Jennifer, my incredibly-athletic-Energizer-bunny sister, challenged me to join her and her husband in their local 5K (3.1 miles). I agreed it's a good step towards getting ready for the Danskin Triathlon, which is quickly approaching. My training has included jogging short distances, interspersed with walking, as well as biking and swimming, but running is my weakest sport.
Jenn set the pace with Anthony and I following. They soon broke away from me as we ascended a fairly steep hill. I realized I did better just focusing on the road directly in front of me, rather than looking down the road.
I walked a few times to catch my breath but kept moving. After a mile and a half, there were several people who I kept pace with, including an older man, a mom and teenage daughter, and a young boy.
I noticed the boy seemed to not have his right shoe on correctly, but then I realized his right leg and foot were slightly twisted. He struggled to throw his right leg around each step and would only run for a few steps before walking a few. But he kept running again and again.
Wow, if he can do this, I have no excuses.
When Jenn and I told Grandma about our upcoming participation in the triathlon, she simply responded, "Why would you do that?" We laughed but later discussed how we are doing it to challenge ourselves physically. After watching this little guy fight for each step, I also realize I'm doing this because I can. I'm doing it out of appreciation for the body I've been given and my health.
I finished the 5K in just under 40 minutes. Jenn did it in 31 minutes; Anth in 34 minutes. Nineteen days until the triathlon!
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Update
No worries...the rash and hives were gone within an hour. The Benadryl must have helped but did make me feel like I was dragging through the rest of the day.
The new antibiotic I'm on lists as its most common side effect abdominal cramping and diarrhea. Great. Should be a fun 7 days. Oh, and it coincides with my monthly cycle.
Sorry I don't have anything fun or interesting to post. I feel yucky.
The new antibiotic I'm on lists as its most common side effect abdominal cramping and diarrhea. Great. Should be a fun 7 days. Oh, and it coincides with my monthly cycle.
Sorry I don't have anything fun or interesting to post. I feel yucky.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Itchy
I've never before had an allergic reaction to antibiotics, but boy, did I experience one today!
It's hard to see much from the picture, but my hands and forearms had red splotches and hives. The palms of my hands were very red and itchy.
Being me, I thought it was pretty fascinating. (I didn't have a serious reaction -- no wheezing or swollen airway.) I took some Benadryl, called my doctor and will try a new antibiotic tomorrow. Cool, huh?
It's hard to see much from the picture, but my hands and forearms had red splotches and hives. The palms of my hands were very red and itchy.
Being me, I thought it was pretty fascinating. (I didn't have a serious reaction -- no wheezing or swollen airway.) I took some Benadryl, called my doctor and will try a new antibiotic tomorrow. Cool, huh?
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
You Know You're in Texas When...
...there are fields full of cattle, even longhorns, right down the street from your neighborhood.
...football is king.
...the locals draw out single-syllable words into two or three syllables.
...all the politicians are backed by oil.
...half the population only speaks Spanish.
...you can travel for 12 hours in a single direction and still be within the state's borders.
...football is king.
...the locals draw out single-syllable words into two or three syllables.
...all the politicians are backed by oil.
...half the population only speaks Spanish.
...you can travel for 12 hours in a single direction and still be within the state's borders.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
A Born Swimmer
It's so nice to have a pool in the backyard. As I train for the upcoming triathlon, it's very convenient, too!
Last week when I jumped in, I found I wasn't the only one swimming. This baby turtle, no more than 2 inches long, was diving in the deep end. We fished him out and cleaned him off.
I tried to feed him strawberries and lettuce, but he wasn't interested. After consulting Dr. Jenn, it was determined the best outcome for little-no-name-turtle was to be set free in the community pond.
Steve and I walked with him down to the pond on the country club's golf course. We put him in a marshy area and watched as he sat very very still for a minute or two. Then, as if realizing he was free, he scurried into the murky water and disappeared.
Adios, little guy.
Last week when I jumped in, I found I wasn't the only one swimming. This baby turtle, no more than 2 inches long, was diving in the deep end. We fished him out and cleaned him off.
I tried to feed him strawberries and lettuce, but he wasn't interested. After consulting Dr. Jenn, it was determined the best outcome for little-no-name-turtle was to be set free in the community pond.
Steve and I walked with him down to the pond on the country club's golf course. We put him in a marshy area and watched as he sat very very still for a minute or two. Then, as if realizing he was free, he scurried into the murky water and disappeared.
Adios, little guy.
Monday, May 08, 2006
I am an experienced garage salewoman.
As my sisters reminisced on my previous post, we would often visit garage sales on Saturday mornings with our dad. It was a great way to get new toys for low cost. My strongest memory is wanting the board game "Operation." We finally found it at one sale, but the woman wouldn't sell it to us, emphatically stating it was a "boy's game." I was furious -- my first personal experience with discrimination.
As an adult, I've realized the value of holding my own garage sales. I've held a couple over the last 10 years, so I was able to guide Steve this weekend in his first. Fortunately, the heavy rain we've been experiencing held off during the sale, and since this weekend was designated by the community as its garage sale weekend, there were several sales and lots of traffic.
We made a little over $200. We still have a few things we're going to try to sell online, and the rest is going to be donated. We decided against selling hot dogs when Steve heard we might need a special permit for food sales, but we made several dollars selling soda and water. I got to use my pidgeon Spanish several times, as the majority of our shoppers were Hispanic.
Both my sisters mentioned buying beads at garage sales...Steve had several strands of old Mardi Gras beads. They were picked up a dozen times but never bought. They'd ask, "how much?" 50 cents each, was our reply. Then they'd put them back and walk away! Is 50 cents really too much to ask?!?
As an adult, I've realized the value of holding my own garage sales. I've held a couple over the last 10 years, so I was able to guide Steve this weekend in his first. Fortunately, the heavy rain we've been experiencing held off during the sale, and since this weekend was designated by the community as its garage sale weekend, there were several sales and lots of traffic.
We made a little over $200. We still have a few things we're going to try to sell online, and the rest is going to be donated. We decided against selling hot dogs when Steve heard we might need a special permit for food sales, but we made several dollars selling soda and water. I got to use my pidgeon Spanish several times, as the majority of our shoppers were Hispanic.
Both my sisters mentioned buying beads at garage sales...Steve had several strands of old Mardi Gras beads. They were picked up a dozen times but never bought. They'd ask, "how much?" 50 cents each, was our reply. Then they'd put them back and walk away! Is 50 cents really too much to ask?!?
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Quick Update
I saw Annie last night. She's at home and glad to be able to sleep in her own bed without nurses coming in to wake her every few hours. Her scar is longer than the doctor originally told us (about 6 inches from just below her breastbone down to her belly button), but she isn't too concerned about it. I think she has a healthy outlook on the whole thing.
Another note/correction: I was trying to be witty and cute when I wrote that the "owners are busy renovating" in the story New Beginnings. I didn't mean to imply that Steve doesn't own his own home. He does. The second "owner" I was referring to was me. Although I'm not on the mortgage, he's treating me as an equal in all decisions, and we are planning our future together there.
And boy, have we been busy! Last weekend we worked our butts off on the bedroom ceilings. We've scraped off the old popcorn, patched the gouges and sanded them flat. Now we have to wipe off the leftover dust from the sanding, prime and paint them. We've also been shopping for new carpet for the bedrooms. The measurement guy comes out tomorrow, and we should have new carpet in a week or so.
This weekend, we're having a garage sale in conjunction with the rest of the community. So we've also been sorting through things to identify what we want to sell. It's amazing how much junk two people can collect, but as they say, one person's trash is another's treasure. Steve has also decided to cook some hotdogs on his grill to sell and to entice people to our house.
Life is busy, but really really good.
Another note/correction: I was trying to be witty and cute when I wrote that the "owners are busy renovating" in the story New Beginnings. I didn't mean to imply that Steve doesn't own his own home. He does. The second "owner" I was referring to was me. Although I'm not on the mortgage, he's treating me as an equal in all decisions, and we are planning our future together there.
And boy, have we been busy! Last weekend we worked our butts off on the bedroom ceilings. We've scraped off the old popcorn, patched the gouges and sanded them flat. Now we have to wipe off the leftover dust from the sanding, prime and paint them. We've also been shopping for new carpet for the bedrooms. The measurement guy comes out tomorrow, and we should have new carpet in a week or so.
This weekend, we're having a garage sale in conjunction with the rest of the community. So we've also been sorting through things to identify what we want to sell. It's amazing how much junk two people can collect, but as they say, one person's trash is another's treasure. Steve has also decided to cook some hotdogs on his grill to sell and to entice people to our house.
Life is busy, but really really good.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Successful Surgery
Annie did great in her surgery yesterday!
I got to the hospital just as the surgeon was coming out to tell us how well she did. Janet (her mom) had asked him to take digital pictures of the spleen, (she's fascinated with medical stuff like me), and it was absolutely HUGE! (about the size of a volleyball, when it's supposed to be about a golf or tennis ball)
The surgeon said she had very little blood loss. Fortunately, the spleen had not ruptured. It's a very vascular organ. Rupturing would have meant a lot of blood loss and clean up in the abdomen. He was able to fold it and pull it through the incision, about 4 inches vertically that begins just below her sternum.
We got to see her a couple hours later after she came out of recovery. She looks great and insisted on getting up to go to the bathroom! The nurses were all impressed that she was getting up so quickly.
The doctor originally estimated she would be in the hospital until Friday, but he said she did so well, she may be released on Wednesday.
I'm so glad I saw her -- it really eased my mind. I also got to meet her new boyfriend, Anthony, and he's a sweetheart. He told her she looked beautiful right out of surgery. He's cute, too. I think he looks a lot like Tom Cruise.
Thanks for all the prayers!
I got to the hospital just as the surgeon was coming out to tell us how well she did. Janet (her mom) had asked him to take digital pictures of the spleen, (she's fascinated with medical stuff like me), and it was absolutely HUGE! (about the size of a volleyball, when it's supposed to be about a golf or tennis ball)
The surgeon said she had very little blood loss. Fortunately, the spleen had not ruptured. It's a very vascular organ. Rupturing would have meant a lot of blood loss and clean up in the abdomen. He was able to fold it and pull it through the incision, about 4 inches vertically that begins just below her sternum.
We got to see her a couple hours later after she came out of recovery. She looks great and insisted on getting up to go to the bathroom! The nurses were all impressed that she was getting up so quickly.
The doctor originally estimated she would be in the hospital until Friday, but he said she did so well, she may be released on Wednesday.
I'm so glad I saw her -- it really eased my mind. I also got to meet her new boyfriend, Anthony, and he's a sweetheart. He told her she looked beautiful right out of surgery. He's cute, too. I think he looks a lot like Tom Cruise.
Thanks for all the prayers!
Monday, May 01, 2006
Prayers Please
My beautiful god-daughter, Annie, is having emergency surgery today around 12 noon. After coping with mononucleosis for a couple weeks, she developed a rare complication that caused her spleen to become enlarged and bleeding. The doctors have said her spleen is the size of a volleyball, and it has detached from its usual location and is free floating in her abdomen. Needless to say, this is very painful.
The surgery today will remove the spleen and hopefully reduce the pain she's experiencing. Unfortunately, because of the spleen's size, they can't do laparoscopic surgery. The recovery time will be long.
So any prayers are appreciated! I'll post an update when there is one.
The surgery today will remove the spleen and hopefully reduce the pain she's experiencing. Unfortunately, because of the spleen's size, they can't do laparoscopic surgery. The recovery time will be long.
So any prayers are appreciated! I'll post an update when there is one.
Friday, April 28, 2006
I have a Big Head
(And I don't mean I'm conceited)
Look at this! Although Beverly is taller than me, my head is MUCH bigger! I never realized this until I saw this picture. I wish I could say I'm closer to the camera and that caused the distortion, but as you can see, our shoulders are even.
I knew my face was ROUND but geez!
I get this from my dad. He has a big head. My mom has a pea-head. Maybe Beverly takes after her namesake.
Look at this! Although Beverly is taller than me, my head is MUCH bigger! I never realized this until I saw this picture. I wish I could say I'm closer to the camera and that caused the distortion, but as you can see, our shoulders are even.
I knew my face was ROUND but geez!
I get this from my dad. He has a big head. My mom has a pea-head. Maybe Beverly takes after her namesake.
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
New Beginnings
I mentioned in a previous post (A Fresh Start) that I'm moving soon. Although I have loved the little house in Valley Ranch, my parents have decided to sell it, and I've decided not to buy it. (Many factors involved in each of these decisions, but there are no hard feelings.)
While I was searching for a new place to lay my head, Steve asked me to move in with him. He has a large house in Trophy Club, a suburb west of the airport. We debated it for several weeks and came to an agreement that this is something we both want. He's the most wonderful man I've ever known, and I love spending time with him. Whether we are doing something or nothing, just being with Steve makes it more fun.
The house is being renovated by its current owners -- Steve and I have put in a few weekends already painting, resurfacing the ceilings and generally cleaning up. Our next projects include new carpet, new tile and an overhaul of the kitchen. It's exciting to plan and work on it together, and we both can envision the house's potential.
I planted a vegetable garden at "our" house last weekend, and it's my most ambitious yet: tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, carrots, peas, zucchini squash, basil and sage. I'm going to have to expand the garden already, because I also have oregano, strawberries and mint to plant!
While I was searching for a new place to lay my head, Steve asked me to move in with him. He has a large house in Trophy Club, a suburb west of the airport. We debated it for several weeks and came to an agreement that this is something we both want. He's the most wonderful man I've ever known, and I love spending time with him. Whether we are doing something or nothing, just being with Steve makes it more fun.
The house is being renovated by its current owners -- Steve and I have put in a few weekends already painting, resurfacing the ceilings and generally cleaning up. Our next projects include new carpet, new tile and an overhaul of the kitchen. It's exciting to plan and work on it together, and we both can envision the house's potential.
I planted a vegetable garden at "our" house last weekend, and it's my most ambitious yet: tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, carrots, peas, zucchini squash, basil and sage. I'm going to have to expand the garden already, because I also have oregano, strawberries and mint to plant!
Monday, April 24, 2006
It's all Relative
This weekend, I joined the rest of my family for a reunion in Waco, TX. This was my mother's side of the family. It was a lovely weekend for it: warm enough for the kids to swim in my uncle Joe's pool, but not so hot that it was sweltering.
The youngest are Paige and Graham at 2 years and 10 months; the oldest is Sudie at 91. The rest of us are in the middle.
The youngest are Paige and Graham at 2 years and 10 months; the oldest is Sudie at 91. The rest of us are in the middle.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Feeding Frenzy
I found this photo entitled "Dinnertime" on Flickr.com. Oh my! I was so impressed with my sisters when they breastfed, especially Steph having the twins. It's such a commitment. But look at this poor feline mama! The expression on her face says it all.
Don't You Hate it When...
...at the end of the day, you look in the mirror and see you have food in your teeth and you haven't eaten since lunch.
...you sit down to a business meeting, cross your legs and notice your zipper is down. Then you try to figure out a way to subtlely zip it up without anyone noticing.
...you spend extra time on your hair to make it look nice and the humidity outside makes it all fall anyway.
...it rains in Dallas and all the traffic lights don't work. (It's just rain -- Portland and Seattle must know something we don't.) And don't even get me started on the drivers.
...your fat jeans become your everyday jeans.
Others?
...you sit down to a business meeting, cross your legs and notice your zipper is down. Then you try to figure out a way to subtlely zip it up without anyone noticing.
...you spend extra time on your hair to make it look nice and the humidity outside makes it all fall anyway.
...it rains in Dallas and all the traffic lights don't work. (It's just rain -- Portland and Seattle must know something we don't.) And don't even get me started on the drivers.
...your fat jeans become your everyday jeans.
Others?
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
A Fresh Start
I needed a new blog template. What do you think? (I think my sister Jenn will like that I picked a green one!)
I've been making quite a few changes in my life lately. After a grueling 9 months, I finally got relieved of my duties on a particular project at work. I'm now actually enjoying my work again and my coworkers have noted that I'm smiling more!
I also changed hairdressers. After going to the same guy for 10 years, I decided to make a change after he stood me up and wasn't truly apologetic. It's tough, because I know he needs the work, but as a paying customer, I deserve better.
I'm moving soon. More on that later.
I'm thinking about changing massage therapists, too. Similar to the hairdresser, I've been seeing my masseuse for 11 years. I've referred several friends to her and often given her gift certificates to other friends. For the past couple years, I've been seeing her once a month or so, but lately it seems she's more aggressive about me coming in or buying various products. It seems it's all about the money.
I realize this is her business, but when I originally met her, I felt she was a very soulful person. Maybe it's because massage is a personal service -- someone is rubbing your body -- but I need to feel safe. Feeling pressured to buy! buy! buy! doesn't help me relax.
Plus, I found a new masseuse! She's closer to me, cheaper and stronger. It's just hard trying to figure out what to say to the one I've been seeing. Breaking up is never easy!
I've been making quite a few changes in my life lately. After a grueling 9 months, I finally got relieved of my duties on a particular project at work. I'm now actually enjoying my work again and my coworkers have noted that I'm smiling more!
I also changed hairdressers. After going to the same guy for 10 years, I decided to make a change after he stood me up and wasn't truly apologetic. It's tough, because I know he needs the work, but as a paying customer, I deserve better.
I'm moving soon. More on that later.
I'm thinking about changing massage therapists, too. Similar to the hairdresser, I've been seeing my masseuse for 11 years. I've referred several friends to her and often given her gift certificates to other friends. For the past couple years, I've been seeing her once a month or so, but lately it seems she's more aggressive about me coming in or buying various products. It seems it's all about the money.
I realize this is her business, but when I originally met her, I felt she was a very soulful person. Maybe it's because massage is a personal service -- someone is rubbing your body -- but I need to feel safe. Feeling pressured to buy! buy! buy! doesn't help me relax.
Plus, I found a new masseuse! She's closer to me, cheaper and stronger. It's just hard trying to figure out what to say to the one I've been seeing. Breaking up is never easy!
Monday, April 17, 2006
A Happy Easter Weekend
Happy Easter!
Steve and I visited Steph, Al, Paige & Graham for Easter weekend. We had a ball Easter egg hunting, swimming, lots of great food and lots of giggles.
Hello, Easter Bunny
On Easter morning, Graham got creative with his loot. We were all tickled.
StickerMan
Unfortunately, he had to take them off before church. He protested, "No...I want to be funny!"
Friday, April 14, 2006
The Wrath of God
Last night I had dinner with my gay-boyfriend Daniel. It's his birthday today, and he's 22! So much of life ahead of him. He's such a sweetheart and a really great friend.
He's been struggling with his religion (Christianity) and his sexuality. He has been going to a church regularly and finally talked to the pastor. This pastor actually told him if he continues to lead a gay lifestyle, he will get AIDS as his punishment from God.
I wholeheartedly, vehemently disagree with this! And how awful that this minister is spreading this nonsense!
According to this theory, you could say that people who get cancer are being punished for some sin. Even children get cancer. Guess they should have been better behaved.
What about the Christian idea that we are ALL sinners? I guess everyone of us is just a moment away from a deadly disease. I know I've made some huge mistakes in my life. What does that deserve?
He's been struggling with his religion (Christianity) and his sexuality. He has been going to a church regularly and finally talked to the pastor. This pastor actually told him if he continues to lead a gay lifestyle, he will get AIDS as his punishment from God.
I wholeheartedly, vehemently disagree with this! And how awful that this minister is spreading this nonsense!
According to this theory, you could say that people who get cancer are being punished for some sin. Even children get cancer. Guess they should have been better behaved.
What about the Christian idea that we are ALL sinners? I guess everyone of us is just a moment away from a deadly disease. I know I've made some huge mistakes in my life. What does that deserve?
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Ready to Run
The gauntlet has been thrown down. The date has been set. Now I just have to get my butt in shape!
My sister Jennifer has challenged me to join her in participating in the Danskin Women's Triathlon in June. After last year's adventure races, this is taking it to the next level. I've never done a triathlon, but completing the adventure races last year gave me some confidence.
My biggest weakness is running, followed by biking. I'm not concerned about the swimming, which is only 1/2 mile. The run is 3.1 mile (5K), and the bike portion is 12 miles in the hilly roads around Austin. BIG hills. [gulp!]
I took Jenn's advice and rode my bike down to a local middle school where they have a nice track. I turned on my iPod as I started to jog, deciding on Dixie Chicks. The first song up was "Ready to Run." I chuckled to myself, how appropriate!
I jogged one lap, then walked 1/2 and jogged 1/2 for two laps. By then, I was toast. But I still had to ride home.
I took a route that included a fairly good hill. At least biking and jogging use slightly different muscles!
By the time I got home, my face was so red, it bordered on purple. Exercise is definitely not good for my rosacea. But the rest of me felt pretty good.
My sister Jennifer has challenged me to join her in participating in the Danskin Women's Triathlon in June. After last year's adventure races, this is taking it to the next level. I've never done a triathlon, but completing the adventure races last year gave me some confidence.
My biggest weakness is running, followed by biking. I'm not concerned about the swimming, which is only 1/2 mile. The run is 3.1 mile (5K), and the bike portion is 12 miles in the hilly roads around Austin. BIG hills. [gulp!]
I took Jenn's advice and rode my bike down to a local middle school where they have a nice track. I turned on my iPod as I started to jog, deciding on Dixie Chicks. The first song up was "Ready to Run." I chuckled to myself, how appropriate!
I jogged one lap, then walked 1/2 and jogged 1/2 for two laps. By then, I was toast. But I still had to ride home.
I took a route that included a fairly good hill. At least biking and jogging use slightly different muscles!
By the time I got home, my face was so red, it bordered on purple. Exercise is definitely not good for my rosacea. But the rest of me felt pretty good.
Monday, April 10, 2006
Remember how fun it was to be a kid?
When we were in Austin for Anna's birthday weekend, Steve, Jenn and I took the kids to the park. We had fun, although it was steamy hot.
Anna looks delighted
Colin, with Henley waiting her turn behind.
I took a turn on the slide with Anna
It looked like so much fun, Steve had to try it too!
Helping the little monkeys climb
Jenn gives Colin a boost
Anna looks delighted
Colin, with Henley waiting her turn behind.
I took a turn on the slide with Anna
It looked like so much fun, Steve had to try it too!
Helping the little monkeys climb
Jenn gives Colin a boost
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Yee-Haw!
A good time was had by all at Anna's 5th birthday celebration for Cowboys and Cowgirls. I put on my "yee-haw doo-dah" clothes, and Steve and I helped with the pony rides.
Anna and me at the Cowboy/Cowgirl party
Steve meeting my folks seemed to go well, too, although I wasn't too worried. He's such a great guy.
Here, Steve holds Lyra's hands on the horn of the saddle as they walk along.
Anna and me at the Cowboy/Cowgirl party
Steve meeting my folks seemed to go well, too, although I wasn't too worried. He's such a great guy.
Here, Steve holds Lyra's hands on the horn of the saddle as they walk along.
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