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Thursday, November 29, 2007

Answers and Confessions

First, an answer for those of you baffled by the grocery store scale: Yes, the grocery chain I frequent, Publix (which services Southern States including FL), has a scale in the front of every store. It's up by the carts and the vending machines. It's a great big scale you step onto and see what you weigh before setting about buying food -- it's a weird juxtaposition, I know, but I am drawn to that scale every time I go to the store. I must see what I weigh.

I'm not the only one though. I see other shoppers doing the exact same thing.

Secondly, a confession: I haven't run since Monday, and that was only 3 miles. I have to be honest here -- I'm just not feelin' it this week. In fact, in general, I've felt outta sorts this week: cranky, moody, stressed and tired. The reasons for this are as follows:
  • End of the semester. Students always complain about the amount of work they do at the end of a term, and I sympathize, I do (I vividly remember being a college student), but every time they write ONE paper, I read about ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY papers. So the next two weeks are a mountain of hell.
  • Holidays. Getting the shopping done, mailing gifts, sending cards, spending the extra dough; it's stressful, yo.
  • PMS. 'nuff said.
  • Money. December really strains the wallet; sure, there's the gift buying, but that's not all -- at the end of the month (technically, Jan 1st) some big bills come due: car insurance, property taxes, association fees (f*%^'n association raised our fees too -- bastards), plus all the other regular bills. Thinking about all this money stresses me out.

So, yeah, this stuff combined has me feeling...*meh* the last few days and is part of the reason I haven't gone running (even though, yes, I understand that running would help alleviate stress). The good news is that it will all pass, and I know this. Hopefully, tomorrow I'll get a run in (it's also pay day tomorrow too, so I might feel better then).

22 comments:

Tara Shirley said...

I just stumbled on your blog from P.O.M's blog. It's great! But I do have to admit that when I noticed the weather center thing on the side bar and saw that it's 80 degrees where you are, I got deeply jealous. As I'm sitting here in Utah freezing my tushy off in 39 degree weather! Why do I live here....

But I've been feeling crappy about this week too, so I feel your pain.

Scott McMurtrey said...

i've installed scales on each dining room chair. this way as i eat i can tell how much i'm "really" eating.

Viv said...

When I was a kid in Miami I loved the big giant green Publix scales.
Now when I visit and I think can they this smaller. I have this complex that everyone is staring at it while I step on.

It takes an hour to get one thing at Publix at least. I will not post here the nickname I have given Publix.

Pay day and running sounds like the cure for the meh's.

Jen said...

I hate those Publix scales. They are always mis-calibrated!

ws said...

my confession is I don't think I've ever stood on one of those Publix scales.

I think you can add the weather shifting again to the reasons not to run - it is like September again.

Hope you have a good night.

Ryan said...

I was wracking my brain for words of wisdom and a witty anecdote, but nothing. December is a bit of a pain in the ass and that's all there is to it. At least it will all dissappear starting December 22nd, only to return in the middle of January when the f$#kin credit card bill comes.

RunnerGirl said...

You're already sending out Holiday cards and buying gifts? I'm so envious, it will take me another three weeks at least to get my shit together enough to even start!

J~Mom said...

I can't believe you have to grade that many papers right at the end of the quarter. I feel totally poopy myself but it's just because of the four yucks on my arm.

Nancy said...

I suppose if I weighed what you weigh, I might be drawn to them too.

I'll try to get out there tomorrow if you do.

Marcy said...

Are we all in sync? (with the PMS) Because I'm all about that this week :-X I feel your pain chica!

David said...

Time to go do something totally different? Rent bikes and ride along the beach/boardwalk this weekend? Sucks to get into a poopie mood, but it does happen this time of year. Perhaps you guys can think about doing a days of Christmas thing, or maybe a Christmas with a twist of some flair (ethnic or foreign-inspired foods, etc). Not saying take away from the core of the season, but just add some spice to bust through the force feeding of commercial Christmas (which is more X-mas than Christmas, IMO).

Anonymous said...

I'm experiencing a mountain of stress too. Semester coming to a close, low cash flow, and PMS too.

keith said...

Chin up! This too, shall pass.

I solved the winter shopping blahs by making my family agree that we are all just going to make a nice card for one another and we're going to get together and have a really nice, warm dinner. No presents = no stress.

Hope you get your run in this weekend. I don't know if I could devote the kind of attention that is necessary to read 150 mostly mediocre papers. You are super human.

Amy said...

I hate money stress.

Mendy said...

The money crap (and PMS) is stressing me out as well. I am currently researching budgeting software, etc to get a better handle on our money, so we can get debt (we're currently creating more of) paid off. It also stresses me out, on what to buy certain people for Christmas - always does. But, when that day comes around - it's so much fun watching the kids in the family and now Grace understands more of the gifting.

ahhh.... no biggie on the runs. When you're not feeling it, it's sometimes better just not to do it. IMO anyway.

Unknown said...

pms on it's own is good enough reason to skip running, in my mind. ;p

Midwest said...

You know what'd make you feel better? Go running!

Laura N said...

That's a lot of crap going on right now. The PMS is enough to put me under. Add all that other stuff you've got going on and man oh man, it's a recipe for curling up in bed and not leaving. You know it's temporary, so that helps. You'll have a better week soon. Hope it's a peacefull weekend.

Lori said...

It seems like these crappy feelings tend to be common among some of us at the same times each month...I feel your pain. I have gone from anti-Christmas to ready to decorate - ready to shop to a complete freak out over money spent all in like 3 days. It is true insanity.

P.O.M. said...

I think that is a great idea. Step on the scale before shopping. That might help one to avoid the crap-food aisles. (Which I try to not even walk down)

Laurel said...

My husband is a Prof as UM so I can relate to what you are going through with the students. I hear about it ALL the time....AAAAALLLLLL the time.

I avoid those scales at Publix at ALL costs. But you are right. There is ALWAYS someone on them.

I hope you are feeling better soon.

Agate Lake Girl said...

I love that giant Publix scale, but since I prefer to weigh myself naked and after my first pee (no need for any extra poundage when I get on the scale!), I don't always hop on. I wish I had one in my house though... weighing in would be so much more fun. :)