5 Things

Today is a day of running rest -- so, no running to report. Thus, I thought it was a good opportunity to report my "5 things" that I've been tagged for. But because I think there's little about me that I haven't shared previously, I figure I'll go with the theme of "5" for this list:

1. I am 5 feet tall. Even.

2. I wear a size 5 shoe.

3. I am the oldest of 5 kids.

4. I have danced on tables (or on the bar) in bars in 5 different states: MN, FL, CO, WY, and MT.

5. When I was 5, we lived in Ft Carson, CO (my stepdad was in the Army), and I betrayed the orders of an MP (military police). See, at the intersection by the elementary school, there was an MP who directed traffic and always signaled to us children when it was okay for us to cross the road. One day, on a dare, I crossed against the MP's directions. I was so scared of what she would do to me that I ran all the way home from there. I can still hear her yelling: "You come back here!" I thought my mother would skewer me for that transgression, but thankfully, my parents never found out.

If you haven't been tagged, consider yourself tagged! All you have to do is list five random things about yourself -- you don't have to adhere to the theme of 5.

Veteran's Day Cont'd

Went for my run this evening as promised, and I did 6 miles. The miles felt good, and while it is harder to pull back the shorter hair (see post below), I did wear my visor, and it worked out pretty well (although, I think I had it a little tight because it kinda felt like it was squeezing my skull).

Anyway, here are the splits:

Mile 1: 10:04
Mile 2: 10:00
Mile 3: 9:52
Mile 4: 10:13
Mile 5: 9:55
Mile 6: 9:59

Total Time: 1:00:04

Veteran's Day Vacation

I have the day off today in honor of the holiday, so this morning, I ran a few errands and then went to the salon to get my hair cut and my eyebrows waxed. I've been thinking of getting my hair cut for awhile (a real cut, not just a trim) and this weekend I decided I wanted to go ahead a cut it short again. Despite the fact that my husband told me to think about it for a week (he thinks I act too rashly), I went ahead today and had the stylist chop it off. The picture isn't great (maybe I need to go and put a little make up on, I don't know), but you can see that I had it cut to about chin-length; that means she took off about 6 or 7 inches of hair. It feels a little weird right now, but overall, I like it.

You can probably also see in the pic that the area around my brows is still a little red from the wax, and even though the girl who did them was a "heavy breather," she did a fine job there as well (but I really do hate it when someone is leaning over me breathing on me; I mean, I'm the sort of person who doesn't even like to face my husband in bed because I feel like he's breathing on me -- and it's all hot, and well, I just don't like someone else's breath in my face).

Anyway, for the rest of my day off, I think I'm gonna try to get a little work done, do a little reading (the fun kind) and then go for a run. I wish every weekend were a 3 day weekend!

R and R

That's what a Sunday is all about, peeps.

I slept in, watched about 3 hours of "Ugly Betty" online (finished the 1st season on DVD -- now I have to catch up with this season), read, took a two hour nap, and then ran my now standard 3 miler, which went just dandy.

RE: your comments on the previous post about winter? This is South Florida, homies, it is never winter here. Currently, the temps are cooler, but that still means that each day the temp reaches a high of about 80, so, yes, I run in shorts and a sports bra pretty much year round. There may be a few cooler days where I start in a t-shirt, maybe a long sleeved shirt for the really "brrrr" days, but otherwise? My running uniform rarely varies.

Takin the Visor out for a Spin

My new visor, Garmy, and I went for 4 miles this morning: All three enjoyed the trip.

Mile 1: 9:55

Mile 2: 10:07

Mile 3: 10:11

Mile 4: 10:12

New Race for the Calendar

Nancy proposed a unique race for the blogosphere: A virtual race for all the RBF! Great idea, right? The details are simple: run 8 miles on the 8th of December, record your time, and post about it as you would post a race report. Unfortunately, there's no system yet for t-shirts or prizes, but if you have an innovative suggestion for either, hop on over to Nancy's blog and give her a suggestion.

But, I'm in! I think it sounds fun, and I'm adding it to my race calendar on the right. Everyone else, who hasn't already committed, you're invited to join us on our virtual race!

Note To Self

Dear Jess:

Just because your household is out of sandwich bags, doesn't mean that it was a smart idea to throw your chips into the same tupperware as your sandwich. What you may have learned in 3rd grade science is now coming back into sharper focus now that you are eating soggy chips, right? Clearly, the chips absorbed the moisture from the sandwich since they were locked together into an air-tight container, and now the chips are inedible by self's standards.

Good job loser. Now you have to eat your sandwich sans chips. And everyone knows that's the crappiest way to eat a sandwich.

Maybe next time you'll remember to buy more sandwich bags in order to avoid errors of this nature.
Yours,
Yourself

Shopping

Thursday is my long day at school since I teach a night class and I usually just stay on campus between my afternoon and evening classes in order to catch up with work. But today, without much to catch up on, I decided to get outta here for a bit and do a little shopping. Or, "browsing," I should say since I think "shopping" implies some manner of direction and I was just kinda wandering aimlessly.

While shopping, I was reminded of my love of two unattainable things: tall boots and a winter coat. Well, the first is unattainable; the second is just impractical.

See, every fall, I see the shoe stores lined with tall boots. Beautiful, tall boots. But aside from the fact that few come in my size, I can never wear these tall boots because I have such gigantor calves. That's right. The boots won't zip all the way up because of my meaty forelegs. But each year I try. I think to myself: "Self, maybe this year, the styles will be a bit wider and thus more accommodating for a generous calf like the one you possess; or maybe, who knows? Perhaps your calf is skinnier this fall than it was last fall."

So, standing there in DSW, I took my shoe off, pulled a gorgeous Nine West boot from the box, inhaled its intoxicating leather scent and tried to zip that fucker up. Could I? Of course not. If I would've tugged on that zipper any more, I would have zippered my calf-skin into the boot and I promise I would have been howling in pain in the back of ambulance instead of back here in my office telling you my boot-woes.

Damn. Another fall, and I'm no closer to fitting my fat calves into pretty boots.

That's how I found myself standing in Old Navy lusting after the cutest winter coat. Coats, unlike evil boots, always fit. And there was this cute winter pea coat with these little fake bone toggles that was just too awesome on me. And for $70? Seems like a steal, right?

Well, not if you live in a climate where a coat is not necessary. It rarely dips into cold temps here, so winter wear is totally impractical. Part of me wants to buy it for the trips we make to MN at Christmas (once every other year), but since I know we're not going this year and since I know that next fall a newer, cuter coat will catch my eye, I know that the pre-emptive purchase would be silly. But this logic didn't help lessen the lust I felt for that coat.

*Sigh.* I guess I should just be thankful that I kept all my money in my pocket instead of wishing for the purchases I just can't have.

Oh, I did buy a Nike visor for running though. That kinda made me feel better.

Time on my Hands

I gotta say, this week has been pretty sweet so far.

For the first time in about 5 or 6 weeks, I finally feel like I'm caught up with shiz-nit. All my work at school is caught up. The house is squeaky clean, I've been getting my runs in. I've had time to finish a book and watch all my Netflix. Geez. Did I get just one extra hour with the time change?

Anyway, early this evening when my hubby got home, we were chatting in the living room and I was fidgeting to go for a run, but we were having a nice chat and I didn't really want to go for the run and cut the chatting short. So, I suggested a "family walk" -- he, Scooter and I -- since Scooter and I didn't do our weekly long walk yesterday. Hubby agreed and we were off.

We did the 3 mile loop that I often run, but because the hubby has proclaimed that the only reason to run is "if you're being chased," we just walked. It was a fine evening for the stroll: cool temps continue and even though it was dusky by the time we got home, it was still light enough to be out and about. When we got back, we fixed ourselves dinner, and settled in for a little "Ugly Betty" on DVD (I am really enjoying this show; does anyone else watch it?).

Every week should be this easy-going.

The only downside to this time change is that it is only 8 pm right now, yet it feels like it has to be about 11. Shouldn't I be in bed?

3 for 3

First of all, I want to take a moment to give my friends, Erin and Ryan, a special shout out since they just announced that Erin is pregnant. Ahem.

"CONGRATULATIONS!!!"

Won't these two have a beautiful baby? And isn't Ryan gonna be peeved that I posted this pic below of them? (I took it at the Poison concert back at the end of August -- approximate time of conception as best as I can estimate; hmmm...I guess it gives new meaning to "Every Rose Has Its Thorns"...but that's a thought for another day -- anyway, I told them to pose like they were in a yearbook pic: Ryan didn't like that, as is demonstrated by a look that I think he'll recognize on his future child when said child is crapping its pants.) So, take a moment, and hop on over to both of their blogs and congratulate them. It really is wonderful news!

Anyhoo, since my walking partner is preggers, she wasn't really feeling up for a walk tonight (actually, that's only partially true; she's also swamped at work, but I like to refer to her as "preggers" or "prego" and I only have about 7 months to do so; thus, I like to get it in as often as possible). Therefore, I went for another 3 mile run instead.

Again, it felt good: weather remains lovely and temperate and the legs felt good and strong. I am the queen of 3 right now. Don't mess with me and that short distance.

Hello, Consistency!

The running as of late hasn't been much in terms of distance, but I do have to say that I am returning to a more consistent routine. For now, that seems to be good enough.

For Monday? Another 3 miler down in the books.

Again, the cooler weather was nice; plus, with the time change and the seasonal change, it's nice to be able to run at 4:30 or 5 in the evening and be done with it early instead of waiting until 8 or 9 at night like I do in the summer. Seems like I have so much more time in the evening then.

Of course, I could also rise early and run first thing in the morning and have the evening completely open. Bah. Who likes to do that?

Moment of Truth Monday

Previous weight: 118
Weight as of this morning: 118

Yeah, I didn't really expect a change -- mostly because I haven't changed anything about my eating habits, drinking habits, or exercise habits. I figure I will slowly evolve, and I have 3 months, so I'm in no hurry to shed those 5 pounds.

However, I did want to address your comments last week about how "tiny" I am based on the above numbers:

Remember folks, I am short. Really short. I barely skim the height chart at 5 feet, so as I have mentioned before, I am just 3 apples high. Thus, my weight puts me within the normal range for my height. In fact, according to most BMI calculators, I could weigh as little as 95 pounds and still fall within the normal weight range (my current BMI is 23 which is normal too).

So, I know that we often get caught up in weight in terms of its number, but we have to remember what is right for our height and build (I happen to be a descendant of hearty peasant stock -- we Irish are experts at surviving on potatoes and whisky-- so I will never weigh in at a waifish 95 pounds, I can guarantee that). With that practical thought in mind: good luck to the rest of you following along on the weight loss challenge as you face your own numbers on "Moment of Truth Monday"!

Fall Back

It always seems like each day needs an extra hour in order to get everything that needs done, done. So, once a year, we get to see what that's like. And I gotta say, it's awesome.

I got up this morning feeling refreshed from a long sleep and was delighted to look over at the clock and see that it was still early. I wrote my final draft of the book review I've been working on (when it's published in December, I do recommend "The Athlete's Guide to Yoga" by Sage Rountree -- I mean, isn't her name enough to demonstrate that she's a practiced yogi?), I graded some papers, I finished the laundry, and I returned a call to my dad. All before noon!

Plus, with the temps here in South Florida finally cooling off, I opened up the house today and it felt great to turn off the air conditioner, and have a fresh breeze blowing through the condo. This added to the relaxing afternoon I spent on the back porch in a chair reading my book ("The Thirteenth Tale" by Diane Setterfield -- another recommended read; it's quite absorbing).

And, in the cooler temps, my late afternoon 3 miler felt perfect (THIS is the season to run here in FL). And now, I have a deliciously buttery chicken baking in the over, and as I type, a cool breeze is wafting in off the porch. Could a Sunday be any better?!

Scooter and His Toys

Here's Scooter and his toy, Raged Roo, chillin on the living room rug, and they seem to make a fine pair. But, Roo must've done something wrong, because later today, I discovered him facing the wall, in what appears to be a "time out." Whatever he did, he looks pissed off at the wall about his punishment.

For the First Week Since Chicago...

...I have actually managed to eke out some regular running. Tonight, I ran another 3 miles (making the 3 miler my tried and true distance), and they felt good. Nothing too special about them, but I did do some informal speedwork.

I didn't have Garmy along, but for the last mile and a half I would really push myself during the fast part of the song on the mp3 (Foo Fighters' "The Pretender" and Matchbox 20's "How Far We've Come" work really well for this) and then I'd pull back a little when the song resumed a slower tempo. Like I said, pretty unscientific, but it felt good and I felt pretty fast.

Like a bullet.

Upcoming Race Plans

So, after much dilly-dallying, I finally committed to a race calendar over the next six months. Nothing too exciting: several 5Ks, the A1A half, and a 4 miler. Info is to the right on the sidebar -- although most of these races are small and don't have actual web pages, so some of the links are dummies.

Further in the future in 2008, I am contemplating a variety of races -- primarily I am thinking about the Boulder Bolder (10K) in May and perhaps the Army 10 miler next October in DC, but because I'd have to travel for those (but stay for free with family), I have to put them on the back burner for now until the hubby approves the 2008 travel budget :) Also under consideration for next year: A1A 15K in October, Lighthouse 10K in November, and the half marathon of the Palm Beaches in December.

As you can see, my interest in the marathon has waned since Chicago, which is fine, and what I'd like to focus on in 2008 are race distances that I haven't done before: 10K, half marathon, 10 miler, 4 milers or 5 milers, etc. The full marathon is still something that I think I will return to at some point (it is, after all, a challenging and rewarding distance), but in the near future, I just don't have any plans for one (because it is also extremely time consuming and exhausting).

Variety is gonna be the name of the game in 2008.

Tidbit Thursday

Yeah, that title would work better if today were Tuesday, but I can't force alliteration, people.

So, I have several random notes to include today, none of which is related by any one dominating theme:

• We got a total of 5 trick or treaters last night. 5. This means about 10 lbs of candy remain in the Cauldron of Candy. I sure hope the house elves eat it before I do.
• Speaking of house elves, they did a poor job doing my grading for me. I ended up having to read all of those papers myself -- and that didn't make me happy. Thankfully, I finished all stacks of papers, and for a brief few hours (until 6:30 this evening when I get a new batch), I am blissfully free!
• It looks like FL is in the clear for TS Noel -- forecasts now say that it is going to miss us by a significant margin, so TS warnings have been lifted. Still a bit breezy out there.
• I thought I was going to witness another duckicide this morning when a car hit the brakes before smashing an adult duck that was crossing the road. I feared for its life, so I turned my head and covered my eyes (I didn't want a repeat image), yet I was relieved to see that the duck narrowly avoided getting hit. Thank goodness.
• Recorded another podcast with a colleague this week. See, last spring, I was invited to participate on a colleague's blog that he uses for one of his literature courses and I recorded a podcast discussion about John Updike's short story "A&P." This week, I was invited back. We discussed Raymond Carver's "Cathedral." The podcast isn't up yet, but if you'd like to visit the site (like if you're dead bored or you like the sound of my voice -- I know I do), you can do so here. I'm like the rockstar of the English department podcast.

That's it folks. Have a happy Thursday!

Against The Wind

With Tropical Storm Noel just north of Cuba, we're currently under a Tropical Storm Watch here in South Florida. It looks as though Noel is going to follow its predicted path and turn away from Florida, but for the past few days, it's been a bit...well...breezy. Like gusts of 50 mph winds breezy.

The good side to this is that the weather is much cooler than normal, so this evening my run was both blessed and cursed by the weather conditions. The good side was that it was only in the mid 70s; plus the wind, when calmer, felt refreshing and cool. But, for part of my 3 mile loop, I run directly east -- straight into the wind. That's hard.

So, I did my 3 miles, but man, it wore me out. And my ponytail was a snarled knot when I got home: a tangled mess of hair that took a handful of conditioner to de-tangle.

Moment of Truth Tuesday

Sparked by P.O.M.'s weight loss challenge, I decided to join her endeavor to lose a few pounds. Now, normally, I'm not much for watching my weight too closely. Don't get me wrong -- I do weigh myself regularly and then curse myself for eating ALL of a Chipotle burrito, but most of the time, I just shrug it off with an "eh" and continue about my business. The fact of the matter is that I'm pretty comfortable with where I'm at, weight-wise.

However, even though I'm not much for the whole diet thing, I figured: who couldn't afford to lose a few extra pounds? Perhaps it will help me fit better in a pair of jeans, or perhaps I can fit back into those black pants I have that have become rather *tight* as of late. So, I am following P.O.M.'s criteria and doing the following to help motivate me:

• Posting my weight as of now
• Posting my goal weight
• Posting my reward if I achieve said goal by February of 2008

So, here they are:

• Current weight: 118
• Goal weight: 113
• Prize? An hour long massage

Weight will be posted on "Moment of Truth Mondays" and you can either track my progress (or lack of progress) or join in the good times by posting your own "Moment of Truth" on Mondays.

So...this probably means less Halloween candy, huh?

"Sick" Day

Yesterday was a wash -- all Jerry and I did was lay on the couch and watch TV. We watched a full disc of "Ugly Betty" and the movie "The Illusionist" and some of "Old School." I cleaned up the house from the party and that was about the extent of anything that got done (I swear, neither of us felt normal until about 5 pm yesterday); thus, I decided to take the day off work today in order to, well, work.

I had lots of papers that I'd brought home over the weekend, but hadn't gotten to any, and I really just needed a day at home -- without distractions -- to get caught up. So, I called early this morning and cancelled my two classes for the day. And I think it was a good decision. I got two classes worth of papers graded and half of one other class done. I also managed a few household chores (while also watching a long program on the History Channel on the Battle of Thermopylae), ran to Petco with Scooter to buy a new bag of dog food, and went for a 3 mile run.

It can be amazing how much work I can get done when not at work.

It feels good to be better caught up, and even though I had to cancel a day of classes, I had room for it in our schedule, so it won't be much to make up when I return to class. I wish we got "teacher planning days" or something like that in order to do exactly what I did today, but there's no such luck. Thankfully, I do get paid personal and sick days, so taking one is kind of like taking a "planning day" and I'm glad that it's 5 pm and I have not only my work done, but my run out of the way for the day. Now I can make dinner and settle in for a long evening of relaxing.