Mrs.Chapin Says

I Owe, I Owe, So Off to Work I Go

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 00:15:00 +0000

Well, let me start off by saying the last 6 months have been awesome. I have enjoyed sleeping till 9, lazing around the house, and spending all day doing whatever I wanted to. But the fun must come to an end. I've got a job now.
I've gone back to work as a CNA at my first nursing home. It's like going home. I know the management team, they haven't changed much. The nurses haven't changed much. At least 25% of the staff and residents haven't changed either.
It's good to go home.
Good, but tiring. I got up at 4:55am today and that's my new waking time. Yipee skipee.
Good news is I get out of work at 2pm. Pretty cool, huh?
I'm very tired and the words aren't coming easy. I'm gonna go take a nap now.

Yes, I'm Writing More Posts...

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 16:57:00 +0000

I have not been doing things this week....or last....as you can tell from my lack of updates. I did finally get new shoes, but I haven't been able to use them yet. First our car had some issues, then my body decided to have some issues. So I am now on a course of heavy anti-biotics (seriously, I get to take 6 pills/day for the next 10-20 days!) and am already feeling much better.
But I don't know how soon I can get back into running. I feel like I have missed so much and probably lost a lot of the ground I had gained, so I don't know if I'll be able to keep up with the training. But don't you worry, I'm not going to let fear stop me, I am committed to run 15.5 miles in May so I'd better get back on track. I'm going to wait another few days and see how I feel. I want to make sure I am well on the mend before going back to the gym, but don't want to wait too long... Hard to start again once you've stopped. The key is not to ever stop. . . Silly life getting in the way....

But My Feet Hurt & I Can't Breath!

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 01:21:00 +0000

It's seems as I if I have become a little lazy. I haven't been to the gym in 2 days and tomorrow's not looking good either. Not in the a.m. anyways. I won't go running until I get new shoes to avoid more blisters. Blisters Hurt!
I want to go to Grandville and exchange my shoes. Then I want to go to Hudsonville and turn in my application to the Laurels (my old boss offered me my old job back over facebook on Sunday, I stopped in on Monday and picked up an app, but haven't made it back yet...), and finally spend some unpressed time (no class to run too) at my big sister's house. I love spending time with her doing nothing.
I'm kinda putting off going to the Laurels, I'm going to miss my free time, hanging out a home. But I will like the money and the health insurance we will receive. I know hubby is looking forward to that. Therefore, going to Striders has been put off as well. Not good. Gotta keep running. I made a commitment to Lil Sister.
I've agreed to drive the evil Cougar, just for a month or so. I'm going to set aside my first couple of paychecks to buy a "new to me" car. In the meantime, I drive around in the Cougar, freezing in this silly cold weather. Oh yes, yesterday Hubby and I both woke up with a cold, and we can't breath properly anymore.
So I've been naughty but my feet hurt and I can't breath.

Hee Hee, more stuff from Nike+

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 01:56:00 +0000

Found a new widget, had to use it. My new goal is to burn 3500 calories in 4 weeks. The Nike+ says that I burned 830 Calories (!) on my 6 mile run, and today's 3 mile run took 438 so I think it is very possible for me to burn them all in the next 28 days.
Why 3500? Because I read that one pound of body fat is equal to 3500 Calories. I think it will be fun to watch the little meter fill up. I keep my copy of the training program on the wall in my bedroom, and I check off each day when I finish run. I really like seeing all the little check marks in a row, it brings me a sense of satisfaction, recognition for the things I have done.
I tried running with the large bandage today. No good. So I went to Striders in Grandville and got an anti-chaffing stick. I hope it works, the chaffing is very bothersome. The nice people at Striders also helped me with my new blister problem (new shoes are giving me blisters after 2 miles on the arch of my left foot). I have till Feb 14 to decide whether or not I keep the shoes, in the mean time I am going to try special tight water wicking socks when I run. The cotton socks may be the problem.
The only pain I should have to endure while running is the burn of my muscles. Not chaffing of the arm, or blisters on the arch of my foot (what a crazy crazy place to have blisters!!). I gotta hold my arm up and out at a strange angle to prevent further damage, it's uncomfortable and stupid looking.

We're back together! I heart Nike+ !

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 14:50:00 +0000

My long run went very well yesterday. I got to the gym and it was packed. It took forever to find parking and there were no available treadmills, so I just hit the track with my sensor in it's new place on top of my shoe. It worked perfectly.
It announced every mile as I finished them, and at the end it started with 500 meters to go, then 400, 300, 200, 100.....Finished! I whooped and pumped my hands in the air as about a hundred people looked on. It feels oh so good to finish my goal, a little weird to celebrate it in front of so many people. It was a good run.
I am having a sensitive skin issue, though. My brand new awesome pink running shirt is rubbing my inner arm raw, the seam of the body of the shirt rubs against my damp skin and isn't good. I am going to try: 1. a large sheer bandage over the area (not sure how well it'll stay attached through it all, could it ultimately cause more problems? ) 2. Vaseline (afraid of grease stains and washing it off of my skin!) or 3. Commercially produced anti-chaffing stick (afraid to pay for something that might not work). I'll try em that order, too. I don't want to buy any more things for running. It's ridiculous already.
The track wasn't as busy as last week, maybe because I went hours earlier than I usually do. I'm going to have to start going very early in the morning if I want to avoid driving the Cougar again.
Which I really really do want to avoid, very much.
After my workout I went to Big Sister's house where she was throwing a birthday party for her (almost!) 8 year old daughter (actual b-day is tomorrow) , and 14 of her closest friends (her 6 year old lil sister included). I got there after the party had been underway for about an hour and the pizza was just being served. I got to help with the pinata. It was so fun blindfolding and directing the little girls, then running away to avoid being whacked by a blindfolded and determined 7 year old.
Birthday girl was so sweet and kind to her little friends, we had a great time playing games and getting to know her little friends. I really enjoyed it.
After the party I met my husband at his parents house, conveniently located 3-4 minutes away from big sister's. We went out to dinner with his parents and their parents at the Texas Roadhouse (for his birthday). I chatted through dinner about my running (they don't read this blog, soThey didn't even know I started running.) I told them about the blog a few times (as my Hubby has also) and they say something along the lines of "Oh, on the Internet? Hmm" not big web users... I also don't think they understand the concept of a blog. They all have computers and good ones too, Husband and his father work hard to make it so, but it doesn't mean they understand fully how to use them). Oh well. I certainly have a lot more "fresh material" to talk about when I do see them. We had a nice dinner, and Hubby got nice presents.
Husband got some new work clothes, computer parts, an ironing board (really. An ironing board. I got an iron but had no board. Now I do! Yea!), and some playing cards he collects. He also got a big box full of candy (he's got a sweet tooth for sure). I think they believe I don't allow sugar in my house. I'm pretty sure they have the wrong idea of what I think is healthy foods. They know I try to be careful about what I eat, and that I won't buy certain things (like chocolates, pop or pre made cookies) and I think they believe me to be a food Nazi.
I'm just trying to be healthy because I've seen what happens to human bodies that aren't taken care of. I've met and taken of the 400+lb lady. I've met and taken care of diabetic men who pay no heed to their diets and go into diabetic shock on almost a regular basis. I know what happens when you refuse to drink water and eat your vegetables (colostomy is not for me).
You'll NEVER get me into a nursing home. Mark my words, NEVER
In a world with no consequences I would be a chain smoking fool. I would drink till I fell over every day. I would never put down the sweets or the breads slathered with butter. The comfort foods, the pastas, the sugar sugar sugar.
I digress. . . .
We had a nice time last night and I enjoyed it very much. I had a nice day yesterday and today I am going out with Miss Jessa to get pedicures while our men play games that do not interest us (or rather, do not interest me. I cannot speak for Miss J as I have no idea what she thinks of the games they play). I think they might watch the SuperBowl, too. I just have no interest in sports at all, so I don't care. I like the commercials, they are usually pretty funny, but if people are really into the game, I shouldn't be there becuase I will eventually anger them by talking during the game. No superbowl parties for Erin.
And today, there is no running. Ahhh. relaxing.

I'm breaking up with Nike+ and iPod

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 18:59:00 +0000

Okay, I won't break up. But we are definitely fighting!
Yesterday I went to the Y around 2. I had all my shiny new belongings all ready to roll, eager to hit the track and not have to worry about keeping track of my rounds. My shiny new iPod in hand, Nike+ sensor sewn neatly into its own pouch and attached to the inside heel of my brand new left shoe. I'm dressed in my brand new bright pink and black racing back top (wicking, of course) with my shiny new black running pants, so long they actually skim the top of my new shoes. Ahhh. So awesome!!

I stretch, hit the track, walk a warm up round or two, get the iPod set to work out mode and cross the "starting line". I start the work out program (distance, 2 miles) and begin running around the track. I've got 14 laps to go. At every other lap I hit the center button to place a marker and hear run stats. A pleasant female voices informs me of how many miles I've run, how long I've been running, and what my current pace is. The first two seem okay, but then I start to realize I've gone at least 5 laps and haven't heard the half mile announcement Colleen told me about. Well, maybe it's different.... I keep running. After another 4 laps or so (I wasn't counting, why should I?) and it announces "half mile" - What?- Oh no, it's been much, much more than a half a mile! And that's when I realize, it's just not working right. I generally run a 10:30 mile, and the iPod at least is keeping the time correctly. I run a straight 20 mins, close enough to 2 miles. When the 20 mins were up, I walked a fast lap and then my powersong came on (just dance, by lady gaga) and I ran as fast and as hard as I could for at least a quarter of the track, backed down a little and finished the extra lap. That should make up for any distance missed, if you ask me.

Disappointment hardly covers the way I feel about the Nike+ sensor. I got the iPod to get the Nike+ kit, and the dang thing doesn't work! I could have gotten a lot more clothes, and some new shoes for what I paid to have this new toy, and it just isn't working. Still, I think maybe it's just not calibrated correctly. I'll try again tomorrow.

I get out to my car, boy, did I ever tell you about the Cougar? It's a rather evil car that belongs to my husband. The drivers side door and window both don't work. That's right. The door doesn't open and the window only stays up (for now, at least...). So I clamber in through the passenger side door, lift my self booty first over the console and into the drivers seat, and then try very very carefully to keep my dirty wet boots off of the car seats while I pull my legs into the drivers side of the car. Not so terrible in the summer, evil in the winter as I am constricted by the many layers of cold necessary to stay warm. And of course, the radiator is messed up (?) and the car doesn't heat up. Hardly ever. Even driving 15 miles down the expressway at 70 miles and hour, the car never gives off heat. Except of course, if it's summer. Then the car overheats and can't go over 55 or it'll explode (or massively overheat, whatever you like to call it. I like the explode, it's has more drama).

So I get in and sit down, get the key in and turn it and ....... nothing.......!!!!! I had left the headlights on while I was working out. I had 20 minutes to get to campus, park, and get in my seat for my Business Math test (in case you were wondering, this is exactly the class where I have thoroughly unimpressed my teacher due to a great combination of my forgetfulness and very bad luck equalling missing class and being very, very late) and I had left the headlights on. The battery was drained and my car won't start. So I climb back out of the cumbersome vehicle and run back into the Y. The ground was wet and slushy and my pants we getting soaked. Ew. Mushy dirty snow/salt mix. The nice people inside very conveniently have a battery jumper to help out forgetful Y patrons like myself. They were kind and relatively quick, now I had 10 min to get to campus, park and run to class, and I had already run my frustrating two miles earlier. Once the car was running, I recklessly drove towards campus. I ended up parking in downtown, just one block up from a very steep hill to the building I needed to be in. So I took the miraculous parking space and frantically climbed out the car. I had 5 minutes to pump some change in the meter, run up the hill, up two flights of stairs and across the building to my class. I pulled out my change and began pumping it in at random until at least one hour was paid up. I j-walked across the street and began to run up the hill. It was horrible. I was wearing boots and long pants, still all wet and gross and getting more so from the sidewalk. I was tired from just having completed my 2 mile run at the Y. I was going to be late again. I made it all that way in about 7 mins, got to my seat all red faced and breathing hard (and I indeed have an assigned seat in the very front row). Mercifully, there was only about 20-30 mins of talk time pre-test (I could hardly sit still and kept casting anxious looks at the clock, calculating time needed to take a test and time left on the meter) and the test was finally administered. I tried to block out the time once I got the test. No need to blow the test over a $7 ticket, trying to beat the clock. The test was very easy. I'm confident I aced it. I knew the material and double checked method and math. It all checked out, even the extra credit. Gonna need that to make up for the Zero on the first test.

I finished the test at about the time the meter ran out. I doubled checked the test anyways, it's all ready too late to beat the meter. I turned in my test and left. I wove my way through the building and down the stairs, down the steep hill back to my car. Walking back was much easier than the walk up, thank goodness.There were three parking spaces on the right hand side of the row, and mine was the third. I notice the bright green parking ticket on the front of the large van parked in the first spot (ooh!!!) and strained to see the next car and ultimately, mine. Thankfully we both sported a neon green free windshield. No ticket. I got into the car without further incident, I thankfully made it home.

Once home, I played with my iTune library, organizing my music, and importing new playlists for the rest of the night. My hubby even had to make dinner. I'm so thankful for him, he knows when I am hyper focused and just lets me be. He really understands me and for some reason he still loves me. I am so lucky to have him.

As I slept I dreamed of organizing my home as if it were on iTunes. That's crazy, I know, but dreams don't have to make sense. I dreamed about hanging out with President Obama and his wife the night before last. They were very nice and we all had a great time talking.

What a day.

Today, I went to the Y, thinking of how I will re-calibrate the Nike+ sensor and it will work. I even opted for a treadmill instead of the usual track to try to calibrate with more precision. I ran steady for one mile on the treadmill, carefully programed the iPod to calibrate for one mile and I did my best to be fast and consistent. I did not fail. The Nike+ sensor did, however. I was crushed and angry, so I put on my powersong and ran as hard and as fast as I could and then tried to keep and accelerated pace for a quarter mile. I didn't quite make it, but the treadmill suddenly stopped (it was only programmed to go 1 mile, then cool down. apparently cool down time was OVER). I wanted to get home and search the Internet to see if others were having the same inaccuracy problems that I was having with the sensor. It didn't calibrate or match up at all.

I climb through the evil car, pull the door shut and it made a dull thud, a very wrong noise. It didn't close, instead choosing to bounce back open, and refusing to close. The passenger side door has decided to have the same problem that the drivers side door does. To close it you must also lift up, as the door is sagging on the hinge at not lining up right with the catch. I seriously almost cried. Luckily the window on that side of the car still works, so I got it down and after several tries I got the door somewhat closed. Enough to stay put, yet not enough to stop the car from dinging and refusing to believe the door is closed. (sure, now it dings. Not when you leave the lights on and don't know it, but when something you are already aware of, great alarm system there) So all the way home I hear Ding...................Ding..................Ding.............Ding............Ding........Ding...........Ding........Ding

I abandoned the car in the driveway, stomped into the house and told my husband I would not ever drive that evil car again. I gave him the keys, told him where I left it and went to the office to see what the Internet had to say about the sensor issue.

Did I mention I'm so lucky to have him? I'm so lucky to have him. He went outside and played shuffle the cars in the crowded parking area to get the evil Cougar in the garage and the nice Bonneville behind it. Then he came in the house and helped me find the right web site which pointed out that the sensor should be orange side up and not one the side of the shoe. Oh! I managed to put the sensor in a crazy place by sewing a custom fit pouch around the sensor and sewing the pouch to the side of the shoe (so it didn't poke into my foot). Now I have it pinned it to the top of the shoe, through the laces, with the orange side up for sure (I had Hubby watch me to make sure it went on right)(I'll post a pic later). We'll see tomorrow; it's a 6 mile day. Tomorrow I am going back to the treadmill for mile #1. I'll re-calibrate. This should fix the problem. If it doesn't, I'm going to change the position of the sensor with my safety pins and try again. I got 6 tries. If it fails, which I don't think it will, I'm going to complain to the Apple store guys. If I get it calibrated correctly, placed correctly, and reading correctly, I will go to the track and finish how ever many more miles I have to go to get my 6 miles total. Hopefully the third try is the charm.

I really hope it is....

I Heart Nike and iPod

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 03:50:00 +0000

So it turns out that Nike and iPod are good buddies. Do you see my new widget? Pretty neat, huh? It's making fun of me right now, because I only had to run a mile today. It only says a 1/2 a mile because the other 1/2 mile was to calibrate it. All I had to do was run a mile and walk 30 mins today. (I did my walking at the mall. So fun!)
The widget will update every time I sync my iPod and it will show what I've run, how far I've run, and what my timing is. I even got to make the little avitar.
Anyways, the Nike+ and iPod is like an expensive and interactive pedometer. It tracks how far I've run and how fast. There's a little plug that goes in the bottom of my iPod and a sensor that goes in my shoe. I made a little pouch with some leftover fabric from Lil' Sister's scrubs project (Which I finished, BTW) and hand sewed it to my new Asics running shoes. I'd post a pic, but my camera batteries have died and I am all out of batteries. Next time...
The shoes have a sort of mesh material on the outside on parts, so I sewed the pouch directly to the mesh at opposite corners. It'll be very easy to remove it if it doesn't work out so well. We'll see tomorrow, huh? I'm real excited to see how many things this program can do, and it should keep us entertained, at any rate. Wish me luck!
I missed Tuesday's run because I stayed out late on Monday (for hubby's BDay) and I didn't want to get up at 8:30 or 10:30. (gotta get the pics off of Lil' Sister's camera, I'll post pics when I do) Then I never made it to the gym. It's okay, I went back today and I'll go back tomorrow. I gotta get that widget to stop insulting me... At least I know it will stop teasing me after Saturday when I run a 6 mile stint.
The Nike + actually has voice overs periodically where it encourages me to keep going with recordings from famous athletes and such. I haven't heard it yet, but Colleen told me all about it and I think I am going to like it. At the end of a work out it gives me a full summary. I'm interested in seeing what tomorrow brings! Well, I'm gonna go to bed now. Good nite, blog readers. :)

Move Those Crazy Legs!

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 15:46:00 +0000

Yesterday was the longest run I've ever done. I had to go 5 miles, and I decided to break it up into 4 parts -

Walk 2 laps, Run 16, Walk 2, Run 15 = 35 laps; 7 laps/mile; 5 miles total. I averaged around 10 1/2 minutes/mile.

The Y is very busy on weekends, the track has at least 2x as many runners on it, and there were 2 boys basketball games going on. The bb players looked about 10-12 and all their parents & siblings were crowded around the courts. There was one little boy in particular who couldn't stay off the railing dividing the track from the bb courts. He looked about 6 or 7, had kinda shaggy blonde hair and thick circular black glasses. He was wearing a long sleeve shirt with shorts and big boots, all unlaced and floppy. I had fun watching him climb all over and forget he was on the running track until one of us would have a near collision with him.

It was a pretty hard run. The track was crowded, there were runners ranging from 10 - 80, painstakingly slow to enviously fast. It was hard to weave through them and at first I was annoyed. I'm here 6 days a week, this is my track, get out of my way! But then I realized that the day of the big race there will be hundreds if not thousands of people around me, next to me, in front of me - I may as well get used to it now. So I stopped being annoyed and focused on me -raising my knees higher, rolling my feet, breathing deeply and rhythmically, and not leaning forward. I got a bunch more of the Nike + running playlists and found an awesome one by LCD Soundsystem. It had a nice heavy beat to set my pace to, and every now and again the lyrics are real encouraging. The lyrics seem to come when I need them the most. So awesome.

I can't wait to get more workout clothes. I already have such sensitive skin, the sweaty arms doesn't do me a lot of good. They rub on the seam of the shirt, or if the shirt has a no sleeves, the seam from my sports bra rubs on my inner arm and I get very sore chapped skin. I borrowed a wicking T Shirt from my husband (complete with coffee stains down front) and unfortunately it works great to prevent that. My sensitive skin is so funny to me, but I must look crazy to the people in the locker room when I get out of my post work out shower, all covered in red lines that look like welts across my legs and arms from the puff ball wrapped in the provided hand towel sized towels, trying to keep my bum from peeking out... Hee Hee. Oh well.

I keep trying not weigh myself, but it's hard. I really haven't lost that much weight, but I am pretty sure my tummy got a little smaller. Sweet. That really helps to motivate me to keep at it. The training seems to be going along at just the right pace. I really have to push myself to complete the work out each day, yet I never get overly sore. The kind of sore when it hurts to laugh or walk or move at all. I always feel great when I finish my runs on Saturday and even look forward to them.

My lil sister got info in the mail about the Irish Jig 5K, so I looked into it online. It's near my Dad's birthday this year! March 21, 2009, day before his BDay. I am positively geeked about running it. I hope by then I am able to run a little harder and get closer to 9 minute miles, it's only 3.2 miles long!. That would be so cool. I will just try my best and be happy that I finished it. When I had about a mile to go on Saturday I wanted to stop so badly. I kept trying to convince myself to walk a lap, just one, it'll be fine. But I don't want to give in. I can withstand the cravings of nicotine, I can make it another lap. So I started to visualize a mile long road a head of me. Spectators crowding each side, cheering on the runners. As I made through lap after lap I pushed myself further down the road until I could see the finish line, complete with tape across it. I never stopped running. I made it across and in my overactive imagination the people cheered for me, including my husband and my dad, and I seriously almost cried! I was so happy and so proud that I finished it. silly emotional girl, it's just a running track. . . I am starting to really enjoy all this running.

Monday is my hubby's birthday and I am so excited. We are planning on going out to dinner at our favorite date night restaurant with our friends to the Walldorff in Hastings. They make their own beer, which Phil really enjoys and so do I. We used to go up on the occasional Tuesday(they had $2 off growlers on Tues) and get $7 growlers (1/2 gallon) of different beer and have a good dinner. Good price for beer, but long trip. The Walldorff also has great food, including delicious wood fire pizzas. They make an incredible Monte Cristo, pulled pork bbq, and practically everything I've ever ordered there is delicious and wonderful. They make a great mixed drinks, too. Fancy "X rated Cosmopolitans" (it had pomegranate juice, yum) and other names I can't remember but enjoyed drinking. Last year Phil's parents and sister went with us, that pic is at the Walldorff last year on Phil's BDay. I love all the drinks on the table. It looks like Phil and I were really drinking hard, but only one of the drinks is ours. This year 4 of our friends are coming along. I will try to take lots of pics to share with you later! I'm hoping to swap our car for mom's minivan so we can all ride together. That would be nice. I'm sure mom won't mind driving the Bonneville.

Run, Run, Run (away)

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 14:22:00 +0000

Monday was a fun day. I ran for 30 minutes straight. Never done that before. I didn't count how many times I went around the track, but it was from 15-17 times, making it at least 2 miles, maybe a little more. That is a first for me! Again. It seems that I am going to have a lot of firsts over the next 4 months, up to and including the day of the race when I run 15.5 miles. I never do that in training. In fact the furthest I go is 14 miles 4 weeks before the race.

Today is a nice and steady 2 mile run.

I dreamed last night of the 5K Irish Jig. It was in Jenison, and you started warming up by running around with the other runners through the neighborhood, letting people know it is time to start. We ran over to the chamber of commerce (it was a maze of brown cubical walls, in ill repair, no one was doing anything but standing around and drinking coffee, and they didn't know when we would start or where to get the chronotrack tags for our shoes) and on the way I found I couldn't run. My legs were moving, but my feet weren't hitting the ground fast enough. I talked to Dad and he just shrugged and said, "try harder". We never made it to the race.

What an odd dream.

On another note, I've started school a few weeks ago. I've got 3 classes. One online class, Intro to business, which is going very well. I like it, the class seems intelligant and nice, and I got a good review on my first assignment. I really like online classes. The flexibility is awesome.

My second class, business English, meets once a week on Wednesdays and I've only been to one class so far. Today will make 2. It's easy and the teacher is very nice.

My third class, business math, is very easy. It meets 2x a week, Tuesdays and Thursdays. I'm not so used to the twice a week classes. I like once a week marathon sessions. Anyways, the teacher and I have gotten off on the wrong foot and there is nothing I do can fix it. Last Tuesday I showed up a few minutes late. First time I had to give my married name when in trouble. I got confused last week Thurs and tried to go to class 2 hours late (My Wednesday class starts at 5:45 and I am used to late night classes. This one starts at 3). I missed a test, unknowingly (I thought it was this Tuesday). Teacher doesn't let you make up tests (she has the personality of a HR director. ICE COLD AND UNFORGIVING) so I got a zero. Great. So I went out and got calenders (yes, plural) and wrote out my school schedule for the rest of the month so I would see it every day. I put it up on my marker board, too. Yesterday, some turd parked me into my driveway. Sounds like a weak excuse, huh? IT'S TRUE. I took pics to prove it. I ended up going to class an hour late (after much fretting and my hubby's urging, just go and explain what happened. Late is better than skipping). Great. After class I went to talk to the teacher, to tell her what happened to me, and she said "Let me direct you to my syllabus which states..." and I rudely interrupted her and said "I'm not looking for mercy or grace or asking you to change the rules for me, I just wanted to explain", upon which time she smiled her evil little smile and said "are you aware you missed a test last week?" I muttered something about having issues last week and just walked away. She thinks I am an irresponsible student, and even worse, a teenager, and that I just show up when ever I feel like. I tried to swap out of her class, but I couldn't do it. I'm 4 days too late. I could drop the class, but it would show on my record and I would not get a refund.

(SIGH)

So, I am going to just keep showing up, with special attention to time (15-20 mins early with novel in hand till class starts) and I am NEVER going to speak to her unless asked to do so. I'm already unable to get an A in this class, may as well flirt with a C by means of poor attitude. As long as I pass it'll be good enough.

The worst part is that the subject matter is SO EASY. The things we are discussing should be taught in junior high, not college. I hate feeling like this. I hate having problems like this. My hubby asked my why I care so much, and I said it's because I like school. Having a good rapport with my teachers is important to me! Well, you can't win them all.... It is just going to suck twice a week for the next 14 weeks.

Worse things could happen, right?

New Week, New Post

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:21:00 +0000

I had a lovely time last night! Hubby and I went to our friends, the Irish's and had a nice time. We watched some football (sorta) and AFV where my Hubby's cousin won $10,000 for footage of his 11 month old son escaping from his crib. Very funny. I also got 3 of my book's back!

Last Saturday's run went so well! I got a Nike Run playlist and downloaded it on my MP3 player, devised a plan for my run (2 lap walk/ 11 lap run/ 2 lap walk/ 11 lap run/ 2 lap walk - 7 laps/mile) and I totally rocked it.

The playlist helped so much. I can't help but try to move to the beat. It was written by Crystal Method, who won a Grammy in 2005 for Best Electronic Music/Dance Album. The firts song was called "Starting Line" and the last one was called "Finishing Line". I can't wait to use it again. It was so much easier to move to the beat of the songs and I could let my mind wander and just keeping moving.

I focused on leaning back and picking up my knees higher while running. That will use more of my quads and less of my calves. The quads are big giant muscles that can take a lot of work. It's what they are for.

So I ran that 4 miles and felt great when I finished. I have never had a better run that I did on Saturday. I look forward to having more runs like that.

Bad Girl, No Biscuit!

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 19:42:00 +0000

Hello people!

It has been almost 4 weeks since I posted to my blog! I know, bad girl, no biscuit!

It was a nice mix of no new projects (baking or sewing), the holidays (which just make me want to curl up and hide), and a good dose of "I don't feel like it."

But I'm back.

Anyways, I'm still training for the 25K (15.5 miles) run with Colleen. We meet at the YMCA every week day and run. I got a training schedule (5/3 bank mailed it me upon request, how nice!) and we follow it religiously. For now it's pretty "easy", but it won't be for long. Last week I could hardly walk for most of the week. This week has been much easier. I hope it stays that way. The training is pretty nice, here's what I did/will be doing this week:

Sunday - Off. Super easy, I totally didn't do any exercise

Monday - 2 Mile run ( We ran 1.5 miles straight and walked the rest)

Tuesday - 10 min run / 5 min walk / 10 min run (this was the hardest so far

Wednesday - 1 mile run (piece of cake, kinda, we ran 1 mile, no stopping, no walking)

Thursday - 30 minute walk (my favorite! I could walk all day and it would not bother me a bit!)

Friday - 1.5 mile run (my goal is to run the entire 1.5 miles and to time it)

Saturday - 4 mile run (my goal is to run 3 miles of 4, with walking intervals b/t miles)

I find the interval runs (like Tuesday) to be the hardest, but they are also the best trainers for the race. There's no way I am going to run 15.5 miles straight through and it's very hard to start running again after you've stopped and started walking. I had to stop and stretch because my right knee just didn't want to do it. It hurt every time I stepped on my right side. (I wear my knee brace when I run now. Silly that I didn't before. I have weak knees)

I have also developed a crazy pain in my big toe, also on the right side. It doesn't bother me when I run, but later on I feel the tendon every time it moves. Weird. I looked at WebMD and it seems I have over stretched the tendon and need better fitting running shoes (I am using Colleen's old pair, which isn't good, you should have running shoes that fit properly to avoid injury). So I am going to go buy some new shoes soon, when I get some money.

I still am not gainfully employed, but I have faith that it will come soon. My brother in law got the supervisor position and he needs to organize the department and figure a few things out before he can hire a staff, so I am waiting for that.

The upside of waiting means that I have time to find a decent work appropriate wardrobe. I used to have lots of "business casual" clothing, but I got rid of most it when I lost weight and was working in scrubs. I think now is a good time to go shopping for warm winter clothes, as they are all on sale to make way for the bikini's and skirts. (Which is crazy if you ask me. It's going to be very very cold for at least 3 more months, but the stores all want us to buy summer clothes. Crazy stores, it's too cold to wear shorts, bathing suites, and skirts!)

I am soooo impatient. I have been working out with Colleen for a month now (just to be real honest, we didn't work out for 2 weeks because of Finals and holidays) and I haven't lost any weight. I would love it if every time I worked out I lost 3 pounds. Shoot, I'd take 1 lb. That would be a net loss of 18lbs by now! I also want to be able to really run, like some of the other runners at the Y. Right now, I'm really just jogging. I think I am "running" an 11 minute mile, which isn't terrible, but it's not great. To qualify at the 25K you have to run at least 14 minute miles. If you don't, there won't be water stations still set up, and your time won't be recorded. There are women who can finish a 5K race (3.21 miles) in 14 minutes! They are running a little over 4 minute miles!!!! Of course, that is all out running from start to finish, but dang! I wish I could run like that! Hopefully some day I will. Shoot, I'd be glad to run an 8 minute mile.

My goal is to continue the training until the 25K race and to finish in a qualifying time. I have also decided to get some race experience before the 5/3 Riverbank Run 25K with the Irish Jig 5K, sponsored by Spectrum Health. It's a 3.21 mile run in March and I know I can finish that one in time (45 minutes to qualify). I like to think I could do it tomorrow.

Hopefully by the time the 25K rolls around I will have lost weight, gained muscle, and endurance. After the 25K I would like to continue going to the Y on a daily basis, but I want to begin weight training to strengthen my muscles. Thank goodness they have free trainers to help me set up a program. Regimented programs work the best for me. If I don't HAVE to do something, chances are that I won't.

Another thing that I am working on: cutting calories. I consume way too many calories (probably the reason I haven't lost weight) and I very much want to loose weight. My highest weight ever, in '04, was about 200lbs. I don't really know because I refused to weigh myself, but if you look at pics from Carrie's wedding you can see the extra weight in my arms and on my face. The evil girls at the bridal shop wanted me to order a plus size dress (I refused. The one I ordered fit just fine, it just didn't need to be taken in. And the plus size dresses cost more money). My lowest weight since then was 140 in July of '07. Since then I have packed on 40 lbs. I want to lose that 40lbs and fit into my expensive skinny jeans again (poor lonely jeans, sitting neatly folded at the bottom of the drawer). So today I told Colleen no more fast food post work out. She balked when I said it, but I will convince her. Today we went to the grocery store and got some lean turkey and came back to my house and had turkey sandwiches with tomato soup. It was yummy and filling and way less calories than any fast food restaurant can offer.

Colleen and I also do mat work outs after our runs, incorporating such fun things as leg flutters, side planks, reg. planks, bicycle sit -ups, leg lifts, and push ups. All the exercise hurts, but it feels good to think that the extra pudge in my tummy, thighs, and butt might go away. Someday.....

Colleen tells me to relax, and just be patient. That just because I haven't lost total body weight, doesn't mean I have lost body fat. Muscle weighs more than fat and muscle builds faster than fat burns off. I hope she's right. I took some before photo's of me in my skinny girl bikini when we first started working out, and once I get to my weight goal , I'll post the before and after pics here. But not yet!!!!

Thanks for reading, and sorry to keep you waiting! I promise to post more often (but remember, I have 3 classes now and a work out program, so it won't be daily like before).

Been Busy

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 18:48:00 +0000

Sorry I haven't been posting lately, I've been pretty busy and it's only going to get worse. I take my camera with me and try to take pics, but I've got a real dumb camera, so I never take the pics. I'll try harder. Also I haven't been working on my projects lately, so I haven't got anything new to show you or tell you about. Today Phil and I went through the 4 boxes of random Christmas stuff we got from his mother. We threw away two bag fulls (Don't tell Vicki, she will not be happy about that), I have one paper bag full of stuff I don't want so we will give it to Goodwill (I believe in charities! One man's trash.... also, don't tell Vicki.... I'm giving it to the Goodwill in Cascade so she won't find it and realize what I've done), and the rest we will use or keep till next year to use. A lot of the stuff is still in it's original packaging, never been opened.

Tomorrow I am going to be ambitious and have all my nieces and my nephew over night to make cookies, stay up late, and have fun with. Wish me luck. I'll post pics for sure (I'll try to borrow dad's camera so I can take lots of pics and mini movies, too!)

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 20:26:00 +0000

Best pose of all the shots. What a pretty kitty.
She didn't really care for what I was doing to her, but she didn't bite me.

Trying to escape, not quite fast enough.

See my kitty? I've had some fun dressing her up. Got a few idea's up my sleeve about what to do with development. I mean, who knew she'd let me do it? Once she's all dressed up she doesn't try to move. She just lays or sits wherever I put her. Anyone know how I can make some money off of this revelation? That would rock.

Picture of my Family

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 22:59:00 +0000

I had a very nice time this afternoon with my Aunts, my mom, my cousins, and my sisters. I got a pic of it from Aunt Judy off her facebook. Thanks Aunt Judy!

Christmas Sewing Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 22:21:00 +0000

Okay Aunts! You all know how to sew, and I need your help! I get up to the last line that joins the whole sphere together and I don't know how to neatly and discreetly hand sew the last portion. (Think the last 1/3 portion of the last seam on a pillow). How do you keep the seam on the inside? Please, show me. I've read descriptions of how to do it, but I need to see someone do it. Please and thank you.

I can't afford to buy things for Christmas so I am going to do my best to make things. I've heard a lot of good ideas and I am going to try a few. I am so grateful that I have a sewing machine to use now. . .

This is how I got started. I went into the basement and found all the Christmas stuff that I have. I found the porcelain dolls my parents gave me and Min for Christmas around 1990. I, of course, broke my doll (look closely at the doll in the red (on the Left) her face is broken. Her face is, I believe, glued together, and one of her legs was torn off (I took off the other to get the clothes off the doll. Figured out I didn't need to do that after I did it). Anyways, these poor dolls are no longer in great condition, ie, not suitable for display (also, 28 is a little old to have a doll collection. That's just not me) So I figure, maybe I can use their parts for something new. Don't know what yet. I washed all the doll clothes, and they look much better. I was really afraid that the color was going to seep or the embellishments would come apart.

I also found a little Santa doll I got for about 25 cents when I worked at Sears. I bought it because it was 25 cents, not because I necessarily wanted it. So I decided to tear it apart and use the pieces for something else. Don't know what yet. Notice that the Santa is brown? I wonder why, he's the USA Santa (Native Americans?) I got a few others when I picked up this one, and each one depicted a Santa from another country. I think I gave the others to Goodwill a few years back. Anyways, while I was working on pull it apart I thought it might be fun to make a Snowman for my Gma Boone, apparently she collects them. I thought she might like one I made by hand for her.

This is my prototype. He's not all sewn together, at least 20% of him is held up by pins. I'm thinking I may try to make a carrot nose for him...

Then I dressed him up. Ain't he cute? I just haven't yet brought myself to tear up the doll's cloak, but I was thinking if I were to leave him with the coat, I would cut off the sleeves, and put the gold bead embellishment from the cloak on his chest instead of the black buttons.
I gotta find some cute embellishments for the eyes and for the arms. I like the hand sewn mouth. I also have a cute red/white scarf I took from a Rudolph doll I happen to have, but it was too heavy (the snowman head is only pinned to the body, and the scarf made the head fall off. Also, the Santa hat was way too big for the snowman and he was enveloped in it.

So, anybody have any suggestions?

Pretty Kitty

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 22:17:00 +0000

See my pretty Kitty! Okay, for the record, this owning a cat thing and dressing it up is not really on my list of favorite things to do. I am not a big cat person. However, my friend, Carey (the girl in the pic) is. She talked to and about my cat for a long time last night. She's very nice and I enjoyed hanging out with her and her fiance, Matt, last night.
that cat got a lot of attention last night. Spoiled cat. Seriously.

Fun pics I found

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 02:45:00 +0000

I was crawling around the web and I found some fun pics I'd like to share with you.

I remember that from my wedding. Before you go to the bathroom in your beautiful dress you hold it till you think you might explode. Sheer bliss when you finally get to go. Maybe she didn't notice the camera. I did, and I knew the inevitability (and impossibility to escape) so I just smiled for the camera.

I love this pic, it cracked me up when I found it. Did I get it all?
Watch out! She's got a knife!

Ahh Thursdays

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 16:14:00 +0000

I totally did not do any sewing yesterday. Instead I cleaned the sun room, the living room, and the front hall. Swept, mopped, and everything. I played around on Facebook (how fun) and tried to help console my poor husband, who had a very bad day.

I should move on to the dining room, the kitchen, and the back room, but then I may as well do the office and the bedroom, too and I just don't want to do that much sweeping/mopping.
I also finished reading The Host by Stephenie Meyer. It started slow, but I couldn't put it down in the end. The story was unpredictable and had some very interesting POV's about what it means to be human. I liked it.

Poor Phil got hit on his way to work yesterday. We can't drive the car as it is, the wheel is all loose and rubs against the wheel well. Hopefully the car will be alright, we think all it needs is a new shocks (about $100) and he can order the parts from ACI (a place auto shops get parts from) because his grandfather used to own Chapin's Auto (he sold the property to Walgreen's and retired) and still has an account. Phil is quite capable when it comes to car repair (he's done all kinds of work on our cars and they run fine). Also, Phil's Dad was a mechanic (guess where he worked?) for 20 years and is willing to help Phil. Hopefully the guy who hit Phil is an honorable person (are those type still out there?) and will pay for the parts (he said he would). Both drivers have PLPD on their cars and reporting the accident would only increase everyone's rates and not help get us any money to fix our car.

Ah, the joys of winter.

After Phil got home from work, he took off his glasses to clean them, and they broke right in half. With out his glasses, my hubby is blind as a bat. Good thing he has prescription sunglasses and a soldering gun.

I put in an application at The Queen's Pub, a new bar opening right across the street from my house. It's part of the Bombay Cuisine, a delicious Indian restaurant. Phil and I ate there the day after the wedding before heading over to the Amway Grand. Word to the wise, if you want a romantic night with your hubby, don't give him Indian food before going to the hotel. I didn't personally have any problems, but my hubby about drove me crazy with his constantly farting. Not romantic.

BTW - Don't bother wasting all your money at the Amway to feel pampered. I mainly felt uncomfortable. If you want comfort and nice people, go to the Hampton Inn. They were at least 1/4 the cost, the bed and the room were bigger and way more comfortable. Don't get me wrong, I was very excited to go and am very glad I have had the experience, it was a dream come true, but I won't do it again.

Okay, I am going to go work on being productive. Really, I am.

Good Morning

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 13:09:00 +0000

For someone with not much to do, I sure keep busy. I've been working out with Colly and keeping up on the training, today is the first day I've felt tired and not really wanting to get out of bed... but I will do it anyways.

Yesterday I ran a entire mile straight! I think that may be the first time I have ever done that in my life and I am real proud of myself. We ran/walked another mile (walk a lap, run a lap) and did various other exercises too.

I did my first side plank yesterday. If you don't know what that is, you're lucky, cause they are like torture. I couldn't hold the pose longer than 15 seconds and I trembled the whole time. Go ahead, you try it.

I really enjoy spending all this extra time with Colly, she's a great person. Colly has always been so much younger than me, and it's a different dynamic than with Min, but I love her just as much. It's just different.

My favorite part of the workouts are the cool down in the pool. For those of you who don't know, I am a water baby. I love the water. Nothing feels as good as deep water all around me, and pulling my body through it with my arms. I love the water. So we always hit the pool after our workouts, it feels good to use those sore muscles in a low impact way. I think it helps lessen the amount of pain due to lactic acid, too. Oh ya, don't forget the 10 minute soak in the hot tub to finish it all off. (awesome).

Today I hope to do some more sewing on Colly's scrubs, I haven't touched them since Sunday and I have new plans to put in pockets (front ones, like on an apron) with some of the leftover material. I'd better get these things done soon....
Since the last post about them I have added material to the bottom of two pairs of pants and are ready to attach the material to #3. I'll post pics later.

I'm supposed to be at the Y in 10 mins so I gotta go. Thanks for dropping by!

PS I finished Mom's curtains and hung them up for her a few days ago! Whoo-Hoo, one project down, one more to go!

Thanksgiving Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 16:14:00 +0000

I just keep posting 'em cause it's fun to make them, and I want people to see them. Sorry if it's getting a little boring. I might sew today which will prevent me from making more of these...

What do you think?

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 16:01:00 +0000

Check out the Jesus car! Stephenie noticed this car on her way to work many times and wondered what is Jesus was doing? Is he surfing? Is he reaching to a person? Is he picking up something? We weren't sure when she pointed the car out to me a few weeks ago. Of course, on the road you only get a few seconds to check it out as you pass by (seems I might be supposed to be paying attention to something...). So Steph decided to take a pic and she emailed it to me today.
( If you click on the pic it should open in another window at a larger size) What do you think Jesus is doing?

More Fun with Scrapblog

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 02:27:00 +0000

Scrapblog.com and I Get Along Well

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 22:22:00 +0000

Digital Photography is so much fun. I love using Picasa 3 and Scrapblog.com to create these beautiful and easy to do digital scrapbooks. I just need to get more ink for my printer and I will be the happiest girl in Michigan, for sure.

Here's the Plan

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:35:00 +0000

First off, last this week Tuesday was one full year since I have smoked a cigarette. I am amazed that entire year has past and I did it. I really did it. I really feel like I have accomplished something. (But then I know, I have not really, and never will fully, conquer cigarettes. I have significant cravings at least 2x/month and I know that if I were ever to take even one hit off a smoke I would be right back up to a pack a day within weeks. It will be a lifelong struggle.)

Secondly, I am almost finished with mom's curtains. (really mom, I will do it as soon as I finish writing this blog entry. and after I have some oatmeal. yum. oatmeal) It is amazing how much exercise affects my body. It's crazy, but I have noticed when I am exercising on a consistent basis I have more follow through. I have more motivation to do projects and to finish them (I'd say 1 out of 4 projects get abandoned before finished, or they are an ongoing project, like blogging. Shocking that an ADD baby like me would be that way, huh?) It's weird. But anyways.
While I was waiting for Colleen I started sewing the curtains. I did one about 2 weeks ago, and I was so overwhelmed I didn't want to finish the project. Then Thanksgiving came and I was busy, but that's all over now and my excuses all ran out. I started with the smaller curtains from Colleens room and I got the hang out it, it's really pretty easy. I worked on them till Colleen came over and we went to the Y and she worked me hard.

Colleen wants to run in the 5/3 Riverbank Run this coming March and she wants me to run with her. She's been trying to get me to run a marathon for about 2 years now, if not more. I have never done it. I don't think I have even run more than 2 miles ever in my life. But I am ready to change. Colleen is so wonderful, poor girl is so busy and she stills takes out time for me. How special am I?! She works 4 days a week (32 hours) and goes to school full time (12 credit hours) and participates in her Aikido, has a social life including a steady guy, and now she is going to train for the Marathon and include little o' me. Luckily for me, location is perfect. I live just east of downtown GR, GRCC is a little over 2 Miles from my home, and the YMCA is a little under 3 miles away. So it's not too far out of her way to pick me up.

The downtown Y is a beautiful place. It's huge and I love that I have to walk all the way up 3 flights of stairs to get to the gym. I love the indoor track, such a big upgrade from running around my neighborhood this summer! Concrete is no match for the rubber (?) indoor track stuff at the Y. My shins can feel a big difference. The track is 1/7 of a mile, and the walls are all glass so you can see into downtown GR. I love looking out the windows while walking in a wonderful temperature controlled environment (it was HOT running around like we did. We tried to run by 10 am to avoid the heat). So now I am very sore, and have been since the first time we worked out. (I have been kinda wussy the last 2 days, I won't do any more push ups. I'm going to try to motivate to do something later today.... Really, I'm going to try). In my defense, it really hurts when I cough, stand up, walk up stairs, reach above my shoulders, bend over, breath... I hurt. (Stupid anaerobic respiration....) But it's worth it and I know it'll end eventually and it won't hurt as much soon enough.

I'm very thankful for Colleen and her persistence. She never stopped asking me to work out with her, never stopped encouraging me, always gave me an opportunity to go to the Y with her (at no cost to me, which is good cause I am flat broke) and she always pushes me to work out harder while we are there. She helps me to feel (almost) comfortable in a crowed room of people, most of whom are good looking and in very good shape (so intimidating! so scary!). I hope that if I keep at it I could potentially eventually be one of them, the intimidating good looking people who work out at an obviously hard pace for prolonged periods of time, comfortable in their surroundings. Also, I would love to have a 6 pack this summer. I've never had a flat stomach, even when I was 17 and had a tiny waist. I used to be very thin, but I never had muscle. I want to have a little muscle and be thinner than I am now, but I am going to try to concentrate not on numbers (how much I weigh) but on being health and strong. I want to have muscle definition. That would be cool.

I know this has the potential to be a lifelong struggle, one I know that many people struggle with, and I want to make working out a part of my normal routine so that I can break the cycle - (lose weight (feel great!), gain weight (feel terrible), lose weight (feel great!), gain weight (feel terrible), and on and on. If just don't stop using the gym I won't gain the weight and in the end I won't feel bad. It's so hard to do, but I really don't like feeling terrible.

Colleen and I are at day 3 of working out. I am going to try and spend 30mins using my small weights, and working my very sore abs, upper arms, and shoulders. This morning we walked/ran (read jogged) a mile and stretched. Yesterday we W/R a mile or more, 5 mins on Elliptical machine, and 5 mins on the bike. Tuesday we W/R a mile or more (we lost track) did 15 lunges (evil), 30 leg lifts (awesome but hard), and 30 push ups (if you wanna count what I did as a push up. I know the Military would not count that as a push up...).

I want to use my digital camera to take some pics every week so I can do a before and after. Maybe if it all goes well I'll post em. I should do that soon if I am going to at all.

Alright, I'm going to go finish mom's curtains now. Maybe I'll even bring them to her later today. We'll see.

Feel the Burn

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 02:36:00 +0000

Tuesday was a nice day. I got stuff done. Laundry, dishes, cooking, taking care of the cats... Colleen came over, we went out for Chinese. There's an awesome place not too far from home that sells buffet style food by the pound and they make real good crab cheese Rangoon's. Awesome.

Colleen and I went running together this summer. I really enjoyed our time together. Now she wants to work out again. Since I have quit working I have put on a few pounds, my pants are getting a little tight... Ew.

It turns out that I am just like most every other girl out there. I like to eat, but don't like to jiggle too much. I realize that I am going to have to fight for the rest of my life to maintain a healthy weight. I like to cook, and therefore eat, and I'm just going to have to acknowledge that I am going to have to exercise to maintain a smaller waist line or give up and pass the 200 lb line.

I miss the days of my teenage years, when I could eat whatever I wanted and never gain a pound. I blame alcohol and my early 20's for my initial weight gain. I got to around 190 lbs around the time Carrie got married. I lost weight when I took on the CNA job, I was working 60 hours a week and constantly moving during all that time. It was easy. It didn't take sit ups, push ups, or running around a track to lose the weight. If I had stayed at that nursing home, I probably would have stayed at that weight.

I have also stopped taking Adderal. That's probably messed with my metabolism. ..

I gotta go, I'll post more later, promise. Sorry it's been so long.....I'll tell you all about it!