My word for 2015...

Success... My friend Stephanie Paxton Jackson, a health & wellness coach in Washington state suggested picking a word to represent your own personal 2015. I chose this word because I am planning on finding it in all aspects of my life, personal, professional, roller derby, CrossFit, relationships and in the type of friend or family member I plan to be for others. My friend and CrossFit Coach Chad Franco brought up the word "reflection." This I am considering to signify my transition from one year to the next...I say we all reflect on 2014. How have you given back to your world, family, friends, neighbors, community? Let's plan for bigger and better things in 2015, shall we? Most of all...be more present in your life by opening your heart to others in all situations. Life is so beautiful and precious, if we walk through it numb or without feeling, we'll miss many fulfilling times, experiences, feelings, emotions, relationships, friendships, loves, colors, tastes, sounds, blessings, lessons...on and on and on. Cheers to a fantastic 2015; with challenges we become stronger and more versatile, with love we become more full, with an open heart we offer the world 100% of ourselves. Be true, be successful and continue to reflect on who you are and what you want to offer the planet. I will be here walking hand in hand with you, open to hearing about your world anytime, and I assure you, I will share with you along the way as well. Happy New Year, enjoy your personal "Reflection" of 2014 & cheers to "Success" in 2015 and beyond.

Family...

Recently I traveled east to visit friends & family for Thanksgiving. I hadn't seen this side of the Silas clan in over five years, and some for more than seven. My experience was deep and oh so, meaningful. Each moment on my adventure and my interactions with family from my 11 year old cousin to my 74 year old aunt and uncle was priceless. Not only did I have a wonderful, fun, loving, hilarious, enjoyable, delicious and enchanting time, but I learned a couple important lessons. First of all, it doesn't matter how long the time is between visits, unconditional love amongst a family can last for a lifetime! You can sustain close relationships and they will grow with you into the future. You only need to honor and nurture them, keeping them present in your daily life. It's not easy, but it's possible. Secondly, I learned that a non-judgmental family is the truest form of family. It doesn't always have to be represented by blood, but that makes it extra special. I have been home a week now and I am still high with love from the time spent with my Silas roots. I laughed, I cried, I shared, I listened, I felt, I loved, I honored... We stayed up late talking, catching up, and getting to know each other again. Those moments are my true Thanksgiving! My most recent trek east is one I will treasure and be extremely grateful for FOREVER! And I know this, I'm not waiting five plus years to do it again!

Striving for change...

Athlete, woman, mother, pro snowboarder, yogi, surfer; Megan Pischke is an inspiration to me and this week on my show I will share her journey with you. As I sit here and think about #Skatethecoast 2014, my eyes fill with tears, tears of joy, sadness and gratitude for Cal Skate Roller Derby and all of those who supported us while we helped raise over $30,000.00 for B4BC (Boarders for Breast Cancer) on September 27th. Please, listen to Megan's story this week, live Wednesday at 5pm pacific on ESPN Radio 1280am, or via the internet at www.espnradio1280.com. If you cannot listen live, check out my Podcast afterwards @ www.thecjsilasshow.com (24/7). Those that donated, cheered for us and followed us throughout the day here, on FB, on Twitter and on Instagram, thank you! My heart hurts for those we have lost, yet I feel encouraged by events like this. I will continue to cheer for those who are still in the fight. Don't give up on any of it! Events like Skate the Lake & Skate the Coast prove to me that we don't have to fight alone, we cannot do this alone, we will NOT do it alone! For those in physical pain, emotional pain, financial strain...this disease hurts each one of us in some way or another, in our hearts and deep in our souls. As I enjoy each moment of my life, I'll take time to feel the love we have surrounding us. Each one of you has touched me and I feel blessed to have such incredible people in my corner. I send long and warm hugs to each of you, near and far! "Chasing Sunshine" a documentary about Megan's life experience with cancer will premiere in January at the X-Games in Aspen. Please, watch the preview and feel inspired to listen to her story on The CJ Silas Show this week. You can see it at http://vimeo.com/106748789

Being Healthy...

Whew...I made it through a five week physical whirlwind. On August 4th my body stopped working efficiently. Immediately, I knew there was something wrong, but I had no clue what it was and why it was happening to me. I consider myself pretty darn healthy, that's why this was so strange. Since that day, I've been to some sort of medical facility 12 times, I've had a blood test, a urine test, five x-rays, four ultrasounds, a CT scan with a barium milkshake and an iodine IV. Plus, I was prescribed a variety of pharmaceuticals, none of which I took. I saw three doctors, two specialists, and at least 10 medical assistance. I spoke to a retired kidney specialist, a nurse practitioner, an oncologist and other specialists. In less than two weeks, I had lost nine pounds, had no appetite for two weeks and spent hours staring at the ceiling. But, I made it, and I must say, even if it sounds cliche, I'm better off for it. I am living proof our mind has a lot to do with what happens throughout our bodies. Over these last 35 days I have learned many things about who I am, how I live my life and what I need to do to stay healthy and strong. My body has come back remarkably, but even more importantly my heart has healed. I have finally let go of past hurts and pain in my life. I'd like to go a bit deeper here, but some people couldn't understand or may not believe. Let's just say this...thanks to a number of different entities I am clear, mind and body. It took a few weeks of time alone, inactivity and self awareness to figure out who I am, who I want to be, and how I want to treat people, including myself. I haven't been sick in over 13 years, guess it was the only way I would really truly rest. And rest I did. For the first time in a long time, I couldn't exercise my way out of a challenge. The moral of my story...you can go hard day in and day out, but you MUST take a break once in a while or else, your body and mind will GIVE you a break. Up until now I thought I was healthy and taking great care of myself, the only problem was, I didn't know how to really rest. My first activity was yesterday running in the No Mo Cancer 10K in San Luis Obispo, CA. It was the perfect time and place to return to exercise! I ran the race in honor of my nephew who passed away at age 11 in May of 2013. I want this on the record...I know how to chill out now. I don't want to ever go through that much pain again, and I don't plan on it.

Farewell Robin Williams...

Wow, my heart has been so sad since hearing about Robin Williams tragic death. It brings up a variety of emotions in all of us. Whether you were a fan or not, everyone has been touched by this story. For all of us, there seems to always be unanswered questions. I feel great sadness knowing there will never ever be another RW. He was a true entertainer! The grief has caused me take a good long look at my own life; who I am, who I love, how I love, what I give back to the world and how I honor those closest to me. We all have inner turmoil, demons, and issues we battle on a daily basis. Seeing someone who was such a brilliant and beloved talent lose the fight with himself is a horrible tragedy. It makes my heart hurt. After this past weekends moon and my own personal process, I plan to use this melancholy time as a reminder to myself to live each day in peace, give more time to others and take better care of my heart & mind. A recent theme on my own journey has been living for the now, and being in the moment...This Is It! Make it the best you can each day, because we never know what our own tomorrows will bring.

You want the truth?

The Ray Rice story has been generating a bunch of conversations in my business this past week. The situation leads me to believe all too often we women are being miss-represented. I've been working in sports media since the spring of 1988. I've run into a lot of people - hundreds who have supported a woman in sports and thousands who have not. My dreams and goals are still in place; they've been adjusted at times, but they're mine and alive. Over the last 25+ years witnessing the way women have been treated in this business has been interesting and thought provoking. You may or may not agree with my theories. For sooooooo many years, boys are brought up in society to be stronger, more physical and tougher than girls. In sports, it's been the same with a disturbing and underlying twist. When boys begin sports they are given female examples, moms, sisters, grandmas, aunts, teachers and cousins. As boys get to a certain age those females are still there, but then you bring in the cheerleaders, which are 95% female. Then as the boys grow into their chosen sports, add into the equation girlfriends, then groupies, strippers, prostitutes and wives. For a majority of their athletic careers the male species doesn't see females in coaching unless it's in girls’ sports. The examples we're offering boys along the way from middle school forward are already programmed into their brains to be female family members or cheerleaders. TV, magazines, print ads, billboards, commercials, etc. for the most part, use women as sexy selling points for products and lifestyles. Let's be straight and honest...sex sells! The Ray Rice story and his little two game suspension illustrates the NFL's ideas that drug violations are more severe than the physical abuse of women. This is outrageous and a total joke! You may not agree with me, but until we teach young male athletes that women are more than cheerleaders, groupies, strippers, or waitresses wearing tight tank tops and tiny orange shorts, women will still find it difficult to truly, consistently and legitimately be accepted into the world of sports. Don't get me wrong; I realize women are "okay" on the TV sidelines and in the studios. This is acceptable because we, the viewing public can "see" them. But, that doesn't mean the majority of the sports viewing population (men) want to hear what these females have to say. As long as we "sell" and objectify women as a commodity - sexy, thin, or perfect on the outside, we'll never have a level playing field. We women are not mad at society; we're not resentful, we'd just like to see our representation evolve into a better place for all of us to excel, fulfill our goals and attain our dreams. I'm pretty sure most major sports leagues in this country have rookie symposiums teaching the 20-22 year old athletes about finances, behavior, and media training. I'm curious if there's anything in these seminars about how to respect women. I hope so. Is that asking too much? Of course, when we do create the life we want and make progress we can still be sexy and beautiful, and we'd like to be. We just don't want that to be the reason we succeed. Let's stop objectifying females. I assure you, things will change for the better. It's a visual world, but that's not all it is.

Coming down after a Triathlon...

Oh man, what an experience. I dedicated my world to a short triathlon over the past seven months and it was AWESOME! If you do triathlons on a regular basis, a) you're a rock star, b) you're a rock star and c) you're a rock star! I so admire people that can give that much time to a sport. I am extremely competitive whenever I compete. But being a triathlete, that's a completely different animal. I think if I had focused only on the three events, swimming, biking and running it would have been easier to handle. But, I didn't want to take Roller Derby, hiking or CrossFit out of my routine. Those activities did help my cross training and success in the race, but man was I tired from the rush after I finally competed. The adrenaline took me a long way, but I certainly crashed about 48 hours after the event. I swam 1/4 mile, biked 10 miles and ran 3 miles...seems small, but it was big to this girl. Thanks to Chad Franco of CrossFit Five Cities, Massage Therapist Michelle Miller, Amy Kueffler @ Avila Bay Athletic Club & Spa and Physical Therapist Jeff Miller. These are the folks that supported me and made this competition a reality. I even came in 4th woman in my age group. Will I do another one myself? Probably not, but I feel accomplished, it's something I'd always wanted to do. Whew, now it's done and I can get to planning my physical challenge for 2015. Plus, we have three more Roller Derby bouts this season. I'm glad I have time to think about next years challenge while I skate in circles getting my butt kicked!...while CELEBRATING doing my first triathlon!

It's here...Swim, Bike, Run!

Exercising has always been just part of my life, an automatic in my everyday routine, to stay healthy, youthful and agile. But, this triathlon stuff is much different, it takes a lot of planning and time, for sure! I have a couple friends who do triathlons on a regular basis. The amount of training that goes into just one has altered my daily routine and completely changed my life. If I took Roller Derby practice and CrossFit out of the equation, maybe it would have been more reasonable. But, I wasn't willing to do that. I sure do admire those that commit to Tri's more than once in their lives. I have dedicated the last seven months to being comfortable swimming, lasting on a bike and having something left for the running portion. Really, my true goal is to just finish without drowning, getting a flat tire or falling on my face in my running shoes. I'm looking at it like this...it's going to be as if I'm doing a three part CrossFit WOD. But, unfortunately, there's no rest in between. Whatever happens, I've always wanted to do a triathlon and completing it is the most important thing. I'll swim, I'll bike and I'll run, finishing with the knowledge I set a goal, dedicated 1/2 a year in preparation and made it happen. Just being in a pool two or three times a week for this long has been an accomplishment. Another lesson for all of us;

if we put the time, energy and work into getting something done and focusing on it, we CAN do anything. But, it takes some serious effort and commitment. I did learn one big thing, no a HUGE thing, I enjoy team sports way more. There's something fulfilling about having teammates, rooting for them, encouraging them and energizing them. For this triathlon it was just me, constantly pushing myself through each workout, always alone in my thoughts and training. I guess I needed some time to myself. Now, after this weekend let's put together a team for a Mud Run?

A triathlon...my first

It might have been the kickboxing, but it definitely was happening once I started playing Roller Derby. My shoulder mobility declined at a rapid pace. A torn labrum years ago, a broken collarbone in college and a broken clavicle from derby didn't help the situation. I found CrossFit in spring last year and began working with Chad Franco @ CrossFit Five Cities. Pretty quickly he noticed I couldn't straighten my arms over my head. Instead of pushing me through, he modified my workouts and sent me to an awesome physical therapist, Jeff Miller in Grover Beach, CA. Jeff mentioned getting into a pool would really help me get back my mobility and able to use my shoulders for normal everyday tasks. Swimming? Yuck! I hadn't done much but frolic in a pool in years and I mean years, at least 20. I resisted, but I did it. I got into the pool and detested it at first. It was a few months ago when I began to notice the differences in my body, my core especially. Between CrossFit and getting in the pool, things were improving! I decided, if I'm going to be doing this swim therapy, I might as well get the Triathlon off of my bucket list. That's where it all began, January 2014 in the pools at Pismo Beach Athletic Club and Avila Bay Athletic Club & Spa. Five months later that same physical therapist showed up at my house one day and gifted me an awesome triathlon bike. It took me a good three weeks before I actually got on the bike. I just looked at it for a while sitting in my living room. I was TOTALLY intimidated, not just by being on a road bike for the first time in 25 years. But, even worse, was being on the roads on that bike. I don't know what bikers did before bike lanes. And even with bike lanes it's scary as can be out there. I've been on that bike now consistently for four weeks, I actually know how to use the gears now. Riding from Shell Beach to Avila in one gear, wasn't much fun! But then, drum roll please, I got my first flat tire, that sucked! Now, the swim is easy, I'm slow, but I can now go without stopping for a good amount of time. The bike is more comfortable too. But, the deep pile fear I'm sitting in right now: will I get a flat while I'm out there on the road, during my race? And let's be honest, this girl AIN'T changing a flat tire. So, I'm putting it out there now universe, god, higher power, angels, fairies, please, NO FLAT TIRE on my first and only triathlon of my life. I know you're busy with real issues on the planet, but is that too much to ask?

Ladies & Gentlemen your Big West Champion Cal Poly Mustangs...Woot Woot!!!

I remember, it was January 2002, I walked into Baggett Stadium for my first game as the Mustangs Stadium Announcer. Man, was I nervous. I had done Public Address for two minor league baseball teams in Syracuse and Albany, A-League soccer in Seattle and semi-pro football in Syracuse. But, 2002 was a special year, because I was back in California, my home state, three hours from my home town; and doing what I love, baseball PA. Little did I know, 12 years later Cal Poly would win the Big West Season Championship. This week Cal Poly earned an automatic bid into the NCAA Regional Baseball playoffs by winning the Conference. The crowd noise in the stadium this season has gradually escalated from cheering to a loud & crazy roar each game. It's taken five years to get the crowd to repeat "Hoooooooo" after me when either Chris or Michael Hoo come up to the plate. It took 12 years for the fans to stand up and cheer when there's two outs with one needed to end the game and seal a win for the Mustangs. It took 12 years for the Tuesday night attendance to go from a few hundred to 1,552 vs. Pepperdine this year. It took 12 years for Mustang Concessions to fill the concourse with extra food vendors. It took 12 years for the stadium to expand to over 3,000 seats. And for this Public Address Announcer it was well worth the wait. The energy and excitement surrounding the Poly baseball team has been awesome as the season has progressed this year. But, it's not over yet. We'll find out on Sunday if Poly will host a regional. On Monday morning the Mustangs find out where they'll play as they try to improve on their two and out appearance last year in the UCLA region. Wouldn't it be nice if I could turn on the mike, for the very first time, next weekend and say "Welcome to Baggett Stadium home of the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo NCAA baseball regional playoffs..." this time around. Ride High and enjoy it fans. I know I sure will.

Ignorance...Scram, let's Eracism!

First thing I think...What would Jackie do? The donald sterling situation has been going on for years, in basketball and his other business ventures. This has got to be the end, at least it should be. Unfortunately, the owners/league cannot force him to sell. He loves to go to court and isn't afraid to get sued. Freedom of speech is legit, we all have it and should. But, come on, there finally needs to be some consequences for this behavior. Do the Clippers players and coaches have any choice? If Doc Rivers leaves, it would be a strong statement! If Chris Paul or Blake Griffin go, there's another one. These guys are taking part in some of the best playoffs I've ever seen in the NBA. I don't think it's the players jobs to punish this fool. But, who would want to play for an ignorant and racist owner. What should the league do? What should the players do? The owners and commish need to do something, and quick! The public can take a stand too. We can stop going to games where the Clippers play, home and away. We choose what businesses to support and give money. I would like to see something big happen! As Mark Jackson of the Warriors mentioned, why not have an empty Staples for the playoff game this week. Fans can stand up and make a difference too. That would be incredible!!! If the players keep playing and don't take a stand, then he still makes money. If the players boycott I would be inspired and it's totally courageous! But, if they do play, it's not wrong. The league and the owners need to take control of this situation, NOW! not tomorrow or the next day. I keep thinking What would Jackie (JR42) do?

Who is your Sports Hero? JR42

What is a hero? Someone who drives us, inspires us and motivates us? Where are our heroes? In our schools, on TV, in movies or right here at home? Can we have more than one hero? I find myself thinking about this often, most certainly two specific days a year...January 31st, Jackie Robinson's birthday and April 15th, the day we celebrate Jackie Robinson Day across the country at MLB parks and stadiums. My mom is a hero, my track coach, Andy Roberts, at Syracuse is a hero and my uncle Rick is a hero. All of these people have touched my life personally in some way or another. Unfortunately, I never met JR42. He was out of baseball and the public spotlight when I was just old enough to understand his story. He died the year I went to my first Dodger game. But, lucky for me I at least got to hear his story. I hope other kids had and have that chance. I didn't know Mr. Robinson. He knew not of me, or the thousands of other kids from my generation who might have looked up to him. Who is your hero? Do you have more than one hero? When do you think of that person? Are you someone's hero? I sure hope I am!

Selfull vs. Selfish...Thankful!

I am thankful recently for setting boundaries. Two years ago I had no idea what a personal boundary was, lately, I'm feeling growth and movement. Up until now, I had no clue how to set a boundary. Recently, it finally happened, 40+ years later, Woot Woot! I have found myself caught up in work stuff from one job getting in the way of the other job at the absolute worst time. I love my life and all of my jobs. I put my heart into each one. But, I SET A BOUNDARY! Yes, I'm yelling, at the top of my lungs. I did not allow issues at one job filter into the other. I protected myself. I felt bad and guilty about it for three hours, but I got through it, I grew. I am stronger and better because of it. This week, I'll be even better at setting a boundary, if needed. This is HUGE for me. I credit my sisterhood, the group of women friends who stand by me through my life experiences! I am energized in my recent journey by all of the girlfriends, derby sisters, CrossFitters and family members in my world who are teaching me as well as supporting me through these life lessons. I've learned to honor myself, first. It has been a tough go at times, but, whew, my goodness...I'm learning and using the struggles or challenges for my benefit now, and not letting anything get in the way of cherishing myself. It's one thing to be selfish, it's another to be "Self-ful!"

CrossFitting at any age...

When I walked into CrossFit Five Cities last spring I had no clue what I was getting myself into. In fact, I was darn right scared out of my mind. I knew nothing about the sport of CrossFit and thought it was just for young and in shape athletes. Don't get me wrong, I'm in shape and I'm an athlete, but I'm far from young. At first, I planned on going once a week to cross train for roller derby. Pretty quickly, after working with Chad Franco, I was in "the box" two times a week. Fast forward six months and I was seen there three times a week, at least. Now, almost a year later, I've even got my roller derby team working out at CrossFit Five Cities. This past weekend I woke up and found myself driving my car to Atascadero CrossFit, and competing in the SLO County Games. A first time beginners competition, set up for those of us that just started practicing the sport. It gave newbies a feel for what CrossFit looks like from a competitive angle. Wow, it was a life changing experience, to say the least. I had a blast, I felt strong, supported and part of something, something different. As competitive as I am in my roller skates, basketball kicks or running shoes, the inner athlete showed up and it was a gnarly adrenaline rush for sure! I finished, I felt accomplished, but more importantly, I'm now hooked on this sport and engulfed in a new community. Anyone, I mean ANYONE can do CrossFit, at any level. As long as you have a quality coaching staff guiding you, and keeping you safe. The family shows up too, the CrossFit family, to cheer you on and encourage you to do and be your best. It's up to you, to dig deep and make it happen. Moral of the story...CrossFit is for everyone and anyone who wants to be fit and healthy! The road to awesomeness begins at a CrossFit box near you, I promise.

Sometimes it's hard to be nice!

I have been doing this a long ass time. Often I run into amazingly helpful Media Relations folks, PR people and Sports Information Directors/staff. But, once in a while, I come into contact with no contact at all. I call, I email, I fax (in the old days) and I send snail mail (in the really old days). Usually, it's an interview request, a meeting idea or hopes for tickets for myself or a listener giveaway. Most of the time I get through to the right person within a day or two. when I was a full time producer in the 90's I got people on the same day, that was awesome. Now, it's a little different, harder to get a live voice, for sure! Then there are the times when I want to pull my hair out or say what I really feel. Two of those instances have come up quite recently. One with an SEC college Sports Information Department and the other with a major player in the communications department of one of the "top four" sports. This second incident also included two professional team media relations departments. I don't like to throw people under the bus or talk crap, but I've come close. If you read my book, you'd see that, because I changed people's names to avoid calling out a few of the jerks in this business. Today, I am frustrated, it took me three weeks to book an interview that happened too late to air on my show. Then it took seven weeks to get a live voice and an answer to a simple question. The answer was 'no.' And now it's too late for me to find other options for my plan. Do I go on my show and rip these people? Do I ignore being ignored and continue to move forward with my career? Do I stop engaging with these teams or businesses and focus on the helpful ones? After writing this and finding it quite cathartic, I will breathe deep and let it go. But, this experience gives me just one more reason to dislike the...

Cheers to 2014!!!

Wow, I'm sure ready for this year! I don't think I know a single person who had a smooth 2013. We've got a fresh start each day, but a fresh year, that's exhilarating! I learned a bunch about myself last year, I grew even more. I went through really, really, sad times and tough moments. My heart hasn't hurt that much in a long time, but I made it through. Thanks to my amazing Central Coast friends; my local family, I can say it was difficult but I NEVER felt alone. I lost love in more ways than I can describe. Yet, I gained a new found love of my true self. Sounds cheesy, yeah maybe. But, I don't care. I am on a new path with a wonderful group of derby sisters, incredible friendships, a thriving new business, a baseball job I absolutely love, the football gig of my dreams, and a new adventure that will take me back into the restaurant business. At Kanpai in Shell Beach, I'll be surrounded by my favorite food, and a family who has welcomed me in, trusting me to help them share their delicious menu with our Central Coast community. So, today I toast the beauty of a fresh start and the love we can all CHOOSE to have in our lives each day. It doesn't always last as long as we'd like, but, you still gotta go for it. Because a strong, deep, but brief love is better than no love at all.