HL/WWSG - Week of Sep 30

[Leslie Ferguson]

Hello friends and neighbors and welcome to the most recent version of the healthful living and weekly workout support group. We’d like to extend a warm welcome to anyone who might decide to come and stay and chat with us. Please take the time to say hi and tell us why you stopped by. We hope that we aren’t exclusive or cliquish - that has never been our desire. We do have some folks who chat frequently and some who drop in from time to time - we’ll welcome any and all who come to the party. This past week has been a good break from the tortuous days of summer as conditions have become more fall-like. Families are getting back to the swing of school or just celebrating their retired years with family and friends. We like to keep folks accountable for their workouts and with few exceptions last week was a good week for most. As opposed to last week I’ll try to make a reasonable recap this week in an attempt to catch up and remind folks about what’s down the pike here goes:

Life successes include - Kate is riding Mack more and getting stronger all the time, enjoyed time off with her BF and is now back at work; Cheryl returned from vacation and is getting back into her workouts; Karen has had family life blossom with plenty of kid things to do at school and extra-curricular, keeping her workouts up and getting a few changes of pace in too; and I’m getting back into balance after a pretty horrible week last week (at least emotionally), took a day and went to West Virginia for a county fair, and counting the hours until my Anniversary tomorrow.
Stressful living - Karen DD got braces and all the accompanying pain and discomfort, working other issues with her DS’s but still doing well; Kate is still dealing with recovery from surgery; I’m struggled last week with balance between classes and volunteering - studying enough to do acceptably and to figure out just how much is too much.
Missing in Action Miché haven’t heard from her - hope she’s well.

Workouts: Today is a wash with an extended debrief of church this morning, I hope to do something tomorrow before working in the computer lab, Tuesday is going to be interesting with our school Convocation Tuesday and Wednesday but hopefully something will materialize those days, and run or ride Thursday. long-ish run on Saturday probably with my newer running group.
Healthful living: balance is the key but I’m doing well at that really.

Need to head out I’m picking a classmate up from the airport this evening and I’ve got to study a little. Plenty to do around here so until later this evening, have a wonderful Sunday and peace,
Les

[mackandme]

Les, happy anniversary to you and your LW!!! Sounds like WV was nice. That state is so underrated. It's absolutely beautiful. Sorry to hear you had a rocky week.

Karen, my sympathies to your DD on her braces. I have bad memories and the scars inside my cheeks to prove it!

Friday was a busy day for me. Rode Mack for 20 minutes, tho did less trotting this time so i wouldn't overdo it. Met DBF at work to take a walk during his dinner break, then went to the Y and walked on the treadmill for 20 minutes. That pretty much did me in.

Just did some cooking Saturday, watched some college football , and dropped some more medicine off for Mack.

Today i wasn't feeling too well. Tomorrow I'll either aim to get to the barn or the gym.

[karen w]

It was a beautiful fall weekend here in New England. I did a bit of cooking. That seems to occur alot more often in fall as the garden winds down and I begin harvesting everything(and the boys keep eating more and more each day; not DD....she's a mouse!!). Today I made a big pot of chili and with some kale from the garden, one of my favs, CL's Dijon Kale and Chicken Stew.

This morning I ellipticized;yesterday I did my biking and weights. Otherwise it was a typical weekend with gymnastics, religion etc... DS#2 had a great sleepover and finally came home at 2 pm yesterday. DH spent the day out with DS#1 yesterday and had all three of them at the mall today. He had to go get DS#1 fitted for a back pack which I will have to pick up next Friday. We will be renting it for his boyscout back pack hiking trip next weekend. They are hiking part of the Appalachian trail. DS#1 is a bit dissappointed in that there will be no campfire "cookouts" in this trip since they have to carry EVERYTHING on their backs. So it is just MRE's and anything instant that just needs water added. I'm sure it will be a good experience, nonetheless, and I HOPE. . . NO BEARS! So in all of their wanderings at the mall, DD and DS#2 both got some new game pieces for their Nintendos, DS#2 a lava lamp for his room, and all three FINALLY got digital cameras which had been promised to them from their last b-days. I'd say they made out quite well!! (They better not ask for anything else for awhile if they know what's good for them, but what makes me think....they don't! .

Tonight went out for some Italian and then some ice cream so now digesting and relaxing. No new plans for this week...just my usual!

Have a good week!!

Karen

[Leslie Ferguson]

Kate - Sorry that your body isn't dealing nicely with you these days. I know how frustrating it must be to not be up to par even after all these days. Hopefully they can get you back on your feet soon.
Karen - DS#1 hiking on the AT this coming weekend. That's great and I hope that they don't have too many "visitors." It sounds like a fairly expensive but productive day at the mall - hopefully that's the last for some time.

It looks like my anniversary will be relatively quiet today, but that's ok since 24 isn't that earthshattering (at this point in time they're all important but not always to celebrate) as opposed to next year and 25. The better part of fall is definitely here in Alexandria - chilly in the morning and warm enough in the afternoon. Hopefully I can get a run in today, in and amongst the rest of the junk going on.

Peace all,
Les

[karen w]

Les-HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!! (slightly late ) 24 is a very important # to celebrate. It seems most couples these days don't even make it to half that number. So many of the kids friends parents are divorced. It is really so sad.

But on to more cheerful stuff...

Had a really good swim this morning and was not even too creeped out by the worm crawling up the wall in the shower stall. Nor when he(or she??!! ) crawled right into a crevice in the grout between two tiles and disappeared! I was able to fit in my grocery run for staples between dropping the kids at the bus and boxing. Went back to my Thai boxing today and it was very enjoyable. This afternoon finished up several loads of (never-ending) laundry and made a moussaka for later this week(yum! ).

That's it for now. Good evening,
Karen

[Laura]

Hey guys I just wanted to ask for prayers for my family. By BIL, only 55, died suddenly today. They are not sure what maybe a massive heart attack or stroke. His name was Al Forbes, and my sister Barbie, her children Amy Arnold, Colleen Wachob, Michelle Forbes and Ryan Forbes could really use your prayers (as well as the rest of my family). Thanks, Laura

[mackandme]

Laura, so sorry to hear of your loss. Your family will be in my thoughts.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Laura - Please extend our condolences to your sister and her family. I've made a spot on my prayer list for them and will lift you all in prayer. Be gentle to yourselves as the days unfold. Peace be with you all.

Karen - You're right, every year is another reason to celebrate something that doesn't get a lot of play - 24 years of marriage to the same person. A quiet day, a couple cards, and school and studying made my day. Better the worm crawled between the tiles than out the door. No rest for the weary is there?

Running out of time but I ran today -- a bit warmer than I expected and I am not keeping topped off as well as I used to. Still did an hour run on the hills (today's extravaganza was about 175 feet in 1/2 mile). At work (no one in the computer lab either), and finished writing a paper on my church visit yesterday and need to turn in. See you on the morrow.

Peace,
Les

[karen w]

Laura-More prayers coming your way. So sorry to hear about your BIL. He was much too young. Take care of yourself.

Another good swim for me this morning and no worms(at least that I could see ) in the showers this morning! BUT....the jacuzzi is on the fritz...AGAIN! After breakfast I had to get DS#2 to school early for the newspaper. DH ended up dropping him on his way to work which really helped solved a bit of a logistic problem as it is too early for DD to be at school, but if I drove back home to get her on the bus she'd miss it. Before boxing I stopped at Target(I hate that store...spend too much time and $ there). I found a few things that DS#1 needs for his backpacking trip this weekend including a small first aid kit and a whistle. Plus I found some wrist weights to try out when I'm walking or working out.

Boys had guitar tonight. That seems to be going well so far. Not sure if I will work out at home or box tomorrow. I'll decide when the time comes. The kids do have religion after school and then a Simchat Torah celebration(with a pizza dinner) in the evening that DH is going to get out of work to join them for after religious school.

Good evening,
Karen

[Leslie Ferguson]

Crazy day is the best thing to say for today...
Karen - Busy and productive day for you too. I'll have to check on Simchat Torah in class tomorrow - sounds like fun though. Juggling schedules again - I think that counts as a workout.

Today we had a HUGE Alumni/alumnae event tonight with conferral of a Doctoral Degree and "meet and greet" (the folks here treat us well so we needed to make a good showing).

Need to sleep -- see you tomorrow (BTW - no exercise today unless you count jumping to conclusions or doing Hebrew Verbal paradigms ).

Peace,
Les

[mackandme]

(BTW - no exercise today unless you count jumping to conclusions or doing Hebrew Verbal paradigms ).

That sounds like a lot of exercise to me, Les.

I'm out of commission for a few days. I have a fire ant bite on my foot, and i'm horribly allergic so it's horribly swollen. Hopefully I'll be good to go by Tuesday, b/c I'm taking the day off work so we can go to the state fair.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Sorry to hear about your foot and the fire ant bite. Those suckers aren't any fun even if you aren't allergic to them. Take it easy, that stuff is pretty bad. And yes, paradigms for Hebrew is a lot of exercise.

Today was much better even though I didn't run. But did get a fabulous ride in. Zorched for an hour and got as far as the Airport and back. I'm still having fun speeding on a few streets around here too. Just waiting for the cop who's sitting there in the 25 zone who pegs me for 30+ on the downhill. Looking forward to a normal day tomorrow - just two classes, a discussion with the dean, and a study session. Maybe I'll work a run in during the slow morning.

Peace,
Les

[karen w]

Sorry this has to be a fly-by tonight as I have to get DS#1 to boy scouts soon. Had a good day today with a swim and elliptical ride. Needed a day off from boxing. Sometimes too many in a row is too much. That and I needed to do some stuff around the house.

Kate-Sorry to hear about your foot. I hope the swelling subsides quickly.

Les-Hope you had another good day today.

See you later,
Karen

[Leslie Ferguson]

Hi Karen - thanks for the drive by, sorry it's hectic again. (still?) Probably not a bad thing to take a day or two of kickboxing - not unlike running every day for months on end.

Today didn't quite shape up like I envisioned. I should know better than to think that I can run between morning chapel and class at 10:55 (chapel is over by about 8:45) what with studying and other essential work. That and I forgot there was a forum at school with a Bishop (high up in the Episcopal Church) from New Hampshire who has been in the news for a few years (since 2003 at least). He's a good speaker and posed some good questions but since he took an hour that I would have spent studying I figured I needed to study some when I could. There's always tomorrow though.

Hope you all are well -- how about the lurkers?

Peace,
Les

[cher48603]

Les - A belated anniversary with to you and DW. 24 years is important, especially since you can't get to 25 without it.

Kate - Hope your foot is feeling better.

Karen - Sharing the shower with a worm isn't cool.

Laura - Condolences on the loss of your BIL. 55 is way too young.

I'm not sure where this week went but it has flown by. I haven't felt highly motivated but made myself go to the Y M,T,W,& F. Thursday I just went for a walk.

Hope everyone has a great weekend.

[karen w]

Just got DS#1 off on his camping trip for Boy scouts. The boys are doing an Appalachian trail hike. I think the total walk is only 4 1/2-5 miles, but they are carrying EVERYTHING on their backs. They split the troop up into younger and older boys since there were too many to take hiking at one time. So this weekend the young 'uns go and next, the older boys(who will be taking a longer hike). I was surprised only 7 boys are going this weekend. I think that is less than half of the new scouts. I was proud that DS#1 did decide to go this weekend. He was a bit concerned and hesitant after his run in with a bear on their last trip. I saw him off with his pack, sleeping bag, all of his instant meals, water bottles etc... on his back. Just looking at him gave me a backache! OY VEY!

So this weekend we are one boy down, but gaining one within the next hour. DS#2 is having a friend from school sleepover. He should be here soon. He is at his "therapy" session now. I'm guessing this has something to do with his parents divorce. We have movies rented for them and gotta have some popcorn, too. It is supposed to be a very "summer-like" weekend, so they can do alot of playing outside tomorrow as well.

I started off this morning with a great swim. I did end up going to boxing since I had a few errands to run this morning and I was out anyway...so I just figured I'd go before coming home for lunch. I got my haircut. My usual stylist is gone....VERY suddenly so I have to find someone new (again ). The girl who cut my hair today was decent. She would not comment at all on why the other women was gone, but it did not sound like it was on happy terms. Anyway also stopped and ordered a fruit bouquet(Edible Arrangements) for a friend that just had surgery. Her husband called tonight, so I know they received it(yay). This afternoon I did some gardening and harvested a few more things. Kale is almost all harvested now as are cukes and green beans. Tomatoes are still going strong.

This weekend is pretty mellow. DH is working. DS#1 is on his trip until Sunday. DS#2 has his sleepover and DD; gymnastics. Sunday is religion. Monday...NO SCHOOL! (I'll have to go return DS#1's camping equipment on Monday. We rented his pack and sleeping bag at EMS).

My exercise...you know the drill ! That's about it here. Have a good weekend.

Karen

[Leslie Ferguson]

Of course you're right Cheryl, without 24 you can't get to 25. Good for you to force yourself to the Y 4 days this week too.

Karen - I remember all the campouts from my youth and it's not as bad as it looks. Too bad that your stylist left, I hope you find a new one. I guess I should think about getting my hair cut sometime soon since I haven't gotten it cut since early August. It sounds like you've got another busy weekend. (DUH!) I hope the weather holds out for a day outside for the boys. Have a good weekend.

I took a ride this afternoon - it was a nice day to ride but too warm to run. Ended up doing another loop including the Mt. Vernon trail. Tomorrow a workout will be a bust most likely since I've got a meeting with my home church and the Diocese (the group that a bunch of churches are organized under) that's being held outside Richmond, ~ 2 hours from here. So I'll be there most of the day but that will be a good day to catch up with folks.

Peace all,
Les

[mackandme]

Hey all, a rare weekend appearance by me as I am pulling an OT shift.

The foot is almost back to normal, so i stuffed it in a boot and went riding for about 20 minutes today. I'm at the point where I feel like i could be doing more, but until we get a freeze, or at least the ragweed dies down, Mack isn't up for much more than walking. So when I get back to the gym this week i'll try to ramp it up a bit there.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Hi Kate. Sorry you're working OT but I'm glad that you are feeling a little better. Now all you need is to have the hay fever stuff go away and you'll be back at it.

Hey all - need to drive by again tonight. Had a great non-running day. I had a blast going to and from Richmond and even though I didn't run I saw folks that I haven't seen in a long time. And even better, I surprised my Dad - he didn't recognize me immediately. Why you may ask, I've grown a beard since the last time he saw me almost 2 months ago. Not what he was looking for.

I have a class project tomorrow morning and I need some beauty sleep since last night wasn't the longest sleep I've had in a week.

Peace,
Les