The title of this blog is borrowed from a song that inspires me to be a better person and always continue challenging myself. I am a dreamer at heart and am inspired by new experiences, new challenges and people I meet. My two loves are cycling and music but I also have a passion for writing. Thus, these are my dreams and inspirations influenced by the people who surround me and those paving the way in our world today. I hope you enjoy it. Please leave a comment!
Ciao~
read blog 3/1/09 thx!
Holy hell that was hard! I was in Cat 4 Women, which was the last group to start at 10:20 am. Luckily the weather was nice, warm and not windy. I had hydrated and warmed up for a good 20 minutes or so before the race started. I said a quick prayer that I don't come in last, crash, or get a flat. Right from the start there was a pretty good climb, not long but short and steep. The race was "neutral" until we got over that hill. I was in the front of the pack which I knew was stupid because the best place to be is either in the middle, or back of the peloton to conserve energy. Well it didn't last long...all of a sudden the girls took off and I was dropped, only 5 miles into the race. I looked around and I was in last place! That didn't last long though, I caught up within the next 10 miles.
From there on it was nothing but rollers, and I'm not talking small little hills, but some GOOD hills...non stop which is when we realized why they call Hillsboro HILLSboro. So the race was hard and I was nervous as all hell, even worse than Danskin, but I got through it. The last 9 miles was a climb of about 1100 ft. So basically Transmountain but instead of 5 miles it was stretched out to 9 (not as steep tho). My legs were hurting pretty bad the last 5 miles; it was a 35 mile race but it felt more like 70. I finished and that was the important thing. No I didn't win any prizes but it boosted my confidence and now I know what work needs to be done. Hope you all had a good weekend!
Through the fog, you find absolute beauty.and this is why I adore black and white photography. You see so much more than you ever would in color. This man is amazing.
I have to tell you, I've never felt so much betrayal, pain, anger, sadness, and hatred in all my life. Perhaps because I must encounter the cause of this everyday and I am unable to escape it. My escapism has fled me while I am trying so hard to grasp it. I'm floating in and out of a foggy haze that I'm not sure will lift. The facade faded long ago, I'm exhausted and want to be done but yet I'm trapped in it. Its consuming me little by little, more and more each day. My weakness is feeling, honesty, and passion. Nobody is true anymore, nobody feels anymore, nobody is honest anymore, those who are don't succeed or they are eroded. Surreptitious, passiveness, ageism, artfully cunning behavior is what one needs. Only time will tell if I survive...
Today was a horribly black day. perhaps I'll see about Wednesday, if tomorrow is better.
These ladies are beautiful! They were the first all-girl dance crew to make it to the finals on America's Best Dance Crew. Just want to give a big shout out to Bgirl Shorty! This girl is amazing, as the rest of her crew is but damn...head spins and all there's nothing she can't do!! Its groups like these that give me the inspiration to get the all Womens Team El Paso going and FREAK THE DREAM!! Unfortunately, they didn't win on the show but sometimes winning isn't everything. I know these girls are going to blow up after showcasing how much talent they have.
It was a pleasure watching you girls each week, I can't wait to see what is next in your careers.
"Everyday of my life it has been your presence, your faith, your loyalty that has given me great strength during difficult times and it was you who inspired me to work hard and deliver, I owe YOU. Over the years we have become family, my family is your family, my children are your children. It was YOU who put your heart on the line, it was YOU who stepped forward to defend someone you love. It was YOU, on a worldwide basis that supported me as my army of love.Whenever there was injustice against me, you were always there, always loyal and I love you forever for this. I will make you proud of me, proud to be a Michael Jackson fan." ~Michael Jackson 2003 speech to the fans
It is January 16, 2004, I'm sitting out by the pond at Neverland Valley Ranch, helicopters blaring overhead - hovering just over the tree tops not moving but making so much noise I can barely hear my own thoughts. Michael and his family are in the guest house just a few feet away trying to compose themselves after a stressful morning. It's the day of the arraignment, hundreds of fans are scattered all over the ranch along with media and locals from Santa Ynez who've come to get a glimpse of what's been behind the gates all these years. I've been here before, back before it was invaded, back when the magic was palpable in the air. Back then, you would walk inside the gates and feel as if you've entered a mystical world - animals roaming freely, classical music blaring around statues of children playing as the sun is shining through the morning fog around the grand oak trees. Back then you entered those gates feeling like a child again with all the joy childhood brings, the imagination and innocence. I saw GROWN men come "I'm here with my wife, she's the fan" they'd say, later I'd see them running around the fields, riding the rides and raiding the candy shop as if they were 10 again. That was the magic of Neverland. Now, sitting by this pond watching the swans swim by all I feel is a horrible, negative energy. The main house is still in ruins, from the over 40 police officers who trashed it, looking for "evidence" that was never discovered. Perhaps its the helicopters, or the journalists that I over hear as they pass me "this is a circus, meant for a freak" whatever it is I become completely overwhelmed as the tears began streaming down my face. Katherine Jackson sees me from the window, her face showing the compassion and hurt she's feeling. They tried so many times to ruin him, to kick him out, I think they finally succeeded. A friend of mine comes over..."this is a nightmare, but he's going to get through this, he's very strong. Good always triumphs over evil." Perhaps but Neverland will never be the same, will Michael?
June 13, 2005 - Vindication Day! Michael Joseph Jackson, Defendant found NOT Guilty of 14 counts. The "walking skeleton" as the journalists have coined him now, is making his way out of the court house. He looks to be in a daze, and very sick but he's free. Back to Neverland where his employees and fans are waiting for him at the gate to celebrate. He still has not stepped back into his house, been spending his days at the guest house. He never will again. Shortly after returning home he is whisked off to Bahrain, a tiny little country Southeast of Saudi Arabia. That's the last I see of him for the next 3 years.
Off and on pictures surface, features in magazine but not much else. A house in Las Vegas? Moving to Ireland? Shopping in Beverly Hills? Nothing on the music front, never gave any interviews, been very quiet. I can't be selfish though. This man has been in the public eye for over 40 years, was famous by the time he was 6 years old and successful every since. He deserves a quiet life now, to spend with his kids and enjoy their time. I'm happy for him, although sad as I find out that he's getting rid of Neverland. He's broke they say, sick others report but no one really knows.
I find other things to fill the void. I take up cycling and fall madly in love with it. All the things I used to do relating to Michael I find myself doing for cycling now. Websites, events, volunteering, interviews, articles...so I find myself in Solvang once again. No, not to go to Neverland but rather for the biggest cycling race in North America. Who knew this existed here. Its very strange being back without the Michael connection. I decide to stop by Neverland on my way out. It's been sold now, or at least that's what I've read in the news. The animals adopted by local zoo's, statues, rides, trains, mementos all going to auction next month. I stop by and notice right away its just a place now. Shrubbery is overgrown, plants wilted, video cameras are everywhere even nailed into the storybook oak tree we used to sit under. The security guard comes to the gate, "May I help you? This is NOT Neverland anymore, you need to move on." I take one last look and tell myself this is the last time, its nothing like what it was before.
March 4, 2009 - "Rebecca? Wow, I hoped you had the same number - have you heard? He's BACK! Press conference is Thursday in London! Going to make a big announcement!" I get inundated with emails from people I haven't heard from in years. "Rebecca! I need you on the news team immediately! We need your expertise! It's crazy, we've had calls flooding in, I'm being interviewed on Sky News tomorrow LIVE directly after the announcement."
Thursday morning I wake up right at 8:45, turn on CNN, MSNBC, BBC - all showing live shots of Michael's caravan heading to the arena. What?!? This is the USA, its happening in LONDON and they're showing it LIVE in the US? Is this for real?!? Aerial shots of his hotel and the route to the arena show fans lining the street, media chasing with cameras...shooting pictures of black tinted windows hoping to get some sort of shot. 1000 fans are in the arena, along with media. It's nearly 10 am, he's an hour late. Why did I wake up early?!? He's NEVER on time, DUH!! The crowd is on their tip toes in anticipation, over 200 fans are up in the front...finally 10:23 am after a video montage of his career, "You've waited long enough, London welcomes the KING OF POP!! Mr. MICHAEL JACKSON!" The curtains part and he appears. He's thin, but he's always been extremely thin...he looks good, he looks HAPPY! "These will be my final performances in London. THIS IS IT, and when I say that I mean it, my final curtain call. I love you, I really do, I love you so much you have to know that...from the bottom of my heart (peering down at the fans). This is it, I'll see you in July."
For now, 10 shows confirmed beginning July 8, 2009 at the O2 Arena in London. Promoters say that they are in negotiations for up to a 3 year contract which will include New York City as well but its not confirmed just yet. I attend a meeting the next night, everyone is coming back. Trish pops up again, Simone, Anika, Danny, MANU! I'm sure Justin is out there in the crowd somewhere as always. Looking at the video again I recognize so many faces from years past. "Are we ready for this again Rebecca? How crazy must we be!" While my priorities are set in place this time around, I've decided to help and work as much as my time allows. I am on staff now, and will be taking over the news department once I get back into the swing of things. Interviews are being planned, staff organized, event ideas discussed...he's back! :)
"We are delighted to facilitate the return of The King of Pop, long may he reign!" - Rob Hallett, President International Touring, AEG Live
-MichaelJackson.com struggling to cope - receiving 16,000 hits per second
Thriller back on the charts, certified 28 mil sold Certification Date 03/06/2009 Label EPIC Award Description 28.00x MULTI PLATINUM (www.riaa.com)
Everyday is a new day, and when one door is closed, another is opened. I have parted ways from Revolution Cyclery for this blog, thus the new layout and title. Unfortunately, their website has been shut down so the only way to contact them is by email or phone. I will keep this URL for the next few weeks so that people realize that it will be changing, after which the NEW url will be:
http://rebeccareza.blogspot.com
Simple and straight forward. I will continue to primarily write about cycling, however I may throw in other subjects every now and then. I am also writing now for www.uscyclingreport.com so check that out as well.
This year I am an officer with the El Paso Bicycle club and will be assisting in organizing the 2009 El Paso Chili Pepper Challenge. In addition to that I have just registered a local chapter of Livestrong, and am currently looking for volunteers willing to help me spread Livestrong's initiative in the fight against cancer here locally and help raise money for the cause. I'm excited for the future and to see what it has in store for me.
