Today was the big day - heading to the specialist's office. I was full of emotion.
I found my way to Duke Hospital's Campus. It's a huge campus full of different buildings and garages. I found where I was to park and began the long walk to the clinic. I was actually surprised by the beauty of the place. It's all spires and dark brick like a fantasy castle, but the most modern of interiors. I followed the detailed instructions (follow corridor to the beige elevator, up the ramp, past the first clinic to check-in). Soon, I found where I was supposed to be.
I began the check in process and started to cry when the attendant asked me how I was today. I responded that I was checking in at the Cancer Center, so I wasn't doing too well. He handed me a box of tissues and told me to take what I needed. I sat and waited.
The nurse was so nice. She took me back and did all of the standard preliminary examination things - took my temperature and weight and checked by blood pressure. Then, I waited in an exam room.
Duke is a teaching hospital, so the next person I met was a resident. He was very kind and asked me a ton of questions. He did a clothed physical exam of my abdomen. I joked that the radiologist said it was like I was 18 weeks pregnant. He said it was more like 28 weeks. That was pretty shocking. He left and returned with the doctor - a woman younger that I expected. From there, it was time for the physical exam.
It's always a weird thing to be naked in front of other people. It's especially weird to be splayed out on a table in front of 3 people (resident, doctor, nurse) with 2 of those people examine your insides. They could not find my cervix at first. My uterus was so distended that the cervix was up and to the left. They felt around, made their mental notes, and told me I was done. The female doctor said she did not believe in talking to people about the prognosis while they were naked, so they left me to dress.
When they returned, the first thing the doctor said was that she felt it was a low probability for cancer. Phew!! She believed it to be a fibroid - a very large one. It would have to be removed surgically. Was I available the following Friday for surgery? Everything went so quickly after that statement. She went over the plan - remove one ovary and have it checked for cancer while I was still in the OR. It would be a quick exam, followed by a complete pathology later. If there was cancer, the uterus would be removed as well as the lymph nodes. My mind was flooded and I couldn't think straight. I asked what it would mean for my job. She said 6 weeks of medical leave. How could I leave work now? We were just starting our fiscal year end and the auditors would be arriving the next day. I really didn't have a choice.
I was signing release forms and reviewing the surgical plan. I was receiving pamphlets about how to prepare for surgery and special drinks to take the day of. I was getting phone numbers and being told when different departments would call me. I was told what to bring to the hospital - something I had never needed to know. I was quickly dismissed from this exam and sent to get my blood taken. It was done.
I returned to my office around noon. I had to tell my supervisor that during the worst time of the year, I would be out for 6 weeks. I had to check with HR and find out what needed to be done. I had to call my husband and tell him he needed to take next Friday off. It was all a blur of action. I tried not to think too much about it and just keep moving. There was much to do in just 8 days.
Sunday, January 22, 2017
Monday, January 09, 2017
November 29-30, 2016
I was waiting. Waiting to hear about the appointment with the specialist. I am very good at not thinking about things. It worked for the first day.
I finally got the call from my GP. I had an appointment for December 1. That left 2 days to think about it. The first day I went to work and it was business as usual. The second day was harder. I started to think about what was inside me. It seemed to be growing so quickly and was already large. Could it be a tumor? What would happen? I could not imagine leaving my family. I was so worried what would happen to my husband if I had to leave. It brought me to tears more than once throughout the day. I was trying to be strong, to not imagine to worst scenario. All I could do was wait until the next day and see what would happen next.
I finally got the call from my GP. I had an appointment for December 1. That left 2 days to think about it. The first day I went to work and it was business as usual. The second day was harder. I started to think about what was inside me. It seemed to be growing so quickly and was already large. Could it be a tumor? What would happen? I could not imagine leaving my family. I was so worried what would happen to my husband if I had to leave. It brought me to tears more than once throughout the day. I was trying to be strong, to not imagine to worst scenario. All I could do was wait until the next day and see what would happen next.
Friday, December 23, 2016
November 28, 2016 - Part II
Today marks 2 weeks post-op for me. But, we are not quite there yet in this story.
I arrive at the radiologist clinic for my ultrasound. I am still a bit in shock as to how quickly everything has moved. I really wasn't expecting it to go like this. I thought I would go in and Dr. Marum would know exactly what was wrong with me. I would get a prescription and go home. Things were getting a little bit scary.
The radiology office knew I was coming. I checked in and they said there was an appointment available at 1 pm. At this point, it was about 11:45 am. They said the 1pm appointment would work perfectly. When had I last eaten? I had a bowl of cereal at 8am and missed my morning snack. Perfect - I had to fast for at least 5 hours. With over an hour to appointment time, I had a chance to drink plenty of fluid to get my bladder full - another requirement for the procedure. I had already missed more work than expected for the day. It was 2 days before our fiscal year end and I had plenty of work to get done. They offered to re-schedule me, but I was already there. I texted work and started drinking water.
The wait was horrible. I didn't bring a book because I hadn't expected this to happen. There was no regular TV in the waiting area - it was a stupid professional channel that flashed information about the practice interspersed with 5-10 clips from various TV shows. It was hardly entertaining. I did have my phone, but after a bit I just closed my eyes and tried to meditate. I had a full bladder and an empty stomach - I was ready to be done.
After what seemed like forever, the tech called me back. I got settled on the table and the hour long ultrasound procedure started. The tech noted that I had been in 10 years ago for a quick version of this ultrasound. She said they had found fibroids in my uterus - a very common non-cancerous growth. I remembered that appointment. She began the current ultrasound with great humor and friendly banter. One of the first things she said was that I still had a fibroid, but this one was "the size of Texas." I peed, moved in different positions, and was checked out all over my abdomen. As we continued, it seemed that she became quieter and quieter. I wasn't sure if she was concentrating or thinking, or worse of all, if she saw something truly scary. She seemed a bit confused, too, especially while looking at the sides of my abdomen. Finally, it was over. I dressed, and she asked me to wait in the lobby per Dr. Marum's request.
My doctor wanted the ultrasound read immediately and requested I wait for the results. After a few minutes, the tech came out just as my phone rang. It was Dr. Marum. She had already been appraised of the results and was calling to tell me she was going to refer me to a specialist at Duke. She wanted me to see an oncologist who specialized in gynecology cases. She would have her office set up the appointment as soon as possible and have them contact me. I thanked her and prepared to check out.
The tech brought me a CD copy of my ultrasound to give to the specialist. She half laughed and said that the radiologist didn't know what it was either. Great - what a wonderful thing to say to a person after going through all of the things I had on that day. Nice parting shot.
As I do with most things in my life, I shoved the worry to the side - to a place in my brain where I don't think about things too hard. I called Bill and told him there was some sort of mass. He was so sweet and caring and asked if I needed him. I said I was going back to work and I would fill him in on the details later. I went to the nearest fast food place for a late lunch (it was about 3pm), and went back to work as I said. Thinking about it anymore would have to wait until a later time.
I arrive at the radiologist clinic for my ultrasound. I am still a bit in shock as to how quickly everything has moved. I really wasn't expecting it to go like this. I thought I would go in and Dr. Marum would know exactly what was wrong with me. I would get a prescription and go home. Things were getting a little bit scary.
The radiology office knew I was coming. I checked in and they said there was an appointment available at 1 pm. At this point, it was about 11:45 am. They said the 1pm appointment would work perfectly. When had I last eaten? I had a bowl of cereal at 8am and missed my morning snack. Perfect - I had to fast for at least 5 hours. With over an hour to appointment time, I had a chance to drink plenty of fluid to get my bladder full - another requirement for the procedure. I had already missed more work than expected for the day. It was 2 days before our fiscal year end and I had plenty of work to get done. They offered to re-schedule me, but I was already there. I texted work and started drinking water.
The wait was horrible. I didn't bring a book because I hadn't expected this to happen. There was no regular TV in the waiting area - it was a stupid professional channel that flashed information about the practice interspersed with 5-10 clips from various TV shows. It was hardly entertaining. I did have my phone, but after a bit I just closed my eyes and tried to meditate. I had a full bladder and an empty stomach - I was ready to be done.
After what seemed like forever, the tech called me back. I got settled on the table and the hour long ultrasound procedure started. The tech noted that I had been in 10 years ago for a quick version of this ultrasound. She said they had found fibroids in my uterus - a very common non-cancerous growth. I remembered that appointment. She began the current ultrasound with great humor and friendly banter. One of the first things she said was that I still had a fibroid, but this one was "the size of Texas." I peed, moved in different positions, and was checked out all over my abdomen. As we continued, it seemed that she became quieter and quieter. I wasn't sure if she was concentrating or thinking, or worse of all, if she saw something truly scary. She seemed a bit confused, too, especially while looking at the sides of my abdomen. Finally, it was over. I dressed, and she asked me to wait in the lobby per Dr. Marum's request.
My doctor wanted the ultrasound read immediately and requested I wait for the results. After a few minutes, the tech came out just as my phone rang. It was Dr. Marum. She had already been appraised of the results and was calling to tell me she was going to refer me to a specialist at Duke. She wanted me to see an oncologist who specialized in gynecology cases. She would have her office set up the appointment as soon as possible and have them contact me. I thanked her and prepared to check out.
The tech brought me a CD copy of my ultrasound to give to the specialist. She half laughed and said that the radiologist didn't know what it was either. Great - what a wonderful thing to say to a person after going through all of the things I had on that day. Nice parting shot.
As I do with most things in my life, I shoved the worry to the side - to a place in my brain where I don't think about things too hard. I called Bill and told him there was some sort of mass. He was so sweet and caring and asked if I needed him. I said I was going back to work and I would fill him in on the details later. I went to the nearest fast food place for a late lunch (it was about 3pm), and went back to work as I said. Thinking about it anymore would have to wait until a later time.
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
November 28, 2016 - Part I
Something extraordinary has happened to me. Something crazy. I have decided a good way to deal with it is to write about it. I could journal it, but it seems OK to write about my journey on this blog. Here is the story.
I had been feeling bloated for a few weeks. I noticed by stomach was rather rigid at times, and it was sore when I tried to lay on it. It didn't really get in the way of doing anything - I still exercised, slept, worked, and played. Life went on, but it didn't seem right. I was finally ready to have it checked. So, I did what anyone would do - I made an appointment with my general practitioner.
When I called, they tried to stick my with a nurse practitioner at the practice. She is great - I had gone to her earlier in the year for a different issue. Of course, I had to go back several times and see a specialist to get it resolved finally. I was leery of seeing her when the receptionist said my doctor did have an available space on the Monday after Thanksgiving. I made my appointment with a sigh of relief.
I told her it was for an annual exam, but that I was also having issues with my abdomen. I guess Dr. Marum thought that was the resin I was there. It was good to see her - she has always done right by me. She is overly cautious, but she is also very smart and very thorough. We began the appointment as normal. I told her about my abdomen issue and she felt my tummy. She could immediately see what I meant. Initially, she was not going to do a pelvic exam (I was not due for a pap smear), but she was a bit concerned by what she felt. She also decided to take a pregnancy test. Wouldn't it be funny if I were expecting? I certainly hadn't planned for that in my life and I wasn't acting like a pregnant person should. I was a little scared that could be the issue, but deep down I knew it was something else. I was right.
After the pelvic exam where she decided to take a pap smear just in case, she left the room. Before that, we had gone over my family history and I relayed that my paternal grandmother had uterine cancer. It was like I had forgot about her cancer until the moment I told Dr. Marum. I started to wonder and to fear if that could be what was happening here. She returned to the exam room and told me to immediately go down the road to the diagnostic imaging office. She had called to schedule a full ultrasound for me. I was a little confused - right this minute? Yes, right now.
I had taken an early lunch from work to go to my initial exam. Now, I was heading to another office. It looked like it was going to be a long afternoon.
I had been feeling bloated for a few weeks. I noticed by stomach was rather rigid at times, and it was sore when I tried to lay on it. It didn't really get in the way of doing anything - I still exercised, slept, worked, and played. Life went on, but it didn't seem right. I was finally ready to have it checked. So, I did what anyone would do - I made an appointment with my general practitioner.
When I called, they tried to stick my with a nurse practitioner at the practice. She is great - I had gone to her earlier in the year for a different issue. Of course, I had to go back several times and see a specialist to get it resolved finally. I was leery of seeing her when the receptionist said my doctor did have an available space on the Monday after Thanksgiving. I made my appointment with a sigh of relief.
I told her it was for an annual exam, but that I was also having issues with my abdomen. I guess Dr. Marum thought that was the resin I was there. It was good to see her - she has always done right by me. She is overly cautious, but she is also very smart and very thorough. We began the appointment as normal. I told her about my abdomen issue and she felt my tummy. She could immediately see what I meant. Initially, she was not going to do a pelvic exam (I was not due for a pap smear), but she was a bit concerned by what she felt. She also decided to take a pregnancy test. Wouldn't it be funny if I were expecting? I certainly hadn't planned for that in my life and I wasn't acting like a pregnant person should. I was a little scared that could be the issue, but deep down I knew it was something else. I was right.
After the pelvic exam where she decided to take a pap smear just in case, she left the room. Before that, we had gone over my family history and I relayed that my paternal grandmother had uterine cancer. It was like I had forgot about her cancer until the moment I told Dr. Marum. I started to wonder and to fear if that could be what was happening here. She returned to the exam room and told me to immediately go down the road to the diagnostic imaging office. She had called to schedule a full ultrasound for me. I was a little confused - right this minute? Yes, right now.
I had taken an early lunch from work to go to my initial exam. Now, I was heading to another office. It looked like it was going to be a long afternoon.
Thursday, November 06, 2014
Do strangers really have candy?
It has been a long time. I have really neglected my blog, but life has been busy. There never seems to be enough time to get anything done, but that might be a topic for another post.
It's funny to me that I find that it is often easier to be nice to strangers rather that people I actually know. It really doesn't apply with my close friends, but to my acquaintances. I realized it just the other day.
I was in a clothing store and was able to strike up a great conversation with a fellow shopper and a store employee. I really enjoyed talking to both of them and I felt so great about the conversation. It wasn't a deep conversation by any means - we just chatted about the items in the store, how to put outfits together, and the discounts we received for our birth month. It just seemed so much easier to carry on a conversation with these two random people. I felt like I was free to smile and just enjoy being there.
No, of course, it could have something to do with the fact that I was off on a work day and out shopping. Maybe I was just in a better mood for that very reason. Maybe it was easier because these two people did not know me at all. They had no history of me and made no judgments toward me. I could just be the person I wanted to be in that very moment - a normal, happy woman out for a day of shopping. If only life could be so easy breezy all of the time.
It's funny to me that I find that it is often easier to be nice to strangers rather that people I actually know. It really doesn't apply with my close friends, but to my acquaintances. I realized it just the other day.
I was in a clothing store and was able to strike up a great conversation with a fellow shopper and a store employee. I really enjoyed talking to both of them and I felt so great about the conversation. It wasn't a deep conversation by any means - we just chatted about the items in the store, how to put outfits together, and the discounts we received for our birth month. It just seemed so much easier to carry on a conversation with these two random people. I felt like I was free to smile and just enjoy being there.
No, of course, it could have something to do with the fact that I was off on a work day and out shopping. Maybe I was just in a better mood for that very reason. Maybe it was easier because these two people did not know me at all. They had no history of me and made no judgments toward me. I could just be the person I wanted to be in that very moment - a normal, happy woman out for a day of shopping. If only life could be so easy breezy all of the time.
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Golden Globes 2014
Well, it certainly has been a long time. It has been so long that I wasn't sure if I would even remember my password to login. It certainly does not look the way I remember it looking. I guess I just need to post more often.
Let's talk about The Golden Globe Awards this past Sunday. I love award shows because I love the glamor of all of the wonderful dresses. I also love to see my favorite stars win and hear their speeches. This show was wonderful for me because I really think The Hollywood Foreign Press celebrates some underrated actors. It is always a nice surprise to see who wins. Several of my favorite actors were surprise wins - to me at least.
I was thrilled to see Amy Adams win for American Hustle. She is one of my favorite actresses and it is really nice to see her be recognized. I also loved seeing Robin Wright win (Buttercup rules!) and Amy Poehler get long overdue recognition. Amy P. is so great on Parks & Recreation. I was also nicely surprised to see Matthew McConnaughey win for Dallas Buyer's Club. He gave a great speech, too.
I am so fired up now. I have a long list of movies to see: American Hustle, Dallas Buyer's Club, Her, The Wolf of Wall Street, and so many more! Bring on the Oscar nominations tomorrow morning.
I would be remiss to forget to mention my favorite dress of the night - Ms. Amy Adams again. Love the color combination on her as well as the great necklace. Gorgeous!
Let's talk about The Golden Globe Awards this past Sunday. I love award shows because I love the glamor of all of the wonderful dresses. I also love to see my favorite stars win and hear their speeches. This show was wonderful for me because I really think The Hollywood Foreign Press celebrates some underrated actors. It is always a nice surprise to see who wins. Several of my favorite actors were surprise wins - to me at least.
I was thrilled to see Amy Adams win for American Hustle. She is one of my favorite actresses and it is really nice to see her be recognized. I also loved seeing Robin Wright win (Buttercup rules!) and Amy Poehler get long overdue recognition. Amy P. is so great on Parks & Recreation. I was also nicely surprised to see Matthew McConnaughey win for Dallas Buyer's Club. He gave a great speech, too.
I am so fired up now. I have a long list of movies to see: American Hustle, Dallas Buyer's Club, Her, The Wolf of Wall Street, and so many more! Bring on the Oscar nominations tomorrow morning.
I would be remiss to forget to mention my favorite dress of the night - Ms. Amy Adams again. Love the color combination on her as well as the great necklace. Gorgeous!
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Lack of Motivation
Well, it should not be a surprise that I am suffering from a lack of motivation. It has been nearly 21 months since my last blog post! So much has happened between then and now...
Bill has become an Ironman finishing Ironman Coeur d'Alene in June 2011
I am a 2 time 70.3 triathlon finisher with Beach 2 Battleship and TryCharleston
I was supposed to do the New York Marathon in November 2012, but it was canceled due to Super Storm Sandy
Ever since the cancellation of the New York Marathon, I feel like I haven't been able to get myself together. I took the entire month of December off. I did nothing even though I never ran a marathon. I was supposed to get back into running and training in January, but here it is March and I am still having issues. I can manage to get up and go to classes (muscle conditioning and spin class), but it has been hard to run. I don't know if it has been the cold or the dark, but I just haven't been able to run in the mornings.
I am rather ashamed to admit this, but I am not going to do the Tobacco Road Half Marathon next weekend because I have not trained. I knew it was coming, but I couldn't get myself out to train. My next chance is the Tar Heel 10 miler coming up in April. I can't blow off this race. Maybe that will be the motivation I need. I hope it is.
Bill has become an Ironman finishing Ironman Coeur d'Alene in June 2011
I am a 2 time 70.3 triathlon finisher with Beach 2 Battleship and TryCharleston
I was supposed to do the New York Marathon in November 2012, but it was canceled due to Super Storm Sandy
Ever since the cancellation of the New York Marathon, I feel like I haven't been able to get myself together. I took the entire month of December off. I did nothing even though I never ran a marathon. I was supposed to get back into running and training in January, but here it is March and I am still having issues. I can manage to get up and go to classes (muscle conditioning and spin class), but it has been hard to run. I don't know if it has been the cold or the dark, but I just haven't been able to run in the mornings.
I am rather ashamed to admit this, but I am not going to do the Tobacco Road Half Marathon next weekend because I have not trained. I knew it was coming, but I couldn't get myself out to train. My next chance is the Tar Heel 10 miler coming up in April. I can't blow off this race. Maybe that will be the motivation I need. I hope it is.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Scars are Souvenirs
As I near 40 years of age, I can reflect back on my life so far with all the memories I have. I realized, though, that not all of my memories are in my brain. I can look at my body and find memories of good times, stupid ideas, and the battle wounds of growing up in my scars.
I have a mark on my left wrist - a jagged vertical line. I don't remember what happened, but I do remember the face of my friend Laura Lokay from the second grade who told me know to pick at it. When I look at that scar, I can see her face so clearly and even hear the wise words coming from her 7 year old mouth.
I have a chicken pox scar on my chest. I got chicken pox as a gift from a classmate for my 17th birthday. I remember being out of school for about 4 days and missing our homecoming game. I also remember the night before I broke out. My good friends to me out to celebrate my birthday and we returned to my house to watch movies. Sometime during "The Running Man," I realized I had a fever. We had to send my friends home, but I still remember having a good time.
On my leg ankle, there is a big spot on top of area where my foot and leg meet. I fell down the patio stairs at my fraternity house in college (Yes, it was a co-ed business fraternity called Alpha Kappa Psi and we had a house on fraternity/sorority row at UGA). I fell with my foot under my body and am really lucky I did not break anything. I was pretty drunk (surprise!) at the time, so it probably kept me from realizing I was falling. Man, there were some good times in that house and on that patio.
I cut off a big chuck of my right ring finger and you can still see the damage. I was trying to impress this wonderful guy by making dinner for him. I was using a mandolin cutter, and just when he asked me of I should be using the safety guard, I sliced off the side of my finger. He was so calm. He cleaned my up, threw out all the food (and I presume part of my finger), and ordered pizza for us. Thank goodness he decided to marry me despite my being an absolute klutz.
My most recent scar is from an attempt to do a muscle up at CrossFit. I never did get that move, but I will always have a discoloration on my right wrist as a memory of trying to do it.
My favorite scar, however, is from the cable car incident while on vacation in San Francisco. I have a nice scar in the middle of my right shin. Bill and I were riding on the running board of a cable car on our first day in San Fran. We went around the corner, but we were heavy. The operator asked all of us on our side to jump down and push us through the corner. Well, I jumped a second too late, and my shin banged the side of the car. I knew it hurt, but it wasn't until we got to the hotel that I saw I was bruised and cut. At least I knew it would make a good story, and it did.
Yes, I have many scars. Each one has a story - some I remember clearly, and some I can't recall. They are little stories of my life and I wear them proudly.
I have a mark on my left wrist - a jagged vertical line. I don't remember what happened, but I do remember the face of my friend Laura Lokay from the second grade who told me know to pick at it. When I look at that scar, I can see her face so clearly and even hear the wise words coming from her 7 year old mouth.
I have a chicken pox scar on my chest. I got chicken pox as a gift from a classmate for my 17th birthday. I remember being out of school for about 4 days and missing our homecoming game. I also remember the night before I broke out. My good friends to me out to celebrate my birthday and we returned to my house to watch movies. Sometime during "The Running Man," I realized I had a fever. We had to send my friends home, but I still remember having a good time.
On my leg ankle, there is a big spot on top of area where my foot and leg meet. I fell down the patio stairs at my fraternity house in college (Yes, it was a co-ed business fraternity called Alpha Kappa Psi and we had a house on fraternity/sorority row at UGA). I fell with my foot under my body and am really lucky I did not break anything. I was pretty drunk (surprise!) at the time, so it probably kept me from realizing I was falling. Man, there were some good times in that house and on that patio.
I cut off a big chuck of my right ring finger and you can still see the damage. I was trying to impress this wonderful guy by making dinner for him. I was using a mandolin cutter, and just when he asked me of I should be using the safety guard, I sliced off the side of my finger. He was so calm. He cleaned my up, threw out all the food (and I presume part of my finger), and ordered pizza for us. Thank goodness he decided to marry me despite my being an absolute klutz.
My most recent scar is from an attempt to do a muscle up at CrossFit. I never did get that move, but I will always have a discoloration on my right wrist as a memory of trying to do it.
My favorite scar, however, is from the cable car incident while on vacation in San Francisco. I have a nice scar in the middle of my right shin. Bill and I were riding on the running board of a cable car on our first day in San Fran. We went around the corner, but we were heavy. The operator asked all of us on our side to jump down and push us through the corner. Well, I jumped a second too late, and my shin banged the side of the car. I knew it hurt, but it wasn't until we got to the hotel that I saw I was bruised and cut. At least I knew it would make a good story, and it did.
Yes, I have many scars. Each one has a story - some I remember clearly, and some I can't recall. They are little stories of my life and I wear them proudly.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
A Change of Mind
Well, today was my last day at CrossFit Durham. I know I have been going on and on in this blog about my fitness program. I finally decided this month that I am done with Crossfit, at least for the near future. I need to get back to the core of triathlon training - swimming, biking, and running. I am looking forward to working out by myself again. I don't want to feel the pressure of the group fitness. I have watched my friends get better and better at different exercises while I feel like I have remained the same. At least now, I won't be competing against anyone but myself. I am also looking forward to those extra dollars in my pocket each month.
Maybe I will change my mind come the fall, but I think this is a good decision for now. I can't wait to run tomorrow.
Maybe I will change my mind come the fall, but I think this is a good decision for now. I can't wait to run tomorrow.
Friday, May 06, 2011
And They Lived Happily Ever After
It's all I want for my books and movies - to end with and they lived happily ever after (I would have said a happy ending, but I was afraid it would be misconstrued). The plot should be boys meets girl, conflicts arise or bad guys make trouble, bad guys defeated, good guys triumph, and love conquers all. If the plot is going to vary, there should be some sort of disclaimer at the beginning of the book or movie. I don't want to waste my time reading or watching if the ending is tragic (I'm looking at you One Day, Cold Mountain, and Atonement). I want to be entertained and I want everyone to be happy in the end. Real life is difficult and disappointing. Books should be an escape.
I am reading a series now called The Hunger Games. It is a trilogy and I am reading the final book. I have really enjoyed the series, but I have heard that the finale is "frustrating." I was so upset by this notion that I had to ask the person who loaned me the books if she was satisfied with the way the series ended. She said that there is heartbreak along the way, but ultimately the ending is a good one. I have been nervous about reading all week. I feel like I have invested a lot of time getting to know these characters and to care what happens to them. In my mind, there is only one way for the series to end, but I have a feeling the author does not agree with me. I don't want to read an ending that will leave me feeling bad. I don't want to be upset. I just want the good guys to win and for lovers to be together. I am torn up about the book, and I am only 1/3 of the way done. I keep going because I hope the author would not have nurtured these characters through 2 books to make something horrible happen to them in the finale. I hope I am right.
Fairy tales and romance novels have the right idea.
I am reading a series now called The Hunger Games. It is a trilogy and I am reading the final book. I have really enjoyed the series, but I have heard that the finale is "frustrating." I was so upset by this notion that I had to ask the person who loaned me the books if she was satisfied with the way the series ended. She said that there is heartbreak along the way, but ultimately the ending is a good one. I have been nervous about reading all week. I feel like I have invested a lot of time getting to know these characters and to care what happens to them. In my mind, there is only one way for the series to end, but I have a feeling the author does not agree with me. I don't want to read an ending that will leave me feeling bad. I don't want to be upset. I just want the good guys to win and for lovers to be together. I am torn up about the book, and I am only 1/3 of the way done. I keep going because I hope the author would not have nurtured these characters through 2 books to make something horrible happen to them in the finale. I hope I am right.
Fairy tales and romance novels have the right idea.
Monday, March 21, 2011
2011 Shamrock Half Marathon
Yesterday, I ran my 7th half marathon and second Shamrock Half Marathon in Virginia Beach. I had high hope going in to this event because I had set my PR here in 2009. Well, the day did not disappoint.
Now, on paper, this race should not have been great for me. The weather on Friday was spectacular, so hubby and I decided to sit outside on our deck and drink beer. Well, one beer led to another, which then led to getting a pizza because we were not in the mood to cook. Overindulging two days before a race is probably not in the manual under "good ideas." We were much better on Saturday, however. We ate well and went to sleep early. Despite our going to bed at a reasonable hour, we did not get as much sleep as we had hoped. The winds were blowing so hard (16-17 mph) that is was causing the balcony railing to shake and make noise. I woke up several times and wondered how it would affect the race. It was still windy in the morning, but I don't think it was a huge factor in the race overall. Once you add that I have not been running long distances (I think I did 8 miles in January, last 13.1 was at the Kiawah Island Half in December) and have only been running once a week, I should not have done well at all. My attitude when I started the race was not to worry about a PR, but to just have fun. If it didn't happen, it didn't happen.
I started the race feeling pretty good. I knew the course and knew that it was pretty darn flat. This race is known for it's crazy costumes, and this year was no different. Everyone is in such a good mood - people are just out to have fun and get the beach party sponsored by Yuengling at the end of the race. I was running along feeling pretty good at about mile 4, and I decided to check my watch. I was a little slow off my PR pace, but it wasn't too far off. I had lots of race left, so I decided to experiment. I thought of my intervals like a CrossFit WOD. I thought I would see what would happen if I pushed a little bit harder through the last 45 seconds of my two minute run interval. I worked on it for awhile, and saw that my pace was now at my PR pace. I was encouraged.
I decided that I was going to go for it. I was going to leave everything on the course. I thought about my friends at CrossFit and about the mental toughness to get through those difficult workouts. It's OK to take a break, but then get right back to it. Try to get just a little bit more before the beep lets you know that it is time for a walk break. I stuck to that idea, and it worked. By the halfway point in the race, I was below my PR pace. I knew it wasn't over yet - I would have to keep pushing and get a negative split (faster on the second half of the race than the first) to get the PR. I kept pushing, and when I got tired, I would adjust the surge time - 30 seconds, 25 seconds, then 20 seconds. Then, there was the wall.
At about mile 11.5, everything seemed to go. I was really tired and my left IT band at the knee was really hurting. I was checking my watch, and I could see my pace slowing. People were lining the road, yelling for the runners. I was trying to suck it up, counting down the distance remaining with each interval. For the last mile, I had to literally concentrate on two minutes of running at a time. We made the turn onto the boardwalk, and I could see the finish about a 1/2 mile away. I was aching, but I ran it in. I could see my time, and I knew it was close.
I managed my way through the gauntlet of folks with the medals, water, finisher's hat, finisher's shirt, and food. I found Bill, and thought I might collapse. My legs just could not take my weight anymore. I was so thankful that our hotel was about 50 yards away. I did manage to make it back to our room, but nearly lost it when we could not get the door open. Standing hurt too much. I went right in to a cool bath, and I really think it helped my legs. After soaking for a bit, I was able to take a shower and get dressed so we could leave the hotel and get a much needed celebratory burger and beer.
I checked the website for my official time last night, and it was to the second the exact time of my previous PR. Sure, I wish I could have broken it, but I am happy. I did second guess myself for awhile - what if I hadn't stopped to drink the water at that one stop? What if I had had my Sports Beans instead of Gu? What if I hadn't done CrossFit and actually trained to run? Well, it doesn't matter now. I did it, I finished it, and I am happy with the overall race. I learned that I can push myself. Just wait until next year.
Now, on paper, this race should not have been great for me. The weather on Friday was spectacular, so hubby and I decided to sit outside on our deck and drink beer. Well, one beer led to another, which then led to getting a pizza because we were not in the mood to cook. Overindulging two days before a race is probably not in the manual under "good ideas." We were much better on Saturday, however. We ate well and went to sleep early. Despite our going to bed at a reasonable hour, we did not get as much sleep as we had hoped. The winds were blowing so hard (16-17 mph) that is was causing the balcony railing to shake and make noise. I woke up several times and wondered how it would affect the race. It was still windy in the morning, but I don't think it was a huge factor in the race overall. Once you add that I have not been running long distances (I think I did 8 miles in January, last 13.1 was at the Kiawah Island Half in December) and have only been running once a week, I should not have done well at all. My attitude when I started the race was not to worry about a PR, but to just have fun. If it didn't happen, it didn't happen.
I started the race feeling pretty good. I knew the course and knew that it was pretty darn flat. This race is known for it's crazy costumes, and this year was no different. Everyone is in such a good mood - people are just out to have fun and get the beach party sponsored by Yuengling at the end of the race. I was running along feeling pretty good at about mile 4, and I decided to check my watch. I was a little slow off my PR pace, but it wasn't too far off. I had lots of race left, so I decided to experiment. I thought of my intervals like a CrossFit WOD. I thought I would see what would happen if I pushed a little bit harder through the last 45 seconds of my two minute run interval. I worked on it for awhile, and saw that my pace was now at my PR pace. I was encouraged.
I decided that I was going to go for it. I was going to leave everything on the course. I thought about my friends at CrossFit and about the mental toughness to get through those difficult workouts. It's OK to take a break, but then get right back to it. Try to get just a little bit more before the beep lets you know that it is time for a walk break. I stuck to that idea, and it worked. By the halfway point in the race, I was below my PR pace. I knew it wasn't over yet - I would have to keep pushing and get a negative split (faster on the second half of the race than the first) to get the PR. I kept pushing, and when I got tired, I would adjust the surge time - 30 seconds, 25 seconds, then 20 seconds. Then, there was the wall.
At about mile 11.5, everything seemed to go. I was really tired and my left IT band at the knee was really hurting. I was checking my watch, and I could see my pace slowing. People were lining the road, yelling for the runners. I was trying to suck it up, counting down the distance remaining with each interval. For the last mile, I had to literally concentrate on two minutes of running at a time. We made the turn onto the boardwalk, and I could see the finish about a 1/2 mile away. I was aching, but I ran it in. I could see my time, and I knew it was close.
I managed my way through the gauntlet of folks with the medals, water, finisher's hat, finisher's shirt, and food. I found Bill, and thought I might collapse. My legs just could not take my weight anymore. I was so thankful that our hotel was about 50 yards away. I did manage to make it back to our room, but nearly lost it when we could not get the door open. Standing hurt too much. I went right in to a cool bath, and I really think it helped my legs. After soaking for a bit, I was able to take a shower and get dressed so we could leave the hotel and get a much needed celebratory burger and beer.
I checked the website for my official time last night, and it was to the second the exact time of my previous PR. Sure, I wish I could have broken it, but I am happy. I did second guess myself for awhile - what if I hadn't stopped to drink the water at that one stop? What if I had had my Sports Beans instead of Gu? What if I hadn't done CrossFit and actually trained to run? Well, it doesn't matter now. I did it, I finished it, and I am happy with the overall race. I learned that I can push myself. Just wait until next year.
Friday, March 18, 2011
What to eat?
I am becoming more and more interested in nutrition as I continue to train and exercise. I know that my diet is not optimal. I pretty much eat what I want when I want to eat it. I do manage some restraint and try to eat somewhat healthy when we are eating at home. However, when I am eating out, well, all bets are off.
The problem is that there are so many different ideas for how one should eat. Hubby and I are lifetime members of Weight Watchers. I can't argue with the success I have had on their program. I lost over 60 pounds by lowering portion size and eating items with low point values (all foods are given point values in the WW system we used and you are given a certain amount of total points to eat on a given day). After I reached my goal weight, I naively figured I would just stick to the plan without having to count anymore. Well, it didn't work, and I would guess I am about 25 over my goal weight now.
But is WW the right plan for me now? Then, I wasn't really into fitness like I am now. I certainly was not running or participating in triathlons. There just seem to be so many options out there. I have several different cookbooks that are supposedly for athletes:
The Athlete's Plate
The Runner's Cookbook
Food for Fitness
They are all great books, and I have enjoyed recipes from all of them.
CrossFit is big on The Paleo Diet. Paleo Diets are supposed to be made up of things that our hunter gatherer ancestors could eat - lean meats, seafood, fruits, vegetables, and nuts. I like the idea of this diet, but the recipes I found in the cookbook all seem pretty complicated to make. Our gym is trying to rollout a new nutrition program based on this idea. I hope to be able to attend their upcoming Q&A session to find out more.
This week I also received an e-mail from a yoga/spinning studio I have attended that was promoting a raw food diet. I was immediately intrigued by this idea and have added the blog associated with this e-mail to my favorites list. I do want to find out more. The woman at the studio took a raw food challenge with her friend (the blog author) for 30 days and said she felt fantastic.
I don't know. Maybe my ideal diet is something in the middle. A portion controlled veggie, fruit, nuts, and sushi diet-with beer.
The problem is that there are so many different ideas for how one should eat. Hubby and I are lifetime members of Weight Watchers. I can't argue with the success I have had on their program. I lost over 60 pounds by lowering portion size and eating items with low point values (all foods are given point values in the WW system we used and you are given a certain amount of total points to eat on a given day). After I reached my goal weight, I naively figured I would just stick to the plan without having to count anymore. Well, it didn't work, and I would guess I am about 25 over my goal weight now.
But is WW the right plan for me now? Then, I wasn't really into fitness like I am now. I certainly was not running or participating in triathlons. There just seem to be so many options out there. I have several different cookbooks that are supposedly for athletes:
The Athlete's Plate
The Runner's Cookbook
Food for Fitness
They are all great books, and I have enjoyed recipes from all of them.
CrossFit is big on The Paleo Diet. Paleo Diets are supposed to be made up of things that our hunter gatherer ancestors could eat - lean meats, seafood, fruits, vegetables, and nuts. I like the idea of this diet, but the recipes I found in the cookbook all seem pretty complicated to make. Our gym is trying to rollout a new nutrition program based on this idea. I hope to be able to attend their upcoming Q&A session to find out more.
This week I also received an e-mail from a yoga/spinning studio I have attended that was promoting a raw food diet. I was immediately intrigued by this idea and have added the blog associated with this e-mail to my favorites list. I do want to find out more. The woman at the studio took a raw food challenge with her friend (the blog author) for 30 days and said she felt fantastic.
I don't know. Maybe my ideal diet is something in the middle. A portion controlled veggie, fruit, nuts, and sushi diet-with beer.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Well, it can't be good
OK, so if you have read this blog at all, you know I am a triathlete. I am starting to train for the longest race of my career, a half iron distance (1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1 mile run). Well, I guess I am training with my friends who have long races earlier in the season (my race is at the end of October, so I will start focused training this summer.) I realized a few weeks ago that I don't really like bike riding. That could be a bit of a problem over a 56 mile course.
I am a decent swimmer and I can manage a half marathon. I just really don't like to bike. It hurts - plain and simple. It is just an uncomfortable thing for me. It hurts my shoulders, my lower back, my elbows, and my...lady parts. That darn saddle is not pleasant. I also find that I am just not good at biking. I will go riding with friends, and even when I think I am doing well, I fall far behind. It is just so disheartening.
I did my longest ride ever a few weekends ago. It was 50 miles over a fairly hilly course. I did it, but it just took everything out of me. My body was so achy, I told AC at one point that I would walk back to the start pushing my bike if I could. I can't really imagine running after it, but, then again, I will be so happy to be out of the saddle that running may be a breeze.
People keep telling me that I will love the course of my half iron distance because it is really flat (hubby and several friends did this race last year.) Still, I don't know that a flat course will help. I will still have to be on the darn bike for 56 miles.
One woman told me that I should do upper body work to help my biking. I am already doing CrossFit, and I will continue to CrossFit to build strength. Will it be enough? The same friend said to carry pain relievers with me during the race. That may be my best bet.
I am a decent swimmer and I can manage a half marathon. I just really don't like to bike. It hurts - plain and simple. It is just an uncomfortable thing for me. It hurts my shoulders, my lower back, my elbows, and my...lady parts. That darn saddle is not pleasant. I also find that I am just not good at biking. I will go riding with friends, and even when I think I am doing well, I fall far behind. It is just so disheartening.
I did my longest ride ever a few weekends ago. It was 50 miles over a fairly hilly course. I did it, but it just took everything out of me. My body was so achy, I told AC at one point that I would walk back to the start pushing my bike if I could. I can't really imagine running after it, but, then again, I will be so happy to be out of the saddle that running may be a breeze.
People keep telling me that I will love the course of my half iron distance because it is really flat (hubby and several friends did this race last year.) Still, I don't know that a flat course will help. I will still have to be on the darn bike for 56 miles.
One woman told me that I should do upper body work to help my biking. I am already doing CrossFit, and I will continue to CrossFit to build strength. Will it be enough? The same friend said to carry pain relievers with me during the race. That may be my best bet.
Monday, March 07, 2011
Reflection on Oscars - One week later
OK, so I have been a slacker about blogging lately. Sometimes, I just don't have anything to say. Other times, I just can't find the time to say it. Well, I figured after going on and on about the Oscars, I had better finish the thoughts with my review of the actual show.
This year's show was underwhelming, to say the least. The fashions were amazing - I was not disappointed there. The show itself was just...bad. I don't know what happened. I was so looking forward to seeing Anne Hathaway and James Franco host the show. The commercials the two of them made for the show were so cute!! Once they started, it was like there was no chemistry. Anne was very enthusiastic about being a host. She is GORGEOUS beyond words, but her hosting was nothing special. James is also quite handsome, but he just seemed like he didn't want to be there. He didn't really seem all that interested in the proceedings. They seemed so good on paper, but it didn't work. I hope they go back to older comedians next year.
I think the other problem is that it is the last award show of a long season. There are no surprises anymore. The same 4 people took the awards for acting in the major categories. We have just done it to death now. There is no intrigue, no anticipation as the envelope is opened. You know which name will be called. At one point, I wanted to yell at the TV "just give Colin his award so I can go to sleep!" It was taking too long to get to the end we all knew was going to happen.
I almost wish I didn't watch the show. I didn't learn anything unique or different with the show. I could have watched a 10 minute wrap up of the event and probably been OK with it. I used to enjoy the Oscars so much, but they have lost their spark. I will still watch all the nominated films (6 of 10!), but will I watch the show again? Time will tell.
This year's show was underwhelming, to say the least. The fashions were amazing - I was not disappointed there. The show itself was just...bad. I don't know what happened. I was so looking forward to seeing Anne Hathaway and James Franco host the show. The commercials the two of them made for the show were so cute!! Once they started, it was like there was no chemistry. Anne was very enthusiastic about being a host. She is GORGEOUS beyond words, but her hosting was nothing special. James is also quite handsome, but he just seemed like he didn't want to be there. He didn't really seem all that interested in the proceedings. They seemed so good on paper, but it didn't work. I hope they go back to older comedians next year.
I think the other problem is that it is the last award show of a long season. There are no surprises anymore. The same 4 people took the awards for acting in the major categories. We have just done it to death now. There is no intrigue, no anticipation as the envelope is opened. You know which name will be called. At one point, I wanted to yell at the TV "just give Colin his award so I can go to sleep!" It was taking too long to get to the end we all knew was going to happen.
I almost wish I didn't watch the show. I didn't learn anything unique or different with the show. I could have watched a 10 minute wrap up of the event and probably been OK with it. I used to enjoy the Oscars so much, but they have lost their spark. I will still watch all the nominated films (6 of 10!), but will I watch the show again? Time will tell.
Wednesday, February 09, 2011
Halfway through the Best
I love movies. I love movie award shows. So, I am in seventh heaven during this time of year. Each year, I try to see all of the Best Picture Oscar Nominees. Last year, I saw 9 of the 10 nominees (I skipped A Serious Man - it only got two stars on Netflix, so why bother?) This year, I am a little behind. I have only seen 5 of the nominees so far. Luckily, I have time left.
The interesting thing is that this year, I actually want to see all of the nominees. Three of the nominated films - Inception, Toy Story 3, and Black Swan -appeared in my post "Best of 2010" so you know how I feel about them. I have also seem The Kids are All Right, which was well, just all right. Since the "Best of 2010" post, I have seen The Social Network. I thought SN was well acted and really interesting. If I were to go back to edit my best of list, The Social Network would probably be on top.
That leaves The King's Speech, The Fighter, Winter's Bone, True Grit, and 127 Hours for my viewing pleasure. I am really, really dying to see The King's Speech and The Fighter. I am a bit nervous about 127 hours because I don't know what to expect from "the scene," but I am looking forward to seeing James Franco's performance. I plan to take a day off from work next week, so I think an afternoon at the movies is in order.
What was your Best Picture of 2010? Will you be watching the Oscars on February 27?
The interesting thing is that this year, I actually want to see all of the nominees. Three of the nominated films - Inception, Toy Story 3, and Black Swan -appeared in my post "Best of 2010" so you know how I feel about them. I have also seem The Kids are All Right, which was well, just all right. Since the "Best of 2010" post, I have seen The Social Network. I thought SN was well acted and really interesting. If I were to go back to edit my best of list, The Social Network would probably be on top.
That leaves The King's Speech, The Fighter, Winter's Bone, True Grit, and 127 Hours for my viewing pleasure. I am really, really dying to see The King's Speech and The Fighter. I am a bit nervous about 127 hours because I don't know what to expect from "the scene," but I am looking forward to seeing James Franco's performance. I plan to take a day off from work next week, so I think an afternoon at the movies is in order.
What was your Best Picture of 2010? Will you be watching the Oscars on February 27?
Monday, January 31, 2011
Knit One, Purl Never
I am convinced that there is a gene that make one crafty. I know this because I was born without one. I don't know how it happened - I come from crafty stock. My maternal grandmother was very good a needlepoint. She was so talented, in fact, that I have several of her pieces framed in my house now. My mother was also crafty. She wasn't as persistent in her practice as my grandmother, but my mom could make beautiful needlepoints and crochet afghans if she wanted to do it. You guessed it - I have several of her pillow and an afghan at my house.
I started off OK. When I was a kid, I used to love to needlepoint. I had several of the kid's kits with the huge plastic needle. I loved them and would finish one after another. I even did latch hook rugs. Soon, other things took precedent and I stopped my crafts.
Around the time of college, I noticed the girls around me were pretty talented. Everyone seems to be doing cross stitch. I figure I could pick it up easily. I bought a kit at Michael's and started my little project. I even got a basic kit - the pattern was pre-printed on the cloth. All I had to do was follow the color chart and I would have a cute little picture of bears in a bath tub. Well, I got about halfway through it and never touched it again.
So, a few years after that debacle, I thought maybe the project was just not important enough to me. I decided I wanted to cross stitch a Christmas stocking for my then boyfriend. After all, my grandmother had needlepointed stockings for each of her 3 granddaughters and made stockings for 7 other members of the family. I never even opened the kit bag.
I thought maybe the project was just too big. So, back to Michael's I went to buy a small ornament to cross stitch. I sold that kit at a garage sale about 2 years ago - unopened, of course.
Maybe I needed something other than a cross stitch. I bought a cute little box for Halloween when you just sew the bead on the top of the box to make a ghost. Two rows done. I think I still have it in a closet somewhere.
Perhaps I needed to move out of needlecrafts. I tried jewelry making. I have made all sort of necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and even two rings. They are all in my jewelry box, but will likely never see the light of day. It looks as if a small child with poor motor skills made them. The jewelry making supplies were slowly sold off in the garage sales. I also painted. I finished two of the four class projects and they are not so bad. Of course, the final project was never completed and was thrown in the garbage can at the conclusion of class.
Despite knowing all of this information about myself, I agreed to take a knitting class with my friend a few years ago. Lisa is a craft person. I found out after we started class that she was accomplished as a crochet crafter, but wanted to learn knitting. It took me all 6 weeks to do a straight stitch scarf for myself. Lisa had made a scarf with tassels for herself, then knitted a multi color scarf for her husband. She was planning her next project, a knitted top, by the end of class. I didn't even learn to purl.
Well, I decided to pick up the knitting needles again about 6 weeks ago despite my past history. I still had the yarn that my husband picked out for a scarf I said I would knit for him. So, I called on my good friend Michelle, who is a master crafter, to help me remember how to knit. She invited me to a knitting group and I was off to a promising start. I told myself that I would work on the scarf at least a little each day, even if it was just two rows. I have picked it up about 3 times since then. The thing is that I can't knit while watching TV. I have to focus 100% of my attention on the knitting. Since I am not used to doing it, it also makes my fingers hurt (I think I hold the yarn too tight - I don't know). After years of waiting, hubby's scarf is about 6 inches long.
Perhaps this blog will inspire me to find my crafty side so I can finish the scarf. Or perhaps it will sit in the bag for another 6 or so years until I try again.
I started off OK. When I was a kid, I used to love to needlepoint. I had several of the kid's kits with the huge plastic needle. I loved them and would finish one after another. I even did latch hook rugs. Soon, other things took precedent and I stopped my crafts.
Around the time of college, I noticed the girls around me were pretty talented. Everyone seems to be doing cross stitch. I figure I could pick it up easily. I bought a kit at Michael's and started my little project. I even got a basic kit - the pattern was pre-printed on the cloth. All I had to do was follow the color chart and I would have a cute little picture of bears in a bath tub. Well, I got about halfway through it and never touched it again.
So, a few years after that debacle, I thought maybe the project was just not important enough to me. I decided I wanted to cross stitch a Christmas stocking for my then boyfriend. After all, my grandmother had needlepointed stockings for each of her 3 granddaughters and made stockings for 7 other members of the family. I never even opened the kit bag.
I thought maybe the project was just too big. So, back to Michael's I went to buy a small ornament to cross stitch. I sold that kit at a garage sale about 2 years ago - unopened, of course.
Maybe I needed something other than a cross stitch. I bought a cute little box for Halloween when you just sew the bead on the top of the box to make a ghost. Two rows done. I think I still have it in a closet somewhere.
Perhaps I needed to move out of needlecrafts. I tried jewelry making. I have made all sort of necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and even two rings. They are all in my jewelry box, but will likely never see the light of day. It looks as if a small child with poor motor skills made them. The jewelry making supplies were slowly sold off in the garage sales. I also painted. I finished two of the four class projects and they are not so bad. Of course, the final project was never completed and was thrown in the garbage can at the conclusion of class.
Despite knowing all of this information about myself, I agreed to take a knitting class with my friend a few years ago. Lisa is a craft person. I found out after we started class that she was accomplished as a crochet crafter, but wanted to learn knitting. It took me all 6 weeks to do a straight stitch scarf for myself. Lisa had made a scarf with tassels for herself, then knitted a multi color scarf for her husband. She was planning her next project, a knitted top, by the end of class. I didn't even learn to purl.
Well, I decided to pick up the knitting needles again about 6 weeks ago despite my past history. I still had the yarn that my husband picked out for a scarf I said I would knit for him. So, I called on my good friend Michelle, who is a master crafter, to help me remember how to knit. She invited me to a knitting group and I was off to a promising start. I told myself that I would work on the scarf at least a little each day, even if it was just two rows. I have picked it up about 3 times since then. The thing is that I can't knit while watching TV. I have to focus 100% of my attention on the knitting. Since I am not used to doing it, it also makes my fingers hurt (I think I hold the yarn too tight - I don't know). After years of waiting, hubby's scarf is about 6 inches long.
Perhaps this blog will inspire me to find my crafty side so I can finish the scarf. Or perhaps it will sit in the bag for another 6 or so years until I try again.
Decision Made - Fitness is worth it
Well, I decided I have too much more to learn at CrossFit to give it up now. I really, really like the strength I am feeling from my workouts and I love my CF friends. I am going to cut back slightly from 4 times a week to 3, but I think I will still reap the benefits. I have never done any form of strength training, so I know this decision will have many long term benefits. I think, ultimately, it will also help my triathlon training.
I may have to reconsider in the summer when tri training really ramps up, but for now - I am still a CrossFitter.
I may have to reconsider in the summer when tri training really ramps up, but for now - I am still a CrossFitter.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Great Contest Follow Up
I recently mentioned a great contest from the blog at Killer Fiction. Well, I didn't win the Kindle, but I did win one of the daily drawings. I received a $25.00 gift card from Amazon.com from author Christie Craig as well as a copy of one of her books. Winning contests is cool.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
The Price of Fitness
I have a dilemma. I have never really been into fitness. A few years back, my husband suggested that I join a women's running group that was for women who had never really run. I was skeptical, but decided to join it anyway. Now, nearly 5 years later, I have run a marathon and am a triathlete. I was training in the regular triathlon sports-swimming, biking, and running, but not doing any sort of strength workouts. So, my wonderful hubby had another great suggestion - join CrossFit.
He had been doing CrossFit for a while at that point. He really liked the feel of the gym and the killer workouts. I had been to the gym during an open house, and I frankly thought those folks at CrossFit were crazy. Hubby knew there was a way to try CrossFit without being a full member - going to one of the bootcamps. I hated the bootcamp at first (I mean, it was hard!), but then I really started liking it. I completed 2 1/2 camps (I was injured about a third of the way through the first one), and met a great group of friends. When the latest camp ended in December, my friends and workout group decided to be real Crossfitters. I debated for a long time, but decided to join them.
We had our first Foundations class on January 4. There are several classes that you must take to learn the various power lifting techniques used in CrossFit. After the first class, you are allowed to take any of the regular CrossFit workouts. My group and I took our first regular class on January 10 when the new 7:15am time became available.
Here's the dilemma part. The 7:15 bootcamp was always finished by 8:00am, but the regular class will be one hour. That means I hit more traffic on the way home and have 15 less minutes to get ready for work which starts at 9:00am. It is very difficult to get to work. My boss is OK with me being just a little late, but I worry that it is being noticed by my colleagues. So, do I continue with CrossFit or not?
Pros
1. It is a strength workout that I don't get
2. I have a strong bond with my group - they encourage me during the workouts and to go to the workouts
3. It is hard and continues to push me to do better
4. It is a different workout every day
5. The coaches are wonderful
Cons
1. It is difficult to get to work on time
2. It is expensive
3. I already pay to belong to another gym. They have morning classes that I could take that would have a strength element, but would not be the same as CrossFit.
4. I would miss my friends
5. It is not really triathlon training.
What's a girl to do?
He had been doing CrossFit for a while at that point. He really liked the feel of the gym and the killer workouts. I had been to the gym during an open house, and I frankly thought those folks at CrossFit were crazy. Hubby knew there was a way to try CrossFit without being a full member - going to one of the bootcamps. I hated the bootcamp at first (I mean, it was hard!), but then I really started liking it. I completed 2 1/2 camps (I was injured about a third of the way through the first one), and met a great group of friends. When the latest camp ended in December, my friends and workout group decided to be real Crossfitters. I debated for a long time, but decided to join them.
We had our first Foundations class on January 4. There are several classes that you must take to learn the various power lifting techniques used in CrossFit. After the first class, you are allowed to take any of the regular CrossFit workouts. My group and I took our first regular class on January 10 when the new 7:15am time became available.
Here's the dilemma part. The 7:15 bootcamp was always finished by 8:00am, but the regular class will be one hour. That means I hit more traffic on the way home and have 15 less minutes to get ready for work which starts at 9:00am. It is very difficult to get to work. My boss is OK with me being just a little late, but I worry that it is being noticed by my colleagues. So, do I continue with CrossFit or not?
Pros
1. It is a strength workout that I don't get
2. I have a strong bond with my group - they encourage me during the workouts and to go to the workouts
3. It is hard and continues to push me to do better
4. It is a different workout every day
5. The coaches are wonderful
Cons
1. It is difficult to get to work on time
2. It is expensive
3. I already pay to belong to another gym. They have morning classes that I could take that would have a strength element, but would not be the same as CrossFit.
4. I would miss my friends
5. It is not really triathlon training.
What's a girl to do?
Monday, January 10, 2011
Great Contest
Killer Fiction is running a great contest right now. I am mentioning it here because I would love to win a Kindle. My dad and his wife gave each other Kindles for Christmas, and I am a bit jealous. I would love to have one. It would be great to get books instantly.
Do you have an e-reader? What do you think of it?
Do you have an e-reader? What do you think of it?
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