The Wedge Salad

Today instead of turkey I created a perfect Thanksgiving Wedge Salad.

I made the dressing myself.

Those a roasted brussels sprouts and a bit of chicken as well...

Overall it was a really good day... I walked/ran around Greenlake with my friend Ken and then I went and ran stairs. I spent the afternoon at my momma's house where we had the above pictured lunch and I hung out with the dogs. Zoe still can't walk and if it doesn't get better in two weeks we will have to get her one of those carts for her back legs.  I'm ready to start making ramps for her to up and down things...  I hope it doesn't come to that though.  Think your good puppy thoughts for her.

Tomorrow I am going to be a Marshal for the Thanksgiving parade downtown. I didn't officially commit to it but have decided that I don't have anything else to do so I might as well go.
Since I'm not a fan of shopping (and I have nobody to shop for) I am not going to get up at the crack of dawn and face the crowds.

My mom asked me why I'm being so non-committal to things lately.  I didn't think I was being non-committal - I just want to keep my options open. I'm trying things different this year.

Also up tomorrow I am going to see Hunger Games, Catching Fire with my friends Malyn and Leslie... should be fun.

I think that's all I have to report today... stay safe out there and don't get knocked down running for the flat screen tv's...

What do I know?

I don't have a lot to report this morning.

I am enjoying not working this week and finally I feel like I am on vacation. I taught my last class for the week last night so it's smooth sailing from here on out.

The excitement on my calendar today is that a plumber is going to come out and fix my toilet this morning and then this afternoon I'm getting my hair done. I am still trying to get my apartment in gear.  It looks better but it's still not great. It's hard to go through years worth of crap and figure out what you don't need anymore. I think I should be able to get through the rest of the crap by the end of the week.

I have a bit of a headache (it started last night) - I hope it's not my neck again...  it's sympathy pains for my friend John I guess (he's doing alright by the way).

Maybe I will go out for a run this morning and then get a pedicure - my toenails are looking a bit crappy... it'd be nice to have them pretty for the holiday.

For the first time in many years I am not dreading the holidays... it's nice. I'm not thinking that they are all going to be hunky dory but I think they may be a bit more manageable. I love(d) my Dad a lot but it was stressful over the years trying to accommodate his moods and schedule over the Holidays... Sometimes people look at me funny when I say that I'm not doing anything for the holidays - but if the only framework you have for a holiday is what you see on the hallmark channel you are often disappointed when things don't pan out. Sometimes it's easier just to not participate. This year will sort of be the same, but I'm not going to feel sorry for myself. I am going to surround myself with people I want to be with and do things that I want to do. That makes me happy.

Maybe tomorrow I will wax poetic on all those things I am thankful for... nah. If I'm thankful for things you probably already know it...

Now go out there and get them!

Vacation Day 1!

Here's to the beginning of new things...

I am sitting here on the sofa icing my feet and finishing up my pot of french press coffee.

I managed to sleep in until 6:30... that's not too shabby for someone who is a chronic early riser.

On my agenda today is stair training with my friends Nik and Patti - I will actually be "training" they will probably just be walking.. then lunch. I am planning on going to see the puppies this afternoon - Zoe is still pretty drugged up but she has plenty of kisses (I stopped by yesterday). She's still not moving her back legs but it all else fails we'll get her a little harness to wear and I will build ramps for her to get around.

I hope to get the majority of cleaning done this morning as well... I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and I may actually have a "studio" soon.  I may have to go to Ikea at some point... I got rid of my old drafting table and a pedestal that had been taking up room in my place... I may purchase a smaller desk for the studio... ah the possibilities.

This week I have a few goals:
finish cleaning
make the worlds best wedge salad
buy a Christmas tree
have fun
make art

I also have to call comcast and see if I can get my cable bill down a bit.  I came to the end of my special pricing and am not really jazzed about spending an extra 20 bucks a month... I could be spending that money on cheese or art supplies.

Maybe I should get off my backside and do some cleaning and/or laundry... hmmm...

I like vacation.

Howdy Pardner

Here I am - fully (semi) relaxed...

Here is my report.  Zoe and John are both doing alright after surgery...

Yesterday I did my stair workout and I think I won't be able to walk tomorrow. I'm supposed to do another stair workout today... I should probably just get it over with after my class and suffer.

I'm trying to think of all the things I want/need to do this week... cleaning, working on my websites, making art, sleeping...

I'm all about doing things differently this year... it started with Camp I think (being in charge of ice breakers)... one thing builds on another...

I am feeling good...  Yesterday I walked to my friend Tia's studio sale and bought some new earrings... (two new pairs in fact)... I took photos along the way... here are a chosen few.

Perhaps I will get out and take some more later today...

This is what's going on today!

It is finally Friday and I have a few things to report.

First thing - Zoe is back home now - not really using her back legs just yet but she has a full regimen of physical therapy to get her back on her puppy feet. I will visit her tomorrow and hopefully post some photos.

Next week I am on vacation! I have been doing things differently this year and I decided that I wanted to take the week off. I usually don't do these sorts of things but I think it's time I try things differently... I might have good results. I'm looking forward to getting my in apartment studio set up and finally feeling like I can move around my place (it's been a mess that past few weeks with all my cleaning.

Stair training this week should be interesting - we have it both Saturday and Sunday - I can't make it on Sunday which is good... (it's the harder of the two workouts).. I just have to go for an hour on Saturday wearing an added 10 pounds or so...

Finally my friend John is going in this morning to get his neck fixed... you might recall he was going to have it done a few weeks ago but they couldn't do it because he aspirated as they were getting ready to start... hopefully this time it will take. I'm sending out my positive energy his direction...

I'm a little scared to type this next phrase...

I think I'm actually looking forward to the Holiday season this year.

WHAT?

Goodness... okay - I typed it, perhaps I meant it.

I am looking forward to getting another Christmas tree and seeing the lights and maybe even eating some turkey on Thanksgiving...

It's definitely been a year of change - it's been hard at times but I'm feeling good.

I'm glad.

Hello and Good Morning

It's already Wednesday.

I have a little bit of news to report... mostly on the puppy dog front.

Zoe - the littlest of the puppies had to undergo surgery on Monday for a compressed disk in her spine. She is still in the puppy hospital, but last I knew she was doing alright. I will be sure to update you all as more news becomes available.

 

 

Stinky seems to be doing alright so that's good news...

Yesterday morning I was supposed to testify in a trial regarding the car accident I was in last February. When I got there I found out that the defendant plead guilty and I had to go back to work. What an inconvenience I tell you.

Just don't drink and drive people. It' s not worth it.

I have decided to take next week off as vacation. It will be good to get rid of the mess of the hoarder room and perhaps make some art! I don't usually take Thanksgiving week off but I thought I would do something different this year. My friend John is having surgery on Friday so I may go up and visit next week if he's taking visitors. I'm always up for a road trip... it's nice to not have anything planned.

What else?? I think my cold is coming back.. that's no fun... I'll just keep pounding the airborne and cold medicine.

Stair training is going well... I don't have my assignment for this weekend though. I think I have gotten over the initial trauma of my legs and bum hurting but I have become accustomed to the pain of stairs. Now to focus on fundraising.

I think that's all I have to report this morning. If anything changes on the Zoe front I will let you know.

Howdy.

It's going to be a busy day.
I have a lot going on - and it's pretty much nonstop...
ww
stair training
facial
delivering items I don't need anymore to former campers
dinner
tupperware party

I may not do all of those things but I am most likely doing the majority of them.

I got an email from my mom this morning.  Stinky (the wiener dog)  is not breathing well. I have a feeling she may not be long for this world, but that's okay.  She's been well loved. If is gets too hard for her to function we will take care of things.  I will try to keep feeling positive though.

This past week was a bit crazy... It started out poorly but turned itself around.  I was too busy at work the past few days... non-stop all the time. I guess that's better than being slow.

Today's stair training is going to be interesting... up three flights, down two, up three, down two... so on and so forth until I get to the top and then way down to the bottom and then burpees... fun times.

I am still working on cleaning up my place and I was mortified on Wednesday to find that our annual apartment inspections happened and my place was a mess (I like to clean up for these things...).  I continue to clean... I'm trying to find my Cycle Certification in all this crap and I can't do it... sure, I can find my report card from 2nd grade but not something from four years ago.

I'm sure it's somewhere...

Last night I went out after work to watch the Husky game - they weren't playing well.. I ate too much and seriously thought I was going to throw up. It's the most uncomfortable I've been after eating in a long time. I used to eat that way but it just made me sick. I am guessing that it will show up as a gain when I weigh in this morning - I say four pounds.

I think that's all I have this morning.

Better

I am doing much better today.

Like I said yesterday, I need to just chill out sometimes....

The unearthing of my hoarders closet continues, it's not an easy task.

Yesterday I made great strides in my fundraising efforts for the big climb. I have already raised $310.00 out of my $1,000 goal... I think I will have to up my goal then. The best thing about the fundraising is that I didn't even ask anyone to donate.  I started by making my own donation and willing to give up my own money. It feels good to have people back you in your crazy endeavors.

I have to remember the good things and not focus on the few things that are not quite perfect.

I am doing well...  that's good.

Sometimes you just need to chill the fudgecicle out...

I need to put things into perspective today.

Lately I've had a few instances where I got into my head a little too much and that's no good.  I need to not think about things too much and only worry about things I have control over. (which in the end is me)...

My mood has been too good to to let too many things get me down.

Today I am going to attempt to set up our new postage meter at work. It should be interesting... I'm not too worried but there is always an element of risk involved in all technology.

Tonight I am going to meet up with my best friend growing up. She works nights so I don't see her that often. I think the last time I saw her was at my Dad's Memorial Service in March. It's been too long though.

I've been making strides to get my apartment really cleaned out... I've gotten rid of a bunch of crap and am trying to go through a bunch of papers.  I have to try and find my cycle certification for my boss.  Of course I can't find it.  I DO have my email confirmation that I took the class... I know it's somewhere, I just need to find it.  Then there's my CPR Certification which I need to have renewed...  if only I didn't have my real job I could do all these things during the day.

I just need to keep plugging along in everything and focus on me and what I can do.

I can't help it that I care about people and things...

Sunday - Hoarder Closet Clean Out!

I actually started cleaning out my Hoarder Closet yesterday.

My hoarder closet is the small room in my apartment which is supposed to be an art studio.

It's been three years since I moved into this apartment. I should probably get my act together and start making art in that room.  Or at least get my things organized in there so that I can make art.

I did a bunch yesterday and hope to make another big dent in it today.

Yesterday was busy. I went to ww, ran stairs, and then cleaned cleaned cleaned.... I've got a lot more to do but I'm started making a dent.  My place is a mess but I think it will all work out.

I am thinking of heading out a bit early today to do some errands before I teach. I have to get gas and I want to get a bit of a run in before class... the Seahawks are playing at 10:00... I've got a lot to do.

I guess that's all I have to report this morning.

Carry on!

Better BUTT not great!

ha ha ha... how do you like that title for the post.

My backside is doing much better but it is still feeling the effects of my stair work from Saturday...
I'm sure it will be great tomorrow and then I'll go do stairs again.

I'm going to work on stretching it out today so I'm in tip top shape again... I have a fire in my belly (okay, maybe it's a fire in my backside) that wants me to break records when I climb those stairs in March.  I think last years winning time in my age group was around 10 minutes.  I asked Dan (my chiropractor/team leader) what he thought I could reasonably do.  He said about 11 minutes... I'll take that. There's something to be said for being in fairly good shape.

One thing I've realized over the past few months is that I'm really strong.  Physically strong that is. I've always thought that I was, but I would look at myself in the mirror and just see the leftover stretched out skin from my fat days and focus on that. What I'm starting to notice is that I have a strong core underneath, when you poke my tummy it's not squishy at all... I've got abs! Sure - they're buried under that extra skin, but it's not that much skin.

I'm also realizing that weighing 145 pounds is just fine. I don't look like I weigh a145 but it's a lot of muscle.  One of my cycle students told me that she though I may have been 135 tops.  Weight is just a number... as long as you feel good and you're strong it doesn't matter what that number says.

I'm glad my attitude is changing. Tuesday was a bad day. One bad day will not bring me down. It didn't...

Every November on Facebook - people start listing what they are thankful for. I'm not one of those people who does that - if I'm thankful for things (people places things) you probably already know that.  I don't feel the need to list it there.... so I will list a few things here! (sure, that's probably cheating but I don't care).

Here are a few things:
thankful that I got my head out of my ass 10 years ago and jointed Weight Watchers. I can only imagine what my life would be like if I stayed the way I was...
thankful that I have the family that I do... they are crazy at times but I love them and they are mine!
thankful for great friends who have my back.
thankful for puppies and kitties.
thankful that I have a sense of humor.
thankful for a glass half full sort of optimism.

I'm sure there is more...

I am looking forward to the end of the year... I'm looking forward to the new year... I've got trips lined up (Chicago, Vermont, etc...)... who knows where else? It's good to be me!

I am happy.

Crap.

I knew it was going to happen sooner or later.

I had a really unsatisfactory day yesterday but I am going to do my best to turn it around today.

Overall it just was crappy - too busy at work, my legs are still recovering from my stair training and then as I was getting ready to teach my class last night I stepped funny and sent my left glute into a spasm that had me make noises that I didn't know I could make.  The pain in my butt and hip was such that I even had to take the bus home.  It's a bit better today but it's not great. I am going to take it easy today and use ice and my foam roller.

I think it's just a muscle spasm... I hope it's just a muscle spasm...

I will be better today... I think a lot of it is attitude... so I am going to be positive that things will be okay. I will fake it til I make it.

I think I will drive into the office today because I'm not sure I could walk home fast enough after work in order to get to the gym on time.

I did a little emotional eating last night but I tracked it all on my ww tracker... I polished off almost a whole loaf of Safeway french bread with butter and some Beecher's flagship cheddar.  It was what I needed to do.

This morning I am feeling better - I just purchased tickets to go to Chicago in February for the CAA conference.  I'm looking forward to being able to hang out with my art friends for a while... I miss them a lot.  I miss being part of a good art community - It will be good to be back.

See - even now I feel better just thinking about it.  yay!

Okay - I think I'm done with the rant... I am determined to make today better... I've been in too good of a mood lately to let this small hiccup bring me down.

I've got legs and I know how to use them!

Yesterday morning I don't know what got into me I decided to run stairs. 

Actually I do know what got into me...Friday morning I went to see my chiropractor, he heads a team in the Big Climb up the Columbia Tower every year. He asked me if I was going to be doing the training climb with him on Saturday morning and I said no. 

I originally said no that I had an appointment but what I was really thinking was "no I don't

think I can do it".

I was wrong.  I did do it. I kicked its ass. 

Today my legs hurt.

Here are some swell photos of the Blaine Street stairs.

 

 

Yes - I know this is not the most attractive photo of me, but hell, I had just run stairs for 40 minutes and did lunges in between each set.

I'm training for the Big Climb in March.  Here's a link to my fundraising page if you want to donate! I have to raise at least 200 bucks or they will kick me out and I will never be able to do it again.

Although my legs are killing me this morning - it could be worse.  The pain does not equal the sense of accomplishment I feel. It's good.

Friday - Ouch.

Sometimes I am reminded that I am indeed a 46 year-old woman.

I must have not had my bike adjusted correctly on Tuesday - I've been out of whack since then. My lower back and hips are killing me.

Luckily I have my chiropractor on speed dial.  Well, actually I have his appointment scheduler online... so I am going first thing this morning (well - after I go weigh in at WW)... I don't think I can go the weekend with the pain radiating from my hips and lower back.

When it rains it pours...  This weekend is going to be busy though.

My oldest sister turns 50! crap - when did we get to be so old?? I also have a waxing appointment and then on Sunday I am teaching, but I've also been asked to light a candle at church to remember my Dad who was a longtime member. It's All Saints day service.  I'm glad I was asked. If he could see me now (although I think he can) he would be very pleased.

Overall I am feeling pretty good mentally - compared to Wednesday. 

Tonight I am going out with some of my camp friends to eat pizza and talk about life.  That's a good thing.. I love my camp friends.

Okay - I have to get a move on - too many things to do this morning! hosing myself off, ww, chiropractor - WORK then PIZZA!!!