Hike anyone?

"MULTONOMAH FALLS"

I went to Multonomah Falls on Wednesday to go hiking. It was fun! I first took Charlie. We went up to the first bridge by the falls, and started up the steep trail to the top. Charlie wanted to stop and see everyone and smell everything (of course- he is a dog). He did really good, but I didn't want to go too far, then end up having to carry him down, so I turned around, and decided he was done.

It was a fairly nice day, so leaving him in the car was not an option. I knew I wanted to hike today, and I had no clue how long I would be hiking. So I took him home.

Yes, I traveled the 45 min drive back home, to drop him off, then went back. By the time I got back it was about 3. There were less people there, but still pretty warm and still very sunny. It was nice. So I trekked up to the top of the falls. It was beautiful. It was also, the hardest thing I have done yet. It was very steep, and I had to keep stopping. Not longer than a sec or two, but seemed I stopped very frequently. I made it though. Once I got to the top and took in the views, I decided I would keep going. So I hikied another couple miles beyond the top of the falls. It was fun.

I hiked a total of 6 miles without Charlie, and with him...about 1.5 miles. So I figure, close to 7.5 miles of hiking. It was fun though. I am really glad I went.

I have been wanting to get out more, become more active. Plus, I need to learn to do things on my own, or I will never get out. Nor will I ever meet people. So I did it. I survived. I will go again.

Now, the ext couple days...I was hurting really bad. I just had a general ache all over my body. Thursday night was the hardest. It was between 24 and 36 hours post-hike. Always the hardest for me, as far as pain (the good pain though). So Thursday and Friday at work were interesting. Friday, started feeling better, but still felt a little hitch-in-my-get-along.

Today, however, was my ten miler. Surprisingly, felt great. Had a few moments of complete exhaustion, wasn't sure I would make it, but by the end, I was ready to be done-yet still feeling like I could go more if I needed to!

Nice walk in the evening with Charlie, and I am feeling great now. Next up, softball game tomorrow after work. I might even plan another hike this week or next.

I might even think about going camping. There is a relatively "safe" state park someone at work was telling me about. I could pitch a tent, and go camping for a short weekend. Bring Charlie as my "bodyguard" of course! Hehehe

Here are a few pics...

This is Charlie trekking along ahead of me. I think he had a blast. He looked pretty pooped in the car, on the ride home...as seen in the next photo.



A very friendly couple asked me take their photo, and offered to take mine as well. This is me at the top of the falls. I know it is hard to see me, due to the sunny nature of the day. Imagine a gorgeous brunette smiling in the sun.


Self-portrait, with some pretty scenery in the background. It truely was a beautiful day, and so peaceful up there. I didn't see a soul on the trail once I got passed the top of the falls. Just me and nature.


Nature...

Batter Up!!

So softball season starts now. I joined a parks and rec league. I just wanted something fun to do, so I joined a non-competitive league. I haven't met anyone yet, but we will have a practice before our first game on Sunday night. I can't wait.

I also get my Charlie back. I have gotten everything ready for him. I washed his bed, I cleaned his toys, got food/water ready for him. He is set. He even has some bones in his basket of toys, he will be very happy about that. He loves his bones! It feels like a lifetime away from me. I cannot wait to get him home.

Bloomsday is Sunday. Running 9 miles with pfit tomorrow, headed to TC to get Kat, then off to Spokane. Then, after Bloomsday, back to TC to drop off Kat, get my puppy, and get home in time to play some ball. I think I will take Charlie with me to the field, so I can get him out and walk around with him while I am not playing. I am sure that will be fun!!

I ordered a mit, and some shoes, but I haven't gotten either of them yet. I did however get a package in the mail today. I am hoping it is my mit. I can do without the shoes for a game. Jen is letting me have one of Joel's old bats. So I am all set.

Batter Up!!

Hmmm...What to say?

So Jen and Joel are officially gone now. I am all alone. I get Charlie back in just a couple weeks, and I cannot wait! I am so excited. I have missed him so much!

Mara's wedding was awesome. They are off in Honeymoon Land (aka Mexico). They get back the day before Bloomsday. I will post some pics as soon as I get them. I have a few, so I will post them at the end of this post.

Called a guy today about a softball league. Luckily I called him today, because he was turning in the roster tonight. It is a co-ed league, starts May 7th. Games are every Sunday in the afternoon or evening. I am pretty excited about it. I will get to meet some really cool people. Sounds though, like there are a few couples, so less chance to meet a special someone. But that is okay, there is always people on the opposing team. Hehe Wink-wink!!

Off again this weekend, so I will be running 8 miles. I never managed to get 7 miles in, but that is ok. I will be fine. I was gonna try to do it today, but I never got a run in. I had lots of errands to run!!

Got a new bed set for my spare bedroom. Before Jen/Joel moved in, I had a twin bed (it was theirs), but they wanted it back, so they could put it in their new house. They used their spare Queen bed while staying here with me, then left that for me. So I needed some new sheet/bedding set, so I went out and got one.

Went to Bed, Bath, and Beyond, found a complete set that wasn't too spendy. When I got to the register, the lady checked it to make sure I had the whole set. It was all there. Package of sheets with pillowcases, bedskirt, and pillow shams, along with the comforter. So, I came home, washed everything, and went to put them on the bed...had two top sheets in the sheet package, and no fitted sheet. So, I had to go back to the store to get a fitted sheet. It was quite interesting. Now I have to wash the fitted sheet. Oh well. I just realized that was probably the most boring story ever. If you are still reading...you truly are a devoted soul. Thank you!

Don't know what else to say, so I will post a pic or two.

Pic of Mara and Brent at the reception...


Mara and Brent saying goodbye...


This is all the Bridesmaids with the Bride...


This is a pic of me giving my toast to the newlyweds...


This is a really washed out pic of me, but I still like it...

He is Risen...Indeed!

I went to church on Sunday. It was great. I had so much fun. I met a ton of great new people. Laura introduced me to most of them. Cheryl was also there. Cheryl and Laura are nurses I work with.

So, it was Easter Sunday, and due to time, there wasn't much of a sermon, but it was a good one. The only red flag I have is this...There were no mention of specific scriptures. No opening of bibles. A little thing that made me think, but then...maybe it was just because of Easter. There was an awesome music group, the kids sang, and he talked about the rise of Jesus, and the 12 apostles, and how their lives were changes with the rise of Jesus.

So, I will go back again next Sunday (by next Sunday I mean the Sunday after next, because next Sunday I will be in Spokane for Mara's Wedding!!), and see if he starts mentioning scriptures. If not, I will have to rethink, if this is the church for me. If not, I met another group of awesome people. They all go to Calvary Chapel. I may go there one Sunday, and see if that church is for me.

My friend Amber invited me over to her house for dinner. That was fun. There were a big group of church people there, and I met a ton of people I can see myself hanging out with again.

Change of subject...I contacted the Loft at Frontier.

You are probab;y asking what the Loft at Frontier is.

Well, I will tell you...

It is a doggie day camp at a vet's office. They are open M-F, 6:30am to 8pm. About $23/day, or I can get 20 days at a time for $17.50/day. Not bad. It will give Charlie a safe place to play with other doggies, and be watched, so he doesn't have to stay in his cage all the time. That is only a last resort, if I have to work more than 2 days in a row. He can go there during the middle day.

I know it isn't perfect. In a perfect world, I would stay home all the time, and play with my puppy, and be skinny. But I am not, and I cannot, so I do the best I can!!

Went for a good run this evening. Thinking I was running 7 miles, but once I got out there, I forgot which road to turn on. I turned on what I thought was the correct road...turns out, I was wrong. It ended up cutting my run down by 2 miles. I only ran 5. Too bad. Oh well. I will get my 7 miler in next week on Tues. I have to miss this Sat's run (which is the 7 miler), was gonna do it today, but obviously...DIDN'T!!

Outlook: Sunny

So, I have lots new things going on in my life now. First off...

I am getting Charlie back!!

I just miss him way too much, and I can't stand it any more. I called Steve up, gave him the news, and he was great.

"Uh, Steve, been meaning to talk to you"

"yeah, what's up?"

"I have been thinking...I really want charlie back."

"Sure! When do you want to get him? Or Should I bring him up to you?"

I was thinking...not only is he more than willing to keep the bargain, and give him back when I asked, but he was willing to bring him to me, if I needed/wanted.

"Well, I am running Bloomsday May 7th. Can I get him that weekend?"

"Sure."

Then he told me how he has been training him to wait for his treats, and all the cool things he has been doing. Of course, makes me miss him even more, but I am now getting him back.

We agreed on some visitation rights. He said he would be more than willing to take Charlie on the weekends I come home to visit. Since Mom and Dad don't like him at their house, it works perfect!

Other great news in the forecast. I am heading to church on Sunday. I know it is Easter Sunday, but what better way to start back at church, than with a celebration of his return. I finally found a church I feel like I could belong to. Of course, I need to check it out first, but all the others I have thought about going to, just haven't been that motivating. This church, I am excited about going to. I can't wait actually. Also, there are two girls at work (Cheryl, and Laura) that attend this church.

Next up, I am going to fix my bike. Gonna head out today, and start looking at places (and prices) to tune up my bike. I just want to be able to go out every once in a while, if I want to, just for fun!

Still running with PFit. 6 miles this week. Bloomsday is coming up, is is 7 1/2 mile run, tons of fun in Spokane.

Next week is Mara's Wedding...can't wait!!

Oh yeah, friend from work invited me to Easter dinner at her house. Guess she is having a ton of friends over. So yeah, have another friend.

Also, another girl at work (Khristina), she said she would be my friend, and also be willing to doggie sit, if I ever needed it! How cool is that?

So, things are looking up for me now. Only downside...Grason (and Jen/Joel too) are moving away soon. So I won't get to spend as much time with them anymore, but I know I can come visit often. At least I will have Charlie with me.

Have a Happy Easter weekend!!

The BIG 5

I had to work yesterday (Saturday), so I had to do Vancouver fit this week. It was fun, but when I got there, I wondered where all the people were. There, apparently, are only about 100 VFit members, compared to about 1200 PFit members. Big difference.

It was nice though. Nice to do a different route. Nice to meet new people. The only down side, if you don't know the route...you could get lost. There aren't that many runners, so you get spread out easily. Although today was only 5 miles, it wasn't bad.

Yes, I ran 5 miles today. No where near 26.2, but I will get there. 5 was tough for me today. I felt really good the second half of the run, but the first half...I was struggling.

I am not sure if it was the uphill, or the unknown. Sometimes when i don't know a route, I feel like it will never end.

As soon as one of the coaches said " You are over half way done", I started feeling better immediately, also, from then on, it was pretty much downhill, since the first part was pretty much uphill.

To make matters worse, my shoulder has been killing me the last couple days. I don't know what happened to it, but for a couple years on/off again, it gets sore tight, I can't even life my arm. I have tried Chiropractic...couldn't keep doing that. It cost me $20 every visit. And if you know Chiro's, they want you to come back 3 times a week for several weeks, just to fix one minor problem.

I have tried massage in the past, and that has worked. Not 100%, but better, then it goes away and doesn't bother me for a long time.

But, it is back.

It has been tough at work, since I am required to do lots with my arms. So, I am hoping it will be temporary, and it will go away soon.

Back to my run. I am done now, it was a good run.

One more down side. We were stopped at a stoplight waiting for it to turn so we could cross, and between two people I noticed bird droppings...dropping. So I loked up and sure enough, there was a bird, so I told them what had happened (they didn't notice), and I moved out of the way. Well, apparently the bird wasn't done, it got me on my shoulder. So I have bird droppings on my shoulder for the rest of the run! Nice!!

Portland Fit

Portland Fit is my new marathon training program. I started last weekend with them, March 25th. They are great.

I get to go every Saturday and run with a big group of people who are training for the same thing I am training for...the Portland Marathon.

The Portland Marathon is October 1, 2006 this year. I have been planning to run this race since I started running.

The first year, my sister had already ran portland and she wanted to do a destination marathon, so I went with her to Victoria, Canada. The second race I ran in the spring, in Seattle, at Whidbey Island.

Both were great races, and I enjoyed them very much. Whidbey Island was filled with hills, and not a lot of support along the way, in terms of cheering. But Portland...Portland has a reputation for having one of the best supported courses along the way. I am so looking forward to it.

Portland fit is a 26 week training program that teached me how to train, and how to run. It offers seminars on hydration, shoes, safety, injury prevention, etc. So I am not just running, I am learning how to run.

I went out again on Sat, this was the first week we ran with our deignated color groups. I am red. Which means I run a 10min/mile or slower run. I personally am closer to 12 or 13 min./mile. I will increase. As some of this extra weight comes off, and I get better, I will get faster. I did last time, so I will again.

First week was 3 miles, last week was 4...next week 5. Bloomsday is also coming up. That is 7.46 miles (12K)is Spokane, WA. I ahve ran that race every year for six years now. It is fun. 50,000 runners pile on this 12k course. It is a blast. This year, my family is running with me! Possibly, my old neighbor and friend, Kat. She said she wanted to run it too.

So, lots of good runs and races coming up. After Bloomsday is the Helvetia Half Marathon on June 10th. So that will be fun.

Last Fling before the Ring...

That was what was written on the back of Mara's Bachelorette shirt. And on the front...

Suck for a buck!!

I will get pics as soon as Mara emails them to me!!

So last weekend was Mara's bridal showers, and bachelorette party. We had a very busy, fast, but wild weekend.

First, flew into Spokane, late I might add. Southwest is great at starting the day off early, but somehow, everytime I fly in the afternoon or evening, it is always delayed at least 15-30 minutes. Oh well, managed ok. Brent came and got me from the airport, that was really nice of him.

Arrived at the bridal shower fashionably late, but not too late. Besides, party can't start without me, I was the host!! Guest of Honor was already there.

Had a great shower. Played some fun games, and ate some good food, and had an amazing cheesecake.

Then, we went and picked up the van. I was the designated driver for the evening, so we rented a big, 12-person van, so I could drive us all around without having to be squished into a small car.

Then, headed to Mara's to get ready for the bachelorette party. We dressed Mara up in the most we could put on her. She had a penis veil, she had a penis necklace, she had penis beads, she had her suck-for-a-buck shirt, and a miss bachelorette sash, along with some cool pins, and a penis nametag. She was decked out!! We, all the other girls and I, had a penis nametag as well, and we all had penis straws to drink out of!

So everyone showed up, we had some daquaries (?spelling), and then headed off to the bars. WE went to three different bars, all downtown. Each bar she had a task she had to acclomplish. At first she did great, but as the evening went on...the tasks kind of disappeared. She found other great things to do and say to the men.

The suck-for-a-buck shirt was a hit.

After we were all danced out, all drunk, and closing time hit, we all headed back to Mara's for some late night barby!

Brent was nice enough to BBQ some (yummy) hamburgers for us. They were the best ever.

By 3 or 4 am, we were all in bed (or couch) and sleeping.

Up at 7am...I kept dozing till about 9. Then we had to get ready, so we could drive to TC for another bridal shower. That was fun. The trip went fast, but we couldn't get going until after we delivered the van off. By the time we got out of town, we had absolutely NO time to spare!

We managed to arrive with about 5 mins before the party started. Quickly decorated, and a few guests arrived.

The party went good, they completely understood, and we had a great time at the second party as well.

Hopefully Mara had fun as well. Next up...Mara's WEDDING!!!! Yeah, I can't wait for that one!!!

Pictures...

This is a pic of Kaitlyn Nicole, isn't she bee-utiful??...



Me and Kaitlyn...


This is Mom & Dad's new puppy...Autumn. She is such a cutie. She is so hyper, and flies all over the place. I swear, she would jump off the couch, and about 5 seconds later you would hear her land on the ground.


My visit with my Charlie...Only get to see him when I go home now. Only had time to see him for one evening, but I made the best out of it. I love my Charlie!!


Grason sitting on his own...


Last, but not least...one more pic of cutie Kaitlyn. This is the day she was born (March 19), before she was taken away to get all cleaned up.


Hope you enjoyed my picture album of updates, more to come as Kaitlyn and Grason grow like weeds. Next up...Mara's Bridal Shower and Bachelorette party this weekend!!!

Babies and Puppies

Alright, lots of good updates today.

It's a girl!!!

My brother had his first baby on Sunday.

Her name is Kaitlyn Nicole, she is 9 lbs 2 oz. She was born Sunday, March 19th at 10:21 am. Ashley is doing great, they are both very protective little parents, it is soo cute.

I will post some great pics when I get them uplaoded to my computer. I am still at my parents till WEdnesday.

Some more great news...my parents got a puppy.

She is adorable too. She is tan with some black accents, short with some long-haired parts. She is a mini-dachshund.

Her name is Autumn. She is 4 months old, and full of spit and vinegar. She hops all over the place.

Mom and Dad and everyone who knows about her kept it a secret. Mom has had her for a week now. She wanted it to be a surprise, and boy it was a surprise.

Again, I will posts pics of her too, when I get home.

That's all for now. I haven't seen Charlie yet this trip. I really want to, I miss him so much. He is doing so good at Steve's house. I guess he hasn't messed at all, and hardly chews on things.

I think he was just mad at me for keeping him in a cage for so long. I would be mad at me too. Charlie is good with Steve, and I hate to admit this, but I am better off without him too. I really love him so much, and miss him a lot, but he needs to be with Steve now.

I know he is well taken care of. I will just visit regularly, so he doesn't forget me, and he knows how much I love him!!

Hmmm

Feeling better now.

Alittle dissapointed everyone in blogland has left. Hardly any blogs are updated on a regular basis anymore. I refuse to do MySpace. It is stupid and not personal at all. People become "friends" just because they viewed your site. I hate it. I will not go.

So, if all you bloggers out there go to MySpace, I will not follow. I will stay here, stay tru to blogspot, and will continue to write in my blog. I will, however, keep posting nastys on your blog, to continue to update until you finally come back.

Okay, now that my threat is posted to all bloggers, I can continue with my post. Nothing much going on. I jsut got a new schedule for the next 4 weeks, and I have a great schedule. I get 5 days off almost every time I have time off.

I have requested every Saturday off so I can run with Portland fit as much as possible. I am very excited about starting training again. I really hope I can keep up with it, and get up (at 6am) every Saturday and go running.

I am also gonna try training for the Race for the Roses Half marathon. It is April 9th this year. I have ran the Half marathon the last three years, and each time, I have trained for it in about 2-3 weeks. I don't mean to, but that is how it happens. So this year will be no different. I have set out a training schedule for the next few weeks, and If all goes as planned, I should be fine. I have been running for the last two months now, so I should be good to go.

I am off to meet Jen and her friend Erica for a 4 mile run tonight. I'll let you know how it goes!!

Down Under

Unfortunately, the title is a little misleading. It sort of implies I am on vaction in Australia.

But I am not.

I am sick. I am down under the weather.

I don't get sick often, but when I do, I get sick bad, and it sucks!!

I have the head cold thing. The runny/stuffy nose, the sneezing, the cough...oh the cough.

I think the cough is the worst. I can't stop. I have that tickle in my throat, and I just can't seem to get rid of it.

I feel so tired. I worked extra on Sunday. 8 hours, so I got to go home at 3. Came home, went to bed around 4, woke up at 6am the next morning.

Still feeling like crap, but it was too late for me to call in sick. Besides I had just worked an extra shift the day before. Wuldn't look good, to work the extra shift, then call in sick for my regular shift.

So, I managed to plunge through work, taking care of all the other little sickies. I was so exhausted by the end of the day, I hope I finished everything.

I have three days off now, so I am gonna rest up, and get plenty of sleep/fluids.

Gotta be a good role model, since I am a nurse and all. Must drink plenty of fluids, and get plenty of rest. Those are the rules. Don't go see the doctor, unless I get worse or don't' get better in a few days.

Most colds are viral, and seeing the doctor will not help, since you can't take anything for viruses. You have to wait them out. Even though it sucks. Your body will kill it off.

I am hoping I get better, so I can enjoy a day off or two, sinc when I go back...I have to work 4 days in a row. That sucks too.

Two or three in a row isn't bad, but 4 really sucks! So, I will just get better, then go push myself again at work. Let's hope I don't get sick again!!

New Things

So Jen and Mom/Dad think I am depressed and unhappy. They think I need to find people to do things with and go out and find new things to do.

So, here is my plan...

I have always wanted to do a photography class. I am gonna try to find one at Parks and Rec, and do that.

I am joining Portland Fit-starts the end of March/Beg of April-this year. I found someone at work that wants to do it too. I will do it regardless of whether Zoe really does it or not.

I am gonna try to go to church. I will have to find a good one around here, but I will keep trying till I find one that suits me.

I think those will do for now. I am open to suggestions. Anything that will help make me happier and less "depressed". Even though I personally don't think I am depressed.

I am sad about Charlie still, but my family really believes it was the right thing for me. They think it is the wrong time for me to have a dog. They want me to be free, to be able to travel, and do the things I want to do, without having to deal with taking care of a dog.

So, because I love them all, I will try to do those things. I will go out and have "fun".

Surviving

Well, I am home now, without Charlie. It was really hard to come home and see his bed, toys and food dish exactly the way we left it. I wasn't expecting to say goodbye at all, little lone this weekend. It just kind of happened.

I am surviving without him, but it is very sad. I miss him jumping up at the side of my bed wanting to be up there with me.

I miss him rolling on the floor with his toy in his mouth.

I miss him laying on my lap at night while I watch tv.

I miss his big beautiful brown eyes.

I even miss his licking me. I know, I never thought I would miss that since I hated it so much. But, it was a part of him, and I love him so much, so I miss that too.

I know that Steve can provide attention and training that I never could. I know that he will have fun with Steve's other dog, Tux. I know that he probably just thinks he is staying with Steve for a few days, and he expects me to walk in the door any day now.

I will keep trying to live without him, but I am not sure it will last. I miss him so much, and I still cry everyday for him. I hope he knows how much I love him, and miss him.

If I can't stand it anymore, I will drive home and pick him up! I miss him so much!!

In Loving Memory of Charlie...

Well, I did it. I had to get rid of Charlie. I found a great home for him to go.

Steve took him.

Steve is my cousin that I lived with for a year before moving out here. Charlie knows Steve. And Steve loves Charlie. He used to take him everywhere Steve went.

So, I am happy that Charlie has a good home now. He will be able to spend more time with him than I can, and hopefully will get him trained.

So, the best thing about this deal is two things.

1) I can see him whenever I want, since he is still in the family.

2) Steve said I can have him back anytime I want him. If my situation changes, where I can spend more time with him, then I can have him back. He also promised never to get rid of him without first checking with me!

So, even though Charlie is gone, he is still with me in a way.

I am very sad though. I cried myself to sleep last night. It is very hard saying goodbye to someone you love with all your heart. Especially when they don't really know what is going on.

I don't think he realizes he isn't going to snuggle with me anymore, play with the same toys, sleep in his bed, or do any of the things he loved to do with...me anymore.

I am crying just thinking of all the good times we had together, and I cry to think of all the good times we will never have again. He is so cute, and so lovable. I am goona miss him so much!

I love you Charlie!!

They have moved in...

Jen, Joel, and Grason have officially moved in. It is great waking up and seeing Grason in the morning. We are gonna be very cramped for two months, but it will be fun! I don't even hear him in the middle of the night, so I am not concerned about not getting sleep.
Weight update...I have lost 14 lbs so far with running, weights, and weight watchers. I haven't been doing as good with running as I would have liked, but at least I am running again.
I am homoe for the weekend, I am gonna try to get lots of running in. I haven't ran since last Sunday since I have been picking up so many shifts at work. Plus, the weather has been really cold, windy, or both. Cold I can handle, its the wind I hate.
Next...everyone wants me to get rid of Charlie. I know that it will be best for him, to go to a home that can love him all day long. That has a big backyard, and maybe even some kids. I cry just thinking about it, but no one in my family likes Charlie.
He isn't house broke, he pees/poops occasionally. Sometimes he will tell me, but sometimes he doesn't. So, they all think I need to pass him on to a family that can train him. I tried, and I love him so much, but I just don't think I am doing him justice. He has so much potential. You see, I too can have soo much more potential. I will be able to do things without having to worry about my dog, or what to do with him for the weekend when I want to go out of town. I am so sad to think of handing him over to someone, but I think it will be the best for us both.
So, if anyone knows a great family, that wouldn't mind training an old dog new tricks, then let me know. He is a pure bred Dachshund (no papers), and he just turned 2 years old. He mostly tells me when he needs to go out, but he does have his "accident" several times a week. I just don't have the time to devote to train him properly. I work 12 hour shifts, so sometimes he has to be in a cage for long hours.
Please, if you know anyone, let me know!

T Minus 1 week...and counting...

Jen, Joel and Grason move-in in one week from today.

Yeah!!!

I am trying to get some last minute details all doen for them. I have finished cleaning out my closet, threw away a whole bunch more stuff. I still have to find places to put a few things, but mostly all cleared out.

I still have to clean out my bathroom. I have so much stuff, it is hard to find places. I know this will be tight living for a while, but I know it will be fun!!

Besides, after this, I won't get to see them, but a few times a year. I moved over here, because that is the way it was before I moved here. Me only getting to come visit a few times. Now, I have to go back home to visit. Oh well, more excuses to go I guess.

Plus, I have my neice due March 12th. I personally have predicted March 4th, but we will have to wait and see. Doctor told her she can have it any day now. I can't wait!! I hope I can be there for the birth, but I may not cuz I have a job.

So, point to my post. T minus 1 week and counting...Jen moves in next Sunday!!!

RN=Real Nurse

I got pulled into my bosses office yesterday.

She said the words " I need to talk to you."

I thought to myself, crap, what did I do this time?

So, in the afternoon, I managed to get a moment off the floor, and go see what she needs to talk to me about.

I knock on the door.

The door opens, and my 2 bosses are in there.

They say "come in."

The door closes. My heart is pounding, I have no clue what I have done wrong to need two managers in the office to speak to me. I thought I was doing good. Almost ready to be done.

"CONGRATULATIONS!!!" they say.

I was shocked. Sort of, I mean I have been waiting to hear those words for days, weeks, months now, but was expecting some constructive criticism today.

Yeah!!! So that means, I have been set free. I am officially "on my own". I no longer need a preceptor. They all feel I have reached the safe level of critical care nursing.

They got me a card, and a $25 gift certificate to PF Changs. I don't eat Chinese food, but hey, I may try some now!!

Oh yeah, and I was the first one of the new grads to be cut free!!! That makes me feel better too. I don't know why, it just does. They are all close behind me, but it just feels good to be the first.

So, RN now equals Real Nurse!!

Wasting some time!

I am cleaning today.

I hate cleaning, but I need to. My sister has sold her house. But, she isn't moving until April, so she has decided to stay with me for a couple months.

She is gonna stay in my spare room, with her husband and 4 month old child. I know it will be tight, but it will work out great. I can't wait. I get to see Grason every day.

Then they will be gone, and I will only get to see him like 4-6 times per year. I will not like that part.

Of course, my neice (who is due March 12) lives near Mom and Dad too, so I won't get to see her much either. That sucks!

My family has bets on when i am gonna move back.

I am not moving back!!

I am staying here in Portland. I like it here. I have a great job. I still need to find Mr. Right.

I may move back someday, but for the meantime, I am here, and I am staying here.

So, I am cleaning. Yes, there was a point to this post. I am a packrat. My mom has been telling me that for years. I seriously keep everything...just in case I may need again later.

Then I find it again later, and I am like...Why did I keep that. Seriously. I am getting rid of a ton of stuff.

I even sold (tentatively) my papasan chairs on Craig's List. They went quick. i just posted them last night.

I am finding lots of things around the house I can sell, or try to sell anyhow. there has got to be a market for everything.

Back to cleaning...I need to clean out my spare closet, so they have a closet, but I don't have much storage space, so it is hard. I may have to use a small corner, it is a walk-in closet, so there will be plenty of room. It was jamm packed, so if I can get it all to fit in one small corner, I'd say I did pretty good.

Long run

Yesterday I did not want to go running, but I did.

I ran 5.5 miles. I know for those who know me, that isn't that far. Those who know me, know I have run 2 marathons, 8 half marathons, and a handful of smaller runs.

Well, since I haven't been running consistently for almost two years, I think 5 1/2 miles is pretty damn far. Plus I am carrying an extra 60 lbs on my frame I wasn't carrying when I was running.

So, today, less than 24 hours later, I went for another run. It wasn't nearly as long, but I would say at least 3 miles.

So far, I have completed two full weeks of WW, running, and Power of 10. I have lost 7.8 lbs. Yeah!!

I am starting week three. I am also going out of town this weekend, so I have to work extra hard while I am gone to be good. Mara, I will need your help on this one, please?

Oh yeah, I am bringing my running stuff, so plan to go for a short (about 30 mins) run, ok?? I am slow, and I will be easy on you. But, I truly believe it relieves stress, and I know you have got to be stressing on some level about all this wedding stuff.

Okay, enough talking to Mara on my blog. I am very happy with my progress so far. I am really hoping to be about 30 lbs lighter by the time I start training for Portland marathon.

Yes you heard me correct. I am going to try to train for Portland this year. I have been wanting to do it for years now, and well, since I live here, and I am running again, I have no excuse!!

Grason

Here is a cutie pic of Grason. I know I haven;t posted many pics lately, so here you are...

Ummm

I know it has been a few days since I have posted. I have been working alot these last few days. WW is doing great. Lost 6.2 lbs the first week. YEah. I was so excited. I was really hoping for at least 3-5 lbs for the first week, and I exceeded my hope.
This week I am doing pretty good. Going running this afternoon. I am also cleaning my house today. It is the biggest mess. Stuff everywhere. My room is even messy, and I normally keep that really clean. ASt least I have since I moved here.
I am also going to go see a movie with one of the fellow new grads from work. She called and asked if I wanted to go, and I never turn down a movie. Too bad it wasn't a guy calling and asking for a date. I guess I will have to settle with a friend to hang out with.
Good Story for ya all...

So, babysat my nephew yesterday. That was a blast. Joel was home, but needed someone to keep an eye on Grason, so he could get some stuff around the house cleaned and repaired.

No problem! I was there to the rescue.

Well, the day went great until in the afternoon, Joel decided he was gonna "clean" the bottles, by putting them in some boiling water for a while.

He thought I was watching them (in which he never asked me too). I thought he was doing the cleaning (since he said, and I quote, "I am gonna clean the bottles").

So I played with Grason, and when he got a little fussy, I put him down for a nap.

Well, I was tired too, so I layed down in the room next to his (so I could hear him if he cried).

I woke up about 45 mins later-Grason still sleeping, to the house filled with smoke.

Yes. I said smoke.

There was one wimpy smoke alarm going off downstairs.

The smoke was clear/white, and it was a light haze throughout the house.

Just waking up, not really knowing what is going on, I am thinking to myself, why is the house filled with smoke...what is going on here?

Well, I get downstairs, hard to breathe, and I see the stove red hot, and the frying pan bursting with...
no not flames, but mass amounts of smoke. I shut off the stove, move the pan, and I discover...

Burned plastic boiling in a pan.

Yes, the entire bottle melted and was burning. The only thing that was still in any shape was the rubber nipple.

It was hilarious...not during the issue, but after the fact of course.

First check in Grason's room proved clear. No smoke, so I shut the door, and went on fanning out the house. Second check revealed...smoke. He was crying by that time, so I grabbed him up, and went downstairs. By that time the ground floor had cleared out mostly.

I know Grason had no clue what was going on, but it was still funny looking back. This is something we will remember forever.

JOEL trying to burn down the house.

What makes it even funnier...Earlier in the day, Joel was going to warm up some milk for Grason, and said he was starting to boil water. Well, apparently he saw it was boiling, so added the milk, but then got busy. Didn't bother to tell me the milk had been added.

By the time I discovered it, the milk was boiling too. So we lost a little bucket of pumped milk, but that was ok. We had plenty left for the day.

I teases him about trying to burn the house down twice. Jen just said don't make the third time a charm!!

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to me!!!!!!! Today is my birthday. I, unfortunately, had to work today. Oh well. Turned out to be a pretty good day. All the people at work signed a card, and got me a cake and sang Happy Bday. That was nice.
I have heard from nost of my friends, but there are a few that are slacking!! Not to name any names...eh hem!!
I don't have any cool plans, but my sister and I are going to celelbrate our birthdays together tomorrow. I have one day off before I have to come back to work for three more. Yeah to me!!
Also gonna go running tomorrow with Jen. I did have a small (really small) slice of cake. It would have been rude not to. But, I am still doing really good on WW. Since I had to have cake ( I chose to), I am going to do one more week of now sweets, to balance it out. That will make me feel better about it. Also, I may do more if I doing good.
Okay, gotta go!!
Happy Birthday to me!!!

Update WW

So, I started WW on Moday, and for two days I have done GREAT!!! I am allowed 26 points (based on my weight), and I have eaten 20, 19 for day 1, 2 respectively. I even went for a 50 min run yesterday. I am on a roll. Yeah!!
Not much more to update, just that I am doing great. I also made a pack with myself, that I am not to eat any sweets/candy for one week. Surprisingly, I am doing well with it. I am allowed the natural sweets like yogurt, or apples, but nothing like chocolate, or cookies, or things like that. And if you know me...which most of you do...that is almost impossible to do. But, I have made it two whole days without any sweets. I may go two weeks if I am doing this good at the end of the week.
I have doen it once before, the no sweets for a week, and I made it three weeks. When I did have the natural sweets (yogurt, apples), I felt I was cheating. Then I slowly allowed sweets back in, and bamm fell back into my old habits. So this time, I am not doing that. I don't need those damn sweets. Besides, they take points. I would rather have real food to take up those points.

Happy New Year!! 2006

Happy New Year everyone.

Sorry for the lack of posts, but I have been doing a small amount of traveling. Well, if you count going home traveling..I do. I went home three different times during the last three weeks. I know it sounds like alot, but I did it any how. But, I can't go back again for a while, I ran out of money. $30 gas both ways kills someone with no money.
So, what else is new. Well, work is going great. I was on my own the last couple shifts. It is not official yet, but I am pretty much there now. Yeah. It has been 5 1/2 months since I started working as an RN. I think I am ready now. Actually, I know I am ready now!!

I know I have been promising I was gonna start running, and losing some weight. I needed something/someone to just give me that nudge to start doing it. The nudge wasn't gonna be someone just telling me to do it. It had to come in the form of major motivation.

So, when I was at hoem this last weekend. I went to see my best friends sister-in-law. Are you still with me? I actually knew her in high school and she has always been a large woman. I am talking size 22, maybe a little larger. Well, Suzy had told me that she was losing weight, and that Marcia was now a size 6. I couldn't believe it. I thought, yeah right!

Well, when we stopped at her house to pick up some stuff before we headed out of town, I saw her. She looks amazing. She really is a size 6. She had bone structure in her face. She looked amazing. I can't tell you how amazing, you just have to trust me.

I found my motivation.

Yeah, someone I haven't seen for years. Someone I didn't even really know. Someone I will probably never see again (maybe), was my motivating factor.

When I left her house, I knew I could do that too. I know I can loose the weight, I have done it before. So I am going to.

Here is my promise to all of you.

I started Weight Watchers yesterday. I am not going to the meetings, but my firned Suzy, is helping me with the emotional part of losing weight. I will weigh myself each Monday morning, and report back to her (for support) through all of this.

Second promise...I am going to start running again. I have a plan to run today. My new friend Tanae, said she would run with me this afternoon, so I am very excited about that. Even if she doesn't come with, I have said I am running regardless.

Third pronmise. I will not quit Power of 10 Mara. I love it still, and I think weights is an important part of exercise. I had actually always wanted to start weight lifting back when I was running, but I never did. I am very thankful you got me into that program, cuz I love it. I joined a gym for it. I am not quitting now!!

No more promises, but I will try to keep you all posted of my progress on the weight loss. Mara is getting married in April, and I am in the wedding, and I would love to have lost 30 pounds by then, but I am going to take this one week at a time. My first goal, is 10%. Just like if I was at the meetings, and weighing in at WW.

I started on Monday, Jan 9. Now, I know this sounds like a New Year's Resolution. It is NOT. I hate those. It just happens to be that I started it after the new year. I have been talking about it for months now. God has provided me the motivation to get started, and I am going to do it.

Wish me luck!!

Power of 10: Week 6 and 7

Power of 10 is still going strong. Last week I was home during the week, so I went to CBRC and did the exercises with my mom. She didn't partake, but helped cheer me along. That was nice. This week, was back at my gym with Jen again. It is much nicer to stick with the one you normally do it with.
We had a great week again. I really felt like I worked hard. I am at 190 lbs on the leg press. It was hard. I think I will stick with 190 again next week, just cuz I struggled with that one. I don't think I will even be able to lift 210 lbs (have to go up by 20 on that machine). Oh well. This weeks emphasis was arms, and I am hurting pretty bad today, but a good hurt.
Me and Jen both haven't lost any weight from it. She is thinking about stopping, but I may not have lost weight, but I am getting stronger. I really want to start running. I know I have said that so many times, but I do. I don't know why I haven't started (and kept it up). I think when Portland Fit starts up again in the spring, I will join, and train with them. I really want to get running again. I can meet lots new people there too.

On thin ice!

I forgot to mention one little fun ordeal I had while I was home!!

So, like I had said before, I made it home safely. But, it turns out, not only did I stretch making it home without traction tires/chains... I also made it home on bald tires.

I didn't realize they were bald. And they weren't that bad, just the outer parts...time for a rotation. But, well, I had already rotated them before and the insides were bald too.

Mom said I wasn't leaving to come back home till I bought new tires. So, I had to fork out $250 for new tires.

Man, maintenance is spendy!!

So went to Les Schwab for new tires. Tried Wal*mart, they would have to special order my size...didn't have time for that, I was headed back home the next day.
So, back at LS. They have a reputation for coming and greeting you at your car, working with you, getting a great deal on the tires you want/need, and servicing with a smile.

Not this time.

They were very rude, short, and didn't want to offer prices for different tires. I had to pull everything out of them. I was even speaking with the assistant manager!!
Bad news for Schwabby!

No more tires from them.

The reason I went to them, is because I know a gentleman that works there. Manager of the Fleet services (he doesn't know much about passenger tires-otherwise he would have helped me!), but he sent me to speak with "Andy" at the Kennewick store. He said he would help me out, and get me a good deal.

Andy wasn't so nice. He just said $599 it will be for studded tires (4 of them)...didn't even ask what I wanted, or needed. I wasn't there for studded tires, and certainly not 4 of them.

I asked what it would be for regualr tires...$525. Again, didn't ask if I needed all replaced. Just went on ringing it up, as igf that is what I was gonna get.

Most places will ask what you need, look at your tires, and then give you some choices, with some prices...not Andy. Apparently he was in a hurry.

Well...to make this long story short...I did get 2 tires from Andy, but they are regular tires, not special ones. Still set me back couple hundred, but hey...the price of safety, right??

Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas!!
I am home now, had to work the last couple days, but I do have today off. I slept in, that was nice. Although my parents did call me and wake me up. But I am glad they did.

I am alone today. I don't even have my dog here with me. I only get today off, then I have to go back to work tomorrow and work for the next few days. I wish I would have had a few more days off around today so I could spend Christmas day with my family, but I didn't, so I am not.

I did get to spend a day with all my family together on Thursday. My family even got me some presents (even though I asked them not to, since I couldn't get them any), so I opened them on Thursday. Then, to my surprise, when I got back home Thursday night, my sister had left her present here for me...in my apartment. How nice!!

So, I was a good girl, I waited till Christmas morning to open it. Thank you Jen, I love it!!

Well, must be going now, I want to go see a movie today (by my lonesome, I must add, just for effect). I am not sure if I want to see Fun with Dick and Jane, or Rumor has it. Too many decisions, maybe both!!

Have a VERY Merry Christmas to you, and please (if I know you) tell your families I said hello!! Love you all!!

Home for the Holidays!

Happy Holidays to All!!

I made it home safe for all those worry-ers out there. It was very snowy/icy through the Gorge, but I drove slow and there weren't that many cars around.

Chains/traction tires were required from Troutdale to Hood River, but I didn't want to stop and get chains. I wouldn't know how to use them even if I did have them.

When I left Portland, it was rainy, and the roads were starting to melt, so I didn't think it would be that bad, but they were. It was a little scary for a while, with the high winds, but I made it safe and sound.

It took me about 4 1/2 hours to get home. Normal drive is about 3 1/4 - 3 1/2 hours.

So, I am home and will be here through Thursday. NOt a whole lot going on, but at least I get to spend some time with my family around Christmas time. Then I work 23rd, and 24th. I have Christmas day off, but I have to go back to work for three days after.

I don't have any plans for Christmas day. Since I am skipping Christmas this year, and asked everyone to not get me anything (since I couldn't buy them anything), I won't have any gifts to open...so I thought I might just sleep in, and watch movies all day. I will be home alone anyhow, so might as well just sleep all day!! Hehehe! I love sleeping!!

Well, I hope everyone has a great Christmas with their families, and they get everything they asked for!! Merry Christmas to all!!

Power of 10: Week 5

So, week 5 down, only forever more weeks to go!! I don't ever want to quit. I love it. I wish I was losing weight, but I love the soreness I feel after a good workout. Besides, I signed up for a gym membership, so I am definetely not quitting now.
So, back to the workout. It was a great one. Jen and I decided that we were doing to high of weights and weren't doing some of the exercises correct, that is why we felt, on some routines, we just didn't get the best workout. Abs was one of those. So, we decreased weights, and worked extra hard, and got a great workout this week. Lat raise is another, but we didn't do that exercise this week, so we will lower weights next time we do that one.
I did have some difficulty with the abduction, because my legs seem to cramp up when I move them out like that. If I lay on the bed and just try to abduct my leg like that, I get cramps. So I don't feel it was the exercise equipment or the weights, I think it is just faulty legs. I will keep working on that. I need to increase my flexibility with that range of motion. Jen said she cramped some too.
Adduction was great. I lifted 110 lbs. I was so proud of myself, and I even did like 10 reps. I had never done that exercise before so, I wasn't sure how much weight I would be able to do. Next time, I will be stronger, and I will know.
Arms, well, I did good this week, but I didn't feel I advanced much from the last week. I did a little better or at least was equal to what I did the previous week. So that is good, I didn't regress.
I am hurting already today. I know I did good. My abs hurt a lot, and my arms do too. My legs are starting to get worse, but they do hurt too.
Next week, I will be home, so I will be doing the routine with my mother as my support (hopefully, if the gym allows her to join me), and at CBRC. I have never been there before, but I am sure they have the same typical machines. I can't wait...I get to go home in just a couple days!! Yeah!!

Feels Good to be well again!

I am feeling much better. Went to work today. I was a bit tired, but I managed well. At the beginning I was wondering, but I did good. I am just a little sniffly, and feel great again! Thanks for all who wished me well, it really helped!!

I need to be an MD!

You Should Get a MD (Doctor of Medicine)

You're both compassionate and brilliant - a rare combination. You were born to be a doctor.

What Advanced Degree Should You Get?

To work or not to work...that is the question!!

So, I am starting to feel a little better, but I am still pretty stuffy. I am scheduled to work tomorrow, but I do not know if I should go to work. I think I would be able to hack the long day, but I am obviously still still stuffy, congested, and coughing/sneezing. I am not sure my pts will appreciate a sick nurse.
What do you think?
Should I stay home tomorrow?
I was thinking, if I stayed home for one more day, I could get more sleep and rest, and hopefully be recovered to go back to work by Wednesday. Then again, if I don't go in, I will have to use my PLH (paid leave hours). I have plenty in my bank, but I am not sure if I want to waste 12 hours on a day just so I can get more sleep/rest.
I am at a loss. I don't know what to do.
Of course, my mom would say... "If you aren't feeling up to it, then call in sick." But, that isn't her telling me what to do, that is her telling me to do what I want to do. I need someone to tell me what to do. You see, I just can't make up my mind. Anybody, please....help me decide!!

A first in Portland

I'm sick.

Yes. You heard right.

I am sick!

I am quite surprised I didn't get everything under the sun when I first moved here. Usually that happens. Just because you have never been exposed to the sicknesses here, so you get them all.

I didn't.

But I did now.

It isn't that bad, but it has knocked me off my butt, and made me so tired. I got up at 1130 today, after going to bed about 9 or 10 last night. Then, at about 2 went back to bed for four more hours.

Would have slept longer, but Charlie whines. He hates his cage, and I have to put him in it or he will tair up the place.

What kind of sick? you ask...I just seem to have a head cold. I am stuffy, achy, tired, sneezy, that sort of thing. Sick, nonetheless.

It was nicer out today too. I took Charlie out at 1130 when I got up, and almost didn't need my coat. Don't get me worng, still winter out, but felt pretty good. Maybe it was because I was just out of a nice warm bed. I don't know.

I hope I feel better tomorrow. I would hate to waste all of my days off in bed. I only get three you know. And, I refuse to call in sick. I hate doing that, so I had better get better soon!!

Picture Updates

This is a pic of my new hair cut. Do you like it?? I love it. I like it when I straighten, and I like it when I leave it curly. really makes me feellike I have a style now vs. just plain jane!
Next...

This is me with Grason at home during Turkey break. He is such a good baby, and growing so fast. See below for some more pics of me and Grason.
Next...

This is Grason in his " I love my Aunt" outfit. He loves to do the superman!!
Next...

This is Ashley, she is about 5 months along in this pic. Isn't she cute??
Last, but not least...

This is a good pic of me and Ashley, so I thought I would post it!!
That is all for now. I hope you like all my updates. I have some good ones with Grason and his mother, but I will have to post those later, Jen has them still.
I haven't gotten any Christmas stuff up. Maybe I will do that today. Hope all is well with the world. I have to go back to work again tomorrow. Oh well, work is fun!!

Power of 10: Week 4

So I went to the gym today. I had to go today because I officially became a member of this gym. I decided, since I was only going to the gym once a week, to only pay for a memebership that allows me to go on alternating days. I can go three times a week, on Tues, Thurs, and Sat. It was only $19/month, so I went for it. Well, needless to say, I can't go the gym on Wednesdays anymore. So this week, I went on Tues. Next week Thurs because I work Tues.
So, on to the update. I am getting stronger. I feel great. I seem to be having some difficulty with the lat raise still. I think I am trying to lift too much. I don't know. I had been lifting 60 lbs, but I think I need to be at like 40 lbs to get a better workout. Before I just wasn't able to do the exercise right, and I don't seem to be improving on that one. I will keep trying though.
All the other exercises I am getting stronger at. I was pleasantly surprised with the bicep curl. The first week we did it, I struggled bad. My left could barely lift at all, and my right was weak too. This time, I started off with just increasing by 10 lbs, and it was surprisingly easy, so I increased by another 10 lbs, yeah!! I guess some of the other exercises work my bicceps too.
The legs are getting stronger, although, I can't see any definition. Of course, I got lots of fat layers, so I doubt I will see a difference any time soon. I did loose a couple lbs this week, but I increased in body fat. But, if the percent is of the lower weight, I will take it. Oh well, it is possible my scale is not accurate. It can be innaccurate with +/- amt of water consumed, different time of day, how much food was eaten for the day, excretion of waste products...point is, it can be skewed. So I will look at the trend and not just one number.
I am still really excited to keep doing it. Power of 10 is fun. I really believe inthis program. I know I am certainly getting stronger, even if I don't lose weight. It will make it that much easier to start running again, when I am good and ready to start increasing that.
When I go home in two weeks, I have to use the Tri-City Racquet Club as my gym. I emailed them and asked if they had a free trial that I could use. They do. And I am using it. I am hoping my mom will join me in a session, at the least for moral support. But, if I have to go alone, I will.
I will have to see if I hurt tomorrow, but I had a good workout, so I m thinking I will.

I really need to do homework sooner!

See what time it is...
yeah 2:18 am.
That is because homework was due at midnight (EST)...yeah I know I am late...and i procrastinated to the very last minute, and i mean the very last minute.
My homework is due by 9pm my time, and i didn't even start till then. I didn't get it done on my days off this week, and I had to work Sat and Sun, so I waited till I got off on Sunday night to even start.
I should know better too, my statistics homework usually takes me 4-6 hours in itself. But I also had to do a nursing paper. So I did my stats first tonight, got done at about 12 or so on that, then worte 7 pages for a nursing paper.
Man, I really need to start sooner. I just hate papers. I got my posting that was required done earlier in the week, I just left this damn paper to do.
Then I get it done, and now I have to start a new week of stuff to do. Well, I am headed to bed for sure, and i get the next three days off, so i am sleeping in tomorrow as well!!
Nothing else to exciting here in P-Town. I did get my hair cut the other day. It needed a trim, and I was in need of something other that plain Jane. So I cut it. It looks good, and I really like it! i hope you do too!! Oh yeah...you haven't seen it yet! Ha!
Well, good excuse to come visit me????
For all to know...I am coming home Dec 19-22. i am very excited I get 4 full days off. Unfortunately, I have to work the 23, and 24th so I won't be able to spend Christmas at home. Oh well. I do have that day off, but I dfon't know what I will be working after that. If I have Monday off too, I might come home Christmas Eve, and stay till the 26th night. I might hink about that, but I won't know for sure until later in this month!!
Happy December, I am off to bed!!

Nailed that one...

You Have a Choleric Temperament

You are a person of great enthusiasm - easily excited by many things. Unsatisfied by the ordinary, you are reaching for an epic, extraordinary life. You want the best. The best life. The best love. The best reputation. You posses a sharp and keen intellect. Your mind is your primary weapon. Strong willed, nothing can keep you down. Your energy can break down any wall. You're an instantly passionate person - and this passion gives you an intoxicating power over others. At your worst, you are a narcissist. Full of yourself and even proud of your faults. Stubborn and opinionated, you know what you think is right. End of discussion. A bit of a misanthrope, you often see others as weak, ignorant, and inferior.

What Temperment Are You?

One more quiz...

What Harry Potter character do I most want?


Harry Potter
You crave your own knight in shining armour: the
guy who will swoop in and save you, and manage
to be a sweet lover and good dad all at the
same time. You are the girl he's fighting for!


Who is your Harry Potter love match? (for girls)
brought to you by Quizilla

I guess I go for the main characters!! I love Harry Potter!!

Power of 10: Week 3

So, I went to the gym last night. It was great. I actually had to sign up though, since my free two week trial ended today. I decided to go with alternating days (T, T, Sat) and it is $19 per month. Not bad. I only had to pay $19 to start too, and that included my first month. If I had went with a full gym membership, any gym, any day, I would have to put down $179 and pay about 20 a month. That is rediculous. I don't have 180 dollars lying around, if I did....I could pay off my credit cards faster! Hehehe
So, my workout...the only one I struggled with was the triceps. The minimum weight is 20 lbs. i started to pull it down, and my first rep was my threshold. I couldn't believe how weak I was. Oh well, I will work on those, and get stronger. I increased in weights on almost all the machines this time, except the shoulder press, but I did do one more rep than last time. Last time I could only do 3, this time I did 4. I feel I am getting stronger. I only wish I would lose weight instead of gain it. That is hard to look at each week, especially since I already am 60 lbs overweight. But, I have lost 5% in body fat (as long as my sclae is accurate). So, that makes up for it a little. I am sure in a week or two, the weight will start melting off. I am gonna try to run at least once in between workouts. I ran about 2 1/2 weeks ago, but my schedule along with my sore days, and holidays, doesn't always work out for me to run. Since I can go to the gym now, maybe I can try (I really hate gyms, so I say try) to run on the treadmills.
Next week, we do 7 exercises. I am really looking forward to the week we do adduction and abduction. I don't think I will be able to lift much weights, but I really want to do that exercise. I think it is week 5 maybe 6. I already have my workout days planned for week 4 and 5, but week 6 is smack dab in the middle of me going home, so I don't know what to do about that week. I might have to do it on Sat, even though I work and it is Christmas Eve. I don't know if the gym will be open at 8pm. i will have to see, or I can go to the gym at home, pay the onetime workout fee, and do it then. That is a thought. Maybe I can get my friend or mom to go with me for support.
Well, I guess I have rambled enough.

My, how time flies!

Time sure is fun when your having flies!
Hehehe
Wow, I can't believe it is time for me to go back to the gym for another Power of 10 workout, and I haven't written anything since the last one. I can't believe it. Well, I am headed back today. I have lost 5% in body fat, and gained 2-3 lbs. That part sure sucks, but I think I am feeling better about my pant size. I haven't dropped any sizes or anything, I just feel like they are fitting a little better (not so tight).
I am so excited. it truely is fun to go and do, and I really do look forward to it every week. When Mara told me that...I was thinking yeah right. but it is true.
I will check back and let you know how it goes today!

As for school. School is irritating me. I am ready to drop my asessment class. But I won't. My teacher is not giving me any information, and I have to meet with a mentor this term ( once a week), and she keeps asking me questions that I don't have answers to, and I can't seem to get answers to. my teacher is so vague it is driving me insane. It is online class, so i can't just walk up to her and have a discussion. I have to email, then wait for a reply, then reply back (since I didn't get my answers I needed), and wait again. In the meantime, assignements are due, and i have no clue what to do. last term was not this difficult. It was rather easy compared to this term. I hate having to have a mentor here, and having a teacher in cyberspace. Oh well. i guess I just needed to vent a little. My other class (statistics) is going great. It is a lot of time consuming work, but I understand, and I know what is expected of me.

Hope everyone's Turkey day was fun. I had a great time at home with my family. I didn't want to return to work. It was nice not doing much of anything. I played some poker, did some logic puzzles, did homework (yucky pooh), saw lots of old friends/co-workers, visited the fire department and saw the new engines (very nice!), and got lots of rest (not as much as I would have liked, but you know me!).
Looks like I have to be here for Chrsitmas. I have to work on the 23, 24, and have the 25th off. So I will be here, probably sleeping lots. I do get to go home for 4 days before that. So I am looking forward to that.

Well, better go, wanna get a nap (had some schoolwork to do early this am, so I got up early), then it is off to the gym today! Yeah, I can't wait!!

Power of 10: Week 2

This is awesome!! I went to the gym today for week two of Power of 10. I feel great. I haven't lost any weight, but according to my scales at home, I have lost 2-4% body fat. I do not know how accurate it is. Because it is showing like 34%. I used to be like 45%, so I don't know. I was 36% before I started. I weighed yesterday morning, just for fun...no weight loss, actually a few ounzes gained, but down to 34%. Today I weghed again ( I don't normally weigh two days in a row, but since I was going to the gym, I did it officially today.), and a pound gained, and 32%. So, I am not sure, again, how accurate it is, but we'll see.
Todays workout was great. I really felt like I worked hard. I did only about 3-8 reps per machine. I am getting used to doing the slow workouts. I really felt muscle failure on them all. I seem to be having some difficulty with the lateral raise machine. Either, I am really weak, or I just can't move that way. I have some shoulder issues on my right side. Every once in awhile (more often than not, lately), it gets really tight, and I can barely life my arm up. So, I think once that gets better, I will get better at the lateral raise.
So enough about that, I am really stoked about this. I am doing good. Once I start repeating exercises, I think I will see improvements in weight and reps.
One thing is for sure, I KNOW, I am gonna hurt tomorrow. Last week, I wasn't so sure I did things right. I hurt, but not as bad as I would have liked. I know that sounds horrible, like I like to hurt...but I do!! I like to know that my time at the gym actually meant something, and I did something!!
That always makes me feel good!!
Well, I am off to home for the holidays. I havne't been home since July. That is a long time for me!! Happy Turkey Day to everyone out there! I hope you can all be with your families this year, and be thankful for something. I am thankful for my friends and family this year. They have been very supportive!!

24 Hours after

So, I am starting to feel a little sore tonight. I am thinking I will feel pretty sore in the morning. I usually hit my peak at about 36 hours. I am hoping to maybe go for a small run tomorrow night. I will see how I feel. of course...Harry Potter opens tomorrow too, so maybe I will have to see that.
Tasha, how are you feeling? Sore yet?
My sister is pretty sore too, but that is expected of us I guess.
I think my abs are hurting the most when I stand up. My legs, not so much, but still a little sore. Arms...that was where i didn't feel I did my best at, so...but they hurt a little. My biceps, not at all. Chest...yeah, that hurts!
Well, now that you all know where I am hurting right now...
I can't wait till next week. Plus, I work 4 days in a row (which sucks), but then I get to go home!!!
Yeah, I totally excited about that. I haven't been home since the end of July. That is a long time.

First Time

So, I finished my first Power of 10 routine!! I feel great. I don't really feel like I worked myself to the limit in some areas.
First, the leg press, I kept going, and going, and...well you get the point. I added some weight, then added some more. i finally felt like I was reaching muscle failure, but only after about 20+ reps. That was the first exercise though, didn't know what to expect, or what I could do...so I moved on, and learned from it.
Second was Lat pulldown...did great. Felt muscle failure at about 6 reps. That was a good one.
Chest press....I am so weak. I could only do the bar weight of 30 lbs. I hit muscle failure at about 4-5 reps. The only thing is though, i didn't really feel "the burn", I was just pushing and nothing was happening, so I kept pushing, and still nothing. I guess I had reached muscle failure.
Bicep curl...this would have been hilarious to anyone that watched. I lifted only 2 reps an couldn't move, but the funniest part...my left arm never really moved. I could lift the weight with my right arm, but my left arm, just stayed there. So I obviously have to work on strengthening my left arm, just to get to what my right can do. Really weird!!
Lat raise...well I could do about 2-3 on the weight I was at. I have never done any of these exercises, so i had no clue what to even start at, it was all blind luck. But that is okay. I will perfect my magic number, and do great soon.
As for abs...I did 60lbs, and the first rep i could move, but my entire body was shaking. I have never been one to do any sit-up/crunches...ever! i hate them, so I will have some work to do on my abs.
I finshed my work-out, and I feel pretty good. It was hard to leave the gym feeling like i didn't really work-out, but I know i reached failure on those machines, and now I need to rest! I will keep you posted as to my soreness tomorrow, and the days to follow.
I have a few days off, so that will be good. Then I work for 4 before i get Turkey break off.
Can't wait to go back, and do some more weights!! T-Minus 7 days...and counting!!

Sore

I am really glad that I went running yesterday. You know, the days when you really feel like you worked something good...
Cuz you hurt like HELL!
Well, I hurt today. I don't quite hurt like hell, but i do hurt.
A good hurt, though.
I feel like my 4 mile run yesterday meant something, that my body responded to me working out, and is now repairing itself.
Now, I really can't wait till Wednesday, when i start Power of 10.
I wanna feel the burn, the pain, the work!!
I know this is gonna be great!!

POST

So, the concensus is...you all want me to post! So here it is... a post!!

Okay, so I really do have something good to post.

Wait for it...

I

Ran

Today!!

Yeah!!

My sister wanted to get out and go for a run, so I went with her. We ran 4 miles. At the beginning, I felt I was about to die.

Kept Running.

I knew I was gonna die.

Kept Running.

Okay, I did walk for about 1/4 of a mile, just so I wouldn't die. But then...

Kept Running.

I started up again, and I felt great. Not great enough to go for a ten mile run, but great to at least finish this one.

I was slow.

Jen was fast.

But, in the end, I still felt good about myself for getting out there. I can't wait to start Power of 10 on Wednesday. I know this is gonna be the thing for me. Plus, I have a friend (Tasha) and my sister (Jen), to help keep me motivated.

Mara, I am gonna depend on you, too, to demand weekly updates!! I need the motivational help from you all, but I really think, this is it!!

Keep Running.

Keep Lifting.

I have to Keep telling myself this!!

The day is set!

So, I have chosen the day to start working out. I needed to work around my schedule and my sisters schedule, and get started soon. I went to Bally Total Fitness website, Jen already has a membership there, and there is a gym about 1 block from where I live, and I got a free 2 week membership. I can go as many times as I want during this 2 week trial. I will start it on Wednesday, November 16-30. I am very excited to get started. I had to decrease my cable to basic in order to pay for a gym membership, but I am sure I will be doing less TV watching and more activities, once I get started, and start losing some weight.
So, the day is set, Nov 16, I will start doing Power of 10. I got the book (thanks Mara), and have been reading up on it. There are three pillars...exercise, nutrition, and rest. I got the third one down, and I am working on the first, now I just have to start thinking about pillar #2. That will be the hardest part, but I am going to do it.
When I put my mind to things, I do them!
I am gonna start by just decreasing the amount of sugar intake. That will be my biggest hurdle. Once I do that, I think the rest will fall into place. Plus, in the book, it says you should allow yourself once a week to eat whatever, no restrictions, that way, you get what you want, and still make healthy choices for the most part.
That makes me feel like I can eat healthy on most of the days, and eat whatever I want on one day...anyone can do that!
So, there you have it...my plan!!

Happy Halloween

Well, I had to work on Halloween, so I didn't dress up, decorate, or get any trick-or-treaters. Basically, it was just another day!!
However, Grason got to have his first holiday. Jen bought him a really cute onesie for H-day, and he helped hand out candy. Jen said they didn't get too many trick-or-treaters, but at least he was cute!!
This is what he looked like....

Isn't he the cutest???

Power of 10

So, Mara has been doing this workout called Power of 10. I really want to do it too. So, I am going to start. My sister said she would do it with me, but Tasha, if you want to too, I would love for you to join us as well. I asked my sister, because she just had a baby (5 weeks ago), and is needing to get back to running, and start working out again. I figured great chance to get a workout buddy. Besides, me and my sister can get together and go running (or walking) on days that we are not at the gym, pumping it up!! I figure, if I get 2-3 days of walk/running in, and 1 day of Power of 10, I will be set. Although, Mara was always quite sore for a few days after, so I will have to make sure I don't plan my walk/run days during that soreness/healing days.
I know I have promised on my blog to keep running, that I would not stop, but I did. So, I will not make another promise to you, but, I will say that I am going to try hard, and I will keep you posted of my progress.
I am very excited about starting. I will start in the next couple weeks. I have to get a gym membership, and plan time around the new mother. Tasha, if you seriously want to start with us, send me an email!! We can plan with you too. Once a week, one hour, can't be that difficult!!

And yet another...

So I did the what birth order are you...and it is not right. I have actually done this one in the past, several times, and I never got the middle child. This could be a good thing, or a bad thing, I don't know!
Here is what it came out as...

You Are Likely an Only Child

At your darkest moments, you feel frustrated. At work and school, you do best when you're organizing. When you love someone, you tend to worry about them. In friendship, you are emotional and sympathetic. Your ideal careers are: radio announcer, finance, teaching, ministry, and management. You will leave your mark on the world with organizational leadership, maybe as the author of self-help books.

The Birth Order Predictor

So, as you can see, not all are right! But, they still are fun to do!

Another Test

So, I guess I jumped on the test bandwagon. Oh well, it is kind of fun!! Today, I share my political views, I didn't even really know where I stood myself!!!
Well, here it is...

You Are a Conservative Democrat

Frankly, the way most other Democrats behave embarasses you greatly. You pride yourself on a high level of morals, and you have a good grasp on right and wrong. It's likely you think America needs to get back to its conservative, Juedo-Christian values. Why aren't you a Republican then? Because you believe the goverment helps more than hurts.

What political persuasion are you?

There you have it! I am a conservative Democrat....what that means...I have no clue!!

And...what my underwear says about me...

What Your Underwear Says About You

You like to think of yourself as innocent, even though you're not! You're a closet exhibitionist who gets a thrill from being secretly naughty.

The Underwear Oracle

I didn't know that about myself, but alright, I guess I will go with it!!

Life Score

I got this from Mara, so I did it too. Here is how my life is rated...

This Is My Life, Rated
Life:	7.1
Mind:	7.6
Body:	5.7
Spirit:	6.3
Friends/Family:	5.9
Love:	0.8
Finance:	8.1
Take the Rate My Life Quiz

Draw a pig

I went to Kitten's website, and found a link to draw a pig. This is the pig that I drew...

And what it says about me....
Toward the middle, they are a realist.
Facing left, they believe in tradition, are friendly, and remember dates (birthdays, etc.)
With many details, they are analytical, cautious, and distrustful.
With 4 legs showing, they are secure, stubborn, and stick to their ideals.
The size of the ears indicates how good a listener they are. The bigger the better. I drew medium sized ears, I am a good listener.
The length of the tail indicates the quality of their sex life.
And again more is better! I drew a medium sized tail!!

Every Girl's Dream!

So, I was randomly checking out other people's blogs. I came across Ellie, a link from Mara's blog, and I found this post...Every Girl's Dream. I completely and utterly agree with every word in this post. Girl's...what do you think? Sure makes me want to run out and find the love of my life!!
Here is what she posted as every girl's dream....

Every Girls Dream

1. Get kissed in the rain*
2. Have that one hott kiss where your pressed against the wall*
3. Have a guy that thinks you're the world*
4. Have a guy that holds on as long as possible when giving hugs*
5. Have a guy that whispers he loves you in your ear*
6. Have that moment where you just gaze into each other's eyes*
7. When you cry, he kisses your tears away*
8. When you're not with him, he's all that you can think about*
9. Wearing his jacket and his scent surrounding you*
10. A guy who will watch any movies with you, no matter how teary eyed you may get.*
11. A guy who squeezes your hand*
12. A guy that says he loves you and MEANS IT*
13. A guy that will play your favorite song outside your window*
14. A guy who is loyal*
15. A guy that will sing to you no matter how bad he is at it*
16. A guy that will kiss you on the forehead*
17. A guy that will call you beautiful or adorable.... not hot, fine, or sexy*
18. A guy that will never judge you for how you look*
19. A guy that says cheezy stuff to you just to make you smile*
20. A guy that is the same when he is with you and with his friends*
21. A guy that tells you everything honestly*
22. A guy that is good with your family and introduces you to his family*
23. A guy that will always let you win*
24. A guy who stands up for you no matter who it is against*
25. A guy who calls you at night just to say hi and see how your day has been*
26. A guy who tells you that your smile makes his day and makes everything better*
27. A guy who will sit on the phone with you when your sad, even if your quiet*
28. A guy who you can hangout and have fun with*
29. A guy who'd just randomly call you for no reason at all, just because he missed you*
30. A guy who treats you the same, whether your by yourself or around his friends *
31. A guy who will hold your hand through the roughest parts of life*
32. A guy who would love me forever no matter the circumstance*
33. A guy who wouldn't mind me wanting to get all dressed up and do my makeup for him even if he says he likes me better without makeup*
34. A guy who will never be embarrased of his girlfriend when hes with his friends*
35. A guy you can BE YOURSELF with and he will never give a care and would still tell you that you are amazing to him.*
36. A guy who runs his fingers through your hair, like he's washing your worries/troubles away

posted by Scarlett D at 10/11/2005 04:48:00 PM

Grason Update

Hello all. My sister finally named the baby....and no it didn't take this long. His name is Grason Kyler. I love that name! He is adorable. Growing fast!!
Pretty much a routine still, eat-sleep-potty, but he has his moments. He is so much fun to watch when he sleeps. He has so many faces while he is sleeping. Starting to look more and more like Dad every day.
As for me...I haven't been up to too much. Work is great. I am learning so much still. I will be done with orientation within the next couple weeks. I can't wait...but yet, I can.
I wish I could tell stories about work on here, but because of confidentiality, I had better not. Sure makes for a boring blog, I know!
I may be heading home for a weekend soon. I was thinking of going home to visit at the end of October. I may wait until Thanksgiving time though.
My friend Mara is coming to visit this weekend, so maybe I will have some more fun stories to tell. I always have a great time with her, when she comes to visit. She gets me out of the house, and out doing cool things.
I haven't been running, but gosh, I really need to. Any takers??? Kidding!
I will post some updated pics of grason nearer to his 1 month bday. Gotta let the kid change a little.
Again, I know this is a boring post, but nothing too exciting going on here. I will have to go out, just to get a good story. I was thinking of going to church soon, too. There's gotta be a good story or two there, right???
Bye!

It's a BOY!!!

I am officially an Aunt! Jen and Joel are proud parents of a beautiful baby boy. Baby Mitchell as of now. He is 7lbs, 1 oz. 20 inches long. Born on Sept 27, 2005 at 4:06 pm. He has 10 fingers, 10 toes. Mom and Dad are both doing great!!
She went into labor this am. She did great, never even broke a sweat!! :) Me, mom, Joel, and Joel's mother we there for her. He is a very quiet baby, hardly any cries. Well, there are pics below....
So, without furthur ado....

Baby Mitchell