Pages

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Third Week of Training

My third week of training was one run short.  I ran 3 miles outside on Tuesday afternoon and 2 miles on the Treadmill on Wednesday.  


On Christmas night the snow started falling and continues still.  It's Sunday evening now.  This was my first white Christmas, even though the snow didn't start to fall until nighttime.  It was very cool.  Today, my husband and I ventured out around noon time and had a run in the snow.  We ran 2 miles together and since I needed to get in my long run, I continued on for another 3 miles.  It was really beautiful out.  It was cold, but we were both warmed up fast. 


As I continued on my own, I half stepped on a curb and almost twisted my ankle.  Since it didn't twist too much and I walked it off.  After a step or two, I fell to my knees and all I could do was giggle.  I do that a lot when it snows. Giggle that is...not fall.  I'm such a California girl. My ankle was fine, though, and I continued my run. The 5 miles felt really good too.  My long run training was cancelled due to the road conditions.  I'm so glad I was able to get in my long run anyway.


Breakfast before our run was a latte, banana, black berries and blueberries.  Didn't seem to need much to have good running energy.


I'm very glad that we ran when we did.  It got way colder as the day move on.


Till next time....happy running!

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Tomorrow is my 'procedure'....

A colonoscopy is an internal examination of the colon (large intestine) and rectum, using an instrument called a colonoscope.


I'm at the age where every time I see a doctor I'm asked if I've had a colonoscopy.  I say no I haven't and the exam proceeds.  My new doctor has a way with patients like me, though.  After finding out that I have not had one yet at 53, he went ahead and gave my name and number to a gastrointestinal doctor.  And wouldn't you know, not a week passed before I received a call from his nurse.  Now I'm in the prep time and just finished my first dose of yuck.  Magnesium Citrate at first taste is ok.  It's lemon favored, but the last half was so sickeningly sweet that I gagged.  I downed the last four swallows and have washed it down with 8 ounces of water mixed with some apple juice.  Now I wait.  My next dosage will be miraLAX powder mixed with Gadorade. I'll need to drink 32 ounces at 6pm and then again at 9pm. 






I think the worst thing about this is not eating.  I don't usually crave food, but right about now, I'm craving a filet mignon.  


The cool thing about this, I'm told, is that you get to see inside yourself.  How cool is that???!!



Sunday, December 19, 2010

Second Week of Training

My second week of training was pretty good.  On Monday, it snowed here and I ran 2 miles in a light falling snow. It was wonderful.  I even caught a snowflake or two.  I ran Wednesday morning and Thursday evening on the treadmill. I prefer running outside to the treadmill, though.  Saturday's group run felt great. I ran 5 miles and for the second half of it I had a running partner. I was nice to have someone to run and talk with.  It's amazing how the time and distance moves a little faster with company.  There was some icy parts, but no one slipped...at least not that I saw.

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Week 1 Training Complete

My first week or training for my second half marathon is complete.  


I ran 2 miles (3:1 run:fast walk) outside on Monday at lunch. Working from home on Mondays makes this possible. It was 40 degrees, but the wind was blowing and that lowers that temp some.  Half way through my run, I was wishing I wore my face gear. My body was warm enough, but my face was so cold.  Next time I'll remember.  


Wednesday, I ran 3 miles on the treadmill after work.  I did some farlik training (swedish name for speed play).  Normal pace was 5.6...some at 6 and up to 7 with a bunch of 4.5 to catch my breath after the 7 and 6 runs.  


Thursday was scheduled for 2 miles, but I was void of the energy, so I ran it on Friday and did the same farlik type run. Treadmill running is so boring that I find I need something to keep it interesting.  Also, those 2 miles were not easy and I wanted to get it done.  We are supposed to re-arrange the den so I can watch my new TV.  That will make it easier. 


Today was the first group long run.  I ran 4 miles and ran the whole way. It's so much easier running outside than on a treadmill.  Not as boring. Next time I'm bringing my music, though. I thought I'd be talking with fellow runners, but I was alone most of the time. My pace was between the faster runners and the slower runners.  That make sense since all my race result put me in the middle of the ranking. It was 40 degrees, but no wind and I dressed too warm.  Next time, if it's 40 without wind, I'll wear short sleeves with my new sleeves.
This way if I get too hot, I can pull them off.
Next week is the same schedule, except the long run is 5 miles.  
So...till next report...

Sunday, December 05, 2010

Training for my second half marathon

Tomorrow begins my training for my second half marathon, The Shamrock Half Marathon in Virginia Beach.

I've joined the Shamrock half training group and will run with them on my Saturday long runs. The rest of the training will be on my own.  I'll be running four times a week and that includes the Saturday long runs. This time, though, I'm adding in cross training and prescribed.  I'm hoping to run the half in less then 2:30.  This will be a little over 15 minutes faster than my first half.

My husband has started running again and so I'll have a running partner during the week. It's nice to run together.

My plan is to log here weekly about my training.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

The accidental Black Friday shopper....

Yesterday was Black Friday and I did do some shopping.  I only purchased one Black Friday item, though.  


After my one BF purchase, I needed to purchase some mineral foundation powder. I'd heard about Clinique's new mineral foundation and found it intriguing. Rather than power, as you turn the wheel, a fresh top layer is shaved up through the slots....powder. The brush is really only useful around the eyes, though.
Since it was early, there was no one at the Clinique counter yet.  I had a half hour to wait, so I meandered around the store and found a few things to try on just to kill time. I've been wanting to buy some tunic type outfits to blend into my wardrobe and have tried this in the past without success. This day I was successful and purchased two tunics and some cable knit type leggings. Then, I found and purchased my mineral foundation and went home.

When I returned home, I turned on the TV and started watching the marathon of What Not to Wear.  After seeing a few of the transformations, I decided that my hair needed a color lift and off I went to the beauty supply store.  I parked near the shoe store, as I needed a new black pair of shoes to replace my pointy short boots.  No luck with that, so I walked into TJ Max to look at their shoes as well.  With my head still filled with the What Not to Wear transformations, I was thinking about my wardrobe and shopped around to add to my new tunic style I'd started shaping that morning.

I usually only find one or two items of value when I've shopped at TJ Max, but they must have received a big shipment because I had to force myself to the register before I spent too much. I did end up with a pair of black flats (no short boots for me...yet), but I found some really cute clothes to enhance my wardrobe. 

Next step is to go through my closet and remove the clothes that I haven't worn in years. That will be hard though...really hard.  In the past, what I did was bag up these clothes and put the bag in the garage. If I've not missed the clothes for 6-8 months (yes, that long), then I give them away without another look in the bags.  Two Spings ago, I vacuum bagged my winter stuff.  Last winter I pulled only one sweater out. I'm thinking those are the first to be bagged.  I asked my husband to help me decide, but I told him that I plan on at least removing half of my current wardrobe.  We'll see how that goes, though, as parting is such sweet sorrow.  The thing is, my mornings will be so much simpler with less clothes in the closet that I never wear.  I'll find things easier.  

To me this will lessen any morning stress....and I'm all about that!

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Umbilical Hernia repair -- warning TMI... :-)

I was told it was a routine surgery, but it's surgery and there's recovery.  I've been in the recovery stage since Wednesday afternoon.  I finally took a shower today and that felt good!

My stomach is bloated and look about 5 months pregnant.  I've been drinking water since the pain pills dry me out, so clearing my bladder, which was mandatory in the first eight hours, was the easy part.  It's the other that I've yet to do that is the cause of the majority of my pain. My bloated belly is pulling on the super glued suture site.

On wednesday, I had a flat tummy and I'm looking forward to that flatness again.

I can't wait to go running too.  I was thinking I'd be running within a week! I guess I underestimated what surgery is all about and definitely overestimated my tolerance to pain.  My husband got me to take a short walk last night. We walked to the corner and back....very slowly.  I was in my nightgown, long winter coat and uggs.  I needed that.

I'm not sure at this point what my belly button will look like once the swelling goes down.  I had an inny/outy.  It was in, but you could see the belly button.  Time will tell.

Yeah...I know... TMI, but at least I didn't post a picture of my belly...

Friday, November 12, 2010

surgery---done

On Wednesday, I had surgery. Umbilical hernia repair. I'm still on pain medicine. I'm very sore still on day 3. My belly button looks weird right now. What used to be an inny, looks like an outy. I'm hoping that it gets back to normal. 


I have a high pain tolerance, but this trait is not helping me right now.  


This was the first time I was 'cut.'  I had oral surgery for my wisdom teeth, but that was a twilight sleep, not general anesthesia.  The 'cut' is barely an inch.  The worst part is that I'm bloated and can't seem to do anything about it. I'm eating and drinking, but still nothing. I even drank some Slimming Tea to help in that department, but I'm not even flatulent...no urge at all.  


I called my doctor's office...found out that this is perfectly normal.  His nurse suggested a stool softener...Milk of Magnesia.  Pretty soon, something has to give.  I think that the incision is hurting more because of how bloated I am.  


Anyway...In a few days, I should be back to normal.  I can't run for a week or two.  I can walk though and I'm planning a trip to the corner and back with my doggie.  


That's all for now...

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Surgery...

Yesterday I had surgery. Routine as it was, I'm still in some pain. Taking loopy pain medicine. Still wearing the hospital grip socks...taking 3 vacation days.

Saturday, October 30, 2010

The Wicked 10K

I just ran my 2nd 10K.  My first was last Sunday (Run Like a Girl 10K).  Today I ran 6 minutes faster with a time of 1 hour, 6 minutes and 50 seconds. Last week was a trail run, though.  I am really pleased with my time today.  


I dressed up too.  Most of the runners were in costume.  I was a misunderstood witch.
My face was greenish.  I did start out with sleeves and gloves, but by the 3 mile mark, they were shed and handed to be hubby as he attempted to quickly take a picture (he missed getting me in the picture). This picture is post race.  My husband was waiting at the last turn for me as I crossed the finish line a mile away.  I seem to surprise him with each race time...but that's a good thing because I'm improving with each race.


I signed up for my next race, but I double booked myself and won't be doing it...oh well.  My next race is Virginia is for Lovers 14K in February.  


All in all...a fun successful day in Virginia...oh and beautiful weather!!!

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

My California Family Adventure

My California Family Adventure

I had a full week of family in California last week. I miss them all. Lots of pictures...here's one of all of us (My hubby didn't come with me...he's so understanding of my California trips!)

Here's one of my brother Larry and his girlfriend Anita. We were having a hard time making Larry smile, but something got him laughing...or someone ;-)


Here's one of Gary and me....I lost it after this one. It was very emotional knowing that I leave in the morning...

After all the pictures that we took there after dinner, I realized that I did not take any pictures there with my 2 sons.

But...there were pictures taken...Here's my oldest son Michael and his wife Pam
...and here's Shawn and his Emery...Shawn's a great daddy!
A wonderful visit! We all needed that. My sons haven't seen each other in over 3 years and Michael and Pam met their nephew. We are really such a close family...who happen to live in many places now.

Saturday, October 09, 2010

California Visit


I've been in California since Wednesday. I'm having fun being with my sons, grandson and daughter-in-law. It's been tiring and I did manage to get in a 3 mile run yesterday. It's funny, I can be really tired, but run and feel better. I need to get in a 4-5 mile run before I leave, but I have a feeling I won't. That's okay, though. I have a 5K next Saturday and I'll not have a problem missing a run. 5Ks are a piece of cake now. :-)


After already planning our trip, I got a call from my neighbor in California (neighbor to my rental actually). My palm tree was rubbing up against their roof (two story house). It really needed to come down. It may also start lifting their foundation...eventually. My son is an arborist in Pennsylvania and brought all his climbing gear. It was so cool to be able to watch him work. Scary too. Here's the last piece of palm tree.

Off to my grandson's birthday party...

Friday, October 01, 2010

sometimes...someday...

sometimes my world seems to be the only world
sometimes I get reminded it's not

sometimes my world seems the most important world
sometimes I get reminded it's not

sometimes I am sad and feel that is most important
sometimes I am just delusional, cause it's not

sometimes I just want to be treated nicely all the time
sometimes I see that's not possible

sometimes I just want comfort and understanding
sometimes it seems beyond my reach

sometimes I want compassion and respect
sometimes I just don't get it

sometimes I want others to treat me as they want to be treated
sometimes I wonder why that can't happen regularly

sometimes I just wonder where am I going
sometimes I wish I just knew

sometimes I just want love and understanding
no...not sometimes, but all the time
someday...

Saturday, September 11, 2010

tummy bump...

Lesson learned...

Running shorts have a draw string tie at the waist that does nothing if your shorts fit. I end up just tying it to keep it out of the way. I should have removed it. The knot of the tie was pressed firmly up against my stomach about 3 inches below my belly button. Yes...I have a high belly button. Anyway, this constant pressure on the knot was the culprit. The bump under my skin was like the knot you get from a hard bump. The only difference was that there was no bruise. I went to the doctor, just in case and that is all it was.

Lesson learned...pull out those draw strings!

Another lesson...smile at the finish line because your picture is being taken! All the shots of me crossing were rather serious.

Sunday, September 05, 2010

First 1/2 at the Rock n Roll Half Marathon in Virginia Beach


So, I did it! I ran my first 1/2 marathon today.
It was a great run.
I ran it in 2:45:46, which is faster than I expected!

Now I'm sitting here with an ice pack on my stomach. We think it's a hernia, but will get it checked out tomorrow. I noticed it about 2 hours after the race. I thought it was just from the tie of my shorts that pushed up against that area, but now I'm thinking hernia.

Anyway...all in all a great day!


Friday, September 03, 2010

Rock n Roll 1/2 Marathon Virginia Beach

Just a few more days and I can say that I've run a 1/2 marathon!

I'm excited and not too nervous. I know that Saturday night will be a long night!

Monday, August 30, 2010

Tapper Week - pre-Half Marathon -Virginia Beach Rock n Roll 1/2

I'm running my first half marathon on Sunday here in Virginia Beach. I hear it's a lot of fun. I can't wait. We have Earl coming this way, but I hear it'll be on its way out of here by Friday....I hope I hope!

So, this week I'm supposed to run 3 miles today...thinking of heading out soon...then walk 1.5 miles on Wednesday...then the big race on Sunday! I missed about 3 weeks of training because we were going to go to my husband's HS Reunion, but he decided he didn't want to go. He wasn't "feeling it." The day after he told me that, I was back to training. I didn't stop running thankfully, but I stopped my long runs at under 6 miles. That first weekend, though, I did a run/walk of 11 miles. That'll be good enough. I'll be run/walking the race while listening to great music and enjoying the camaraderie.

After that, I have signed up for the Susan G. Komen For the Cure's 5K, The Wicked 10K and Virginia is for Lovers 14K. I don't race, but it sure feels nice to be in the upper half of the list of my age group.

Anyway...off I go...

Friday, August 13, 2010

Sun porch at night

It's so peaceful sitting here in the evening
Crickets are chirping
Ducks are quacking

A dog is barking in the distance
The peaceful sound of the night
It takes me to a calmer place

When I'm stressed I come here
I sit still while the night lives around me
Bathing me in the night sounds

Saturday, August 07, 2010

why

why do we let things get us upset
why over small stuff do we act then regret
why do we need to attempt to explain
why when on a reaction to the puddle from rain
why does it bruise the ego when it's not the intent
why to the evening does it make such a dent
why do we hardly show any compassion
why do we put out love on ration
why do we argue over the small stuff
why do we act as if we are so gruff
why don't we just love

Monday, August 02, 2010

Run/Walk Intervals

I seem to have hit a wall and I needed a way to get past the 5 mile mark in my training. I've been reading about Run/Walk Interval running and decided to give it a go today. I find it hard to run/walk because then I feel like a beginner again. I needed to get past that and I think I did today.

I ran my 3 miles running 4 minutes/walk 1 minute and my time improved! I usually average about 11 mph, but today I walked/ran 3 miles in 30 minutes. That's a 10 minute mile! I was pushing it at 4 minutes at that pace, I may do the 3/1 that was recommended for an 11 mile runner like me.

Sunday, August 01, 2010

Everyone is a mirror, especially the irritating ones.

Do you know someone that you just don't like very much?
Do they do things that annoy you?
I do.
My point, is not how I have to get along with someone that rubs me the wrong way.
My point it that I am learning about myself.

When someone is irritating you, look in the mirror.
Now, you may not have the extreme behavior like this other person.
Usually, though, you have some essence of the behaviors that you can't seem to stand.

Because of this person in my life, I now see the traits that I want to change in me.

Monday, July 26, 2010

Droid X

I love my Droid X! I find I'm not on my laptop as much now, though. My Droid X is my mini computer and there are only a few things that my Droid can't do. For some reason, I can't create a post here on my Droid X. I'm hoping that the 2.2 update will fix that issue. I also can't view some Youtube videos and that too should be fixed with the update.

Check out the Droid X, although I read that they are backordered until August 4.



Sunday, July 18, 2010

ok...so I may not be running my first 1/2 marathon in September. The Rock 'n Roll is set for Labor Day weekend and so is my husband's 30 year high school reunion.

I found this out after I'd already registered, paid and started training. So, my husband thought that my run was more important and his high school reunion and wanted to be there while I ran my first 1/2. Sweet man, huh?

On my birthday, on our nice romantic walk on the beach, we talked about his reunion and my run. I decided that his reunion is much more important than the run. Half marathons are scheduled many times a year. If not this one, then another and I told that to my husband. So, I think we are going to the reunion.

I'll keep you posted...

Monday, July 12, 2010

Yesterday's run....
....was not good. I did only 4 miles and it was not an easy run. It was about 85 degrees out, but felt hotter because of the humidity. I really needed to start earlier. As it turned out, I started my run at 8am after not sleeping well. I've not been sleeping well lately either. Menopause? I think that is part of it. I was way too tired to run tonight too and tomorrow we are supposed to get thunder showers. I may be running on the treadmill this week. I'm hoping that this weekend I'll be able to break through the 6 mile mark. The route to the beach was nicer than running a circle around the neighborhood. It's nice to have the beach as my destination, but it's all in my head and I know it. I need to not think about breaking through the 6 mile mark. It makes it sound like it is a hard thing to do, which in turn I believe and that makes it harder then it has to be.

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Six Mile Run...
The farthest I've run is in an 8K earlier this year. I find myself not looking forward to the six mile run that I have scheduled in my training. It was scheduled for this morning, but because I missed a run this week and ran Monday and yesterday, running 6 miles today didn't seem like a good idea. I've pushed it out to tomorrow and hopefully the thunder showers that were expected today, will not push out to tomorrow also. That would mean 6 miles on the treadmill, which would be very boring! I need a nice small flat screen TV on the wall in front of my treadmill. I wonder if there are running DVDs that have nice outside scenery that I would see on a country or city run. That would be cool. I have talked about wanting a small flat screen just for this purpose and my birthday is on Wednesday, so we'll see.

I'm hoping once I push through this 6 miles, that I'll see that it's not as bad as I'm anticipating. It would be nice to be on a more scenic run, so I'm thinking that I'll run to the beach like last weekend. That's 5 miles, then I'll run a mile along the beach. Maybe with the ocean view during the sixth mile, I won't think about how I've never run more than 5 miles before.

I just need to push through.


Monday, July 05, 2010

New vs. Old...as in blogger editors...

I've not blogged for a while and when I decide to blog, my editor remained in thinking mode with it's circling thinker swirling around. I went to blogger help and saw that there is an updated editor. I seem to have already it checked to use it, although, I don't remember opting for it. I changed the setting to use the old editor, and here I am able to create a blog once again.


It is amazing the anger I read in one second try post to the help area. I'm mean...get a life! You know, this
is a free service. I do think that someone should get back to the woman. I don't exactly know if it's a woman, but in the part that I read, it sounded like a woman.


So, you may ask, what does a woman sound like. Actually, it depends on my mood. If I had read that same post yesterday, I may have thought it a man's post. It's all perception....my perception. I think I'll answer her...or his...blog and suggest using the old editor until the new one is fixed.

I actually like the old editor...why change it??
See ya...

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Today's training run...
This morning there was no argument.  This morning, I just slept through my run. Guess I needed the sleep.  When I got home, my buyers remorse due to a treadmill purchase just at the end of Winter, has finally passed.  I did my 3 mile training run with nice AC, a ceiling fan and the fan on the treadmill, while outside it was 96 degrees combined with high humidity.  I wasn't about to run outside when my Weather Bug put out a Heat Advisory.

One more run for this week's training on Saturday.  I'm thinking the beach.  I'll be there for Hands Across the Sand, so maybe a nice 4 mile run, then a dip in the ocean, then get in line and hold hands.

"Hands Across the Sand is a movement made of people of all walks of life and crosses political affiliations. This movement is not about politics; it is about protection of our coastal economies, oceans, marine wildlife, and fishing industry.  Let us share our knowledge, energies and passion for protecting all of the above from the devastating effects of oil drilling." 

http://www.handsacrossthesand.com/

Your beach has it too...
  • Go to your beach on June 26 at 11 AM in your time zone.
  • Form lines in the sand and at 12:00, join hands.
The image is powerful, the message is simple.  NO to Offshore Oil Drilling, YES to Clean Energy.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Week 1 training...

I ran Monday morning after arguing with myself...."Get up!"..."Sleep in"...."Get up and run!"...."I don't wanna!"..."Get up!"..."Ok...ok...I'm not sleeping anyway.  You won't let me sleep!"  So, I got up and ran just under my goal of 3 miles.  Just under because I thought my route was 3 miles and it was 2.88.  I came home and logged in my training book and saw that my next run goal was 5 miles.  I psyched myself up for a five mile run today and had the same argument with myself.  I won the argument and ran just about 4 miles, under my 5 mile goal.  I came home a little disappointed that I had not gotten up earlier so that I could keep to my 5 mile goal and get to work on time.  When I went to log my run, I noticed that I'd logged my Monday run in week 5!!  Today's run was only supposed to be 3 miles!  I did feel better, but I would have enjoyed my run more knowing it was only to be an easy 3 mile run.  I run again tomorrow...another 3 mile run and then Saturday, a 4 mile run.  That will complete my week 1 of my 1/2 marathon training.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Shades of feeling my age

Monday morning I started my first week of training for the Rock 'n' Roll 1/2 Marathon and about a mile and a quarter into what was feeling like a really good run, my upper back tweaked out on me. It felt like a stitch in my side, but behind my left shoulder blade. I know this pain and although I started this with 'shades of feeling my age,' this pain was a frequent visitor in my 20s and 30s.

After my massage last month, where my massage therapist stood on the table and used her feet, my upper back was out of sorts.  Workable...runnable, but still uncomfortable.  We traveled to California for a visit and a wedding...I ran twice on the trip and ran when I returned.  So, the pain was not too bad. I decided to go to a Chiropractor, though, since it was not relieving as I would have liked.  He did not adjust that first visit, so this new pain was not caused by that visit.  On Sunday, my husband and I went into cleaning mode and I believe I wasn't careful and over did it.  So, the next morning, on my run, my over worked back tweaked out.  Hmmm...I wonder if it was because I wore running shoe rather then my Vibrams??

So, here I sit, icing every hour.  I went for an adjustment yesterday and will go again tomorrow.  It is somewhat better.  My new chiropractor even called me today to see how I was doing.

So, here I sit looking at my new running shoes and wanting to run, but knowing I should not...not yet.

I'll be a week late in starting my training, but that's ok...all will be well.

Friday, June 11, 2010

Happy Day!!  One of the blogs I follow is Abby Sunderland's.  She was considered 'lost at sea' yesterday and was found today!!  Alive and well!!  Yipee!!!




Yep...that's her and her sail boat.  I'm thinking that was taken from the Airbus that flew out to find her.  The rescue ships are on their way.  She is a brave and very mature young woman.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

I have pain in my neck and back and my chiropractor couldn't get me in till Monday?!?  Well, I have been thinking about going to my neighbor's chiropractor and this gave me an opportunity to do so with less guilt.

I'm way too faithful.  Does my current doc have all the stuff this new one has?  No.  If he did, why didn't he use them on me?  I surely could have benefited from the muscle stimulator and ultrasound....and those roller traction beds.  Anyway...this new guy has all the cool stuff!

And they got me in tomorrow without an issue!

Wednesday, June 09, 2010

so..I paid my $110 to run 13.1 miles!!!  

It'll be my 3rd race.  Not that I'm racing anyone.  I just want to finish and it would be nice to in the top half of the women in my age group. 


I've been running a year and I really enjoy it.  Some days it's harder than other days.  


I decided to register yesterday after looking at the training schedules for a 1/2 marathon. 


It's actually not too different from my recent running schedule.  The biggest difference is on the weekend long runs.  The mileage increase weekly until the race.  So, I went for it.  My actual training starts next week and lasts for 12 weeks ending on the 1/2 Marathon Race day at the Virginia Beach Rock 'n' Roll 1/2 Marathon.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Brakes...and WTF???
I'm not a car person at all....that said...

I took a short 6 hour drive up to PA to see my oldest son and daughter-in-law Mother's Day weekend.  The last hour on the way home, I heard a familiar sound.  I've had my brake pads worn before, so I know the sound metal to metal makes, but what my husband pulled away from the front passenger side brake was worst than I thought.  Notice the top right side?  The pad is completely gone and the metal is scrape up.

Here's the side view..no pad at all!!!
Now...compared to a new brake pad...
WOW!!!

I had my brakes done in CA before I drove cross country from CA 3 years ago, but were they really done?  I didn't hear a squeak or scrape...until last Sunday.

My husband is playing mechanic after his day job.  I have a very talented hubby...with very dirty hands...  Thanks Mike!

Saturday, May 15, 2010

time flies...
time flies when you are having fun
time goes slow when you can't wait
my weekends come too fast for me
I think my world’s upside down!


Thursday, May 13, 2010

Masking...


They should really make mud masks nicer.  Different colors would be nice.  Tonight I'm masking in Aztec mud.  It's a really great mask in a light green shade.  It would be nice if I could add a little pink to my cheek area.  Then, maybe a lip mask of a light red.  Is there such a thing as a lip mask?  I think not, especially in a light red shade.  So, here I sit, unable to talk or smile, while this mask dries.  To smile would cause the mask to stretch and crack which will pull on the fine peach fuzz, so I try not to let that happen.  When the mask is doing its job, it pulsates.  I'm not sure why it does, but it does.  This pulsating mask is reminding me of my mom.  In the last few years of her life, she would stay with me a few weeks at a time and one visit we did this mask together. It was quite funny to my mom; seeing herself without her partial false teeth (she had one of her front teeth pulled) with a green face.  She commented and laughed about how she looked like a green jack-o-lantern.  This caused the stretching and cracking of the mask. When she began to feel the pulsing, she started to giggle and I could see the exposed skin around her eyes and her neck begin to blush at the thought that come to her mind.  My mom, at 81, was thinking about orgasms.  Ok, so the mask pulsates like after an orgasm, but it's just a mask. She got me giggling too.  You could say, we both cracked up, literally.  


So, here I sit reminiscing about masking with my mom and missing spending time with her.  Wishing I would have appreciated those times and done more things together on her visits rather than letting the time pass only to have it end too quickly. She was 83, only a few months before her 84th birthday when she died.  I miss you mom and I know she knows that. She's with me all the time.  She is part of me. Part of my heart and soul, but sometimes I forget and she doesn't come to mind for days. Then I remember.  Something like doing a mask brings her back. I see her loving face and smile. She is beautiful...my mom.

Monday, May 03, 2010

Getting ready to start my work week and loving that I work from home on Mondays.  I'm sitting on my enclosed porch with a view of the lake (retainer pond...just semantics) enjoying my fresh Americano made from my Starbucks Barista.  I can't believe after all the years in business, Starbucks is not a known word to Google.  You would think it was.

Anyway...time to get to work...not 'get' really, since I'm here...so, time to work.

Sunday, May 02, 2010



I'm sitting in what's called a three season enclosed porch.  To me though it's more of a 2 1/2 season porch.  During the winter, it's mostly too cold to sit out here, so that leaves the other 3 seasons, but Summer, to me is iffy too.  When the Eastern humidity rises while the temperature increases, this room is hotter than I like.  I guess it could be used as a sauna.  Something that I only just now thought of.  

Today, though, it's at the right temperature, with the enough humidity to make me think of our honeymoon in Jamaica and the mornings we shared our breakfast on the veranda.  We had an ocean view and right now, there's view of the lake, or retention pond (looks like a lake to me.  It's small, but big enough for kayaking...no, we don't own a kayak) 

When I stepped out to the porch, there were 2 ducks on the lawn. They were evenly positioned across the lawn.  It was weird. I guess they need their space?  But the fact that they were on the lawn, means Shelly will undoubtedly return into the house with a green streak across her back.  Shell is a white terrier mix and for some reason, she loves to roll in duck poop.  I'm lucky that she's small enough and good enough to stand there in the shower while I wash her.  Lately, I only need to get her  into the bathroom, point to the tub and say, "get in the tub" and she jumps in. It's a new trick, but with all these years of me bathing her, she probably would have done it sooner if only I'd asked.

I wish I could take my laptop out on the dock, but I lose connectivity half way out from the house.  I guess the wireless isn't strong enough.  I'm going to get some breakfast though and take it out there...I'm hungry...stomach is growling...time to eat.
  

Saturday, May 01, 2010

As I'm typing this, I have 5 minutes to go on my timer.  I'm Demi-permanently coloring my hair.  I've tired of the gray.  I don't have a lot, but I'm almost 53 and look 40ish...sometimes younger depending on my energy level and I really really don't want to look 53....so....I'm gonna wash that grey right out of my hair...

see ya younger....

Friday, April 30, 2010

New software updates are great!  When they work that is. 


I have a Blackberry Storm 9500 (the first Storm) and yesterday, Google Maps released their mobile maps 4.0.  They added a great feature -- it's voice activated.  I can hold down the Call button and say "Las Vegas" and a map of LV is on the screen in seconds.  That said, their were missing items.  


They removed the zoom icons from the screen, these were now in a menu (not good).  They removed the My Location icon from the screen and it too was in the menu. It was also stuck in portrait with a keyboard that would not go away, and I no amount of thumb swiping would pan the map...it was stuck.  I searched Google for answers last night and tried a bunch of ideas that were put out there and nothing worked on all the issues at once, so I slept on it.  This morning, I found the answer!  The answer and a new release, as I was not the only one with these issues.  


4.0.2 Release is available, but there are things to do still after the upgrade.  


Here's what I needed to do....
Go to the Blackberry menu key, click on Options----> Advance Options-----> Applications you should see a list of installed applications. Select Google Maps then click on your BB Menu Key to display Options for that page. You Should see amongst others, Enable Compatibility, click to disable, then click back to re-enable. Pull out your battery for your BB to restart.  


(the battery pull was not in the list of stuff I did last night...along with the disable then re-enable trick)

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

I went on a 3 mile run in my Vibram Five Finger shoes.  My calves are right now rested on a moist heating pad.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

I finally got a round to fixing my step son's computer (my old PC).  He decided to F10 into the Setup and changed the Power On password, then promptly forgot what it was. That was months ago, so I guess that was punishment enough.  He's 13.  I researched it back when it happened, but I promptly forgot to reset it until this morning.

I had to research it again.  Google is my friend.  Here's what I had to do.  Unplug all power. Remove the big CMOS battery.  Remove the PSWD jumper. Push and hold the yellow reset button.  I did the last step only cause 'it was there' but it worked.  Windows came up to the user sign on screen, so we put it back into his room and I started it up again and clicked on his sign on.  Blue screen of warnings that the integrity was breached or some such verbiage and that windows is shutting down to protect the hard drive.  He must have received a virus or something before the password issue.

Now I'm restoring to the factory restore...AGAIN!!!...will have to reinstall the wireless connection (D-Link) AGAIN!!!...will need to update all the Windows updates from 2000....AGAIN!!!

I'm a computer programmer, but just techie enough to get myself into trouble, but hopefully techie enough to get myself (and step son) out of computer trouble.

Saturday, April 24, 2010

A few months back I decided to run the Self Clean on my oven.  


I'd not done a self clean in an oven in years.  We don't bake that much, but it was ready for a cleaning. 


About half-way through I decided to read the directions.  


Remove racks???  Oh no!!!  I left them in.  I stopped the self clean, but by that time it was too late.  


Result -- Ash colored rack that don't slide in and out without sticking. 


Since we don't bake that often, we had not replaced them; but every time I open up the oven and see the result of my not reading the directions (or not intuitively knowing that I should remove the racks), I feel bad that I ruined our new oven. 


I ordered new racks today and should have them next week.  I can't wait!! Guilt be-gone!!

Friday, April 23, 2010

Second run my my Vibram Five Finger shoes.  My calves were sore still from Wednesday's run, but I ran a mile and a half today.  Now they are more sore.  I'm not worried.  They'll get used to it. I'm doing short runs until my calves get acclimated to the more barefoot type running.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

I got my Five Finger running shoes!...well, not really shoes.

I did a short run...at about 1.7 miles my calves started to tighten a little too much so I walked after that.  I love them!  I'm looking forward to my next run!

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

There was a time that I would go out to the mall and buy myself something new when I was feeling a little stressed.  I wouldn't spend a lot, but getting myself something new picked up my mood.  It was instant gratification.  Now, though, it's different.  I don't get in the car as much when I get that need to buy myself something.  Take tonight...I felt the need to treat myself to something new. So, what did I do?  I browsed to one of my favorite online shopping sites...
I ordered myself a few things, which is cool, but it's not instant.  I'll have to wait a few days for that gratification to take place.  Oh well...
so far only my toe socks have arrived.  Shoes in a few days...

Sunday, April 18, 2010

I've been thinking about Vibram five fingers shoes for a while.  Then my husband found Nike Free 5.0.  A shoe that is pretty close to running barefoot but not like the Vibram.  There are conflicting views on the running in shoes that are close to barefoot, but we are going to give it a try.

We tried on a few different sizes of the Nike Free 5.0.  They run small and the women sizes are more narrow. I like a running shoe that allows my foot to spread out some. I liked the men's shoe better, but didn't purchase as I was not quite convinced that I shouldn't just go for the Vibram five fingers shoe.  My first thought was to first get  the Nike Free 5.0, then move to the Vibram.  When we got home to cruise the internet for Nike Free 5.0 in my husband's size and color, I decided to read more on the Vibram.

So, here's what we ordered for me...funny looking huh?  I can't wait to try them out!  KSO stands literally, Keep Stuff Out!  I don't like little rock and stuff in my shoes, so I opted for these.  

Here's what we ordered for my husband.  These do feel like slipper on and your foot really can feel the ground.  I could only find good reviews on these too.
So...we shall see how they both feel soon...

More on this later....
I got on a stove cleaning frenzy this morning.  Usually, every night after dinner it works this way...I do the dishwasher loading and wash the pans and my husband cleans the stove.  Last night out routine somehow changed and he loaded the dishwasher and I was not aware of the switch, so the stove was left with the splatter of gumbo until this morning.

This morning as I went to cook eggs for us, I noticed....the gumbo splats, so after breakfast I got out the Bonami and went to work. My husband came in with screwdriver in hand and removed the burners...yuk!  It was really bad under those.  Why don't these burners just lift off like on other stoves?  Anyway...stove is clean...and I feel so relieved.  I've become a little...and I mean a little OCD in my 50s...but if it means a cleaner stove, so be it....

Sunday, April 11, 2010

We celebrated our 3rd year anniversary last Wednesday, April 7.  We had a wonderful evening and I decided to grow up on my profile picture and post one of the pictures of me from our wedding.

Here's to many many more happy years together!!

Saturday, April 10, 2010

The Garden....and tree...


I'm growing Tomatoes and Basil in a way so that the bunnies will not devour them like last year...I'm hoping.  We also bought a fig tree last fall.  We had it in our 3 season porch though the winter and thought maybe it had died.  It didn't, it was only hibernating.  I had a fig tree up till we moved at age 12.  It was so big that my brother Gary and I used to be able to climb in it and the figs were so so sweet!  We'll plant this soon I hope.  


Look at it now!!!

I am growing the tomatoes in bag, up and away from the bunnies reach (I hope...I hope)



One of the tomato plants has a bloom




...and the basil is sprouting!




can't wait for fresh basil and tomato salad!!!  Yum!
thoughts and reality....

I'm in a Toastmasters' group at my work.  I'm the VP of PR and I'm on my 10th speech.  This speech is on Positive Thinking....turning negative self talk to positive.  So, I'm working on my speech and writing about how negative self talk can keep you from doing what you really want to do and it motivated me to go for a run.  I've been less motivated lately and reminding myself of what I do to make the run more fun got me going. So, what do I do to make my run more fun?  I use affirmations like...."I am one with the run" and "this is Fun"..."I am a runner"...and I force a smile while I'm running. Smiling is not the easiest when running... especially if nothing is making me laugh.  I also use the standard, "I can do this"...along with just knowing that I am running at 52 years old!  Ok...Ok...knowing that I have a flat tummy now that I am a runner is really quite the motivator especially when I was told that it's hard to lose weight as you age.  I say, start running.  I wasn't trying to lose weight, but I did.

So, anyway...thoughts and reality?  My thoughts that I had made my run easier today...and easier run was my reality.




Friday, April 09, 2010



Update on Amberen....

It's ok, I guess.  I am still getting hot flashes.  I still get down.  I'm 15 days away from finishing up 90 days.  I am going to finish them up, but, I don't think I'll buy another 90 days.  I really don't think that it's done much.

Update on my shoulder....

It's getting better daily.  It still hurts some, but my range of motion is much better before the pain.  I'm going to keep the exercises up on a daily basis and see if I can heal my shoulder myself without surgery. I'm going to say that since I've been exercising it, on a 1 to 10 scale...1 being no pain and 10 being really bad pain....it's about a 3.5.  :-)

Update on my running...

I started another 10 week interval running training course.  Podrunner Freeway to 10K.  I did the first run/walk this week.  It's a lot faster than I normally run, so it kicked my butt.  I'm having a hard time with motivating myself lately and I'm not sure what's up.  I know that once I get back on a schedule, I'll be fine.

Not much up to blogging...but wanted to post some updates....
till next time...