That's the best way to describe the running in the past two weeks.
I don't know if I can blame the summer heat, a busy schedule at work, or a demanding social schedule (it's hard to be popular and to have so many extra-curricular activities). Sure, I could also wedge some personal responsibility in there, but I'd prefer not to. Ultimately, I think what's to blame is the fact that I have no running schedule because I'm not training for anything; therefore, my motivation is nil. The Army 10 Miler isn't until October, so my training for that will officially begin in August, and every other race I have under consideration -- Either Disney's Race for the Taste 10K or Disney's Tower of Terror 13K in October, a Half Marathon in Boca in early November, the Turkey Trot at Thanksgiving, and the West Palm Half in December -- isn't until late fall/early winter anyway.
I wish the FL race schedule could be a little more spread out; instead of cramming everything into six months (from October to March, there's a smorgasbord of races to choose from, but from April to September, there's just a handful of 5Ks), I wish races would be held throughout the year. Yeah, I know weather is the reason that the FL schedule is the way it is, but other regions have equally hot/humid weather and they hold races through those months. Plus, there are runners here. Runners who need some motivation, and while most train in the summer for a fall marathon like MCM or NYC or Chicago, some of us would like to train for something regional as well!
So, on my list of factors to blame for my lack of running? I blame the FL race directors. Yup. One more party who should shoulder the blame instead of me.
TAT CN Header
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Friday, July 18, 2008
Bowling Report
For the second week in a row, Crystal and I rocked the bowling alley last night and won all 9 available points! Wa-hoo! My 3 games scored in this order: 150, 123, 123. So, obviously the first game was my best one (I had one beer with dinner and one at the alley pre-bowling, so 2 beers must be the magic number for that first game stellarness), and then I went downhill a bit.
After bowling, we lingered for awhile and had a few more drinks, and I played some foosball. I really suck at foosball, yet I'm always getting asked to play; I must just be a good "filler" playa. Anyhoo...it was a fun night of bowling, as always.
Today I don't have much on the schedule. I need to do some work for school, and I should go to the grocery store, but otherwise, I don't have much going on. Should be wonderful.
After bowling, we lingered for awhile and had a few more drinks, and I played some foosball. I really suck at foosball, yet I'm always getting asked to play; I must just be a good "filler" playa. Anyhoo...it was a fun night of bowling, as always.
Today I don't have much on the schedule. I need to do some work for school, and I should go to the grocery store, but otherwise, I don't have much going on. Should be wonderful.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
They're Baaaaack
After a few week hiatus, the little black gnats that plagued my runs a month ago have returned. So, on my 5 miler this evening, I ran through cloud after cloud of bugs, and endured them flying into my eyes, nose, and mouth. That definitely was the "suck" factor of the run; however, the rest of it went fine. Forgot to start the Garmin though, and didn't realize it until I was just past the first mile, so I don't have accurated digits for the miles.
But, now I need to skedaddle -- I'm typing during the commercial break of "Project Runway" -- and Heidi is back on now so it's runway time, folks!
But, now I need to skedaddle -- I'm typing during the commercial break of "Project Runway" -- and Heidi is back on now so it's runway time, folks!
FAQ
After both Marcy and Running Knitter inquired as to whether or not I went to work today, I feel obliged to answer:
Of course.
I would have to feel pretty terrible to not go to work; plus, I feel it's a totally illegit excuse to miss work because of a hangover, so I have worked through many a hangovers in my time -- it's not pleasant but that's the punishment for the good times. At least now that I'm in my 30s, a Tuesday night ends at 11 pm instead of 2 am. Trust me, 5 or 6 years ago, that was not the case. But, I felt just dandy this morning. C'mon, homies, have a little respect for a girl's tolerance: I have a decade plus of solid drinking experience, so a few beers may make me tipsy and affect my ability to type, but it won't make me ill. That requires hard liquor and I mostly steer clear of the hard stuff. Well, mostly.
Anyhoo...there's not much else to report. I'm all caught up with my grading, so for once I didn't have to bring home any work, I think I may clean up the house since it's been neglected as of late, and I have more laundry to do (those dirty clothes must be breeding in the hampers), and later, I want to do a run -- so I'll let ya know how that goes.
Hope it's a happy hump day for the rest of ya!
Of course.
I would have to feel pretty terrible to not go to work; plus, I feel it's a totally illegit excuse to miss work because of a hangover, so I have worked through many a hangovers in my time -- it's not pleasant but that's the punishment for the good times. At least now that I'm in my 30s, a Tuesday night ends at 11 pm instead of 2 am. Trust me, 5 or 6 years ago, that was not the case. But, I felt just dandy this morning. C'mon, homies, have a little respect for a girl's tolerance: I have a decade plus of solid drinking experience, so a few beers may make me tipsy and affect my ability to type, but it won't make me ill. That requires hard liquor and I mostly steer clear of the hard stuff. Well, mostly.
Anyhoo...there's not much else to report. I'm all caught up with my grading, so for once I didn't have to bring home any work, I think I may clean up the house since it's been neglected as of late, and I have more laundry to do (those dirty clothes must be breeding in the hampers), and later, I want to do a run -- so I'll let ya know how that goes.
Hope it's a happy hump day for the rest of ya!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Guess What?
I'm drunk! Well, just a bit.
See, my friend Emily, sister to Erin, came into town today, and the 3 of us got together for good times. We were just gonna get together for drinks, but then we thought 'hey, let's go see if we can scalp ticket sof the tompetty concert.? So we went, but no one had 3 seats together, and at the box office, the tickets in the nosebleed were $60 and Erin said "no." She's the mom so we pretty much have to do what she says.
Then, we went across the sctreet to the bar and had beers there. It was happy hour all the livelong night. I had a good amount.
Now, I'm eating pizza and it's delicious. I wish today were friday. Beer rules. Peace out.
P.S. I don;t thingk I'll get up ealry to run tomorrow.
See, my friend Emily, sister to Erin, came into town today, and the 3 of us got together for good times. We were just gonna get together for drinks, but then we thought 'hey, let's go see if we can scalp ticket sof the tompetty concert.? So we went, but no one had 3 seats together, and at the box office, the tickets in the nosebleed were $60 and Erin said "no." She's the mom so we pretty much have to do what she says.
Then, we went across the sctreet to the bar and had beers there. It was happy hour all the livelong night. I had a good amount.
Now, I'm eating pizza and it's delicious. I wish today were friday. Beer rules. Peace out.
P.S. I don;t thingk I'll get up ealry to run tomorrow.
Hold onto Your Seats
Because I actually got up early this morning and ran 3 miles (29:19). Yes, you read that right: Jess got up EARLY and ran. Before work. Hell, it was before I even had coffee!
Okay, get back in your chairs. You may now resume your regularly scheduled day.
Okay, get back in your chairs. You may now resume your regularly scheduled day.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Case of the Mondays
After I unpacked my office last Friday, I was feeling much better about the move that I previously bitched about. Mostly because, I'm just happy to have an office again (last week, during the move, I was without a home base and it was really disorienting), and so I listed for myself some of the benefits of the new office. They included:
- Good parking. Because the building I've been cast away to is remote, the faculty lot is near empty and I can secure a porn star spot.
- My office is bigger.
- It's in the police training facility on campus, so it's incredibly secure. Lots of cadets walking around with their holsters, so any disgruntled students would think twice about attacking me there.
- The police academy people are all super friendly and very, very polite.
- It will be very quiet in my new office since I'm essentially in a nook that was never meant to be an office. Plus, I doubt very many students will trek out to see me, so I should be able to work in peace.
- I'll get some extra exercise on a daily basis.
- On my new route to the other side of campus, I discovered two neato-burrito establishments: A yoga studio and a local coffee shop. I like yoga and I like caffeine!
So, those are the positives, which I really have to try and focus on; because honestly, there are a LOT of negatives:
- I'm in the police training facility, not the English Department. I have to walk to a different building to even make copies.
- I don't fit in at a police training facility! They're so uniformed and polite! I mean, I am parked next to squad cars in the faculty lot! They're gonna make me pay all those unpaid parking tickets, aren't they?
- My office is shitty. Para exemplo numero uno: View of office from the doorway.
Yes, the lighting is that bad. Note "rolling thunder" -- my new rolling briefcase -- parked next to my filing cabinet, which is also functioning as a bookcase of sorts. And below is pic numero dos of my office from the inside (view doesn't improve, doesn't it?) with my craptastic desk, circa 1956.
Also, chief among the negatives (and this really should count twice on the list of negatives): The distance from my classes. I estimated before that it was approximately half a mile. Well, today, I brought the Garmin, and guess what the distance was? .45 miles. I was only .05 off. Maybe I have a talent for guessing such things? Anyway, this means that the back and forth trek totalled .9 miles and it took me about 9 minutes to walk one way. - The distance wouldn't be so terrible, but consider two things: I have to walk this is work clothes and it is FL (thus, it is HOT) and it rains nearly every day.
- Like today. I was just outside the building of my office when the skies darkened and the rain poured down. Thankfully, I had remembered to pack an umbrella, but still, my feet got soaked (and the Fred Rodgers' sensible shoes were squeaking) and so did the bottoms of my slacks.
- This would have been okay, except guess what else was piled on today? The A/C was out on campus, so my classrooms, like the beauty pictured below, were about the temperature of hell.
So, after my second class, when I felt a drip of sweat form betwixt my boobs and then roll down my stomach, I let them go early, and I packed up and went back to my crappy office -- nearly half a mile away. - I may need to consider keeping a change of clothing in my delightful new office.
The good news is that with the extra exercise, the extra water I'm slurping down because of the walking in the sun (and by sweating in the hot classrooms today), the nearby yoga studio and the nearby coffee place, I will be slim and trim in no time! The bad news is that I have an ear ache in my left ear. I don't think it's connected to the events of the work day. But I could be mistaken.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Scooter Sunday
Today was a family day: Jess + Jerry + Scooter. First of all, we all slept in, and then we all went to lunch (yeah, we got up that late). We went to Panera and they have an outdoor patio, so we occassionally take Scooter there and we sit on the patio and he's actually pretty good. He mostly just sniffs around our table and begs us for a bite of sandwich; he doesn't bother other patrons -- to the contrary, he attracts a few who always want to come and pet him.
After a relaxing lunch, we went to the dog park. It was in the low 90s, so Scooter spent some time in the kiddie pools that are there for dogs to cool off in.
He likes to play and splash around in the water; he even kinda rolls around in it.
But, he also did lots of walking around and sniffing. Sometimes he finds a dog friend to run with, but mostly, Scooter is a loner who likes to walk around and sniff on his own agenda.
After the park, we were all pretty hot and tired, so we came home and napped (as if the sleeping in made us real tired). Scooter actually didn't make it all the way home before napping, and he was asleep on Jerry's lap about a block after we left the park.
I went for a quick 2 miler (it's just so dang hot out in the afternoon that I can't bring myself to go any further than that and I figure doing some distance is better than nothing), and then I got dinner ready. I'm baking a chicken this evening and we're gonna have mashed taters and stuffing with it (one of my favorite dinners -- it's like a mini-Thanksgiving), and I cooked up the chicken organs for Scooter and gave him those with his kibble: It was his reward for suffering through the bath that Jerry gave him.
So, now he smells good, his belly is full, and he had a fun day with the 'rents, so we're feeling like the best dog-parents ever. But it was pretty fun for us too.
Now...I have a few papers left to grade while dinner is baking, and then we'll have a delicious meal and watch "Jumper," which I rented this afternoon when I stopped by the store for a few things.
After a relaxing lunch, we went to the dog park. It was in the low 90s, so Scooter spent some time in the kiddie pools that are there for dogs to cool off in.
He likes to play and splash around in the water; he even kinda rolls around in it.
But, he also did lots of walking around and sniffing. Sometimes he finds a dog friend to run with, but mostly, Scooter is a loner who likes to walk around and sniff on his own agenda.
After the park, we were all pretty hot and tired, so we came home and napped (as if the sleeping in made us real tired). Scooter actually didn't make it all the way home before napping, and he was asleep on Jerry's lap about a block after we left the park.I went for a quick 2 miler (it's just so dang hot out in the afternoon that I can't bring myself to go any further than that and I figure doing some distance is better than nothing), and then I got dinner ready. I'm baking a chicken this evening and we're gonna have mashed taters and stuffing with it (one of my favorite dinners -- it's like a mini-Thanksgiving), and I cooked up the chicken organs for Scooter and gave him those with his kibble: It was his reward for suffering through the bath that Jerry gave him.
So, now he smells good, his belly is full, and he had a fun day with the 'rents, so we're feeling like the best dog-parents ever. But it was pretty fun for us too.
Now...I have a few papers left to grade while dinner is baking, and then we'll have a delicious meal and watch "Jumper," which I rented this afternoon when I stopped by the store for a few things.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Snail Side-Step
You wouldn't think that running in suburban South Florida would mean coming across much fauna, but you'd be wrong. I see many creatures on my running routes -- granted, most are smooshed -- but I especially see a lot of lizards. Lizards are all over the place here in SoFlo and they vary from the small ones that are barely the size of a large bug to the large iguanas that can sometimes be seen sunning themselves on sidewalks or golf greens. Most are about the size of a human finger and they tend to kamikazee their way across the sidewalk when I'm running.
And I'm ashamed to admit that a few have been casualties of my Brooks. But mostly, I can dodge them despite their propensity to dart out in front of my oncoming shoes at lightning speeds. But, lizards are not the focus of this post; no, another Florida creature also litters the sidewalks of South Florida, but they certainly don't move quickly -- snails.
Snails aren't out in the midday -- too hot for snail sunning -- instead, snails are a night creature and an after-the-rain creature. Unlike lizards, whose deaths at my feet have maybe totaled 2, snails have frequently been squished by my shoes, and the number of snail fatalities that are my fault are countless. But, in my defense, it's easy to see how: They are slow, it's dark, and they look like rocks. But when I hear that unmistakable "scrunch" under my shoes I know I have taken another snail life; thus, I am honest-to-god careful of stepping on snails. Especially on a evening like tonight.
We had heavy rain for several hours, and when I went out for my evening's 3 miler (29:25), it was sprinkling and it was dusky: Prime snail hours. They were all over the place -- large and small -- leaving their snail trail across the wet cement. It was like running a very intricate gauntlet and I found myself starring down at my feet the entire time trying to avoid crushing the small animals. The effort, I am proud to say, paid off, and I can boast that not one snail died, under my feet, tonight.
That's not always a claim I can make.
And I'm ashamed to admit that a few have been casualties of my Brooks. But mostly, I can dodge them despite their propensity to dart out in front of my oncoming shoes at lightning speeds. But, lizards are not the focus of this post; no, another Florida creature also litters the sidewalks of South Florida, but they certainly don't move quickly -- snails.
Snails aren't out in the midday -- too hot for snail sunning -- instead, snails are a night creature and an after-the-rain creature. Unlike lizards, whose deaths at my feet have maybe totaled 2, snails have frequently been squished by my shoes, and the number of snail fatalities that are my fault are countless. But, in my defense, it's easy to see how: They are slow, it's dark, and they look like rocks. But when I hear that unmistakable "scrunch" under my shoes I know I have taken another snail life; thus, I am honest-to-god careful of stepping on snails. Especially on a evening like tonight.
We had heavy rain for several hours, and when I went out for my evening's 3 miler (29:25), it was sprinkling and it was dusky: Prime snail hours. They were all over the place -- large and small -- leaving their snail trail across the wet cement. It was like running a very intricate gauntlet and I found myself starring down at my feet the entire time trying to avoid crushing the small animals. The effort, I am proud to say, paid off, and I can boast that not one snail died, under my feet, tonight.
That's not always a claim I can make.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Fabulous Friday
For the first time this week, I felt like I had a day where I actually got shit done. It was so efficient, it is best conveyed through bullet points:
- Picked up around the house.
- Went to the dentist's for routine cleaning and check up.
- Endured the hygienist's torture as well as her lecture about how I should be flossing everyday.
- Resolved, once again, to floss everyday.
- Was buoyed by the dentist's remark that I have "excellent" teeth. I agree with her. They are excellent for chomping on things. Particularly the fleshy part of Jerry's arm.
- Went to my new office.
- Unpacked all my boxes and set up camp in the new location.
- Prepped work for Monday classes.
- Felt better about new office -- although I think I'll save a full discussion for this topic for next week.
- Went to the grocery store.
- Made wise food purchases.
- Was delighted to discover that Craisins are now packaged in 100 calorie packs. Radical. Now, I am equipped with little fruity snacks on the go.
- Came home and watched "27 Dresses" which I picked up as a rental from the "red box" at the grocery store.
- Thought it was cute.
- Finished the laundry.
- Did my required push ups.
- Thought longing of the day when this "6 week" push up program will be over so I can show off my guns and my abs of admantium.
- Downloaded a few new tunes to the iPod.
- Decided that "Thrash Unreal," by Against Me is my new fav running song.
- Wish I had appreciated Against Me when I saw them open for the Foo Fighters back in January.
- Contemplated how hindsight is always 20/20. Cliches are repeated because they are true.
- Decided that second place in the new fav running song category is "I Kissed a Girl," by Katy Perry. But I think that's everyone's fav song right now.
- Ran 4 miles. It wasn't fast (39:05), but it felt good.
Ta-da! That has been my Friday thus far. Now, I have a Kashi frozen pizza in the oven and I have another chick flick ("Fool's Gold") warming the DVD player. Hope everyone else enjoyed their Friday! Toodles.
TGIF
I'm so happy to see the work week come to a close; this week has had me feeling rather frazzled, and I feel as though I need a few days to catch up with things at work and at home. So today, I have a denist appointment for midday and then I'm going into my office to do some work and this evening, I plan on doing nothing but laundry and going for a run.
Anyhoo...bowling was good last night. I rocked the first game with a 142, but then I guess the beer started to take affect and I got a 102 in the 2nd game and then a 102 in the 3rd game. But somehow we still managed to beat the boys on all 3 games -- woot! After the bowling, we lingered a bit in the bar with our homies, but then we headed home.
Sorry so boring this week. I gotta get some runs in this weekend so I have stuff to post about, and so I feel more sane. I don't know why this week has felt so outta whack for me.
Anyhoo...bowling was good last night. I rocked the first game with a 142, but then I guess the beer started to take affect and I got a 102 in the 2nd game and then a 102 in the 3rd game. But somehow we still managed to beat the boys on all 3 games -- woot! After the bowling, we lingered a bit in the bar with our homies, but then we headed home.
Sorry so boring this week. I gotta get some runs in this weekend so I have stuff to post about, and so I feel more sane. I don't know why this week has felt so outta whack for me.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
2 Miles and 43 Push Ups Later
After 4 days off of running, I was really in need of a run today. But that doesn't necessarily mean that I was looking forward to it; in fact, it took all my mojo to get laced up and out the door. I just did a short (and slow) 2 miler, but after it was done, I was glad I got out there. I needed to do something.
Before the run, I also did Day 1 of Week 3 in the Push Up Challenge, and all I can say is oh. my. god. It was a huge leap in reps from what I was doing in week 2 -- so much so that after today I think I may need to re-do week 2. For today, I did 15, 12, 6, and 10 and my arms were so taxed after those four sets that I couldn't even do the max set at the end.
This 6 week challenge sure is turning into a much longer project at this rate.
Before the run, I also did Day 1 of Week 3 in the Push Up Challenge, and all I can say is oh. my. god. It was a huge leap in reps from what I was doing in week 2 -- so much so that after today I think I may need to re-do week 2. For today, I did 15, 12, 6, and 10 and my arms were so taxed after those four sets that I couldn't even do the max set at the end.
This 6 week challenge sure is turning into a much longer project at this rate.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Skipped the Running Again
This time in favor of meeting up with Viv and her husband Shane for dinner and drinks.
We met up with them in downtown Ft Lauderdale on Las Olas Blvd and had dinner and then stopped at a nearby bar for after dinner drinks. I hope Viv will post the pics from that. Specifically the waitress we had there. Jerry and Shane reported that she had barked at them while Viv and I were in the restroom, and we didn't entirely believe them, but then later...yeah...that lady was whack. And whenever she came to our table, I just had the nervous-please-don't-take-us-out-back-and-kill-us-laugh that even Viv adopted later on. Hey, it may have saved our lives.
Anyhoo...it was a lot of fun to meet up again with Viv and Shane, and it's too bad that today is a Tuesday (and a "school" night) and not a rockin' Saturday because otherwise, you'd be getting this report in the morning tomorrow and I'd be complaining about my hangover and feeling like I'd just licked a Wookie. Viv and Shane are that cool. Or maybe I just potentially drink that much on the weekend. During the week, I have some level of restraint. Kind of.
It was good to visit with them here in SoFlo; next time, Jerry and I will have to fly out to Houston for a visit. Too bad the Houston Marathon just filled for 2009. Maybe 2010 beckons to me!
We met up with them in downtown Ft Lauderdale on Las Olas Blvd and had dinner and then stopped at a nearby bar for after dinner drinks. I hope Viv will post the pics from that. Specifically the waitress we had there. Jerry and Shane reported that she had barked at them while Viv and I were in the restroom, and we didn't entirely believe them, but then later...yeah...that lady was whack. And whenever she came to our table, I just had the nervous-please-don't-take-us-out-back-and-kill-us-laugh that even Viv adopted later on. Hey, it may have saved our lives.Anyhoo...it was a lot of fun to meet up again with Viv and Shane, and it's too bad that today is a Tuesday (and a "school" night) and not a rockin' Saturday because otherwise, you'd be getting this report in the morning tomorrow and I'd be complaining about my hangover and feeling like I'd just licked a Wookie. Viv and Shane are that cool. Or maybe I just potentially drink that much on the weekend. During the week, I have some level of restraint. Kind of.
It was good to visit with them here in SoFlo; next time, Jerry and I will have to fly out to Houston for a visit. Too bad the Houston Marathon just filled for 2009. Maybe 2010 beckons to me!
Blue and Blistered No More
I held a little pity party for one last night and did not go running. Instead, I took two Advil and a hot bath, and watched some show on TLC about this family who has 11 kids (seriously, 11? I'm sure some people think this is a beautiful celebration of family, but I watched mainly out of circus freak interest -- haven't these people ever heard of a condom?).
I think I needed the day off, as much as I felt guilty over it. I was just in a foul mood (and yes, I'm sure running would've made me feel better, but I was too grouchy to try) and I needed time to myself with my dark cloud.
Today I feel better and I know my office will work out. I'll get used to the trek, and everything will be fine. But yes, it looks like new shoes are in order.
What I did do yesterday, was my re-do of the initial test in the 100 Push Ups Challenge, which you're supposed to do at the end of week 2 (technically, my week 3). And guess how many I could do? 15! Yay! (Sorry, Marcy, you're right, I won't complain anymore about my lack of upper body strength.) My initial-initial test was 5, so in 3 weeks I've improved threefold! Of course, this means that today, when I start day 1 of week 3, I have to use column 2 and it looks a lot more challenging -- no more single digit reps for me -- gah.
I think I needed the day off, as much as I felt guilty over it. I was just in a foul mood (and yes, I'm sure running would've made me feel better, but I was too grouchy to try) and I needed time to myself with my dark cloud.
Today I feel better and I know my office will work out. I'll get used to the trek, and everything will be fine. But yes, it looks like new shoes are in order.
What I did do yesterday, was my re-do of the initial test in the 100 Push Ups Challenge, which you're supposed to do at the end of week 2 (technically, my week 3). And guess how many I could do? 15! Yay! (Sorry, Marcy, you're right, I won't complain anymore about my lack of upper body strength.) My initial-initial test was 5, so in 3 weeks I've improved threefold! Of course, this means that today, when I start day 1 of week 3, I have to use column 2 and it looks a lot more challenging -- no more single digit reps for me -- gah.
Monday, July 07, 2008
I'm Beat
These blisters are not from running. Instead, they're from walking a mile in shoes that are not meant for walking a mile in.
"So, Jess, why would you walk a mile in shoes that aren't fit for walking a mile in?"
Well, I'm glad you ask my friends. I walked a mile because my new office is half a mile away from my classes, so to walk out there and back totaled a mile (this is an approximation -- I'm not sure that it's really that far, but it's not much of an exaggeration -- it's pretty dang far); and certainly, I should have pulled a Fred Rogers and changed out of my heels, but I didn't have an extra pair of shoes today and I had to make the trek out to BFE (aka, the new location of my office).
Some of you loyal readers may remember me mentioning that the English department at my college is moving. Well, the department is moving to one building, but I (and a few other straggling faculty members) are in a separate building -- in a galaxy far, far away. So tomorrow, the department, along with my office, gets moved, and today I had to do the last of my packing and organizing in my office and I had to go out to the distance edges of the planet to organize some stuff in my new office. That, along with continuing to meet with classes, means that I was on my feet a lot today.
And I was hot. And sweaty. And my feet hurt. And I was grumpy. And I was feeling pretty sorry for myself when I got home this afternoon. So, as I see it, I need to do either one of, or a combination of, things to deal with this move (which will probably last about a year -- on the conservative side):
A. Get a golf cart
B. Start taking experimental drugs or drinking in my office
C. A combination of the two elements in option "B"
D. Get more sensible shoes (or begin the Mr. Rogers routine)
E. Get a segue (any clue on the spelling? is it "segway"?)
F. Get a scooter...wait I already have one of those...
...and he has never carried me from one place to another. Useless dog. Maybe I need a horse or a camel...
Anyhoo, I suppose the most cost efficient (although, certainly not the most fun) option is to wear more sensible shoes. Add that to my "rolling briefcase" that I bought this weekend, and I'm one step closer to early bird specials and more Sunday morning rounds of golf. Might as well embrace FL living, eh?
Sooooo, I know I should run today because I didn't run over the weekend and I ate the weight of a Volkswagen in cheese, but at the same time, I really, really don't feel like it. Instead, I'd like it if someone rubbed my feet, fed me grapes, and brought me wine.
"So, Jess, why would you walk a mile in shoes that aren't fit for walking a mile in?"Well, I'm glad you ask my friends. I walked a mile because my new office is half a mile away from my classes, so to walk out there and back totaled a mile (this is an approximation -- I'm not sure that it's really that far, but it's not much of an exaggeration -- it's pretty dang far); and certainly, I should have pulled a Fred Rogers and changed out of my heels, but I didn't have an extra pair of shoes today and I had to make the trek out to BFE (aka, the new location of my office).
Some of you loyal readers may remember me mentioning that the English department at my college is moving. Well, the department is moving to one building, but I (and a few other straggling faculty members) are in a separate building -- in a galaxy far, far away. So tomorrow, the department, along with my office, gets moved, and today I had to do the last of my packing and organizing in my office and I had to go out to the distance edges of the planet to organize some stuff in my new office. That, along with continuing to meet with classes, means that I was on my feet a lot today.
And I was hot. And sweaty. And my feet hurt. And I was grumpy. And I was feeling pretty sorry for myself when I got home this afternoon. So, as I see it, I need to do either one of, or a combination of, things to deal with this move (which will probably last about a year -- on the conservative side):
A. Get a golf cart
B. Start taking experimental drugs or drinking in my office
C. A combination of the two elements in option "B"
D. Get more sensible shoes (or begin the Mr. Rogers routine)
E. Get a segue (any clue on the spelling? is it "segway"?)
F. Get a scooter...wait I already have one of those...
...and he has never carried me from one place to another. Useless dog. Maybe I need a horse or a camel...Anyhoo, I suppose the most cost efficient (although, certainly not the most fun) option is to wear more sensible shoes. Add that to my "rolling briefcase" that I bought this weekend, and I'm one step closer to early bird specials and more Sunday morning rounds of golf. Might as well embrace FL living, eh?
Sooooo, I know I should run today because I didn't run over the weekend and I ate the weight of a Volkswagen in cheese, but at the same time, I really, really don't feel like it. Instead, I'd like it if someone rubbed my feet, fed me grapes, and brought me wine.
Saturday, July 05, 2008
Got My Hairs Cut
My hair was desperately in need of a cut and style. I hadn't had it cut since February, and I had essentially been allowing it to grow without care or concern, and the result was a haphazard look. So today, it was time to visit a salon and get that remedied. Here's the new 'do:
I'm quite pleased with it. She did a good job, and I'm especially pleased with the way she cut my bangs. She cut "into" them in order to angle them instead of just cutting across my forehead, and I think they lay much better. I might even go back to that stylist (which would be a first -- in my time in South Florida, I have yet to find a repeat stylist).
Of course, the only disadvantage to a short cut is that pulling it back for running is a bi-atch. Will probably be running in a hat or visor for awhile now. It's just easier.
I'm quite pleased with it. She did a good job, and I'm especially pleased with the way she cut my bangs. She cut "into" them in order to angle them instead of just cutting across my forehead, and I think they lay much better. I might even go back to that stylist (which would be a first -- in my time in South Florida, I have yet to find a repeat stylist).Of course, the only disadvantage to a short cut is that pulling it back for running is a bi-atch. Will probably be running in a hat or visor for awhile now. It's just easier.
4th of July Celebrations
We had a really enjoyable 4th of July yesterday with our friends at their annual gathering: We drank many beers, ate WAY too much food, and lit shit up! Here I am, enjoying a frosty beverage with the firework launch pad in the background.
It was a gray and stormy day here in South Florida, so it rained off and on all afternoon and evening, but it was probably for the best that the area was wet, rather than dry -- no need for any more brush fires. Here's Jerry getting to light off some of his "afternoon" fireworks.
Jerry feels about fireworks the way some people feel about religion or politics -- he's passionate about TNT. He purchased all his fireworks for this year's festivities back in early May, and they have been sitting in our bedroom for 2 months so he could admire and discuss them as frequently as possible. Yesterday morning was like Christmas day for him, and he was plain giddy. But in between the afternoon fireworks and the evening fireworks (aka, the "real" ones), he also got to share in holding Baby Miller, who was dressed in his 4th of July finest.
At the end of the night, the combination of alcohol and fireworks is always a little dicey, but thankfully, the boys get so excited about their fireworks that they usually set down their beers and focus on the explosives, and we haven't lost any limbs in the last few years. But, here they are shooting Roman candles into the lake. Pretty, right? You should've seen the "big" fireworks. Yeah, we pretty much put on a show equal to a small town's arsenal. It's awesome.
At the end of the night, we were all pooped. I was tired from getting up early for the race and then drinking so many beers; Jerry was worn out for lighting off two Rubbermaid containers worth of fireworks, and Scooter was pooped from running around all day and then freaking out during the fireworks, so we all went home and crashed.
Today, we don't have anything planned -- I'm kinda thinking of going to get my hair cut -- and I think we'll just chillax. Hope everyone else's 4th was spectacular!
It was a gray and stormy day here in South Florida, so it rained off and on all afternoon and evening, but it was probably for the best that the area was wet, rather than dry -- no need for any more brush fires. Here's Jerry getting to light off some of his "afternoon" fireworks.
Jerry feels about fireworks the way some people feel about religion or politics -- he's passionate about TNT. He purchased all his fireworks for this year's festivities back in early May, and they have been sitting in our bedroom for 2 months so he could admire and discuss them as frequently as possible. Yesterday morning was like Christmas day for him, and he was plain giddy. But in between the afternoon fireworks and the evening fireworks (aka, the "real" ones), he also got to share in holding Baby Miller, who was dressed in his 4th of July finest.
At the end of the night, the combination of alcohol and fireworks is always a little dicey, but thankfully, the boys get so excited about their fireworks that they usually set down their beers and focus on the explosives, and we haven't lost any limbs in the last few years. But, here they are shooting Roman candles into the lake. Pretty, right? You should've seen the "big" fireworks. Yeah, we pretty much put on a show equal to a small town's arsenal. It's awesome.
At the end of the night, we were all pooped. I was tired from getting up early for the race and then drinking so many beers; Jerry was worn out for lighting off two Rubbermaid containers worth of fireworks, and Scooter was pooped from running around all day and then freaking out during the fireworks, so we all went home and crashed.Today, we don't have anything planned -- I'm kinda thinking of going to get my hair cut -- and I think we'll just chillax. Hope everyone else's 4th was spectacular!
Friday, July 04, 2008
Weston 5K Race Report
The best thing about this morning's 5K? The homies, yo. I got to meet up with sRod and Viv for the race; we met prior to the race and chatted before heading to the start line, and then afterward, we met up again and got to visit a little more. sRod had to head out almost right after the race, but Viv and her husband, Shane, and I grabbed some lattes and chilled in the A/C for awhile chatting. It was great to meet up with both bloggers, and I had a great time getting to know each of them a little better. Below, after the race, from left to right: Moi, sRod, Viv, Shane.
The second best thing about this 5K was that I achieved a new PR!! I wasn't sure if it was gonna be possible with the way my runs have been lately, but I guess I had the right mojo this morning, and the splits looked like so:
1: 8:45
2: 9:06
3: 8:59
.13: 0:57:77
Total Time: 27:49!!
Of course, I was slightly deflated when I looked at my chip time after the race and it was 28:05, but I'm gonna go with the Garmin time, not the chip time. My Garmin wasn't short on distance (to the contrary, I clearly weaved some with that little extra mileage at the end there), and I am very good at starting the timer right as I go over the mats at the start and stopping it when I come over the finish mats; usually, I am like a second off my chip time with my Garmin time. The only way I can account for the discrepancy is that the race started the chips when the gun went off instead of as individuals went over the mats; or, with everyone going over the mat at once, perhaps the computer couldn't accurately record chip starts.
Either way is a PR for me, but I am gonna use the 27:49 for my own personal record and make that the new time to beat for my 5K PR.
I had a great morning -- it was so fun to meet up with the fellow bloggers -- and I had a great race. Now...I am going to spend the afternoon and evening drinking plenty of beer, eating tons 'o food, and blowing off fireworks. Wa-hoo! I hope everyone enjoys their holiday!
Happy 4th of July!
The second best thing about this 5K was that I achieved a new PR!! I wasn't sure if it was gonna be possible with the way my runs have been lately, but I guess I had the right mojo this morning, and the splits looked like so:1: 8:45
2: 9:06
3: 8:59
.13: 0:57:77
Total Time: 27:49!!
Of course, I was slightly deflated when I looked at my chip time after the race and it was 28:05, but I'm gonna go with the Garmin time, not the chip time. My Garmin wasn't short on distance (to the contrary, I clearly weaved some with that little extra mileage at the end there), and I am very good at starting the timer right as I go over the mats at the start and stopping it when I come over the finish mats; usually, I am like a second off my chip time with my Garmin time. The only way I can account for the discrepancy is that the race started the chips when the gun went off instead of as individuals went over the mats; or, with everyone going over the mat at once, perhaps the computer couldn't accurately record chip starts.
Either way is a PR for me, but I am gonna use the 27:49 for my own personal record and make that the new time to beat for my 5K PR.
I had a great morning -- it was so fun to meet up with the fellow bloggers -- and I had a great race. Now...I am going to spend the afternoon and evening drinking plenty of beer, eating tons 'o food, and blowing off fireworks. Wa-hoo! I hope everyone enjoys their holiday!
Happy 4th of July!
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Speedwork
After some afternoon showers, it was a little cooler out this evening, so I decided that with the cooler temps, it was perfect to do a little speedwork with my planned 3 miler. I am only capable of Fartleks as my form of speedwork since every other method involves numbers that confuse me when just glancing at them (to study them would, I'm sure, boggle my brain). So, here are the splits:
1: 9:13
2: 9:02
3: 9:09
Total Time: 27:25
If I could replicate this for Friday's 5K, I would be pleased, but I really can't predict how that will go in terms of speed, and I just don't hold high expectations for a PR. But...I am pleased to announce that I have confirmed that two VIP bloggers will be joining me for Friday's 4th of July 5K! That's right, guest starring in Jess's world will be: Viv and sRod!
Both are joining me for the race from out of state. Yes, they are flying here specifically to run a 5K with me, Jess. Kidding. They are both gonna be here from their respective states to visit family and I just stalked them down and wore them out convincing them to run with me, but it sounds better to say they're coming specifically to see me, doesn't it? Anyway, I will get to meet up with them prior to the race (if we can all roll outta bed early enough to find one another) and afterward. I expect it to be a good time. I hope my pimple goes away by then. I don't want to frighten either of them. It is rather scary.
1: 9:13
2: 9:02
3: 9:09
Total Time: 27:25
If I could replicate this for Friday's 5K, I would be pleased, but I really can't predict how that will go in terms of speed, and I just don't hold high expectations for a PR. But...I am pleased to announce that I have confirmed that two VIP bloggers will be joining me for Friday's 4th of July 5K! That's right, guest starring in Jess's world will be: Viv and sRod!
Both are joining me for the race from out of state. Yes, they are flying here specifically to run a 5K with me, Jess. Kidding. They are both gonna be here from their respective states to visit family and I just stalked them down and wore them out convincing them to run with me, but it sounds better to say they're coming specifically to see me, doesn't it? Anyway, I will get to meet up with them prior to the race (if we can all roll outta bed early enough to find one another) and afterward. I expect it to be a good time. I hope my pimple goes away by then. I don't want to frighten either of them. It is rather scary.
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Tuesday Dull Day
I did a slower, easier 3 miles this evening without the Big G, and because it rained earlier, it was a little cooler out -- humid still, but much cooler.
After that, I officially began Day 1 of Week 2 of The Hundred Push Ups Challenge. You'll recall that I held myself back a week, so even though this is my 3rd week of the challenge, I'm only on week 2. Anyway, it went decently. In my max set, I did 8 consecutive push ups. Still laughable, but an improvement nonetheless.
Nothing else really going on. I have a pimple in the middle of my face that is angry. It's one of those sum bitches that's still under the skin so I can't yet squeeze the crap out of it, but it hurts like a bitch. It kinda reminds me of the episode of "Family Guy" when Chris has that pimple that talks to him and tells him to commit crimes; mine's big enough to have a personality, that's for sure.
Yeah. Betcha wanted to know that detail, huh? What can I say? Tuesdays don't offer much else for material. Sorry.
After that, I officially began Day 1 of Week 2 of The Hundred Push Ups Challenge. You'll recall that I held myself back a week, so even though this is my 3rd week of the challenge, I'm only on week 2. Anyway, it went decently. In my max set, I did 8 consecutive push ups. Still laughable, but an improvement nonetheless.
Nothing else really going on. I have a pimple in the middle of my face that is angry. It's one of those sum bitches that's still under the skin so I can't yet squeeze the crap out of it, but it hurts like a bitch. It kinda reminds me of the episode of "Family Guy" when Chris has that pimple that talks to him and tells him to commit crimes; mine's big enough to have a personality, that's for sure.
Yeah. Betcha wanted to know that detail, huh? What can I say? Tuesdays don't offer much else for material. Sorry.
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