People like the show!

The Alaska Experiment seems to be really popular. Lots of folks watching (over 2 million per episode) and lots of blogs going on. They even aired The Alaska Experiment marathon last week in response to the great demand! The official Discovery blog about the show is here. The website should have our video and written journals up soon.

Discovery is so pleased with the show that we've been doing follow up interviews and filming. There are three more new episodes left to air on Tuesday nights so keep tuning in!

The Alaska Experiment previous episodes can be seen on-line at video.discovery.com. The show is also going to start airing in the UK on May 26. It will be cool for some of my foreign friends to watch. Here's more info.

Some folks are wondering why we did it:
Was it to be on TV and get our 15 minutes of fame?... Well, I can honestly say that we actually wished we could have done it all without the cameras. But it has been great to have our families and friends take a look at what we learned while living in that wonderful land.
Was it for the money?...NO, there was no money, no new car, no million dollar prize at the end. For us the reward was an incredible outdoor experience of a lifetime that we got to share together.
Was it for the challenge?...Sure. We all get so comfortable living in this "world of conveniences" that we thought we'd put ourselves out there and find out if we could survive without running water, electricity, television, internet, and all the things we take for granted in the modern world.
Was it to get closer to each other?...Yes. Even though we've been married for 12 years, it's amazing how much more we learned about each other when we relied on each other for survival. The lack of outside distractions allowed us the chance to really communicate and understand each other's feelings so much deeper than ever before.

Whew! Anyhow, yes it was an incredible experience that we will remember for the rest of our lives. And we hope that it will inspire others to REALLY get away from the madness of the lifestyles we have created in our fast paced lives. Take a break from work, from TV, from internet, from telephones, and enjoy the environment in which you live no matter where you are. Maybe not for 3 months, but for 3 days or at least 3 hours.

We are half way there!

Week 21 of 40!!!

Last week I had a Level 2 ultrasound and an amniocentesis. These tests were suggested by my doctor mainly because,,,,well.......I'm old. Oh, come on!?! Okay, I admit, I'm 35 but I feel like I'm 25. And when I'm flying over the handle bars of my bike, I feel like I'm 12! But whatever, I guess my eggs are 35 years old so I took the tests.

Level 2 Ultrasound
This special type of ultrasound gave a very specific glimpse of Little Tyke. (But no, much to my Mom's dismay, I did not find out if LT is a girl or boy!) LT weighed in at 11 oz. and looks to be taking shape nicely. S/he was doing the "Macarena" in there and didn't stop moving the entire time. Even the technician was giggling at how much LT was moving around. I guess s/he already likes being on camera! :)

LT's heart had all four chambers pumping strongly and the kidneys, bladder, stomach, brain, and spine all looked good. My amniotic fluid levels, the location of the placenta, and the fetal heart rate also looked good.

I could have sat there all day and watched my Little Tyke but the show was soon over and the next test began.

Amniocentesis:
A small amount of my amniotic fluid was removed from the sac surrounding Little Tyke. The sample of amniotic fluid (less than one ounce) was removed through a long, fine needle that was inserted into my uterus through my belly! Yikes, sounds freaky huh? Well, since I was already feeling a bit queasy from my never ending morning sickness, I decided not to look at the giant needle that was going into my belly! (No anesthesia) The fluid was sent to a lab and tested for certain genetic defects. Thanks to God everything was normal.

So far it looks like all my puking hasn't affected LT at all and s/he is progressing nicely. They say Little Tyke can hear me now and some outside sounds as well. So I've taken up the guitar so I can play for LT. Greg says LT is probably covering his/her ears when I practice but I'm guessing now is the best time to play for LT since s/he probably doesn't know good from bad yet! :)

My progress report:
1. NO the puking hasn't completely stopped! It appears I'm in the 15th percentile of women who continue to have morning sickness past the first trimester... oh lucky me! I'm still on Zofran to control the puking when it gets absolutely unbearable.
2. NO clothes to wear! Yes, I bought some maternity clothes and I wear that, but how many times can I wear a "hawaiian flowered potato sack" over my shoulders?
3. I can't breathe! LT is starting to take up a lot of space in there and it makes it harder and harder to catch my breath, even when I'm sitting still!
4. I can't sit still! Sitting upright is starting to get uncomfortable. I had to pre-order my first Mother's Day present....a rocker/recliner that will allow me to recline comfortably with my growing belly.
5. I can't hold it! When I gotta pee, I gotta pee and damn I gotta pee all the time! Good thing I have lots of experience going in the bushes! Be careful if you invite me to your house and the WC is "Ocupado." I might be outside watering your lemon tree!

However, feeling Little Tyke's kicks and punches inside my belly make all of that other stuff worth while!

Our Alaska Experiment Premier Party

About 120 people showed up to our Alaska Experiment premier party! Everyone had a great time eating, drinking and cheering us on as we entered the wilds of Alaska and headed to our cabin.

The cast: Greg & Bernice at Hawkins Glacier and Jasmine & Tim (Allan lives in NJ) at Flower Lake

The calm before the storm.

By the time the show started, the room was completely full and there was standing room only.

But the early birds were treated to pizza, salad, beer & soda.

Even my neighbors showed up!

Mel & Kat take time to see a photo of Little Tyke!

Kevin!

Kurt, Michelle, Anita

The adventure racing gang

Jack is so handsome.

Carl and King Richard

Eron and Cindy enjoyed my "popcorn" cupcakes!

Laughing at ourselves on the show.

Greg and Red

Arzu made this great cake that had our cabin, the river, the mountain, and even the mountain goat!

I've officially started "nesting" and baked over 80 "spaghetti & meatball" cupcakes and "popcorn" cupcakes for the party. They were a big hit!

Thanks to everyone who came to the party and made it so much fun!

"Our Arctic Challenge" the movie

Many of you adventure racers have heard about the Siku Arctic Challenge 5 day adventure race in Greenland. Myself and my teammates of Feed the Machine have had the opportunity to race there and I must say it is the most amazing race and the most extraordinary place that I've ever seen. I highly encourage any of you racers who are seeking a true challenge in a truly magnificent atmosphere to participate in that race. ...........HOWEVER.....do so quickly before the glaciers melt!!!

The folks who film the race every year have put together a movie that will show at the Newport Beach Film Festival on April 30 at 6:15pm. They use the backdrop of the adventure race as a venue to film their movie about global warming. They speak with the racers and the race organizers as well.

The filmmakers are from Denmark and are unable to attend this show so I will be representing them here in Newport Beach. This is a great opportunity for me to discuss the effects of global warming that I have seen with my own eyes.

You can get to the movie website and the movie trailer here.

Check out "Our Arctic Challenge" at the Newport Beach Film Festival on Wednesday, April 30 at 6:15pm!

Baby & Biking

They say Little Tyke is 18 weeks/2 days and weighs in at about 9 oz. Everything looks good so far thanks to God. But of course there are more tests to be run. Here is his/her profile.


I'm getting larger...up to about 139 pounds now and I can feel it! Unfortunately I'm still puking and relying on the Zofran to help me get through the rough days.

But I did manage to have a great day riding with the gals at El Moro...

Now don't worry. I kept my heart rate low and didn't do any gnarly single track downhill or any steep climbs. I'm being SUPER cautious! It was just nice to get outside, get a little exercise, and chat with some great women.

The Alaska Experiment Promotions

This was on msn.com.

Tuesday, April 22
"Alaska Experiment" (10 p.m., Discovery)
New series: Seemingly inspired by the success of the film "Into the Wild," Discovery takes the concept and makes a seven-episode documentary series out of it. Premiering as part of Alaska Week, the series ships four teams off to remote wilderness locations and asks them to survive for three months with only a simple trapper's cabin (what, no school bus?), a few guns and a minimal amount of food. Meanwhile, because this is Discovery and not MTV, participants' bodies and psyches will be scientifically evaluated to learn how the struggle against nature really affects us.

The Alaska Experiment Premier

This is the 200 sq.ft. cabin we lived in while surviving off the land in Alaska for 3 months! Brrrrr, just looking at it makes me shiver! The snow on the roof served as our water for washing dishes, clothes, and ourselves. The yellowish, oven-like box at the bottom right was our freezer where we kept pieces of the goat Greg hunted (the main body of it was hanging in the tree out of the photo.)

Try to check out the show if you can! It premiers on The Discovery Channel on Tuesday, April 22! You can also find some footage and info on discovery.com. Here's the link.

BECKS!

Too few Americans realize the privilege we have to see one of the greatest futbol players in the world up close and personally.

If we tried to see him play in Europe, we'd see a speck on the field from the nose bleed section. Not to mention, risk the chance of getting trampled. But at the Home Depot Center, I was within 40 yards of him while he played the Beautiful Game.

Going to a game is usually something I would put off because I'd be on my bike for hours and hours on a weekend. But thanks to Little Tyke, I have time to broaden my horizons.

Bend it like...

Beckham!

Landon's header for the first goal

But you have to hand it to America's own Landon Donovan for stepping up his game and showing futbol fans that he can hang right in there with the best in the world!

Set up for the PK

Psyching out the goal tender

Landon's second goal

I highly recommend attending a Los Angeles Galaxy soccer game! The stadium is gorgeous and it's the perfect place to enjoy a soccer game. It's lovely to sit out in the warm California sunshine and the snacks are affordable! If you want to go with me, let me know! I'll get the tix!

Week 16 of 40: State of a Pregnant Princesa

I miss riding my bike for hours and hours. I miss playing in the mountains all day and night. But oddly enough, I MISS SWEATING! (And no!!,,, breaking into a cold sweat while violently puking doesn't count!!)

Little Tyke forced me to take some time off of exercising because, well frankly, I was lucky just to get out of my bed in the mornings. Yes, me, "Miss-I survived 11.5 days of tramping through Patagonia" and "I ride my bike 24 hours straight just for fun!" has been knocked down to her knees, whining and crying by the tiny, little, (peanut sized) person growing inside.

16 Weeks Pregnant (believe me, there is a belly!)

Have you ever pulled a muscle from puking so violently? Well, I have and it sucks! I finally begged my doctor for any kind of magic spell (or pill) that would ease my suffering.

Here's a recap:
First 6 weeks ~ Very sore boobs; all day nausea; but tolerable.
Weeks 6-15 ~ PUKE, PUKE, & MORE PUKE. ALL DAY MISERY!
Week 16 ~ I finally got some meds for the nausea and puking & the meds are helping tremendously. I've actually been able to make public appearances.


Easter was my first attempt at a long drive from home...


And thanks to the meds, I could actually eat something other than baked potatoes and spaghetti! YAY!!!



A few weeks later, I even had the energy to design a fruit tray for Eron's surprise birthday bash!


Watch out Martha Stuart,,,,my motherly instinct is FINALLY kicking in!

Amazing what I can do when I'm not training 20 hours a week! (But don't get used to it)

Eron was really surprised! It was a great party!

They say now is the time I should begin to feel Little Tyke's movements as his/her bones begin to harden. It should feel like butterflies in the stomach. Well, I've definitely been feeling something strange in there so I think it must be Little Tyke riding the bike around in circles!

My heart continues to increase its blood volume output to supply Little Tyke with oxygen. It is enlarged and is pumping about 20% more blood that it did before! Huh, and I didn't even have to blood dope! I guess that's why Little Tyke is riding around in there so much! They say my heart will continue to grow throughout my pregnancy and that will result in an increased heart output of 30-50 percent by the time of delivery! Maybe that's why they say women come back stronger after pregnancy!! You boys better start booking me for races now 'cause I'm gonna be so strong!! ;-))

Oops!

This is what happens when you put your finger between the chain and the chain ring and decide to crank the crank set. Ouch!

(Nope, it wasn't me, it was a silly boy friend of mine.)

For Sale!!! Updated 12/17/08

WINDSTOPPER Tech Jacket
A Mountain Hardwear original. Windproof, breathable, and highly durable--an essential part of any layering system.
Men’s Size Small (works well for size 8 woman)
Slightly used but in very good condition.
Retails for $185
Will sell for $90
Check it out here

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CARBON WATERSTICK CANOE PADDLE: USED $85 plus shipping or pick up in Orange County
(Sells new for $180)
http://www.sierraoutdoorcenter.com/WASTC1RPaddles.html
Designed with the most advanced software and built using the newest materials and construction techniques available.
100% carbon for the blades and extremely durable carbon/fiberglass blend for the shaft. Using their unique technology this paddle encompasses all of the technology Waterstick has developed over the past 5 years.
It simply is the best.
Comes with round shaft standard on all straight shafts.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Weight: 11.1 oz.
Construction: Carbon
Blade Width (in.): 8 1/4
Blade Length (in.): 19 1/4
Length (in): 53
Will sell for $85 plus shipping



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SealSkinz Waterproof Socks: $10 plus shipping (new in box)

Medium black socks (Men’s size 7-9; Women’s size 8-10)

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SealSkinz Waterproof gloves: $10 plus shipping (new in box)

Medium (8.5 inches measured around the hand at the fullest part excluding the thumb)

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VOYAGEUR CARBON KAYAK PADDLE: USED $100
Voyageur carbon 95 inches tip to tip. Not winged...flat paddle 49X19 cm blade. 2 piece, with 3 twist settings. Cost $300 new. Will take $100 plus shipping.
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USED FULL SIZED VIOLIN $100 plus shipping or pickup in Orange County
Used violin is in great condition. Bow needs to be restrung. Perfect for a beginner or student. Includes case. Cash only please.



Contact:
bernicepierson@hotmail.com

Back home to my country...

TEXAS!

Lisa has been my friend since 7th grade. We played volleyball and basketball together through junior high and high school. Now we are both pregnant with our first child at the same time. She's due to have her baby girl in a few weeks!

Almost thirteen weeks into my pregnancy and I'm still suffering from "all day sickness!" But little did I realize that my "mile high club" would have nothing to do with copulation and everything to do with regurgitation!

Picture this:

Princesa Pukes-a-lot in the window seat on a full airplane.
TURBULENCE as soon as we hit the air.
Fifteen rows from the potty, clutching on to a tiny little barf bag, and turning green.
Two big guys blocking my way to the aisle. One with his laptop, bucket of popcorn, peanut m&m's and a big Coke (not really but he might as well have been), fully enjoying his DVD.

I excuse myself to the back of the plane to stand by the lavatory just in case.
"Fasten seat belts" signs light up.
Flight attendant asks me to sit down.
I look at her with the face of..."Are you freaking kidding me???...If I go sit down, I'm gonna 'toss my cookies' into my neighbor's popcorn, then he will heave, and like dominoes each and every passenger will spew.......and YOU will be the one cleaning it all up!!!!"
...So she tells me to sit in the restroom and HOLD ON.

A few minutes later she comes back and apologizes for locking me in the can.
I explain to her that, unlike the drunk hooligans in row 12, Little Tyke is in fact the cause of my nausea.

And then I do what any normal, first trimester, prego lady would do: I beg her to let me keep my position on the throne!
She brings me a ginger ale, a cold towel, and larger barf bag for my convenience. What a nice lady!

And I get "preferred potty seating" for the entire 2.5 hour flight!

My Tia Vira "calling long distance!"

Dad wanted to introduce himself as well.

Cousin Ezy saying hi to the Little Tyke.