- Sometimes there's just not enough Body Glide in the world
- And powder (even Gold Bond) just can't do the trick...
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Sorry Tiff
I have to just say:
Monday, September 12, 2011
things I want to un-learn (or at least un-hear)
(Hands held over ears) La la la la
Yesterday after our run the hubby realized he had some, um, chafing issues. More than the expected chaffed "nips" issue (which we addressed a few weeks ago...) According to him - these were a bit more "involved" and "personal".
Of course since I've run a half marathon before he asked me about his "issues". I politely informed him since I don't have the same "equipment" he has surpassed my area of expertise and must consult someone else.
Enter in my FIL. He is, indeed, a life-long runner. Who better to ask than your own dad?!?! He's got the experience (lots more than me!) and more importantly - the right equipment...
So as the hubby and I went to run errands in my car he decided to call his dad RIGHT THEN. Why it couldn't wait, I couldn't say. Did I mention my car has that hands-free, speaker phone thing??? Um, yeah...
So as I'm driving the hubby calls his dad and the conversation is on speaker. Hubby doesn't really point that out to my FIL. I kinda take it as my cue that I'm not part of this conversation.
My hubby then proceeds to tell his father that he's having some chaffing.....
FIL: where? On your breast or your penis??
Hubby: uh, um, down there...
Did I just hear my FIL say "breast" and "penis"???? And I'm NOT supposed to laugh out loud at this??? (Remember - I'm not supposed to be in this conversation...)
So the conversation turns to the finer points of proper running shorts for men. But somewhere along the line I hear:
FIL: but you know, you need to make sure the brief inside hold your balls in, ya know?
Hubby: yea, ok...
OMG! Did I just hear my FIL say "balls"??? That is too funny!! But I CAN'T laugh!! (Btw - remember I'm trying to ALSO drive this whole conversation....)
Needless to say I probably could have gone my whole life not hearing my FIL say breast, penis and balls... but it was pretty funny!!
Note: I almost expect funny shit like this to come from my MIL. But definitely NOT my FIL!!!!
Yesterday after our run the hubby realized he had some, um, chafing issues. More than the expected chaffed "nips" issue (which we addressed a few weeks ago...) According to him - these were a bit more "involved" and "personal".
Of course since I've run a half marathon before he asked me about his "issues". I politely informed him since I don't have the same "equipment" he has surpassed my area of expertise and must consult someone else.
Enter in my FIL. He is, indeed, a life-long runner. Who better to ask than your own dad?!?! He's got the experience (lots more than me!) and more importantly - the right equipment...
So as the hubby and I went to run errands in my car he decided to call his dad RIGHT THEN. Why it couldn't wait, I couldn't say. Did I mention my car has that hands-free, speaker phone thing??? Um, yeah...
So as I'm driving the hubby calls his dad and the conversation is on speaker. Hubby doesn't really point that out to my FIL. I kinda take it as my cue that I'm not part of this conversation.
My hubby then proceeds to tell his father that he's having some chaffing.....
FIL: where? On your breast or your penis??
Hubby: uh, um, down there...
Did I just hear my FIL say "breast" and "penis"???? And I'm NOT supposed to laugh out loud at this??? (Remember - I'm not supposed to be in this conversation...)
So the conversation turns to the finer points of proper running shorts for men. But somewhere along the line I hear:
FIL: but you know, you need to make sure the brief inside hold your balls in, ya know?
Hubby: yea, ok...
OMG! Did I just hear my FIL say "balls"??? That is too funny!! But I CAN'T laugh!! (Btw - remember I'm trying to ALSO drive this whole conversation....)
Needless to say I probably could have gone my whole life not hearing my FIL say breast, penis and balls... but it was pretty funny!!
Note: I almost expect funny shit like this to come from my MIL. But definitely NOT my FIL!!!!
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Running for my Life
Some of you may have read on FB that the hubby and I are training for a half marathon on October 16th. Starting now I will be randomly posting thoughts, experiences, observations and reflections about this process on my blog. You know - things I really don't want EVERYONE on FB to read.
I know why most workout bottoms are black.
Yesterday we had a 9 mile long run. We usually do these down at the park, well, because, our race IS at the park. What better place to train than on your course? Because it was cool that morning I decided to wear my charcoal capri spandex pants. I generally wear skorts. But I wanted my knees covered since it was only in the 50's. And they're charcoal because I got them on sale at my one of my fav catalog workout gear places (www.titlenine.com) and they were sold out of my size in black at the time...
We set out. Apparently a local shoe store was conducting a couch-to-5K training session so there were LOTS of people already at the park. They were in groups walking so they weren't too hard to jog around. When we hit mile 2.5 mile mark we starting seeing LOTS of people RUNNING (as in really fast!) the opposite direction from us. Apparently participating in a US Army 5K run. The hubby looked at me "Why do I feel like a salmon swimming upstream??" We didn't know where their turn around point was. All we could hope for was that we hit the bridge before they lapped us. 'Cuz they were hoofin' it! (luckily we did turn off the course - to the bridge - before they caught us! whew!)
The rest of the run was uneventful. As I was kicking it to finish our run I was passing a lot more people who had come out to enjoy the beautiful weather. I only had a half mile to go when I looked down.
That's when I saw it.
My crotch sweat.
Now, I ALWAYS have crotch sweat. (sorry. TMI, I know.) But it was REALLY obvious in gray pants!!! So much so that it looked like I PEED MYSELF!! This, I realize, would not have been nearly as noticable in the same pants, but black....
Great... I know my body and I'm pretty sure I'd had this crotch sweat issue since probably - hummm.... mile THREE! And now I'm on mile EIGHT and a HALF! So for at least five and a half miles people have been looking at me thinking I peed myself.
So I'm thinking people are thinking one of three things:
1 - OMG she's leaky and peed herself!!
2 - OMG she's so hard core she didn't want to stop her training run to bother to pee!!
3 - oh, her thighs rub together and create massive crotch sweat too. huh, I though I was the only one...
So there you have it folks. This is real reason I prefer to run in skorts. Y'all are now in the know.
Carry on.
I know why most workout bottoms are black.
Yesterday we had a 9 mile long run. We usually do these down at the park, well, because, our race IS at the park. What better place to train than on your course? Because it was cool that morning I decided to wear my charcoal capri spandex pants. I generally wear skorts. But I wanted my knees covered since it was only in the 50's. And they're charcoal because I got them on sale at my one of my fav catalog workout gear places (www.titlenine.com) and they were sold out of my size in black at the time...
We set out. Apparently a local shoe store was conducting a couch-to-5K training session so there were LOTS of people already at the park. They were in groups walking so they weren't too hard to jog around. When we hit mile 2.5 mile mark we starting seeing LOTS of people RUNNING (as in really fast!) the opposite direction from us. Apparently participating in a US Army 5K run. The hubby looked at me "Why do I feel like a salmon swimming upstream??" We didn't know where their turn around point was. All we could hope for was that we hit the bridge before they lapped us. 'Cuz they were hoofin' it! (luckily we did turn off the course - to the bridge - before they caught us! whew!)
The rest of the run was uneventful. As I was kicking it to finish our run I was passing a lot more people who had come out to enjoy the beautiful weather. I only had a half mile to go when I looked down.
That's when I saw it.
My crotch sweat.
Now, I ALWAYS have crotch sweat. (sorry. TMI, I know.) But it was REALLY obvious in gray pants!!! So much so that it looked like I PEED MYSELF!! This, I realize, would not have been nearly as noticable in the same pants, but black....
Great... I know my body and I'm pretty sure I'd had this crotch sweat issue since probably - hummm.... mile THREE! And now I'm on mile EIGHT and a HALF! So for at least five and a half miles people have been looking at me thinking I peed myself.
So I'm thinking people are thinking one of three things:
1 - OMG she's leaky and peed herself!!
2 - OMG she's so hard core she didn't want to stop her training run to bother to pee!!
3 - oh, her thighs rub together and create massive crotch sweat too. huh, I though I was the only one...
So there you have it folks. This is real reason I prefer to run in skorts. Y'all are now in the know.
Carry on.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
In other news....
Wow have I've been bad about not posting!!!
The latest and greatest in our world is that 2 weeks ago the hubby came to me at 9:30pm on a Wednesday (I was already in bed doing a crossword puzzle. That sounds amazingly boring when I actually say it "out loud"...) and delcared he wanted to run the Empire half marathon.
Great! you say?? Well I had been wondering whether he was going to do it or not. We found out about the new race coming to our town last fall. At that point he mentioned he'd like to train and run the half marathon. (There's also a marathon and a marathon relay race -4 people over the 26.2mi) The two of us ran about 2-3 weeks together last fall. But as far as I know the last time he "ran" was for CC in high school... although to be sure, I'm positive they did a little running for crew in college. But it's crew - MUCH more rowing than running for certain!
For the most part this was never mentioned again after the first declaration in the fall/ winter. My FIL did ask us on 2 separate occasions (that I can remember) if we'd be interested in running the relay instead - the 2 of us, him and my SIL. I thought that was a grand plan since the hubby hadn't made any additional comments about being interested in running the HM. Plus the relay would be about 6.5 miles per person. Much more realistic than 13.1 miles for someone who doesn't run.
(for the record - when I deicded to run my HM I had been running on and off for a few years at that point, albeit slow. Although my consistency would wax and wain I still jogged. The hubby, when looking for a physical workout, always turns to the rowing machine. Or cycling. NOT running....)
The hubby was not on board for the relay. He wanted to do the HM. Ok. Fine with me.
Then silence.
It was never mentioned again. Until now.
When he came to me that night to tell me he wanted to run the HM my jaw dropped. He said "the race is 9.5 weeks away. I found this great 12 week program to follow!" That's great but I saw immediately saw a flaw in his logic that HAD to be pointed out. "You realize you have less than 12 weeks to train for said HM, right???" He assured me this would not be a problem. He would just start 2.5 weeks into the program.
I will admit this was not my best "wife" moment. Instead of being supportive I'm pretty sure I launched into something like "Are you frickin' crazy?? We're not 23 anymore!! You can't just NOT run and then decide to 'cram' for a HM!!!!"
I'm sure I continued on with something like "Jumping into the plan like that - you're sure to injure yourself!! Why didn't you do a better job at planning this out? You've know about it forever! Duh!"
And of course the most important part of the rant (to me) "If you hurt yourself I don't want to hear about it! This is ridiculous!!" To which he replied "you don't have to run it with me". Of course I don't but I'd still have to hear him whine about this hurting and that being sore.... I'm pretty sure all of that is akin to "don't say I didn't warn you!!" ("and I don't want to hear it!!!")
Like I said, not my best wife moment....
But alas he is still committed - 2 weeks in and we're still going.
Yes, I said "we". I admit it is a good excuse to get my arse off the couch. We have 7.5 weeks until the race. We're not even registered yet. The hubby said he wanted to run about 3 weeks to decide if he was able to run it or not. At this point I might as well even if he decides not to. I'm slow as molasses but I'm able to keep up with the training schedule ok.
So here's to nuthin'!
(if you don't hear from me I might have died trying to train for this....)
The latest and greatest in our world is that 2 weeks ago the hubby came to me at 9:30pm on a Wednesday (I was already in bed doing a crossword puzzle. That sounds amazingly boring when I actually say it "out loud"...) and delcared he wanted to run the Empire half marathon.
Great! you say?? Well I had been wondering whether he was going to do it or not. We found out about the new race coming to our town last fall. At that point he mentioned he'd like to train and run the half marathon. (There's also a marathon and a marathon relay race -4 people over the 26.2mi) The two of us ran about 2-3 weeks together last fall. But as far as I know the last time he "ran" was for CC in high school... although to be sure, I'm positive they did a little running for crew in college. But it's crew - MUCH more rowing than running for certain!
For the most part this was never mentioned again after the first declaration in the fall/ winter. My FIL did ask us on 2 separate occasions (that I can remember) if we'd be interested in running the relay instead - the 2 of us, him and my SIL. I thought that was a grand plan since the hubby hadn't made any additional comments about being interested in running the HM. Plus the relay would be about 6.5 miles per person. Much more realistic than 13.1 miles for someone who doesn't run.
(for the record - when I deicded to run my HM I had been running on and off for a few years at that point, albeit slow. Although my consistency would wax and wain I still jogged. The hubby, when looking for a physical workout, always turns to the rowing machine. Or cycling. NOT running....)
The hubby was not on board for the relay. He wanted to do the HM. Ok. Fine with me.
Then silence.
It was never mentioned again. Until now.
When he came to me that night to tell me he wanted to run the HM my jaw dropped. He said "the race is 9.5 weeks away. I found this great 12 week program to follow!" That's great but I saw immediately saw a flaw in his logic that HAD to be pointed out. "You realize you have less than 12 weeks to train for said HM, right???" He assured me this would not be a problem. He would just start 2.5 weeks into the program.
I will admit this was not my best "wife" moment. Instead of being supportive I'm pretty sure I launched into something like "Are you frickin' crazy?? We're not 23 anymore!! You can't just NOT run and then decide to 'cram' for a HM!!!!"
I'm sure I continued on with something like "Jumping into the plan like that - you're sure to injure yourself!! Why didn't you do a better job at planning this out? You've know about it forever! Duh!"
And of course the most important part of the rant (to me) "If you hurt yourself I don't want to hear about it! This is ridiculous!!" To which he replied "you don't have to run it with me". Of course I don't but I'd still have to hear him whine about this hurting and that being sore.... I'm pretty sure all of that is akin to "don't say I didn't warn you!!" ("and I don't want to hear it!!!")
Like I said, not my best wife moment....
But alas he is still committed - 2 weeks in and we're still going.
Yes, I said "we". I admit it is a good excuse to get my arse off the couch. We have 7.5 weeks until the race. We're not even registered yet. The hubby said he wanted to run about 3 weeks to decide if he was able to run it or not. At this point I might as well even if he decides not to. I'm slow as molasses but I'm able to keep up with the training schedule ok.
So here's to nuthin'!
(if you don't hear from me I might have died trying to train for this....)
Sunday, July 31, 2011
only 7 years
Today is our 7th anniversary. For those of you that were able to be there - yes - that was SEVEN years ago!! Madhatter looked so AWESOME that I was too stunned to say anything (cuz the last time I saw her was when she was WAY preggers at Sweet Teas wedding....) speaking of Sweet Tea - she was preggers with her first at our wedding.... and I believe her hubby (my bff in HS) had just flown into town from Orlando and he had to change in the car!!) How time flies now that I get to hear fantastically funny stories about their kids!
So today the hubby and I decided to go mt biking , out to eat and then sit and partake of the "Northeast Jazz and Wine Festival" that has been taking place this weekend. The mt biking was ok. But I was wheezing (forgot to pre-emptively take asthma meds...) and had about the WORST heartburn/ acid reflux I've had in a looog time. Add to that the humbling of how out of shape I am and I had to call it quits after 30mins. If I had had something for the heartburn ON me I would have gone on longer. But I was burpy and felt like I had an exposed jalepeno lodged in my throat. The hubby has NEVER had heartburn. (Lucky bastard...) so he was trying to empathetic.... but I don't think he truly got it. I felt awful!! And I felt awful for cutting our ride short. But he was sweet about it.
We came home, showered and I napped with NASCAR for a bit before we headed out to an early dinner downtown. We are now sitting in downtown Syracuse, in our camp chairs (and me, accidentally in my "house" crocs.. duh!) Listening to awesome jazz. I tasted some wine in the wine tent to kill a little time. But we're waiting for the main event. I don't know lots about jazz but I know the sax player in the main event is from Tower of Power. And them I know!! (Thanks to hanging out/ dating a bunch of sax players in high school...)
NOTE: it's surprising that I didn't end up marrying a sax player, given my history in HS. Although to the hubby's credit, he DID play sax in middle school... who knew?!?!
So here we are with music playing in the tent behind us, watching this (seemingly homeless) person and his goat. On a leash. In the middle of the square in Syracuse. Go figure.
So today the hubby and I decided to go mt biking , out to eat and then sit and partake of the "Northeast Jazz and Wine Festival" that has been taking place this weekend. The mt biking was ok. But I was wheezing (forgot to pre-emptively take asthma meds...) and had about the WORST heartburn/ acid reflux I've had in a looog time. Add to that the humbling of how out of shape I am and I had to call it quits after 30mins. If I had had something for the heartburn ON me I would have gone on longer. But I was burpy and felt like I had an exposed jalepeno lodged in my throat. The hubby has NEVER had heartburn. (Lucky bastard...) so he was trying to empathetic.... but I don't think he truly got it. I felt awful!! And I felt awful for cutting our ride short. But he was sweet about it.
We came home, showered and I napped with NASCAR for a bit before we headed out to an early dinner downtown. We are now sitting in downtown Syracuse, in our camp chairs (and me, accidentally in my "house" crocs.. duh!) Listening to awesome jazz. I tasted some wine in the wine tent to kill a little time. But we're waiting for the main event. I don't know lots about jazz but I know the sax player in the main event is from Tower of Power. And them I know!! (Thanks to hanging out/ dating a bunch of sax players in high school...)
NOTE: it's surprising that I didn't end up marrying a sax player, given my history in HS. Although to the hubby's credit, he DID play sax in middle school... who knew?!?!
So here we are with music playing in the tent behind us, watching this (seemingly homeless) person and his goat. On a leash. In the middle of the square in Syracuse. Go figure.
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Thursday, July 28, 2011
Love me some funny stories but....
Y'all know I don't have kids. But I still enjoy stories about people's kids... to a point.
I have noticed some bad trends on FB:
NOTE on above 2 bullets: DO share this on your blog!! This is the PERFECT venue!!! Because if I know you well enough to keep up with your blog I just might be interested in the intimate details of your pregnancy and your potty training skills. Which is true - I DO care about friends and family I keep in contact with. But it just strikes me as icky when I know so much about an extremely casual acquaintance from high school...
Now I'm all ears about funny/ stupid kid stuff!!! Like, if they fell in the "big" potty because their butt is too small and they insisted on using the potty "mommy and daddy" use!! Now THAT's funny!!!
I know I'm the queen to "too much sharing" but I'd like to think I at least post that stuff here. Not on FB....
Just sayin'
I have noticed some bad trends on FB:
- people posting their to-be-born child's ultrasound pictures. I find this a little weird. I can't exactly verbalize why. It's not that I don't want to see it, although I admit I'm not interested, but it seems a little personal to be sharing on FB.
- announcing to the world that your kid went pee pee or poo poo in the potty... today. And announcing such during the whole potty-training process. I'm excited for you that your kid is finally moving on to that next step. But must we announce every time they go?? Give them positive praise that they understand and can comprehend. Your kid doesn't understand your positive praise of their actions on FB. And I don't want to know about your kid taking a dump.
NOTE on above 2 bullets: DO share this on your blog!! This is the PERFECT venue!!! Because if I know you well enough to keep up with your blog I just might be interested in the intimate details of your pregnancy and your potty training skills. Which is true - I DO care about friends and family I keep in contact with. But it just strikes me as icky when I know so much about an extremely casual acquaintance from high school...
Now I'm all ears about funny/ stupid kid stuff!!! Like, if they fell in the "big" potty because their butt is too small and they insisted on using the potty "mommy and daddy" use!! Now THAT's funny!!!
I know I'm the queen to "too much sharing" but I'd like to think I at least post that stuff here. Not on FB....
Just sayin'
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
I need a padded body suit....
I was on vacation for 9 days. Came home and still took the following Monday off since my dad and his girlfriend were in town visiting. The hubby and I stayed home that extra day to take them to the wineries in our area. Needless to say, when I finally went back to work yesterday I had SEVERE vacation brain. I made it ALL the way to work and then realized I forgot my phone and my COMPUTER!! Duh!
Today I pulled a doozy. I was waiting for the bathroom to open up so I could finish getting ready for work. (hey - 4 people in a house with one shower??? Note to self - next house WILL have at least 2 full bathrooms. I don't care what it costs us!) I was in my jammies and decided to straighten a few things in my closet - namely putting shoes back in their rightful place where I'd just been kicking them off at night. (In the general direction of my closet - but not actually in it...)
I was on my knees leaning to put a pair away in the back of the closet and then stood up and back. and WHAM!! I scraped my butt cheek/ leg down the corner of my bedside table. OUCH!!!! Yes, I yelled out. It HURT! I told the hubby it was going to leave a great bruise for sure! Bathroom was still not open so I ran downstairs to use our half bath. That's when I realized the scrape was BLEEDING!!
I now have a band aid horizontal right in the crack where my butt meets my upper back thigh. It's lovely, let me tell you! Can't wait for the bruise to develop....
Today I pulled a doozy. I was waiting for the bathroom to open up so I could finish getting ready for work. (hey - 4 people in a house with one shower??? Note to self - next house WILL have at least 2 full bathrooms. I don't care what it costs us!) I was in my jammies and decided to straighten a few things in my closet - namely putting shoes back in their rightful place where I'd just been kicking them off at night. (In the general direction of my closet - but not actually in it...)
I was on my knees leaning to put a pair away in the back of the closet and then stood up and back. and WHAM!! I scraped my butt cheek/ leg down the corner of my bedside table. OUCH!!!! Yes, I yelled out. It HURT! I told the hubby it was going to leave a great bruise for sure! Bathroom was still not open so I ran downstairs to use our half bath. That's when I realized the scrape was BLEEDING!!
I now have a band aid horizontal right in the crack where my butt meets my upper back thigh. It's lovely, let me tell you! Can't wait for the bruise to develop....
Sunday, July 17, 2011
a Wedding and Vacation
On a happier note, the hubby and I are down south for vacation - the first vacay wemve taken by OURSELVES in 6 years! I'll blog a little about it but will have to wait until we're home to post pictures.
The first day we just drove. That's it. But the secong day we drove all morning the Blue Ridge Parkway in VA. Gorgeous! We saw a mama bear and her two cubs! I was funbling with the camera so only got on picture of mama. I also got lots of other good photos. Then last night we went to Tennis Girl's wedding reception. At a castle. No shit! It was BEAUTIFUL!! So I'll have to post pix of that too.
Today is the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Whoopie. (Said with lackluster enthusiasm...) just so you know, this was not on my "to do" list....
The first day we just drove. That's it. But the secong day we drove all morning the Blue Ridge Parkway in VA. Gorgeous! We saw a mama bear and her two cubs! I was funbling with the camera so only got on picture of mama. I also got lots of other good photos. Then last night we went to Tennis Girl's wedding reception. At a castle. No shit! It was BEAUTIFUL!! So I'll have to post pix of that too.
Today is the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Whoopie. (Said with lackluster enthusiasm...) just so you know, this was not on my "to do" list....
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Monday, July 11, 2011
Sad Day
We had to make the impossible decision today to send our lovable golden, Liam Conner, up with the other pups in the sky. It was the hardest decision I've ever had to make in my life. It was sad when we had to say goodbye to Cabby last September but she was very sick and our decision put an end to the suffering she would have ensdured for maybe 24 - 36 more hours.
This was different. Liam had terrible arthritis and other "big dog" joint issues. I'm convinced he was going senile. But then this past weekend he had a seizeure that I witnessed and that made us realize he'd had one 2 weeks before. So 2 seizures in 2 weeks for an old dog - not good. I'd been discussing his future with out vet for the past several months. The seizures pretty much made the decision for us.
It's been a very sad day. I had a very interesting softball game that helped divert my attention for an hour or so. But the house is so quiet. If you had ever visited or talked to me on the phone you'd know that Liam AWAYS panted - no matter the season. We'd joke that we were going to get him his own 900-number so he could start earning his keep!! So for the past 8 years (we adopted him when we was 4) it's been a constant racket here either with his panting or snoring. (or farting..) take your pick.
And now nothing. : (
I love you Liam. You were a fantastic and loyal doggie.
This was different. Liam had terrible arthritis and other "big dog" joint issues. I'm convinced he was going senile. But then this past weekend he had a seizeure that I witnessed and that made us realize he'd had one 2 weeks before. So 2 seizures in 2 weeks for an old dog - not good. I'd been discussing his future with out vet for the past several months. The seizures pretty much made the decision for us.
It's been a very sad day. I had a very interesting softball game that helped divert my attention for an hour or so. But the house is so quiet. If you had ever visited or talked to me on the phone you'd know that Liam AWAYS panted - no matter the season. We'd joke that we were going to get him his own 900-number so he could start earning his keep!! So for the past 8 years (we adopted him when we was 4) it's been a constant racket here either with his panting or snoring. (or farting..) take your pick.
And now nothing. : (
I love you Liam. You were a fantastic and loyal doggie.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Attention span of a gnat
It's no surprise to my friends, family, or me, for that matter, that I have the attention span of a gnat. But don't get that confused with ADD! I'm talking about keeping up with an interest. I rotate through hobbies like underwear. I just have a hard time staying interested. Most of the time I generally pick something up, put it down and circle back to it months or years later. Rarely do I give it up altogether.
Cases in point:
Classical guitar.
My piano teacher gives lessons in piano, voice and classical guitar. She encouraged me to give it a try. Ensured me it would be relatively easy since I already know how to play piano. So last weekend I went and bought the guitar, bag and book and have already started teaching myself. I have my first guitar lesson tomorrow. Which is good because I clearly need some technique pointers!!!
But not to worry - KVeg commented that if I kept this up I was going to become a one-man band. No worries. I can't sing....
And at least if this gets set aside at some point the guitar was a LOT less expensive than the piano!! (btw - still playing the piano. just adding guitar to break up the musical monotony a bit...)
Cases in point:
- Piano. I played for years as a kid and stopped all musical involvement around the age of 18. I bought a piano and started playing again at 34. LOVING it! But it can get frustrating sometimes - knowing what you're supposed to do but still trying to regain lost skills.
- Knitting. I learned to knit when I was 25. About every other winter or so I work on a project. Very sporadic but I keep up my skills - I just don't improve upon them much year after year.
- Running. Well, I've been running since I've been walking, if you want to get technical about it. But my interest in "training" for anything from a 5K to a half marathon waxes and wanes. I can't seem to stay in the consistent "rhythm" of it.
- Cycling. The hubby and I got into this on a whim about 5 years ago. He's great at it. Me... eh. I continued to train for and ride the century rides with him every other year for something for us to do together. Don't love it, don't hate it. But I'm not that strong at it. If the hubby is in the mood the ride one summer I ride. If he's not feelin' it I'm certainly not out there by myself....
- Triathlons. Well, this went nowhere fast. This past fall I started in the pool at the Y, getting the basics of swimming down with the intent of doing my first Tri this summer. Let's just say I petered out and do not have a tri on the books for this summer..... so, ok. Mark one hobby "incomplete".
- Yoga. I built a Murphy bed on the premise that I needed more room in the guest room so I could do yoga. First of all that was kinda crap. I just wanted an excuse to build a Murphy bed. Plus, once installed, the Murphy bed really didn't give me as much extra floor space as I had hoped for. It's not the bed's fault. The room is just that small....
Classical guitar.
My piano teacher gives lessons in piano, voice and classical guitar. She encouraged me to give it a try. Ensured me it would be relatively easy since I already know how to play piano. So last weekend I went and bought the guitar, bag and book and have already started teaching myself. I have my first guitar lesson tomorrow. Which is good because I clearly need some technique pointers!!!
But not to worry - KVeg commented that if I kept this up I was going to become a one-man band. No worries. I can't sing....
And at least if this gets set aside at some point the guitar was a LOT less expensive than the piano!! (btw - still playing the piano. just adding guitar to break up the musical monotony a bit...)
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Fabulous Day
I know, right? You haven't heard that sentiment out of me since, well... I don't know. I can't remember either.
The hubby is out of town, coaching at "State" (NY state regatta). So I'm home alone. Showers forecasted for the weekend.
Great. My favorite. I figured I'd be in a seriously bummed mood since the funk I've been in for the past, oh, EIGHT months has been seriously affected by the weather. But strangely enough the weather has contributed to my good mood!!
First of all, last night I ran to Wegman's and bought me a microwave steamable dinner and an orange, pomegranate martini mix. (don't you judge me!!) and proceeded to have a just fine TV night all by myself. Then this morning I was up and at 'em and at Target purchasing necessities by 9am. The day was overcast and threatening to rain at any moment. But it's in the 60's!!! So I grabbed a bunch of gardening stuff and headed to the front yard and started weeding, pruning.... you name it. If it started to sprinkle I just headed inside. Big deal. I don't melt! My goal was to get the front yard ready for mulch by the end of the weekend. I had half of my goal done by noon today!!
Whoo hoo!!!
I finished the rest after lunch. I practiced a little piano while a little rain moved through and headed out to finish. As usual, I can only imagine what my neighbors think of me. It did not escape my notice that I was the only person on the street out working in their yard today. And if anyone caught me working in said yard they certainly got an eyeful. No - no flashing this time around. I was in capris and a long sleeve T, not a faulty bikini top. Have you ever seen those wood cut outs that are supposed to look like the fat hind-end of a granny in a moo moo bent over tending her garden? Yeah, that was me.
But I was also pruning a sand cherry (ornamental tree) right out front and would pull a branch down to trim it and on more than one occasion would accidentally let it go and it would slap me in the face or head, sending water and little white flower blossoms spraying everywhere. Really what are you going to do? Laugh. That's what I did. 'Cuz I'm sure it was good entertainment for anyone watching. Especially since I did it more than once.... (followed by me having a complete conversation with myself to remind self to not do that again... even though I did.)
Once all that yard work was done I figured I deserved a Corona while I waxed and did the hair color. But I have a bit-o-waxin' wisdom to share.
All these years I've told you that I do my own waxing. I do. I didn't lie. I prefer the microwave wax that requires no strips. You apply it, it hardens on it's own but stays flexible enough that youpeel rip it off without the need to apply a fabric strip. I've been using this method for years. Today, at Target I bought a brand I've never tried before (because I usually buy my brand at Wally World, but they're going through a remodel and I didn't want to deal with that additional craziness....) When I got home I realized the new brand is the type that comes with fabric strips.
CRAP!! I don't want this kind!! But I'd figure since I had might as well give it a try.
I LOVE IT!! It works soooo much better than the other kind!!!! It gets everything on the first pass!! Who knew??
WARNING - you must be an experienced waxer. The wax is thin and will get everywhere! I have been doing this for years and managed to still get wax all over my hands. and myself... Oh well. I'll take it for the better results.
BTW - in case you were wondering, I waxed first then applied my hair color and then kicked back with a Corona.... didn't want anyone thinking the Corona impaired my waxing acumen. But note to self - never try to wax and color at the same time. That could produce disastrous results....
Now to paint toe nails. Probably with another Corona. Or since I've deemed it a girlie "ZooKeeper" weekend, perhaps an orange pomegranate martini. Was going to go with a dark red but on second thought, with alcohol involved perhaps I'll choose a lighter color. Easier to hide when you color outside the lines... Just sayin'
Now what to do tomorrow with definite rain and thunderstorms??
MOVIE DAY!!!! yeah!!!
Any suggestions??
The hubby is out of town, coaching at "State" (NY state regatta). So I'm home alone. Showers forecasted for the weekend.
Great. My favorite. I figured I'd be in a seriously bummed mood since the funk I've been in for the past, oh, EIGHT months has been seriously affected by the weather. But strangely enough the weather has contributed to my good mood!!
First of all, last night I ran to Wegman's and bought me a microwave steamable dinner and an orange, pomegranate martini mix. (don't you judge me!!) and proceeded to have a just fine TV night all by myself. Then this morning I was up and at 'em and at Target purchasing necessities by 9am. The day was overcast and threatening to rain at any moment. But it's in the 60's!!! So I grabbed a bunch of gardening stuff and headed to the front yard and started weeding, pruning.... you name it. If it started to sprinkle I just headed inside. Big deal. I don't melt! My goal was to get the front yard ready for mulch by the end of the weekend. I had half of my goal done by noon today!!
Whoo hoo!!!
I finished the rest after lunch. I practiced a little piano while a little rain moved through and headed out to finish. As usual, I can only imagine what my neighbors think of me. It did not escape my notice that I was the only person on the street out working in their yard today. And if anyone caught me working in said yard they certainly got an eyeful. No - no flashing this time around. I was in capris and a long sleeve T, not a faulty bikini top. Have you ever seen those wood cut outs that are supposed to look like the fat hind-end of a granny in a moo moo bent over tending her garden? Yeah, that was me.
But I was also pruning a sand cherry (ornamental tree) right out front and would pull a branch down to trim it and on more than one occasion would accidentally let it go and it would slap me in the face or head, sending water and little white flower blossoms spraying everywhere. Really what are you going to do? Laugh. That's what I did. 'Cuz I'm sure it was good entertainment for anyone watching. Especially since I did it more than once.... (followed by me having a complete conversation with myself to remind self to not do that again... even though I did.)
Once all that yard work was done I figured I deserved a Corona while I waxed and did the hair color. But I have a bit-o-waxin' wisdom to share.
All these years I've told you that I do my own waxing. I do. I didn't lie. I prefer the microwave wax that requires no strips. You apply it, it hardens on it's own but stays flexible enough that you
CRAP!! I don't want this kind!! But I'd figure since I had might as well give it a try.
I LOVE IT!! It works soooo much better than the other kind!!!! It gets everything on the first pass!! Who knew??
WARNING - you must be an experienced waxer. The wax is thin and will get everywhere! I have been doing this for years and managed to still get wax all over my hands. and myself... Oh well. I'll take it for the better results.
BTW - in case you were wondering, I waxed first then applied my hair color and then kicked back with a Corona.... didn't want anyone thinking the Corona impaired my waxing acumen. But note to self - never try to wax and color at the same time. That could produce disastrous results....
Now to paint toe nails. Probably with another Corona. Or since I've deemed it a girlie "ZooKeeper" weekend, perhaps an orange pomegranate martini. Was going to go with a dark red but on second thought, with alcohol involved perhaps I'll choose a lighter color. Easier to hide when you color outside the lines... Just sayin'
Now what to do tomorrow with definite rain and thunderstorms??
MOVIE DAY!!!! yeah!!!
Any suggestions??
Friday, May 13, 2011
So gladd (and I love Lady Gaga)
We live right by a high school. A large one (to me) with well over 500 or 600 students per grade. When the hubby is out of town I have to go home and let the dogs out and apparently I go home late enough that the school is out for the day because I see many students out walking around the school. Me not being a parent myself, I can't confirm exactly what all the kids are doing, but I'm assuming it's not a massive walkout happening on a regular basis. (I hope....) I know the school day starts really early there (around 7am!!) so I'm assuming school is done for the day.
Today as I was driving through the school zone I saw three high school-aged guys walking together, two of them openly holding hands. And it gave me pause. In a good way. And I'll tell you why.
We all remember what it was like in high school. The pressure to fit it. Some people rebelled on purpose. Defied "the man". I understand why. But I think they missed the point. They weren't being themselves. They were trying to make a point. Then there were others that did their best to just blend in with the crowd. Tried to fit in as much as possible. They might have tried to call attention to themselves to try to be popular or something like that. But in all other respects it was "try to be as normal as possible". And then there was always that small group that just did their own thing for the sake of being true to themselves. I don't know why. Maybe they were oblivious to everyone else and the pressures of fitting in. Maybe they didn't care about fitting in. Maybe they were 200% more mature than the rest of us and the joke was on us. For whatever the reason they figured out how to be true to themselves waaay before anyone else did (or has)... I respect that.
I was one that tried to fit in. I always did was I was told. To a fault. So much so I know it has severely affected my adulthood. I'm not blaming anyone - just stating a fact. It's taken me so long to realize that I've been doing other people's bidding for so long that I never figured out who I "AM" until so late in life that my adult self has suffered. Don't worry - I'm not setting myself up for doom and gloom - I'm just saying that it's really hard to stop the momentum of the moving ship this late in life and change course. Possible!! Just much, much harder.
So back to these boys holding hands. High school is soooo hard. I often reflect on how much harder it probably is today for teenagers who are struggling with their sexuality and trying to decide whether to publicize it or not. Kids are cruel. Face it - people are cruel. Adolescence is a hard time to figure out who you are in general. Then to figure out you are someone that some of society has defined as deviant?? Just for being you??? How bizarre and unfair is that??? And then top that off with the pressure to "fit in" with everyone else?? Wow!
My heart aches for anyone who is demonized, ostracized or otherwise treated as an outcast for just being who they are. This is why I love Lady Gaga. She uses her stardom to be outrageous, call attention to herself and otherwise get people to notice her. Once she has your attention she has a message. Don't hate people for just being how they were born.
I'm glad to see progress being made. I'd love to think those to guys walking down the street are as openly accepted at school as any "Jennifer and Tom". But I doubt it. But I at least hope they have enough support through their friends - and more importantly, other adults in their lives - that keep helping them just be themselves and not hide behind the mask of what others "expect them to be".
I'm glad those guys are strong enough and comfortable enough to come out in high school and be themselves. I was respect that decision. This post isn't just about respecting a high schooler's decision to be true to themselves about their sexuality. This post is about anyone being true to their real selves. Be it a man who can truly open up to their real feelings and not feel they always have to be strong. It's a woman who can be true to herself and admit that she isn't superwoman and find ways to better juggle her responsibilities. This list goes on and on.
Don't mistake it - this post is about being true to yourself. But in order to do so you have to be introspective to know what's in your heart. This is the hardest part. Carrying it out is actually easier. The question is - do you have the discipline and the courage to be introspective and face what you find there?
Today as I was driving through the school zone I saw three high school-aged guys walking together, two of them openly holding hands. And it gave me pause. In a good way. And I'll tell you why.
We all remember what it was like in high school. The pressure to fit it. Some people rebelled on purpose. Defied "the man". I understand why. But I think they missed the point. They weren't being themselves. They were trying to make a point. Then there were others that did their best to just blend in with the crowd. Tried to fit in as much as possible. They might have tried to call attention to themselves to try to be popular or something like that. But in all other respects it was "try to be as normal as possible". And then there was always that small group that just did their own thing for the sake of being true to themselves. I don't know why. Maybe they were oblivious to everyone else and the pressures of fitting in. Maybe they didn't care about fitting in. Maybe they were 200% more mature than the rest of us and the joke was on us. For whatever the reason they figured out how to be true to themselves waaay before anyone else did (or has)... I respect that.
I was one that tried to fit in. I always did was I was told. To a fault. So much so I know it has severely affected my adulthood. I'm not blaming anyone - just stating a fact. It's taken me so long to realize that I've been doing other people's bidding for so long that I never figured out who I "AM" until so late in life that my adult self has suffered. Don't worry - I'm not setting myself up for doom and gloom - I'm just saying that it's really hard to stop the momentum of the moving ship this late in life and change course. Possible!! Just much, much harder.
So back to these boys holding hands. High school is soooo hard. I often reflect on how much harder it probably is today for teenagers who are struggling with their sexuality and trying to decide whether to publicize it or not. Kids are cruel. Face it - people are cruel. Adolescence is a hard time to figure out who you are in general. Then to figure out you are someone that some of society has defined as deviant?? Just for being you??? How bizarre and unfair is that??? And then top that off with the pressure to "fit in" with everyone else?? Wow!
My heart aches for anyone who is demonized, ostracized or otherwise treated as an outcast for just being who they are. This is why I love Lady Gaga. She uses her stardom to be outrageous, call attention to herself and otherwise get people to notice her. Once she has your attention she has a message. Don't hate people for just being how they were born.
I'm glad to see progress being made. I'd love to think those to guys walking down the street are as openly accepted at school as any "Jennifer and Tom". But I doubt it. But I at least hope they have enough support through their friends - and more importantly, other adults in their lives - that keep helping them just be themselves and not hide behind the mask of what others "expect them to be".
I'm glad those guys are strong enough and comfortable enough to come out in high school and be themselves. I was respect that decision. This post isn't just about respecting a high schooler's decision to be true to themselves about their sexuality. This post is about anyone being true to their real selves. Be it a man who can truly open up to their real feelings and not feel they always have to be strong. It's a woman who can be true to herself and admit that she isn't superwoman and find ways to better juggle her responsibilities. This list goes on and on.
Don't mistake it - this post is about being true to yourself. But in order to do so you have to be introspective to know what's in your heart. This is the hardest part. Carrying it out is actually easier. The question is - do you have the discipline and the courage to be introspective and face what you find there?
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
When 35 is old
I thought playing on this co-ed softball team might make feel feel young again. Remind me of the days when I was 12 playing for the Chemlawn Cuties. Running the bases, swingin' the bat...
Nope.
It's making me feel old as dirt.
Last night was our second game. We still lost, but not as bad as last week. A mere 6 - 4. All of our runs were scored in the last inning. Apparently it takes us 6 innings to get warmed up.
When I arrived I grabbed a ball and started tossing it with another gal in what the other players lovingly call "warming up". Whatever. This is not warming up. This is just "throwing". I couldn't figure out the semantic difference until I looked more closely at the players on my team and realized I'm probably one of two of the oldest players on the team. I'm guessing by a LOT. So yeah, to them tossing a ball around is "warming up". When you're twenty-two...
However, when you're 35 "warming up" for anything physical should always include:
NOTE - following outlined "35 YO Warm Up Plan" does not exclude you from injury.
Case in point: I hurt myself during our game last night. During said "ball tossing" with fellow "Ball Breaker" (read that how you will) I twinged my right upper quad. Face it - I'm just not used to standing still and quickly lunging out to field a grounder or sprinting out to first base. I thought to myself "Self, be careful! You're not 20 anymore!! Don't let that twinge turn into a tear!"
Guess what? I tore that bitch.
Actually I kept on tearing it and tearing it. 'Cuz I'm a glutton for punishment like that. And I tweaked my left quad too. But I kept reminding myself there is NO crying in baseball!! (or softball, or in front of cute boys)
But I did consult dad on the way home for proper post injury treatment. When I got home I iced those thighs like Thanksgiving leftovers and popped Advil. And today? More icing and more Advil. I feel like a new girl!!
Take aways:
Nope.
It's making me feel old as dirt.
Last night was our second game. We still lost, but not as bad as last week. A mere 6 - 4. All of our runs were scored in the last inning. Apparently it takes us 6 innings to get warmed up.
When I arrived I grabbed a ball and started tossing it with another gal in what the other players lovingly call "warming up". Whatever. This is not warming up. This is just "throwing". I couldn't figure out the semantic difference until I looked more closely at the players on my team and realized I'm probably one of two of the oldest players on the team. I'm guessing by a LOT. So yeah, to them tossing a ball around is "warming up". When you're twenty-two...
However, when you're 35 "warming up" for anything physical should always include:
- stretching all appropriate muscle groups for the activity
- stretching groups you don't think you're going to use, because face it - you're not 20 anymore so you're likely to use non-appropriate muscle groups even if you don't mean to
- increasing your heart rate in some form - jogging a bit, perhaps
- ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT if said activity will require you to raise your heart rate during said activity...
- popping preemptive ibruprofen
NOTE - following outlined "35 YO Warm Up Plan" does not exclude you from injury.
Case in point: I hurt myself during our game last night. During said "ball tossing" with fellow "Ball Breaker" (read that how you will) I twinged my right upper quad. Face it - I'm just not used to standing still and quickly lunging out to field a grounder or sprinting out to first base. I thought to myself "Self, be careful! You're not 20 anymore!! Don't let that twinge turn into a tear!"
Guess what? I tore that bitch.
Actually I kept on tearing it and tearing it. 'Cuz I'm a glutton for punishment like that. And I tweaked my left quad too. But I kept reminding myself there is NO crying in baseball!! (or softball, or in front of cute boys)
But I did consult dad on the way home for proper post injury treatment. When I got home I iced those thighs like Thanksgiving leftovers and popped Advil. And today? More icing and more Advil. I feel like a new girl!!
Take aways:
- Don't try to act younger than you are because you just end up looking stupid
- If you decide to disreagrd rule #1 at least go through the proper warm up techniques at least twice (preferably in private so the younguns don't see you and how old you really are....
- Don't ever discount the healing properties of ice (or dad's advice....)
Wednesday, May 04, 2011
Chemlawn Cutie
Back in the day I was a "Chemlawn Cutie". Although today I believe Chemlawn is trying to shake that name and is going with "TruGreen"....
But I felt compelled to follow up my previous softball report. If you played ball with me back in the 80's, particularly that fateful T-ball year, I'm happy to report I did not do cartwheels out in left field this past Monday.
However I feel the need to defend my cartwheels during T-ball. I know the ball is stationary, on a tee. But do you know how boring the game is??? Do you know how many people cannot hit the dang thing??? (it's a wonder any of the participants ever gradutate to hitting a moving ball...) There is hardly any action!! Especially in the outfield! C'mon! Six year old girls rarely hit a softball off a tee let alone into the outfield. Therefore I had every right to practice my cartwheels. I had gymnastics the next day!!
But I felt compelled to follow up my previous softball report. If you played ball with me back in the 80's, particularly that fateful T-ball year, I'm happy to report I did not do cartwheels out in left field this past Monday.
However I feel the need to defend my cartwheels during T-ball. I know the ball is stationary, on a tee. But do you know how boring the game is??? Do you know how many people cannot hit the dang thing??? (it's a wonder any of the participants ever gradutate to hitting a moving ball...) There is hardly any action!! Especially in the outfield! C'mon! Six year old girls rarely hit a softball off a tee let alone into the outfield. Therefore I had every right to practice my cartwheels. I had gymnastics the next day!!
Tuesday, May 03, 2011
Who agreed to this???
KVeg asked me to play on her Bfriend's coed softball team. Sure I would!! Then I found out she wasn't playing. Something about her lack of hand/ eye coordination... Well this ought to be a blast...
I don't own a glove. I haven't really played softball since I was 12!!! C'mon people. Give me a break! I haven't been able to make practice. I'd have to say, all around this was turning out to be a bad idea. To make matters worse our game was last night.. Let me tell you - I was doing a rain dance in the office like I was a pure blooded Hopi. Yeah, well, it worked all right. It was raining. But apparently they only cancel for lightening, thunder or pouring rain. I could only muster a drizzle.
I got to the field to warm up. I was playing left field. The outfield was a sloppy, wet, spongy mess. And over the course of the game - which we lost 8 to 1 - I jotted some mental notes for myself for next time.
We'll see how this turns out. I did have fun so long as no one is competitive enough that they were disappointed in my performance. I'm positive I'd have more fun if we didn't have to play on a soggy field in the rain. So for the next few months think of me trying not to get my teeth knocked out from a fly ball on Monday nights after work!!
I don't own a glove. I haven't really played softball since I was 12!!! C'mon people. Give me a break! I haven't been able to make practice. I'd have to say, all around this was turning out to be a bad idea. To make matters worse our game was last night.. Let me tell you - I was doing a rain dance in the office like I was a pure blooded Hopi. Yeah, well, it worked all right. It was raining. But apparently they only cancel for lightening, thunder or pouring rain. I could only muster a drizzle.
I got to the field to warm up. I was playing left field. The outfield was a sloppy, wet, spongy mess. And over the course of the game - which we lost 8 to 1 - I jotted some mental notes for myself for next time.
- Don't wear a thong while playing softball when you're 35. Especially when you're playing left field and will probably be running lots.
- Don't talk or mumble to yourself in the outfield. Even though you're used to talking to yourself on a regular basis these people on your team are "new to you" and don't know your habits and probably find this habit odd, if not disturbing.
- Take the constructive criticism from KVeg's BF and a few of the others on the team with graciousness because they are awesome, very polite and mean well. But that "one guy", not sure about him. He's coming across as a jerk. But still smile and nod to him because you haven't figured out where he fits in the scheme of things yet.
- Be more aware of what you're doing. You caught that fly ball. Yeah for you!! But you also apparently celebrated that you caught it before you threw it back in the field and you didn't even realize it!! Pay attention!! (although I think you had every right to immediately celebrate because that's the first fly ball you've caught "in action" since you were 12... that was over HALF a lifetime ago.... and did you see that haus that hit it right at me!!)
- Even though you are totally impressed with Jason's skillz you probably ought stop complimenting him on them lest someone think you have a crush on him. Really I don't. I truly am impressed with, not his skillz, per se, but his style. Guy makes it look good! I give credit where credit is due. That's all.
- Don't wear the team t-shirt out in public. Team name is Ball Breakers. Logo is phallic. On purpose.
We'll see how this turns out. I did have fun so long as no one is competitive enough that they were disappointed in my performance. I'm positive I'd have more fun if we didn't have to play on a soggy field in the rain. So for the next few months think of me trying not to get my teeth knocked out from a fly ball on Monday nights after work!!
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