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Mission Accomplished! I Ran the Army Ten Miler!

2010-10-28T17:43:00.004-04:00

I'm happy to report that I successfully ran the Army Ten Miler (ATM) on October 24, 2010! The weather was perfect; crisp, clear and sunny! I didn't follow a specific training program, but I made sure I did long runs every two to three weeks till I built up to my last long run of ten miles.

All of my training runs were completed on a treadmill as I never run outside, well I shouldn't say "never", I used to run outside, but prior to the race, it had been almost a year since I did so. I was glad I ran ten miles on a treadmill, it gave me the last bit of confidence I needed to run the ATM.

The ATM was the largest race I had ever run, 30,000 runners paid the entry fee to embark on a ten mile run through the streets of Washington, DC. I relished every minute of the race, even before it started, it was very inspiring to be in the large crowd of runners lined up at the start line.

I was nervous about my pacing as I was accustomed to having the treadmill do my pacing for me. I started off slowly, I didn't care who passed me, slow and steady would get me to the finish line. The first mile seemed to take forever, miles two and three blew by and before I knew it I was halfway done!

My favorite part of the race was going down and back on Independence Avenue. The sidewalks were lined with crowds, as tons of people came out to cheer for us. I ran without my mp3 player, something else I was nervous about, music always carried me through my runs, but on that day, the crowds got me through.

I was never alone during the race, I was always surrounded by other runners. I was in awe of everything and everyone, here we were, different shapes, sizes, genders, races, etc...yet we had one common goal, to train for and complete the ATM. Running in a race is the most motivational and inspiring thing you can do as a runner, the race itself is "easy", well relatively speaking since the training is the hardest part, the race lets you enjoy the fruits of your labor.

I had the best run ever, I didn't have many aches and pains until the last couple of miles, but by then I just wanted to get to the finish line and I focused my thoughts on how good it would feel to cross it.

Not only was my goal to complete the race, but I wanted to do so without taking walk breaks. I was like the little engine that could, I think I can, I think I can, I know I can, I know I can...

The feeling of crossing the finish line was priceless, I will never forget how I felt that day! I smiled the rest of the day, well except for the aches and pains I had later on! I am proud of myself for reaching my goal and I'm looking ahead to which race I will run next, I think there's a 10k next month!

Happy Running...

Training for the Army Ten Miler

2010-06-30T18:01:00.006-04:00

It has been 8 years since I trained for a race, last one I did was the Marine Corps Marathon in 2002. I took a long break from distance running, but I'm back and ready to do it again. I used the Jeff Galloway training program to train for the marathon, the Galloway program incorporates walking breaks, so you run for a few minutes, then walk a minute and alternate throughout the race, adjusting the intervals as needed. Today I run without walking breaks and I set my eyes on a new race.

Two weeks ago I surprised myself by running 7 miles without stopping, the longest distance (at that time) I had ever run without stopping. I was so excited about it that I updated my Facebook status and said I wished I would have registered for the Army Ten Miler in late October. Someone I know commented and said I could have her bib as she signed up, but can't run now. After confirming with her, we completed the transfer through the website so it is legitimate and I am good to go.

I'm excited about the race, but also nervous since I haven't completed a race in 8 years! I train at the gym and I'm not used to running with others so I may have to do a 5k or 10k before the race to get used to running around others. I am amazed at how far I've come, never thought I'd run long distances without walking breaks!

This month I had perfect attendance at the gym. I did not miss a single weekday workout and I worked out two Saturdays this month. I ran a total of 70 miles plus worked out on the elliptical machines. I'm a bit sore today as I completed my first 8 mile run without stopping Monday and did a long cardio workout yesterday. I ran 4 miles today and my leg muscles are screaming, a massage would feel good now!

I have plenty of time to train, I really need to find a training program, but I'm happy with where I am and if I keep this up, 10 miles won't feel so long, reminds me of my marathon training days, long runs made the short ones (10 miles was short) feel like a piece of cake!

Trying to Catch World Cup Fever

2010-06-13T18:04:00.004-04:00

The World Cup reminds me of the Olympics, it comes every four years and it is watched around the world. I admit, I'm not a soccer fan, though I like to look at the hot players, soccer players are some of the best looking athletes, but try as I may, I just can't get into the sport.

While it is not my cup of tea, I'm forcing myself to like it, at least during World Cup. I completed a bracket in a friend's pool, no money was involved and I was pretty clueless about my picks. It will be interesting to see how I do, lots of dumb luck will be needed for me to do anything.

I was supposed to go out to watch the USA vs. England game on Saturday, but I was slow moving and found out that the bar was filled and a line started so I decided to stay home and watch in peace and quiet. The horns annoyed me to death, I swear they gave me a headache!

I had a hard time concentrating on the game, I wanted to like it, it just doesn't excite me. And I don't understand the ties or draws in soccer, there should be a winner and loser, not a tie! I talked to a friend about this and he explained that it was similar to ice hockey before the shootouts, but I barely remember that. He also said that the players can't play for forever, they get tired. I agreed that was a good point, but I still think there should be a winner.

While I am totally clueless about this sport, I will keep tabs on it, enough so that I can talk the talk and fake like I know what I'm talking about. Not sure I will get to see the next USA game this Friday, but I will keep tabs on the score. Go USA!

On Becoming a Gym Rat

2010-06-10T20:45:00.004-04:00

I am giving myself a huge pat on the back! I have finally become one of the people I never thought I'd become, the one who HAS to go the gym and workout! Over the past few months, I've been very good about working out on a regular basis and watching what I eat. I am very disciplined most weeknights, I tend to save the splurging for the weekends.

Last month was challenging for me as I went on two vacations to places where eating healthy is impossible and drinking alcohol is required nightly. I gained a few pounds after the first trip, but I stayed the same after the second trip! The second trip consisted of so much walking that I didn't gain and I couldn't have been happier when I weighed in post vacation.

I normally rotate morning and lunchtime workouts, I can't always get up to go to the gym in morning, I have to get up super early and sometimes I don't sleep well or don't feel great in the morning so I skip the workout and do it during lunch. I've been good about going during lunch, the downside is that I am rushed and don't get to workout for very long.

This week turned a new page as I wasn't able to go in the mornings and lunchtime was challenge so I went after work all week! I haven't done a night time workout in forever, but I forced myself to do it and it wasn't so bad after all. This workout time will take some getting used to and I don't think I could do it all the time, but it is good to know it is an option.

I feel like a gym rat now because I have turned into the person that used to annoy me, the one who has to go to the gym and doesn't blow it off. I have been very good and will continue to keep up the good work. The scale still goes up and down a pound here and there, but I know that this is a process and it doesn't happen over night and if I can maintain my weight right now then I will be happy. Recently I tried on some summer skirts, ones that were snug last summer and all of them fit! That was the best feeling of all!

Taking a Different Approach to Weight Loss

2010-03-25T17:53:00.002-04:00

After being on Nutrisytem for 2.5 weeks, I decided to go off of it. I purchased it via QVC and they have a 100% satisfaction guarantee so I can send back the rest of the uneaten food for a full refund. I do not like most of the food on this particular plan, it is Summer Sizzle program limited to QVC.

There are pros and cons to the Nutrisystem program. I liked knowing exactly what I should eat each day, the menu is easy to follow and I will probably stick to some of the snacks like having a piece of fruit with dairy or protein. Grocery shopping was easy since I knew exactly what to buy and I did not stray from my list and I probably spent less money by shopping that way.

Some of the food was ok, mainly the breakfasts and desserts/snacks, I did not care for most of the lunches or dinners. They were very bland and not filling, lots of lunches consisted of soups that I didn't care for. The lunch bars were good, but it is weird eating a chocolate fudge bar as the main portion of a meal. The plan doesn't sound expensive when you break it down by meal, but it feels costly when you spend about $200 on four weeks of food and that does not include the other foods you need to fill in and the food for weekends so it add up quickly.

During the first week, I had some stomach issues related to the consumption of the Nutrisytem food. I had cramping and was bloated. After some research, I learned this is common and it would pass, which it thankfully did and I was able to eat the food again without any problems.

Going off Nutrisystem does not end my shape up for summer and weight loss efforts. I am taking a different approach, one that I did a long time ago and it worked, I shed 15 pounds and hope to do the same or close to it this time.

I will plan most of my meals and fill up on fruits and veggies. I find that big salads are great for making me feel full and I add a carb and a protein. Breakfast will consist of fruit and protein or dairy. Snacks will be fruit. I will not keep snacks around that can be easily over consumed like big bags of popcorn, only 100 calorie bags are allowed.

I've been good about hitting the gym, I have been every weekday for the past 2.5 weeks. I am back on track, I have to go or I feel lazy and guilty about it. I ready to keep this up. I shed a few pounds on Nutrisystem, but no it is time to do things my way.

Learning How to Eat Again

2010-03-19T08:29:00.003-04:00

I've been on Nutrisystem a week and half. For the most part, I have been good about following the program, but there are times when I slip up like forgetting to eat the afternoon snack and last weekend was hard, while I didn't pig out or anything, I did not follow the suggested weekend eating plan.

I am learning how to eat again. This may sound strange, but I am talking about eating appropriate portions and not overeating. I run three days/week and before Nutrisystem I would eat a bit more the nights before the runs thinking that I needed more fuel to complete my runs, but after running five times since being on the program, I realize that I do not need to eat more.

Nutrisystem prepacked meals are correct serving sizes. The pizza wasn't bad, while it didn't have much flavor, it satisfied my craving for carbs. While I don't love most of the food on this plan, some foods are better than others, I find that I am always hungry after eating, the food doesn't fill me up, but my body is getting used to the serving sizes and I'm sure I will slowly adjust to it and fill up more after eating.

Even though I am hungry after eating, I am playing by the rules and not going back to the fridge to graze for more. When the food is gone from my plate, I am done eating, something that isn't always easy to do. I wish I could eat more, but I can't and I always survive. I've learned that I don't need to eat as much as I thought to function and workout.

Course if I increase my running distance, I may need an extra serving of carbs, but I will cross that bridge when I get to it. In the meantime I am being religious about working out, I've been to the gym every weekday for the past two weeks, which isn't always easy, but I have come to terms with it and know that it is something I must do without any excuses.

In the meantime my body will continue to adjust to this new eating pattern, while eating is a physiological need, there are right and wrong ways to do it and I am still learning the right way.

In Memory of Debra Schiebel

2010-03-16T17:30:00.007-04:00

In this fast-paced world, it is easy to get caught up in the day-to-day details of our lives without giving thought to the one thing we take for granted, life itself. This realization came to me yesterday when I learned that a former coworker, Debra Schiebel, was fatally hit by a truck during a routine jog in Washington, DC.

I heard about it on the news, it freaked me out since I live close to where it happened and because it was such a sad and tragic way to die. I primarily run at the gym, but run outside once in a while and thought what if that happened to me?

About a week later, I learned that the woman who was fatally hit was someone I worked with six years ago. I didn't know her very well, she kept to herself, but was always friendly. I ran into three years ago when I joined a gym close to where I live and learned she was a member. She was religious about working out and also an avid runner.

I am deeply saddened about her untimely death. I can't stop thinking about what her final moments were like, what was she thinking about, was she killed on impact? She died shortly after the accident so I don't think she suffered very long, hopefully not at all.

I thought about her when I arrived at the gym this morning, was hard to believe that I wouldn't see her anymore. She always worked out on the same machine and it was weird seeing the machine without her on it.

This made me think about life and how short and precious it really is. This incident hit too close to home for me, it made me realize that I shouldn't take anything for granted. We all know we shouldn't take things for granted, but it is so easy to do so. Life is busy, hectic and complicated and we never take the time to stop and smell the roses.

Debra, I will miss seeing you at the gym, seeing you workout so feverishly always inspired me to push myself harder. I will stop to smell the roses that you cannot smell anymore. Rest in peace Debra.

Springing into Diet Action

2010-03-14T13:26:00.005-04:00

Last week I hit the gym every weekday, was the first time I did that in forever and it felt good! I need to get back to morning workouts as I was only able to go one morning, went during lunch the rest of the week. I like mornings better because I can work out longer and I feel energized throughout the day.

I got through two full days of NutriSystem, then veered a bit off track Friday and over the weekend. I haven't eaten "bad" foods, but I did go out drinking Friday and Saturday nights and didn't follow the plan to the letter. Dieting is hard when you go out with friends. I know that alcohol with slow my weight loss effort, but it is something I choose not to give up.

Eating out is hard to do too, but I have been good and haven't eaten any "bad" foods, I even skipped the pizza and birthday cake at my niece's birthday party yesterday. I function better when I'm in a structured routine during the week, weekends tend to throw me off, but I have been good about not pigging out or by eating everything in my fridge or eating the NutriSystem food during my weekend "off". Weekends "off" means that you do not eat the prepackaged food, instead you follow the meal plan for your age and gender.

I don't feel as hungry as I used to and that is a good thing and hopefully the first step in the right direction. I plan to hit the gym every day this week, spring arrives Saturday and I want to be ready for it!

Shaping up for Spring

2010-03-09T20:33:00.003-05:00

The weather is warming up, spring will be here soon and I need to start shaping up for it! I've been fighting the weight loss battle for a long time now. I lose, I gain, the scale constantly goes up and down. The other day I found a picture of me from high school. I was in a bikini sporting a hot bod, if I do say so myself! I want that body back!

I don't look like I need to lose weight, I carry the excess pounds in the middle and clothes cover them up. For years I've carried a little pudge, well at least that is what I call it and I'm tired of looking at it. I'm tired of having to try on clothes at home because I'm not sure if something will fit.

I received the Nutrisystem package today. I am starting it tomorrow. I did it a few years ago and it worked, I lost some weight, but not as much as I wanted to at the time. This time I plan to do it differently, it is coming off! I will weigh myself at the gym tomorrow morning so that I know my starting point. My goal is to shed 10-15 pounds. I have a goal range, not a weight.

I love eating, but my body is overly sensitive to excess calorie consumption and it is very easy for me to pack on the pounds. I chose to do the Nutrisystem diet because I like the ease of it and the convenience of the prepackaged foods. It is easy to open my cabinet and select what I would like to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I went to the grocery store and stocked up on the other foods I need to add to my diet like fruits, veggies, dairy and protein.

I know I can do this, just need to do it! I hope to be close to my goal by June, three months is a good amount of time for me to get there.

Wish me luck in my journey. It is one I've been on many times, but I have a new attitude this time! Check back to hear about my journey!

Fighting Winter Doldrums

2010-02-17T17:32:00.004-05:00

Snowmageddon, Snowpocalypse or the Bizzard of 2010, lots of names for lots of snow and my worst nightmare! I admit it, I hate winter, it is my least favorite season, one I could live without, but since I can't afford to live in paradise, I have to make do and get through it. This winter has been particularly brutal, snow is annoying to me, but two storms totally 30 some odd inches in one winter is crazy!

Ironically enough, one of the storms fell on my birthday! Just what I wanted, a blizzard! Thankfully I live in the city and was still able to get out, I would have gone crazy if I was stuck at home all week! While I have a car, thankfully I have no need to drive it right now, I start it every few days, but I haven't bothered to clean it off, too much work...

I also walk to work, but walking in the city isn't always an easy task. There are slippery spots especially crossing streets, the sidewalks aren't always cleared and you find yourself walking in the footprints of others and it can be hard to do. I walk very gingerly, I am afraid of falling and hurting myself, that would suck.

My office was closed last week, it was nice being off, but I started to go crazy, I am a creature of habit and I missed being in a regular routine. Winter makes me feel down and I feel like spring will never arrive even though it is just over a month away, well at least the calendar tells me the first day is March 21.

I try to stay busy, go to the gym, make plans with friends, that's the only way I can deal with my winter doldrums. I have two trips in May and I am anxiously waiting to go away, at least I have something to look foward to, until then I will be California Dreaming...

Let the Madness Begin, Hello 2009 Holiday Season!

2009-11-28T09:39:00.003-05:00

I have a love/hate with the holiday season. The parties are fun and everyone seems to be in a happy-go-lucky mood, but the over indulgence of everything gets to me! I enjoy seeing old friends and being merry, but since I constantly battle the scale, it is hard to indulge without feeling guilty or worrying that I won't fit into something because I gained too much. I try not to deprive myself since some foods are only eaten a few times per year, but it is so easy to over do it and I need to make sure I stay on the right side of that fine line!

Thankfully my family doesn't exchange gifts, except I do buy for my nieces. I also exchange presents with a few close friends, but I'm don't have to run around like a mad woman searching for the perfect present.

In this age of unemployment and shaky economy, why can't we get back to the basics of what the holiday season is really about? Most will say they are budgets, but in reality, they probably aren't, odds are they won't stick to them, temptation is everywhere!

While I'm not bah humbug, I just have a hard time completely embracing this time of year, though I wish all of you a happy and merry holiday season. Cheers!

Visiting the Holocaust Memorial Museum

2009-11-25T14:52:00.004-05:00

I've lived in DC for a long time now and finally paid a visit to the Holocaust Memorial Museum. The museum educates, informs and pays respect to those who innocently lost their lives during this tragic time. It also honors those who risked their lives to help save the Jews by aiding or hiding them.

It was a hard place to visit, but one that should be visited by every American. We must never forget and we need to continue to teach each generation of the tragedies of the past. It hit close to home for me as I am Jewish and have a strong emotional connection to the Holocaust.

I am fortunate that my grandparents, who originated from Eastern Europe, emigrated to the US before Hitler came to power, but I often wonder if I had distant relatives who bore witness to this horrible tragedy. Every time I see my last name on a list of victims, I wonder if they were somehow related to me.

I was deeply saddened by my visit, but I am glad I finally went, something I needed to do. I saw many interesting books in the bookstore and while I didn't buy any yet, I plan to read the stories about the survivors and other heroes. God bless all of them.

Atlas Football Season is Here!

2009-09-15T13:35:00.003-04:00

Football is my favorite sport and I can't say how happy I am that the season started last week! I am in two fantasy football leagues, won one, lost in the other this week. I went to my hometown team's game on Sunday, the weather was absolutely perfect and we won!

The sport has a social world of its own. I have email and phone conversations with friends about games and fantasy football. I won the championship in one of my leagues last year, it was awesome! A lot of dumb luck went into that win! I love seeing the championship bobble head trophy that sits on my living room. Hope to make the playoffs again, but time will tell how it goes.

It is time consuming to do fantasy and I spend all day Sunday watching games unless I actually go to one. Nothing better than hanging in a bar with friends, kicking back with some tasty beverages and watching games, cheering on my fantasy players and booing the players/teams I hate.

Yessiree, football is back and I love it! Go team!

My First Speed Dating Experience

2009-08-22T14:22:00.003-04:00

Long story short, I participated in a speed dating party the other night. Friend's friend hosted the event and needed more women, the party was free and in my neighborhood so I gave it a shot. I got there on time, but others ran late so it got started later and I sat at the bar and drank wine while I waited.

There were 11 men and 12 women at the party. I only found a few of the men attractive, but I tried to have an open mind, which really didn't work once it got started. The four minute "dates" went by fast, well at least most of them did, some seemed to last for eternity.

After the party, you rate the guys "yes" or "no" and the website gives you your matches in a day or two. I said "yes" to 3 out of the 11 guys, however 6 of out the 11 said "yes" to me, none of whom I said "yes" to. I'm not interested in any of these guys.

I like to compare the experience to going on a bunch of job interviews for jobs you don't want in the first place, but go anyway. I don't think I'd do it again, glad I didn't pay for it or I would be very disappointed.

I had to create a profile on their website before going the party and now I'm able to search other profiles. I checked the matches the site created for me, some nice looking guys to be had, but when I read their profiles, I find that I am too old for them! Since when did I get to be too old?

I may contact one for kicks just to see what happens. I'm not the sort of gal who is dying to get married, I am used to be single and I am fine with it, but it could be entertaining (or not) so we shall see and you never know, Mr. Right may be waiting for me...

Pleasantly Surprised by the Scale

2009-08-17T21:18:00.003-04:00

I am happy to report that I finally found my groove at the gym and I have my eating under control. Although it is hard to weigh myself on a Monday (or Tuesday if I skip Monday), I feel that I need to be accountable for my pigging out or whatever it is that I am more likely to do on weekends.

When I got dressed this morning, I got a glimpse of myself in the mirror and noticed that I seemed a bit smaller. I decided to try on a pair of pants I haven't worn since last summer. I unsuccessfully tried to wear them earlier this summer, but it wasn't meant to be, that darn zipper wouldn't go all the way to the top and I could barely snap the hook. I was disappointed, but I trudged on and knew that I would eventually fit into them again.

I couldn't believe it when i put them on and pulled them up, they fit around my waist and low and behold, the zipper zipped and the snap snapped and I didn't look like I stuffed myself into them! Wahoo! Success at last, I could wear them after giving them the year off. I must state that they are capris so I can only wear them in the summer.

Since I skipped the gym this morning, I went during my lunch break. I felt confident about weighing myself, as I thought I would weigh the same if not less than I did last week. I was pleasantly surprised when I saw that I lost 2.5 lbs since last week! I was good about hitting the gym last week, I even went on Saturday, something I rarely do, but since I was going to a bbq that night, I thought it best to burn baby burn...

I enjoyed myself at the bbq and allowed myself to indulge, I had the usual food, then four cookies, yes four, they were that good! I also had two pieces of cake. I'm not a cake person, but this was good cake!

Hopefully I will reach my weight range by mid to late fall. I am working on the last 10 lbs., some of which I shed, then gain and do it over and over again. I don't have a ton to do, but I am tired of lugging around the lbs. and want to rid them from my body. I have the new found confidence I need to move forward and so I will march on and fight the lbs., so far I'm winning!

One Week Till My Forced Vacation

2009-08-16T13:22:00.003-04:00

Thankfully I never lived through a furlough until now. I realize it is better than the alternative of losing my job, but it is still weird to have a forced week of vacation and not be able to go anywhere. When I originally learned about it in May, I had high hopes of going away for a few days, then reality set in and sadly my wallet is preventing me from going anywhere. Though funds are low, I haven't given up hope of finding a great last minute deal and I will spend some time seeing if i can find one.

Since I will most likely be here in DC, not sure what I will do with my time. A friend gave me some suggestions so I may play tourist here and do the things I always wish I could do, but never actually do them. I also need to watch what I spend so I may take advantage of the free museums or enjoy a walk around the city.

Any ideas of what I can do? Volunteering a day or two is another option. I hope I don't get lazy that week, I can't afford to slack off at the gym, but the option of sleeping in is tempting and I could do longer workouts and hopefully shed some more lbs!

Hopefully I will have a good week, I suppose I should just enjoy having a few days off without the stress of looking for a job, thankfully I have one for now, no guarantees there either, but I am taking things one day at a time!

What to do in Life?

2009-08-12T21:10:00.003-04:00

I always thought that by this age, I'd have my life figured out. This turns out not to be the case. I know that I'm going down the right path career wise even though I'm not entirely certain of what I want to be when I grow up. The industry I'm in is constantly changing which makes it exciting, but hard to know what the next thing will be a year or two from now.

I was in NYC last weekend, a place I've been to many times, each time I fall even more in love with it and think about what it would be like to live there. While I think it may have been easier if I were a tad younger, I still think it is doable. It is the most exciting city I've ever visited and I enjoy every minute I am there.

The wheels started spinning again when I got home. I started to research places to live, jobs, etc...Finding a job these days is hard no matter where you live, but I may put it out there and apply, it doesn't cost anything to do so and you never know, perhaps one application may be the right one. Even so, I don't know for certain that I'd move there, but it is exciting to think about.

I know I'm not the only person with a dream of living there, many have tried, some have been successful, others have not, but even if they weren't, at least they can have the peace of mind that they gave it a shot. Perhaps I may be one of the ones to give it a shot too? We'll see, time will tell, for now it is my dream, one that keeps repeating itself.

RIP John Hughes

2009-08-06T18:45:00.005-04:00

Just heard the news about the passing of John Hughes. He was like the director of my teenage years as he directed the movies I grew up watching and love to this day, they are some of my favorites!

I flip TV stations a lot, I'm probably annoying to watch TV with, but I will always stop for a John Hughes movie! I've seen "Sixteen Candles" and "The Breakfast Club" a million times and could watch them a million more times and never tire of them.

He was 59 years old, which isn't so old these days, he was in the prime of his life! Tragic that he died during his morning walk, makes us stop and think how short and precious life really is.

His movies were about real people and real problems. "The Breakfast Club" is probably my all time favorite John Hughes movie. I almost feel like it should be shown in every high school. That movie was real and raw, it showed real stereotypes and taught valuable lessons about tolerance.

Too bad I don't have any of his movies on DVD or I'd pop one in now. Thanks John Hughes, thanks for making great movies that bring back great memories every time I watch them. I am sorry you are gone, but your movies will last forever.

The Dog Days of Summer

2009-08-05T17:26:00.003-04:00

Seems like only yesterday that I was a kid, enjoying and relishing my summer vacation. I have many fond memories of those days, it was great being carefree, sleeping in, eating ice cream, catching fireflies, going to Ocean City for vacation and loving not being in school! Wish we had summer vacation as adults, it would be great to relive those memories for a short time.

Ironically enough, I will have a summer vacation later this month. It isn't one I wanted to take, it is a furlough week! My entire office will be closed so I won't have to worry about work, I will actually be careful for the week. I wish I could go away, but not looking likely to happen as my funds are on the low side right now. Not sure what I will do with myself during that week, but I'll figure something out.

I am amazed at how fast summer flies and it goes by faster with each passing year. When I grew up, school ended in mid June and started again after Labor Day, but nowadays, seems like summer is shortened and kids go back to school before the end of August. Glad that wasn't the case in my day, to me, Labor Day will always signal the end of the "unofficial" summer.

Before I know it, that day will be here and I will be sad that "summer" is over, but for me it is bittersweet, being a huge football ban, it means my favorite sporting will be starting again. But right now I'm thinking of all the things I haven't done yet, I've been to the beach, but I haven't been out for crabs, caught a firefly (though since I live in the city, this is hard to do), had an ice cream cone or played tourist down on the mall. I may have to do that during my furlough week. As annoying as tourists can be, sometimes I envy their carefree attittudes and wish I could tag along to enjoy the city. There are so many great attractions here and I rarely visit them, I take them for granted, but there is something for another post...

Time does not stand still and I need to engage in some more summer fun before the days get shorter and colder. I plan to enjoy the rest it while I can.

No more excuses, I'm sticking to the gym!

2009-07-30T18:38:00.003-04:00

I still don't being my age, but I can't change it. The older I get, the harder it is to lose weight and keep it off. I've had my share of ups and downs on the scale during the past year and still working to lose those last 10 pounds! I usually lose in the winter and gain in the summer, but I didn't lose anything last winter, I kept gaining, argh!

This summer I promised myself I would stop gaining weight and gain control over myself and work on those stubborn 10 pounds! I'm happy to report that I am halfway there! Definitely not easy, but I'm determined to do it. I don't know how long it will take to shed the next 5, but it is a goal I am working hard to achieve!

I prefer going to the gym in the morning, but this requires getting up very early and I find it harder and harder to do. I am good about setting my alarm clock, but famous for resetting it and sleeping in. However...IF I do that, I go to the gym during my lunch break. I've been in a regular routine for about two months now and I have found that I like it.

I admit, I am very lazy! I would prefer to sleep in rather than workout, but working out is something I know I must do and I'm proud of myself for going during lunch when I can't make it in the morning.

The interesting thing is that when I workout during lunch, I find that I'm not as hungry when I return to work. Not sure why that is, but even when I'm starving before working out, the workout somehow acts as an appetite suppressant.

I'm also eating less at home, I used to snack out of boredom, but not sure much now. After dinner, I brush my teeth so I am less like to eat or I pop a piece of gum. I've been through this battle before, but getting older does not help things, just makes them harder and so I am learning what works for me and accepting what I must do to stay on track.

I do not diet, I just eat healthy and watch my calorie intake and exercise. I feel good about myself, I can do this! If only they had "The Biggest Loser: The Last Ten Pounds"! Now that would be great, I'd apply in a heartbeat! Can Jillian or Bob come train me? Here's to the next five pounds!

Annoying Text Habits

2009-07-16T17:03:00.002-04:00

Saw this article today and it made me laugh because all of these have happened to me, then it annoyed me because all of these have happened to me! I was never a big phone person to begin with so texting is an easy way out for me, but there are times when a phone call should happen! This is especially important in the world of dating. Guys rarely call anymore, getting asked out via text can be quite annoying, but I "get" why they do it, it is easy and the rejection is less painful that way.

What gives with the mass texters fishing for something to do on the weekend? Depends what kind of mood I'm in, sometimes I'll use it to tag along if I don't have anything going on. Other times I will simply ignore it. Why do they wait till the last minute to make plans in the first place?

I think that texting has become a "hobby" of most people. I see people texting all the time, which is fine if done in the right place and time. It drives me crazy when I'm out with someone and they start texting instead of talking to me. I guess this applies when I'm having dinner with someone or we're in the middle of a conversation or something. I think it is rude to start texting with others while we're in the middle of whatever. It looks like I'm not as important as whatever is going on in your life.

I realize I should get used to these annoyances or as the article points out, find ways to deal with them, but I think things will continue to worsen, we're addicted to texts just like we are everything thing else about modern times!

Crazy to think that I grew up in the pre cell phone area, I feel like a dinosaur sometimes! Most of the time I am ok with these cell phone annoyances because I know I should get used to them, but it's not so easy sometimes!

The Bachelorette

2009-07-14T17:07:00.002-04:00

I admit I'm a closet reality show junkie! Well at least for some shows, The Bachelorette being one of them. I don't watch The Bachelor because I find the girls to be very catty and annoying, but there are usually nice looking guys on The Bachelorette and I like to figure out what I would do.

This season has been interesting and now we've got one week to go. I like Jillian because she seems "real" and like she's in it for the long haul, I think she really wants to find "the one"! I like all of the last three men that she had to choose from last night, though I can't decide what I would do if I were in her shoes.

I liked Reid and felt bad for him when she gave him the boot! She was kind of mean to him when he asked what they should say next and she said "goodbye", ouch, that was harsh! I think she's second guessing herself already, wonder how things would have changed if he confessed his feelings in the first place.

Must be hard to be on that show, I mean how do you fall in love with someone after knowing them for a short time? I'd love to be the Bachelorette! You get to live in a nice house, pick the cuties you want, go on fun dates and trips around the world, plus you get your 15 minutes of fame and if you're lucky, you might find Mr. Right!

Out of the last two men standing, I like Ed better because he seems like the "nice" guy, the one who would be my best friend and would always be there for me. I liked his family too. The thing about him I don't like is that he walked out before because of his job, what if he changed his mind again? Who knows what will be, the previews for the finale look rather interesting! Wonder if he does change his mind about being there, hmmmm?

Kiptyn is a really nice looking guy and while I like him a lot, I wonder how much there is between him and Jillian. His parents seemed nice, but frankly his mother scared me to death! She makes me nervous, not sure I could deal with her for the rest of my life.

I hope the show ends well for Jillian, she deserves to be happy no matter what happens. Best of luck to you girl!

What I Love - Balance and Brighten

2009-07-12T17:03:00.002-04:00

A first in an ongoing series of things I love. I cannot live without Laura Geller's Balance and Brighten! This pressed powder can be used as a foundation and/or a finishing powder. I use it for foundation. It is goof proof, super easy and has fabulous results! I can literally apply it without looking, it is that easy.

This product works on all skins tones, there is a fair formula available, i use the regular. It takes seconds to apply and quickly evens out my skintone and makes my skin ready to apply blush and bronzing powder.

Thanks Laura Geller for making a fabulous product, I love it!

Sick While Single

2009-07-09T20:16:00.004-04:00

Thankfully I rarely get sick, the kind of sick with a fever involved and being stuck in bed without the energy to get out of it. Ugh...that was me this week, I was struck with some sort of bug and felt awful! I'm ok with my singleness most of the time, however *this* was not one of those times.

Living alone sucks with no one to take care of you sucks when you are sick. I was weak and tired and could barely get out bed. I would have killed to have a sweetie come and take care of me! I know how to take care of myself, but would have been nice to have someone fetch fresh water, Tylenol, chicken soup and give me the occasional hug and tell that everything would be ok.

Thankfully I have some good friends who offered to bring me anything if I needed it, but I'm also thankful that I was able to fend for myself. I got myself out of the house and to Safeway, then CVS and stocked up on crackers, soup and meds so that I could stay cooped up at home most of the week. I was also able to get myself to the doctor so that I could find out what was wrong with me.

Yes, I love having my own place and not sharing a bed, but sometimes it would be nice to have a boyfriend on an as needed basis which for me would have been this week. . Oh well, at least I don't have to feel embarrassed about the way I sound while I'm hacking here, I still have an annoying cough and I sound like I'm dying when I do it.

Facebook Annoyances

2009-07-01T20:00:00.000-04:00

I've been on Facebook for a year now and I'm still getting used to it, I like to say that I have a love/hate relationship with it. Sometimes it is the greatest thing in the world, other times I'm ready to delete my profile! I don't like when people "abuse" their status update privileges. I call them "privileges" because when I get annoyed with someones posts, I "hide" them.

I'm OK with you updating a few times each day, but do you really have to update multiple times within one hour? And this repeats itself over and over again. Yep, that is when I "hide" you.

I think some people like to brag in their updates, it is annoying. Do you really have to countdown about your trip to wherever a month before you leave? This continues up until departure, then you keep going on about how you are on the plane, you arrived, you are chilling by the pool, etc...really....I don't care....I don't need to know every detail about your adventures. I don't get it, get a life and enjoy where you are in the present instead of constantly updating your Facebook status!

I could go on and on about the things I don't like about Facebook updates...some other things include the "hijacking" of updates. By this I mean the update that starts out as one thing, then a friend makes a comment about something totally unrelated and others add their thoughts and before you know it, there is a long trail 10 degrees unrelated from how it started. It reminds me of the telephone game, you know, the one you played when you were little...one person whispers a story to the person beside him/her, then the story is passed around the circle until it gets to the first person and the story is completely different!

Yet we continue to read these posts, I suppose it is out of boredom, nosiness, curiosity, etc...I tend to read them too, but wind up getting annoyed at times. Oh well, I suppose I should learn to live with it, but easier said than done, more fun to whine and make fun of it.

Happy Facebooking!