Healthful Living/Weekly Workout Support Group - Week of April 8th - Happy Easter!

[Leslie Ferguson]

Happy Easter to all! Hard to believe it’s Easter considering the great snowy weather we had yesterday (and today?). Hard to believe it’s April and there’s still snow falling in the southern tier. Even with all the “fun” of the bi-polar weather we’re still doing well and keeping healthy in our activity and personal lives. We’ve had a new visitor who I hope continues to join us even though she posted in a place she didn’t expect to post. Life has been moving on for all of us but not so fast that we can’t keep up with each other. For those who have been away for a while or for those who think they may want to join us I’ll try to recap the past weeks if anyone cares to read on:

China Lady - Welcome! We hope to hear from you this week. Living in Beijing and dealing with life there; came to us last week with some questions that got past us but (at least in my case) made us stop and ponder; gets to the gym 3 times a week and is loving life in China. Hope she does in fact continue to participate - will bring a new perspective to the board.
Kate - back at work but still finishing up home repairs; thinking of moving but having issues with selling her (newly painted) home for a good price; took Mack out in the mud and is having time riding him; getting a home connection to keep up with work a little better (editor at a newspaper); fighting getting to the gym but seems to have a good plan now that she’s done with the bulk of her home stuff.
Laura - getting ready for a huge case at work; wrapping up having SO in Australian (I think) for an international swimming contest; DS doing well and swimming up a storm; recent good news from DD in Europe and we’ll assume she’s still well barring news otherwise; still getting snow-based events in with DS (maybe more now that there’s been some snow in places it wouldn’t be expected).
Lily - starting a new dance class; I assume coming around on energy issues or at least finding things to do that will allow her to make the most of her energy.
Karen - celebrated Seder last week; had a good time with DHs family at Passover; DS#1 and DS#2 did Pinewood Derby (no awards this year); still working things as class Mom at school and getting ready for the PTO event (maybe more coffee for me this year ;) ); kickboxing happening as is swimming; struggled a little to get energy back after a long night following Seder but back in the swing by Friday. Good to have someone who is being consistent.
Miche - Keeping the northern connection open; seeing great improvement with her swimming over the past months; still getting ice hockey games in and seems to be doing “better” with the efforts; starting to get stronger with her walking/running and having less issues with her shins - all good things!
Me (Les) - whirlwind trip, not in time but in distance, with nearly 2 weeks in Korea; experienced first hand the nastiness of “Yellow Sand” in Seoul (yucky stuff); still suffering from jet lag but hope to be over it soon; ran some this past week when my body would allow it; stress still hanging around about school this fall; survived Holy Week at church with a bunch of extra church services (but I know this is the last year where I can skip any of them); pronounced healthy by the life insurance med. tech yesterday after my first ever “for life insurance only” physical.

Healthful living - Can’t wait for this jet lag to pass. With all my travels this is the worst I’ve ever suffered with jet lag. But then, this is the first time that I’ve crossed 11 (or 13 depending on how you look at it) time zones in the span of 17 hours. I hope it doesn’t take the full “rule of thumb” for overcoming jet lag (one day per time zone) because I don’t want to continue to feel like this for another week. This week will be a mixture of “extra-curricular” events with a routine dental cleaning (Tuesday) and the first part of my retirement physical (Thursday). That physical will be very thorough because they will be looking for post-military disability payment things. Couple those medical things with stress at work - it seems like they are piling more on the closer I get to retirement.

Workout - I’m going to continue to get workouts in as best I can. Luckily I’ll be in the office all week (I think) and with the exception of the two medical things I’ll be able to exercise to my heart’s content. I’ll probably run 3 times during the week and ride/spin once. I’m also on the hook to lead the group next Saturday since the coach will be out of town for a race. Still, I’ll take it - better than the past 2 weeks.

Trying to decide if I can get to a gym today (if I really want to) since the Y is closed because of Easter. The gym on base may be open but there are some things I need to do before the week gets in full swing, like writing my sermon I’ve been asked to preach next weekend. Looking forward to preaching but the efforts will still be something to shoehorn into the rest of the week. I’ll be back later to see how you all are doing and report on the remainder of my day.

Until later - peace,
Les

[karen w]

Les-TAKE A DAY OFF! IT'S A HOLIDAY!! Our YMCA was closed today too. I do hope you had a nice Easter with Kathy. Any holiday traditions for the both of you or your families? I always like to hear about how others celebrate holidays.

Speaking of holidays....DS#2 spent the day yesterday at the neighbors painting eggs with them. He had alot of fun, and emphasized to me when he got home that they were "hard boiled!" :p As you can guess, that was a first for him, but he enjoyed it. Fortunately all the kids did stay busy even though alot of their friends were MIA due to the holiday. DS#2 was busy with egg painting as I mentioned; DS#1 had a friend over to play yesterday; DD played with the neighbor during the day and went to a b-day party later in the day. It was a dress up party for a set of three year old twins!!! What was my 7 y.o. DD doing at this party, you might ask!?:confused: Well, the two kids(a boy and a girl) go to our temple and see DD on Friday nights at services and just love her. They hold her hand and parade around together after services. It was a very small little party for just a few kids, but the twins wanted DD. DD was flattered and was excited to be the "babysitter." She went dressed up in one of her princess gowns(it was a dress up party-either princess or pirate). She had a very good time, too.

Today DH kept the kids busy. After religious school, he took them all to the hospital where he works. He needed to do a few things there so they played on the computers there most of the day. Made for a nice quiet house for me.:)

I had my elliptical yesterday;biked today. Made a pot of soup(cold here, BRRRRR!:( ). Lucky I love soup so much! Also made a bread to freeze for next weekend when family is in town(Mom and FIL).

As for the week ahead. DH is off so he will help with the kid-carting. Exercising as usual for me. Only other things that stick out this week are the monthly orthodontist appts. for both DD and DS#1 and DS#2's spring concert at school. Last week before spring break!!! Finally Friday Mom is coming for a short visit; FIL is coming Saturday for one night.

Have a good one everybody,
Karen

[Leslie Ferguson]

Yes mom, I took it easy today and took the holiday (more or less). As for family traditions. For Kathy's family, they always get together with all the relatives who are available in the greater-Portland to Salem area. That normally entails 7 or 8 families and about 12-20 people. But it has been as many as 25 in recent past. They all get together and share dinner and the fixings. Since my step-brother-in-law is an avid fisherman there is typically some type of relatively fresh fish as well as either ham or turkey with all the fixings. We typically would sit around the table and do a jigsaw puzzle, play with the little ones, and mingle/chat around with folks. For my family, at least in the past 10 years or so Easter has been relatively quiet. But remembering Dad has been doing Holy Week services every year (normally that includes one each on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and two each on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and often three on Sunday - or 10-13 services) he's pretty spent by Sunday. So we will normally hang loose at my folks house when there. I'll cook and my sister will normally help (she was there this year) and Mom will normally do something with dinner too. As for Kathy and I, in past years we've done something relatively quiet but generally a nice dinner with ham, baked potatoes, and veggies. This year for reasons that are too difficult to explain it wasn't that nice but still quiet.

That's an interesting choice for the dress up party - pirate of princess. I guess at that age those are the two real dress up choices still (thank goodness). So nice of DH to take the kids to the hospital with him to give you a little break. I hear you about cold this morning - it was about 35 when I got up. They're predicting upper 20s to lower 30s in the morning. :eek: Egg painting - I remember doing that as a kid. Have you ever seen Romanian eggs (I think that's right)? They're actually blown (not cooked at all) then you decorate them using layers of wax and dyes. It's really fun but it can be pretty complex. I bet DS#1 would be good at it and in a couple years DS#2 would be steady Eddie with his hand.

Say hello to your Mom for me and to your FIL as he come through on his drive by. Sounds like you'll have a thoroughly busy week.

I didn't work out today but did a few things that I needed to get started on. I'm working on a sermon for next Sunday at Church. I also had to go to the grocery store and get a refund for the asparagus I was shorted yesterday. They were having a sale on fresh asparagus (0.98/pound) and I found ~1 pound of good looking asparagus. Paid for them and left the store. By the time I got home and started through my bags I noticed the asparagus wasn't there. Called the store and they confirmed my food was there and if I wanted to drive back they'd hold it for me. Didn't want to because it was too late and I didn't want them to hold it up front for me (they would have :rolleyes: ). Needless to say that didn't make for a happy dinner last night - it was supposed to be roasted chicken with fresh asparagus. Then it turned into chicken with wild rice mix. :(

Tomorrow could be fun, my boss will be returning for the first time in about 12 days (he went on spring vacation to Utah to ski). No idea what will come of his trip but life could be hopping since it has been over two weeks since we saw each other.

Anyway - I will get a workout in tomorrow and will be a good boy. But for now, sleep calls so until tomorrow -- peace,
Les

[mackandme]

Happy holidays to all celebrating holidays. Have been a bit horrified watching TV lately and seeing ads for things they are calling "great Easter gifts." Since when was Easter a gift-giving holiday?!? Other than candy and eggs ... darn retailers. Les, I remember making those eggs with wax patterns when i was a kid!

Les, good luck writing your sermon.
Karen, enjoy DH's help next week.
Welcome China Lady!

Took a look at my to-do list this weekend and realized i probably couldn't make it to the gym until thursday, so i got out there Saturday morning before i could tell myself i didn't have time. Then hit two grocery stores, and it was so cold i could just leave the groceries in the car instead of stopping home! it snowed all day saturday. not like where you are les, but still. this is texas!

Saturday night made dinner for a friend who just got laid off from her job. she's in good spirits and we had a nice visit. nice to have someone to cook for.

today i actually caught up on some sleep and went riding. some time has freed up on monday, so i might be able to hit the gym, but it depends how far i get with washing my baseboards. started that this weekend - it's no fun!

[karen w]

Kate-I'm impressed with your industriousness(I can't think of a better word for it at the moment, but suffice it to say with alot of things to do on your "list," it sounds like you are finding efficient ways to squeeze them all in and knock them off the list. Glad to hear you had time to catch up on that sleep, too.

Les-Sorry to hear dinner did not go as planned. I think that would irk me a bit, too. Especially since I DO like my veggies and my DS#2 would be SO SO upset. He LOVES asparagus!! Last week when I made it, he went around and cleaned off all the leftover spears on his brother and sisters plates! He did ask first, though!;) I enjoyed reading about your Easter traditions. Thanks for sharing. It sounds like some nice memories have been made from many a holidays in your families. Hopefully many more to come as well. I have seen those Romanian eggs that you mentioned and they are absolutely gorgeous. Yes, DS#2 would get into doing that kinda thing. And he'd be the one to do a better job....not DS#1. My DS # 2 is the more artistic and meticulous one when it comes to detail and artwork etc... DS#1 has NO patience what-so-ever for that stuff even though he'd like to think he does.

I'll pass on your regards to Mom and FIL. Thanks for your thoughts.

Well, DH and I stayed up way to late last night watching a movie we got at the library, but it was quite good. (Transamerica). If you have not seen it, it is well worth it. I still made it to the pool and had a great swim, did my grocery shopping, and went for boxing. Now, however, after eating dinner and sitting down, I'm paying for those late hours. I'm yawning a bit more than usual so odds are my coach may turn into a pumpkin before 10 pm tonight!:o Anyway, DD is at dance; DS#1 at scouts so the house is quiet(for the moment). Tomorrow I will swim, but DH and I MAY take a road trip to the coast for spices(Penzey's) and "stuff." If we don't go, of course, I will box. It'll be up to me in the morning!

Have a good night everyone,
Karen

[mackandme]

Karen, you're not the only one with a late night, though it sounds like you got a lot more done than me. i stayed at work until 3:15 in the morning chatting with someone with lots of stories to tell, as he's worked for the Wash Post and in Hong Kong and Paris. Needless to say that despite multiple cups of coffee and soda, i have been largely worthless today. Did finish the baseboards and cabinets in the kitchen and mopped the kitchen floor. Transamerica looked like a really good movie. I don't seem to get around to watching lots of movies.

Tomorrow: go to the barn and try to find a larger strike plate for the bedroom door so it will actually latch (the house settling has caused things not to line up with the current strike plate).

[Leslie Ferguson]

Kate - Oh how I remember the snows in San Antonio and a little south of there. Even though Dallas gets snow more often that's no fun anywhere in Texas. You really are industrious with your housework. Washing baseboards - never my cup of tea - but if I am moving I'm all over those. Funny thing, the little boy in me likes to play with TSP and water (I use that to clean baseboards). It sounds like dinner was good for both of you and that you had a very enjoyable time talking with your friend. Have you ever been to Hong Kong? One of my favorite places both to hang out and to shop; LW got ~5 meters of Shantung silk a couple years ago for a song (probably 50% of what she would have paid for it in the states). I hope you have a good day tomorrow with your horse.
Karen - I haven't heard of Transamerica before, or if I had it was rented. My only question is: does it have closed captions? Life is better with captions. It sounds like you're busy again tomorrow - hope you have a safe trip to Penzey's and whatever else may come of the day.

I rode my bike today outside. A little brisk but tolerable. I'm fading fast... I'm still struggling with the time zones (I hope) or else I'm really sick. :( I've got a dental appointment in the morning and will be running tomorrow evening. Gotta go, so I'll see you in the morning.

Peace,
Les

[mmbedard]

Hello everyone,

Kate - I sure hope that your house is able to sell; you are working so hard to get it ready! I can understand how hard it is for you to get to the gym when you are working so hard on the house - good for you that you were able to get up and go to the gym on Saturday.
Karen - I have not heard of the film Transamerica; what's the story? I don't watch many movies, but DH likes to, so maybe I can recommend it for him. Did you make it to Penzeys on Monday? There are no Penzey's in my vicinity (none in Canada, as far as I know) but I hear so much about it here on the board that I would love to be able to shop at one!
Les - I hope that you are getting your energy back. My DH just returned from Europe and he is tired also. You were there for two weeks though, so your body was probably just getting used to the change of going over and then it has to get used to being back. I'm sure that it is just jet lag and you will be back to yourself soon. At least you were able to get a bike ride in yesterday. I hope that you are able to make it for your run today also.

I have had an interesting few days, to say the least. Today I went swimming and completed 40 lengths again. The swimming is going really well and I will go for 50 lengths or one kilometre on Thursday. My walk/run routine on the other hand is on hold.:( On Saturday when I went to the track, I completed one set (1 km) walking 1/2 and running 1/2. Then I started the next set and completed my 1/2 km walking but when I started to run, I got such a pain in my toes on my right foot, that I had to stop and could not even walk around the track. After a while, the pain in the toes lessened significantly, but since then I have had a weird sensation on my instep (same foot), to the point where I feel like I have to walk on the outside of my foot or that I will damage my instep. I am so discouraged! I have made an appointment with a sports doctor for next Thursday and maybe he can figure out the problem(s). In the meantime, I will continue to swim and also, I will play in an ice hockey tournament this coming weekend.

I hope that everyone keeps up the good work and is able to complete all the things they want to do!

Take care,

[karen w]

Kate-Sometimes staying up all night with a good friend sharing stories/memories is so worth a sleepy day. I hope you enjoyed your company.

Miche-So sorry to hear about your foot. I hope it does not turn out to be anything too bad/long term. Way to go on that swimming progress, though!

Les-Transamerica is a story about a man(actually played by a woman who does an excellent job in her role) with the desire to be a woman and the process(both medical and emotional) he is going through to acheive that goal. It's a good story.

Busy day here. I have had a smoldering headache the past day or two(female time:( ) so when I woke up with the same one that I went to bed with last night, I was not too optimistic the day would happen. Fortunately, my swim and around the clock tylenol today helped keep it in check. It's amazing that no matter how yucky I might feel, my swim really helps so much. After breakfast I ellipticized for 35 min. Then got the kids off and DH and I set sail for the southern frontier. We stopped at Penzeys and I am now a "spicy girl" once again:p as well as whole "paycheck"(did not get too much there as it is too much $$ usually; just a select few items); one other specialty store and had a nice quiet lunch out together. We got home just a few minutes after DS#1 got home, but we left a door open for him and he knew we might not be there when he got off the bus. He handled things just fine. Afterall, he'll be 11 y.o. in less than a month!

Tonight DS#2 had his scout mtg. and DH ended up taking the kids out for a bite to eat quickly beforehand to give me a break.:)

Tomorrow is milk day and Costco. DH is planning on helping with the latter since I need a bit more than usual with weekend company coming and staying over night. I will also swim and box, of course.;)

Have a good hump day everyone,
Karen

P.S. WE MIGHT GET SNOW HERE ON THURSDAY!:eek:

[Leslie Ferguson]

I have had an interesting few days, to say the least. Today I went swimming and completed 40 lengths again. The swimming is going really well and I will go for 50 lengths or one kilometre on Thursday. My walk/run routine on the other hand is on hold.:( On Saturday when I went to the track, I completed one set (1 km) walking 1/2 and running 1/2. Then I started the next set and completed my 1/2 km walking but when I started to run, I got such a pain in my toes on my right foot, that I had to stop and could not even walk around the track. After a while, the pain in the toes lessened significantly, but since then I have had a weird sensation on my instep (same foot), to the point where I feel like I have to walk on the outside of my foot or that I will damage my instep. I am so discouraged! I have made an appointment with a sports doctor for next Thursday and maybe he can figure out the problem(s). In the meantime, I will continue to swim and also, I will play in an ice hockey tournament this coming weekend.
Good job with your swimming. If I might offer a quick check for your foot issue. Check you shoes and your socks next time you walk and especially if you start to get pain in your toes. In my experience that is caused by one of two things for most people - (1) either their shoe laces are too tight over the top of the foot directly over your instep or (2) you've gotten your sock bunched up ever so slightly on your instep. Either way you're putting pressure on the nerves in the top of your foot which can cause everything from numbness (my norm) to pain (had before). Another data point - do you have the same problem with your hockey skates? If so then there may be a structural issue with either plantar fasciatis or something going on in your IT band (not too likely on the last one).
Les - I hope that you are getting your energy back. My DH just returned from Europe and he is tired also. You were there for two weeks though, so your body was probably just getting used to the change of going over and then it has to get used to being back. I'm sure that it is just jet lag and you will be back to yourself soon. At least you were able to get a bike ride in yesterday. I hope that you are able to make it for your run today also.
I'm starting to get my energy back but it's a tough row right now and unnerving. The worst time is about 2pm and the other is about 5:30pm. It's really hard to keep my eyes open and it's also hard to not get the nasty grumblies.

Karen - Thanks for the information about the movie - I'll have to see if I can locate it. Sounds like you had a good stop at Penzey's (and even didn't get socked like I would). Hopefully your energy picks up a little tomorrow as that time passes. I'd bet DS#1 wouldn't feel abandoned but it is good you left a door open for him - no need to have him totally freek out. Have a good swim tomorrow and an elliptical.

I ran this evening with my friend who is headed to Boston for the marathon on Monday (she'll be there on Saturday). A leisurely hour run - a little faster than normal but I think she was chomping at the bits. It felt good to run today as it did to ride yesterday. I hope you don't get snow on Thursday or at least if you do it isn't too bad. I found out tonight that there was 2 inches at the trail on Saturday (with the rain, sleet and generally yucky weather.

Happy hump day all and peace to all,
Les

[mackandme]

Miche, sorry to hear you are struggling with so much pain. It's not just painful but frustrating when you can't do what you want to do.

Les, hope you feel better soon. I hate when i get the nasty grumblies, too. unfortunately some of my coworkers seem to have the nasty grumblies every day!

Karen, sounds like you and DH had a nice day together!

I think i found my strike plate! My brother is a contractor and swore up and down that i would not find different-sized strike plates at a place like Home Depot. but thanks to an atypically helpful HD employee i found two that look like they work and i'm going to try them on the door tomorrow. that will be one more thing off my list. also it looks like a sunny forecast for most of the upcoming week, so hopefully my contractor can come out to do the rest of his work and i can get this thing done.

went riding and mack was full of spunk. for an old boy with asthma he can still be pretty full of himself. he actually has a lot more energy now than he did when he was younger and healthy, go figure.

wednesday i'm at home waiting on the pest control guy (one last spraying as a precaution tho thank heavens no bugs in ages) and the cable/phone people. so i'm going to try to get some stuff done around the house while i'm waiting.

[karen w]

A busy day here and just sitting down for the first time today, so I am going to be brief(still have a few housecleaning things left to do tonight:( ). My energy is finally returning and I had a great swim this morning(it's amazing how those icky female hormones can have such an impact on your "zip":rolleyes: ). After breakfast picked up my weekly milk and then boxed. In the afternoon DH and I tackled Costco. Since then I've been busy trying to square things away with all the groceries(got more than usual since company is coming for the weekend), dinner-time, homework etc... Thank goodness I have two refrigerators or else I'd be in deep doo-doo now with everything. And tomorrow I have to take some casseroles out of the freezer to start thawing for Saturday night's dinner. Somehow I'll squeeze those into the fridge, too!:D

Anyway, tomorrow I will swim and box. In the afternoon we have DS#2's spring concert and DD and DS#1 have orthodontist appts. BTW, DS#1 got his 3rd quarter report card today and really did a great job. He's finally figuring out how to stay organized better. He got all A's and one B+!! Yay!!!

Gotta go finish the laundry. Have a good night,
Karen

[mackandme]

Congrats to Karen's DS#1 on the report card!

Busy day here, too. My contractor came and did the porch before i even woke up this morning. Then my pest guy came - thank goodness! b/c he checked on where my termites had been last year (tho i had had terminix do the termite treatment) and found they were back, despite terminix giving the house the all-clear a couple months ago! we looked at my contract and i had only 2 weeks left on my one-year warranty. so i called terminix and they came out and spot treated for free. two weeks later and i would have been forking out more money and pretty angry. then the phone/cable guy came. then my contractor came back to bring me some primer for the porch and drop off an electric sander so i can work on my china cabinet. i did manage to install my new strike plate and chisel out a bigger hole for the latch, so my door now closes and stays closed.

all before work!

tomorrow i have to be at work early, but i'm hoping to mow the lawn and get to the gym beforehand.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Gee, it was a busy day today.
Kate - All that before you went to work. Makes me tired just thinking about it. Nice of your contractor to show up that early to do the work on your porch. Glad the termite guy caught your visitors. Don't talk to me about the voracity of pest control folks too - the one we had first gave the house a clean bill of health before we bought and gave a VA certification. Then about 2 years later when I fell through the floor (yes - all 150 pounds of me at the time falling through 2.25 inches of flooring) the company claimed no liability because the damage and infestation was covered by insulation and their contract didn't require them to move insulation (a load of... in my opinion). Fired them, paid $10,000 to repair my house, and forked over a bunch of cash for real termite treatments. Since then I've been happy and more than willing to pay ~$375/year for coverage. Hope you get to the gym and the lawn cut before going to work.

Karen - Just getting to sit down - WOW! Hope things go smoothly this weekend with all the visitors. Pass my congratulations to DS#1 too - that's the way for him to bounce back and get good grades. Hopefully you have a good workout day tomorrow with your new found energy.

Success today - I rode my bike tonight for aobut an hour outside. A little chilly but better to ride than run all things considered. That makes 3 for 3 this week (it's been a long time since I've been that good at the beginning of the week. But there's tomorrow - a total dice throw (they'd bleep the other thing I was going to say) since I've got the first part of my retirement physical at 10:30 tomorrow. That means, for the least part, no eating from now until after the appointment. They'll take the full battery of blood work, give me a TB test, and do all the labs. They'll probably do an EKG and hearing (or lack of hearing ;) ) test. Plus I'll fill out all the paperwork - and there will be lots - in preparation for seeing the MD sometime later (about 2 weeks or so). What a drag and having that work done that late will cause havoc to my day in general. Top that off with the remnants of Korea and things will be just ducky.

Hope all are well and the rest of the gang gives us a shout.

Peace,
Les

[karen w]

Les-UGH!! I don't admire you today. Your morning does NOT sound fun at all. Especially the part about no food until after your 10:30 am exam. By then it's almost lunch and that ain't a good thing in my book. Man would I be a grumpy grump. I hope you do better than I would.

Kate-I'm with Les...your morning made me tired just reading about it. It's a good thing you caught those nasty termite critters before your warranty ran out.

Yep, me energy was good again today as was my swim and a most excellent boxing class. They have been shaking up the schedule lately at the martial arts studio as to who is teaching each morning. Again today we had a different instructor who really gives a good class and a good sweaty workout so it was most enjoyable. O.K. that does seem a bit odd....I enjoyed being worked harder; I enjoyed sweating more; I enjoyed being pushed further; and I pay for that kind of enjoyment!!!! Isn't it amazing how much pleasure is derived from just a little bit(or more:p ) of pain!!

This afternoon I started getting a few things ready in the kitchen etc... for upcoming visits this weekend by Mom and FIL. Then DH and I went to listen to DS#2's school spring concert. After school was the orthodontist.

May not check in any more this week due to my company coming, but I will most definetely continue my routine and see you all back next week(Tuesday). Have a good weekend.

Karen

[mackandme]

Les, hope all your icky medical tests went well!

Karen, have a great visit this weekend!

I got the lawn mowed and made a quick trip to the gym. Can't figure out where the rest of my time went. Well, i did have to get to work early for a meeting. Anyhow, two more hours and it's the weekend. Contractor is hoping to come by Friday afternoon to sand his patch job on the porch so i can paint this weekend, and to haul off all the junk the former owners left for me in the garage. So i'm spending all weekend doing house stuff, cleaning, etc. Looks like i'll be on track to list on the 23rd as long as Jeff can make it out tomorrow.

Have a great weekend everyone.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Don't get me started with the doctor this morning. When all was said and done the interview part of the physical was pretty mundane. It's funny and somewhat hard to believe (I remember Karen making this comment before) the military actually gives you a physical before letting you go away for good. Of course they aren't being altruistic, merely covering their behind. This way if it wasn't documented today, or at some other time with MORE paperwork, then you can't claim it as a service related disability. Likewise, I guess they also would rather take care of any show stoppers with active duty medicine (more plentiful) as opposed to VA medical treatment (stretched really thin). I'll have to take some time tomorrow to recount the fiasco from today but imagine: ME fasting for over 14 hours for no reason, (and Karen you'd have been impressed and amazed at my reaction at that time) having to spend 2:40 filling in paperwork (that I could have done better with 3 weeks ago when I wasn't sitting in high school sized a desk) then spending time being inspected by the LPN. So get this, I left the office at 9:45 and didn't get back until 2:15. (For those counting that makes nearly 14 1/2 hours without eating :eek: ). Then I still had to get breakfast/lunch/snacks into my system and try to work. Not a fun day by any accounting.

Karen - Although you probably won't see this until after the fact, I hope you have a good visit with FIL and mom. I really know what you mean about enjoying the sweaty workout more that the "tame" one. Part of the reason I love running on hills. :D

Kate - Good job working the house. Hopefully the contractor gets there in time for you to get all the stuff done tomorrow for a 23rd listing. All that and you got to the gym and mowed the grass, CELEBRATE!

Well, with all the derailing I went through today I put the remainder of my time to good use and completed my Seminary application. Now all I have to get is two photos and mail the thing tomorrow. Due date is 1 May :eek: - I'm early! So that all clobbered getting any exercise in today but I'll be fine with it. There's always this weekend.

Need to roll in - tough sledding last night so I'll bid a fond adieu tonight and see you all tomorrow.

Peace,
Les

[Leslie Ferguson]

Quick check in - things may be a little delayed tomorrow since I'm busy with 2 services (preaching tomorrow - "Doubting Thomas") and a "play date" with friends after Church (neither of us have children so our plush will be playing and we're going to dine :cool: ).

As for healthful living and working out, this morning I had a pretty decent run - it was about 50 when we started and it was just starting to drizzle when we finished - perfect timing. I only did 10 miles (wanted to do a little more but the rain and other events too precedence). The other events today... LW had her last official day at work so they threw her a going away luncheon and gave her a card. I was invited and almost snuck in without her seeing me (her co-worker didn't get my subtle "don't say anything" motion and called out my name). LW was floored by the luncheon, card, and quilting calculator (don't ask - a special calculator to help her figure yardage requirements). Then there was the Sermon... ready and one last read for polish tonight.

Speaking of which - here comes 11 pm and it will be an early morning (first service at 8) so it's time to head in. Until later...

Peace,
Les