Today was quite a day. DD went to bed about 2 hours late last night, then woke up at 6:30 to go to the bathroom. After she was done, I put her back in bed, because there's no reason for her, or me, to be up that early. We both went back to sleep, and I didn't wake up till 9 or 9:30, and DD was still asleep. She didn't wake up till 10:00! She has never slept in that late before. I guess she really needed it. Unfortunately, it threw the whole day off. I had planned on going for a nice long (10+ miles) bike ride, but by the time we ate breakfast and got dressed, DD was ready for lunch (maybe she's going through a growth spurt?), and then I cleaned and organized our room (it needed it really badly) and then tried to get her to take a nap. Unfortunately, she didn't fall asleep till almost 4, then didn't wake up till after 5. By the time I got her pottied and our stuff together and everything ready, it was 6. We did manage a 4.5 mile bike ride, though. Not as long as I wanted, but definitely better than nothing. DD took a long time going to sleep tonight, too, so if she sleeps in again, we'll have to tough it out and skip nap and just go to bed early.
Not a terribly productive day. I did get our room cleaned and laundry done, but that's about it. Of course, I did stay up last night reading till about 2:30. I don't know why I do this to myself, I'm always so tired the next day and have a tough time getting anything done. Yet it happens time and time again. Must work on self-control.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Car seat investigations
I went for a walk today. It was supposed to be 4 miles, but a mile into it I had to go to the bathroom (even though I went just before we left), so I turned around and headed home. Frustrating. It was a rather blah day for me, and I should have gone for a bike ride instead- that would have been a lot more successful, but I wanted the walking mileage, especially since I didn't walk/run much this week. I think in the future I'll listen to my body more and do what it wants rather than what my schedule says.
Ran some errands after that: tried to check out the Britax Frontier carseat for DD. I'd like to get her into a safer carseat than she's in, but wanted to see how she'd fit in it, since she's currently on the lower end of the height/weight limits. The store didn't have it in stock, but we were able to try out the Regent, which is similar in size, though not as cool looking, nor does it have the 'True side impact protection' wings at the head, which I definitely want. She fit in the carseat fine, so it's now just a matter of deciding when to get it. I'd like to have it for when we travel to some family reunions next month, but I've been spending a lot of money on the bathroom remodel, I need to buy the conex shipping container for storage, I need to purchase the furniture for my massage room, and I have to pay for gas for the trip. And all these expenses are within the next 3 weeks. So this week I'll sit down and figure out how our finances are doing, and make a decision from there. The great thing about this carseat is that it converts to a booster, and should be the only seat she needs from here on out. Technically her current carseat does as well, but it's not built as well, and I have my doubts about it's safety in an accident. I've also decided that if we have another baby, we'll start them out in a Britax Boulevard. It also has the 'True side impact protection' wings, as well as a body pillow for a better fit (especially important for the little ones). This is a convertible seat, and will last from newborn till we decide to switch to a Frontier. They are expensive, but I'd rather have my child be safe in an expensive carseat than not-so-safe in a cheaper seat.
Also stopped by Costco to get toilet paper and paper towels for our year's supply. It's been awhile since I last went to Costco, and it wasn't on a Saturday. This Costco is a ZOO! There was no parking- everyone kept circling, waiting for a spot to open up, and there were so many people inside it was hard to move without bumping into people. Though surprisingly, I sailed right through the checkout. I must have been in the right place at the right time.
Helped my dad with the pipes for the shower. I thought he'd finished them yesterday, but that was not the case.
Ran some errands after that: tried to check out the Britax Frontier carseat for DD. I'd like to get her into a safer carseat than she's in, but wanted to see how she'd fit in it, since she's currently on the lower end of the height/weight limits. The store didn't have it in stock, but we were able to try out the Regent, which is similar in size, though not as cool looking, nor does it have the 'True side impact protection' wings at the head, which I definitely want. She fit in the carseat fine, so it's now just a matter of deciding when to get it. I'd like to have it for when we travel to some family reunions next month, but I've been spending a lot of money on the bathroom remodel, I need to buy the conex shipping container for storage, I need to purchase the furniture for my massage room, and I have to pay for gas for the trip. And all these expenses are within the next 3 weeks. So this week I'll sit down and figure out how our finances are doing, and make a decision from there. The great thing about this carseat is that it converts to a booster, and should be the only seat she needs from here on out. Technically her current carseat does as well, but it's not built as well, and I have my doubts about it's safety in an accident. I've also decided that if we have another baby, we'll start them out in a Britax Boulevard. It also has the 'True side impact protection' wings, as well as a body pillow for a better fit (especially important for the little ones). This is a convertible seat, and will last from newborn till we decide to switch to a Frontier. They are expensive, but I'd rather have my child be safe in an expensive carseat than not-so-safe in a cheaper seat.
Also stopped by Costco to get toilet paper and paper towels for our year's supply. It's been awhile since I last went to Costco, and it wasn't on a Saturday. This Costco is a ZOO! There was no parking- everyone kept circling, waiting for a spot to open up, and there were so many people inside it was hard to move without bumping into people. Though surprisingly, I sailed right through the checkout. I must have been in the right place at the right time.
Helped my dad with the pipes for the shower. I thought he'd finished them yesterday, but that was not the case.
Friday, June 27, 2008
I am what I am! That's a great thing to be!
Tonight I read "Happy Birthday to You!" by Dr. Seuss to DD. One particular passage caught my eye:
Today you are you! That is truer than true!
There is no one alive who is you-er than you!
Shout loud, "I am lucky to be what I am!
Thank goodness I'm not just a clam or a ham
Or a dusty old jar of sour gooseberry jam!
I am what I am! That's a great thing to be!"
I think sometimes we forget how blessed we are, and that we should be happy with what we do have.
Today you are you! That is truer than true!
There is no one alive who is you-er than you!
Shout loud, "I am lucky to be what I am!
Thank goodness I'm not just a clam or a ham
Or a dusty old jar of sour gooseberry jam!
I am what I am! That's a great thing to be!"
I think sometimes we forget how blessed we are, and that we should be happy with what we do have.
Final day of babysitting
So today was the final day of babysitting, and not a full day of it, thank goodness. My MIL returned about 1, and we were able to leave and I put DD down for a nap in her bed, then went to the hardware store with my dad to get more things for the bathroom. Dad's been having lots of fun upgrading the pipes and figuring out how it will all fit together. Hopefully we can make some visible progress tomorrow, now that he's got the pipes done.
I'm trying to figure out how to get out of babysitting again, but I'm not sure quite how to do it. I have to watch them at least one more time. After that, I'm done. I am not one of those people who can calmly handle any behavior that comes out of the half dozen or so kids that are running around. Strange, when you consider the number of siblings I have. Or maybe it's because of the number of siblings I have. In any case, I really admire people who can do that, even if I'm not one of them.
So I really don't like having my mornings taken up. I wanted to go for a bike ride this afternoon sometime, but by the time I got back from the hardware store, and DD was in bed, it was, once again, too late to do anything. I think that's one of the things that's bothered me the most about having to babysit: not being able to keep to my regular schedule. Kind of selfish, but I need my schedule, and I need to exercise for my mental, emotional, and physical well-being. I need to get out and exercise first thing in the morning, since if I wait till later, there's always things that come up to keep me from following through.
While I've been typing, I've also been transferring the children's cds to my ipod, so that's one more thing to cross off my list. Slowly but surely getting things accomplished.
I'm trying to figure out how to get out of babysitting again, but I'm not sure quite how to do it. I have to watch them at least one more time. After that, I'm done. I am not one of those people who can calmly handle any behavior that comes out of the half dozen or so kids that are running around. Strange, when you consider the number of siblings I have. Or maybe it's because of the number of siblings I have. In any case, I really admire people who can do that, even if I'm not one of them.
So I really don't like having my mornings taken up. I wanted to go for a bike ride this afternoon sometime, but by the time I got back from the hardware store, and DD was in bed, it was, once again, too late to do anything. I think that's one of the things that's bothered me the most about having to babysit: not being able to keep to my regular schedule. Kind of selfish, but I need my schedule, and I need to exercise for my mental, emotional, and physical well-being. I need to get out and exercise first thing in the morning, since if I wait till later, there's always things that come up to keep me from following through.
While I've been typing, I've also been transferring the children's cds to my ipod, so that's one more thing to cross off my list. Slowly but surely getting things accomplished.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Almost done babysitting
No exercising again today. I had thought about going for a bike ride after I got DD into bed, but my SIL was later getting home today than she was on Tuesday, so by the time we ate and DD was in bed it was too dark to safely go for a ride. Tomorrow should only be a half day of babysitting (my MIL is supposed to get back around noon), unless my SIL doesn't have to go into work, which is a possibility that I'm really hoping for. I found myself yelling a lot today: mostly because the kids were in another room, doing something they weren't supposed to. I hate yelling, and don't want to be a mom that yells all the time. I rarely raise my voice when it's just DD, so there's still hope for me.
No babysitting today!
I was all set to go running this morning when I stopped to think about what day of the week it was, and realized I was supposed to go visiting teaching in 45 minutes. So instead of putting on workout clothes, I ran down to the nasty bathroom to take a shower. That took longer than it should of since I couldn't get the toggle thing that makes the water come out the shower head to work (mom claims she didn't have any problems), and then DD didn't want to get out of the tub (I'd brought her in with me). In fact, DD climbed back in the tub after I toweled her off- she was that insistent about staying in the tub!
After VT we ran some errands, then came home and ate lunch and DD went down for a nap. I waited for DH to send me an email, but his connection is so bad he couldn't even log onto his email provider. He's supposed to have an 8 week extension on his class, which would mean he's got till August to finish it, but his teacher emailed him today, saying that he had to have everything in by the 27th! So he emailed her back to remind her about the extension, but she hadn't responded yet. Very frustrating, especially since his schedule is such right now that he's got a lot of late nights and no free time, for school work or fun stuff.
I thought we'd get moving on the bathroom today, but dad had something come up that he had to take care of. So we ended up going to the hardware store after dinner tonight to get backer board and sheetrock, and that's all that got done. Tomorrow dad'll work on the pipes (putting larger ones in so we finally have decent water flow) and prepping for the sheetrock, backer board, and tile.
After DD's nap, we went for a run. I ran three miles and walked three miles. After the first half mile or so I didn't have any more twinges in my shins, and overall everything felt pretty good. My lungs definitely need more work, though. All the hills are pretty killer when you combine me (still not in shape) with a 27 pound toddler in a jogging stroller on a hot day. It was a good workout though, and I'm not too sore, either. I had only planned on walking two miles, but as I started the second mile I met a girl who lives down the street and we got talking and walking and instead of the half mile out that I had planned, we did a full mile out and then came back.
After VT we ran some errands, then came home and ate lunch and DD went down for a nap. I waited for DH to send me an email, but his connection is so bad he couldn't even log onto his email provider. He's supposed to have an 8 week extension on his class, which would mean he's got till August to finish it, but his teacher emailed him today, saying that he had to have everything in by the 27th! So he emailed her back to remind her about the extension, but she hadn't responded yet. Very frustrating, especially since his schedule is such right now that he's got a lot of late nights and no free time, for school work or fun stuff.
I thought we'd get moving on the bathroom today, but dad had something come up that he had to take care of. So we ended up going to the hardware store after dinner tonight to get backer board and sheetrock, and that's all that got done. Tomorrow dad'll work on the pipes (putting larger ones in so we finally have decent water flow) and prepping for the sheetrock, backer board, and tile.
After DD's nap, we went for a run. I ran three miles and walked three miles. After the first half mile or so I didn't have any more twinges in my shins, and overall everything felt pretty good. My lungs definitely need more work, though. All the hills are pretty killer when you combine me (still not in shape) with a 27 pound toddler in a jogging stroller on a hot day. It was a good workout though, and I'm not too sore, either. I had only planned on walking two miles, but as I started the second mile I met a girl who lives down the street and we got talking and walking and instead of the half mile out that I had planned, we did a full mile out and then came back.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Yet another day of babysitting
I babysat my SIL's kids all day, so no exercising for me today. It wasn't the worst day of babysitting, but it sure wasn't the best, either. I really do not like the smell of formula or poopy formula diapers. It reeks!
My dad and brothers got the bathroom gutted today, tomorrow we start putting it all back together. I just gotta go for a run first thing and run into town to take care of a few errands. Aagh! There's just never enough time to get everything done. We'll see how tomorrow goes.
My dad and brothers got the bathroom gutted today, tomorrow we start putting it all back together. I just gotta go for a run first thing and run into town to take care of a few errands. Aagh! There's just never enough time to get everything done. We'll see how tomorrow goes.
Monday, June 23, 2008
I'm Certified!
I went for a seven mile bike ride with DD this morning. It was a good workout, with lots of hills, some of them in the last mile. I finally stopped putting off some phone calls and got stuff taken care of. Still have some more to make (need to schedule dentist appointments for myself and DD and a checkup for me), but I'll worry about them tomorrow or Wednesday.
While DD took a nap this afternoon, I filled out and submitted my recertification paperwork. I was able to do the whole process online, which I wasn't expecting to be able to do. I thought it would take a couple weeks to process and get back to me, but an hour or so after sending in my stuff, I got an email saying my certification was now up-to-date! Yay me! Now all I have to do is get my insurance, remodel and set up my massage room, and I'm ready to go. Unfortunately, I won't have time to get the room done till the middle/end of July, so I won't actually start doing massages till then.
We started taking apart the upstairs bathroom today. Well, my dad and brothers did, since it's at the grunt-work stage. Now we just have to see how quickly we can get it finished. Unfortunately, I won't be a lot of help this week: I'm babysitting my SIL's kids two days, maybe three days, this week. My MIL usually watches them, but she's taking the YW to girls' camp this week, which leaves my SIL without a babysitter. I've gotta say, my MIL is a saint. She watches the three kids (4, 2, and 9 months) 12+ hours a day, 4 days a week, without pay. And she's been doing it for at least a year now, and there doesn't look to be an end in sight. That kind of schedule doesn't leave you much time to yourself or time to get stuff done. I don't know how she does it, I certainly couldn't do it.
While DD took a nap this afternoon, I filled out and submitted my recertification paperwork. I was able to do the whole process online, which I wasn't expecting to be able to do. I thought it would take a couple weeks to process and get back to me, but an hour or so after sending in my stuff, I got an email saying my certification was now up-to-date! Yay me! Now all I have to do is get my insurance, remodel and set up my massage room, and I'm ready to go. Unfortunately, I won't have time to get the room done till the middle/end of July, so I won't actually start doing massages till then.
We started taking apart the upstairs bathroom today. Well, my dad and brothers did, since it's at the grunt-work stage. Now we just have to see how quickly we can get it finished. Unfortunately, I won't be a lot of help this week: I'm babysitting my SIL's kids two days, maybe three days, this week. My MIL usually watches them, but she's taking the YW to girls' camp this week, which leaves my SIL without a babysitter. I've gotta say, my MIL is a saint. She watches the three kids (4, 2, and 9 months) 12+ hours a day, 4 days a week, without pay. And she's been doing it for at least a year now, and there doesn't look to be an end in sight. That kind of schedule doesn't leave you much time to yourself or time to get stuff done. I don't know how she does it, I certainly couldn't do it.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
More goals to add to the list
Some goals I'm adding to the list: read my scriptures every day, attend the temple at least monthly (more often if I can), read the Ensign cover to cover each month, have more meaningful prayers, read the Relief Society lesson each week, hold Family Home Evening each week.
These are all things I've been working on to one extent or another, but never wrote down. So, to make sure I'm making progress on them, I need to add them to the list. I was doing very good with reading every day, till we moved and my routine got thrown off. I do very well with a routine, and I need to learn how to get stuff done even when my routine is disturbed.
I haven't attended the temple since DH left for the simple reason that DD has severe separation anxiety (daddy's gone, what if mommy doesn't come back?). She still has issues, but I've been able to leave her with my mom for an hour or two at a time (usually I'll leave right at the beginning of naptime, and return as quickly as possible, with her being awake by the time I get back), so now I need to make Temple attendance more of a priority.
I was good about reading the Ensign before we moved, and like my scripture reading, it too has suffered. However, I sat down and read the June issue today, and was inspired and uplifted by it. There were a lot of really good articles; one was about military families and how they cope with separation, one sister shared ideas about FHE while her husband was gone, and another article talked about being born again spiritually and the process that goes along with it. The part that got me was that we must experience a change of heart. My recommend expires this month, and I've been thinking about the questions they ask in the interview, to make sure my life is in order. I realized that it's not quite: I have been harboring ill feelings towards my brother. A few months ago he wrote a very judgemental and hurtful letter to my husband and me. I've been allowing my feelings of ill-will to fester, when in reality I need to experience a change of heart and forgive my brother. While I had pretty much come to that conclusion already, reading that article reinforced in my mind the importance of doing so. If I don't forgive him and move on, I'm only hurting myself.
While I pray several times throughout the day, it's sometimes hard to find the time (and peace and quiet) with an active toddler running around to have a meaningful conversation with the Lord. I need to make more of an effort to set aside time where I can concentrate and not be disrupted.
Since I'm in Nursery every week, I miss out on the Relief Society lessons and the Sunday School lessons. I need to work on reading the assignments for both on my own, but I'm going to work on the Relief Society lessons first.
DH and I have never been real good about holding FHE. It was kind of hard to be motivated when it was just the two of us. When DD finally came along, her bedtime was so early, and she wouldn't understand anyway, so we continued to not have FHE. Now she's getting old enough to understand simple concepts, but DH is gone. However, I don't want to try to institute FHE when DH gets back (on top of all the other changes that will be going on then), so I need to start doing it myself. A couple months ago I started reading to her every night from the Book of Mormon reader, and her response has been quite interesting. She has a hard time sitting still when I'm reading other stories, but she'll usually sit fairly still when I get to the Book of Mormon stories (it's the last story we read each night). Sunday afternoons would be ideal for FHE, because of her early bedtime, but we go to the in-laws for dinner every Sunday and she usually gets to bed late, so I'll have to figure out a different time. Mondays are when FHE is traditionally held, and we will probably just aim for that.
These are all things I've been working on to one extent or another, but never wrote down. So, to make sure I'm making progress on them, I need to add them to the list. I was doing very good with reading every day, till we moved and my routine got thrown off. I do very well with a routine, and I need to learn how to get stuff done even when my routine is disturbed.
I haven't attended the temple since DH left for the simple reason that DD has severe separation anxiety (daddy's gone, what if mommy doesn't come back?). She still has issues, but I've been able to leave her with my mom for an hour or two at a time (usually I'll leave right at the beginning of naptime, and return as quickly as possible, with her being awake by the time I get back), so now I need to make Temple attendance more of a priority.
I was good about reading the Ensign before we moved, and like my scripture reading, it too has suffered. However, I sat down and read the June issue today, and was inspired and uplifted by it. There were a lot of really good articles; one was about military families and how they cope with separation, one sister shared ideas about FHE while her husband was gone, and another article talked about being born again spiritually and the process that goes along with it. The part that got me was that we must experience a change of heart. My recommend expires this month, and I've been thinking about the questions they ask in the interview, to make sure my life is in order. I realized that it's not quite: I have been harboring ill feelings towards my brother. A few months ago he wrote a very judgemental and hurtful letter to my husband and me. I've been allowing my feelings of ill-will to fester, when in reality I need to experience a change of heart and forgive my brother. While I had pretty much come to that conclusion already, reading that article reinforced in my mind the importance of doing so. If I don't forgive him and move on, I'm only hurting myself.
While I pray several times throughout the day, it's sometimes hard to find the time (and peace and quiet) with an active toddler running around to have a meaningful conversation with the Lord. I need to make more of an effort to set aside time where I can concentrate and not be disrupted.
Since I'm in Nursery every week, I miss out on the Relief Society lessons and the Sunday School lessons. I need to work on reading the assignments for both on my own, but I'm going to work on the Relief Society lessons first.
DH and I have never been real good about holding FHE. It was kind of hard to be motivated when it was just the two of us. When DD finally came along, her bedtime was so early, and she wouldn't understand anyway, so we continued to not have FHE. Now she's getting old enough to understand simple concepts, but DH is gone. However, I don't want to try to institute FHE when DH gets back (on top of all the other changes that will be going on then), so I need to start doing it myself. A couple months ago I started reading to her every night from the Book of Mormon reader, and her response has been quite interesting. She has a hard time sitting still when I'm reading other stories, but she'll usually sit fairly still when I get to the Book of Mormon stories (it's the last story we read each night). Sunday afternoons would be ideal for FHE, because of her early bedtime, but we go to the in-laws for dinner every Sunday and she usually gets to bed late, so I'll have to figure out a different time. Mondays are when FHE is traditionally held, and we will probably just aim for that.
Photos for Catching up (May 28th post) and Triathlon
Ok, so I'm a serious slacker in some things. I took these photos quite awhile ago, but never posted them. Here's the suitcase I bought for DD, before and after I picked out the embroidery.
And here's one of the blankets I picked the embroidery out of. They didn't turn out as well as the suitcase and other things I bought. Hopefully with washing the imprint will go away. This particular blanket also had a hole that I wasn't aware of until I picked out the embroidery, so that had to be fixed as well. The other blankets didn't have any holes.
Here's a photo from after the triathlon. I have some of me swimming, biking, and running, but I look pretty hideous, scary, or exhausted. And the photos show just how much weight I still need to lose. Rather depressing.
And here's one of the blankets I picked the embroidery out of. They didn't turn out as well as the suitcase and other things I bought. Hopefully with washing the imprint will go away. This particular blanket also had a hole that I wasn't aware of until I picked out the embroidery, so that had to be fixed as well. The other blankets didn't have any holes.
Here's a photo from after the triathlon. I have some of me swimming, biking, and running, but I look pretty hideous, scary, or exhausted. And the photos show just how much weight I still need to lose. Rather depressing.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Renaissance fun
My shins were bugging me, so I didn't go for a run or walk today. Though that's not strictly true, since today my sister, DD, and I went to a Renaissance Festival. We walked around there for about 3 hours. I was going to bring my pedometer so I could measure how far I walked, but the battery was dead. We had a good time looking at all the shops with stuff for sale and watching the joust.
It was also quite interesting to watch the other people there. It's been about 8 years since the last time I've been to one of these. There's just something about Renaissance Festivals that brings out the weirdos or the weirdo-within. The outfits people wear! Some are quite nice: the elaborate clothing of the upper class and such. But others, oh my word. Why does everyone think that women dressed as sluts back then? Apparently the more skin on display, the better. Which means of course, that there's some women with some pretty nasty sunburns this evening.
Then there's the schizophrenic dressers, like the chick wearing fur leggings, a skirt made of strips of fabric, an animal tail pinned at the waist in back, and a black leather corset thing. Who/what was she trying to be?
And apparently all the Pirates of the Caribbean movies have released a lot of people's inner pirate, because there were a lot of pirates there, male and female. Their outfits weren't too bad, everyone was trying to channel Jack Sparrow and Elizabeth Swann. There was also some fairies, complete with wings and goofy way of walking (it's fine for an animated character to gambol around, but it's really odd to see someone try to do it in reality) and a few fairly authentic-looking Scottish outfits. I just love a guy in a kilt!
There was also a pipe and drum band that performed. They were quite good and reminded me of my long-held desire to learn to play the bagpipes. At one point I even bought a practice chanter so I could learn the fingerings. I never progressed very far though; there's a lot of memorization involved when it comes to learning and playing the music (how often have you seen a bagpiper with a music stand in front of them?) and I've never been real good at memorization. However, I think I'm going to add learning to play the bagpipes to my list of goals. Not immediately, but it is something I'd like to do, and it would be good for my brain to memorize things. If I can get the systemic yeast infection cleared up a bit more, I might actually have the brain power and mental clarity to succeed at learning the bagpipes.
It was also quite interesting to watch the other people there. It's been about 8 years since the last time I've been to one of these. There's just something about Renaissance Festivals that brings out the weirdos or the weirdo-within. The outfits people wear! Some are quite nice: the elaborate clothing of the upper class and such. But others, oh my word. Why does everyone think that women dressed as sluts back then? Apparently the more skin on display, the better. Which means of course, that there's some women with some pretty nasty sunburns this evening.
Then there's the schizophrenic dressers, like the chick wearing fur leggings, a skirt made of strips of fabric, an animal tail pinned at the waist in back, and a black leather corset thing. Who/what was she trying to be?
And apparently all the Pirates of the Caribbean movies have released a lot of people's inner pirate, because there were a lot of pirates there, male and female. Their outfits weren't too bad, everyone was trying to channel Jack Sparrow and Elizabeth Swann. There was also some fairies, complete with wings and goofy way of walking (it's fine for an animated character to gambol around, but it's really odd to see someone try to do it in reality) and a few fairly authentic-looking Scottish outfits. I just love a guy in a kilt!
There was also a pipe and drum band that performed. They were quite good and reminded me of my long-held desire to learn to play the bagpipes. At one point I even bought a practice chanter so I could learn the fingerings. I never progressed very far though; there's a lot of memorization involved when it comes to learning and playing the music (how often have you seen a bagpiper with a music stand in front of them?) and I've never been real good at memorization. However, I think I'm going to add learning to play the bagpipes to my list of goals. Not immediately, but it is something I'd like to do, and it would be good for my brain to memorize things. If I can get the systemic yeast infection cleared up a bit more, I might actually have the brain power and mental clarity to succeed at learning the bagpipes.
Friday, June 20, 2008
One goal almost accomplished
This morning I swam laps (24 in 20 minutes), and tried to work on my technique as I swam. I could tell a difference, but it's going to take a lot more work before I can be consistent the entire time.
On the way home, we stopped by the library for a minute that turned out to be a lot longer than a minute. Since it was supposed to be in-and-out, DD and I stayed in the car, which was really hot. So my mood was already deteriorating, and then I heard my cell ringing, but by the time I got it out of my bag in the back, it had stopped. Of course, it was DH calling, and I missed it. Mom and my brother finally came out, and DH called again just as I was backing out of the parking spot. I normally never drive while on the cell, but since it was DH, I made an exception. Not the smartest thing I've ever done, since I then proceeded to pull out in front of a car I hadn't seen and almost got us hit. So I asked DH to call back in a little while, but he never did. I'm guessing everyone else was using the phone and he didn't get another chance. Whatever the reason, he didn't call, and my mood didn't improve.
Even though I was in a bad mood all day, I did manage to get a lot done. Last night I finished the second continuing ed class I'm taking, and today I finished the third one. So my classes are all done, now I have to send in my paperwork from the classes and pay my fees, and my certification will be up-to-date! Yay me! I do need to do some more practice massages to integrate the stuff I learned in the classes into my massages. Come the middle of July, once I've got my massage room furniture, I'll be in business.
This evening, I went to pick up a log bed I found on craigslist. It was a good price, so even though we won't be using it for a year or so at the earliest, I went ahead and bought it. I didn't realize till I was unloading the car just how tall it is. It's a twin bed, but the headboard is a couple inches taller than me (ok, I am short- 5'1" on a good day)! Hopefully by the time DD is using it she'll be able to stay in the bed (or I'll be buying those side rails that keep kids in bed).
After dropping the bed at the storage unit, I ran to the grocery store, and then headed home. As I left the store, the rain was pouring down. I haven't seen it rain that hard in a long time. As I was driving home, it looked like the rain was bouncing off the road, it was coming down so hard! There was some spectacular lightning, too.
On the way home, we stopped by the library for a minute that turned out to be a lot longer than a minute. Since it was supposed to be in-and-out, DD and I stayed in the car, which was really hot. So my mood was already deteriorating, and then I heard my cell ringing, but by the time I got it out of my bag in the back, it had stopped. Of course, it was DH calling, and I missed it. Mom and my brother finally came out, and DH called again just as I was backing out of the parking spot. I normally never drive while on the cell, but since it was DH, I made an exception. Not the smartest thing I've ever done, since I then proceeded to pull out in front of a car I hadn't seen and almost got us hit. So I asked DH to call back in a little while, but he never did. I'm guessing everyone else was using the phone and he didn't get another chance. Whatever the reason, he didn't call, and my mood didn't improve.
Even though I was in a bad mood all day, I did manage to get a lot done. Last night I finished the second continuing ed class I'm taking, and today I finished the third one. So my classes are all done, now I have to send in my paperwork from the classes and pay my fees, and my certification will be up-to-date! Yay me! I do need to do some more practice massages to integrate the stuff I learned in the classes into my massages. Come the middle of July, once I've got my massage room furniture, I'll be in business.
This evening, I went to pick up a log bed I found on craigslist. It was a good price, so even though we won't be using it for a year or so at the earliest, I went ahead and bought it. I didn't realize till I was unloading the car just how tall it is. It's a twin bed, but the headboard is a couple inches taller than me (ok, I am short- 5'1" on a good day)! Hopefully by the time DD is using it she'll be able to stay in the bed (or I'll be buying those side rails that keep kids in bed).
After dropping the bed at the storage unit, I ran to the grocery store, and then headed home. As I left the store, the rain was pouring down. I haven't seen it rain that hard in a long time. As I was driving home, it looked like the rain was bouncing off the road, it was coming down so hard! There was some spectacular lightning, too.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
An efficient morning
This morning we went for an 8 mile bike ride. I was hoping for a 10 mile ride, but we ran into some obstacles: namely that I was riding where I wasn't supposed to be! I was riding on some newly paved roads in a new subdivision, and they weren't too happy about me being back there because of the construction. There wasn't that much traffic, and there aren't any signs posted saying you can't go back there, so I didn't see it as an issue. Oh well. I was able to ride through the completed portions, but those roads aren't nearly as long, so I wasn't able to get my 10 miles. I think I'm just going to have to stick closer to home and do some up and downs on the paved roads that have less traffic. Not the ideal, and I may end up just driving into town and using the bike path. That's not ideal either, though, especially once you add in travel time. At least the new subdivision was only 5 minutes away. I'll have to think about it some more.
As I was unloading the bike and trailer from the car, DD got tangled in my bike and managed to tip the bike and herself over. When I picked her up, the kickstand was up her pant leg! I noticed this rip next to the pocket, but figured I could sew it up pretty easily.
Later in the morning we went with my mom and picked out the tile for the bathroom that I think we're starting to demo tomorrow. We now have the expensive stuff bought and will add in the other stuff (drywall, paint, beadboard, etc) as we progress with the project.
I just looked at my calendar and realized we have 3 weeks to get two bathrooms remodeled- this'll be interesting! We have to have two bathrooms usable when everyone comes for the family reunion, and while the upstairs one should be finished, the bottom one may not be, and that's the nastiest one (the ones my younger brothers use- it's totally gross, no matter how much bleach is used). I avoid it as much as possible. Guess we'll have to work as fast as we can.
This morning I actually managed to get up and moving and hurried DD through breakfast and getting dressed, and we were out biking by 8:30 and home shortly after 9:30. This is something, since usually we're not even out the door till almost 10. I actually had time to get stuff done this morning and didn't feel rushed, which always decreases my productivity. Obviously I need to make it a habit to be more efficient with my time from the time I wake up. I can't have every morning completely shot by the time I'm done exercising (definitely what has been happening), I have too many things I've got to do.
Unfortunately, for all my efficiency this morning, I ruined it by spending the afternoon reading. I couldn't help myself, though. Janet Evanovich's newest book came out a few days ago, and I had requested it at the library, and I was able to pick it up on the way home from the tile store. Anytime one of my favorite authors comes out with something new I feel compelled to sit down and read it as quickly as possible. Her books are quick and easy to read and don't take long to get through, and at least I didn't stay up till 4 am like I did when I read The Host. Probably something else I should work on, but I always want to find out what happens, as quickly as possible. Who cares about sleeping when you're involved in someone else's life? Very escapist, I know, but sometimes you need to leave your life behind for awhile (as long as it's not long-term).
As I was unloading the bike and trailer from the car, DD got tangled in my bike and managed to tip the bike and herself over. When I picked her up, the kickstand was up her pant leg! I noticed this rip next to the pocket, but figured I could sew it up pretty easily.
Then I took her upstairs to change her pants, and noticed this tear:
Later in the morning we went with my mom and picked out the tile for the bathroom that I think we're starting to demo tomorrow. We now have the expensive stuff bought and will add in the other stuff (drywall, paint, beadboard, etc) as we progress with the project.
I just looked at my calendar and realized we have 3 weeks to get two bathrooms remodeled- this'll be interesting! We have to have two bathrooms usable when everyone comes for the family reunion, and while the upstairs one should be finished, the bottom one may not be, and that's the nastiest one (the ones my younger brothers use- it's totally gross, no matter how much bleach is used). I avoid it as much as possible. Guess we'll have to work as fast as we can.
This morning I actually managed to get up and moving and hurried DD through breakfast and getting dressed, and we were out biking by 8:30 and home shortly after 9:30. This is something, since usually we're not even out the door till almost 10. I actually had time to get stuff done this morning and didn't feel rushed, which always decreases my productivity. Obviously I need to make it a habit to be more efficient with my time from the time I wake up. I can't have every morning completely shot by the time I'm done exercising (definitely what has been happening), I have too many things I've got to do.
Unfortunately, for all my efficiency this morning, I ruined it by spending the afternoon reading. I couldn't help myself, though. Janet Evanovich's newest book came out a few days ago, and I had requested it at the library, and I was able to pick it up on the way home from the tile store. Anytime one of my favorite authors comes out with something new I feel compelled to sit down and read it as quickly as possible. Her books are quick and easy to read and don't take long to get through, and at least I didn't stay up till 4 am like I did when I read The Host. Probably something else I should work on, but I always want to find out what happens, as quickly as possible. Who cares about sleeping when you're involved in someone else's life? Very escapist, I know, but sometimes you need to leave your life behind for awhile (as long as it's not long-term).
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Trigger points
We went for a run this morning that was going to be 3 miles followed by a mile of walking, but ended up running just a mile and a half. My shins weren't feeling great, and my muscles weren't quite recovered from the hard ride last night, so I wussed out and walked two and a half miles, for a total of 4 miles. Best not to push things too far too fast this early in the game.
This afternoon my dad and I went and bought the sink and toilet for the first bathroom we're remodeling. Tomorrow my mom and I will buy the tile, and then on Friday we should be able to start demoing! Progress on that goal: check.
I've been reading the book for the Trigger Point class I'm taking for continuing ed hours, and it's quite interesting. Way more in-depth and detailed than the book we used when I was in massage school. In fact, I discovered that the pain in the arches of my feet could be caused by trigger points in my calf muscles. Who knew? I sure didn't realize that the referral pain could be located there. I originally signed up for this course so I could learn how to better help my brother who has scads of trigger points all up and down his legs because of some knee problems. But I can see how it will help me and some of my issues, and I've also seen several things I can do to help DH when he gets home. Definitely worth the time and money for this course. Progress on this goal: check.
I need to hurry up and get my continuing ed classes finished so I can concentrate on the remodels that we're going to be doing. I know they're going to take a lot of time and energy and I don't want to be splitting my efforts in too many directions. Plus I need to get my certification paperwork submitted as soon as possible so I can get have everything back by the time we're done with the remodels and I have the time and energy to work on building my massage practice.
I also pulled at my flute and played for about 20 minutes (all I had time for): a good start, but I need to keep it up and fit it in my schedule.
This afternoon my dad and I went and bought the sink and toilet for the first bathroom we're remodeling. Tomorrow my mom and I will buy the tile, and then on Friday we should be able to start demoing! Progress on that goal: check.
I've been reading the book for the Trigger Point class I'm taking for continuing ed hours, and it's quite interesting. Way more in-depth and detailed than the book we used when I was in massage school. In fact, I discovered that the pain in the arches of my feet could be caused by trigger points in my calf muscles. Who knew? I sure didn't realize that the referral pain could be located there. I originally signed up for this course so I could learn how to better help my brother who has scads of trigger points all up and down his legs because of some knee problems. But I can see how it will help me and some of my issues, and I've also seen several things I can do to help DH when he gets home. Definitely worth the time and money for this course. Progress on this goal: check.
I need to hurry up and get my continuing ed classes finished so I can concentrate on the remodels that we're going to be doing. I know they're going to take a lot of time and energy and I don't want to be splitting my efforts in too many directions. Plus I need to get my certification paperwork submitted as soon as possible so I can get have everything back by the time we're done with the remodels and I have the time and energy to work on building my massage practice.
I also pulled at my flute and played for about 20 minutes (all I had time for): a good start, but I need to keep it up and fit it in my schedule.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Painful abs
This morning I took DD in for a checkup, so that threw off our normal schedule of exercising in the morning. After the appointment and various errands, it was nap time, so it wasn't till later in the afternoon that we were able to go for a bike ride.
The last time we went for a ride, I noticed that the trailer tires were getting quite squashy, and made a mental note to inflate the tires before our next ride. It was actually a contributing factor to my going on a run yesterday: I didn't want to put forth the effort to inflate the tires. Today I got out my bike pump (the one that attaches to my bike) and tried, without success, to figure out how to inflate the tires. In my defense, my dad couldn't figure it out either. I think it could be for just the one type of valves? I don't know. Luckily my dad just turned on his compressor and we had the tires quickly taken care of.
Once on the road, I could tell an immediate difference in how everything flowed. It's amazing what a difference it makes to have fully inflated tires! And there are signs that my muscles are getting stronger: I was able to go most of the way (the 5 mile loop) in the middle gears (as opposed to the easier gears I usually end up in) and managed to cycle the whole way- even up the hill that usually gets me when I have DD along.
Yesterday after my run I did some crunches on my balance ball, and this morning I could definitely tell that it's been a really long time since I last worked on my abs. Talk about pain! But the pain this morning wasn't as bad as the pain when I did more crunches this afternoon after my bike ride. No wonder I've been feeling so flabby around the middle- I haven't been doing anything to tone and exercise my abs. Hopefully I'll start seeing results soon- my middle is definitely my least favorite part of my body.
The last time we went for a ride, I noticed that the trailer tires were getting quite squashy, and made a mental note to inflate the tires before our next ride. It was actually a contributing factor to my going on a run yesterday: I didn't want to put forth the effort to inflate the tires. Today I got out my bike pump (the one that attaches to my bike) and tried, without success, to figure out how to inflate the tires. In my defense, my dad couldn't figure it out either. I think it could be for just the one type of valves? I don't know. Luckily my dad just turned on his compressor and we had the tires quickly taken care of.
Once on the road, I could tell an immediate difference in how everything flowed. It's amazing what a difference it makes to have fully inflated tires! And there are signs that my muscles are getting stronger: I was able to go most of the way (the 5 mile loop) in the middle gears (as opposed to the easier gears I usually end up in) and managed to cycle the whole way- even up the hill that usually gets me when I have DD along.
Yesterday after my run I did some crunches on my balance ball, and this morning I could definitely tell that it's been a really long time since I last worked on my abs. Talk about pain! But the pain this morning wasn't as bad as the pain when I did more crunches this afternoon after my bike ride. No wonder I've been feeling so flabby around the middle- I haven't been doing anything to tone and exercise my abs. Hopefully I'll start seeing results soon- my middle is definitely my least favorite part of my body.
A Glorious day for running
This morning we went for a run. It was going to be a walk around the 5 mile loop, but there were some dogs running loose in that direction, so I had to go the other direction. Yes, I will change what I do to avoid dogs. I don't trust them, especially when my daughter is involved. You never know what a strange dog is going to do, so I avoid them whenever I can. Though I did realize today that I've been trusting my 15-year-old pepper spray a bit more than I should: I really need to replace it, since I seriously doubt that it's still effective.
Anyway, I wasn't planning on doing any running on the 5 mile loop because I can't remember where the mile marks are, and I need to know how far I'm actually running. As opposed to how far I think I'm running, which can be quite different. Since I went a different route, I ended up running 2 miles out, and walking the 2 miles back. I actually enjoy running that route because for the most part it's a gentle decline, with a few hills thrown in. The worst hills are right at the beginning, and right at the end of the 2 miles, but they're do-able.
The weather was just right for running: cool and overcast with the promise of rain, which made it a bit humid, but not unbearable, and a nice breeze (not the gale-force winds we've been having), just right for cooling one off. It was great! One of the best runs I've had in a really long time. My feet didn't hurt, and my shin gave a couple twinges at the beginning, then calmed down and didn't give me any more problems.
As I was running, I looked at the people who passed in their cars. People are pretty friendly out here: a lot of them will give me a finger wave (fingers lifted off the steering wheel) as they pass. Today, though, one lady gave me a great big smile and a thumbs up as she passed. It was nice of her, and gave me the little extra oomph to make it up the final hill.
I spent some time this afternoon figuring out furniture for my massage room (which still has to be remodeled, but I got the idea in my head and had to go with it, otherwise it would just keep bugging me), and then worked on one of my continuing ed classes. I actually managed to finish it tonight, and am now 3 credits closer to getting my certification up-to-date. Woohoo!
Anyway, I wasn't planning on doing any running on the 5 mile loop because I can't remember where the mile marks are, and I need to know how far I'm actually running. As opposed to how far I think I'm running, which can be quite different. Since I went a different route, I ended up running 2 miles out, and walking the 2 miles back. I actually enjoy running that route because for the most part it's a gentle decline, with a few hills thrown in. The worst hills are right at the beginning, and right at the end of the 2 miles, but they're do-able.
The weather was just right for running: cool and overcast with the promise of rain, which made it a bit humid, but not unbearable, and a nice breeze (not the gale-force winds we've been having), just right for cooling one off. It was great! One of the best runs I've had in a really long time. My feet didn't hurt, and my shin gave a couple twinges at the beginning, then calmed down and didn't give me any more problems.
As I was running, I looked at the people who passed in their cars. People are pretty friendly out here: a lot of them will give me a finger wave (fingers lifted off the steering wheel) as they pass. Today, though, one lady gave me a great big smile and a thumbs up as she passed. It was nice of her, and gave me the little extra oomph to make it up the final hill.
I spent some time this afternoon figuring out furniture for my massage room (which still has to be remodeled, but I got the idea in my head and had to go with it, otherwise it would just keep bugging me), and then worked on one of my continuing ed classes. I actually managed to finish it tonight, and am now 3 credits closer to getting my certification up-to-date. Woohoo!
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Dirt roads and sunburns
This morning we went for a 9 mile walk. I did the 5 mile loop and then the new route that I found that is 2 out, 2 back. Most of it's dirt roads, but the main dirt road is kept up very well and is very smooth. The other dirt road isn't as well-kept or as smooth, but it has very light traffic, so it's not too bad, either. Unfortunately, I did forget to put sunscreen on me or DD (I have got to work on that!) and since it took two and a half hours, I got a bit fried. DD got a bit of a burn on her ankles, and the tan lines on her feet from her sandals are now quite distinct, but she didn't get anything nearly as bad as I did. My training schedule doesn't call for a 9 mile walk yet, but since I'm down on my mileage, I figured it wouldn't be too bad, especially since I was walking instead of running. I could feel some stiffness and soreness in my shins, but I stretched and iced them when I got home and hopefully I won't have any more problems with them. I would like to start running as soon as possible, but I don't want to get shinsplints, either. Balance is the key.
No swimming this week. We should have gone yesterday, but mom and DD are still getting over colds and ear infections, so we figured waiting a week would be better.
In my quest to work on my goal of writing a book, I've also been trying to do more writing period. I have two blogs I post on almost daily, and I'm keeping a journal of things DH and I talk about and the things going on in his life (this is also almost a daily thing, depending on our correspondence), and of course, I'm working on my book almost daily. It's slow going, but it is going.
I was looking through my planner the other day, and found an epiphany I had had and scrawled down so I wouldn't forget it. The occasion was when DD and I went to visit DH before he shipped out.
I had an epiphany tonight. DD and I were waiting in the car while DH got things squared away in the barracks. As I waited, I watched the soldiers coming in off pass. Most of them were wearing khaki cargo pants with pockets on both legs, just like their ACU pants. Soldiers are always shoving things in the pockets of their ACU pants: patrol caps, berets, notebooks, chapstick, sunblock, wallets, candy bars, gum, you name it. As I watched the soldiers, I realized that many of them had things in the pockets of their civilian cargo pants as well. And that's when it hit me: cargo pants are the male equivalent of the purse!
No swimming this week. We should have gone yesterday, but mom and DD are still getting over colds and ear infections, so we figured waiting a week would be better.
In my quest to work on my goal of writing a book, I've also been trying to do more writing period. I have two blogs I post on almost daily, and I'm keeping a journal of things DH and I talk about and the things going on in his life (this is also almost a daily thing, depending on our correspondence), and of course, I'm working on my book almost daily. It's slow going, but it is going.
I was looking through my planner the other day, and found an epiphany I had had and scrawled down so I wouldn't forget it. The occasion was when DD and I went to visit DH before he shipped out.
I had an epiphany tonight. DD and I were waiting in the car while DH got things squared away in the barracks. As I waited, I watched the soldiers coming in off pass. Most of them were wearing khaki cargo pants with pockets on both legs, just like their ACU pants. Soldiers are always shoving things in the pockets of their ACU pants: patrol caps, berets, notebooks, chapstick, sunblock, wallets, candy bars, gum, you name it. As I watched the soldiers, I realized that many of them had things in the pockets of their civilian cargo pants as well. And that's when it hit me: cargo pants are the male equivalent of the purse!
Friday, June 13, 2008
Bike riding on a nice paved road
I don't know what the problem with blogger is, but I spent an hour typing my entry for today, clicked the 'publish post' button, and lost everything. It told me I needed to log in or some stupid thing. After logging in, I checked my drafts (since it's supposed to automatically save every few minutes) and this was all it had saved: Today we went for a bike ride on the nice paved roads of a new subdivision that's going in nearby. Talk about annoying. Now I have to try to remember what I'd typed and how I'd worded everything.
Anyway, today we went for a bike ride on the nice paved roads of a new subdivision that's going in nearby. There's a lot of rolling hills, but nothing too bad. There's not a lot of houses built yet, so there's not a lot of traffic. There was some construction traffic, but I think it was from the road paving that was going on today. I'll have to wait another week before trying to ride on the newly paved portions. If I try too soon, all the fumes and gases will burn my throat. I rode six and a half miles today, but it wouldn't be too hard to do more than that, which is good, since I really need to start doing some longer rides. It was nice to ride on some paved roads instead of bumpy dirt roads.
This morning as we were finishing up breakfast we heard quite the racket outside. I ran outside and saw six helicopters flying over our house. There were five single rotor and one double rotor (I don't know the names of the different helicopters). There's just something about the sound of military helicopters flying in formation. The 'thwack thwack' of each helicopter, overlaying the 'thwack thwack' of the helicopter next to it permeates the air so much more than a dainty civilian helicopter could. I don't know why it is, but it just gets me every time. When we were on our bike ride, we saw them again, though without the double rotor helicopter. They weren't so close, so they weren't as loud, and the effect wasn't quite the same. Though I think part of what gets me is how intimidating they can be: there's nothing quite like the sight of of 4 or 5 helicopters flying in formation, straight at you. I've experience it several times now, though never with myself as a target. If I find them intimidating when I'm not a target, I don't want to think about what it would be like if I was a target.
Anyway, today we went for a bike ride on the nice paved roads of a new subdivision that's going in nearby. There's a lot of rolling hills, but nothing too bad. There's not a lot of houses built yet, so there's not a lot of traffic. There was some construction traffic, but I think it was from the road paving that was going on today. I'll have to wait another week before trying to ride on the newly paved portions. If I try too soon, all the fumes and gases will burn my throat. I rode six and a half miles today, but it wouldn't be too hard to do more than that, which is good, since I really need to start doing some longer rides. It was nice to ride on some paved roads instead of bumpy dirt roads.
This morning as we were finishing up breakfast we heard quite the racket outside. I ran outside and saw six helicopters flying over our house. There were five single rotor and one double rotor (I don't know the names of the different helicopters). There's just something about the sound of military helicopters flying in formation. The 'thwack thwack' of each helicopter, overlaying the 'thwack thwack' of the helicopter next to it permeates the air so much more than a dainty civilian helicopter could. I don't know why it is, but it just gets me every time. When we were on our bike ride, we saw them again, though without the double rotor helicopter. They weren't so close, so they weren't as loud, and the effect wasn't quite the same. Though I think part of what gets me is how intimidating they can be: there's nothing quite like the sight of of 4 or 5 helicopters flying in formation, straight at you. I've experience it several times now, though never with myself as a target. If I find them intimidating when I'm not a target, I don't want to think about what it would be like if I was a target.
The joys of womanhood
Ok, so I know why I've been feeling blah the last few days: it's that time of the month. Compared to the past couple months, this has actually been a light case of the blahs. Maybe all the exercise has helped? Luckily I was able to get my walk (5 miles) done before the cramps hit, since once they came, not much else was going on. I firmly believe that cramps are an unnecessary part of life for women, especially when we have to suffer through them on a monthly basis. Cramps suck!
I jogged for a couple minutes while on my walk, but didn't want to push it. My left shin started twinging Sunday night, and I don't want to make it worse, so I'm taking it as easy as possible. Not too easy, though, since I really need to start getting my weekly mileage up so I'm ready for the marathon.
I jogged for a couple minutes while on my walk, but didn't want to push it. My left shin started twinging Sunday night, and I don't want to make it worse, so I'm taking it as easy as possible. Not too easy, though, since I really need to start getting my weekly mileage up so I'm ready for the marathon.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Another blah day
Ok, so I know I said yesterday that I need to work out in the afternoons, if my schedule doesn't allow for morning workouts, but it didn't happen today. I know why though, and it was part of the reason yesterday, too. It gets so windy out here in the afternoon and evening- it really makes it difficult to walk/run/bike/do anything without getting blown away. It takes a lot out of me.
I don't have to babysit tomorrow, though I may go over to help my mother-in-law with all the various grandkids she'll be watching. This means I have to get up and going first thing in the am so I can go for a bike ride or a walk before I go help her.
I did work on my book some last night, and will do so some more tonight.
Feeling kinda blah, overall: from not working out, not eating right (too many carbs), and fighting a cold. DD caught something about a week or so ago and has spread it around- my mom got it bad, I only got it a bit (thanks to the Juice Plus, now I've gotta get DD started on it), but I just don't feel quite right. This is only the second time I've taken DD to the doctor for a visit that wasn't a normally scheduled check-up.
I don't have to babysit tomorrow, though I may go over to help my mother-in-law with all the various grandkids she'll be watching. This means I have to get up and going first thing in the am so I can go for a bike ride or a walk before I go help her.
I did work on my book some last night, and will do so some more tonight.
Feeling kinda blah, overall: from not working out, not eating right (too many carbs), and fighting a cold. DD caught something about a week or so ago and has spread it around- my mom got it bad, I only got it a bit (thanks to the Juice Plus, now I've gotta get DD started on it), but I just don't feel quite right. This is only the second time I've taken DD to the doctor for a visit that wasn't a normally scheduled check-up.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Babysitting (ok, not a goal, but it still happened today)
Sunday afternoon I drove around a bit, trying to find better places to ride my bike and longer routes for running, both without lots of traffic. I was successful in finding a straight, relatively flat road to run on. It's not great for biking since it's a dirt road with washboards. just a bit further away I found some nice paved roads (this is a really big deal, since most paved roads out here are pretty major roads with lots of traffic) in a new development that's going in. There's not too many houses in yet, so I'll have to give it a whirl and see how much traffic is really there, and how much of it is construction traffic.
Yesterday I did ride my bike with DD on the road I found for running. DD thought the bumps were great (she'd open her mouth and go 'ahh ahh' as we went over the bumps), but I was concerned about the effects on our tires- I ride a hybrid, so at least I wasn't trying this on a road bike, but it would definitely have been easier on a mountain bike. It ended up being 7 miles, so if I add it to my 5 mile loop, I can get a 12 mile run in. Now I just need to find something comparable in length for my bike.
Today I didn't go for a walk like I had planned. This morning I babysat my nieces and nephew and it ended up taking a most of the day, rather than the couple hours it was supposed to (not my sister in law's fault, though). None of the kids would go down for a nap, and I spent two hours telling them to lay down and go to sleep. I had wanted to go for a walk after we were done, but we ended up going home so DD could take a nap (which she really, really needed). By the time she woke up, I was no longer in the mood to go for a walk, though I think I'm going to have to just do it anyway in the future: I think my schedule will be fairly similar tomorrow and possibly the day after as well, and I can't go three days without working out.
I was also supposed to work on my continuing ed classes this week, but I to really get in the groove I need more than just an hour or so each night. I only found out about the babysitting on Sunday, so I've had to change things up on pretty short notice. So I think I'll work some more on my book this week and do my classes next week.
Yesterday I did ride my bike with DD on the road I found for running. DD thought the bumps were great (she'd open her mouth and go 'ahh ahh' as we went over the bumps), but I was concerned about the effects on our tires- I ride a hybrid, so at least I wasn't trying this on a road bike, but it would definitely have been easier on a mountain bike. It ended up being 7 miles, so if I add it to my 5 mile loop, I can get a 12 mile run in. Now I just need to find something comparable in length for my bike.
Today I didn't go for a walk like I had planned. This morning I babysat my nieces and nephew and it ended up taking a most of the day, rather than the couple hours it was supposed to (not my sister in law's fault, though). None of the kids would go down for a nap, and I spent two hours telling them to lay down and go to sleep. I had wanted to go for a walk after we were done, but we ended up going home so DD could take a nap (which she really, really needed). By the time she woke up, I was no longer in the mood to go for a walk, though I think I'm going to have to just do it anyway in the future: I think my schedule will be fairly similar tomorrow and possibly the day after as well, and I can't go three days without working out.
I was also supposed to work on my continuing ed classes this week, but I to really get in the groove I need more than just an hour or so each night. I only found out about the babysitting on Sunday, so I've had to change things up on pretty short notice. So I think I'll work some more on my book this week and do my classes next week.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
I did it!
Today I finished my first triathlon, and I didn't die! This was a concern, based on how I felt Tuesday after the wet run. In fact, I felt better than I did on Tuesday, even though all my distances were longer.
I started in the second to last wave, which meant I didn't have to be there at the crack of dawn- I got up when the first group was starting- that's how slow I am (it was based on your swim time). I finished my swim in 17 minutes, which is as good as I've ever done. I really need to work on my form and efficiency though, so I can get faster. The top people were swimming the same distance in 6-7 minutes. I don't expect to get that fast, but I would like to cut at least 5 minutes off my time. One thing I definitely change will be to get spandex shorts and a top and swim, bike and run in those. No more messing with a swimsuit that chafes when biking and running. It'll save time in the first transition, too (it wastes time trying to pull biking shorts over wet legs and up a wet swimsuit).
I did my bike ride in about an hour- it was 2 times around a 6 mile loop, with a lot of long hills. Not steep hills, just long, neverending hills. It did finish on a downhill, though. I need to figure out how cycle faster, although I think it's really a case of building my muscles, which means I need to work out more.
I ended up walking about half the run- I was pretty dehydrated by then, and my leg muscles were super fatigued. Not sore- just too tired to move anymore. It was a really weird sensation. So, I need to hydrate a lot better, eat more shot blox to keep my energy up, and be in better shape so I don't reach such muscle exhaustion again.
Overall, it was a great experience- I had a good time and will definitely be doing it again. I still don't have sore muscles, which is great- normally, if I'd been running for two hours, my feet would be thrashed, and my leg muscles would be really sore. Instead, I'm tired, but not exhausted, and my legs are still really tired (carrying DD up the stairs was a reminder that 'hey, we're here and we're still not recovered from this morning').
I just looked up the results, and my official stats are:
Swim (500 m): 16:55.9 (4.1 seconds under! wahoo!)
1st Transition: 5:02.6
Bike (12 miles): 1:00:17 (right on target- I was aiming for 1 hour)
2nd Transition: 1:10.9
Run (3.1 miles): 34:30.8 (11.07 min/mile. I was aiming for 10 min/mile)
Total time: 1:57:57.1 (2.03 min under the 2 hours I thought it would take me)
I came in 352 out of 378 finishers (I wasn't last!!!)
In my division (30-34 women) I came in 42nd out of 45 (I also wasn't last in my age group!!)
I was 162nd of 179 women (I came in ahead of people!)
Ok, so I was a little worried about coming in last. But that didn't happen physically (there were people who crossed the finish line after me) or on paper with everyone's results compiled. Yay me!
I started in the second to last wave, which meant I didn't have to be there at the crack of dawn- I got up when the first group was starting- that's how slow I am (it was based on your swim time). I finished my swim in 17 minutes, which is as good as I've ever done. I really need to work on my form and efficiency though, so I can get faster. The top people were swimming the same distance in 6-7 minutes. I don't expect to get that fast, but I would like to cut at least 5 minutes off my time. One thing I definitely change will be to get spandex shorts and a top and swim, bike and run in those. No more messing with a swimsuit that chafes when biking and running. It'll save time in the first transition, too (it wastes time trying to pull biking shorts over wet legs and up a wet swimsuit).
I did my bike ride in about an hour- it was 2 times around a 6 mile loop, with a lot of long hills. Not steep hills, just long, neverending hills. It did finish on a downhill, though. I need to figure out how cycle faster, although I think it's really a case of building my muscles, which means I need to work out more.
I ended up walking about half the run- I was pretty dehydrated by then, and my leg muscles were super fatigued. Not sore- just too tired to move anymore. It was a really weird sensation. So, I need to hydrate a lot better, eat more shot blox to keep my energy up, and be in better shape so I don't reach such muscle exhaustion again.
Overall, it was a great experience- I had a good time and will definitely be doing it again. I still don't have sore muscles, which is great- normally, if I'd been running for two hours, my feet would be thrashed, and my leg muscles would be really sore. Instead, I'm tired, but not exhausted, and my legs are still really tired (carrying DD up the stairs was a reminder that 'hey, we're here and we're still not recovered from this morning').
I just looked up the results, and my official stats are:
Swim (500 m): 16:55.9 (4.1 seconds under! wahoo!)
1st Transition: 5:02.6
Bike (12 miles): 1:00:17 (right on target- I was aiming for 1 hour)
2nd Transition: 1:10.9
Run (3.1 miles): 34:30.8 (11.07 min/mile. I was aiming for 10 min/mile)
Total time: 1:57:57.1 (2.03 min under the 2 hours I thought it would take me)
I came in 352 out of 378 finishers (I wasn't last!!!)
In my division (30-34 women) I came in 42nd out of 45 (I also wasn't last in my age group!!)
I was 162nd of 179 women (I came in ahead of people!)
Ok, so I was a little worried about coming in last. But that didn't happen physically (there were people who crossed the finish line after me) or on paper with everyone's results compiled. Yay me!
Friday, June 6, 2008
Pre-race day!
Well, I sure hope I feel better tomorrow than I did today. I ended up taking DD to the doctor because she's been real goopy around the eyes the last few days (doctor's not too worried, but her ears were starting to get infected). Then we ran a bunch of errands- some related to the race, some not. All tiring.
This reminded me of the days when I was really struggling with the effects of the systemic yeast infection, and everything was exhausting. I formed habits that I'm still trying to break 5 years later, like parking as close to the store as possible, not going to some stores on my list because I've already used up my energy reserves, and debating how badly things really need to be done today- can they wait for later? This in turn reminded me of a conversation I had with a friend a few months ago. We were talking about my upcoming visit to see my husband, and she said I should hook up with so-and-so, who would also be there visiting her husband. I said I'd see, and she made a comment about me being neutral. This got me thinking: Am I really neutral about things? As I thought about it, I decided I'm not neutral so much as noncommittal. This also goes back to my low energy days, where I got in the habit of not committing to anything ahead of time. My life was so one-day-at-time then: one day I might have energy to go to the store, the next I might barely have energy to get out of bed and make dinner, forget going out and doing anything with anybody. I'm trying to get better about this, but I still struggle with it. I think I was doing better until I got pregnant. It was not a great pregnancy and it took quite awhile to recover and get my energy levels back up, which set me back a lot. Right about when I was starting to do better, I had my second miscarriage, and the accompanying depression really took it out of me and set me back big time. It's only been in the last couple months (since I started taking Juice Plus+) that I've started to have more energy and really feel like I can function like a normal person again. Hence all the goals that involve me exercising and getting in shape. There are of course still days where I don't have the energy I would like, but overall I am making a lot of progress, which is really encouraging when I remember that I've been dealing with this for going on 9 years now.
Ok, enough introspection for now. I am going to go to bed early and get lots of rest and have a great time at the triathlon, even if I come in dead last!
This reminded me of the days when I was really struggling with the effects of the systemic yeast infection, and everything was exhausting. I formed habits that I'm still trying to break 5 years later, like parking as close to the store as possible, not going to some stores on my list because I've already used up my energy reserves, and debating how badly things really need to be done today- can they wait for later? This in turn reminded me of a conversation I had with a friend a few months ago. We were talking about my upcoming visit to see my husband, and she said I should hook up with so-and-so, who would also be there visiting her husband. I said I'd see, and she made a comment about me being neutral. This got me thinking: Am I really neutral about things? As I thought about it, I decided I'm not neutral so much as noncommittal. This also goes back to my low energy days, where I got in the habit of not committing to anything ahead of time. My life was so one-day-at-time then: one day I might have energy to go to the store, the next I might barely have energy to get out of bed and make dinner, forget going out and doing anything with anybody. I'm trying to get better about this, but I still struggle with it. I think I was doing better until I got pregnant. It was not a great pregnancy and it took quite awhile to recover and get my energy levels back up, which set me back a lot. Right about when I was starting to do better, I had my second miscarriage, and the accompanying depression really took it out of me and set me back big time. It's only been in the last couple months (since I started taking Juice Plus+) that I've started to have more energy and really feel like I can function like a normal person again. Hence all the goals that involve me exercising and getting in shape. There are of course still days where I don't have the energy I would like, but overall I am making a lot of progress, which is really encouraging when I remember that I've been dealing with this for going on 9 years now.
Ok, enough introspection for now. I am going to go to bed early and get lots of rest and have a great time at the triathlon, even if I come in dead last!
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Rainy days and sore throats
Last night I did manage to type several more pages of my book. Yay! I didn't work on the quilt till today, and all I need to do on it now is sew the binding in place. I might need to take my sewing machine in for a tune-up first, though. Last time I used it the thread kept breaking because the needle was rubbing against the plate. Not sure why. I'll give it a try and see what happens, though I probably won't have time till Monday to do anything with it.
I woke up with a sore throat, and it was raining, so I didn't go for a bike ride or a walk today. I've been fighting DD's cold, and I think I'm finally succumbing, just in time for the triathlon. Urgh! I've been trying to get to bed on time the last few days, obviously this has to continue the next two nights. I'm really hoping I don't get any worse- I need to do this triathlon, and it's going to be really hard if I'm sick.
I'm going to try to write a bit more of my book, then I'm going to bed early.
I woke up with a sore throat, and it was raining, so I didn't go for a bike ride or a walk today. I've been fighting DD's cold, and I think I'm finally succumbing, just in time for the triathlon. Urgh! I've been trying to get to bed on time the last few days, obviously this has to continue the next two nights. I'm really hoping I don't get any worse- I need to do this triathlon, and it's going to be really hard if I'm sick.
I'm going to try to write a bit more of my book, then I'm going to bed early.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
One goal accomplished, others worked on today
Walked three miles today with DD. I thought about running at least one mile, but my left foot is twinging, so I thought it would be better to let it rest- don't need to get a stress fracture this early in the game.
I finally finished transferring my books on cd (Twilight, Eclipse, The Host) to my ipod. I used to be able to listen to music while driving long distances and that was enough to keep me awake. Unfortunately, that hasn't been the case for several years, and I've had buy or borrow books on cd to listen to while driving. Since getting my ipod, I can transfer everything onto it, and not mess with changing cds in and out and dropping/scratching/getting them out of order. Ok, so we do have a 6 cd in-dash cd player, but you still have to mess with them some what, and they take up a lot more space than the ipod. On my ipod I also have the Harry Potter books, as well as a couple of Janet Evanovich's and some LDS fiction. Gotta have variety- if I've listened to it or read it too often I won't stay as involved in it, and will zone out.
I'm writing this early (8:45 pm instead of 10:45 pm) because I have other things to do tonight and don't want to forget to post. I thought about working on DD's Nemo quilt, and I really need to get going on my continuing ed classes (home study is the best!), but I think I'm going to work on my book. It's been awhile because I've been dreading the plodding nature of typing in details that normally take me very little time to read (I read very fast), but it's time to face up to it and get moving. It's not going to write itself. So, I'm off to do that, and if I get too antsy after awhile, I'll work on the quilt.
I finally finished transferring my books on cd (Twilight, Eclipse, The Host) to my ipod. I used to be able to listen to music while driving long distances and that was enough to keep me awake. Unfortunately, that hasn't been the case for several years, and I've had buy or borrow books on cd to listen to while driving. Since getting my ipod, I can transfer everything onto it, and not mess with changing cds in and out and dropping/scratching/getting them out of order. Ok, so we do have a 6 cd in-dash cd player, but you still have to mess with them some what, and they take up a lot more space than the ipod. On my ipod I also have the Harry Potter books, as well as a couple of Janet Evanovich's and some LDS fiction. Gotta have variety- if I've listened to it or read it too often I won't stay as involved in it, and will zone out.
I'm writing this early (8:45 pm instead of 10:45 pm) because I have other things to do tonight and don't want to forget to post. I thought about working on DD's Nemo quilt, and I really need to get going on my continuing ed classes (home study is the best!), but I think I'm going to work on my book. It's been awhile because I've been dreading the plodding nature of typing in details that normally take me very little time to read (I read very fast), but it's time to face up to it and get moving. It's not going to write itself. So, I'm off to do that, and if I get too antsy after awhile, I'll work on the quilt.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
"Wet Run"
Today I did a "wet run" of what the triathlon will be like. I think I need to change how I work out and start doing 2-a-days, say swimming and biking, biking and running, etc. Let's just say Saturday will be interesting, and I really hope I survive.
I swam 10 laps, pulled on my bike clothes, biked 4 miles, then ran 1 mile and walked 1 mile. I was really gasping by the time I started running (staggering- that's quite a transition to go from biking to running), and I'm hoping that was all the crud in the air (fields next to the path being moved, pollen floating lazily by, etc), and not asthma making its presence known. It's been about 8 or 9 years since I had problems with it.
There were only a couple spots of chafing (around my arms, from the swimsuit under my biking shirt), but those are easy to take care of- just a little Body Glide, and I'll be good.
I've been staying up late lately, so I need to really work on getting to bed early this week so I'm not completely exhausted come race day.
I swam 10 laps, pulled on my bike clothes, biked 4 miles, then ran 1 mile and walked 1 mile. I was really gasping by the time I started running (staggering- that's quite a transition to go from biking to running), and I'm hoping that was all the crud in the air (fields next to the path being moved, pollen floating lazily by, etc), and not asthma making its presence known. It's been about 8 or 9 years since I had problems with it.
There were only a couple spots of chafing (around my arms, from the swimsuit under my biking shirt), but those are easy to take care of- just a little Body Glide, and I'll be good.
I've been staying up late lately, so I need to really work on getting to bed early this week so I'm not completely exhausted come race day.
Off day
I was going to go on a bike ride today, then remembered that my biking clothes were in the washer. So then I was going to go on a walk, but that just never quite happened. DD has a cold, and I've got a touch of it (nothing too bad) and just felt blah. So I spent a good portion of the day re-reading 'The Host'. I read it the first time on our road trip, staying up till 4 am to do so. Not a smart thing to do when you have a full day of driving ahead of you. But I've never been sensible when it comes to reading- this wasn't the first time I've stayed up all night to finish a book, and I'm sure it won't be the last. I get started, and just can't put it down. Hmm, I should probably add 'Self control when reading books' to my goal list, but then I'd feel obligated to work on it, when in reality I don't want to. Maybe once I've got some of the other things done.
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