Car Shopping

Ever since I heard the NPR story about "Cash for Clunkers," I've been dreaming of a new car. My minivan is probably worth $1,000-$1,500 as a trade in, but with this program, the federal government will subsidize $3,500-$4,500 toward a new more fuel efficient car. Hmmm...seems like a no-brainer, although I have enjoyed not having car payments! Anyway, I did some internet research and picked a few models I wanted to try - Honda Fit, Nissan Versa, Toyota Matrix and Dodge Caliber. I actually added the Dodge at the last minute when I heard they were doubling the federal money.

So last week I went to a few dealerships and took these (and some other) cars for test drives. I really hate that the so-called "sticker price" or MSRP is several thousand dollars lower than the actual price. Anyway, the Versa felt very tin cannish, so even though it is probably the cheapest of the bunch, it's been eliminated. From the beginning my heart was set of the Fit, but after driving it, I'm not 100% sold...plus the sales guy said he couldn't "deal" on the Fit (tried really hard to switch me to a Civic - which I drove and liked, but really wanted something with a hatch back so I can keep my bike inside). Anyway, the Fit MSRP is $14,000 but the "walk away" price is $15,500! The car that drove the best is the Toyota. I'm waiting to hear back from the salesman about estimated monthly payments. The other thing I hate about car shopping is all the commercials that claim low monthly payments, etc. but really are a bunch of hooey.

I know I need to take advantage of this opportunity...it was killing me to fill the minivan when gas was over $3...but I hate spending money on a stupid car!

Bikram Yoga (or sweating my butt off!)

So I have been going to Bikram for a little over a week now - not everyday, which is the ideal, but at least 3 times a week - and last Friday evening, Jeff asks me the name of the place I go. I told him and them he asks if any guys go. Yeah, it's co-ed. So he asks if I know a "Dick" (not his real name, but apropo). Nope, can't say that I pay too much attention to anyone else in the room because a.) it's so hot I have sweat in eyes for 90% of the class b.) I'm using all my energy just staying in the room and c.) yoga in general is a highly self-focused practice...Bikram seems to be even more so. Anyway, Jeff says "Dick" has been going there on his doctor's advice because he has a bad knee or back or brain strain or something.

Anyway, the next question I get asked is, "So, what do you wear?" Okay now I know where this is going so I decide to play dumb for a little bit. I told him I had a free pass and maybe he should find out when the next time "Dick" was going and try a class...knowing full well he never would because it is way outside his comfort zone and I know he only wanted to harass me anyway! Obviously, "Dick" went on and on about how the "girls" wear skimpy clothes and got Jeff's knickers in a knot.

For the record the first time I went, I wore traditional yoga clothing - capris and tight fitting top. Since then I have been wearing exercise shorts with a 4 inch inseam and heavy duty sports bra. I have issues with baring my belly for the anyone to see...especially considering it has gone through 3 pregnancies, a 70 pound weight loss and rarely sees the sun (glaringly obvious with black clothing and my tanned arms and legs) but frankly, it is way to hot to wear much else!

Namaste!

Long (and hot) run; RIP Mr. McCourt

I left the house at 6 am this morning with the intent of running 10 miles with my Space Coast Running buddies. Well, the first two miles were hellish. I felt like an elephant was standing on my chest because the air was so heavy. I couldn't keep up with my usual group and at 2 miles was feeling demoralized, but after a quick potty break (thank you SCR for the well placed porta-let) and some fluids (again thank you SCR), I decided to keep going with Kelly, Cindy and Deb. Kelly peeled off at 3 (recovery week) and Cindy and Deb at 3 1/2 (they both did a tri on Saturday), but I continued on and did the hill at High Point (mile 3.75-4.5). Back to the water stop and porta-let :) (mile 6.25) and then on to the village. I finished the run by running up and over the 520 causeway and back (miles 8.5-10). PHEW! It wasn't fast, it wasn't pretty, but I DID it. It would have been easy to cut the workout short because of the heat and my upset belly, but I feel better (mentally and physically) for finishing. Of course, the rest of the day was spent in recovery...sitting by the pool reading the materials for my NEH conference in Lowell and watching a French movie with subtitles on Sundance...bliss.

When I logged on my computer a few minutes ago, I noticed a news flash that Frank McCourt, author of Angela's Ashes had passed away. He was a fabulous story teller and will be missed by many.

What have I been doing?

...obviously not blogging! I've also only started one of the things (Bikram yoga) on my summer to do list. Wow, it's amazing how quickly the summer is going by. I have spent many (unpaid) hours at school cleaning up my colleagues laptops and cleaning out the computer lab. I also got the opportunity to spend two weeks up north visiting family. Had a great time hanging out with my adorable, smart niece (and of course, Jen and Mark) as well as with the MA family. The next two weeks will be filled with lesson planning and prepping for my NEH class about the Industrial Revolution in Lowell, MA. I also need to get out on my bike a little more often, once a week isn't going to cut it if I want to improve my tri times.

Bummer

I'm sad tonight because the class I was scheduled to teach at BCC was canceled (low enrollment) and now I'm stuck here all summer with nothing to do! Actually there is probably a lot I COULD do but don't want to do.



To do list:

Paint the kitchen cabinets...actually have to prime them first and I hate painting!

Clean my bedroom...really good

Paint bathroom???? Been meaning to do that for 4 years!

Lose 10 pounds

Take the 30 day Bikram yoga challenge

Start training for the Nike marathon

Move my classroom (hopefully)

And???



Happy summer!

What's Up???

Has it really been more than a month since I posted??? Part of the problem is spotty wireless at home, but I guess I've been even busier than I thought...I have a lot of reading to do to catch up on everyone's posts!!

The last few weeks have been filled with tri-training, taking an online "PC Troubleshooting" class in preparation for my "new" job next year and lesson planning for my current job as well as the community college course I am teaching this summer. Yes, I'm feeling a little stressed!

The good news is the tri is over and I didn't drown - in fact I finished the swim 3 minutes faster than I planned (sadly, that 27 minute swim ranked me 1300 and something out of 1688 participants - I still have a lot of ground to cover). The race was fun, but probably one of the hardest things I've ever done physically (including childbirth!) On the positive side, recovery has been extremely easy unlike after the marathon. I'm glad it is behind me. I plan on taking it semi-easy for the rest of the month in anticipation of building up my base miles in June and early July.

I also had a nice visit with my brother-in-law and his wife. She and I were really able to talk for the first time without anyone butting in. I enjoyed her company and look forward to developing an even closer relationship with her in the future. We talked at length about my trip to China (her grandparents are Chinese...her grandmother even had her feet bound) and family...turns out we have the same take on quite a few personalities and situations.

Two weeks ago, I took Sam to Tampa to see the Red Sox. We had lots of fun at the game and the next day made a pilgrimage to Bradenton to visit a few old haunts. I miss having Aunt Lil down here!

Well...got to go and catch up on everyone else's posts...hopefully it won't be month until I "talk" to you all again!

Downtown Melbourne 5K

A new PR - 24:09