The concept of

life handing you lemons and making lemonade?

Sometimes it's more you just have to keep accepting the lemons and wait until a later date.
We all have times in our lives where the world seems filled with upheaval. Last month proved to be a month full of trials and tribulations. I had a great many emotional ups and downs within October, and I sure wondered when something would let up.

Before my birthday, I saw on Facebook that Whooha Gear was holding an ambassador contest. 5 individuals would be selected, all you had to do was write them as to why you'd want to be an ambassador. I met the ladies of Whooha at Interbike, and enjoyed the fun and inspiring messages their clothing portrayed. It's not just biking, but also running, triathlons, and overall general inspirational messages depicted on their clothes. They wanted to provide fun and comfortable clothing for athletic women as well as send the message to others that sometimes all you need is a little inspiration.

I have had a lot go on in the past 5 years of my life, and felt that overall, I maintained a very positive outlook. Certain things had gone on to where I could've completely reverted to non-functioning self, but I didn't. I pushed forth, kept my head up (allowing myself to cry, of course) and kept on with life. Changes I made (overall) were very positive ones, and I wasn't about to miss out on what was coming next.

I was also proud of how far I had come with cycling in a year; I may not be the most amazing athlete in the world, but I have overcome some obstacles, that's for sure. For where I started in terms of riding my bike to where I am now, I hate to toot my own horn, but it's impressive!

On a whim I sent in my email, but did so without expectation of anything; then my life started to go through massive stresses.

First my birthday, I turned 29, entering the last years of my 20's wasn't really a stressful endeavor. However, then came my grandma's illness that put a dark cloud over the birthday festivities. My grandma Smith was my last grandparent, and once she was gone-that part of my life would be non-existent. Within a couple weeks my grandma had passed. I entered a state of confusion; I was feeling okay but at the same time I felt very emotional and pulled apart. There were some tense moments, and then, a sense of acceptance. I had seen my grandma on a Saturday afternoon, to where I was filled up with all of the possible emotions one could experience when looking at death straight on. I left the house knowing in my heart; two days struck in my head.
Sunday evening was stressful, I was not feeling very much myself and I couldn't bring myself to face reality. That evening while I waited for Travis to come over, I saw a funny picture on Facebook that brought me so much laughter. I felt a sense of relief.
Monday came and I got the call, two days later; she passed.

Being supportive for my family, dealing with the acceptance that an integral part of my childhood was gone now. There were a lot of emotional times.

Then my (very likely) tendinitis cropped up in my shoulder again; the changing temperatures outside tends to make my body hurt. Also, mentally preparing myself for busy and stressful work situations due to the holiday season. All you can do is just take a deep breath.

Then Monday morning I got on Facebook and saw that Whooha Gear had posted the winners of the ambassador program contest. Only 4 names showed up, and once I clicked "see more" I saw my name! I was ecstatic!

It reminded me that throughout all my trials and tough moments, I always find a way to bounce back. It might take me awhile at times; but it happens. The only way to truly hold myself back is to close myself up, and that isn't going to happen!

Part of what inspires me and what I hope I can do with the ambassador program is share with people my experiences. I got as far as I did with a lot of my cycling due to the help and inspiration from my friends. People who believed that I could do it, even before I did it; plus my own personal determination to not quit.

I've had a mixed experience thus far with cycling, and that is why I share all of my experiences-the good and bad. My accidents and my triumphs. It's part of my life story and those experiences make me the rider I am today.

Comments