Healthful Living and Weekly Workout Support Group - Week of September 3rd

[Leslie Ferguson]

Happy Labor day folks. I hope everyone is having a great “official” end of the summer.

Greetings friends, both long term and new additions to the community. As is my tradition I’ll open with an explanation about what this thread is all about. I welcome you all to the next in our weekly installments of the Healthful Living and Weekly Workout support group. For all new people, visitors, and lurkers, what the Healthful Living and Weekly Workout Support Group is all about: This thread is a weekly chronicle where the participants share their journeys in the world of healthful living in today’s hectic world. We share stories of our cooking experiences and family trials, tribulations, and successes. We also share our workout goals, successes, and failures. You will find all types of workout folks here - some that are just starting, some that are getting back into a workout routine, and still others that are using experienced workout programs. There is no requirement nor expectation for a participant to be “a runner” - in fact most of the people on this thread do non-running workouts: mixed cardio (aerobics, cycling, and elliptical), kick-boxing, swimming, and a myriad of other non-running events. One of the more interesting things about our thread is we try to remind each other that sometimes not working out is as healthful as working out. So if you are new to Cooking Light Community or if you’re getting back to your workout routine - welcome and please join us.

We’ve been having good discussions, newcomers bringing new goals and new perspectives to our weekly exchanges - and I, for one, appreciate that. It has been a good family week for most, an unsettling week for some, and a good week for many to look at their plans of the past 6-7 months and figure out where they want to be by year’s end. I hope that folks are experiencing the break in the weather that has been predicted - we can all use it. Sorry to get stuck on the weather but that’s kind of where things reside down here. With that said, over the last week or so things that have stood out include:

Jean - Her little girl is getting older - starts pre-school soon; traveling to NE for a family visit; spent the week catching up/getting ahead of some projects so she could be away; dealing with the Ernesto yesterday (with all the rain).
Karen - had a good visit with MIL; Dad continues to make slow progress after his stroke but progress none the less; kiddos back in school so the juggling of 4 schedules is getting started; pool opens tomorrow after a week of maintenance; tomato crop not liking the rain either but still having a good end of the summer.
Laura - Dealing with 2 jobs and balancing healthful living and working out; wrapping up job one in October to hopefully give her more quality personal time; working on getting into bike riding based on her doctors recommendation; all in all having a decent summer.
Laura K - “steady Eddie/Edwina” in the crowd; WW working wonders; survived Ernesto without too many issues (or at least none she spoke about).
Terri - Running up a storm after the storm and pulled off 7 miles along the Potomac River yesterday; day off on Friday (still got up early though); should have tomorrow off but will work to not get behind (coming from the lady who was looking for more work). ;)
Me (Les) - raced in the Rock ‘n Roll half marathon today (a long report on the Virtual Running Buddy thread). I finished in about my goal time of just under 1:45; officially on the hook after expressing my desire to retire in September 2007 - 6 weeks most likely until I find out the verdict; recovered from 10+ inches of rain on Friday; looking forward to my 10-15 hour/week internship starting in 2 weeks.

Healthful living: I’m getting more sleep and enjoying it quite a bit. The remainder of my healthful week items - continue counseling, both in the clinical setting and with my spiritual advisor. Other than that I’m really trying to figure out how to “control” my personality a little.

Workout items: lift tomorrow since I raced today. I’ll run and ride as my schedule permits probably 2 of each most likely.

If there happen to be any other lurkers out there - please drop in and chat, we love having new people come by for a visit.

How are folks celebrating the end of the summer? I’ll probably try to stay awake today (got up at 4:50 this morning for the race). Then try to figure out what to do for dinner. Other than that - no plans for the rest of the weekend.

Until later - peace,
Les

[TerriAb]

Thanks for starting this week again, Les. Congrats on finishing RnR in your goal time. I read your update on the VRB thread - quite an adventure that you had this morning! Sorry about your sunburn, but sounded like your adventure turned out well. Have a relaxing day off tomorrow and get some sleep!

I had a pretty uneventful weekend. After my run yesterday, just spent the day doing stuff around the house. I'm enjoying my downtime, which should continue into tomorrow.

I have a short run in the morning tomorrow and then after that, just more stuff around the house, but mostly just being lazy.

Have a good rest of your weekend, everyone!

[karen w]

Les-Thanks for getting us going again. Congratulations on your race this weekend. You ended up with quite alot of rain! We were spared the brunt of the storm, but we actually got a fair amount of rain last night. No where near what you experienced, however(the tomatoes are sighing with releif!).

Terri-Downtime is definetely something to cherish. I enjoy mine tremendously....when I get it, of course. In all fairness, DH does a good job of trying to give me some when I need it.

We had a pretty quiet weekend so far as well. I ellipticized as usual in the mornings. Made brunch for the kids and then they went off to play with friends and neighbors. DH did a bit of shopping yesterday and some odd jobs around the house today. I did a bit of cooking...actually alot of baking yesterday and today. I made some soup and a spaghetti casserole yesterday. Today I went on a muffin mania baking spree. I used up all of the bananas collecting in the freezer and the buttermilk hanging out in the fridge, and now the freezer is packed with muffins! :)

Tomorrow I plan on swimming and for the rest of the day ????. The pool opens at 7 am so I can sleep in a bit later than usual, too. :)

Enjoy the rest of the holiday,
Karen

[Leslie Ferguson]

Terri - Sometimes "me" time is necessary. It sounds like that's just what the doctor ordered (and she did mind you - Dr. Karen :D ). This morning was my challenge (hopefully for the week) to keep my self on center. Didn't do great but better than I might have a few years ago. Enjoy your off day tomorrow.
Karen - I bet you'll find something to do with a little late start tomorrow. ;) I'm glad you didn't get all the rain we got - no one needs to get that kind of rain. Baking? Wow, what a concept. :rolleyes: Someone around here does that? ;)

Tomorrow will be a sleep in day - assuming I can sleep with the decent sunburn. I'm going to take advantage of the time and sleep as late as I can - 4:50 was really early this morning.

Fading at the keyboard so I'll be off... see you tomorrow...
Peace,
Les

[karen w]

Quiet day here, but I hope that is because everyone is enjoying the holiday. I was up today at 6:30 am for my swim. :) Alot later than usual!! ;) The YMCA was all sparkling and clean....we'll see how long that'll last! :rolleyes: I had a great swim. I was doubly motivated this morning. First factor was it being the first swim for me in a week, and the second.......they emptied and refilled the pools, so it was......COLD!!!!!!!! I think it took the rest of the day to thaw out! After my swim, I went to the grocery store for a few things;then came home and made everyone brunch. Rest of the day was gardening and just generalized "puttering" around the house doing "odd jobs." :) Tonight I took a break from the kitchen and we all went out to eat.

Tomorrow I will swim and to thaw out I will box and stay for my BBC class. It'll be the first one in awhile, but now that the kids are back in school, I can stay for these back to back classes. And pardon the pun, but I need to get more of these classes under my belt to prepare for my black belt! :D Also have an orthodontist appt. for DS#1.

Les-hope the sunburn did not keep you from your needed Zzzz's last night, and that you got a few extra this morning. How's the burn doing today???

Have a good rest of week everyone,
Karen

[Leslie Ferguson]

Quiet day there and here Karen. Good that you could sleep in but I beat you - I slept in until 7:30. And it felt good. I think I might have slept in even later if I wasn't staring at a 1 pm weight lifting "date" with my coach. I could tell you the physics reason for the cold water but that's not important - just to say it isn't surprising to me that it was a little chilly this morning. Tons of water take a bunch of time to heat up (as I'm all too familiar with doing a couple triathlons in the Atlantic). Sounds like your day tomorrow is the good kick off of your week -- B2B classes at the Y and your son going to the orthodontist. I hope your day is good and that things come off without a hitch. As for my sunburn - it didnt' keep me up (nothing would have last night) and it got better all day. Only a little sensitive these days.

Even though everyone (at the gyms) had it out for me today (I'm kidding), the Y closed at 2 pm (got there at 1), the weight room at work (and it's a good weight room) was locked tight as a drum today (the first time since I've been in the job) so I ended up lifting on base in the "he man" weight room (lots of 20 something Sailors). I got lots of looks because the "light" weight I was using. Then tehy saw me whip out 3 sets of 20 and that shut them up.

Might try a run tomorrow - something easy - depending on the heat. Need to really test my legs doing something besides lifting. :rolleyes:

Until later -- peace,
Les

[TerriAb]

Happy Tuesday, everyone! I'm having problems with my computer here at work, so I'm trying to get this in before anymore problems pop up. I hope everyone had a good, relaxing Labor Day. Mine was uneventful - short run in the morning and the rest of the day was spent "puttering" (to quote Karen). I did go to the pool for a bit and managed to nod off and when I woke up, it was quite cloudy, which turned into rain a bit later. We are now having a day of rain. Weird how dry its been all summer and then all this rain all at once.

Karen, glad you got back in the pool - sorry it was so cold. I think that's why I don't swim - I like my water like bath water (I know, I'm in my own bucket on that one). Do you have to put in so many hours in your BBC class before you can test for your belt? I guess that would make sense.

Les, glad to hear that you got your weight training in, despite the odd conditions. Hope you're recovered from your active weekend.

I did my TBC class this morning. I'm really tired today - didn't sleep all that well last night, lots of weird dreams. That's odd for me - I usually sleep like a log. The gloomy weather doesn't help either. I have a long (7 miles) run tomorrow, hoping the rain lets up some before then. After Saturday, I found I don't mind running in the rain, but it was coming down pretty good this morning, not sure I want to put myself through that.

Tonight I'm going to meet with the local running club for the first time. I'm hoping there are people there who are turtles like me. I probably won't run with them much, but maybe for my long weekday run, just to have someone to run with. I'd have to adjust my schedule, as they run in the evenings, but for one day a week, for a couple of months, that's ok with me.

OK, glad my 'puter held out. I'll talk to everyone soon.

[karen w]

Les-You certainly deserve a day(or more) to sleep in with everything that you do during the week. Glad you got a nice rest and a relaxing holiday.

Terri-I'm assuming that you were not doing laps at the pool yesterday, but just catching the rays. "Nodding off" while swimming can't be a good thing! :D Just be careful you don't nod off so much that you become a lobster! That's happened to me before. :eek: There is no minimum amt. of hours that I have to put in for BBC classes, but those are the classes where we learn sparring, self defense, and our "forms" which we need to know cold for the black belt test. So if you don't go to enough BBC classes, you basically look like a fool! :eek: Hope running club is worthwhile for you.

I had a good day today. Back to my usual 5 am wake up call, and the pool. The pool was not as cold today....almost perfect. I had a good swim, too. After breakfast, getting the kids off, and a quick trip to Target(gotta go back tomorrow for "returns" :rolleyes: ), I went to boxing and BBC. In BBC today we did some basic "take down" drills. This afternoon, I did a bit more cooking(I have dinners prepared ahead for the next few nights now :) ) and took DS#1 to the orthodontist.

Tomorrow DH is off. My plans are swim, box, and probably BBC again. I am going to attempt to get my haircut again this week(did not happen last week) and make my Target returns (bought slippers for the boys, and need to get a bigger size for DS#1). That's it for now!

Have a good night,
Karen

[Leslie Ferguson]

Terri - You and I are in the same boat with pool water - warmer is better in my book too. Although I'm not sure bath water hot is my choice but certainly closer to body temperature is preferred over 70s. Shoot - I swim in the ocean in a full wet suit when the water is 75 so imagine what this kid would do without or with colder water. Like Karen said, falling asleep at the pool (whether in or out of the water ;) ) isn't a great thing. That coming from the guy who got sunburned this weekend fully awake at the beach. Being a Pacific Northwest (or North-wet) boy I love running in the rain - anything less than a driving rain though. Good luck on 7 miles tomorrow.
Karen - I really enjoyed sleeping in yesterday - I could use a couple more days like that. You too could use a few days of sleeping in considering your schedule. BTW - it sounds like you're back on track with all the kids events, DH and his busyness, and the "few" things you do. Good luck for you tomorrow and I hope the re-Target is without issue.

My story for today (a tale of woe kind of) and I'm sticking with it... a guy who works for me got promoted today, 2 years late (he should have been promoted 1 Aug 2004 - don't ask I don't know). So that blew the lunch hour run (that and the downpour). Came home to find a little work outstanding in preparation for my parents "fly by" tomorrow on their way to Oregon for Dad's 50th HS reunion (cleaning in my kitchen was highest on the hit parade). So I felt compelled (LW didn't expect me to do anything in the kitchen but I just had to) to do something. And there was the rain then too. Then it was dinner time and you can see this downward spiral so I just cried "Uncle!" Tomorrow I WILL run in the morning before things can get ugly at work. That and I'm not certain my ankle and gleuts would have been happy running today.

Hope folks have a good (short) week. Talk to you tomorrow since it is 11:30 and this kid needs his beauty sleep and recovery time.

Peace friends,
Les

[TerriAb]

Good morning!

Karen, glad you're getting back into the swim of things :D and I'm glad the pool water was a bit warmer. I think the words "quick trip to Target" are an oxymoron. I don't think I've ever had a quick trip in there and have never come out with only what I went in for!

Les, sorry about your tale of woe, but you must be looking forward to seeing your parents today! You said it was a quick fly by - are they spending the night, or just coming in and out?

I met with the running club last night - nice group of people, mostly older, which surprised me (by older I mean most are over 30 and there are quite a few that are in their 40s and 50s, judging by appearances). I even found a woman who runs at my turtle speed. She's training for the OB marathon, so she'll run further, but at least we can start out together. Quite a few of them are going down for the Outer Banks, so it'll be nice to see a few more familiar faces.

I woke up at 4:45 this morning (only 15 min. earlier than normal) because I knew to get my 7 miles in I would have to get here earlier than normal. I was really tired this morning and my back was hurting (just sore) from my TBC class yesterday. Get here, start out, it's pitch black outside. Well, I finally figured out that the electric trucks that I saw on every corner in the area were doing some work, so all the street lights were out. So, it's early, it's really dark and here I go. Started out ok and then thought, I'm never going to make 7 miles. I kept plugging and ended up doing 5. My whole lower body is really stiff and I couldn't get my legs loosened up. Of course, that's all I could think about, so I guess I'm happy with 5. I did tackle a few of the hills that have been daunting to me, so I can see progress, but not as much as I would like. I'm still really tired and could probably sleep for about 3 or 4 more hours.

So, that's my tale of woe for today. I hope everyone has a good one. I'm off to get some coffee.

[tmsl]

Terri~~~Coffee, the nectar of the gods!!! I'm with you on that, I'd never wake up if I didn't have my coffee in the morning. I'm amazed that you were able to run 5 miles BEFORE the coffee.

I wasn't as steady eddie as I seemed last week. The call of the kittens, plus a hectic week at work had me skipping the gym most nights. I'm still eating somewhat decently and my best friend is going to start running with me on Wed. nights as we both get ready for the Komen race. Wednesdays are busy at work so this will help me actually get to the gym. My knitting night may move days and that will help too, as I am more motivated early in the week for the gym.

Labor Day weekend was wonderful. I had a spa day on Saturday which was very enjoyable. DH & I just hung out at the house the rest of the weekend. It was nice to be home and not rush around. We both needed the down time and now we have a short work week.

Sorry this is short, but I need to get some work done. Sounds like everyone is settling in to the "fall" routine. Have a great week.

Laura K.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Terri - Good for you to get your run in considering the conditions - dark and rainy. I hope they get the street lights fixed for everyone's sake. 5 miles under less than optimal conditions is commendable. My parents are spending the evening before they head out to Oregon for the weekend. They live in Appomattox (about 4 hours away) and got the best flight from Norfolk tomorrow late morning. Since it would be very difficult for them to get up and drive to Norfolk (safely) before their flight departs they'll spend the evening. I'm looking forward to spending time with them - always good for us. Funny your observation about the running group because most of our group is in the 40-something range (35+ for certain). I think a lot of the younger crowd would rather run on their own (the few 20-somethings we've had try our group have moved on - not satisfied with the group).
Laura K - Nothing like a little motivation to help spur you on to run. When is the Komen race? Sounds like you have a great weekend - down time is wonderful isn't it?

Of course, after mentioning that my folks would be appreciated here I think I might want to put in a caveat - I think I'm fighting something in the stomach flu world. Upset tummy, hungry all the time (more than normal), chills, and general malaise. Maybe it might be better for them to not be here. :( I think I cemented the malaise after running today - 8.45 miles (I know it hardly sounds like a malaise but I think the run may have been the nail in the proverbial coffin).

Fighting to stay awake and would probably be best to head home and curl up. But I need to call the folks at church and let them know that I will probably not be attending unless I feel a lot better. Then all I have to worry about is dinner for my folks.

Take care all and I'll possibly check back later this evening unless I'm completely out of order.

Peace,
Les

[karen w]

Les-{{Les}} hope whatever it is that is upsetting the status quo for you today passes quickly, and you can see your parents for their "fly by." Weird symptoms...malaise, chills, etc... and hunger??? Something just does not jive. I hope it is just from over-doing it, and a little rest is all you need.

Terri-I have to agree with Les...you are one brave lady for putting in a 5 miler under those A.M. conditions. I don't think I'd be too happy running without some street lights. Anyway, I hardly think your story is one of woe. Pat yourself on the back for a job well done!

Laura-Seeing those kittens on the "Other Stuff" board, I'm not surprised you were a little distracted. They are so adorable. I need to do a spa day someday, too. I think I could use something like that right about now! ;)

My day was one of highs and lows(again :( ). Started off with a good swim. After the kids got off to school, DH got a phone call from his dad. Apparently MIL is not doing well. Also got a call from my mom later in the afternoon. Seems my dad also has taken another turn for the worse. I'm not going to keep ruminating over it on this upbeat thread, but I just needed to say.....OY! I want to get off this roller coaster already! :( Anyway, things(life) continue for the rest of us and so does the day, so I went to boxing, made a lasagna, and got my haircut(finallY! ;) ) in the afternoon.

Tomorrow I will swim and box; probably take a boxing break on Friday?? Also have an open house at school in the evening.

That's it for my hump day. I'll be glad when the weekend arrives! Have a good night,

Karen

[tmsl]

(((((Karen & Les))))) I am giving you both hugs for the days you have had. Les, I agree with Karen that chills, malaise and HUNGER do not add up. I hope you were able to take it easy tonight. Karen, I am so sorry about your roller coaster. DH & I have been on that ride this summer with his Dad and it is not fun. I hope everyone just had a bad day and will be much better tomorrow. (Definitely schedule a spa day when things settle down, you won't realize how much they are needed until you take the time to let someone pamper you.)

Here's to a better end to the week than the middle......

[TerriAb]

Quick check in before I head to bed. I've been so tired all day, just need some sleep.

Les, I hope your stomach ailments cure quickly, and I'm with Karen, you may just need more rest! Go get it - your parents will understand.

Karen, sending good thoughts and prayers your way for your father and MIL. I can't imagine the rollar coaster. Take some time for yourself when you need it!

I went to the podiatrist tonight and they are going to fit me for new orthotics. The pain I've been having in my foot is an inflammation and he said it's not uncommon with people who overpronate (I think that's it - walking out to in on my foot). He pinpointed the pain spot right away, noticed my 2nd toe in (next to my big toe) is starting to turn inward and the joint has kind of shifted according to the xrays. So, the new orthotics will have more support on the ball of my foot to keep that pressure point at a minimum. He put a padding on the bottom of my foot (spray adhesive and a big fat pad) and it already feels so much better having that pressure off. I go back next week to get fitted for the orthotics and they will do a little PT on it for a few weeks. The best thing is no cortisone shot, which they did about 4 years ago when I was in there with the other foot and I can't imagine any pain being worse (yes, I have not gone through childbirth, so I'm sure that's worse, but in my book, this was the worst thing I had gone through). I'm happy to be on the mend.

Have a good night, everyone!

[Leslie Ferguson]

Quickly...
((((Karen)))) sorry about Dad, I hope this is only a temporary set back (two steps forward - 1 step back). Hopefully you and your family can keep its sanity and prayers continue. Take care of yourself - I'm doing my best to take care of myself too. Spas are cool too :cool: I'd love to get another trip to one. Did a full hour at a spa in Alexandria (near the Torpedo Factory) after the Marine Corps Marathon in 2001 - ahhhh I was in heaven.
Terri - I'll comment on your orthotics in the morning but I'll say it sounds like you got a good check out from the podiatrist. Good for you.
Howdy Laura K and I hope the down side of your week is good too.

I had a great evening with my folks. I seemed to get a little better but really think there's something afoot in my system. Oddly, food seems to be the one thing that settles my system and makes my head not hurt which would be consistent with my history - when I fight things I am hungry feeding my system to be able to fight... either that or maybe I'm pregnant. ;) :eek: LW and I had a good time (once Kathy got off work) with my folks and they joined me for Wednesday evening church service - a double bonus. We all sat around and shared a little beverage, a little good conversation, laughter and stories, and I even got to rub my Mom's neck and shoulders (part of her Parkinson's effects the muscles in her neck - they are phenomenally tight and thus cause her a little discomfort). It felt good giving a little back to Mom.

But for now - to bed for recovery. Still not enough hours of sleep in my near future but I'll take a little less sleep to be with my folks. Words can't describe what I feel right now and the joy that is in my heart. But that joy will move in a bad direction if I don't hit the hay so...

Until tomorrow -- peace,
Les

[karen w]

Les-I'm so glad you had a nice time with your folks in spite of your "mystery crud." I hope you got some needed rest last night and are better today.

Terri-good news that the podiatrist has an answer to your problem, and one that does not involve a painful injection! Yay!! :)

Thanks for all of the continued prayers everyone. As of today, FIL was apparently given the choice to take MIL home(to die) or continue treating her. They chose the latter option so they anticipate barring any unforseen complications, she will be in the hospital for another 10 days or so. As for my dad, he had a Cat scan last night searching for the source of his fever which they suspect is a pneumonia. Unfortunately, one of the radiologists read the study as "cannot rule out TB" so now he is in an isolation room. We know he does not have TB, but they have to take precautions. Meanwhile my mom is ballistic about this new situation, and making demands. They are going to re-review the CT and hopefully do a simple skin test for TB to put an end to all of this and get him out of isolation. :mad: Otherwise things are status quo there. Mom said he's fever is down a bit and he is still eating some.

I had a great swim today and went to back to back boxing class and black belt club class. Both were really good today. I think they were just what I needed to let out a bit of stress(although that spa day would probably work just as well, if not better! :p ). We worked on some of our forms in BBc class which I needed. Hopefully at this months progress test, I won't look like a fool! :rolleyes: Tonight is DD's open house. I'm going since I'm sure she would want me to go, but I'm not thrilled....I've heard this teacher's spiel before since both boys had her for 2nd grade!!! :eek:

Tomorrow I will swim and may take a boxing break??? to ellipticize or bike. We'll see what I feel like at the moment! :D

Have a good evening,
Karen

[Leslie Ferguson]

Sleepy kid here again... thanks for the news Karen I hope everyone keeps plugging and I'll keep plugging down here. Have a good Friday and vent some of those frustration things tomorrow. :D

My nausea seems to have gone away for the most part - all systems normal for me (and unexplainable). Rode today for about 40 minutes and felt good. Fading fast - emotions do that to me (went for a long converstaion this morning).

Peace friends and I'll be in touch tomorrow.

Les

[TerriAb]

Happy Friday, everyone! Been busy both at work and at home, so I haven't had a chance to check in.

Karen, sorry to hear about your dad. I hope they figure it out and get him out of isolation ASAP! On top of everything, that is NOT what your mom needs! I hope your open house wasn't too painful or boring! At least you know what to expect!

Les, glad to hear you're feeling better and got a ride in yesterday.

I have a couple of stamping events this weekend (my home-based business), which is why I've been busy in the evenings at home, trying to get ready for them. It'll be a busy weekend, but a fun one. I'm pretty introverted (according to Myers-Briggs), so even though it's fun stuff I'm doing, it really drains me to be around people so much. I really look forward to my alone time.

No workout for me today - have 8 miles to go tomorrow. Longest one yet. Weather should be great for it, if I go early enough (which I should).

Cafeteria is now open, so it's coffee time! Have a good Friday, everyone!

[karen w]

Les-Glad the tummy is feeling better!

Terri-Good luck tomorrow with your run!

Busy day here today. Swim was decent. The "flailer" joined me for the last 15 minutes of my swim. :( At that point I took a 2 min. breather, and the gentleman(also a regular swimmer, but a good one) in the lane one over says to me...."Choppy waters, huh!?" My reply, "Yep, surfs a bit rough at the moment." :D We are SOOOOOO bad!!! :D After breakfast I did a short stint on the bike as well as the elliptical, some abs, and reviewed my forms and self defense manuevers. By that time, Costco was just about to open, so I boogied on over to do my shopping. This evening DD resumed her gymnastics class for fall, so I had to pick DD and DS#2 up from their school to get her there on time. It turns out the owner put her in the advanced "pre-team" class even though she has only had 5 lessons EVER! :eek: I went early to pick her up so I could watch to see if she was comfortable and fit into this class. Well, she was doing great. As a matter of fact, she was the first one excused at the end of class based on "who could do the best handstand." The class is 1 1/2 hours at the end of a long school day(and Fridays she has gym, too) so I imagine she'll sleep well tonight! Right now she is outside playing....oh, to have energy like that again!!

This weekend is a bit iffy...I'm not sure if DH is going to head to LI to see his mom, but I suspect he will not. As a matter of fact, I think he might have mentioned getting the window on his car fixed tomorrow. Anyway, exercise wise I cycle or ellipticize. DS#2 is going to a karate b-day party tomorrow, so he will be right at home there. Otherwise we will try to keep it low key as next week religion starts along with all of the rest of the after school activities so it will get very hectic quickly.

Have a nice weekend,
Karen

[Leslie Ferguson]

It actually looks like I'm a-lert (whatever a lert is :rolleyes: ) tonight as opposed to the past couple days. Hence the bad opening joke.
Terri - Good luck running tomorrow - 8 miles should be fun and if you're having the weather we are down here it will be glorious to run in the morning. I know all about the Myers-Briggs Introvert - married to one (and borderline Introvert/Extrovert myself) - good to know that you are an I so you can schedule "you" time after subjecting your personality to people. Glad you're doing better at work and still having time to do the things that feed you - something really worthwhile really (believe me I know that one too).
Karen - Now your schedule is sounding like the schedule of old - have to be 3 places all at the same time. That's a great job your DD is doing in gymnastics and it's apparent the teacher is a good judge of ability. SOrry about the flailer but I bet it was still a good swim. Pace yourself as you start ramping up for the coming weeks and school year too.

I'm feeling much better today. I think the bug could be a combination of fairly unrelated things. I've been off my nasal allergy meds for about a week (Claritin) so I'm starting to get the full effect of whatever causes my allergy symptoms and congestion. That and my body seems to be acting weird when it gets hungry these days (that happens once in a while - and I can't explain why or what it feels like). So Wednesday evening I was in that double down cycle and felt yucky. But now I'm getting better every day (better living through medication). Anyway, I rode today for about 45 minutes and had a blast - September weather is great to ride in outside. :cool: Tomorrow will be a busy one for me because I'm going through an orientation session for my pending internship. 6 hours of orientation at a retreat site about 75-90 minutes from here. Luckily we aren't starting until 10 am and someone else is driving (way cool there). I'll try to run or ride once I get home but who knows when that will actually occur. FWIW and for whomever wants to see them - here are my "wet rat" pictures from the Rock 'n Roll half marathon (http://www.asiorders.com/go.asp?13505290) . Aren't they just great pictures? ;)

Even though I get to sleep in tomorrow morning I still need to get to sleep so I can make up for the lost hours of sleep this week.

Until later tomorrow - have a great weekend and...
Peace,
Les

[Leslie Ferguson]

Back to backs I know but I thought I'd talk about the day - it was pretty good really. The orientation for the ordination process went well. There are 6 of us who are continuing with the process doing internships at churches all through the area (each one is assigned to a church near their home). Today was a close out for the psychological portion of the process (glad that's officially over) and a discussion of some of the different groundrules for the upcoming portion. They also talked about the potential pitfalls but were really supportive of us (there are 10 people in the group that will decide who can go on with seminary). The whole session was better than I expected and will lay the groundwork for the next 3+ months of internship.

I was only able to get a little ride in today. We got out a little early and got home at a reasonable hour but I was totally whacked by the time I got home. I think I'm super-sensitive to blood sugar issues right now, especially when most of my calories come from carbs (lunch had little protein in it - part of some unappealing looking spinach lasagna, corn, and salad). By the time I got home I was a basket case and felt pretty crummy but once I put a little protein (Pure Protein Plus bar) into my system I started to feel a little better but by that time is was pushing 6 pm and I wouldn't have been able to finish a run so took a short ride to the store and back (about 5 miles). Not a great ride but nice to get out in the fresh air before the thunder clouds rolled in. No rain yet but...

Tomorrow will be weights (by myself because my coach is in Vermont for a race). Looking forward to a new (short work) week. Until then -- Terri how was the run this morning?

Peace,
Les