As I've said before, I read a ton of blogs. Here's one I love and I particularly dig this post.
Meadow DeVor kicks ass.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Working It Out
That work out schedule I made for myself last week? BAHAHAHA. It didn't happen. Extremely busy week at work after having been at Myrtle Beach for a week and all my energies went to that. I was also still struggling with the hormone issue that rears it's ugly head and it just drains me. But I got back on the wagon this week. The focus is going to be running and the BodyFlow class at Gold's. I'd LOVE to do more, free weights or BodyPump, BodyCombat and I'm dying to take some MMA classes, but I can only do so much. So I'm focusing on the running because that's a goal for myself and the BodyFlow because I just love it. Trying to do too much is a trap I fall into all too often so I have to try to avoid it at all costs because it sets me back a ton. So far, so good this week, have hit every work out goal. I have the Real Girls Run 6K on Saturday, October 8 and I hope to not finish last. But even if I did, I'd still be proud I did it. I've also signed up for a local college's Homecoming 5K on October 15.
I really, Really, REALLY want some cool running and work out gear. I'm using the same couple things I've used for a couple years and I'll use them until they fall apart into threads on my body because that shit is expensive. However, I'm going to try to start adding a piece or 2 every now and then.
Today is rest day, no work out. But back at it tomorrow and Saturday, Friday possibly as I may check out a Zumba class. Everyone seems to dig it and I have not yet tried it.
Basically, my life is kicking ass these days, working it out pays off.
I really, Really, REALLY want some cool running and work out gear. I'm using the same couple things I've used for a couple years and I'll use them until they fall apart into threads on my body because that shit is expensive. However, I'm going to try to start adding a piece or 2 every now and then.
Today is rest day, no work out. But back at it tomorrow and Saturday, Friday possibly as I may check out a Zumba class. Everyone seems to dig it and I have not yet tried it.
Basically, my life is kicking ass these days, working it out pays off.
Good Days
Some days, are just better than others. I had one of those on Sunday.
I got back on my work out schedule FINALLY and did a slow 2 miles on the treadmill at the gym. You have to start somewhere. After that I went to see my Gran Charlotte at the nursing home. I really had to do some mental prep work before this as she is really starting to decline more so mentally as well as physically. But, she was having a good day! I love her smile and how her eyes sparkle at me, it's awesome when she still knows us, but the time is coming that she won't. It's a fact of her dementia and I'm just glad I've had her for so long. She's had a good, long, wonderful life. As a family, I think we all agree that we don't want to see her waste away in pain or suffering at the nursing home and when the time comes that she will go peacefully before it gets too bad.
Next up was a visit with my Dad at his house. It was a great visit, he was in a good mood, great spirits and we had a nice talk, lounged by the pool and had lots of laughs. There is just a different vibe there now that my step-mother and he have separated and are divorcing. It's like a 24 year old weight lifted off of my shoulders. This won't make sense to anyone who manages to stumble across this and doesn't really know me. How should I explain? My step-mother was a waitress in my parents restaurant when she had an affair with my Dad. She is 4 years older than I am. My Dad left my Mom, my sister and I, married her and started a life. They had 2 children, a boy and a girl, my brother and sister whom I love very much! But it's been a rocky road, for me especially. And now, she is gone. And I'm not happy to see this happen to them or my Dad again. But I cannot be happier to feel like I have my Dad back, with no big issue hanging over us.
Lastly, I came home and gave my Mom a pedi, I'm a licensed nail tech and still do that on the side. We had a good visit and then my roommate and I watched Big Brother and laughed and were in general, just silly.
It's small stuff, just life, but damn it was a good day.
I got back on my work out schedule FINALLY and did a slow 2 miles on the treadmill at the gym. You have to start somewhere. After that I went to see my Gran Charlotte at the nursing home. I really had to do some mental prep work before this as she is really starting to decline more so mentally as well as physically. But, she was having a good day! I love her smile and how her eyes sparkle at me, it's awesome when she still knows us, but the time is coming that she won't. It's a fact of her dementia and I'm just glad I've had her for so long. She's had a good, long, wonderful life. As a family, I think we all agree that we don't want to see her waste away in pain or suffering at the nursing home and when the time comes that she will go peacefully before it gets too bad.
Next up was a visit with my Dad at his house. It was a great visit, he was in a good mood, great spirits and we had a nice talk, lounged by the pool and had lots of laughs. There is just a different vibe there now that my step-mother and he have separated and are divorcing. It's like a 24 year old weight lifted off of my shoulders. This won't make sense to anyone who manages to stumble across this and doesn't really know me. How should I explain? My step-mother was a waitress in my parents restaurant when she had an affair with my Dad. She is 4 years older than I am. My Dad left my Mom, my sister and I, married her and started a life. They had 2 children, a boy and a girl, my brother and sister whom I love very much! But it's been a rocky road, for me especially. And now, she is gone. And I'm not happy to see this happen to them or my Dad again. But I cannot be happier to feel like I have my Dad back, with no big issue hanging over us.
Lastly, I came home and gave my Mom a pedi, I'm a licensed nail tech and still do that on the side. We had a good visit and then my roommate and I watched Big Brother and laughed and were in general, just silly.
It's small stuff, just life, but damn it was a good day.
Hurricane Irene and a Burned Ass+
As we all know, I would think we all would anyway, Hurricane Irene swept the East Coast last weekend and was devastating to many areas. I have family in VA Beach and NY, thankfully everyone fared well, but so many didn't. I've heard this is the worst natural disaster to ever affect (or effect? That's a hard one for me to remember, although I'm usually a grammar nazi) Vermont. I was glued to the weather channel all of Saturday morning and into the afternoon. In Harrisonburg we are protected by the Blue Ridge Mountains so all we had were rain, grey, very overcast skies and a good bit of wind. It was almost like a winter's day and I just wanted to curl up, veg out and watch movies. Which is exactly what my roommate and I did. It was honestly an awesome day, for us. Much needed rest and down time. I'm sort of a weather groupie, I love to keep an eye on it and know what is going on although I am not even anywhere close to being even an amateur meteorologist. My favorite weather sites are NOAA and wxrisk.
I did a really, super, incredibly dumb thing on Saturday morning. My beautiful bronze beach tan was juuust beginning to fade, especially on my face so I decided to take advantage of Beach Bum's free tan day. I was awake at 8am, so thought I'd go on over before they got busy. Their beds are incredible. I chose the Platinum bed because it was too long of a wait for the Diamond. I happily stripped off my clothes and hopped in the bed for the max of 12 minutes. I got out and was looking fab. Went home and not too long later, started hurting. On my ass and boobs. Yep. This dumbass right here didn't think about her ghostly white parts that hadn't seen the sun in eons (I don't normally use a tanning bed and haven't for years). I had burned myself to hell in those areas. It HURT. I'm still so red there I'm almost purple, but at least the pain has subsided as of yesterday. I've never felt more stupid in my life and have been super pissed at myself. How could I not think of that?! Idiot.
I did a really, super, incredibly dumb thing on Saturday morning. My beautiful bronze beach tan was juuust beginning to fade, especially on my face so I decided to take advantage of Beach Bum's free tan day. I was awake at 8am, so thought I'd go on over before they got busy. Their beds are incredible. I chose the Platinum bed because it was too long of a wait for the Diamond. I happily stripped off my clothes and hopped in the bed for the max of 12 minutes. I got out and was looking fab. Went home and not too long later, started hurting. On my ass and boobs. Yep. This dumbass right here didn't think about her ghostly white parts that hadn't seen the sun in eons (I don't normally use a tanning bed and haven't for years). I had burned myself to hell in those areas. It HURT. I'm still so red there I'm almost purple, but at least the pain has subsided as of yesterday. I've never felt more stupid in my life and have been super pissed at myself. How could I not think of that?! Idiot.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Phone Apps
I stumbled across this article on Huffington Post - Best iPhone Apps for Women. Of course the same apps are available for Droid, which is what I currently have until I can upgrade mid year NEXT year. I thought the list was worthy of sharing. My faves from their list, that I actually use are: Loopt, Mint, Pulse News, Shop Savvy. The article had a few geared towards mom stuff, which doesn't apply to me, but might be great for women with families.
Other apps I like and use...TweetCaster, GoogleTalk, Handcent (for texting), WeatherBug, GetGlue, Foursquare, Poynt, ColorNote, Goodreads, GasBuddy, 107.9 The Link (to listen to the Bob & Sheri show!), 7 Words, Backgrounds, Barcode Scanner, Flashlight (I actually used this thing several times and it's awesome), Goodreads, Unblock Me (this game drives me crazy - I am awful at it, but it's good).
I'm sure there are some kick ass apps out there that I am missing. What are your favorites?
Other apps I like and use...TweetCaster, GoogleTalk, Handcent (for texting), WeatherBug, GetGlue, Foursquare, Poynt, ColorNote, Goodreads, GasBuddy, 107.9 The Link (to listen to the Bob & Sheri show!), 7 Words, Backgrounds, Barcode Scanner, Flashlight (I actually used this thing several times and it's awesome), Goodreads, Unblock Me (this game drives me crazy - I am awful at it, but it's good).
I'm sure there are some kick ass apps out there that I am missing. What are your favorites?
Bloggers Without Borders
I have been a long time blog lurker. You know, skulking around, greedily loading blog after favorite blog into my Google Reader. Eagerly reading other people's words (but never commenting on them - see what I mean - lurker) and alternately being inspired, connected, supported, validated, uplifted and most of all, racked with laughter at some damn funny people. It's true bloggers become a sort of family, I can see it clearly, and it's one I'm looking to get into. Oddly enough, I'm somewhat shy, most who know me in real life do not believe that of me, but I hold back a lot. I'm hoping to open myself up and be accepted here. But this post is not about me. Please go here to Bloggers Without Borders and read about Jennie who lost her husband suddenly a few weeks ago, and the subsequent outpouring of love and support. I had not read Jennie's blog before I came across BWOB, but I was glad I was able to read her words, see her strength and honesty. The video on BWOB is worth a couple minutes to watch, very touching. And of course, give if you can.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Dogs and Poop. What could be better?
I am making my way through 1000+ entries on my Google Reader, I can't seem to get caught up on the blogs I love to read. I always manage to get to one of my favorite blogs every day though, SUAR. Something Beth, from SUAR, and I have in common is our sense of humor about poop. So I found this hilarious and had to share. Enjoy!
Doggie Doo
Doggie Doo
Monday, August 22, 2011
Hormones.
I think I've mentioned before I have hormonal "issues." As in mine are whack. I've had them under control, mostly, through medication the last 2 years, but something has started to change again in the last 3 months. As per my doctor I keep a running log to document how I feel and when. It's been an extremely useful tool in pinpointing my issues. The current problem is the hormone testing I need done again is $250.00 and is not covered by insurance. Yeah, I don't have the money for that right now and probably won't until the first of the year or even more likely, sometime later in the first half of 2012. That's a really long time to wait when my quality of life has been suffering and will continue to do so. Let's hope I can work it out for that to happen much sooner. I have about 2 really good weeks out of the month and then I have 2 weeks that are rough and tough; a real struggle. It wreaks havoc with my work out schedule as well as just regular life. Some days, during the "off" 2 weeks, the most I can accomplish is getting to work and putting in a full day. I'm not going to lie, it makes everything I do/think/say/accomplish difficult. I'll be glad to get the testing done and modify my meds. It's not surprising this would happen, I am about to turn 39 and have always had relatively serious "female" issues my entire life. From what I hear it just gets better and more fun! I mean I have menopause to look forward to! Please, please tell me you detected my sarcasm?!
So today there was no working out. And let's face it, I NEED it. For my body, for my mind. But some days it's just not doable. So this eve was a raw cookie dough, Bacardi & caffeine free soda, mac 'n cheese, trash tv type of evening. Yep, that's the way it went. I just can't beat myself up about it, shit happens. Tomorrow is another day. As far as work outs, I did have something on my little plan I made for myself but if nothing else happens this week as far as working out, I MUST get in 3 runs. That is the minimum that has to happen each week from here on out til the 6K I'm doing October 6.
Despite my raging hormones I managed to get a lot done at work and with a good attitude. That's something I've cultivated over the last few years since the journey through my divorce and the personal changes I set about making. Previously I would just disconnect fully, work would suffer, my attendance was bad and I completely withdrew. I just couldn't deal, I wasn't equipped emotionally or physically. Luckily I was determined to do whatever I could to change that. And it has changed immensely. This current issue will change too, it WILL get better again.
So I discovered something this evening, so I'll leave you with a song I am totally digging right now.
So today there was no working out. And let's face it, I NEED it. For my body, for my mind. But some days it's just not doable. So this eve was a raw cookie dough, Bacardi & caffeine free soda, mac 'n cheese, trash tv type of evening. Yep, that's the way it went. I just can't beat myself up about it, shit happens. Tomorrow is another day. As far as work outs, I did have something on my little plan I made for myself but if nothing else happens this week as far as working out, I MUST get in 3 runs. That is the minimum that has to happen each week from here on out til the 6K I'm doing October 6.
Despite my raging hormones I managed to get a lot done at work and with a good attitude. That's something I've cultivated over the last few years since the journey through my divorce and the personal changes I set about making. Previously I would just disconnect fully, work would suffer, my attendance was bad and I completely withdrew. I just couldn't deal, I wasn't equipped emotionally or physically. Luckily I was determined to do whatever I could to change that. And it has changed immensely. This current issue will change too, it WILL get better again.
So I discovered something this evening, so I'll leave you with a song I am totally digging right now.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Love.
I went to a wedding at the beginning of the month. I love weddings. And this one was spectacular. Not because it was extravagant, extraordinarily fancy, over the top or anything of that nature. Although it truly was lovely and very, very well done. But it was the people, Em and Eddie, their families and the location (Em's homeplace) and the thought and effort put into the details that made it so wonderful. It also has to do with this family, Em's family The Combs, I love them and they are all very dear to me, which made it all that much more awesome to be there. There were several readings during the short, sweet and poignant ceremony that struck a chord with me and I'd love to share them. I have not found what Em and Eddie have, I don't know if I will. But I hope someday I will and I hope that I will never settle for less again. Thank you Em and Eddie for sharing your day and thank you Combs family for being who you are.
“Let your love be stronger than your hate and anger.
Learn the wisdom of compromise, for it is better to bend a little than to break.
Believe the best rather than the worst.
People have a way of living up or down to your opinion of them.
Remember that true friendship is the basis for any lasting relationship.
The person you choose to marry is deserving of the courtesies and kindnesses you bestow on your friends.
Please hand this down to your children and your children’s children.”
— Jane Wells 1886
“To keep your marriage brimming, With love in the loving cup, Whenever you’re wrong, admit it; Whenever you’re right, shut up.”
— Ogden Nash
“When you fall in love, it is a temporary madness. It erupts like an earthquake, and then it subsides. And when it subsides, you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots are become so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the promulgation of eternal passion. That is just being in love, which any fool can do. Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident. Those that truly love have roots that grow towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossoms have fallen from their branches, they find that they are one tree and not two.
— Captain Corelli’s Mandolin
EDIT -- 8/25/11 I had to go back and change the Captain Corelli's Mandolin quote because I did not have it quite right. Figures! This version is much better anyway :)
“Let your love be stronger than your hate and anger.
Learn the wisdom of compromise, for it is better to bend a little than to break.
Believe the best rather than the worst.
People have a way of living up or down to your opinion of them.
Remember that true friendship is the basis for any lasting relationship.
The person you choose to marry is deserving of the courtesies and kindnesses you bestow on your friends.
Please hand this down to your children and your children’s children.”
— Jane Wells 1886
“To keep your marriage brimming, With love in the loving cup, Whenever you’re wrong, admit it; Whenever you’re right, shut up.”
— Ogden Nash
“When you fall in love, it is a temporary madness. It erupts like an earthquake, and then it subsides. And when it subsides, you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots are become so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the promulgation of eternal passion. That is just being in love, which any fool can do. Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident. Those that truly love have roots that grow towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossoms have fallen from their branches, they find that they are one tree and not two.
— Captain Corelli’s Mandolin
EDIT -- 8/25/11 I had to go back and change the Captain Corelli's Mandolin quote because I did not have it quite right. Figures! This version is much better anyway :)
Popping In Again...
Hello little blog! I've been thinking about you. I think about you quite a bit, actually. Obviously I have trouble getting around to updating you. I'd like to do better about that, hell I'd like to do better about a lot of things. But I'm here now, and we'll see how this goes this time. It's been since April since I was last here! Wow. Time flies, yada yada.
In the last 4 months I've taken busy to a new level for me. In May I had a vacation to Florida to visit 2 of my best and dearest friends, Kat and Chrissie, who happen to be sisters. As always, it was a blast and I can’t wait to go back. Then came June, which was a personal challenge to not flake out under the pressure of being so busy every weekend - all things that were fun stuff. You might say, how the eff can you feel pressure from fun stuff?! Well, it happens, to me. I need a decent amount of rest (little to no alcohol rest) and what some would consider a large amount of “me” time. Therefore, crazy busy weekends tacked onto crazy busy weeks sometimes weird me out. But, I am proud to say I rose to the occasion.
June consisted of work all week, of course, as well as TWO workout classes offered at work through Gold’s gym that I signed up for. They each met twice a week and were awesome classes (Pilates and BodyFlow - my fave). Weekends consisted of a bachelorette party weekend at the lake - fun and somewhat relaxing, a weekend trip to VA Beach for my cousin’s wedding reception - fun and not relaxing - when a bunch of family involved it is like walking a tightrope at times. Then followed a wedding to attend and help with - however I was directing it and didn’t know that until the rehearsal. I put a lot of pressure on myself to be the best at what I do, so was feeling the pull of that, but I think for having never directed a wedding before it went not only well, but beautifully. The credit goes to the bride and family for knowing exactly what that wanted, I just carried it out. I really enjoyed myself although it was a ton of hard work. The last weekend of the month was mostly devoted to a long time friend’s 40th birthday party. Unfortunately by the time that rolled around I was not feeling my best physically or mentally and felt as though my contribution to the fun that night was not only lacking but a pretty sad effort. I was feeling run down and whenever that happens, I get emo. There were people there that I used to hang out with regularly from when I was married and the past was swirling around me, reminding me of things I didn’t want to think about and compare the now to then and I was not dealing with that in the best way possible. I made my way home from the party relatively early and home to rest and try to rejuvenate. I’d love to say things like that don’t bother me, but they do sometimes and that’s the fact. I am dealing with hormonal imbalances/issues again and that magnifies my yuck when I’m dealing with it. I’m learning so much how I have to listen to my body and take care of myself, especially as I’m getting older. I certainly abused the ole bod back in the day, and frankly still can from time to time although my lifestyle has changed drastically in the present.
But I digress. Catching up some more...July brought more busy work weeks and another class offered 2 days a week at work by Gold’s; BodyFlow again. It’s my absolute favorite. Also on the menu was a long holiday weekend of dog/house sitting in Waynesboro, a family reunion the next weekend, another weekend of dog sitting and also celebrating my Bonus Dad’s birthday - and oh what an awesome celebration it was! The following weekend I had a baby shower to attend and a trip to Orkney Springs with my Mom to see the Beatles Tribute Band 1964. Orkney Springs is a great place to go to a concert; not too far away, about 45 minutes at the most. It has a covered area but the rest is outside and you can bring chairs, table if you want, wine/beer/non-alcoholic drinks, food - just set up and enjoy. I hope I get the opportunity to go again. I ended July with a quiet weekend at home, I think. At least there was nothing on my calender to remind me that I was doing anything. And I live by that sucker, so it must be correct. Oh I had car trouble again in July. ARGH. Had to borrow almost $200 to get it fixed so have that hanging over my head and will feel pressured until I have that paid back. Mostly I just feel lucky my Mom was able to lend me the money and my car got fixed.
August was more of the same crazy busy that June had. A weekend trip to Tazewell, VA for a wedding of a friend which was utterly delightful. The best wedding I have been to. Em and her family are family to me, her sister Amy a best friend, and I love them more than words can say. I went straight from that to a week’s worth of dog/house sitting in Waynesboro, with a 60+ mile commute to work every day. I’m not gonna lie - it was rough doing all the dog and household duties there and then commuting into work and putting a full day there, commuting back to Waynesboro and doing the evening duties there. I was in bed early all week out of necessity for my sanity. Unfortunately, one of the dogs became extremely ill and I have to deal with that and nurse him. Poor baby, he was so ill. But we got through the week. I immediately left that job on a Saturday morning to come home, unpack, repack and be picked up for the ride to Myrtle Beach, SC. Yep, vacation numero dos. My Mom and Bonus Dad paid for a beach house for all the kids and grandkids - 17 of us. 9 adults and 8 children. Yes I said EIGHT. None of us have vacationed together, hell we never see each other. Other than my parents and sister and her kids, the other 2 families live in California and New York. It was a blast. There were a couple bumps, one big one that I managed to navigate and otherwise pretty damn smooth sailing. I was concerned, I am single and childless and to go from that to EIGHT children...yeah. Scary. But amazing. I loved seeing my nieces and nephews that I never get to see, 2 of whom I had not met yet! The ages ranged from 3 to 10 years old - 1 - 3 year old, 2 - 4 year olds, 2 - 6 year olds, 1 - 8 year old, 1 - 9 year old and 1 - 10 year old. I’d like to include a pic of them all, but I’m not sure I know how, usually when I try to do pics and links it never works. However I may try. So I’m just home from that vacation last night. Did I mention it had been 21 years since I was in Myrtle Beach?! Not since high school graduation, I think. Of course major changes have taken place. I did so much relaxing, I read 3 books and 6 magazines! It was just so good. But, I was glad to get home, I had not slept in my own bed since the 5th of August and I was looking forward to it.
On the home front, I can already tell the students are trickling in, “town” is already busier. And of course our grad students came back 2 weeks ago to work and many other students that have a vested interest in campus, jobs to do or clubs to run are already back to get things in order before classes start the 29th. This week I personally have to jump start my schedule, this means haul ass out of bed by 6am to work out, then get ready for work. I need to be on campus earlier during the semester so I have to kick my ass into gear before it actually has to happen next week. Summer is basically over for me. It truly flew by.
So now that we are all caught up let’s talk about the future. In the immediate future it’s going to look like this for me - crazy busy at work and otherwise tons of working out . I’m re-upping (is this an actual word? I don’t care, I made it up, it’s my word) getting my fitness on. AND I have a 6K at the beginning of October, I’d really like to make a decent showing at it, so training begins hardcore effective tomorrow. I’m also broke and owe money so, until I get that paid off I allowing very little frivolous spending such as dinners out or going out for drinks. Which is SAD for me! As much time as I need to myself, I need that social time too. Somehow it will work out.
I’d also like to blog more often. I enjoy blabbing my thoughts but haven’t made time to do it regularly. I’m going to change that. I’d like to blog about my fitness progress, daily life and anything and everything I find interesting. Which leads me to, do I want to do that here on Blogger? Or do it all on Tumblr? I do post other things on Tumblr, but not my thoughts and such, just reblogs, links and pictures there. So why not combine it? I’m just not sure yet.
If anyone is reading this, and if you read this far, kudos and thanks. Otherwise, it was just a nice little walk down memory lane for me and an opportunity to get my goals out there. I’m out of here to do fun stuff like finish laundry. Actually I’ve been catching up on all my trash tv last night and today when I can, which IS actually fun stuff. True Blood tonight, can’t wait for that!
All my nieces and nephews!!! <3
In the last 4 months I've taken busy to a new level for me. In May I had a vacation to Florida to visit 2 of my best and dearest friends, Kat and Chrissie, who happen to be sisters. As always, it was a blast and I can’t wait to go back. Then came June, which was a personal challenge to not flake out under the pressure of being so busy every weekend - all things that were fun stuff. You might say, how the eff can you feel pressure from fun stuff?! Well, it happens, to me. I need a decent amount of rest (little to no alcohol rest) and what some would consider a large amount of “me” time. Therefore, crazy busy weekends tacked onto crazy busy weeks sometimes weird me out. But, I am proud to say I rose to the occasion.
June consisted of work all week, of course, as well as TWO workout classes offered at work through Gold’s gym that I signed up for. They each met twice a week and were awesome classes (Pilates and BodyFlow - my fave). Weekends consisted of a bachelorette party weekend at the lake - fun and somewhat relaxing, a weekend trip to VA Beach for my cousin’s wedding reception - fun and not relaxing - when a bunch of family involved it is like walking a tightrope at times. Then followed a wedding to attend and help with - however I was directing it and didn’t know that until the rehearsal. I put a lot of pressure on myself to be the best at what I do, so was feeling the pull of that, but I think for having never directed a wedding before it went not only well, but beautifully. The credit goes to the bride and family for knowing exactly what that wanted, I just carried it out. I really enjoyed myself although it was a ton of hard work. The last weekend of the month was mostly devoted to a long time friend’s 40th birthday party. Unfortunately by the time that rolled around I was not feeling my best physically or mentally and felt as though my contribution to the fun that night was not only lacking but a pretty sad effort. I was feeling run down and whenever that happens, I get emo. There were people there that I used to hang out with regularly from when I was married and the past was swirling around me, reminding me of things I didn’t want to think about and compare the now to then and I was not dealing with that in the best way possible. I made my way home from the party relatively early and home to rest and try to rejuvenate. I’d love to say things like that don’t bother me, but they do sometimes and that’s the fact. I am dealing with hormonal imbalances/issues again and that magnifies my yuck when I’m dealing with it. I’m learning so much how I have to listen to my body and take care of myself, especially as I’m getting older. I certainly abused the ole bod back in the day, and frankly still can from time to time although my lifestyle has changed drastically in the present.
But I digress. Catching up some more...July brought more busy work weeks and another class offered 2 days a week at work by Gold’s; BodyFlow again. It’s my absolute favorite. Also on the menu was a long holiday weekend of dog/house sitting in Waynesboro, a family reunion the next weekend, another weekend of dog sitting and also celebrating my Bonus Dad’s birthday - and oh what an awesome celebration it was! The following weekend I had a baby shower to attend and a trip to Orkney Springs with my Mom to see the Beatles Tribute Band 1964. Orkney Springs is a great place to go to a concert; not too far away, about 45 minutes at the most. It has a covered area but the rest is outside and you can bring chairs, table if you want, wine/beer/non-alcoholic drinks, food - just set up and enjoy. I hope I get the opportunity to go again. I ended July with a quiet weekend at home, I think. At least there was nothing on my calender to remind me that I was doing anything. And I live by that sucker, so it must be correct. Oh I had car trouble again in July. ARGH. Had to borrow almost $200 to get it fixed so have that hanging over my head and will feel pressured until I have that paid back. Mostly I just feel lucky my Mom was able to lend me the money and my car got fixed.
August was more of the same crazy busy that June had. A weekend trip to Tazewell, VA for a wedding of a friend which was utterly delightful. The best wedding I have been to. Em and her family are family to me, her sister Amy a best friend, and I love them more than words can say. I went straight from that to a week’s worth of dog/house sitting in Waynesboro, with a 60+ mile commute to work every day. I’m not gonna lie - it was rough doing all the dog and household duties there and then commuting into work and putting a full day there, commuting back to Waynesboro and doing the evening duties there. I was in bed early all week out of necessity for my sanity. Unfortunately, one of the dogs became extremely ill and I have to deal with that and nurse him. Poor baby, he was so ill. But we got through the week. I immediately left that job on a Saturday morning to come home, unpack, repack and be picked up for the ride to Myrtle Beach, SC. Yep, vacation numero dos. My Mom and Bonus Dad paid for a beach house for all the kids and grandkids - 17 of us. 9 adults and 8 children. Yes I said EIGHT. None of us have vacationed together, hell we never see each other. Other than my parents and sister and her kids, the other 2 families live in California and New York. It was a blast. There were a couple bumps, one big one that I managed to navigate and otherwise pretty damn smooth sailing. I was concerned, I am single and childless and to go from that to EIGHT children...yeah. Scary. But amazing. I loved seeing my nieces and nephews that I never get to see, 2 of whom I had not met yet! The ages ranged from 3 to 10 years old - 1 - 3 year old, 2 - 4 year olds, 2 - 6 year olds, 1 - 8 year old, 1 - 9 year old and 1 - 10 year old. I’d like to include a pic of them all, but I’m not sure I know how, usually when I try to do pics and links it never works. However I may try. So I’m just home from that vacation last night. Did I mention it had been 21 years since I was in Myrtle Beach?! Not since high school graduation, I think. Of course major changes have taken place. I did so much relaxing, I read 3 books and 6 magazines! It was just so good. But, I was glad to get home, I had not slept in my own bed since the 5th of August and I was looking forward to it.
On the home front, I can already tell the students are trickling in, “town” is already busier. And of course our grad students came back 2 weeks ago to work and many other students that have a vested interest in campus, jobs to do or clubs to run are already back to get things in order before classes start the 29th. This week I personally have to jump start my schedule, this means haul ass out of bed by 6am to work out, then get ready for work. I need to be on campus earlier during the semester so I have to kick my ass into gear before it actually has to happen next week. Summer is basically over for me. It truly flew by.
So now that we are all caught up let’s talk about the future. In the immediate future it’s going to look like this for me - crazy busy at work and otherwise tons of working out . I’m re-upping (is this an actual word? I don’t care, I made it up, it’s my word) getting my fitness on. AND I have a 6K at the beginning of October, I’d really like to make a decent showing at it, so training begins hardcore effective tomorrow. I’m also broke and owe money so, until I get that paid off I allowing very little frivolous spending such as dinners out or going out for drinks. Which is SAD for me! As much time as I need to myself, I need that social time too. Somehow it will work out.
I’d also like to blog more often. I enjoy blabbing my thoughts but haven’t made time to do it regularly. I’m going to change that. I’d like to blog about my fitness progress, daily life and anything and everything I find interesting. Which leads me to, do I want to do that here on Blogger? Or do it all on Tumblr? I do post other things on Tumblr, but not my thoughts and such, just reblogs, links and pictures there. So why not combine it? I’m just not sure yet.
If anyone is reading this, and if you read this far, kudos and thanks. Otherwise, it was just a nice little walk down memory lane for me and an opportunity to get my goals out there. I’m out of here to do fun stuff like finish laundry. Actually I’ve been catching up on all my trash tv last night and today when I can, which IS actually fun stuff. True Blood tonight, can’t wait for that!
All my nieces and nephews!!! <3
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)