GEORGE
Last Friday morning, I headed, like usual, to my awesome chiropractor, Dr. Lynn Kerew. One of the best parts of visiting her office is seeing George. He's the office manager >> a runner himself, one of the sweetest and most friendly sort of people you could ever hope to meet, in his 40s, I'd say. He always makes you feel like a rock-star. He's interested in your life, asks questions, and gives lots of encouragement always making you feel like a million bucks. On Friday, he was really interested to hear about the Santa Barbara triathlon which I was going to race in the next day. George was always impressed with triathlon and often told me he might like to try one. He told me I looked great and he knew I'd do awesome. Then, as I was leaving, I promised to tell him all about the weekend on Monday, when I'd see him again -- like always.
I left the office early, to head to Santa Barbara with Dani. Traffic was really bad, even though we headed out at 2pm. When we got to SB, it was just beautiful and we were both so happy to be there. We picked up our race packets and stood in the warm sun chatting with buddies as they arrived. Later, we enjoyed a low-key evening, having a pasta dinner with Sharna, Mike and Chris on State St. Each talking about our expectations for the race.
Sat. morning, we headed to the race bright & early (really, dark & early). It was a long one for me. It was a mile swim, 34 mile hilly/technical bike course + a 10mi run. My highlight was running the last half of the run course with Marielle, who was equally untrained for this undertaking. We visited and took it slow, more enjoying the afternoon and each others company than anything else.
That night, in typical LA Tri Club-post-event-celebration fashion, a crew of us got together for a dinner at Carlitos. We had many, many laughs, great food, wayyyy too much to drink (Thanks to shots provided by Jamie and Konrad). And, just celebrated the season and a great race-day.
The next day, we drove home >> no traffic, thankfully, this time. I got to work, uploaded some photos from the weekend, sent a few emails and headed home to take it easy and recover.
This morning... I was looking VERY forward to my chiro appointment. Monday's are always the most welcome visit because I usually get all out of wack after the workouts or races during the weekends. I was also excited to report back to George -- I was looking forward to his enthusiastic interest in how the weekend went and just his typical George greeting. But, when I arrived, he was not in his seat, someone else was there. I asked, disappointed, "Where Is George?" and when this woman said, "there is no easy way to say this", I thought, you've got to be kidding... did he quit.... I could not imagine that. But, I could not imagine even more what she said -- That George passed away yesterday. A heart failure. A condition that was genetic which had gone undetected. No warning. He was never sick. His heart just failed due to this unknown genetic fault.
This was a man who I've seen about 3x per week since the beginning of the year. I can't remember a day he was not chipper. A kind and patient man. I can only imagine how many lives he touched. He was such a star. I'm very sad today. I can't imagine how sad Dr. Lynn must be, and the other patients who've known him even better or longer than I have. George was a lovable man, a friend, who I'm very sad is lost. Really puts things in perspective.
8.24.2006
Last night, Matt, Paul and I sat down to talk about our immediate goals for The Foundation -- as well as what the future looks like. And, let me tell you, it's looking pretty exciting! I won't jump the gun and tell you about what we have planned yet... but, stay tuned for news. And, you may want to pick up a People Magazine in Oct... you may see a familiar face, from the photos below, in the pages! (Pictured below are Matt Miller, Paul Hekimian and me).
http://www.cdifferent.org
8.23.2006
VONS FOUNDATION donates $15,000 to C•DIFFERENT FOUNDATION
Today: Wed., Aug. 23rd, the C•DIFFERENT team headed to Pavilions on Montana Ave. in Santa Monica for the check presentation ceremony by The Vons Foundation. Pictured above are Paul Hekimian, Executive Director of CDF; Liz Oakes, President of CDF; Santa Monica Councilmember Richard Bloom; CDF Founder, Matt Miller; Manuel Lozano; Daymond Rice & Jeff Driscoll from Vons.
Sylvia Carrillo with "mini-Paul", baby Lucas, Summer Bond, Brennan & Michelle Lindner along with baby Emerson came out to the presentation as well. THANKS GUYS!!
Pictured above is the C•DIFFERENT Team: Paul, me, Manuel and Mattie Miller who came in from Florida for this presentation as well as to meet about Foundation business.
Had to include this Fav shot. Sorry it's so fuzzy! Baby Em here with Daddy Brennan. Such a sweet pair... http://www.vonsfoundation.org/
http://www.cdifferent.org
THANKS AGAIN VONS! You have made dreams of many visually impaired athletes come true with this donation.
8.22.2006
Please mark your calendars for the
St. John’s Santa Monica 5000 on
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Beneficiary
With 30,000 patient visits each year, Saint John’s 24-hour Emergency Department provides life saving services to our community each and every day. In addition to providing comprehensive emergency care, the Saint John’s Emergency Department features a Fast Track program for life’s minor bumps and bruises – Faster In, Faster Out!
Saint John’s is rebuilding its entire Health Campus. Your participation in the Saint John’s Santa Monica 5000 will help Saint John’s complete the Fast Track area in the new Emergency Department – so we can be here for you when you need us most.
The Course
Can you say flat & fast with some fun too? This course was just recently opened by the Santa Monica City Council so everyone is going to set a personal record. The start is at the beach in Ocean Park. Runners head south on Barnard Way and curve onto Main St. and head north to Colorado Ave. Runners then head west to Ocean Ave. At this point the runners turn north for some of most scenic views of Santa Monica and the beaches. The 5k turns around at California before turning around for a gradual decent to the finish which is just before the Santa Monica Pier (which will host the Post Event Expo and Party). The 10k goes up to San Vicente an turns around at 7th St. Yes, the course is USATF sanctioned and certified. There will also be water/Gatorade stations at the Start, Finish and along both courses
Why Participate?
There is something for everyone! • 2,000+ runners• It’s a Flat, Fast Course - Fun for all• 5k and 10k runs on the scenic roads of Santa Monica• Killer Race T-Shirt• Post Event Party at the Santa Monica Pier• Medals to top 3 in each Age Group• Cash Prizes to top 3 overall finishers (male & female)• Baby Jogger Division• Benefiting Saint John’s Health Center 24-hour emergency department
Registration
www.SantaMonica5000.com
Celebrity Participation
The Santa Monica 5000 and St. John’s Health Center are looking for celebrities to lend their support to this fundraiser/community event.
VIP/Celebrity Coordinator
To be added to our celebrity supporter roster, please contact me.
Thank you for your consideration!
liz@lizoakes.com
St. John's Santa Monica 5000
www.SantaMonica5000.com
8.14.2006
Hansen Dam Triathlon
Sunday was the 2nd Annual Hansen Dam Triathlon, presented by LA Tri Club. What an amazingly perfect day we were blessed with for this event! The air was cool, the water was warm and clubbers were coming out of the wood-work for this little sprint race.
Above is a swim wave going off. Ian Murray is right up front along with Anneka. Below are: Ian, Sammy and Mike, pictured below, spectated and participated in the event. Ian Murray came in 3rd overall in the race!
Here is the race-finish, nice and quite before the storm of finishers comes through. The POOL at Hansen Dam is the 2nd largest in the world, I think the first largest in the US. The Hansen Dam Aquatic Center is a 40-acre water recreation facility located on the northwest side of Hansen Dam Recreation Area. The facility consists of a 9-acre recreation lake and a 1.5-acre swimming lake.
Happy LATC Finishers! They earned those big smiles by racing hard. Way to go!
A crew chilling out at the pool after the event. Not much shade to speak of, but a beautiful facility for hanging out and picnicking.
Looking forward to next year.
Sunday was the 2nd Annual Hansen Dam Triathlon, presented by LA Tri Club. What an amazingly perfect day we were blessed with for this event! The air was cool, the water was warm and clubbers were coming out of the wood-work for this little sprint race.
Above is a swim wave going off. Ian Murray is right up front along with Anneka. Below are: Ian, Sammy and Mike, pictured below, spectated and participated in the event. Ian Murray came in 3rd overall in the race! 
Here is the race-finish, nice and quite before the storm of finishers comes through. The POOL at Hansen Dam is the 2nd largest in the world, I think the first largest in the US. The Hansen Dam Aquatic Center is a 40-acre water recreation facility located on the northwest side of Hansen Dam Recreation Area. The facility consists of a 9-acre recreation lake and a 1.5-acre swimming lake.
Happy LATC Finishers! They earned those big smiles by racing hard. Way to go! 
A crew chilling out at the pool after the event. Not much shade to speak of, but a beautiful facility for hanging out and picnicking.
Looking forward to next year.
Dodgers & Super Heroes
Last Friday night my Firm treated over 240 people to tickets at a Dodgers vs. Giants game. I made my way to Dodger Stadium in typical after-work traffic = not fun.
Sharna, Dani and I selected the Charles Angeles as our Super Hero get-up for the evening.
Party goers came as Laura Croft, Charlie Brown, Super Woman, Little Red Riding Hood, 101 Dalmatians villan and puppy, and many other fun and colorful characters. Dani made Heidi an amazing Red Velvet b-day cake, one of my all time favorites! (the birthday girl is the Austin Powers, bullet-breasted femme on the right, above) 
Below, Dani and I flank Rejean, our riding partner.
It was a great party >> dressing up when it's not Halloween felt extra-fun!
Last Friday night my Firm treated over 240 people to tickets at a Dodgers vs. Giants game. I made my way to Dodger Stadium in typical after-work traffic = not fun.
Dodger-Fans-extraordinary, Tim, Tom & Jon, joined me along with my co-workers in some awesome seats by the home bull-pen. (above: Jon, Tim, Tom & I; below: Justin, Ali & her Pop)
Fortunately, the home team took the game. It was a really beautiful evening to be at the stadium! (Tim Hoyt & Karen Ma, below)
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Heidi's Super Hero/Cartoon Birthday Bash!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY HEIDI!
Sharna, Dani and I selected the Charles Angeles as our Super Hero get-up for the evening.
Party goers came as Laura Croft, Charlie Brown, Super Woman, Little Red Riding Hood, 101 Dalmatians villan and puppy, and many other fun and colorful characters. Dani made Heidi an amazing Red Velvet b-day cake, one of my all time favorites! (the birthday girl is the Austin Powers, bullet-breasted femme on the right, above) 
Below, Dani and I flank Rejean, our riding partner.
It was a great party >> dressing up when it's not Halloween felt extra-fun!
8.08.2006
A Tarsier
I had to share this photo >> it cracks me up!
CREDIT :: THE PHOTOGRAPHER:
This guy takes some amazing shots.....
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kenilio/
Here is the info about the animal above & below, taken from the photographers posting:
It's one of the smallest prosimians - some of them can fit inside your palm. This species of tarsier is most commonly found on Samar, Leyte, Bohol, and Mindanao in the Philippines. They are found in areas of tall grasses, bushes, bamboo shoots, and small trees in tropical rainforests. They are arboreal and nocturnal. They spend the day hiding in dense vegetation and sleeping in trees. At night they emerge to move about and hunt for prey.
What's interesting is ... this particular group of tarsiers that I photographed are what the natives call 'showbiz tarsiers' as they are the ones being shown to tourists. Their behaviour has been so screwed up ... they are now diurnal instead of nocturnal ... but for a purpose though: to educate people about these animals. They are not particularly endangered (although it is vulnerable and threatened because of habitat destruction); people actually say you can find them easily if you know where to look ... but because it is unique and this particular species only found in the Philippines, people need to be educated and its preservation is important because it is part of the Filipino heritage.
It was also proclaimed by presidential decree that Philippine Tarsier is a speciallyprotected faunal species of the Philippines and that tthe hunting, killing, wounding, taking away, possession of the Philippine Tarsier and the conduct of activitiesdestructive of its habitats are prohibited. However, the possession of the Philippine Tarsier for educational, scientific or conservation-centered research purposes maybe allowed upon certification by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources secretary.
Visit This Link for more amazing photos of all sorts of neat things:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kenilio/
I had to share this photo >> it cracks me up!
CREDIT :: THE PHOTOGRAPHER:This guy takes some amazing shots.....
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kenilio/
Here is the info about the animal above & below, taken from the photographers posting:
It's one of the smallest prosimians - some of them can fit inside your palm. This species of tarsier is most commonly found on Samar, Leyte, Bohol, and Mindanao in the Philippines. They are found in areas of tall grasses, bushes, bamboo shoots, and small trees in tropical rainforests. They are arboreal and nocturnal. They spend the day hiding in dense vegetation and sleeping in trees. At night they emerge to move about and hunt for prey.
What's interesting is ... this particular group of tarsiers that I photographed are what the natives call 'showbiz tarsiers' as they are the ones being shown to tourists. Their behaviour has been so screwed up ... they are now diurnal instead of nocturnal ... but for a purpose though: to educate people about these animals. They are not particularly endangered (although it is vulnerable and threatened because of habitat destruction); people actually say you can find them easily if you know where to look ... but because it is unique and this particular species only found in the Philippines, people need to be educated and its preservation is important because it is part of the Filipino heritage.
It was also proclaimed by presidential decree that Philippine Tarsier is a speciallyprotected faunal species of the Philippines and that tthe hunting, killing, wounding, taking away, possession of the Philippine Tarsier and the conduct of activitiesdestructive of its habitats are prohibited. However, the possession of the Philippine Tarsier for educational, scientific or conservation-centered research purposes maybe allowed upon certification by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources secretary.
Visit This Link for more amazing photos of all sorts of neat things:http://www.flickr.com/photos/kenilio/
8.07.2006
Yosemite :: Half Dome
Aug. 3-6, 2006, 41 old and new friends made their way to Yosemite for the 14th Annual Yosemite camping weekend. I was along for the ride, my first trip to Yosemite and my first trip up Half Dome.
The most important thing to say about this trip is, there was not a moment or a piece of scenery that I did not wish I could capture. Every time I turned around on the hike, the view was more outstanding than the last. Check out the photos above >> this amazing waterfall that you climb stairs beside for several stories. The wind and sun create beautiful rainbows which you see from so many angles.
Half Dome is an 8.2 mile hike from the trail head, to the top. It's pretty darn strenuous, mostly when you add up the mileage going out and then back... and add in all those stairs and steep climbs, it left me feeling like I'd just done a marathon. I'm sure we did 17+ miles of hiking.
When you reach the top, you use more of your upper body to pull yourself up the cables to the top. It's pretty wild... sitting there, flapping in the breeze on the side of this gigantic rock... If you're afraid of heights, this is not the spot for you to explore.
Pic above is us on the cables... pretty scary if you let yourself "go there"...
Like I said, you can't be afraid of heights and make it up here! Yikes! Below, a pic of me after we got to the area just in front of the cables... soooo tired. Would have been happy to just sleep here! I was honestly so tired, I can remember not wanting to smile for this photo! (and, don't forget, we still have to walk home!)...
DAY 2: The whole crew headed to a short hike which took us to an amazing water fall and swimming hole area. The kids were able to join us on this hike. Of the 41 people on the camping trip, we had one 6-month old and several kids under the age of 6. This served as our shower for the day. It was pretty darn chilly water -- but it was tolerable with the warm sun and after the hike... 
When we got back to camp after being swimming all day, we were greeted by cold beer, delicious wine and the smell of fresh veggies grilling and marinated steak and chicken hitting the grill. 
After dinner, a mean game of charades with the stakes being dinner clean up, trash duty and food put-away in the bear lockers ensued. My challenges were "Sesame Street" and "Oops I did it again" by Britney Spears. My team took 2 of the 3 games, and had to put the food in the bear lockers. The whole night was great fun! Below is a pic of me and the man voted least likely to want me on his lap!
DAY 3: I woke up pretty late after the night of revelry. We ate leftovers... and then started to pack up camp. The group included buddies from SF as well as LA, so various plans were made to hang out in different parts of the park on this day, which were in the direction of home. I went to Curry Village for a shower and lunch before hitting the road for the 5-hr drive.
The weekend was amazing and memorable. Cass, your an amazing coordinator! Robyn, thanks for grabbing the reservations! Everyone... Thank you for sharing the annual traditions with this "One Beader".
Aug. 3-6, 2006, 41 old and new friends made their way to Yosemite for the 14th Annual Yosemite camping weekend. I was along for the ride, my first trip to Yosemite and my first trip up Half Dome. 
The most important thing to say about this trip is, there was not a moment or a piece of scenery that I did not wish I could capture. Every time I turned around on the hike, the view was more outstanding than the last. Check out the photos above >> this amazing waterfall that you climb stairs beside for several stories. The wind and sun create beautiful rainbows which you see from so many angles.
Half Dome is an 8.2 mile hike from the trail head, to the top. It's pretty darn strenuous, mostly when you add up the mileage going out and then back... and add in all those stairs and steep climbs, it left me feeling like I'd just done a marathon. I'm sure we did 17+ miles of hiking.
When you reach the top, you use more of your upper body to pull yourself up the cables to the top. It's pretty wild... sitting there, flapping in the breeze on the side of this gigantic rock... If you're afraid of heights, this is not the spot for you to explore.
Pic above is us on the cables... pretty scary if you let yourself "go there"...
Like I said, you can't be afraid of heights and make it up here! Yikes! Below, a pic of me after we got to the area just in front of the cables... soooo tired. Would have been happy to just sleep here! I was honestly so tired, I can remember not wanting to smile for this photo! (and, don't forget, we still have to walk home!)...
DAY 2: The whole crew headed to a short hike which took us to an amazing water fall and swimming hole area. The kids were able to join us on this hike. Of the 41 people on the camping trip, we had one 6-month old and several kids under the age of 6. This served as our shower for the day. It was pretty darn chilly water -- but it was tolerable with the warm sun and after the hike... 
When we got back to camp after being swimming all day, we were greeted by cold beer, delicious wine and the smell of fresh veggies grilling and marinated steak and chicken hitting the grill. 
After dinner, a mean game of charades with the stakes being dinner clean up, trash duty and food put-away in the bear lockers ensued. My challenges were "Sesame Street" and "Oops I did it again" by Britney Spears. My team took 2 of the 3 games, and had to put the food in the bear lockers. The whole night was great fun! Below is a pic of me and the man voted least likely to want me on his lap!
DAY 3: I woke up pretty late after the night of revelry. We ate leftovers... and then started to pack up camp. The group included buddies from SF as well as LA, so various plans were made to hang out in different parts of the park on this day, which were in the direction of home. I went to Curry Village for a shower and lunch before hitting the road for the 5-hr drive.The weekend was amazing and memorable. Cass, your an amazing coordinator! Robyn, thanks for grabbing the reservations! Everyone... Thank you for sharing the annual traditions with this "One Beader".
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