Blissfulness

I had one of those moments last night.
They are the moments that I live for.
I look for them all the time, in everything,
but when you’re looking, they are hard to find.

They are simple.
They come on slowly and require no effort.

Sitting with a full stomach from a home cooked dinner,
surrounded by newspaper and pumpkin guts,
I look across the table and tell the Captain…

I am so happy.

Other Stuff:

Take ONE guess how The Captain carved in his pumpkin.

Seriously, the man is obsessed. HA HA.

On the Workout Front:
Four mile tempo run this morning. A “Blog Buster” combined with a "Daydreamer" (if that's possible) according to Vanilla's types of blogs. Nothing to report, except I managed to keep a 9 min pace, finishing the 4 miles in 35 minutes, which is way fast for me.

On the Challenge Front:
I drank 2 glasses of wine last night. Not on the "plan." I ate ONE peanut butter cup, but just one. Also, we are going out tonight for Halloween - pics tomorrow hopefully! But this means that drinking will commence again (and in mass quantities) tonight. I'm thinking blueberry vodka!!! Also not on the plan. Maybe I will drink enough to puke, hence actually LOSING weight~! ha ha kidding. (Not a good diet plan, kids). Seriously though, I will make up for it this weekend - with some kick ass sweaty work outs.

Song of The Day: I Love Rock and Roll by Joan Jett

Ode To My Muffin Top

As I button my pants, there you are
Over the top of my jeans, looking so bizarre

No difference it makes to suck you in
Impossible to hide, like a double chin

But numbered are your days, my friend
I see light at the tunnel end

I’m eating right and working hard
To get rid of you, tub of lard

With running, weights and occasional spin class
I’ll be sure to kick your ass

Now it’s time to say our Goodbye’s,
My next target is my Thunder Thighs

Song of the Day: Let's Get Physical (remix) by Cat 5

Holiday Weightloss Challenge

Alright, so here it is. A nice and simple individual weight loss challenge.

• Post your current weight.
• Post your goal weight.
• Post your prize to yourself.

Then Mondays we can all post your current weight to check the status. We need to reach our goals by February 1st in order to give yourself your own prize.

Whether you have 5lbs to lose or 50 lbs to lose, you are only competing against yourself. But, you have us to share your success with (because there will be no failure!)

My Stats:

• Current Weight: 146 (All time high was 168; All time low is 134)
• Goal Weight: 135
• My Prize: Day at the Spa - Facial and Massage

Let me know if you're in. Good luck everyone.

***UPDATE: Database Diva has set up a lounge for us! Yeah - she rocks. So, please check it out, sign up and all that stuff! ***********
Holiday Weighloss Challenge



In other news, I started my training program this weekend and it's off to a great start. I ran my easy peasy 3 miles this morning. A little bit of hip pain, but I'm used to it. The girls in my office are eating bagels. I am not. I had a piece of whole grain toast with cottage cheese on top and some pineapple. The sunrise was awesome this morning, I had to take a picture (with my cell phone, so it's not that great):




Song of the Day: One Night In Bangkok Remix by Vinylshakerz

Weightloss/Half Marathon Plan

I warned you about my borderline OCD.

Here is my work out plan - in an excel spreadsheet. Seriously. I have issues.
I think if you click on the plan, you can see a bigger version.

Weight loss challenge anyone??

How about "Moment of Truth Mondays" weigh ins??

D-Day of the Fat A$$

Holy Mother of All Things Crappy.

No. No. No. This can't be true.

Here's how last night shook down:

Enter Gym.
Spot scale from across the room.
Slowly walk towards it.

Deep breath.

Step on scale, simultaneously covering the results.

Jump off scale.

Wait. That did not say what I think it said. Deep breath.

Step back on scale.

There must be a mistake.

I hope nobody saw. (looks around)

OH MY GOD ~ HOW CAN I CONFESS THIS ON MY BLOG???
I feel like I have to.

So, here it is. 1-f''n- 4 - g'd -6.
There, I said it. 146.

Seriously - what the F%$* happened? How did I gain 12 G'd lbs?

Jess - It wasn't willpower that kept me from the scale. It was pure fear.

Mendy - You're on! We can do it.

So my goal is out there. 135. That's 11 lbs. I want to be there by race in Feb.

For me, it's mostly about eating, so here are the rules:

1. Breakfast: Egg White/Cottage Cheese, Kashi/whole grain bread, Fruit

2. Salad for lunch with no dressing (I do this already)

3. Protein and veggies ONLY for dinner

4. Wine/Martinis - only once a week

5. No bread at dinner/lunch. Ever.

6. No chocolate. No cookies.

7. Weigh self once a week only

9. Stick to work out plan

10. Don't be psycho by talking about it all the time. Only blog about it. (So get ready, cuz all my psychosis will be directed to ya'll.)

I did it before. I can do it again. I just thank God I caught this before it got out of control.

Does anyone want to see my workout plan??? Not sure if it's annoying to show that shizz.

In other news, The Captain is returning on Saturday from a week long fishing turned gambling trip. Can't wait until he gets home! YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Song of the Day: Here Comes Your Man by The Pixies

Truth in Numbers

Being borderline obsessive/compulsive, I have steered clear of the scale lately. To be exact, I have managed to avoid the scale for 16 weeks. When I decided to train for the marathon, I thought it better that I paid attention to being healthy and eating properly for training, instead of trying to cut calories, etc. So, now that they marathon is over and ALL MY PANTS ARE TOO TIGHT, I think it’s time to step on the scale again. I don’t have one at my house, so I am going to use the gym scale.

I’m freaking out. I’m scared of what I will see.

Let’s talk real numbers here people. This is very hard to do because WE ALL LIE about our weight. I have lied on my driver’s license about my weight since I was 16. But I’m going to be honest today. My highest weight was 168. Ouch. That was not pretty. I’m a tall girl, but not tall enough for 168. That was 2 years ago. I got down to 134. I was very happy there. I can wear a size 4 at 134. I think I have a lot of muscle, because my goal was 130 and I just could not get that low.

So the scale thing happens tonight.

I have taken the following preliminary action to deal with what I see on the scale tonight:

***I HAVE SIGNED UP FOR THE SURF CITY HALF MARATHON IN FEB '08***

Half marathon training is perfect for weight loss for me because the mileage is low enough where I don’t want to eat everything in site. I have created a great training program that I am very excited about it. It starts Oct. 28th. That’s this Sunday.

Local friends - Anyone want to join? PT Friend, Booch, Shevon, Saaaaaaarah??? anyone? anyone? There is also a 5K if you don't want to commit to a half!

New Goals:
* Weigh 134 again – before race in Feb.
* Half Marathon in Feb – run it under 2 hours (prev time was 2:04)
* Incorporate Core Training & Strength Training twice a week

Song of the day: Maniac from Flashdance Soundtrack

My Gym: Deconstructed

Last night was my first night back to the gym. The 4 months that I trained for the marathon, I used running as an excuse to NOT go to the gym. As I do with running, I also have a love/hate relationship with the gym.

I LOVE lifting weights and doing cardio besides running and all the other "gym things." I actually worked at a gym for 5 years, which perhaps contributed to the HATE part. The thing that irritates me the most is that there are OTHER PEOPLE there too. If I could just have the gym all to myself, it would be perfect. Or even just some free weights, maybe a bike or Precor, oh and a sauna and jacuzzi.

Anyway, back to the OTHER PEOPLE. I was observing them last night and I have a feeling that most gyms have similar "annoyances." Let's walk though some of the basics and perhaps some of the more unique:

FRAT BOYS - These young fellows are commonly found in the free weight section, typically lifting dumbbells improperly and staring uncomfortably at your breasts while you do lat pull downs. Easily identified by their "Delta Delta Delta Beer Bong Bash 2006" T-Shirt.

STEROID GUY - Easily identified by his unnatural ginormous muscles, back acne that seeps through his too-small tank top and loud grunting noises/weights banging on the ground. Steer clear of him, don't ask to 'work in' and don't fill up your water bottle at the drinking fountain if he is waiting in line. He doesn't just look mean - he is mean and might snap at any minute(blame it on the juice).

SORORITY GIRLS - These gals usually linger in the cardio room. You will typically find them on the PRECOR machine on level 1 with their US Weekly magazine. Their short shorts tend to have "Juicy" or something similar sprawled across the butt and I've noticed a resurgence of knee high socks. They workout in pairs and TALK loudly to each other about Jacobs party last night and how Lisa is a total whore.

P.S.N. - Also known as Plastic Surgery Nightmare. These are very common in Newport Beach, but can be found in most big cities these days. Not really fond of the treadmill due to too much bouncing, they usually stick to the bikes or aerobics rooms. Even though they are at the gym for 1.5 hours, they leave with not a drip of sweat on them. The protruding cheek bones, swollen lips, fake blue contacts, dyed blond hair extensions, full make up, perfectly carved abs and extremely large 'pectorals' will cause all heads to turn. Some heads will turn in interest, some will turn in curiosity but all will be unsure whether she is pretty or pretty creepy.

NIGHT CLUB GUY- (Or Wanna-Be) These are also common in Newport Beach and are easily identified once you know what you're looking for. Generally a decent looking breed with muscles. Tattoos and spiky hair, probably an "Affliction" T-shirt. Dark circles under eyes from partying the night before, probably has a stuffy nose from the night before, too. They are very important and will want you to know how important they are by answering their 30 phones while on their 20 minute cardio session.

COUGARS - Cougars exist all over the world, however they seem to flourish in the OC area. They are not easily identified because you can not usually guess their age. These women are often in the gym because their bodies totally rock and you can tell ALOT of work has been put into getting those skinny triceps muscles to pop. You might find yourself not only jealous of her body, but also her couture wardrobe, her young model boyfriend and slick new Range Rover/Mercedes/Lexus. However, although her body is hot, she really should not wear that white mini skirt because, well she is 55 years old.

There are a few more, perhaps we can talk about later.
* 80's Rocker Chick
* Fat Personal Trainer Girl or Guy (my all time fav)
* Personal Trainer who smokes behind the building and thinks nobody can smell it Guy.
* Sweaty guy who doesn't use towel
* Forgot-To-Use Deodorant Guy
* Cell Phone Talking Person

This is all just in good fun. I am not generalizing people - I was simply describing SPECIFIC people that saw last night. Maybe my PMS made everyone seem more annoying than they really were, but probably not. They're just irritating.

Did I miss any???

Song of the Day: Shake That (feat. Nate Dogg) by Eminem

Red Alert

I took this picture from my street corner. The foreboding cloud is actually SMOKE (from the CA fires, if you have been living under a rock.)

Considering that the sky looks like this and everything is layered in ASH, I have not run at all. I'm bummed because I am ready to get out there again. So tonight I will be hitting the gym (first time in MONTHS) and feeling thankful that the only effect the fire has had on me is that I can't run. It is actually really scary and I can't believe how out of control the fires are. What makes it so much worse for the Orange County fire is that it is suspected arson. Some idiot actually did this on purpose. Parts of Southern California look like a war zones - I'm so sad for everyone who lost their homes and the firemen risking thier lives to save them. (I'm from a fireman family, so my heart especially goes out to them.)

Song of the Day: Smoke and Ashes by Tracy Champan

Brightroom Madness

Lessons Learned from Brightroom Running Photos:

1. I am not shy.

2. I make very funny faces when I run .
3. I am always on the lookout for cameras and can spot them from a mile away.

4. Arms - keep to one's side

5. I am a total nerd.

6. I really need to not wear a fuel belt.

7. Black sports bra/white shirt. Enough said.

8. Mouth - Close it.
9. Thumbs up move (pic 3) - just lame.

10. Try to act normal when camera is around.

Recovery

I am enjoying recovery. To me recovery means drinking wine at night, sleeping in and being totally lazy. As much as I adore all of these things, there is no way in HELL I can wait 26 days to run again. I think I'm afraid that I will just become super lazy and get stuck in a rut.

I went for a walk last night and it felt good. I had to hold myself back from starting to jog. I had The Captain’s iPod with his 1990s rocker music on it, so that helped me to not break out in a run.

So the plan is that I am going to go to the gym on Saturday to just ride the bike and do some upper body weights. I think I will try to wait at least another week to actually run.

But running keeps me sane and is cheaper than therapy so for the sake of everyone around me, I need to get back to it.

Happy Friday everyone!

Song of the day: Dream about Me by Moby

My First Marathon: The Weekend In Pictures

Here is a glimpse at the marathon weekend:

Friday afternoon beers & shopping.
Beer = carbs. That's how we justified it.
I'm on the right. Denver running pal is on the left. Waiting for Wisconsin running pal to arrive.

Saturday afternoon, post expo, the girls tooled around the Newport Peninsula killin' time.
The hightlight of the day: chocolate dipped frozen bananas and watching a skim boarding contest from the pier.

Carbo-loading Dinner. My last taste of pasta for a while. No more until I run another race.

Here we are in the porta-potty line. Please note the starting line behind us and the very attractive fuel belt that I am wearing. I especially love to wear it high on my waist for added sexiness. Also, please note that the braid is still in braid form and not in dreadlock form yet.

***Race photos to be posted at a later post. I have high hopes for the photos, as I tried to do fun poses everytime I saw the camera. Stay tuned.***

Here we are in the beer garden after running a mere 26.2 mile race.
Yeah ~ we're all done AND we get FREE beer!
Please note the fancy medals around our neck.

Time to hit the bar for post-race celebration and pig-out-fest. Once again, please note the adorable shirts. Mine says "I run for wine." However, I am holding a (BIG) beer in my hand. That's me. Full of contradictions.

Carb repleshing! Even this party girl needs to rest after a marathon. But not until I finish my second schooner. Maybe I can just rest my head on the cup and slurp up the goodness.
Reason I love this pic: My arms look skinny! yesssssssssssssssss
PS: I dont think The Captain wanted his pics posted, but that is him sitting next to me. Cute, huh?

Thanks for the taking the time to share my day in photos.

Song of the day: Somebody's Watching Me by Beatfreakz

My First Marathon: The Commentary

My first marathon has come and gone. I was thinking about how to write the blog report. And honestly, I have no idea how people can remember the details of each mile. It was just a big blur to me, an exciting, tiring, excruciating, fun blur. So, here is what I do remember:

THE GOOD:
1. The best part of this experience was the support from my incredible friends and family. I had support calls coming in, flowers at my door, cheers at the finish line, presents from friends, meals purchased, beers purchased – I can go on and on. I can’t thank everyone enough – especially The Captain (for being the best boyfriend in the universe), the running girls, the cool aunt who made a sign, Dariff and Shevon for the gift certificate (pedicure, here I come), Running Pals’ mom who came and brought a sweet card and my girlfriends who drove hours just to come have a celebration drink with us. Thank you everyone sooooooooo much. I feel so loved.

2. I finished! That was the main goal. And it didn’t kill me. Actually, I rather enjoyed it - in a sick, self-punishing sort of way.

3. I met a lot of really cool people while I was running. Everyone (except for this guy who almost spit on me) was really nice. I met a "Beach Runners" trainer who is into Chi-Running, an adorable old man who totally kicked my arse in the last 5 miles, a very inspiring hot older woman who motivated me at mile 23, and a Team-In-Training member named Aaron and his trainer who really pushed me at the end. Thanks everyone!

4. The weather and scenery (for the most part) were awesome.

5. There were a lot more spectators than I thought – some really fun with treats, blasting loud music and basketballs for us to shoot.

6. The free beer at the end was a delightful treat.

7. Our hats were really cute.


THE BAD:
1. I started to really hurt at mile 6. With 20 miles to go, I dropped my pace A LOT. I lost my running partner (who totally kicked ass) and struggled with sore hips and knees for the remainder of the morning.

2. Four blisters to report

3. Porta-potties – I know this topic has probably been beat to death, but honestly – I just can’t deal with them. Before the race, I waited in the long line to use them and actually got out of line just thinking about it. Luckily, the guy behind me let me get back in line when I re-gathered my strength. When I got out of the P.P. it looked like I had been crying because my eyes were pouring out water. Is it really that cost prohibitive to get the fancy porta-potties that flush?

4. Hills – the course was supposedly “flat” but there were more hills than I had ever run. For the most part, I walked the hills and oh boy, how my quads still burn today!


THE UGLY:
1. My hair. By the end of the race it was a complete dreadlock. I tried to braid it, but that didn’t help. I took about a cup of conditioner and 30 mins of combing just to get it brush-able.

2. The smorgasbord of junk food post-race. Holy crap. We could have fed a small country. The food ordered is also a bit of a blur. A few items I can recollect: mini-corn dogs, sliders (mini burgers), sweet potato fries, fried pickles, pizza, Cold-Stone Ice Cream and Beers! (Once again, Thanks to El Cap who sponsored this lard-fest).


FINAL THOUGHT:
Will I run a marathon again? Hell yes! I'm hooked.

Song of the day: Ghettochip Malfunction (Hell Yes!) by Beck

My First Marathon: The Facts

Location: Long Beach, California
Temp: High of 73 (It sure felt hotter than that)
Runners: 2159 Marathoners (35% women)

Time: 4:44
Place: 35th Place in my age/gender division

Newsflash: I am a "middle of the pack" runner

Finish Line: I have the best family and friends that came to see me reach my most challenging goal so far.

Stay tuned for:
My First Marathon: The Commentary
My First Marathon: The Weekend in Pictures

Song of the day: You Might Think by The Cars

Today is my Friday

Today is my Friday, so I am not sure if I will have a chance to blog before the BIG RACE on Sunday. I am feeling calm overall, but worried about my hip. I attempted a mellow 4 mile run last night and half way through, my hip was so sore I had to walk the rest of the way. But nothing is going to stop me at this point!

Let the marathon festivities begin.
Thur: Clean, running pal #1 arrives, dinner with friends
Fri: Tool around the beach, relax, eat carbs, running pal #2 arrives, dinner with parentals
Sat: Tool around the expo in Long Beach, relax more, eat more carbs
Sun: Run 26.2 miles, dinner and lots of food and beer with friends

I broke El Cap's camera last week (sorry babe). So hopefully one of the girls will bring theirs so I can chronicle the weekend in photos. (My sister and I thought we made up the word "chronicle" when we were little.)

Thank you everyone for your support. I can't wait to see my friends and family on Sunday -either at the race or at the bar afterwards!

Last, please check out the "Lawsons Do Dallas" Blog. Amy is so hilarious, she will have you cracking up in your cubicle, or living room or where ever you read blogs. Vote for her for the funniest blog. I know I did.

Peace. Out.

Song of the Day: Back That Azz Up by Juvenile (for you K.S.)

Please Pass The Bread

CONFESSION: I’m going a little over-board on this carbo-loading thing. I have always been a card-holding member of the carbo-cutting party. However, I do secretly love me some starches. Now that I have the “license to carb” there has been no holding back. My “go-to” quote has been “After the marathon, I’ll focus on eating light again.”

My favorite side dish has been baked sweet potato fries. You can also make them with yams. Delish! I also love (I know this sounds weird) but cottage cheese on whole wheat toast. That’s a staple now.

Since I only have 5 more days of carbo-lovin’, I’m searching for some other fun starchy delectables. Ideas anyone???


Song of the Day: She moves in her own way by The Kooks

6 More Days...

To all the Chicago runners out there, I can’t wait to hear your stories. My prayers go out the family/friends of the Michigan Police Officer who died and the hundreds of people hospitalized from the heat. That is just insane! I hope everyone is all right.

6 more days until the Long Beach. I had my first dream about it last night, so I guess I’m starting to feel the anxiety. My dream was actually about how much stuff I need to get done before my runner pals arrive on Thursday. In my dream, I forgot to buy breakfast stuff. So I woke up the morning of the marathon with no food. I think my subconscious is telling me I need to prepare. I wish I could hire a maid, but I’m broke after the VW incident. You would totally laugh if you saw how small my apartment is, but I still hate cleaning it. And I’m sure the girls want clean towels and sheets too –those demanding biznatches. Ha ha. (Kidding K. & M.)

Ran 8 miles on Saturday morning. The run was pretty easy. I saw a man on a bike who TUCKED his running shorts into the briefs. It was really unnecessary. I also got to practice blowing snot rockets (I hope I’m not getting a cold). Another exciting trick that I learned from running. But don’t worry, I only blow them into the sand or bushes. I hate seeing snot or spit on the sidewalk. Now, that’s just gross. Really, are these people raised by a pack of wolves or something?

After the run, I hopped in the car for a nice 81-mile drive to visit my sister and niece. We joined everyone else in Southern Cali in Oak Glen to pick apples and participate in fall festivities. It was so fun spending time with them. My niece is a total crack up and by far, the cutest kid EVER. She learned how to say “shut up” but since she is so polite, she says “PLEASE Shut up.” She is very independant and sassy - gee I wonder where she got THAT from!

Looking forward to a week full of cleaning and very light running!
Happy Monday!

Song of the Day: Damaged by Plum

The Dark Years - kinda like the Wonder Years (NOT)

Yesterday I bumped into a friend that I have not seen in a few years. I guess I would call this person more of an acquaintance, but we hung out frequently. Anyway, I felt really weird because this person only knew me for the short period of time that I like to call “the dark years.” I’m so not that person anymore, but this stranger/acquaintance doesn’t know that. Or perhaps it shows. I hope it does.

This got me thinking about how different I am – inside and out.

Me in the “Dark Years” - let me paint a picture and it ain’t pretty. Health and fitness were not a priority. Actually partying was my priority and I was good at it. Thanks to that, I gained a bit of weight. At one point, I was pushin’ 170 ell bees. This didn’t help my self esteem much, which I didn’t really have in the first place. I was sad, lonely and unhappy. I was insecure and unsure of myself. I would drink at least a bottle of wine per night by myself. I dated boys (not men) that treated me poorly, because I didn’t think I deserved any better. I lived way above my means and got myself way into debt (like $12,000 worth!). Miserable and pathetic. I’m not sure how I appeared on the outside, but it’s definitely how I felt on the inside.

You may wonder why I am confessing all of this or why on EARTH I would post this creepy-arse picture. (This picture is not quite my heaviest. I could not bear to put that up!) The reason is that I am so happy I am not that girl anymore. I am proud of the changes that I’ve made. I’m very far from perfect. But I am so far from where I was. That girl is gone forever, thank the Lord!

For the first time in my life, I can say that I am happy where I am and WHO I am. I am happy with what I have overcome. I am excited when I think about my future. I make goals. I care about things.

Life is good!

Oh, and I ran a nice 4 miles this morning. Running 8 to 10 tomorrow, not sure yet. Depends on hips.


Apologize by Timbaland (featuring One Republic)

Long Beach Marathon... Again

Quick note to family and friends coming to the race: Check out this website for info on where to park and view, etc:

http://www.runlongbeach.com/site5.aspx
*I really like the hints that they give - kinda funny.

And thank you so much for all your support.. xoxo
I know I've been psycho lately. But then again, I always am, so you should be used to it by now.

The Calm Before The Storm

10 more days until the Long Beach Marathon.
7 more days until my best friend arrives in Cali.

I’m not freaking out yet. Really. It's weird. I feel calm, cool and collected. (How does one feel "collected?" What does that mean?)

However I have been reading blogs from peeps running the Chicago Marathon (SHOUTOUT TO YA’LL). And just reading them gives me a little temporarily anxiety. I’m sure the steady anxiety will hit next week. So for now, I am going to focus on my short-term goals for the week and my marathon goals:

Short-term:

• Be nice to El Cap, family, friends and colleagues


• No more than 2 glasses of wine at dinner Friday night


• Eat healthy


• Don’t hurt myself (I fell down the stairs 2 days before my half-marathon)


• Be prepared

Marathon Goals:

• Have Fun


• Finish


• Stick to plan – stay focused


• Finish under 4:30 hours


• Eat a big hamburger after and drink a big schooner of Hefeweizen with lemon


• Enjoy friends that come to visit after race

Other Stuff:

• My girls and I got these cute hats for the marathon!
• My Secret Marathon Goal is to Finish at 4:00 hours (I know – who do I think I am?)
• I was tailgated this morning by a guy on a MOPED. Is that even possible?
  

Song of the Day: The Fear You Won’t Fall by Joshua Radin

Annoying Conversations

Ring, Ring
Me: Hi mom
Mom: Hi sweetie. What are you up this weekend?
Me: Going to a wedding with El Cap.
Mom: Who is getting married?
Me: One of El Cap’s friends
Mom: Well, gee, it sure seems like everyone is getting married these days, doesn’t it?
(I can see where this is going)
Me: Argh. NO, mother. It really doesn’t.
Mom: Oh, well, are you and El Cap doing ok?
Me: Yes mother. Everything is fine. I have to go now.


Ring, Ring
Me: Hello
VW: Hi, this is Joe Blah Blah with the VW Dealership calling about your car.
Me: Ok, so, what’s the damage? Ha ha
VW: Well, blah blah blah Throttle blah blah blah Adapter blah blah blah Timing Belt blah blah Serpantine Belt blah blah blah Valve a blah blah blah Casket blah blah blah Distributer blah blah blah Rooter, blah blah blah $1209.00.
Me: Uhm. What?
VW: $1200.00
Me: Well, that’s just not something I can handle right now.
What is the minimum I have to do to get the car to pass Smog?
VW: Blah blah blah $378.00. But if that doesn’t work, then you will have to buy a new blah blah blah and that is around $700 plus labor. Then we can talk about the other items next time. But if you don’t take care of some of them, you can really damage your engine for good. Blah blah
Me: Ok. Thanks. I guess.

At least I ran 5 miles this morning. Thank God!

Song of the Day: Sweet Child O Mine Remix by Flatpack

A no-va in Yoga

Not that anyone is really reading these (besides you Aunt Julie) but you may have noticed that I have not blogged in a few days. I haven’t really been feeling up to it. Here is what happened:

I took Friday off of work to have a leisurely day before going to a wedding that evening. I had big plans for my day off – yoga class, tanning (I KNOW it’s bad) and then a pedicure. I have been doing Bikram Yoga for almost a year and a half. However, since training for the marathon, I have totally slacked on yoga. It’s time consuming (1.5 hr class) and just doesn’t fit in my schedule right now.

I know it’s controversial, but I love Bikram Yoga. I love the sweating and the poses and especially the savasnas. The 105 degree room is a bit stinky, but you get used to it. When I leave the class, I always feel cleansed. I know that sounds creepy, hippy weird, but it’s true. And lean. All that sweating helps you get really lean. I was probably at my healthiest and thinnest when I was doing Bikram regularly. So, what a perfect way to start my weekend.

This Friday, we had a special treat after yoga class. There was a guy there doing this meditation horn thing. Now, I’m not really as hippy as I sound, so I don’t know what it really was. I think it was like a Tibetan Horn (see pic). As we were in our final savasna, he started. First there were bells, then some gong sounds I think, then the horn. As he played, he moved around the room. You could actually feel the energy moving around the room. After about 5 mins, he was done. I relaxed for another minute, did a few extra hip stretches, and then headed out of the room.

As I was putting on my flip flops, I was feeling a bit dizzy. So I sat down in the lobby to take a few breaths and cool down. But it got worse. Someone sat down by me and asked if I was ok. I tried to say something, but I know my words weren’t coming out clearly. Then I blacked out. I could hear people talking and I came to again. Now, I was feeling very sick to my stomach. I did not want to puke in front of anyone, so I held it in. Someone had called my boyfriend to pick me up (thank goodness). Once El Cap got there, he walked me to his car. As soon as we pulled out of the parking lot, I asked him to pull over. I was sick all over the sidewalk!

So, I laid around for the rest of the day – almost going in and out of consciousness. I wasn’t blacking out, but I definitely wasn’t all there. The horn thing is supposed to be really cleansing, so maybe all the toxins in my body were just trying to get out. I had a headache for a couple days after. I’m feeling better now, so hopefully I can get some exercise in tonight. At least a walk or something.

Namaste!