Decisions Made.

First, let me thank everyone for the comments on my wedgie post. Although I temporarily felt defeated, I went back to the gym on Thursday and kicked serious ass. I ran OVER one mile, without stopping or dying. One Mile....wow.

Thank god for my IPOD. Music is such a driving force for me. I can totally trick myself into running until the end of a song or until a slower song comes on. Since I know this, I've timed out my playlist to play slower songs later and later. It works.

Anyways- I made a few decisions:

• I'm going to pass algebra with atleast a B+. I'm going to study my butt off until I "get it", which I mostly do, except for those damn word problems. But even those I'll keep working on. So far I don't need help, other than an occasional question or two answered by Hubs.
• I'm not going to make all of my christmas gifts this year. Here's why. I'm awful at picking out gifts to make for people. I know everyone wants a sweater, that's not possible though. I don't think people want hats or even remotely less time consuming things than sweaters, so I'm just making nothing. I might make one or two important things for people, I know I owe one person a nicely made gift, but besides that I can't be bothered. If someone asked for something specific, I could be swayed.
• I've cheated on the diet BAD this week. I need to get back into it. (Bad doesn't actually cover how bad I've been....yesterday I ate 2 desserts. That's bad.)

So, if you are making your gifts, what's on the list? When are you starting??

Stop The Wedgies.

For the first time since joining the gym a month ago, I faced self doubt this afternoon. I had a session with a trainer, who pretty much gave me another assessment and told me what I needed to adjust or change. Not *how* to do it, just what needed to be done. The reason I went to the trainer in the first place was to learn new exercises. Guess I'm going to have to learn them another way. I can't possibly expect Hubs to cough up 75 bucks/hour session. The thought of spending that much money on this stuff blows my mind. Yet, people do it. If I had the cash, I'd be doing it too.

I understand that she is a salesperson- let's face it, the more people she sees, the more money the company makes. I walked in thinking it was going to be an hour of empowerment, and left feeling deflated. It's a long story, but I was told that I'm not using the gym to it's fullest potential (I knew that) and I'd basically plateau in about 6 months if I don't see her.

Hmmm. Harsh, yes- but she has a point. I didn't lose any weight last week...I feel like I'm plateau-ing already.

She was very hands on and managed to stretch me better than anyone ever has. My hamstrings feel normal again, not bunched up like they've been for the last week.

I asked her what workout clothes I should buy- I'm wearing my nighttime nursing bras, a tshirt, and shorts or pants. I get wedgies from my undies or my shorts ride up while running. She told me that I was there to sweat. And I could buy the most expensive clothes in the world and I'd still be unhealthy, that I should save my money and see her. It made me chuckle. I am blunt to a fault and so is she. I loved it....but it won't stop the wedgies.

ETA: I did not pay for this session. It was complimentary with the purchase of the gym membership. The NH SnB girls questioned me on that last night. Trust me, if I had paid for it, she would have had a different attitude.

Tomorrow, the Boy and I are off to the Big E. Think we'll find diet-friendly food there??

My Kid and Husband, a Photo.

My kid and husband.Ponce Inlet, FL - Sept. 2007

I love this shot. (Why yes, that is a bright green hat on my son...is that strange?? Hmm, blame my MIL. lol)

My Romance

When I was a teenager, I read alot of cheesy romances. Stories of people meeting, falling in love, conflicting, and living happily ever after.

I thought that was the way you had a romance, being swept off your feet on a daily basis...

Now that I'm a bone fide adult, I know for a fact that it's not.

Between hubs working a ton, the Boy who needs attention constantly, hobbies of a fiberous nature, friends and other social engagements, we don't make enough time for romance.

Well, Hubs outdid himself this weekend.

I was sick on the couch so he decided to go grocery shopping. He took longer than expected. He came in and grabbed my hand, pulling me outside, saying that he had a surprise to show me.

His surprise?

He washed, cleaned and vacuumed my car! It looks fantastic! I can see out the windows, there's no dust on my dashboard, no cheerios on the floor, and I don't get all scuzzed out by the amount of crap everywhere anymore.

I kissed his cheek and said a heartfelt thank you. It was honestly one of the sweetest things he's ever done for me.

It's not about the white horse or the fairy tale ending. It's the day to day nice things you do for each other. Yeah, the diamonds and sapphires are amazing, but give me a guy who shows me he loves me in little ways anyday. That is a true romance.

Like a Kid in a Candy Shop

This arrived today.
Yeah, Jaggerspun Zephyr, and a whole lot of it too! This is what I saw as I opened the box:

A bunch of other knitters and I went in on an order from Sarah's Yarns. Now I just have to wind it all into balls and hand them out. Oh, and get money from people too. *Little note here: The box reeked of cigarette smoke. The yarn didn't though. But the box...geez.*

Here's an update on what I'm knitting:

Baby sweater for a friend.

Hubs' sweater:

I'm so bored with both I want to poke my eyes out.

Where's some lace when you need it?!?

Dr. Michael Paone

The Earth Science professor that was ill with cancer a couple of semesters ago passed away over the summer. There was no word from my school. Not on the website, not from any of the students, not in the paper. I happened to be thinking of him today and googled him.

He was an amazing teacher, musician, traveller. He was a husband and a father.

Rest in peace, Dr. Paone.

Running

I've been busy lately. I'm used to having a day or two of busy-ness, then alot of down time, then busy-ness again.

It seems like last week and this weekend have flown by. Part of me says that since I'm not feeling 100% (i.e. I have a bit of the sniffles) everything seems like a chore. Another part of me says, "Quit yer whining and get moving."

I've been knitting a sweater for Hubs for what seems like 10 years. I know it's not true, seeing as I've only been knitting for about 4.5 years. But this thing won't end. I'm soooo done with this project.

I have the super secret surprise sweater- the blue cabled one- on the brain. I need it for mid-Oct. and I'm running out of time.

School is also taking me away from housework and knitting. Algebra blows, people. Seriously. But, instead of quitting, that just means that I need to totally go the opposite way and obsess over it. I've been working on algebra problems for about 2 hours a day, thanks to plenty of problems in the book and online. Maybe by the end of the semester I'll be able to take over Gauss's life and all will be good.

And oh, I ran 3/4 of a mile today. Without stopping, falling off the treadmill or dying.

Yeah, I'm shocked too.

Back, Tan and Thankful.

As good as vacation is, it's better to be home. The weather was hot and humid. I'm tan (for me anyways.) It feels sunburned though- I touch my skin then about 5 seconds later I feel that burning sensation. It's not cooked, but noticeable. I wore atleast 30 spf every day, all day, whenever I stepped outside. I promise.

It's strange to get used to daily life again- everything from cleaning house to knowing exactly where everything is in my cabinets to knowing how to get to the store without having to ask directions.

I did knit, but it's still a big grey blob o' man sweater. I started a baby sweater, which I hate and will frog soon.

I read 3 books.

I walked about 14 miles while down there. But I also ate disastrously. I've gained back the few pounds I lost. Bummer.

I lost my license at some point but luckily I still got home ok. I wish I got the name of the wonderful TSA associate who helped to calm me down at the airport coming home. We were running late, I obsessed over the loss of the license all week and I had no idea what they were going to say or do to me. (When I called the airline to report the missing ID, I was told that I was subject to search and interrogation). I also HATE flying, so all that added up to me, shaking and almost in tears while waiting in the security line. The associate treated me like I was a human, managed to make me laugh and forget for a few minutes that I was late and anxious. For that, I thank him.

I learned that little boy's heads and tile floor don't mix. The Boy is fine, no need for stitches or the hospital. But my god, I've never felt so guilty or scared in all my life.

I'll have photos up soon. I have a busy week of getting back on track health-wise and getting caught up on school.

Leave a comment and let me know you are still breathing, ok?


And, lest we forget...

This day is always a day of heartbreak and sadness for many. I feel the pain of those who lost their lives in the attack and my thoughts are with those who carry on.

So Now That I Have No Readership...

Sorry for not updating more. It's been a busy week and I'm dealing with a kid with a head cold. It's amazing how much snot one 21 month old creates in a day.

On the brighter side~

Going on vacation, be back soon!

Have fun, but not too much.