Roz Rows the Pacific

Check out this story:

Extraordinary voyage

Roz Savage attempts an epic row across the Pacific, and Waikiki will be her first stop

An adventurer who is crossing the Pacific solo in a rowboat hopes the voyage will draw greater attention to the problem of pollution in the oceans.

"When we have sick oceans, we're going to have a sick planet and, pretty soon, sick people," says Roz Savage, 40, who

embarked on her 23-foot-long vessel, the Brocade, from San Francisco on May 25.

Rowing 12 hours a day, she is now about 750 miles from Hawaii and expects to arrive around Aug. 31. Her first attempt failed after 10 days last year when her boat repeatedly capsized.

Roz Savage had the life people dream of: a lucrative career, a husband and a red sports car.

"I seemed to have it all, really, everything that we were supposed to want to make us happy, but I just wasn't happy," Savage said.

Dissatisfied with her life, Savage wrote two separate obituaries. One was about the adventurous life she desired. The other described the conventional life she was leading. It was an experience that ultimately motivated the 40-year-old to make her dreams reality.

On May 25, Savage launched her rowboat, the Brocade, from San Francisco for her second attempt to become the first woman to row solo across the Pacific Ocean. She was interviewed by satellite telephone on Wednesday as she took a break at a little more than halfway to her goal.

The feat is not only a personal challenge. Savage hopes her journey will also raise awareness about pollution in the ocean.

"We've tended to really use and abuse them (our oceans) and think that we can carry on doing that indefinitely, and we can't." Savage added, "When we have sick oceans, we're going to have a sick planet and, pretty soon, sick people."

Years after writing her own obituary, Savage's life is dramatically different. She is now divorced, without a permanent home or steady income. "I haven't looked back since I started changing my life. I love my life now," she said.

Most mothers would pale at their daughter traveling unescorted across the Pacific. Savage's mother initially did but later became her most ardent supporter.

"We should not prevent our sons and daughters from pursuing their dreams, making their own way through life, even if it is totally different from our own experience," Savage's mother, Rita Savage, wrote in an e-mail. "By supporting them in any and every way we can, we increase the bond between us."

In addition to her mother, Savage has other backers.

Brocade Communications, which her rowboat was named after, is Savage's lead sponsor. "By sponsoring Savage's extraordinary voyage, we hope to inspire others to take on the challenge of protecting our environment, drawing upon her courage and determination," said Chief Executive Officer Mike Klayko.

The Brocade, a 23-feet-long rowboat, is mostly constructed of lightweight carbon fiber and equipped with two satellite phones, a water desalination device, a tracking beacon and an emergency supply of chocolate and other provisions. Solar panels above the front cabin power built-in cameras and camcorders.

A documentary of Savage's voyage called "Savage and the Sea" will be produced. Savage made a similar expedition in 2005, rowing alone for 103 days in the Atlantic Rowing Race.

"Mentally, I'm much better prepared for this one," said Savage. "On the Atlantic there were quite a lot of dark moments of doubt."

Rowing about 12 hours a day, Savage faces greater risks than the occasional blister.

Her first attempt across the Pacific in 2007 failed 10 days in when her rowboat capsized several times in one day. A concerned individual called the Coast Guard to rescue Savage.

This trip, Savage has some emergency backup inspiration: Songs like Elvis Costello's "Accidents Will Happen" and "Save Me" by Queen are on her iPod. She also listens to audio books such as Harry Potter stories.

"The ocean is like my natural habitat," said Savage, "but I am very much looking forward to getting back to dry land."

Expected in Waikiki around Aug. 31, the adventurer is about 750 miles from finishing the first leg of her journey. After a couple of weeks in Hawaii, she plans to continue rowing to Tuvalu and then Australia.

"It's amazing the distance that you can cover just one little bit at a time." Savage continued, "There's only one way you can cross an ocean, and that's one stroke at a time. Similarly, there's only one way to make big changes to your life, and that's one day at a time."

To learn more about Savage's journey, visit www.rozsavage.com.

"There's only one way you can cross an ocean, and that's one stroke at a time. Similarly, there's only one way to make big changes to your life, and that's one day at a time."

Roz Savage
Adventurer

Podcast:

Roz Rows the Pacific with Roz Savage and Leo Laporte

http://twit.tv/roz

or look for it on iTunes

Computer Geek Husband

Having a computer geek for a husband has led me to broaden my horizons.  If it were not for Richard, I would have never become the computer savvy person I am today. 

The direction my career has taken is, in fact, largely due to Richard getting online over 13 years ago and finding Beautytech.com.  This lead to networking with thousands of other nail technicians like myself who were not satisfied with the lack of education available in our field.  Today, I work with one of the top leaders in the industry.  But more on that later...

I have a new found love listening to music, books, magazines, articles, pod casts etc. on my iPod.  Again, computer geek hubby totally to blame for this new obsession.  However it also has practical value.  I keep up on my bible reading and studies.  I've also become a techno nut and keep up with current technology thanks to TWIT.com and Leo Laporte and his motley crew of podcasters. 

I knew when I met Richard on May 16, 1995 that we would be in each other's life for a long, long time.  Perhaps something inside knew we'd spend our lives together.  NEVER did I suspect that I'd be married to a geek!  But who knew I had an inner geek waiting to emerge. (Proven by my latest app download for my iPod Touch called "Phone Saber".  It enables fellow iPod Touch and iPhone users to engage in a Light Saber Duel complete with sound effects and optional Light Saber Colors!)

The reason I bring up my computer geek husband is that he is the very reason I have this blog.  The very reason you get to read my inner most thoughts and what I find interesting and humorous.  Thank you Richard! Love you... ;)

Simon's Cat

I promise you that I am NOT one of those crazy cat ladies!  But the following You Tube videos are hilariously funny for those of you who are owned by a cat!  Enjoy!

Simon's Cat in: "Cat Man Do..."

 

Simon's Cat in: "TV Dinner"

Simon's Cat in: "Let Me In!"

Personal Update

Well it's been a good two weeks since I posted anything.  And longer than that since I've written anything about my personal life.  So here's a long awaited update:

As you may or may not know, Mom and Dad moved in with Richard and I about a year ago.  Mom's health has just been so bad since moving back to NJ and it has deteriorated a lot in the past two years. 

I'm a full time caretaker now.  It's amazing how much you learn about yourself when you are in a situation like this.  I mean at forty-something a person usually knows themselves pretty well and has a sort of groove going in their life right?   NOT!  LOL!

I've always thought to myself that I would love to be a kept woman.  You know what I mean, having a decent home and not having the pressure of "needing" to work.  When you've worked full time for 20 years, cleaning, cooking, doing laundry and having time to be an artistic homemaker sounds really good...in theory.

I always thought I'd love to make creative dinners, sew my own curtains, do lunch and have hours to spend on my computer blogging and scrap booking.

Guess what?  I hate it!  Food?  "You mean I have to cook everyday?  You mean food DOESN'T come in white foam containers?  I have to shop for it, prepare it and THEN cook it?" ...."What?  Do at least one load of laundry everyday?"...  "Excuse me, (I say to the other person on the other end of the telephone) but I can't sit at home and wait for the repairman to show up between the hours of 10am and 3pm!"  "Richard, what time are you going to be home tonight so I can have dinner ready?"  "Dad, what time are YOU going to be home tonight so I can have dinner ready?"  Getting the picture yet?

Now being a full time caretaker for Mom has been challenging.  After all, I've never had to take care of another human being before.  I never wanted to be one of those childless people who was so selfish that it was obvious I'd never had to think of anyone but myself.  But guess what I found out?  I'm NOT one of those people.  But I was headed that way! 

I've decided that my life is a sitcom that none in Hollywood has written about yet.  I've grown up with the most colorful of characters in my immediate family an time has only made them more neon and technicolor. 

The one thing I refuse to do is give up and say I can't do this!  You know what?  I CAN!  It's been a challenge but I think I'm finding my groove.  I'm getting more "Monkish" as I get older but it's helped me to be really organized.  I'm also learning to curb my sarcastic sense of humor.  I find it funny, but aging senior citizens don't.  OK, time to grow up and deal with it like an adult.  I get it!

But a sense of humor is the way of life around here.  It's how we get through our day.  I've learned to make fun of myself instead of my loved ones around me and hopefully I've learned how to teach them to do the same. 

As a reminder, we have a sign on the refrigerator that says, "Good Morning, let the stress begin!"  I think that's the only sarcastic thing we let into our lives now.

So, back to the update.  Mom has Cirrhosis of the live along with an uncontrollable case of Type II Diabetes.  She has developed internal Varicose Veins called "varicies" caused by high portal pressures in her arteries.  This is very dangerous because they can leak or rupture and cause massive internal bleeding.  The treatment is beta blockers but mom is allergic.  The Hematologist gives her iron infusions so the iron will be "banked" in her bone marrow and the body can produce blood quicker.  It's only a matter of time...within the next year as the doc expects...where we could be facing a major "event" dealing with these varicies.  Prognosis: possible liver transplant and complications from blood loss.  The newest problem is her lungs.  We don't know exactly what it is yet but there is wheezing and shortness of breath.  Will know more on August 18th when we go to the Pulmonary Specialist.  She's taking breathing treatments and Oxygen at home and we have home healthcare aides, nurses, Occupational and Physical Therapists coming to the house.  "This is when the fun begins!"  I'll keep you posted and try not to sound tragic about it.  Live, laugh, love...what's what I'm trying to do in this stage of my life.  Mostly laugh!

Dad is doing good for a 79 year old man who still works full time and thinks he's Superman!  About a month ago he fell off of a chair while changing a lightbulb.  He thought his back was sprained.  We found out on Monday that it's a compression fracture in his lower lumbar.  (Superman indeed...)

Richard is doing well in his job.  Finally getting a decent paycheck.  He outshines everyone at work.  He's always been a good worker.  And hardly ever appreciated until now.  In February he had to have his gall bladder removed and it has helped with his health.  However we did find out during that process that he is a diabetic.  So he has joined the club.  A few months ago, he fell down the stairs and broke his tailbone.  He's still hurting from that.  He is loving NJ and thoroughly enjoying having a yard and pool.  This year he planted sunflowers, watermelons, green beans, Cubanelle peppers and tomatoes.  He comes from a long line of farmers so living in the Garden State is agreeing with him!

The update on me will have to come in stages.  Long story short, I'm doing great.  It's been a rough transition from FL to NJ but I think I've found my groove.  Work is going good but I'm not really active right now due to mom's health.  That's my full time job right now.  I'll post more about work soon, lots of cool stuff in that department.

About two years ago I also was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes.  I'm sure I've been a diabetic much longer than that but at least I know what I'm dealing with.  I've had a weight problem all of the my life but in the past 10 years it's gotten out of control.  Last August I decided that I'd have enough!  I wen to the Doctor and asked for help.  She put me on a 1300 calorie diet.  I lost 13 pounds in 3 weeks.  Things were going well.  Then the weight starting coming back.  I continued for a other 5 months but I actually gained it back.  So in April of this year my Endocrinologist recommended lap band surgery.  I made an appointment to see the surgeon and gather information.  I found out that there are new studies showing that gastric by pass surgery has now being done on patients like me who are Type II diabetics.  To make a long story short, this is how it goes:

A person has the genetic make up for diabetes.  They go through their young life being slightly hypoglycemic.  Many times they do not have a weight problem but sometimes they have to work hard at keeping trim. (Like me).   At some point they start to gain weight and they feel tired all the time etc.  At this point they are developing diabetes.  The weight inhibits the body from absorbing the insulin the body produces.  The insulin causes weight gain.  The more weight you put on, the more insulin resistant your body becomes.  It makes it almost impossible to lose weight.  It's a vicious cycle.   

This is the stage I am at.  And although I am NOT terribly obese, it will only get worse for me.  So, I have been gong through the preliminary testing and prepping for Gastric By Pass Surgery.  As soon as I have the approval from the insurance company, I'll be scheduled.  I feel fantastic about this!  It's been a long hard road to get here and I feel like there is light at the end of the tunnel.  I'll be in touch with more info soon!  Thanks for checking in and reading this very long post!

Panda Rescue in China

The recent earthquake in China was right in the area where giant

pandas live. Most pandas are protected well, especially the babies, even if they were scared a lot.
Right after earthquake. They rushed out and some stayed together.

Here people are rescuing pandas.  Afterward they fed them and gave them shelter.

 

Waaaaaay too cute!

I've seen pandas in real life and I have to say that both Pandas and

Kola Bears look like cuddly stuffed animals even in real life!  Too bad they could rip your face off in a heartbeat! LOL!  I just think that it's wonderful that there are people out there that

take the time out to care for these magnificent creatures in times like this!

 

 

 

 

                                      Look at those milk faces!!!!

Can you stand it?  I have to admit, I have a soft spot for black and white colored animals.  They look so regal!

I also have to admit that they are so surreal looking, almost like children in a panda costume.

 

A group shot of some of the people that took care of these babies!

I hope you enjoyed these photos.  I wish I had more facts about this to give you but...