and I was knocked out cold. I woke up just a bit ago and got ready for dinner and relaxation. More sleep is inevitable and we will be hitting the road again tomorrow, no matter how tired or groggy we may wake up to be. The grind of traveling is back upon us and I can't wait to be back in the groove. I think once we are alone on the road things change a bit, but we shall see how the entering of the desert will be tomorrow.

[thatmysterious1-blog-blog]

First Day Jitterbugs

[thatmysterious1-blog-blog]

First Day of Myster and Nate Adventures

[thatmysterious1-blog-blog]

Civil Companionship

Yesterday was a heck of a day. My skate was rather shallow and pedantic. Not very exciting from Huntington to Long Beach, but the people along the way make it all the more enjoyable. Before I left I spent the day at the beach with Kayla and her dogs. I wish I had the means to have an iguana on the road with me. Although I have acquired some companionship but we'll get to that later. Before departing the town I got into a nice, long conversation with one of my heroes in the faith, Jed. In a sense he showed me where I was lacking faith, without using those words. He prayed for me and challenged me to great things spiritually-aside from the skating BS. He's an honorable man of God who lives a humble familial life in the town of Fresno. He lives the life of a king, the rich life of a man of God. After the talk, I tried to find myself in the silence and I found myself searching for a presence bigger than my own. It's not difficult to set aside hardships when you're in the midst of Christ. Focus on him and the struggle isn't yours, it's His. Then the skate came and it was easy. It was virtually flat, nothing I hadn't really seen before. But then the detour came in which I hit the backstreets to see Sharonda. I didn't get much time to see her and we didn't get to even hang out really, but the visual was enough. To see a woman I spent four years with in high school, striving and succeeding in track, was simply awe inspiring. Little Foot was assimilated into Long Beach culture and lifestyle and she had grown into a beautiful woman that had direction and purpose. I want to see her again before I depart and I think I will. From there the skate ended about 20 minutes later. I skated to the Metro Station and stopped my journey in order to meet up with Nate in Culver City. The long rail train ride was filled with characters; some nice and others odd. Then I got into Culver City and met up with Nate and his dad and we headed to Moorpark for the time being. One thing I have failed to mention is that he will be joining me on the road from here on. It's refreshing to know that I'll have a companion on the road. It's also good knowing he'll be on a bike so he won't be necessarily slowing me down. Traveling is much easier with two people, and the journey just got a little brighter. In other news, I am running low on funds but solutions may be coming. I'm heading to Huntington again on Sunday to speak at a church, giving my testimony and sharing what I'm doing. I'm a big improviser and I have no idea what I'm going to say but I'm excited to be able to share what God's opening my eyes to on the road. I'm not gonna skate today though, preparations and food are in order. I'd love to keep this going and keep you people informed but please solutions haven't come yet. Keep on praying, keep supporting and sharing, and if you can please drop a dollar or two or five in the PayPal account. It would make this life just a tad easier. SKATE OR DIE!

[thatmysterious1-blog-blog]

Life's Incessant Demand

Well now I am back after a brief break in San Diego, spent enjoying time with former teammates and middle school comrades. I got out there last week as I said in my previous blog and it was a great time to say the least. Before I go on I must say thank you to Daniel Alvarez and Alex Kith, but especially Daniel. I try to emphasize my gratefulness in person and I hope he got it, because if it weren't for him really coming through in major ways for me, the journey might had come to a halt. I spent my days in which the boys were at work lounging and playing video games and/or watching Freaks And Geeks. Throughout my first 3 days out there, I worked my way through the 18 episode series and grew my own attachment to almost each character. I think it's a very prominent show in television despite how short of a run it had. It had the unfortunate time slotting of Saturday night and then Monday night simultaneous with Who Wants To Be A Millionaire. At night we would go to dinner and do something else whether it be dancing or Scattegories. I also hit the water for the first time on this trip and the beach down there. It was so fun to get in the water and bash against the waves. The water is so refreshing, yet so tiring. It drained me to the point of exhaustion, a feeling I needed that night. The true treat came on Sunday. After a brief recon session I found a church nearby called All People's Church. A strikingly similar title to my home church in Fresno called People's Church (a coincidence I didn't notice until I got there). Right off the bat I saw a woman with really cool dreads, so I told her. We got into a casual dialogue and it ended up coming up what I was doing, in church and in life. She was an avid boarder named Mal and we shared a great deal of appreciation for both of what we were accomplishing with our lives. She was a person of the people, and her care for those around her was embedded in her aura. I grabbed a cup of coffee and stashed my board to head in. The very first thing they did was pray for an open hearted and connected worship jam, and that's exactly what God delivered. The band ad libbed and vocally lobbied an entire mob of people to the front of the state, myself included. They said we would party for Jesus, so the congregation partied their hearts out. The music had such a hymnal vocabulary, yet we rocked and they played a true set. The message was titled "Expanding God's Household" a message I should probably hear giving how many people I have/will encounter(ed). It focused around Nehemiah and the central theme was that "you're work matters to God." See Nehemiah didn't look at being a cupbearer as being just a cupbearer, he saw it as an opportunity to do work for God's kingdom that nobody else could do, because he is in the position he is in to fulfill what only he can fulfill. I went in hoping for help, I found a miraculous word. It's awesome how its all perspective. It's not that you do not know, it's that you just weren't looking at it in that way. That church was the number one résumé builder for the city of San Diego. I wanted to be a part of that church, I wanted that church to be home. And might I say, that is the best compliment I could ever give to a church. After church we went to Bridges and chilled. Bridges is a restaurant I highly recommend to all of anyone in the SD area. The Bay Area themed place has a fantastic Yay Area feel and provides great service and has awesome management. The night ended with friends, laughter, and a brew. A full day of life. Monday came and D figured he needed to get in some hiking before he moved on back to Hayward. Afterward Daniel and I went down town and had carne asada fries and the half off joog for the plates we received is a ridiculous steal. It put me into a small food coma on the drive home and induced a short nap. Once home we watched a movie and I was informed that it was Monday night wing night at Bridges, and having already sampled their wings (THAT ARE MASSIVE) I didn't know how I could eat any more. Once got there I figured to get 6 because I couldn't be that hungry, but Daniel said to get the 12 and I couldn't disagree and I gorged myself on meat and water. It was so uncomfortable after 11, I couldn't eat the last one, but I wanted to so bad. We went home and I knew I needed to sleep because my San Diego stint came to an end. I went I. And lie down until my alarm went off at 10:30. The. I hit snooze a few times, then once more, then the last time. I needed it and my ambition to start by midnight was more than possible. I expressed my gratitude which I hope the message got through. They wished me luck and good fortune, and we got on our way. Daniel drove me to Del Mar where I had last stopped and I got there to begin my night time expedition at midnight exactly. Once the skate began, I did all I needed to do to get prepared for what I was about to embark on. I didn't want to stop. I didn't want to rest. I wanted to get to Huntington. Unfortunately the ride was much more uphill than downhill. I was making good time but I got achy quick. My limbs didn't quite start to tremble because none of it was extremely difficult, but the slight uphill work was definitely felt by the time I got a quarter into my ride in Oceanside. I stopped just before the turn onto the freeway to urinate, and it was just after 2 am. A military police vehicle from Camp Pendleton approached and inquired what the heck I was doing at this time at night. I told them who I was and prayed they didn't see me pee, and then I had to lie and say I was done and going into town. Luckily they drove off with some warnings and I snuck my way on the onramp when they weren't looking from their booth. The freeway sesh was indeed a scary ride. The ground, even with adjusted eyes was one of incredibly invisible path. The only time your beaten track is illuminated is when the fear of a cop or the wind drag of a big rig is breathing all on you. There's nothing like a race to legalities. Luckily I made it through following a smooth path and was able to get off exactly where I needed. Although now I was in for a whole different version of staying on my toes. The next 15 miles or so was very wildlife surrounded. The road either has some bushes that were rattling or figures dashing across ahead of me and even some bigger sounding noises. I kept my knife drawn for any immediate danger that may bring itself my way. The road got very flat here and I was able to cover very good time on this portion. Once I got into Dana Point and Capistrano Beach things got very hilly, and the uphill was killer. I tried to just zone out and keep pushing, which I was able to do but by now is when knees started hurting and giving me awkward control and dexterity. It lasted all the way through Laguna Beach and I spent so much time going up and down and mostly up that I didn't even want to put headphones in, I just wanted to finish. I just could not quite till I got there and it didn't matter anything but to do the work that was set out in front of me, and talk to Him while I do because no one else was awake keeping me company. And He just kept dropping knowledge even step. I finally got into Newport Beach and day had started to break. The beaches were open, the surfers were headed for the swells, and I had just a few more miles to go. The sign came acknowledging my presence in Surf City and elation came over me. I turned off the tracker well before 7 am and I was juiced I was able to move so quickly uphill. In well time I stopped at Beach Blvd and PCH, then started to head the 6 miles inland to the Pac Dub house. It was an additional 6 miles inland and I just put my head down to get there. I arrived upon Colton leaving for work and he told me to go on in a pond crash so I tried. First in the living room chair, then in Bryce's Bed, both attempts were half-hearted and utter failures as I still find myself dreading lay awake but uninterested in sleep. In the company of good people there comes great revival, and I don't want to miss a minute of it. That's why it takes so long for me to type these out. That's why I get so wrapped up in conversation. That's why I can never fully get into a

[thatmysterious1-blog-blog]

Three Universities and its a Military Town

Contrary to what women believe, not all men like being fondled by those they don't know. But now on to the facts of the day. I woke up today in Huntington Beach at the Pac Dub house feeling rather lethargic. I didn't want to get up and go skate but it was time to get on the road. I got up at about 7:30 and reluctantly started getting my bag ready to go. As time drew on, I found myself waiting for it to heat up, the marine layer was thick though. I ended up sticking around until almost 10, but in that time I had a complete change of heart. I suddenly became enthrall end by the idea of San Diego. I lost my desire to stay in Oceanside, and I just wanted to see some close homies. Daniel and Alex are in their last week and a half in San Diego and I think making it down here for it was definitely a good investment of time. So I set out and unfortunately had 14 miles to make it before I could even turn on the tracker. When I made it into Corona Del Mar I got back to the mission and had my sights set on making it far. The journey started and continued down the 1. Just up and down small rolling hills, sidewalk being my friend for the day. Riding sidewalks only suck because the cracks that are naturally there make for annoying metronomes. I twisted and wound around the sidewalks of Laguna Beach and eventually was sent from the main highway to find my own route. The ride didn't necessarily fly by, but because I had my heart set on getting there, I didn't think twice about not taking a break. I made my way to a military base and reached a serious problem. I thought not bringing my helmet was one of the best ideas I'd had, but it almost bit me in the butt. The guards at the front gate had let me know that without a helmet, I wasn't allowed to skate through base. There had been a biker a couple days before without a helmet, and after being let through, he got hit by a bus. The superiors and officers were on the prowl for any wrongdoers and I was led to believe that any attempts to make it through would not only result in my being reprimanded, but the officers who let me through would get in serious trouble as well. I had two options: 1. To backtrack about 20 miles and go a complete different direction. 2. To go for 5 miles on the freeway and try my hardest to not get seen or stopped by any CHP. I took my chances with the freeway, and found that it was the right decision. It was here that I found my knee starting to hurt a tad, but I tried to move as quickly as possible for the entire time. I made it to the next exit safely and without any disturbances thank goodness, and I was able to get onto the street that took me all the way to where I needed to go for the day. Once I was off the freeway I knew it was all about perseverance to get to where I needed to be. My knee pain was growing slightly with every push; rest and food definitely needed to be in my immediate future. Luckily I made it into Del Mar in a very reasonable time. I traveled 72 miles in under 8 hours and I was so stoked to be that close to San Diego. It was actually there, 18 miles out of the city, where Daniel picked me up from. It was only 6:17 when I stopped, but I figured that much milage was more than enough for the day. I was/am so juiced to be kicking it with Daniel and Alex. It's not everyday I get to see a person I know, let alone folks like Alex I've known for 9 years now, and others like Daniel that its going on 12 years of friendship. I'm going to enjoy my few days in this place and I'm ready to finish up my grand tour of California, this is a great place to finish it. We are only as strong as we allow ourselves to be... but I don't allow myself to go on, I tackle life's challenges head on (skate-wise at least). It's a pressing time in life for us all, how are you going to deal with it. Oh and a shout out to the homie Nate Wentz who will be joining me from Cali to Texas on his road bike. Lets have some fun!

[thatmysterious1-blog-blog]

Do Work Day

[thatmysterious1-blog-blog]

Do Work Day

[thatmysterious1-blog-blog]

The Double Edged Sword You Hold

Status of the Journey: Because the video will not post, I shall type it out for you folks. The status of this journey and my travels is not of peril, yet. Perhaps one day it will be exhaustingly tough once again, but for now it is not. For now it is easy and scenic and I'm enjoying where I am. Like, why would I be upset about skating through a city, I just skated by the Maserati, Lamborghini and McLaren dealerships, those are sick! Getting into Huntington was a fairly easy and short ride. The 20 mile ride was lovely because it took me back to the shore's edge. While on the LA to Long Beach skate, the scenery was a bit less glamorous. The nicest stint being the South Bay; Redondo, Manhattan, Hermosa Beach area which really isn't bad at all, but the rest of the trip is not very exciting and at times a bit disappointing. The official Pacific Coast Highway should be beautiful start to finish! From here I move on to Oceanside and on into San Diego where I'll finally get to see how Daniel and Alex are living. It's exciting to get to meet up with folks that I miss from high school in a place that isn't our hometown. The road is very forgiving right now, as it is always easy to draw from the beach and the soothing sand for rejuvenation. That luxury is soon coming to an end but the race back to the beach begins. The exciting part of that is the next beach I will see after I leave the west coast is going to be the Atlantic Ocean. The race to Miami begins. Declaration of Self: Now this angle that you look at this journey from, remember, is not mine. While I say that with the utmost humility, remember that I do not look at is journey from your perspective either. My spirits are moment to moment, my emotions are free-falling through the sky and what it hits it hits. I must say though that I am tired of staying in towns with people I know only to not be an inconvenience to the household. Parents who can't understand and tell their grown children they can't have a world record attempting friend sleep over for a night. People saying they got me on a spot to stay and then when it comes down to it, it's like technology must not exist in their life. There's a large amount of people who seem to think that EVERYONE would love to help out in any way. Unfortunately they're all in the same boat. From town to town, place to place, person to person, everyone seems to think "someone else would love to help me". But if I asked you for help, why couldn't it be you? People seem to think that I might be done soon. And to be frank, that possibility is extremely close. But I'm not done until the journey is over. I tell my mom not to stress, something's working. Something's happening! God wouldn't have made this time possible for this journey to take place right now, only for it to be cut short. I have FAITH in that. I have FAITH that this skateboard will see me to some high and low places, and eventually the east coast being Miami. I a a strong and resilient individual. One with promise and confidence. One thing I'm determined not to do is quit, a word that doesn't resonate quite well with people and I have a particular dislike for that word myself. I'm pushing with all that I am on this. I told the students at Fresno Christian (Shout out to The Boys in my small group on their first day of high school and the whole FCS family) that I would go about a week hungry before I quit. I've had to go hungry some times on this journey, I've had to skate all night, I've had to do a lot of things that ultimately I will never forget for the rest of my life... but I set out to accomplish something and whatever I've done on the track and the magnitude of it pushes me to transcend my current predicament. God will see me through, and that's where I'm at with my spirit, but the reality of it is that I am placing faith in you guys, the people who follow, the people who wish to see it done, the people who don't want all that I've done to be for nothing. Im having a lot of fun out on the road, and my social media sites won't hesitate to tell you that. Enjoy it with me, and invite others to do the same. Safe travels people, take care of your soul. It's bed time!!!

[thatmysterious1-blog-blog]

Status of Me