Chasing Dreams, Running Away

Car Shopping

2009-07-26T20:46:00.002-04:00

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!)

2009-07-20T15:11:00.002-04:00

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

2009-07-19T19:24:00.003-04:00

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?

2009-07-18T20:21:00.002-04:00

...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

2009-06-03T20:42:00.002-04:00

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???

2009-05-12T13:38:00.002-04:00

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

2009-04-07T13:45:00.002-04:00

A new PR - 24:09

Easy and Yummy Supper

2009-04-06T20:38:00.003-04:00

I tried this recipe (adapted from BH&G) tonight. Everyone liked it a lot and it was fairly simple! I served it with sweet potatoes. It's great to be on spring break!

PORK SLIDERS

Pork tenderloin roast, sliced into ½ inch circles
1 egg
2 tbl honey
Salt and pepper
1 cup finely chopped pecans
½ bag prepared coleslaw
1 green apple, cored and thinly sliced
1/3 cup mayonnaise
Dinner rolls

In a shallow dish, make an egg wash by beating egg; 1 tbl of the honey and 2 tbl of water. In another shallow dish, combine pecans, 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp pepper. Heat oil in fry pan. Dip pieces of pork in egg wash and then pecan mixture. Cook about 4-5 minutes on each side. Meanwhile, combine mayonnaise and remaining 1 tbl of honey. Toss with slaw and sliced apples. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Put 1 or 2 slices of pork on dinner roll. Top slices of pork with slaw mixture and mustard (if desired).

San Francisco Here We Come!!!!

2009-03-31T07:52:00.003-04:00

Marisa and I found out last night at 8:02 that we "won" the Nike women's marathon lottery and will be running in the October 18th marathon in SF!!!!!! Gonna have to find some hills (bridges???) to train on down here in Florida!

Docs and Meds

2009-03-22T11:37:00.002-04:00

A new development in my ongoing medical saga...as I wrote in my last blog, the neurologist prescribed a medication to prevent my ocular migraines. I asked him at the time, what if I don't want to take it and he said they would probably get worse and I'd "end up in the emergency room." Obviously this guy doesn't know me all that well, because I avoid the ER like the plague. the last time I went Danielle was a week old, I was running a fever of 104, my head was splitting open and Jeff practically had to drag me.

Anyway, I started taking the med last weekend and not only did I experience the dizziness and fatigue, but other weird things like insomnia, tingling in my hands and face and the inability to run sprints...apparently this med regulates your heart rate, so I couldn't get it up to where I need it to run efficiently. On Wednesday, Marisa and I took a spin class and at the end my HR was 80...it was still 80 5 minutes later after the cool down!

In addition, I had one of my vision loss episodes (aka ocular migraine) at school on Wednesday morning. I called the doc as instructed and the nurse called me back (6 hours later!) to tell me to increase the dose. When I told her the side effects I was having she blew me off and said, "Dizziness and fatigue? That's the side effect of every drug!" I told her about my heart rate and she put me on hold (presumably to check with the doc) and came back and reiterated the instructions to increase the dose saying the side effects would eventually go away.

So what should I do???? Why am I taking this med anyway? My thoughts are why should I feel like crap every day in order to prevent something that happens once every couple of months and, on a pain scale of 1-10 is no more than a 2??? I've decided to call tomorrow and tell them I am discontinuing the med...according to a doctor friend and other info, I cannot just stop taking it, but should wean off because it can cause cardiac issues (woohoo!!!) If I start getting more frequent migraines that actually involve pain, I'll deal with them at that point (I've heard acupuncture is an option) with a different doc.

Catching up...

2009-03-15T15:23:00.003-04:00

...because I haven't posted in a while! can facebook be sucking up that much of my cybertime? Anyway, there are a few things going on down here in Florida in addition to the annual leap from winter to summer. When I live in MA, spring was one of my favorite times. I loved seeing the first robin and crocuses poking through the melting snow, the slow warming of the days and pussywillows popping out overnight. I miss the profuse blooming of daffodils, tulips, forsythia and lilacs causing sensory overload! Down here we just leap frog from having to wear a jacket into HHH - hazy, hot and humid! We had a 10K race yesterday and the heat (at 8:00 in the morning!) took a toll on my time (well, the heat and the bridge we had to run up and over and back!)

After the race, i jumped in the car and raced home to shower because Sam and i had tickets to see the Sox play the Orioles down in Fort Lauderdale. Almost none of the big names were there because they had played the Yankees the night before, but we had fun. Sam got Rocco Baldelli (sp?) and the manager of the Orioles autographs. Even though the game was played at the orioles field, the Red Sox nation accounted for more than half the fans. We sat between a recent WPI grad and her mom and a high school classmate of Rocco! Our seats were three rows behind the Oriole dugout and Sam caught the ball the Orioles threw into the stands after their first inning in the field - good thing he was paying attention, because I wasn't!

There may be some changes coming my way at work next year...can't say yet, as I have only floated the idea but my principal seemed to like it. As I am typing this, I remember being in China last summer - on two different occasions (at the Jade Temple and in a dumpling restaurant) I took part in some fortune telling activities which both predicted a job promotion! Although I wouldn't classify this as a promotion - especially because the bishop froze all salaries - it will definitely take me in a new direction. I also filled out all the paperwork at BCC and am officially teaching there this summer (this actually played into my proposal at my real job...I figure is I have to stay here all summer, I may as well be working on something!)

Marisa and I signed up for the Nike Women's Marathon lottery! This marathon is held in San Francisco in October and featured firefighters in tuxes handing out Tiffany necklaces at the finish line. We have been talking about it for over a year and so we finally bit the bullet and registered. we did a group registration so that we will both get in or not...if anyone is interested in joining us, our group code is gillets@dmccs.org (this will make sense when you go to the registration page https://www.signmeup.com/site/reg/register.aspx?fid=SG2V6K7). Last day to register is MARCH 18! We are still training for the Danskin tri and actually I'm planning on going to swim lessons tomorrow morning at 5:30 am - YIKES!

Health wise I have been feeling pretty good, but I had my follow-up visit with the neurologist. Because i had another episode of vision loss at the end of January, he put me on a maintenance dose of an anti-migraine medicine (the official diagnosis is ocular migraines...but I still think this is one of those catch-all diagnoses they use when nothing else turns up!) The side effects are dizziness (I have daily dizzy spells already because my bp is on the low side, so this ought to be interesting), fatigue (when am i not???) and depression (this one worries me because it's easy for me to slip into depression and I usually don't notice it until I'm a basketcase). I'm going to try the medicine for a little while (took the first dose today) and see what happens. My second echocardiogram confirmed the low pressure in my pulmonary ventricle, so I have to have some tests done and see a pulmonologist. even though this was discovered as a result of testing to see what caused my vision loss, the neurologist says it's unrelated...the joys of getting old. I'm wondering if we weren't better off before all this medical technology?

Sunday Long Run

2009-02-23T11:48:00.003-05:00

I had a great run yesterday in Cocoa Village. Barbara, Bill and I kept up with the Boston Bound Ladies (BBL) until they turned around at 5.5 miles (they were adding a bridge run on the end of their long run in preparation for the hills of eastern MA). We continued on to 6 and then turned around. Barbara and I ran back to village together and actually caught up with the BBL around mile 11...our 11th mile was 8:11 - tempo pace for me! We finished in 1:45, 2 minutes faster than last week...even with a 10 minute last mile I would have smashed my 1/2 marathon pr. Makes me itchy for a race!

Sam and I went to St. Katherine's for the Greek festival for lunch, yummy lamb, orzo and pastries. I bought some Greek honey. One of my favorite breakfasts while visiting Greece was Greek yogurt drizzled with honey.

More Recipes

2009-02-22T20:29:00.002-05:00

I love getting my new Better Homes and Gardens on a weekend that I have some time to cook. I tried 3 recipes from the March 2009 magazine and loved them all.

The Salad with Warm Goat Cheese took me back to a restaurant I visited on my first trip to Paris...I can't believe it is so easy and I never attempted it before. Basically, you take 1 or 2 slices of good bread (I used a multi-grain Italian from my grocery store bakery) cut it in half, brush with olive oil, top with a circle of goat cheese (about 1/4 inch thick) and toast it until the cheese starts to melt. Meanwhile dress your salad greens (they have a recipe for a vinaigrette, but I use a little oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper0 and top with the toast....MMMMMMM. Simply delish!

The other 2 recipes were perfectly timed - I had a few oranges in my fruit bowl and grabbed a grapefruit off the tree out front for the Citrus Salsa and blackberries were on sale at the grocery store, so the Chicken-Berry Salad was not exorbitant. I would have never thought to add feta into the recipe but it made a wonderful counter taste for the berries and pears. The salmon is very quick and easy. The chicken is a little more involved but a complete meal.

CITRUS SALSA SALMON

4 skinless salmon fillets (4-5oz. each)
Salt and black pepper
1/3 cup jalapeno pepper jelly
3 medium oranges, peeled, seeded, and chopped
1 medium grapefruit, peeled, sectioned and chopped
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved

1. Heat broiler. Sprinkle salmon with salt and pepper. Melt jelly in small saucepan over low heat. Brush 2 TBL of melted jelly on salmon; reserve remaining jelly. Place salmon on broiler rack. Broil for 8-10 minutes or until salmon flakes when tested with a fork.
2. Meanwhile, combine chopped oranges, grapefruit and tomatoes with remaining jelly. Season with salt and pepper. Serve salmon with salsa.

CHICKEN BERRY SALAD

½ cup orange juice ¼ cup lime juice
¼ cup lemon juice 1 TBL EVOO
1 tsp chopped fresh basil salt and pepper
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts 3 cups blackberries
¼ cup red wine vinegar 3 TBL sugar
1 tsp Dijon mustard ¼ tsp oregano
½ c. EVOO 2 pears, cored and thinly sliced
¾ cup crumbled feta salad greens

Marinade: in a small bowl stir together OJ, lime juice, lemon juice, basil, 1 TBL EVOO, ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper. Place chicken in resealable plastic bag, pour juice mixture over chicken and seal bag. Marinate for 1-4 hours in refrigerator, turning bag.

Dressing: in a blender combine 1 cup of berries, vinegar, sugar, mustard, oregano, ¼ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper. Cover and blend until smooth. With blender running slowly add ½ cup oil in thin stream until well combined. Cover and refrigerate until serving time.

Drain chicken and grill. Top salad greens with sliced chicken, pears and remaining 2 cups of berries. Top with dressing and feta.

Sex in a Pan?

2009-02-21T20:37:00.002-05:00

This might be better than sex in a bed :)

SEX IN A PAN

1 1/2 cups of all purpose flour
1 1/2 sticks butter
1 cup chopped pecan nuts
12 ounces cream cheese
1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar
2 packages instant chocolate pudding
3 cups milk
16 ounces cool whip

Preheat oven to 350

Melt sticks of butter; mix flour, melted butter, and 3/4 cup chopped pecans; spread into 9x13 pan; bake 15-20 minutes; let cool
Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and only 1 1/2 cups cool whip; spread on top of 1.
Mix pudding and milk; spread on top of 2
Spread however much you want of cool whip on top of 3.
Sprinkle however much you want of chopped pecans on top of 4.
Refrigerate one hour before serving

Ahhhhh...a long weekend.

2009-02-17T15:39:00.004-05:00

I LOVE long weekends! Saturday morning I got up at 6:00 and biked to Rockledge (16 miles) for my first adult swim lesson. Coach Mike had us (yes, it's not only me!!!) run through some drills designed to help us find our point of balance in the water and get used to swimming more on our sides than our bellies (less drag). I was a bit apprehensive at the idea of swimming outside, but it turned out the water was quite warm...actually nicer than the air so getting in wasn't horrible. I drank (unintentionally) and snorted a lot of pool water, but when was all said and done I did feel more comfortable swimming the laps at the end. After the swim, Marisa and I went into the Village for coffee and a croissant and to give us time to screw up the energy to get back in saddle to ride home. It would have been very easy to call home and get a ride, but I resisted and set off for home. The first 6 or 7 miles is a beautiful ride along the Indian River and it was a gorgeous day! I obediently stopped at each stop sign because some of the residents don't like the bikers and runners to use "their" road and have been complaining (there were unmarked cruisers at each intersection when I was coming to the pool...I wonder how much that cost the city of Rockledge?) and I took a little break before crossing US1. This is where the ride gets hairy...1/2 mile on US1 South, then a turn into Suntree/Viera. I was hoping to hit a couple of traffic lights when I got to Wickham so I could rest my very sore butt, but as luck would have it, I only saw green for the entire stretch. By the time I got home, everything hurt so I sat outside and read* (and got a sunburn) before taking a shower and making Uncle Rick's Penne Vodka with Sausage for Valentine's dinner.

Sunday I met up with the Space Coast Runners for my long run. There is a group of women training for Boston and I ran a bit with them last week. This week I wanted to see how long I could keep up their pace and ended up going out six with them and running back with Barbara. The second 6 miles were actually a bit faster than the first...I probably could have set a new half marathon PR! The weather on Sunday wasn't great and I designated it to be a nap day. I don't normally take naps because then I can't fall asleep at night, but I knew I didn't have to get up Monday...so what the heck! In my logy post-nap state I bowed to peer pressure (thanks Jennifer) and opened a Facebook account. It's actually kind of fun because I am reconnecting with a lot of old friends from high school. I still was awake enough to watch Desperate Housewives...but seeing this was the first episode I have seen this season I was little confused!

Monday I made crepes for Sam and then headed to the gym for weight training, yoga, swimming and last but not least a nice long sauna. The swimming went much smoother...I knocked out 22 laps and only used the little floaty thing between my legs (someone could probably make a fortune if they designed a bathing suit with a built in float for people who drag their butts in the water) for the last 5! Then I spent the afternoon trying to get Sam reorganized for school - new backpack, new binders and folders...that ought to last about a week! And, alas, the weekend was over before I knew it.

*I'm reading a memoir called Petite Anglaise and it is fueling a desire to visit Paris...and soon. Anyone up for a vacation the week before Easter????

What was I thinking???

2009-02-10T08:11:00.002-05:00

So I signed up for the Danskin Tri at WDW on May 10...but I really can't swim! Last night I went to the gym with the goal of swimming a length of the pool without stopping and, the good news is, I was able to do that a few times. So I tried to add a second length (to make it an official lap) and I can't even make it to the middle of the pool! I feel like I am gasping for breath and I know I'm taking on water because by the time I finished my lungs were all gurgly and I had to cough repeatedly to clear them. So all in all, I swam 10 laps (which is slightly over 1/4 mile) but it took me a half hour...I have a LOT of work to do in the pool!

Happy Birthday!

2009-02-07T16:14:00.002-05:00

Danielle celebrated her 21st birthday yesterday. I started the day blubbering like an idiot to Jen on the phone...I couldn't figure out whether I was feeling old or what! Anyway, came home and made her a birthday dinner (salmon, potato goat cheese au gratin, salad, and the first homemade b-day cake I've baked in a VERY long time...chocolate with chocolate whipped cream frosting topped with chocolate covered strawberries...mmmmm). She had plans to go out. We talked to her and told her NOT to be an idiot and drink too much just because it was "legal." The good news is she had a designated driver. the bad news is she got totally wasted and ended up throwing up all night long. I asked the girls who brought her home (and stayed to take care of her until about 4 am) just how much she had to drink because I was concerned I might need to bring her to the hospital (they only admitted to 6 shots and 2 drinks, but I understand it as more...egged on by the bartender, which I pointed out to my darling daughter was pretty irresponsible). Jeff said if she was puking she'd be fine, but I worried that she'd end up choking to death or something. Anyway...she survived somewhat worse for the wear and vowing NEVER to to that again (yeah, I know I think we all have made a similar vow after riding the porcelain bus, but I hope she means it...she has always hated vomiting).

I ran the Tiger Dash 10K this morning...pr of 51:21 even though the course had 7 or 8 hairpin turns. It was a nice morning for a run. High 40s and clear with only a little wind. After the race and awards (no I didn't place...I'm telling you this is one tough age group) Marisa and I went to the Health Plex and worked on our swimming. We signed up for the Danskin Tri at WDW in May and I have a LOT of work to do in the pool. At this point I can barely swim a length without having to stop...yikes!!!!

Oh yeah, did you hear about Chirac's clinically depressed maltese?

2009-02-01T14:06:00.002-05:00

Okay...when I was running this morning I was listening to the podcast of last week's "Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me" (for those of you unfamiliar...a hilarious look at the week's news with an irreverent spin). Anyway, there was a story about former French president Jacques Chirac being attacked by his Maltese Poodle that had me laughing out loud...the people in the neighborhood are definitely going to think I'm nuts! Here's a link www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/4306529/Chirac-bitten-by-pet-dog.html to one account...I like the npr version better because they thought it was a poodle mix and those of you that know me, know I own the world's most perfect poodle :)!!!

5K PR

2009-02-01T13:37:00.004-05:00

Yesterday I ran the "Run for the Light" (benefit for the Candelighters of Brevard...an organization that helps families of children with cancer) 5K in Windover Farms (convenient!) This marks the third time I ran this particular race. In fact, it has special meaning for me because it is the very first rcae I ran when I started running a little over two years ago! It's hard to believe that I ran a 33:15 back then (my goal was just to finish without needing an ambulance!) and placed third in my age group! I think that was one of the motivating factors in my continuing to run. Last year I ran a 26:43 and placed 7th in the age group (out of 12). This year I had a PR (personal record) time of 24:36 and still only placed 7th (out of 18). Go figure! The competition is getting a lot faster! Actually, I would have placed in the top three in just about any other age division...I just happened to get bit by the running bug at a time when a lot of women do! Oh well, for me it is more self-competition and that keeps me training hard and satisfied.

I also recently changed gyms, at the behest of my elder son who wanted to be able to work out with his friends. This gym is brand spanking new and very state of the art...sort of intimidating compared to my little neighborhood place where I see the same faces on a regular basis. But the facilities are beautiful and they have a pool...which I hope to be using soon to cross train for triatholon season...gotta keep it fresh!

"Professor" Gillette

2009-01-26T20:30:00.002-05:00

Good news!!! I got an email today from my friend at the community college. I have been credentialed to teach US History I and II and Western Civ I and II pending the receipt of my official transcript! This is definitely a step in the right direction for me, although it does mean I probably won't be doing any traveling this summer. Now I just have to wait until they set the schedule (there is some question to is they are doing 2 six week terms or 1 8 week) and pick my classes! I already have one of my former students who takes dual enrollment courses ready to sign up!

Recovery Complete (hopefully)

2009-01-18T13:04:00.003-05:00

I took the week off running to recover from the marathon...it was kind of depressing to see the scale inch up a couple of pounds, but I really wanted to make sure that I was injury free. I did do my usual yoga classes on Monday and Wednesday. Monday was great...the instructor is also a runner so she ran over a few times and massaged my legs to get the lactic acid moving. It was just what I needed. On Tuesday, I did plyometrics with my running group...lots of core, so my abs were a little tender. And on Thursday I went to the massage place for their 2 1/2 hour "Inauguration Special." This included 1/2 hour on the Migun bed (jade rollers and infrared heat); 1 hour massage; 1/2 hour detox foot bath (okay that was a little weird...there was a lot of "gunk" in the water when I was done) and 1/2 hour reflexology. Altogether very relaxing and therapeutic.

This morning I ran for the first time - 8 miles - the first 3 at a 10:30 pace and the rest around 9:30. Felt good! Tomorrow I am meeting a few people for a bike ride (I brought the bike today but it was still a little chilly after running!) And as soon as it is at least 50ish in the morning, I am going to start taking swimming lessons a couple mornings a week before work...next up, a triatholon!

I'm excited about Obama's inauguration on Tuesday. I can't believe our field trip didn't fly. It would have been really cool to be in DC for this!

Disney Marathon

2009-01-11T16:40:00.003-05:00

Yeah, I did it! I completed my first marathon and in a respectable time (4:24:59) too! It really wasn't as bad as I had imagined. I kept wondering when I was going to hit the wall and then immediately trying to banish that negative thought! I wasn't completely spent at them end, so I'm wondering what I left out there??? I guess I'll find out at the next one (NO, I haven't planned when.

We stayed at the Marriot Residence Inn right outside WDW. It was very comfortable - 2 bedrooms and a living/kitchen area. I was able to go to bed early (8:15) while Jeff and Sam watched football. I slept better than I expected (trying to stay awake now, so I can crash early again tonight). Disney recommends arriving at Epcot by 4:00 am. If you have never run and plan to run Disney, heed their advice! We left the hotel at 4:20 and the 5 minute ride took 45 minutes...then you have to walk about a mile to the start. Of course, I needed to take a last minute bathroom trip (I was next in line during the National Anthem!!!), so I did not make it to my assigned corral (I really should have changed to C - it would have been much easier).

Anyhow, at the start I was in Corral G!!! So much for hooking up with the pace group. I was able to overtake the 5 hour pace group somewhere between Epcot and Magic Kingdom, but at mile 20ish (hairpin turn) I was still 1 minute behind the 4:30 group and never was able to catch up. I suppose in the long run, it was probably a good thing because it slowed me down for the first few miles.

I did stop and get some vaseline for the inside of my arms...I could feel them rubbing and hadn't body-glided there and I ended up with a blister on the top of my left foot (felt that coming on around 21). My achilles was okay for the first 10 - I did tape it with generic kinesio tape,using the info in Runners' World. By 12 it was screaming so I took some tylenol (I also took some before the race) at the next water station and it felt okay by 15. I iced it all the way home, stretched out in the back seat of the car.

Overall it was a positive experience...the surplus of support (plenty of water/aid stations, lots of volunteers cheering us on, cool distractions...music, animals, scenery) outweighed the huge number of runners (I ended up running an extra .3 miles dodging walkers!) Now, if I can only survive the recovery.....

Things to remember

2009-01-09T12:12:00.002-05:00

1. Don't take hubby to packet pick-up before a marathon! I really was looking forward to soaking up a little runner energy and spending some money on marathon paraphernalia, but instead, I was rushed through as he shuffled behind sighing! So I saved some money, but I was bummed.

2. When registering for a marathon it might be better to overestimate your finish time than underestimate. Being my first marathon, I conservatively estimated my finish at 5:00. However, my training and recent 1/2 results indicate I should be done by 4:15...I'll be happy with 4:30. But, by registering 5:00, I'm now in the wrong corral for the pace group!!! ARGH! The Disney race relations lady was very nice but I think she "disneyfied" me so she didn't have to change anything. I'm just going to have to work my way up to the front of the corral so I can try and catch at least the 4:30 group.

3. BREATH!!! In and out...and then just put one foot in front of the other.

Four Days and Counting...

2009-01-07T15:55:00.004-05:00

...until the Disney Marathon. I am alternating between euphoria and serious self-doubt. I went to running camp Tuesday night but did not participate in the 400 repeats or plyometrics...I just ran my scheduled 6 miles for tapering. Everyone is pulling for Marisa and me to HAVE FUN and FINISH. It is great to have the support.

I thought I'd be better rested at this point, but I feel creaky and cranky. My throat is a little sore and I'm hoping it is just being back at school and having to talk so much. I haven't slept through the night in about 2 weeks. (I started this post on Wednesday afternoon and I'm happy to report that after a killer hip-opener yoga class, I actually slept like a baby all night long!) I am also very emotional...I watched a clip of the 1982 Hawaiian Ironman and was sobbing to see the female leader collapse and have to crawl over the finish line after being passed in the last few feet! My legs are achy...and I guess I'm being really WHINY.

I have been trying to eat good stuff this week, but have to admit to hitting the candy jar in the office a little too much. I made some great recipes this week from Runners' World including Fettucine Paolo from the May 2008 edition - chicken, peppers, sundried tomatoes, artichokes...mmmmm, good. But I have been freaking out about fuel during the race...jelly beans, shot blocks, gels...do I have enough pockets in my race-ready shorts?

Anyway, in other news...there's a guy offering swimming lessons/tips at the Rockledge pool 3 mornings a week and Saturdays. Marisa and I are going to check it out (after we have recovered) so we can possibly do a tri this spring. Looking for the next challenge and setting the next goal!!! Jeff asked if I was having a midlife crisis and I almost said, "No, if I were I would have bought a sports car...oops, guess that was your midlife crisis!" Also, I may be teaching at BCC this summer (which would put a kabosh on travel, but I'd be making money instead of spending and gaining experience that will help me move up the education ladder toward my ultimate goal of teaching at the college/university level).

Gotta go to lunch with cherubs :)

7 Weird/Random Things You Never Really Wanted To Know

2009-01-03T19:23:00.000-05:00

1. I am a birth order anomally...first born biological and middle child of the family...I'm sure a psych major would have a field day with me!

2. I love dictionaries and sometimes find myself "reading" them...you know, you look up a word which leads you to look up another word, and so on.

3. I've never lived on my own and greatly regret it.

4. I like to knit...not a craft conducive to Florida.

5. I do my best thinking in the shower, but I often have a difficult time remembering my great ideas!

6. I came this close to changing Sam's name to Benjamin...the nurse brought me the paperwork to fill out early in the morning and I really considered it....maybe if I had then I would have been able to remember his name when an acquaintance asked about three weeks later and my friend Ann Marie had to say (very slowly like she was talking to a crazy person), "Sam, his name is Sam." To which I replied, "Oh yeah, that's it! I knew it started with an S!"

7. I want to qualify to run the Boston Marathon.

It's been a while....

2009-01-03T18:34:00.005-05:00

I haven't posted in a few weeks basically because I've been being lazy!

A quick recap of events: Jen and Lindsey were here until the Monday before Christmas and we had a ball. She is such a joy-filled and smart little girl. Whether we were looking at Christmas lights, running around the playground or digging in the sand at the beach she was fully engaged and quick to smile...you could literally see the wheels turning in her little head. I, of course, cried when they left but I have to admit it took me a couple of days to recover when she left...I forgot how exhausting "two" can be...Jen, I give you a lot of credit for keeping up with her!
I only wished I lived closer so I could play a more integral part in her life instead of being the crazy aunt who shows up once or twice a year.

The highlight of Christmas Eve was the rib roast! It was delish...tender, marbled, nice and pink. I invited my mother-in-law for dinner so we were treated to a full recap of her medical issues as well as a painfully depressing dredging up of dead dogs and husbands. Please lord give me patience and when I am old let me be more upbeat!!! I had a couple glasses of wine but still planned on attending midnight (actually 11:00 pm) Mass but Sam got a migraine, threw up and crashed into bed a little after 9:00, so we ended up staying home much to the relief and amusement of all the resident athiests in the house. Christmas morning was saved by Jeff...I finally concede that he is a better (read doesn't mind spending good money on crap people may not really need) shopper than I am. I told him he now has the honor of all future shopping, I quit! What a load off my shoulders. Later in the day we went up the street to the Larsen's for food and fellowship...a good time was had by all, but I was glad to have the holiday behind us. I've turned into such a scrooge!

I've had a lot of appointments during the break, including one with my primary care doc. She scheduled me an MRI and I have a follow-up with the neurologist the Tuesday after the marathon. I also have another echocardiogram scheduled in March because the cardiologist saw something funky with the right ventricle...may have just been a fluke, but just in case! The MRI freaked me out a bit...I ended up taking all the Valium the doc prescribed. I'm glad it's done.

The other thing occupying my computer time has been the search for seminars and classes to apply for this summer. I'm going to apply for Gilder Lehrman even though their literature says that they don't award grants in back to back years...some of the teachers I met in NYC last summer were on the their 2nd or 3rd award. I'm also applying for a couple NEH workshops (Civil Rights in Birmingham and Industrial Revolution in Deerborn) and I'm trying to decide which seminar I want to apply to. I originally was leaning toward the Life of St. Francis in Italy, but 2 new seminars were posted - one is about France's role in WWII and it is held in Paris and Normandy (my favorite place on the earth) but there is another in South Africa that looks REALLY interesting. I need to make up my mind soon! Of course, hundreds of people apply for these and they only take like 20 teachers, so my chances are slim but it is worth a shot.

On the running front, my last really long run was 12/21 and I'm not even sure how long it was as my Garmin died at 1/2 mile. So, I just ran for 3 1/2 hours and I still haven't gone out and clocked the mileage in the car. One of my running friends, Kim, broke her femur close to the hip socket at mile 24 of the Jacksonville marathon. Space Coast Runners is having a benefit breakfast for her in the morning. She is also a teacher and has to stay off her feet for 6-8 weeks. If you pray, say one for her! These last two weeks have been tapers and I'm a little antsy. I did run a great 3 miles yesterday...close to my 5K PR...and I'm trying to concentrate on my nutrition and stretching this week in preparation for Disney next Sunday!!!

So, in closing, just want to wish everyone a happy and healthy new year!!!!

p.s. Book recommendation - I just finished "The Lace Reader" by Brunonia Barry...it was a great read...sort of a psychological intrigue set in modern Salem, MA.

What a great week....

2008-12-16T14:58:00.001-05:00

...it started on Saturday morning at 8:24:50. I set a new 5K PR by 28 seconds at the Cape Canerval Reindeer Run. WOW! Talk about a runner's high. I had planned on coming straight home after the race to get things ready for Jen and Lindsey, but I celebrated by joining my team mates for breakfast. Then I met Patti to pick up the pack-n-play, which I forgot to get at school, shich would have been, oh so, much more convenient! I still had time to clean and grocery shop before getting ready for Karen's 60th b-day party. It was nice seeing and talking to the other Karen, but I was a bit disappointed the other ABBA ladies didn't attend. Anyway, we got home and in bed early which was good because the alarm went off at 4:00 so I could do my 18 mile long run on Sunday!! Sam and I also picked out a Christmas tree...which we got ridiculed for...if it were up to me there probably wouldn't be a tree at all...so certain people should watch their comments.

Then it was off to the airport to pick up our guests from NY!!! I was about 15 minutes away when the phone rang at 3:10. It was Jen and they were already on the ground...25 minutes early...yikes! By the time I got there and parked they were at baggage claim. We hustled out to the garage, got everything stowed away, changed Lindsey's diaper and we set off for Melbourne. as soon as we exited the parking garage, Lindsey looked around and said, "Where's the snow gone?" We chatted all the way home and she settled right in with the kitties (actually the little dogs, which I guess sort of look like cats, especially Curly). She played ball with them and was talking to everyone...even with no nap she was in a really good mood. I got some long, long hugs which I cherish and before she went to bed we went out to look for the moon. It was too cloudy so we walked down the street a little to look at Christmas lights.

Monday we left at about 9:30 to go to Sea World. Just outside Brevard on 528, traffic came to a standstill for an accident on the other side of the road. they had to shut down the west bound lanes to land the life flight helicopters (today's paper said all 4 people in the car were wtill alive). We had fun talking to the people in the cars around us and making fun of some of the dorks who stepped in fire ants or had to run back to the cars when traffic started moving again. Sea World was a blast. Lindsey liked the Shamu show and wanted to "try that," and she laughed when the dolphins splashed her. She was not crazy about the walrus who kept swimming up to the viewing window, but I think it was because she was getting tired. It is fun to "see" familiar places through the eyes of a child experiencing them for the first time!

Today we went to the beach for a little bit. As we walked over the beach access and she caught sight of the ocean she stopped, pulled up her hands and said, "That scared me!" But she loved digging in the sand, molding the sand into shapes, dumping out buckets of sand and shells and putting them back. I think she would have been content to stay there all day!

Long Runs and Long Days

2008-12-07T16:02:00.000-05:00

I am sitting in the recliner typing this thinking I really should have some ice on my legs. I had a 20 mile long run scheduled this morning. I met Marisa in the village and we did the first 3 together. I did the next 10 with Steve Runner's podcast (http://www.steverunner.com/) which was really cool because it was all about a race in Central Mass (Whitin 5 Miler). It was like I was transported back home :) The last seven I listened to Wait, Wait and This America.n Life (http://www.npr.org) ...it was a very tough run and I'm getting sorer by the minute...ah, the price I must pay to fulfil the dream of running (and FINISHING) a marathon! By the way, here's a picture Jack took of Frank, EB and me after the half last week:

After today's run, I had to go up to school for a meeting...yep, on a Sunday...they wouldn't be able to do this in a public school. I must admit I am getting more and more discouraged about my future in my current position. Between the added stress and extra time spent creating (and grading) lesson plans and assessments for 5 different and totally distinct courses that will engage and promote student driven learning, additional "paperwork" (actually, it is online, but still additional work) of curriculum mapping and this committee, all the other added responsibilities...student council (Turkey Bowling, dances, stewardship drives), activities, Mass prep, field trips and retreats, etc., my faith crisis and the supposed impending collapse of the local economy, I am starting to seriously consider a shift to the public sector. I AM FRIED!

Friday was spent with the 6th grade all day at the ROPES course in Palm Bay. We didn't get back to school until 4:30 and I had to wait around with students until about 4:45. Then I. helped Angela finish getting ready for the school dance. After a quick bite to eat, we were back at school to chaperone the dance which ended at 9:30. By the time we cleaned up and the last students were picked up by their (late) parents it was a little after 10:00, so basically it was 16 hour day. Yesterday I spent 4 hours creating midterm exams for all the social studies classes. And today, when I'm done carping here, I have to get together a Mass for next week, create and post curriculum maps and get ready for the GeoBee! Woohoo...thank God for weekends...I need them to finish all the crap I don't have time to do during the week.

I am so looking forward to having Jen and Lindsey visit next week. I can't wait to take them to see all the Christmas lights. We're gonna have a blast.

My test

2008-12-04T21:20:00.000-05:00

Yeah, I had my echocardiogram yesterday...totally overshadowed by the mother-in-law. My tech said it looked okay to him...it is a very strange test...I didn't realize my heart was under my boob too!

Anyway...have to get in bed early...I'm taking the 6th grade to the ROPES course tomorrow and then I get the joy of chaperoning a middle school dance...I'm so happy!

Running log: 7 miles, slow

Mother-in-laws

2008-12-03T21:23:00.001-05:00

This whole saga began on Thanksgiving morning (actually, it started well before that but I was first dragged into the mess last week). Jeff's cousin from Connecticut called and was concerned about Sis (my mother-in-law). Apparently she had talked to them earlier in the day and had been up ALL night taking her blood pressure and pulse...no lie, she wrote it down every hour...I saw the evidence! She had been to a doctor (walk-in clinic...like mother, like son) and he had her on a diuretic. Anyway, Jeff's cousin's husband...who is NOT a doctor...told her she need to go off the diuretic. This family never fails to flabbergast me even after 20 years! I heard through the grapevine that she had tried to call the doctor after Thanksgiving, but the office was closed. So, she spent the whole weekend stewing and working herself up into a frenzy!

On Monday, she got an appointment with a primary care doctor recommended by a friend. he sent her for some tests including an echocardiogram. So yesterday afternoon, I'm driving to running and my cell rings and it's Sis...all upset and emotional. The technician (not a radiologist), couldn't believe she had waited so long to have the test...her heart (this is what she told me) was not working right - it was holding blood in the top chamber and pumping too hard in the bottom. She insisted the tech told she shouldn't be alone in case she went into cardiac arrest! I offered to go pick her up, but she demurred and I promised her someone would be at her house that night. When I got ahold of Jeff he was his typical pissy self. I didn't want Danielle or Alex spending the night because I was certain they'd end up accompanying her to the ER in the middle of the night via ambulance!!! Anyway, Jeff did finally go and also took her to the cardiologist today.

When they were getting ready to leave, Sis had her suitcase packed...she also had filled out a stop mail form and wanted to drop it at the PO on her way to the doctor!!! The cardiologist said her condition was a normal aging process and could be easily managed with coumadin (which the doctor on Monday had prescribed, but she had not taken because she was "afraid of it"). The funny thing is, when Jeff was telling me this story he said, "You know how some people are. They read the pamphlet that comes with the medicine and all the side effects are worse than sickness." Yeah, I know exactly how some people are because this summer, his walk-in clinic doctor prescribed a steriod to treat some inner ear issue he was having and he didn't take it because the side effects included weight gain...I gotta tell you, no one would have been any the wiser!!! I finally told him, if you're not going to take the medicine stop b*&#$ing about how lousy you feel! God help me!!!

See, this is why I run...to escape the madness :)

Running log: 4.5 miles at 9:45 overall pace; strength training and yoga...ah, bliss.

Space Coast 1/2 marathon

2008-11-30T12:55:00.000-05:00

Well, I completed my second half marathon this morning...felt great...except during miles 10-12.5! Actually, I had a great race taking 12 minutes off last year's time. The first 3 miles were glorious...I felt strong and pain free even in the places that normally ache all the time (must have been the massage yesterday :)). I kept my pace around 8:45ish until mile 10 when it slipped up into the high 9s and low 10s. Running into the park at Cocoa Village finish was such a high!!!!! i ended up finishing 19th out of 102 in my age group and 250th out of 1068 runners. Not too shabby for my second attempt. Those of you who run may be able to relate to something that happened. There is always SOMEONE who you kind of eyeball at the beginning of a race or over the course of a season to try and beat. Last year I was thrilled when I finally beat Jack...my 75 year old training partner at a 5K. This time there was one woman who I know slightly who passed me at about 3 miles. At 10 I had her in my sites and my wonderful pacer, Deb, powered me past her on the last two sets of hills...I was psyched! However, my elation didn't last long because when they posted the chip time, she had beat me by about 10 seconds..dang!

Now I'm in bed trying to tie up a few loose ends for school tomorrow. My stomach has been a mess since I got home and I really need a nap. Hopefully there'll be pictures posted soon and I'll attach a link...running on empty....

T-Day Post-mortem

2008-11-28T13:17:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving used to be one of my favorite holidays...but that was back in the days when my contribution consisted of pies baked under the watchful eye of my grammy. Part of the allure was getting to spend quality time with her regardless of whether I was 10 or 30 or somewhere in between. I regret my stupid teenage years when I probably thought I was too cool or too busy to be bothered. Wednesday afternoon as I rolled out the crust for the 3rd of 5 pies, I found myself crying into the dough because a.) I miss my grandmother and b.) I couldn't help but wonder if she ever hated standing there making all those dang pies year after year!

All in all the day went well. We had our neighbors over for dinner and then more friends for dessert...still had way too much pie!!!

I ran in the morning...4 painful miles...today was better...3 miles with negative splits, right around the pace I need to run on Sunday for the half. My ankle loosened up after about a half mile. It was still talking to me but at least it was not screaming. Looking forward to a massage tomorrow afternoon :)