Good morning! It's currently 3:05am and I'm ready to go to Florida. Being that our plan leaves at an early time today and we still have to drive to Detroit, we had to get up this early. I highly doubt I'll sleep on the plane, but I can hope. By the way, I was successful in acquiring the new Runner's World Magazine. Yes! The evening which I posted, we went out to Waldenbooks aka Borders and it was there. I should've known that they'd have it out first before Meijer or Walmart (after we were at the mall we stopped by Walmart and I noticed they didn't have it out either). My other reading material of choice is Anderson Cooper's book Dispatches From The Edge: Memoirs of War, Disasters, and Survival. I dig Anderson (we're on a first name basis don't ya know). I'm thinking it will be on the same pages as Tom Brokaw's series, The Greatest Generation, which I loved. I also think it'll be the type of writing like DOG's book....biographical and an easy read. We shall see. Of course in looking for a book I found several that look interesting. Looks as though I'll have to start a book list. I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing.
Lily's little party went great as usual. I have a few pictures but those will have to be posted when I get back.
Alright, better go through my checklist one last time....I'll see ya when I get back!
Friday, August 31, 2007
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Lily, The Therapy Dog
For awhile now I thought that Lily would make a great therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that goes to a hospital/nursing home and makes rounds to lift the spirits of patients/residents. She's just the perfect size, isn't overly rambunctious, and loves attention (which she shows by wagging her tail and doing her "bow"). So I've been looking in to making her an official therapy dog, which means you have to go through a course and finish by presenting your dog at a hands on type of exam. I've been cautious as I wouldn't want to spend a ton of money on it and find that maybe she won't be the perfect dog for the task. In addition, I was unsure if local hospitals/nursing homes would require such documentation. So I thought of the idea of sending out a letter to local places saying that we were available if interested, but once again thought "What if she doesn't work out." I presented the idea to my coworkers, who thought it was a good idea, but still put it on the back burner.
After presenting the idea I found that another coworker was also interested in pursuing the idea. Just as with me, she wasn't exactly sure what to do. And then an opportunity arose. She was at her second job and just happened to run into an activities director for a local nursing home. Figuring she might as well ask, she brought up the idea of therapy dogs, and asked what was required. The director said that she'd be very interested and that all we have to do is present a current vaccination history and a letter from a vet saying the dog wasn't vicious. Can do! My coworker got contact information from the activities director and has been in contact with her since. She even sent in both of our dogs' vaccination histories today and we think we have a date set up to do a "dry run" (meaning take the dogs to check it out and see how it goes). I am pumped about this! As stated previously, it's something that's been on my mind for some time. And it's something I can do to give back to those around me. Not to mention I think Lily will love all of the attention. And if it works out, I can then pursue other locations in the area. Now for the big question...what should she wear?
After presenting the idea I found that another coworker was also interested in pursuing the idea. Just as with me, she wasn't exactly sure what to do. And then an opportunity arose. She was at her second job and just happened to run into an activities director for a local nursing home. Figuring she might as well ask, she brought up the idea of therapy dogs, and asked what was required. The director said that she'd be very interested and that all we have to do is present a current vaccination history and a letter from a vet saying the dog wasn't vicious. Can do! My coworker got contact information from the activities director and has been in contact with her since. She even sent in both of our dogs' vaccination histories today and we think we have a date set up to do a "dry run" (meaning take the dogs to check it out and see how it goes). I am pumped about this! As stated previously, it's something that's been on my mind for some time. And it's something I can do to give back to those around me. Not to mention I think Lily will love all of the attention. And if it works out, I can then pursue other locations in the area. Now for the big question...what should she wear?
Time To Pack
Just wanted to check in here. I'm so glad it's Wednesday. That means I have to work today, tomorrow, then I'm off to Florida for the weekend. This past week or so has been crazy at work. Not only are we booked, but we're also double-booked and then some. I don't know what's going on. Usually we slow down right as school's about to start, so it's been unexpected. I can't complain all that much because I'd rather have appointments instead of sitting picking my nose, but as usual it's feast or famine here. I don't go into work until noon today but I looked at today's schedule before I left last night and we were already booked with a few appointments double-booked. Ah, we shall see.
With the craziness of work and the OROC 5K my packing has been put on the back burner. Can you believe it? My trip is less that 2 days away and I'm not packed. What's going on? This can't be the real Heidi. No fear. Having the morning off allowed me to start to get things together. I really have no reason to pack for trips so early, considering I could more than likely drop everything I'm doing, pack for an entire week's trip, for both of us, and be out of the house in less than 30 minutes, if that were to ever happen. Just guessing though, it never will. So I got most everything ready to go. Just has to be put in my carryon suitcase, and then away I go. Can't wait.
I'm in search of some reading material for the trip. Last week I decided to buy "You Can Run But You Can't Hide" by DOG The Bounty Hunter. It may sound crazy but I am truly a fan of his show. I had seen that he was having a book come out and finally broke down and bought it. Of course that was after I walked away from it a few times and David had to buy it for me. I hate buying stuff for myself. Anyway, that book was supposed to be my entertainment during the trip but having had desk duty at work for 2 days I finished the book. Bummer. What to do now? I don't read much, but when I start to read, I love it. I guess when I'm in school reading is the last thing I want to do since that's what I'm doing so much. But being on break has allowed me the opportunity to read something. I went to Meijer in hopes of getting the Runner's World magazine but it looks as though the new one hasn't come out. According to my calculations it should be out any day now. So I guess I'm just going to have to wait until the airport, hope that there's something there, and pay top dollar for it. By the way, Dog's book was very good. It gave me much insight into his life and bounty hunting. It also explained the Andrew Luster case in detail, which I had felt I was in the dark on. So I highly recommend it, if you're into stuff like that. It's pretty short and a simple read. Can't argue with that.
Lily's birthday is tomorrow. My little girl is turning 4. I'm getting to the point where I don't want to celebrate the dogs' birthdays. It starts to make me sad that they keep getting older and older, but they deserve a birthday. And what kind of mom would I be if I denied them that? Since I'll be leaving very early on Friday we'll have to have a short and sweet party fo her, but I'm sure she can't wait to have some cake.
Hope everyone has a Wacky and Wonderful Wednesday
With the craziness of work and the OROC 5K my packing has been put on the back burner. Can you believe it? My trip is less that 2 days away and I'm not packed. What's going on? This can't be the real Heidi. No fear. Having the morning off allowed me to start to get things together. I really have no reason to pack for trips so early, considering I could more than likely drop everything I'm doing, pack for an entire week's trip, for both of us, and be out of the house in less than 30 minutes, if that were to ever happen. Just guessing though, it never will. So I got most everything ready to go. Just has to be put in my carryon suitcase, and then away I go. Can't wait.
I'm in search of some reading material for the trip. Last week I decided to buy "You Can Run But You Can't Hide" by DOG The Bounty Hunter. It may sound crazy but I am truly a fan of his show. I had seen that he was having a book come out and finally broke down and bought it. Of course that was after I walked away from it a few times and David had to buy it for me. I hate buying stuff for myself. Anyway, that book was supposed to be my entertainment during the trip but having had desk duty at work for 2 days I finished the book. Bummer. What to do now? I don't read much, but when I start to read, I love it. I guess when I'm in school reading is the last thing I want to do since that's what I'm doing so much. But being on break has allowed me the opportunity to read something. I went to Meijer in hopes of getting the Runner's World magazine but it looks as though the new one hasn't come out. According to my calculations it should be out any day now. So I guess I'm just going to have to wait until the airport, hope that there's something there, and pay top dollar for it. By the way, Dog's book was very good. It gave me much insight into his life and bounty hunting. It also explained the Andrew Luster case in detail, which I had felt I was in the dark on. So I highly recommend it, if you're into stuff like that. It's pretty short and a simple read. Can't argue with that.
Lily's birthday is tomorrow. My little girl is turning 4. I'm getting to the point where I don't want to celebrate the dogs' birthdays. It starts to make me sad that they keep getting older and older, but they deserve a birthday. And what kind of mom would I be if I denied them that? Since I'll be leaving very early on Friday we'll have to have a short and sweet party fo her, but I'm sure she can't wait to have some cake.
Hope everyone has a Wacky and Wonderful Wednesday
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
PKD Walk
Hello Everyone! I just received an email from my friend Jen. Looks as though she'll be taking part in the PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease) Walk For A Cure. PKD is a disease that is genetic and runs in her family. At the age of 20 she was diagnosed with the disease. Although at this time she has great health, it is her desire to raise money toward finding a cure for PKD. If you're interested in learning more about PKD or making a donation, be sure to check out her site!
Jen's PKD-Walk For A Cure
Jen's PKD-Walk For A Cure
Monday, August 27, 2007
Sunday, August 26, 2007
The 5K Experience
The OROC experience was great. I don't think we could have chosen a better race. It was for a great cause and it had the big city atmosphere. They had a pre race activities with music, speakers, and even jugglers. Then a ceremony for ovarian cancer survivors just prior to the race. Following the ceremony the music started back up.....'Ding, ding, ding.....LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE!!!!!" Oh no they didn't. My already nervous tummy started doing flip flops and I was ready to go. All I gotta say is, thank God I used the porta potties not once but twice before the race. Shoot, I wasn't messing around. I wanted to be totally empty before going anywhere far from a toilet.
I don't think I had that type of anxiety since riding horses. It's not a normal anxiety/nervous feeling. It's hard to explain. I guess I'd have to call it my competition anxiety. The type where you know you've done all that you can do and prepared all that you could, it's just waiting for the time to come to be able to perform. So it's been awhile since I've had that feeling but I remembered it as if showing horses had happened just yesterday. Just get into my zone and get it done.
As the race started I just reminded myself to pace myself, even as people passed us. Then the first challenge surfaced. Uphill. And we're not talking small hill. I'm talking about the entire first half uphill. I'm not even kidding. Had to self-talk myself through that one. But that means the end was a downhill. And since the end was downhill, flat, then downhill again it was an "easy" downhill that wasn't too hard on my knees.
There were a few music groups throughout the course, which made the experience even better. The first musicians were a small group from St. Ignatius. They were playing "Hey!" I couldn't help but feel as though I was in the the Starbucks commercial where Hank is going in for an interview/presentation. Haha! The next musician was a bagpiper in full garb. He was awesome. We also passed him near the end of the course. Hearing the sound of bagpipes the second time was a relief. I smiled as I ran by and he even winked at me. Small gestures like that mean the world to you when you feel as though you're about to die.
I must say that I was surprised at the number of kids in the 5K but they were holding their own. Most of them weren't dressed accordingly and you knew they were obviously there just for the fun of it. Nearing the end of the race I decided to change my focus not so much on myself but on this 11 year oldish boy that was running near us. He'd run, walk, run, walk. Anytime he ran I could here some candy in his pocket jingling around. So as I stated, I switched the focus of my pain to focusing on keeping him motivated to keep going to the end. I'd say, "Come on boy, the sooner you get done, the sooner you get that candy in your pocket. You can do it." He'd just smile at me. And he made it.
At the end David decided to challenge the guy next to him to a final sprint to the finish. After they took off I focused in and my body kicked it up a notch. I don't think I've ever run that fast, even when I sprint to the finish on a daily run every so often. I could see the person ahead of me, which I had decided I was going to pass, and I could hear people yelling, but it was as though I was flying/gliding along with having an out of body experience. Whew! I was so in a zone that I totally forgot to stop my Garmin until atleast a minute after ending the race. Whoops.
The entire experience took the idea of the runner's high to a different level. Now, I know it's just a 5K and I've run the distance before but it's everything wrapped together....something for a good cause, somewhere different, and people yelling for you (including your loved ones and some that have never met you and never will). Just an awesome experience that is something I'll remember for a lifetime. In addition I've met a goal that I set for myself and then some. 4 months of running have gone by. I started this journey watching Erika working towards her goal. All I wanted to do was be able to run from my house to the end of the block and not feel like I was going to die. A 5K didn't even enter my mind. Then with the encouragement of those around me, I thought, "maybe. just maybe I could do it." I chose a race, signed us up, worked as hard as I could and the 5K arrived. We showed up and ran from start to finish with no stops. I think I can actually say I'm a runner now. Wow, it's amazing and I love it. There will be no stopping of this anytime soon. Now that I've got the bug, I want more. I'm already looking for our next race. I look forward to continuing to challenge myself to go longer and heck, maybe even faster. Thank you so much to all those around me for your encouragment and inspiration. From Erika's inspiring story, Jen helping me get started, David waking up with me every morning and keeping me going, my parents making sure that we got the right gear (even if it means paying them later), and both sets of parents waking up early and driving all the way to Cleveland to see us run past them for a few seconds. It means more than you know. This is not the end, only the beginning. And I can't wait to see what the next chapter brings.
I don't think I had that type of anxiety since riding horses. It's not a normal anxiety/nervous feeling. It's hard to explain. I guess I'd have to call it my competition anxiety. The type where you know you've done all that you can do and prepared all that you could, it's just waiting for the time to come to be able to perform. So it's been awhile since I've had that feeling but I remembered it as if showing horses had happened just yesterday. Just get into my zone and get it done.
As the race started I just reminded myself to pace myself, even as people passed us. Then the first challenge surfaced. Uphill. And we're not talking small hill. I'm talking about the entire first half uphill. I'm not even kidding. Had to self-talk myself through that one. But that means the end was a downhill. And since the end was downhill, flat, then downhill again it was an "easy" downhill that wasn't too hard on my knees.
There were a few music groups throughout the course, which made the experience even better. The first musicians were a small group from St. Ignatius. They were playing "Hey!" I couldn't help but feel as though I was in the the Starbucks commercial where Hank is going in for an interview/presentation. Haha! The next musician was a bagpiper in full garb. He was awesome. We also passed him near the end of the course. Hearing the sound of bagpipes the second time was a relief. I smiled as I ran by and he even winked at me. Small gestures like that mean the world to you when you feel as though you're about to die.
I must say that I was surprised at the number of kids in the 5K but they were holding their own. Most of them weren't dressed accordingly and you knew they were obviously there just for the fun of it. Nearing the end of the race I decided to change my focus not so much on myself but on this 11 year oldish boy that was running near us. He'd run, walk, run, walk. Anytime he ran I could here some candy in his pocket jingling around. So as I stated, I switched the focus of my pain to focusing on keeping him motivated to keep going to the end. I'd say, "Come on boy, the sooner you get done, the sooner you get that candy in your pocket. You can do it." He'd just smile at me. And he made it.
At the end David decided to challenge the guy next to him to a final sprint to the finish. After they took off I focused in and my body kicked it up a notch. I don't think I've ever run that fast, even when I sprint to the finish on a daily run every so often. I could see the person ahead of me, which I had decided I was going to pass, and I could hear people yelling, but it was as though I was flying/gliding along with having an out of body experience. Whew! I was so in a zone that I totally forgot to stop my Garmin until atleast a minute after ending the race. Whoops.
The entire experience took the idea of the runner's high to a different level. Now, I know it's just a 5K and I've run the distance before but it's everything wrapped together....something for a good cause, somewhere different, and people yelling for you (including your loved ones and some that have never met you and never will). Just an awesome experience that is something I'll remember for a lifetime. In addition I've met a goal that I set for myself and then some. 4 months of running have gone by. I started this journey watching Erika working towards her goal. All I wanted to do was be able to run from my house to the end of the block and not feel like I was going to die. A 5K didn't even enter my mind. Then with the encouragement of those around me, I thought, "maybe. just maybe I could do it." I chose a race, signed us up, worked as hard as I could and the 5K arrived. We showed up and ran from start to finish with no stops. I think I can actually say I'm a runner now. Wow, it's amazing and I love it. There will be no stopping of this anytime soon. Now that I've got the bug, I want more. I'm already looking for our next race. I look forward to continuing to challenge myself to go longer and heck, maybe even faster. Thank you so much to all those around me for your encouragment and inspiration. From Erika's inspiring story, Jen helping me get started, David waking up with me every morning and keeping me going, my parents making sure that we got the right gear (even if it means paying them later), and both sets of parents waking up early and driving all the way to Cleveland to see us run past them for a few seconds. It means more than you know. This is not the end, only the beginning. And I can't wait to see what the next chapter brings.
OROC Pictures
I hope to have more time later this evening to write about the OROC 5K. For the time being though, I'll post pictures and say that it was an AWESOME experience. There are more pictures on our Flickr account.
Pre Race
Sita's co-worker, Patty, is currently battling Ovarian Cancer, so we ran in honor of her
I had to laugh when I saw my picture. I was smiling the entire time I passed but my dad must have caught me before that point. It looks as though I'm in pain but trust me, I was feeling great. I had entered my second wind by that point. Another side note, look at my hands. I had to think about it, but that's they way I hold my hands when I run. Don't know why. Hang ten dude! Or better yet, Aloha!
Here comes David!
Friday, August 24, 2007
Garage Frustration
I've got a weird work schedule the next few days here. Usually I work a half day on Friday, but today I'm working all day. The owners are going out of town so we'll be closed today and monday. However, someone has to be present to direct emergencies to the right location, sell Rx's, and OTC type of stuff. I volunteered since I'll be missing all next Friday due to my Florida trip. And since I'll be in the same pay period, I'll be able to earn some of the hours back that I'll miss, by working all day instead of half. Got that? The only thing is trying to stay busy for 10 hours. I don't want to jinx myself, so I'll just say, I know I'll keep myself busy in one way or the other.
Since I had to get up to go to work this morning that leaves me no time for my normal "cleaning hours" today. So last night I worked on my cleaning. As I did that David headed outside to work on our garage door. For the past few days it's been doing the whole, going all the way down, closes, then opens right back up. If you keep opening and closing it, it's been staying closed after a few tries. But that's not fun. In the past we've been able to recalibrate the transmitters with the opener and it's been fine. Well, that's not what's happening this time. And do you think we can find the manual? No. Which leads me to my next thing...I swear we had one at one point and David disagrees...and I've found it impossible to find on the internet. Don't you think you'd be able to find it? They must not post it because in looking at forums I'm not the only one looking for a missing manual. So after searching the house for the manual and then the internet, we started searching the internet for troubleshooting help. I've tried turning the little circle knobs in the back that supposedly control how far the door goes, but that's not working. Not to mention the forum said, "turn the knob on the back 1/8 turn" Well, I have 2 knobs...figuring one is for the up movement and the other is for the down? What one do I move? Or both? After messing with it the door actually worked properly so of course I say, "open and close it again to see if it's right and not just a fluke" then all of the sudden the door stopped working all together. It'd click when you pushed a transmitter but it wouldn't move. Yep, overheated (per the forums). So we gave it rest. A while later tried it again. Same thing...after a few turns of the knobs it seemed to be right, then trying it again it would open right back up. So we're at a loss...not to mention a night of frustration, sweating our butts off in the garage. My confusion is why does it work every so often instead of not at all or working all the time? It's a crap shoot. So David's plan is to come home mow the lawn and try to fix it again. We shall see. Not that I ever want frustrations but I just wish I didn't have it now.
Since I had to get up to go to work this morning that leaves me no time for my normal "cleaning hours" today. So last night I worked on my cleaning. As I did that David headed outside to work on our garage door. For the past few days it's been doing the whole, going all the way down, closes, then opens right back up. If you keep opening and closing it, it's been staying closed after a few tries. But that's not fun. In the past we've been able to recalibrate the transmitters with the opener and it's been fine. Well, that's not what's happening this time. And do you think we can find the manual? No. Which leads me to my next thing...I swear we had one at one point and David disagrees...and I've found it impossible to find on the internet. Don't you think you'd be able to find it? They must not post it because in looking at forums I'm not the only one looking for a missing manual. So after searching the house for the manual and then the internet, we started searching the internet for troubleshooting help. I've tried turning the little circle knobs in the back that supposedly control how far the door goes, but that's not working. Not to mention the forum said, "turn the knob on the back 1/8 turn" Well, I have 2 knobs...figuring one is for the up movement and the other is for the down? What one do I move? Or both? After messing with it the door actually worked properly so of course I say, "open and close it again to see if it's right and not just a fluke" then all of the sudden the door stopped working all together. It'd click when you pushed a transmitter but it wouldn't move. Yep, overheated (per the forums). So we gave it rest. A while later tried it again. Same thing...after a few turns of the knobs it seemed to be right, then trying it again it would open right back up. So we're at a loss...not to mention a night of frustration, sweating our butts off in the garage. My confusion is why does it work every so often instead of not at all or working all the time? It's a crap shoot. So David's plan is to come home mow the lawn and try to fix it again. We shall see. Not that I ever want frustrations but I just wish I didn't have it now.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Preparation
I'm having one of those whirlwind moments as I go through the week. With having the OROC on Saturday and thinking about the Florida trip next week, my mind doesn't know where to start or stop. But I just remind myself to live in the moment. It's not that I'm worked up over it, just excited for both events. And you know me, I like to have everything ready to go early in advance. Let's just say I'm very surprised with myself that I do not have the luggage down yet. Usually I'm packed and ready to go by now. Yes, we all know that I'm not right. I will say that I have several lists going on here at the computer desk though. One for OROC, then Florida, and a grocery list. Next will be a to-do list for cleaning next week. Another thing I HATE to do is leave the house dirty. I know David will still be here but I like to leave the house in as perfect of shape so when I come home that's the last thing I have to deal with. I guess that's what helps me enjoy my vacation better though....the week before I leave I'm running around cleaning and getting things together that by the time the actual vacation comes it's time to relax. No dirty laundry. No dishes. Everything spic and span.
I'm also keeping my eye on the weather for Saturday. Earlier this week it was to be a high of 75 degrees with a possibility of rain. Well, as each day passes the degrees continue going up. As of now we're at a high of 77 degrees with scattered thunderstorms. The rain isn't bad, I just don't want hot and humid. For instance, when we did that Masters Challenge for Seniors a few weeks back at Osborne Park it was the worst running conditions ever for me. So humid you couldn't breathe. Once again I'm not worried, just aware.
I believe I have decided what to wear Saturday too. I'm trying to stick to my normal schedule and gear as much as possible, as to not throw my body out of whack, so it's nothing special. Also, I am trying to figure out what I can hold in my right hand. On every run I have my keys and mace on a ring. I have a specific way of holding it. It may sound crazy, but I'm so used to holding something in my hand that it'd be odd not to have something. Any ideas?
With the exception of a few things here and there it looks as though we're tying up most of our loose ends. Just got to get through the next two days, get some things together, then we'll be on our way.
I'm also keeping my eye on the weather for Saturday. Earlier this week it was to be a high of 75 degrees with a possibility of rain. Well, as each day passes the degrees continue going up. As of now we're at a high of 77 degrees with scattered thunderstorms. The rain isn't bad, I just don't want hot and humid. For instance, when we did that Masters Challenge for Seniors a few weeks back at Osborne Park it was the worst running conditions ever for me. So humid you couldn't breathe. Once again I'm not worried, just aware.
I believe I have decided what to wear Saturday too. I'm trying to stick to my normal schedule and gear as much as possible, as to not throw my body out of whack, so it's nothing special. Also, I am trying to figure out what I can hold in my right hand. On every run I have my keys and mace on a ring. I have a specific way of holding it. It may sound crazy, but I'm so used to holding something in my hand that it'd be odd not to have something. Any ideas?
With the exception of a few things here and there it looks as though we're tying up most of our loose ends. Just got to get through the next two days, get some things together, then we'll be on our way.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
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