I feel quite proud of myself, especially since I managed to keep on track for this quarter in spite of a not-fun tumble on wet pavement in January and a rib-injuring ski fall in February. I'm happy to be finally completely healed from both of those falls and would like to NOT have any falls during this month! So far, so good with only a few days left in the month.
I've had my favorite pair of inline skates, a pair of Rollerblades, for probably 10 years now. I have 3 pairs total, but this original pair is my favorite. As parts of my favorite pair have broken down, I've had to cannibalize parts from the other 2 pair of skates…an axle from one pair, bearings from another, wheels from the original pair. On top of that, some parts of my favorite pair are coming apart. For instance the velcro strap on one boot has detached from where it mounts on the side of the boot.
Finally I broke down and bought myself some spare parts…2 sets of wheels, a killer set of bearings (reputed to be very smooth and fast), an extra set of axles, a cleaning/lubrication kit for my bearings. I bought all of this at:
They have good prices, a great selection, and lots of helpful information, such as how to rotate your wheels to get the most life out of them. Check the site out if you're thinking of buying skates or if you have skates that need some replacement parts.
My goal in buying some spare parts is to get my other two pairs of skates in working order so I can switch it up. I've gotten too used to my favorite pair and need to keep it fresh by getting comfortable with other skates.
Even though I've had the spare parts for more than a week, I haven't done more than open the box because I've been quite busy with making jewelry…I'm developing some new pieces plus restocking my depleted stock of pieces from my website. On top of that, I received an order for almost 50 of my veteran's campaign necklaces. Check out friends Gail and Robert's website to see where the profits from those necklaces go and also to see the work they're doing helping veterans heal and be remembered:
I Signed the Flag
Or to see the necklaces for a veteran you might know or in honor of a veteran, check them out in my shop:
But jewelry making aside, I need to get to those skates. My goal is to get my second-oldest pair…hand me downs from my sister, Jill (hand me ups? she's younger than I am)…in working order. They need a new set of wheels and new bearings. They have the potential to be my new favorite pair, so I need to get them in good working order, hopefully before the older ones totally fall apart!
I've also been having fun with my new iPhone app, HDR Pro. It takes multiple shots when you take a picture and combines them into one really nice photo. Here's a couple of pictures I took while skating as a storm was blowing in while I was on the Lafayette Moraga Trail near St. Mary's College:
And here's one I took outside my front door a few days ago:
If any of you are thinking of skating and you live in the Bay Area, contact me. I'd love to skate with you and am happy to help you get set up joining me on wheels.
And finally a shout out to my buddy, Tricia, who ran the Oakland half-marathon this past weekend. A special "Yee-haa!" for you, girlfriend! I love that you swore by race's end that this was your last half marathon ever, but have now already signed up for your next one! You inspire me--you taking up running was one of the reasons I got back into skating.
Keep skating (or whatever you do)!
Warmly,
Nancie ♥
Nancie Zimmerman
NamiZuni Jewelry Design
Expressing Your Inner Goddess
My last skate:
3/26/13
Skate #50 of 200
Iron Horse Trail 6.3 mi
(personal best: fastest 10k ever)
(personal best: fastest 10k ever)
