tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68112005372285393862024-03-08T08:43:13.783-06:00Shadows on the Cinema Wall"A woman is but the product of her thoughts. What she thinks, she becomes." - Mohandas GandhiAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04809495150670507341noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6811200537228539386.post-83948487475199925622011-11-05T19:31:00.003-05:002011-11-05T19:42:06.998-05:00I am the master of my fate.Trying to find the motivation to do what needs to be done. It seems that for over a year I have been dealing with this same issue. I know what changes need to be made. I just need to change them. I shall wake up tomorrow and try again... <br /><br />Out of the night that covers me,<br />Black as the Pit from pole to pole,<br />I thank whatever gods may be<br />For my unconquerable soul.<br /><br />In the fell clutch of circumstance<br />I have not winced nor cried aloud.<br />Under the bludgeonings of chance<br />My head is bloody, but unbowed.<br /><br />Beyond this place of wrath and tears<br />Looms but the Horror of the shade,<br />And yet the menace of the years<br />Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.<br /><br />It matters not how strait the gate,<br />How charged with punishments the scroll.<br />I am the master of my fate:<br />I am the captain of my soul.<br /><br /><br />Invictus by William Ernest HenleyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04809495150670507341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6811200537228539386.post-62778184894433659652011-10-30T21:20:00.002-05:002011-10-30T21:24:35.456-05:00and 6 months later...I am still no farther from the starting line. <br /><br />I didn't realize that it has been so long since I posted. and I always claim that I'm going to blog more. Right. We all know better than that. <br /><br />Not much has really changed. Work still insane and with Christmas quickly approaching, its only going to get worse. <br /><br />I did about 6 weeks of physical therapy for my feet and my PT says I'm overdoing it on running and to slow down. *sigh* <br /><br />I started taking yoga about 2 months ago and completely fell in love. I am hooked!! I honestly don't know how i lived so long without yoga in my life!! I'm trying to go 4-5 times a week, but I just signed up for Yoga Journal's 21 Day Yoga Challenge. 21 days straight of Yoga. It would sound daunting if i didn't love it so much. I'm not obligated to go to my studio, but since i'm paying for it... might as well. No excuses... just yoga. <br /><br />I hope to blog more about my experiences, successes and failures over these next 21 days. Maybe that should be a goal as well.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04809495150670507341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6811200537228539386.post-7095953324910813762011-05-01T15:20:00.002-05:002011-05-01T17:04:56.528-05:00Its May 1 already?!?Wow. Have I been MIA from here or what?!? I guess life happens sometimes. Here's the Reader's Digest breakdown of the past month and change:<br /><br />1. My ear infection raged on until recently. I still have some fluid behind my ear drum which causes some minor discomfort and makes me irritated, but nothing I can't handle. <br /><br />2. Got successfully moved out of the apartment on the 31 of March. Cleaning took forever and I only just got fully unpacked last week. There have been arguments and I get frustrated at the parentals, but at the end of the day, I'm glad to be home and saving money. <br /><br />3. I was promoted to the Membership Team Lead at Sam's about 2-ish weeks ago. We still haven't filled my previous position, so i am doing both... which suuuuucks. I'm trying to do 80 hours of work in 38.7 and still trying to meet quotas. Until the position is filed, each job will be half-assed for a while. I can't be everywhere all the time. I hope it gets filled soon... I'm exhausted. <br /><br />4. My trip to Seattle to see U2 has been canceled. My friend and I have had such medical issues, we've been unable to save money. So we decided instead to wait until July and see U2 in St. Louis. The plan is to drive to Memphis, stay with friends and then drive to STL the day before the concert and stay in a wicked nice hotel within walking distance to the arena. Leave Monday after the concert and be back to work by Tuesday. It will be way cheaper (plane tickets to Seattle were about $400pp) and just as fun because I'll get to see my favorites in Memphis. <br /><br />5. I haven't been able to workout and run like I have been, due to reasons 1-3. This week is going to be crazy hectic at work, but I'm going to try to start getting workouts in this week or next. I've decided to put of my first marathon until 2012, since I don't think its safe to push my body to run 26.2 miles in 6 months. I'm still debating on going to run the half marathon, but we'll see. Taking off work in December will be difficult. <br /><br />I am planning on running the Auckland Marathon in New Zealand in October 2012. I figured I should go big for my first marathon and have been wanting to visit New Zealand forever. What better way to spend my vacation than running a marathon?!? I just need to decide whether its better to do the run at the beginning or end of my vacation. I'm thinking it would be better to do it at the beginning, in case something happens and I injure myself. The plan is to rent a vacation house and a bike and go all over the country and possibly to Australia too. I want to skydive, learn to surf, cliff dive and possibly learn to ski/snowboard while there. Its going to be expensive, but a once in a lifetime adventure. I have 1.5 years to plan and save. But its going to be EPIC!<br /><br />I think you're now caught up. I hope to start blogging more, but I really need to work on my time management. :-PAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04809495150670507341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6811200537228539386.post-59617901195141790142011-03-20T08:29:00.002-05:002011-03-20T08:38:54.074-05:0030 Day Song Challenge Day 5Day 5: A song that reminds you of someone<br /><br />Oh Lordy... this post could go on forever. I have hundreds of songs that remind me of my dearest friends. So lets just get on with it:<br /><br />Leland: He introduced me to the German version of "Major Tom (Coming Home)." I loved the English version, but adore the German version. <br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/YapVGxTTHYY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />Kasey: I can't count how many times we sang this together in the car/dorm room/while walking around the UMASS campus. <br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mNIwSYp4N-Y" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />Chad: I could pick tons just for him. I almost went with a Chaka Khan song, since we saw her live together, but nothing reminds me of my Chad more than songs from the film/musical "Hedwig and the Angry Inch." If you haven't seen this film, rent it!!<br />ITS A CAR WASH LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!!<br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ef6M4sPrr8g" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />Dustin: I'm not quite sure how this became one of our songs. It just happened and BOB-FM plays it quite a lot (because he plays everything), so I'm constantly reminded of my bestie. <br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/UlWOWd5J_Hk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />and last but not least... <br /><br />My PANDA!!! We went to see this film at the Tallgrass Film Al Fresco one night and were confused, yet thought it was hilarious!! RASPBERRIES!!! <br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/V-UrGp4Wbk4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04809495150670507341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6811200537228539386.post-16664754993517667222011-03-19T09:23:00.002-05:002011-03-19T10:17:50.523-05:0030 Day Song Challenge Day 4Day 4: A Song that makes me sad. <br /><br />"But as the scenery grows, I see in different lights. The shades and shadows undulate in my perception. My feelings swell and stretch; I see from greater heights. I understand what I am still too proud to mention... to you."<br /><br />I'd like to see Rebecca Black or Justin Bieber drop the word "undulate" in one of their songs. <br /><br />If you don't own Fiona Apple's album "Tidal," you need to hop on iTunes, Amazon.com or head to your nearest Best Buy and get it... NOW. This album came out when I was 13 years old (1996) and it wasn't until I was 16/17 that I was introduced to her and fell in love. This album defined the summer before my junior year of high school. My first serious relationship had ended the fall before in epic tragedy (i was cheated on for the first time) and I was deep into another one... who would end up cheating on me later (all because at 16, I wouldn't put out. I have morals, go figure). <br /><br />Listening to Fiona again makes me miss the 90s and the amazing music it gave us, especailly from women. It was the age of Lillith Fair and Sarah McLachlan brought together some of the most amazing women artists of the time: Fiona Apple, Sheryl Crow, Queen Latifah, Diana Krall, Indigo Girls, Jewel and Martina McBride, to name a few. Where else would you get this eclectic mix of female artists? We were introduced to the estrogen angst of Alanis Morissette and while women celebrated... men were nervous. It was a fantastic time to be a woman. <br /><br />But I digress... <br /><br />This song is about insecurity, trust and expectations. The lyrics are extremely powerful and the melody is hauntingly beautiful. I understand the hurt and insecurity at the beginning and the realization of strength at the end. I understand it more than I would like to admit. <br /><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/c5XptSCCciU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br /><br />It did take me a while to choose this song. I'm generally a happy person, so finding a song that makes me sad was a) difficult, and b) not really something I want to do. But while searching, I did find a few that made the short list. These songs don't necessarily make me cry or bum me out, but it strikes a chord in me... insecurity (like above) or yearning for something in my life. <br /><br />Honorable Mentions: <br /><br />"I Want Love" by Elton John. Amazing lyrics and a fantastic video.<br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ufbexgPyeJQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />"Someone Like You" by Adele. If you have a heart that has been broken, or regret a decision you made in love... this song will hit you. This would have gotten the #1 slot, until I found Fiona's song. Fiona's song has been with me longer. Adele's new album "21" is another you need to go buy right now. <br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/NAc83CF8Ejk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WskRAEggqkQ">"The Steward of Gondor" feat. Billy Boyd.</a> Know by about 5 other names, this is the official title from The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King Soundtrack. Amazing lyrics and the scene is so powerful. Can't put the video here, but take the minute to watch a brilliant bit of film making. Better yet... just watch all 3 extended editions.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04809495150670507341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6811200537228539386.post-85219978720260510272011-03-18T16:02:00.003-05:002011-03-18T16:13:39.578-05:0030 Day Song Challenge Day 3Day 3: A song that makes you happy.<br /><br />A little girl stands alone on a stage. Her bee costume shimmers in the single spot light. She begins to tap dance. She finishes and gives a low bow to the crowd, extremely proud of herself. The crowd doesn't applaud, just laughs. She runs away crying. <br /><br />Thus starts The Bee Girl's search for acceptance. <br /><br />How can you not love Blind Melon's "No Rain?" The song's lyrics are simple and the guitar riff is upbeat and can only make you smile. To me, its about relishing in the little things in life and also being yourself, regardless of whether people think its odd or not. <br /><br />The video is a perfect reflection of that. Bee Girl runs around the city, dancing for anyone who will watch. They think she's a little odd. But at the end, she finds the field of Bee People dancing and enjoying the sun. She has found acceptance with others. <br /><br />Maybe one day, we can all find acceptance. <br /><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3qVPNONdF58" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04809495150670507341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6811200537228539386.post-48334593364568927842011-03-17T09:09:00.004-05:002011-03-17T09:35:30.599-05:0030 Day Song Challenge Day 1 and 2I don't blog enough. Really, nothing exciting has been happening. I've been sick. I've been packing and trying to move. I haven't been working out due to said sickness. The End.<br /><br />So for the next 30 days, I decided to participate in Facebook's 30 Day Song Challenge. Not really much of a challenge, but its a fun way to explore my love of music and my tastes.<br /><br />Since I technically started yesterday, here are Days 1 & 2!!<br /><br />Day 1: Your Favorite Song<br /><br />How can one put in to words the love of a song that has changed your whole outlook on life and can instantly change your mood and perspective? That is what U2's "Where the Streets Have No Name" does to me every time. I never really listened to U2 much before, probably 2007. I knew their radio hits. I liked them. Something happened after I moved back from Boston, though... I became more in tune with The Edge's delayed arpeggio at then beginning and end, the throbbing bass line (thank you, Adam) and Bono's passionate plea to find that place and to go there together. We can find transcendence, peace, and love.<br /><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/QQxl9EI9YBg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />Day 2: Your Least Favorite Song<br /><br />I despise this song and everything it stands for. I'm irritated by the lyrics and the video (which I saw for the first time today). I thought maybe my tastes would change 7 years later, but NOPE! Still can't stand the song. It was a toss-up between this and "The Girl from Ipanema," but I found a youtube video of Andy Williams singing it and didn't hate it so much. I then watched the "Redneck Woman" video and was annoyed, so it won the title of my Least Favorite Song. In 2004, this song had every bleach-blonde, Coach-purse wielding, Carey Bradshaw wanna be all of a sudden screaming "hell yeah!!" I'm sorry, ladies, you can't be both. Getting dolled up in cowgirl chic when you decide to hit a country club is a personality... redneck is a lifestyle.<br /><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/82dDnv9zeLs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />and if you want to see what made me change a 28 year old opinion of a song in less than 2 minutes:<br /><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/lKfl15c-Kh0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />Stay tuned for the next 28 days to see what other gems I can come up with!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04809495150670507341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6811200537228539386.post-60321729322498106012011-03-09T17:56:00.002-06:002011-03-09T18:04:17.472-06:00Have you ever had your ears vacuumed?Cause its an interesting experience.<br /><br />Back to my ENT for a followup. Infection is a bit better, as it should be after 5 days of double antibiotics. There is still fluid in my ear, causing the ringing and hearing loss. He took a sample of the junk in my ear to send to the lab for testing and then he vacuumed my ear... yes, vacuumed. I don't know what was in there, but obviously it was awful enough he had to suction it out. I was almost curious enough to ask if I could see what it looked like. I was honestly hoping he'd hoover around for a bit then VOILA!! My hearing would be restored.<br /><br />Nope. Not that lucky.<br /><br />If its not better in 1.5 weeks, then I have to go in for tubes... which is not a good thing. It will relieve the pressure, but I don't want tubes in my ears.<br /><br />I have a chiropractor appt Friday to see if she can crack my bones and relieve some of this fluid. *sigh* here's hoping!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04809495150670507341noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6811200537228539386.post-65472582624837162682011-03-08T09:40:00.003-06:002011-03-08T10:03:46.807-06:00I seriously feel like I cannot catch a break...I've been sick in some way for almost a month.<br /><br />First, it was a sinus infection that decided to show up the Saturday before Valentine's Day. That's right... 2 days before a "romantic" holiday (and the first one in a while that I've been in a relationship during)... I snag a sinus infection. Theories vary from grilling in the cold for 6 hours for charity the day before, to working Saturday in floral and being around pollen I'm not 100% used too... or a combination of both. However, whatever the case may be, I had a wicked sinus infection that lasted 3 weeks.<br /><br />Then last Wednesday came.<br /><br />With my sinus infection almost completely out of the way, I was optimistic, dare I say, even excited to get on with the week. I started running again. I was looking forward to packing up to start my move on Saturday and anxious to get something productive done at work. Alas, that is when my sinus infection decided to join forces with the evil Streptococcus to attack my poor, defenseless right ear.<br /><br />After a night of agonizing pain and maybe 3 hours of fitful sleep, I made an appointment with an ENT. I went to work and tried to organize some paperwork, knowing I would be gone through the weekend. The ENT quickly deemed it "one heck of a nasty ear infection," gave me oral and ear drop antibiotics, pain meds and set me on my way. That was Thursday.<br /><br />So here we are on Tuesday. No change whatsoever in my ear. I can't do much of anything; the pain is too much. If I take a pain med, I fall asleep for a few hours. I have a follow-up appt Thursday with the ENT, but I think I'm going to see if I can get it bumped to tomorrow. At least I'm sleeping well.<br /><br />I just hope something can be done. I've had ringing in my ears for almost a week and it sucks. I would not wish an ear infection on my worst enemy.<br /><br />I'm off to take a nap. My ear hurts.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04809495150670507341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6811200537228539386.post-8944866038448898842011-02-27T09:35:00.003-06:002011-03-01T20:08:10.569-06:00Mulligans, Oscars and other Irish Names...What would we all do without golf? It has given us the Arnold Palmer (delicious), Happy Gilmore, Caddyshack (just be the ball) and the fantastic term Mulligan.<br /><br />The golfing community sites 3 different possible origins of this term and practice, but they are essentially the same story: "Blank" Mulligan is playing golf, messes up his first shot on the tee box and begs his golfing partners for a re-do, which is granted.<br /><br />We have adopted this term into our every day vernacular. Usually used in reference to a do over in a game or sport, we also use it when we wish to restart something in our lives... and for me, its usually health related. I tried giving up chocolate, and failed... so Mulligan!! I tried organizing my life, but got caught up watching episodes of "Drop Dead Diva"... Mulligan!!<br /><br />My Mulligan today is the 100 Day Challenge I attempted to start on Feb 4.<br /><br />I didn't try as hard as I should, and I can use work and illness as a large (yet valid) excuse, but it's not going to get me anywhere. So I've decided to take a Mulligan and start again.<br /><br />So March 1, 2011 to June 8, 2011. 30 minutes (min) of exercise a day.<br /><br />I have decided to buy one of those large desk calendars to put up to help me schedule my workouts and mark off the days. I'm hoping a large visual aid will give me more motivation. Also, seeing the days count down to the WalkMS will hopefully get my butt in gear.<br /><br />I do have to mention that I have been soda free for 3 weeks (since Feb 3) and while I miss it occasionally and am not sure I've seen/felt any health benefits, I know I'm better for it.<br /><br />Tonight is also the Oscars. The glamorous night where we honor those in film who gave the overall best performances for the year... and we ogle well dressed men and glamorous women... and are still pondering Bjork's infamous swan dress of 2001. Its one of my favorite nights all year (forget the Super Bowl). I'm excited about tonight's telecast, mainly because of 1 film and the co-hosts.<br /><br />"The King's Speech," to me, is this year's hands down best film. Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush did a marvelous job in their roles and Helena Bonham Carter's Queen was satisfyingly underplayed. I am not a stutterer, and I'm very good at public speaking, but Colin Firth made every second of his ordeal agonizing. I felt every second tick by as he attempted to get through a speech. I understood his anger. My heart ached for him. He needed help, and an unconventional therapist played by Geoffrey Rush was the answer. I thought the film brilliant and I am excited to see how well it does tonight. I'm also rooting for Natalie Portman for her role in "Black Swan," which was deliciously creepy. I've always adored Natalie, especially since her role in "V for Vendetta" (one of my all time favorite films), so an Oscar win would be fantastic.<br /><br />The co-hosts tonight are James Franco and Anne Hathaway, 2 actors I admire greatly. The both seem like the would be awesome people to just go grab a beer with. I hope that their youthful energy will bring some life back to the Oscars. Their commercials have been highly amusing, so I'm optimistic.<br /><br />So here's to the Oscars tonight... honoring the best in acting... and hopefully a good score card from me...<br /><br />And thank you, Golf.... and one of you three lovely Mulligan men for my do-over.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04809495150670507341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6811200537228539386.post-90151260925048672192011-02-06T22:48:00.002-06:002011-02-06T22:56:12.893-06:00Its about the simple things in life...I'm quickly remembering that there is nothing more important in life than...<br /><br />Stretching.<br /><br />I'm unbelievably sore. I feel like I need some hot tub time, a good massage, then a stretch. All my muscles are tight and no amount of stretching so far has helped.<br /><br />I have tomorrow off, so the plan is to go run the track at the Y, then a sauna session. Hopefully after running and sitting in the sauna, my muscles will be warm and more pliable and I can get a better stretch in.<br /><br />I am 3 days without soda!!! It's only hard when I think about it.<br /><br />I did skip out on exercising today on my 100 day challenge. But stressing out my muscles is not on my list of things to do.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04809495150670507341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6811200537228539386.post-6962254720227115862011-02-04T20:41:00.003-06:002011-02-04T20:53:04.519-06:00100 Day ChallengeOh lord have mercy! I've lost my marbles!!<br /><br />I decided to give up soda completely (again) and take a 100 Day Challenge (to exercise at least 30 minutes every day for 100 days straight) at the same time.<br /><br />Why do I do this to myself?<br /><br />It honestly hasn't been too bad. I had a bad day at work today, which made me want a Diet Pepsi that much more, but I made it through.<br /><br />I tried out my new running shoes today, the Asics Kanbarra 4s. Wow. Let me tell you, Wow. No foot pain AT ALL! This may be the first time I've worked out with new shoes and didn't have pain in my arches!! I usually get Nike's, but after accidentally grabbing the UK edition of Runners World magazine at Barnes & Nobles and seeing all the ads and articles, I decided to go to the shop and give the Asics a try. Am I ever glad I did.<br /><br />I still had calf problems though. My body was telling me to make sure I was hydrated and had some potassium before I went, but my head said I would be fine. LIES!! I had wicked sore calves and couldn't run all 9 sets. I ran 3. The 70 year old guy in running shorts no one over 60 should be in passed me... twice. *sigh*<br /><br />My main challenge from John "The Penguin" Bingham is the 100 Days Challenge. Its going to be hard, but totally worth it.<br /><br />So tomorrow is ZUMBA in the morning, followed by a quick 4hr shift at work, then Biggs' basketball game, then The Anchor down in Old Town to celebrate my birthday!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04809495150670507341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6811200537228539386.post-83755814984389399712011-02-01T10:29:00.002-06:002011-02-01T10:52:35.952-06:0010th Anniversary of my 18th BirthdayMan... I'm old.<br /><br />I don't feel old. But the numbers say I'm getting there. Almost 30. Yikes.<br /><br />I decided to brave the coming snow storm last night and drive to the Y for my first personal training session. I walk to the PT's desk and ask for her, and she looks 10. She's really 25, but she doesn't look it... and she's small, perky and blonde. Great. I should have known better. She's extremely nice though and after going through all the fitness/health assessments, we only had time for some quick work showing me the treadmill, elliptical and some other machine that makes me feel like I'm a gazelle on the African prairie.... which would be great if it was true. I'm more like the penguin who found a gazelle skin and decided to try to join the herd.<br /><br />I have decided that I'm an outdoor runner. Running in place on a treadmill just doesn't do it for me. I want to feel like I'm going somewhere, even if its just back to the car. I get excited when I come over a hill and see my maroon beauty beckoning me to come sit, drive home and enjoy the comfort of my recliner... and after running 2-3 miles, I feel like I've earned that recliner.<br /><br />So today I get to celebrate my birthday by doing absolutely nothing, due to the snow storm outside. I was born in 10 inches of snow, but I don't think we'll reach that today. I'm going to try and walk over to our apartment complex's gym this afternoon and re-start my Couch to 5K program.<br /><br />I think I'm going to run the Go Wichita Prairie Fire Half Marathon in October. I will probably run for charity, I'm just not sure which. I have one particular charity in mind, but I'm not sure the cause will go over well for some here in KS. I'm participating in WalkMS in April, and will be running. The short track is about a 5K and the long track is about 10K. My Couch to 5K program is about 9 weeks, which will be perfect. I'll be done with the program about 3 weeks before the event.<br /><br />So, since I have nothing else to do today, I'm going to take a nice nap and head to the gym later this afternoon for a run!<br /><br />Happy Birthday to Me!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04809495150670507341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6811200537228539386.post-15469468415910655992011-01-20T09:35:00.002-06:002011-01-20T09:39:37.926-06:00The morning after...Oh man, am I sore.<br /><br />Its really not too bad, but enough that the idea of hitting the 8:45am Zumba class made me cry a little inside. Also, the fine sheet of ice over everything and the 13degree weather makes getting out kind of a pain. I would've liked to go in, because I work until about 10pm tonight, but I think a day off to recover is probably best.<br /><br />I did come home last night and make some delicious Cajun Pasta. Nothing warms you right up that some spicy nom noms. I make the cream sauce with fat-free half&half and next time will try whole wheat pasta. I'm trying to make it a lower-cal comfort food. I can't do too much about the sausage though... mmm... sausage. I love me some pig.<br /><br />Very long day planned at work. I have 3 drives scheduled, so I will be out in the field from 1-10 tonight. Here's hoping for some membership sign ups!!<br /><br />Ta!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04809495150670507341noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6811200537228539386.post-18354389439050444052011-01-16T19:14:00.000-06:002011-01-16T19:18:45.356-06:00Its fun to stay at the...Y M C A!! EVERYBODY!!<br /><br />Yeah!! Joined the Y today!! I ended up getting a 40% break on the monthly fee thanks to their financial aid program. I can handle $23 for unlimited access, including Zumba classes!!<br /><br />Tomorrow's plan is Zumba.<br /><br />I'm off to do laundry... TA!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04809495150670507341noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6811200537228539386.post-12630280387394017392011-01-15T20:38:00.000-06:002011-01-15T20:52:44.046-06:00My family is cooler than your family...Today started off as a lazy-relax in the recliner-kind of Saturday, but ended up being Awesome Family Hang Out Day!!<br /><br />My sister posted about my nephew's basketball game at the Y, so I hopped in the car, picked up me daddy and headed out to watch the game. WOW! I never thought 8 year old basketball could be so intense! Loved every minute of it!! Biggs scored 4/10. They ended up losing by 3, but they played a great game.<br /><br />Afterward, I back to my parents and hung out for a while, then I went jean shopping at Dillards... which was... depressing. It made me realize that I <span style="font-style: italic;">really </span>need to get off my tuchus. So, I decided to join the Y. Hopefully dishing out $35/month will help me get in gear. Also, I have 3 Y locations within easy driving distance, 2 from home and 1 from work, so there really is no excuse. I'm joining tomorrow so I can join for free. I just printed off the class schedules for all 3 Ys and am going to figure out the classes I can go to.<br /><br />After my depressing venture into the dressing rooms at Dillards, I decided to go hang out with me gran... and an hour later EVERYONE had shown up there. Daddy, Mum, M's family... all of us hanging out watching the Stealers/Raven's game. I'm so excited that Pea started crawling!! He'll be walking before we know it! His favorite thing to do right now is to stand up holding on to the couch. Its so cute because he's so tiny!! He's such a sweet little boy. His smile is so infectious. My heart belongs to him, Biggs, and Sader.<br /><br />Tomorrow is laundry and the Y!! Maybe a movie with my honey, but that's in the air. He's agreed to go see "The King's Speech" with me, which surprised me. I didn't really think that would be his type of movie. We did go see "Black Swan" yesterday, which was AWESOME. It also gave me the willies, but Natalie Portman was amazing! It makes me want to take ballet lessons. I'm looking into the adult dance class at the Y for March, maybe.<br /><br />Auf Wiedersehen!!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04809495150670507341noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6811200537228539386.post-58984583180823875172011-01-12T18:24:00.000-06:002011-01-12T18:33:33.599-06:00-14 degrees... right.This weather is crazy!! I'm freezing my knickers off!! It is making for interesting mornings... as in... I sure as heck don't want to crawl out of bed!!<br /><br />I finally made it out to my truck and... it wouldn't start. Of course. Its 1 degree out and Oliver didn't want to go anywhere either. The very nice maintenance guys at my complex jumped me and I was on my way. <br /><br />Work will finally be calming down a bit. I'm ready to get back to my own job and not having to worry about the rest of the store. <span id="result_box" class="" lang="de"><span title="Click for alternate translations" class="hps"></span></span><br /><br />I did decide to start learning German. <span id="result_box" class="short_text" lang="de"><span title="Click for alternate translations" class="hps">Deutsch</span> <span title="Click for alternate translations" class="hps">soll Spaß</span> <span title="Click for alternate translations" class="hps">zu</span> <span title="Click for alternate translations" class="hps">lernen. </span></span><span id="result_box" class="" lang="de"><span title="Click for alternate translations" class="hps">Ich</span> <span title="Click for alternate translations" class="hps">habe</span> <span title="Click for alternate translations" class="hps">einen Kollegen</span> <span title="Click for alternate translations" class="hps">und</span> <span title="Click for alternate translations" class="hps">einen Freund,</span> <span title="Click for alternate translations" class="hps">beide</span> <span title="Click for alternate translations" class="hps">sprechen Deutsch</span><span class="" title="Click for alternate translations">,</span> <span title="Click for alternate translations" class="hps">so</span> <span title="Click for alternate translations" class="hps">werden sie hoffentlich</span> <span title="Click for alternate translations" class="hps">in der Lage sein</span><span class="" title="Click for alternate translations">, mir zu helfen</span><span class="" title="Click for alternate translations">.</span></span><br /><br />Yeah... thats right.<br /><br />Tonight's menu is spaghetti with my homemade sauce, with the addition of sun-dried tomato & provolone stuffed chicken sausages and french bread. Nice yummies to warm us up!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04809495150670507341noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6811200537228539386.post-42659358972649780442011-01-04T16:26:00.000-06:002011-01-04T16:33:30.553-06:00Winter: 2, Wende: 0Omg... I hate getting sick.<br /><br />This is what happens when you work in the Accounting Office for a major retail chain during the winter season. When it comes down to it, people are just plain nasty and there is not enough anti-bacterial sanitizer in the world to keep me from getting sick.<br /><br />After getting a wicked stomach virus 2 weeks ago and almost missing out on Christmas, Saturday night I start getting a little tickle in my throat that by Sunday morning was a full blown cold. I'm now on day 3 of said cold and am ready for it to be over. I hate not doing anything!! On the bright side, day 1 of no soda is going well. Water and OJ only for this <span style="visibility: visible;" id="main"><span style="visibility: visible;" id="search">chica</span></span>.<br /><br />First Meatless Monday was also a success, even though I kinda cheated and we had 3cheese tortellini with tomato sauce for dinner. I didn't really feel like cooking.<br /><br />Tonight is Jambalaya... in hopes that the delicious spicy cajun food I adore so much will aid in getting rid of this cold!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04809495150670507341noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6811200537228539386.post-71249381495604433792011-01-02T20:17:00.000-06:002011-01-02T20:40:32.147-06:0030 day TrialTrying to start new habits on days that I work 11 hours probably isn't the best idea in the world. Good thing I have Tuesday and Wednesday off to start fresh. I read somewhere that starting new habits on a Sunday or Monday doesn't work as well... but that could be a load of bollocks.<br /><br />Tomorrow is Meatless Monday!! That's the first "habit" Jared and I are getting in to. We're not quite cool enough to go vegan, but at least we're going attempt one day a week to go ovolacto-vegetarian. This way, we can explore a new culinary genre! I'll post more about that adventure tomorrow!<br /><br />I tried to give up soda today, alas, I drank 1 can of diet pepsi. I was extremely tired and needed a rush. I just need to resist the urge. I'd like to start brewing a gallon of iced tea every night before work and just take that with me and refill a glass while at work. There is some things I can do at home to make eating better at work a reality. Packing lunches the night before is another habit to get in to.<br /><br />2011 Goals<br />1. Meatless Mondays!<br />2. Exercise @ least 30 min. every day<br />3. Pack lunch/iced tea for work the night before<br />4. NO SODA<br />5. Study French 30 min every day<br /><br />I'm curious to see what the results of this would be. I'm going to try a 30 day trial. I will weigh and measure Wednesday morning and again at on Feb 4. I want to see what the effects of 1-4 would be on my body after 1 month. This will be interesting. I probably wont post my initial weight because I'm sure its awful, but you'll at least know the results!!<br /><br />So tomorrow is my last soda day. Adieu Diet Pepsi. You will be missed.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04809495150670507341noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6811200537228539386.post-45922151614064580362011-01-01T14:29:00.000-06:002011-01-01T14:50:13.290-06:002011... Its a new day, a new year, a new life.So I decided to start clean this year.<br /><br />That includes a new blog... and an attempt to update more regularly that I did on the old one. This being more generic that my previous one will help, in theory.<br /><br />2011 has so much potential for everyone. Almost every facebook friend had a post about 2010 being awful and hope for the new year. I am the same. I have many goals I would like to accomplish this year, but I mainly want to be in a better place (mentally, physically, spiritually) come December 31.<br /><br />While New Year's Eve was a delicious culinary experience, today has been sluggish. I hardly slept and when I did, it was bad. I'm exhausted and need to clean and do laundry, but just want to watch season 5 of Bones. Im thinking a short nap might help.<br /><br />There are many new habits I'm starting on tomorrow, and research says on average it takes 66 days to make them routine. So, first steps is progressing to March 9 and seeing where I am. I know the second and third weeks tend to be the hardest when forming new habits, so I can try to watch for my procrastination to start creeping in!<br /><br />Happy New Year to all!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04809495150670507341noreply@blogger.com1