What I'm dealing with this morning...

I woke up at 3am with a pain in my ankle... it feels as though a tendon or ligament is out of place and it's making it difficult to walk.  I hope it will just resolve itself within the next few days.  I think it happened in the middle of the night - at some point I took off my arch splint - when I woke up later that's when it hurt.

I am one of those people who "pops" their joints,  I am constantly rotating my feet to make my ankles feel better... that won't be happening today.

Hmmmm all of this the day after I received my information about the half marathon... I think maybe the running gods are trying to tell me something...

I was planning on going running today but I don't think I will be with the ankle like this. 

Yesterday I purchased plane tickets to New York in February for the College Art Association Conference.  I used frequent flier miles so I only had to pay five bucks.  It's good to plan ahead... I'll be flying in and out of Newark but that's doable... I like New Jersey... I've been to the Ikea there a few times and the airport three times!  I can get a shuttle into the city and it will only cost 30 dollars round trip.

Now I just have to arrange for lodging.  I can always sleep on the futon at Maria's and Chris - my old home when I lived there in 2007... that might be a bit cramped... I may start saving and get a hotel room.  My friend Marty is thinking of going... maybe If I plan early enough I can get a good deal and split it with her (or some other grad school friends of mine)...  it's good to plan ahead...

I hear the coffee pot calling to me... I think I will hobble out to the kitchen and get another cup...

My dentist is the wealthiest man in Wedgwood!

It turns out that I sheared off a cusp on my tooth (I think that's what it's called) and I have to have another crown put on. I was also given a referral to the root canal people just in case they need to do another one... I am crossing my fingers that they won't because I will have reached my limit in my dental insurance.

Oh the dilemma. I am just hoping everything goes well and I won't have to go see Dr. Rivero again (the endodontist).

Tonight I am all set for first Thursday - I have to wear sensible shoes but also have to look cute in case I run into any of my single male friends...

WOOT WOOT WOOT! I just checked my bank account and my income tax refund was deposited.

Yay! It' s not a ton but it will help defray the cost of getting my legs waxed this weekend. Have I told you how much I'm jazzed about leg waxing? The hair on my legs has taken forever to grow back in... I was almost unsure as to weather or not I needed to go back this weekend (but after a quick consultation with Shelby - my woman of waxing I have determined that it is time...). I am going to have beautiful legs this summer. Now if I could just get rid of the veins.

Yesterday I had a rough day food wise... it was all about the sugar and salad. If you are a friend of mine on facebook you might have seen my status with read as follows. Jennifer Towner is dentist, chocolate cake, chocolate cake, licorice, taco salad, snickers bar, snickers bar, cycle.

I could have added to that minestrone soup, nachos, nachos, nachos, pita crackers, hummus, fruitloops... but that seems a little excessive. Maybe I'll get back on task today.

Here's a chocolate muffin I ate before the St. Patty's day dash...



This is me running in the St. Patty's Day Dash....



I'm thinking it may be time for a new running outfit.

Gotta run! (get it??? Gotta run?)

Crampy, itchy and gassy.

The rash on my body is getting worse... I am going to go to the walk in clinic today and see if I can get a diagnosis. Hopefully it's not life threatening and they can give me some drugs and ointment. I should have gotten it checked out sooner... I'm turning into one of those people who is too busy to take care of themselves...

Yesterday I ordered a watch slash heart rate monitor slash gps locator to help me with my running/artwork. It supposedly interfaces with Google Earth and Google Maps and I can download the data into my computer (I think) to keep track of it all. Hopefully I will get it by Saturday's Torchlight run.

Okay, back to the rash... I'm trying to decide if I should go to cycling and then go to the clinic or just go to the clinic.... I should probably work out so in case I'm admitted to the emergency room I will have gotten at least one thing done.

What's it all about?

Happy Sunday morning to you all.

I must admit I'm sort of feeling like a dud in general (I know that I'm really not though...). Last night the opening at Crawl Space was pretty low key... not a lot of people showed up, but the caliber of people was grand.

At one point everyone was talking about different artists and I felt a bit out of the loop... I mean I get the art magazines and I try to read about what's going on but I somehow still feel inadequate.

There, I've said it. I feel inadequate.... I know, I could tell you all you ever wanted to know about where to get the best cinnamon roll or rotisserie chicken in Seattle - but to talk coherently about the art world I'm not so good. I guess I don't talk much about art because I don't want to look incompetent - It's easier to just not say anything.

Okay, I guess I should just focus on things that I am good at... like going to cycling and registering for races. I'm going to sign up for the Thorchlight run again this year. I think I'm in better shape and I might shave some time off my results. Now I just have to find a good outfit. Maybe I should go over the top when I dress up so It will distract from the fact that I'm not a strong runner. Oh, also while I was at camp I managed to mess up my digital voice recorder so now I may have to get a new one.

Now I'm off to work on the thin thighs... Later.

The lower half

of my body is not working too well this morning. I should have taken the day off from the gym last night but I didn't. I will take this evening off and let my knee, thighs, calves and ankles heal a little bit. The lower back ain't so hot either.

This morning I am going to the dentist to have a few fillings done. Oh goody!

Okay, back to me...(I supposed I never really strayed off the subject of myself..) I was trying to look up my results for the beat the bridge run but I can't find myself. When I type in my bib number it comes up with some 28 year old woman... I tried emailing the timing place but the email bounced back as undeliverable. That sucks. I want to know how I did... even with the four plus minutes I stood waiting at the bridge.

I've been contemplating finding a studio to make work in. My friend Tim is looking to share his studio and I'm tempted... there are too many reasons to find to not make work though... I have to think about it... I'm more interested in finding a cute running skirt than I am in finding a studio.

Okay, this just in - Katie Holmes is going to Broadway... it's sad really. I met someone in school who had worked on Dawson's Creek and she said that she wasn't the brightest bulb (if you know what I mean)... I bet she has thin thighs though.

Word on the street is...

that I looked "supercute" on the news... that's a relief. Too bad I didn't manage to impress any cute boys while I was stuck waiting for the bridge to go up and down... Oh well, they say the best laid plans (something something something...).

My legs feel like they are jello this morning - not as bad as I think they could be, but not so good either. Someone did tell me yesterday that I had nice legs.... that's nice.

I've been wearing my fit flops too so maybe that's helping as well.

Today - what is going on... work, cycling, looking cute... I think that's about it.

Maybe I will contemplate getting a running skirt... I like skirts and I sort of like running. Sort of... there were some people wearing them with more interesting looking legs than mine so I think I could pull one off.

Now I just have to find the next race to sign up for.

maybe I should have trained more...

I have to run five miles this morning and I'm not sure I can do it... oh, I know I can do it - but it won't be pretty.

Last night I ended up helping wash dishes so I didn't make it to the opening at Crawl Space (which kind of sucks - but mom trumps opening)...

I'm not quite awake here - maybe you can tell... I just end up staring at the screen and zoning out. Maybe once I get moving I'll wake up.

Back to running - I didn't even have time yesterday to pick out a cute running outfit... oh well, if I get stuck behind the bridge people will just have to deal with me how I am...Naturally beautiful and tired looking.

Okay, I zoned out again... better get going.

Hello pasty leggs...

get out the sunglasses! I just might bare my legs today and I don't want to blind anyone. Don't say I didn't warn you.

It's supposed to get into the mid 80's today - it will be just right.

I think I may have to start wearing my fit flops in order to get a good foot tan... my feet are naturally beautiful (with all their imperfections) and they look even better with a tan.

Sunday I am going to attempt to run in the beat the bridge run. I am hoping that the cycling classes will have paid off at least a bit when it comes to my endurance. I have to dig out the new microphone and figure out an outfit to wear... oh the excitement is building.

Tonight I am going to mop the gallery (I know, it sounds like fun but it has to be done)...

Work should be quiet today a few people will be out and that means I can get a bunch of filing done.

Hmmmm... maybe I should get going and put on some tan in a can (okay - really it's in a tube)...

Welcome to my birthday month!

It is once again April... bunnies hopping around, chicks being hatched, flowers blooming AND MY BIRTDHAY MONTH!

This year I don't have any great plans for the day but I will be going to Chicago for the weekend after. Last year I said during a run that I would do a marathon by the time I was 41. Well, I don't think that's going to happen... I am going to sign up for the beat the bridge run in May though.

Today phase two of my hair transformation will be done... (that means color)... whew! It's beginning to look sketchy.

Okay, all of you April babies get ready to celebrate.

I don't think I'm ready for this.

I'm awake, I've got the coffee ready to go, I've got the outfit picked out... but it's too stinking cold to be running.

I suppose I did run in Chicago when it was less than thirty degrees out, but that was different. It wasn't damp. (would I like some cheese to go with that wine?)

I suppose you could call it suffering for my art... once I start running I will warm up... it's thinking about the time in between dropping stuff at the gear check and the start of the race I fear.

Last night I ordered some good binaural microphones. You might be wondering what those are... I was wondering too... they are microphones that go into your ears and they do an amazing job recording things. They also just look like headphones so you can look inconspicuous while you're recording your friends conversations. Too bad I didn't hear how they sounded until yesterday - I could have ordered them sooner. Tia had a pair and I tested them out last weekend in my digital voice recorder and I was blown away. I now am very excited about the possibilities of their use.

Okay, I guess I should just get a move on and get on with this all.

I will update you later.

Running!

Yesterday I hit the motherload when it came to mail geared towards running. I think it's a sign that I need to go to the gym. Or at least by a new running outfit.

Today is the last day of my temp job. I overheard them talking about me yesterday and how I was doing such a good job that they are sad to see me leave. You all know how I like to be affirmed so it made me feel good.

The other night I had a discussion with a friend of mine... he said something that has stuck with me... he said that I seemed lonely. I guess I am at times... On the outside I appear to know a lot of people and have a lot going on (which is true), but I am in fact lonely at times. It's stuck in my head now. Will I always feel this way? I don't think I'm always lonely... hmmm.

So... Next subject. Crawl Space! We are having a Centennial Video Special which opens on the 23rd of Feb. There will be a lecture by Marisa Sanchez of the Seattle Art Museum who curated the show at 7pm. I will post more information as I have it. Mark it on your calendars now!

Another week of bliss.

Yesterday Kristen and I ended up going to the Green Lake Bar and Grill instead of Julia's. The line there was too long.

We both had omelettes with tons of port products and cheese. It was good but I'm not looking forward to getting on the scale anytime soon.

Yesterday I also registered for the St. Patrick's Day Dash (run?). I guess I have to fully commit. I did start practicing my running at the gallery the other day... (is that the correct term "practice running"?).

This week I've got a full slate. The UW thing tomorrow, First Thursday on Thursday, work, looking for a soul mate.

How about that Superbowl last night? I was rooting for the Giants because I did live in New York for a few months.... the commercials were alright. I hate to admit that my favorite one was the Fedex carrier pigeons one. Too bad Fedex still sucks for damaging and losing my box of Today show memorabilia.

Cravings and crawling...

I have been really craving buffalo flavored things. I bought some Frank's Hot Sauce the other week and the bottle is half gone. Last night I even put it on popcorn... they should make buffalo flavored powder to shake on things.

Camp was good. I really didn't end up doing anything. I just stood around and then cleaned up. That's alright I suppose - I did get to catch up with some of my friends and got to eat some good old camp food.

When I got home I got an email from Crawl Space. They think I'm a spiffy dresser and would like me to join them. (I made up the part about the dressing... but I'm sure they think I am) They are going to send me information on membership this week. It's going to be nice to jump in and learn about other aspects of the art business. Now if I could just sell something...

Pirate's mom comes back tomorrow night and I'll go back to my little stinky and my momma. Maybe someday I'll get a job and be able to move out on my own.

In terms of my lifestyle makeover - it turns out that my friend Nick is doing personal training and I may enlist his help in my firm thigh campaign. I also tossed around the idea of running a half marathon with my friend Bryan - I don't know if that will actually happen... it might. maybe I'll check that out now....

The packing begins (sort of)...

I've done a bit of packing (but not a lot)... It was a long day yesterday... I went to the gym, I worked, I ate some home made pie, went out to lunch... fell asleep on the sofa at 9. At least in New York if I fall asleep at 9 it will really be 12.

Tomorrow when I arrive none of my roomates will be there. It will be interesting. Being alone in the big city... sort of like when I moved to Chicago - but this time I'm only going to be there a few months.

Today is weigh in. I'm sure it's not going to be good, but I am turning over a new leaf today. I am going to be putting on my healthy eater persona. I'm planning on taking all my measurements when I get to New York and see what I can accomplish in three months... being that I'm going to become a runner as well. Maybe I'll consider giving up sugar... I don't know.

I'll check back later. Stinky is crying... I let her sleep with me last night. It's almost like having a significant other.

The inside of my eyelids are beautiful.

If I could continue to look at them this morning I would... No gym... it's supposed to be nice out today - I wish I could work on my flip flop tan... but alas, I have to work.

My friend PJ told me I should post more pictures of myself... I'll try PJ. I wouldn't want to blind you all with my beauty though.

Last night after work I went to ww meeting... a friend of mine showed up there so we went grocery shopping afterwards (she only bought good things to eat...)... I'm not going to name names because I need to protect the innocent. Hopefully thing will go well for her. It's always easier when you have someone helping you along the way.

I've been doing research for my upcoming project and am happy to report I'm getting things mapped out. I'll talk more about it later if I can. I've been searching for more races to run in and I might even do some grocerystore filed trips.... I'm excited about the possibilities.

This is going to kill me...

I am still trying to recover from the run the other night. I am back at home and was going to get up and go to the gym this morning but I just can't do it.

I was looking at my results and I was not the last person in my age group. Okay so I was 40 something out of 60 something people but I wasn't last. (47 out of 63 - yikes)... I supposed if I was more committed I would do a better job, but I'm not.

This Saturday is Katie's first birthday party... I think 70 people were invited (I don't think that many will show up though...). It should be an event.

I'm sorry this is going nowhere this morning... Tucker is sitting on my lap right now and she just tooted... it scared me! I better go....

I can't decide...

If it hurts more the day after running or the next day. I must say that I am very stiff... I suppose that I should run more often if I'm going to become a runner.

Yesterday I ended up going to Bellevue Square where they were having the Art Fair. I think somewhere along the line I became an art snob (kind of). I guess I'm just not into the crafty type of art thing anymore... there's nothing wrong with craft but it's just not what I do anymore.

I managed to do some retail therapy (not a lot because I need to save money)... but just enough to keep me out of too much trouble.

Tonight I head back to my house - no more house sitting gigs on the horizon. Maybe I can get some stuff done around the house then.

Time's a wasting - more later

Oh, my official time was 52.06 - Just over a 10 minute mile...

Oops I did it again...

I ran. I hurt. I was sweating like a pig on a spit being roasted over an open flame.

I am happy to report that the slow person van did not pick me up but It's was looking a bit sketchy there towards the end. I will update this all on Jenerator Running when I get a chance.

My body is hurting today... not as bad as back in the old days (November) when this whole journey began.

I am tempted to go Bellevue Square today... maybe look for a nice pair of shoes...
Find a husband.

I was going to go to church but I can't seem to get out of my pj's.

Tonight's the night!

I am going to attempt to run for the first time in three months... I mean REALLY run. I'm going to make an audio recording durning it as well. I hope I don't fall.

I am meeting up with my friend Nick before the race. He's a camp person - we're going out for a beer after the run. That should be fun. Maybe I can get him to be my wingman. I don't know exactly how to use a wingman but I'm sure I could figure it out. I just have to try not to sweat too much. I suppose a glow wouldn't be too bad. I will report back tomorrow as to how I do.

misty watercolored memories

I am happy to report that I survived my first day back in the working world.

I must admit that there is something kind of nice about working in an office environment. People talking about their late nights out... the soft whir of the photocopier... the potential of earning some money. I worked in the Records Department doing inventory on some files. I haven't really worked in records since the late 80's (holy crap I'm old). It wasn't too bad... I got to walk around downtown during lunch (oh the shopping).

Even though I miss the goings on of the office I realize that I couldn't do it forever. I am really glad that I decided to go to school. Now if only being an artist could pay as much as pushing paper the world would be perfect.

I woke up at 5:00 intending on going to the gym but it didn't happen. Maybe after work I'll suck it up and go.

I get to spend the next few days dog and house sitting for my sister and her brood of animals. Bailey, Emmy and Tooter... I'll post photos when I can.

I'm trying to find something cute to wear during the torchlight run... it's not happening. I suppose I could dress up like a pirate but that might be uncomfortable. (for those of you in Chicago the pirate idea comes from the whole summer festival called Seafair - there are pirates, boats and sailors galore...).

Well, I better get moving.