DIXIE CHICK...GETTING FIT!

My Baby...he is no longer....

2012-02-10T13:48:00.004-05:00

Today....I celebrate the 9th birthday of my youngest..Maxwell....oh, my how time has flown....I remember the beginning...down to the very moment he was conceived..the near loss of my pregnancy with him, not once, but twice...and his premature birth...how scared I was through it all...but how much I knew I loved him and wanted him...how much his Daddy, who at 39 years old, had never been a Father before...who thought he would never ever have a child, met me...fell in love instantly and we conceived this wonderful,funny, inspiring handsome little man....the little man that makes us laugh, when he begs to listen to the 50's channel in the car on XM radio...singing along to the Big Bopper, Jerry Lewis and the like...the same little man that goes to sleep at night..whose covers have to be "just so"...this pillow here and this one there and who is lullabied to sleep with his favorite Elvis CD softly coming from his own little boom box....and without fail..every single time, gets up again to tell me something, just one last thing, after I have already tucked him in...just like last night, to tell me you wanted a guitar for Christmas (and it is just now February..lol) and how you are going to dress all in black, and be in the talent show at school and sing Johnny Cash's I walk the line...your mind never stops working and I adore that about you...even though I may order you back to bed, I listen, I hear you....and I love you for it!

It is amazing to see how you have grown, to see what your interests are: You love your weekends at Grandma and Grandpa's...you are his little "butch" and you follow him everywhere...your 2nd home down there, especially in the Summer, you absolutely love...the fishing, the bike riding, the swimming..going to the Sprint Car Races with Grandpa...you are without a doubt, the light of their life...they can't stand to be without you...the same goes for me and your Dad...but those cherished weekends and Summers down at the lake, with your Grandparents are treasured times indeed and although I miss you on those weekends, and summer weeks, I know that the time you have to spend with them won't last forever...so those memories you will have and cherish one day...so, I let you go..and every time you come back, you seem to have grown up just a little more...

He has had his struggles in his short little live...his diagnosis with ADHD...and having to struggle his first two years in school while we tried to figure things out...how sometimes, our patience is stretched thin by his hyperactivity...his incessant talking, at home and in school...then there are mornings like today, his birthday...he is happy, taking his shower, singing Johnny Cash, I Walk The Line and Ring of Fire...just like the man in black himself..and I honestly laugh out loud at his innocence and his zest for life...and I realize, he is happy....and that sound, that laughter, his little voice truly resonates deep down in my soul...and I thank God for this little boy, and I hug him as he steps out of the shower, his wet little bony butt, with his towel wrapped snug and I breathe him in and wish time could stop...he is growing up too fast....he may no longer physically be a baby..but in my heart, my baby he will always be..

Happy Birthday Maxter....your Daddy and I love you to pieces...you are without a doubt a true Gift from God...and I can't wait to celebrate your birthday, tonight with your Birthday dinner at Red Lobster, your favorite restaurant and your family party at Grandma's and Grandpa's tomorrow.

You rock kiddo! Happy 9th Birthday!

February huh?

2012-02-06T15:38:00.003-05:00

Wow...I can't believe that it is February already...and I admit, I have not been very good at keeping up with this here blog...Life has truly become so busy for me that blogging and I just don't mix much anymore. Besides...there has not been a whole lot to blog about...that is pretty much the same line I write with each blog post as of late, so I figured why bother....

My family and I are all doing well, so to speak...the kids are good, the hubby is good and I am doing just "ok"....I pretty much fell off the fitness wagon the entire month of January....so, I hope to get back in the swing of things this month. Last week, I worked out 4 times, ran 20.5 miles....only took 1 Body Pump class and I really need to focus on my strength training again...a year ago, I was "ripped" and I have totally lost all of the muscle tone I worked so hard for....I just have felt off for quite some time, health wise....I had some serious stomach issues last month as well...went to the doctor, thought maybe it was my gallbladder, had an ultrasound and blood work done and both came back fine...I was never given an alternative answer to my problem by the doctor other than "possible IBS"....so, I started taking Metamucil, upped my fiber, cut out alcohol ( I had gotten to where I was drinking a lot of wine-not on an alcoholic level..but enough I knew was not good for my body) and changed some of the foods I was eating. I had a strange fluttering sensation for over two weeks beneath my right rib cage and it was literally driving me nuts...and it scared me...as I had no idea what the heck it was...Never got an answer from the Doctor on that either..but, surprisingly, it has stopped as of Saturday. No idea what it was. I can't help but wonder if it stress/anxiety....I have been dealing with a lot...My oldest son got into a little bit of trouble, My Mom is homeless and refuses to move to Indiana to live with me.....as is my brother....Both of them are temporarily staying with her best friend but it is not a long term answer....On top of that my 16 year old niece (my brothers daughter) is pregnant...I am so worried about her and how she is going to cope, as her Mother is trash and worthless and my brother has pretty much checked out of the whole situation...Everything seems as if it is such a mess and I feel totally helpless...We have had car problems and had to buy a new car, so of course lots of stress went hand in hand with that...sigh....I just don't know....

Anyway, I am so ready for Spring..I think I have a serious case of the Winter Blues....things have got to start looking up!

Happy Birthday.....

2012-01-25T09:39:00.002-05:00

Today is my 2nd oldest son's 18th birthday...my Gosh...where has the time gone? I can't believe he is now considered an "adult"....I am so very proud of him and love him so very much. I hate that I can't be with him today....as he lives with his dad 2 hours away...but, I called him this morning and wished him Happy Birthday...

He spent last Saturday night with me and we took him out to the Olive Garden to celebrate and had cake and ice cream when we got home...he is such a special and wonderful young man and I know that the life ahead of him is going to be a good one. He is hard working, caring and things only of others above and beyond himself.

He is going to do great things...I just know it! Happy Birthday my son!

Happy New Year Everyone....

2012-01-03T11:41:00.003-05:00

Wow, another month has past since my last post...the holidays are officially over and we are headed into another year....and I plan on this being the best year ever! Regardless of the 12/21 prediction..lol. How many of you are believing in that hype?

With the New Year comes New Year's resolutions for a lot of people...and I usually make them myself...but not this year...this year I am going to be motivated to make some changes, for my overall well being, mind body and soul...not just to be "making resolutions".....I am going to live every day, to be the best person I can be and be grateful for every morning that I wake up...be more thankful for what I have and more motivated to achieve those things I don't......

I had a good Christmas with my kids this year....The two oldest drove up from Terre Haute and spent an evening with Keith and I and there younger 2 brothers... and we celebrated our Christmas with our gift exchange and a nice dinner out. They went home the next day and the two youngest went to their Dads and to the grandparents....Aaron to his Dad's, and Max to Keith's parents.

Keith and I also spent Christmas Eve with Max at Keith's parents and Christmas day..they were very generous to us as well as to Max....the best present I had was that it was actually warm enough Christmas day to go on a 5 mile run...it was awesome to be out in the country in Rockville Indiana, the sun was shining...it was chilly, but very exhilarating....I loved it! As well as the Monday after Christmas, I was able to run outside again, another 5 miles and I was grateful for that opportunity...I have never ran outside in December before.

Last year for 2011 I made a goal to run 1000 miles for the year...unfortunately, I fell short; I ended my year with 923.35 miles...:( Oh, well...that is above and beyond 2010 so I guess I should be proud...41 years old and over 900 miles in a year...that is a lot of time spent pounding the pavement and on a treadmill...So, again, I will make the goal to meet that 1000 miles for the year 2012...along with running another 5 k in April, a 10 k at some point and the Indy half Marathon in May...and maybe, just maybe....I will be motivated enough to train for a full marathon sometime late this fall. That distance really intimidates me, but it is something I must check off my bucket list, as I am not getting any younger...

I am going to amp up my fitness to an entire other level....no less than 5 workouts a week and increase my strength training...with 4 kids-six pack abs have been almost impossible to acquire, but I feel if I get with a trainer this year, increase improving my core strength, change my supplements, and tweak my diet (no refined sugars/carbs-especially wine-boo), then I will have my dream abs by the time we go to Florida this June...I am ready to kick start it.

How about you? What are you looking forward to achieving this new year?

The most delicious cake ever!!!

2011-12-07T14:02:00.002-05:00

I never post recipes on my blog....especially when it comes to food that is "not so good for you"...lol....but I love making treats for my family..when I do, I may have just a bite or two.....no more no less, leaving it for the kids and hubby to enjoy. A few days ago, I stumbled across this recipe on a blog...howsweeteats.com...I just love her blog, she is downright hilarious and has some amazing recipes....

Anyway, the recipe is for a chocolate cake and it is without a doubt, the most moist and delectable chocolate cake I have ever, ever, ever put into my mouth...even hubby, who is a cake connoisseur, and very seldom eats anything chocolate said it was the best he had ever had...amazing!

So, here is the recipe:

1 box Devils food cake mix
1 20 oz can apple pie filling
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla flavoring

Combine all ingredients, mix for 2 1/2 minutes (I used a hand mixer) and pour into a 9 x 13 greased and floured baking pan. The mixture will be thick, so don't panic...

Bake according to pkg directions...I baked at 350 for 38 minutes....and then after it cooled, I frosted with regular canned chocolate frosting...in a few words.."To Die For".....

It was so hard for me to stop with two bites....so, if you are looking for a dessert that is quick and easy, taste delicious...and have everyone literally fighting to get the last piece..go..bake this now!

Enjoy!
Dixie

Total Running Miles for the year...thus far....

2011-12-05T14:27:00.002-05:00

841...that is the number of miles I have ran this far. I so wanted to hit 1000 for the year, but I am going to fall short..:(

I am sure I will be over 900...but, I had a couple of not so stellar months...on average 18-20 miles a week is pretty good....

I could hang it up right now..be pleased that I have run as much as I have..but, I won't....maybe I can hit a 100 for the month of December....that would be pretty sweet.....let it be my highest mileage month...as it is, I am well ahead of where I was last year....by around 150 miles....so, I will take it...I feel pretty darn good about it too!

Almost December......

2011-11-30T13:36:00.014-05:00

Wow, hard to believe today is the last day of November..where the heck did this month go? And again...a week since my last post. I have just been busy,ya'll..no, seriously...one day has blurred into the next and I feel like my life is passing by at warp speed...anyways, Thanksgiving at my house was quite the success...although, Mama here was one tired cookie once all was said and done....I cooked for two days straight and Thanksgiving evening, after everyone left, all I wanted to do was curl up on the couch in my comfy robe, with a glass of wine and a piece of pie in one hand and the t.v. remote in the other. Needless to say, I gained 5 lbs from all the "sampling" I did when I was cooking....I am usually very diligent about my diet, with one treat meal a week, but I threw everything, even exercise out the window last week and pretty much pushed the self-destruct button on my fitness and healthy eating regime...but, although I kind of fell of the wagon, I hopped right back on this week and I am already down 3 lbs of the 5...I ran six miles on Monday, and had planned on a full body weight sesh..but, jeez Louise...that gym was packed with all the guilty over eaters in Lafayette and finding a space to squeeze into to work with the weights was nare impossible....so, after a few minutes of huffing and puffing, walking around and getting exasperated waiting on the meat heads and gym bunnies to get done, I threw in the towel and came home...

Last night, we had our first snow "storm"...of the winter season here in Indiana and although it was really not that bad, the roads were not in the best condition, and several accidents had already been reported before I left for work at 5 pm, so the hubby advised me that it would be in my best interest to get my little fanny home, so that is what I did....so tonight, since the sun is shining and all the snow has melted, I am headed to the gym...my plan is 4.5 miles on the tread mill, 15 on the eliptical, 15 min abs, 45 minutes for weights....a good solid 2 hour workout...and here is hoping to finding the space to get this accomplished.

Now, without further adieu...here are the pictures of me and the fam on Thanksgiving...I was so grateful and so thrilled to have all four of my boys together, my hubby and his parents....it truly filled my tired worn out heart with pure happiness.

The most wonderful juicy and moist stuffed turkey I do believe I have cooked...Paula Deen would have even been proud....along with just some of the side dishes...it truly was enough food for an army.

Not really sure what is going on in this picture..I do know they were watching the fooz ball....lol...not sure what Tim is doing with his mouth..but, I do know they were waiting on me to yell, "Come and get it"....

The aftermath....does this mean they enjoyed it? I would like to think so...lol.

Me, Justin and the Mother-in-law....(before Dinner I think)....

Tim and I...I look at this picture and can't believe I have a 21 year old son...

Max and Tim..he just loves his big brothers to pieces...

Max, Justin and Grandma....

Aaron, Tim and Justin...I think they were supposed to make goofy faces, but Tim was the only one that came through on that...lol..

Total posers these two....they crack me up!

They snuck this one in on me...taken I am sure right before they left me for the evening...Love you boys!!!!!

Well, now that I am sure I seriously bored all of you to death, I am going to wrap up this post...hope you enjoyed it, because it may be a day, a week, a month or more before you hear from me again...what with the wonderful holiday of Christmas around the corner (bah humbug)...and all the whirlwind of activity that entails, on top of that, I have to work every freaking day,plus try to maintain my fitness at least 4-5 days a week....blogging kind of takes a back seat...although I do try to stay up to date on reading all of my favorite bloggers....

Dixiechick...out....

Let the Holidays begin.....

2011-11-16T13:59:00.003-05:00

It's hard to believe, but in exactly one week, I will be putting one of these on the table:

Where has this year gone? Seriously...I am not ready for the Holidays, for Winter...the cold and the snow...

I am looking forward to having my family together next Week....minus one kid. It is Aaron's fathers turn to have him for Thanksgiving, so it will just be my older two boys and my youngest, along with the hubby and his parents...I am planning to cook an entire feast, just like I did last year. I have next Wednesday off of work, and am in a debacle...I need to stay home and clean, start food prep and pick up my two oldest boys in Terre Haute, but my youngest son has a field trip that day to the Children's Museum in Indianapolis and I would like to go with him on that...so, I don't know what to do....there are just not enough hours in the day, not enough of me to go around...

Which has been causing some major stress....resulting in chest pain and tightness/shortness of breath that I have had going on since last Monday night...I couldn't sleep Monday night because of it..it got so bad at one point, I had the wits scared out of me...thinking I was having a heart attack....still have the constant pressure and tightness right now and I don't know what to do...go to the Dr/E.R or not go....maybe it is a chest cold, but I have no other symptoms of a cold, other than sinus drainage...in fact last night, I ran 4 miles in 36 minutes, walked another half mile, did 15 minutes on the eliptical and actually felt ok for a while....but, it is still there, along with pain in the middle of my back....I don't want to be a hypocondriac but I am really starting to get worried....

Moving on...life is still just as hectic and busy as ever....I honestly feel like I can never slow down....they are starting to lay people off here at work, so there are only two of us left here in the office...which makes it extremely busy, more so than usual....on top of my heavy work load that I already have, and my Manager, who is a complete jerk sometimes, loud and obnoxious...I would almost give anything to be one of the few left to be laid off....they did last year, laid me off...2 weeks before Christmas...I was devestated over it last year, but this year..I dont' think it would be so bad....I could use the break, use the rest from this place.

The hubby has been working a lot of overtime as well and has totally worn himself down...he gets short tempered and mean with me and the kids...and its only because of being over worked, stressed himself and he never gets enough sleep......that in itsef is a recipe for disaster....now, to top it off, he has the flu and has felt horrible the last couple of days....between the two of us, I swear we are falling apart...this getting older shit sucks!

For instance, I have totally not felt like working out the past month..I mean, I have...I have forced myself too, but my energy level is low and the desire to do so is just gone...poof! This week, I have worked out one time! Last night for an hour....since the Hubby is sick, I am not going tonight, so that I can take over kid and dinner duties...probably a good idea anyway, with this chest pain stuff I have going on. I just wish it would go away...I dont' like when things are out of sync with me...

I am so glad tomorrow is Friday though....I am ready to relax this weekend, finish reading this book I have been trying to get through for two months..as I want to go buy The Help and read it....I have heard it is really good and I am anxious to find out if it measures up to the hype...I also want to finish a show I have been watching on Netflix...Breaking Bad....if you haven't seen this series check it out...it is full of drama about the drug world....the drug cartel and a high school chemistry teacher named Walt, that finds out he has lung cancer and decides to cook meth to make money for his family before he dies....and he has a brother in law that is a DEA agent and he seriously gets in over his head...good stuff!

So, there you have it...the goings on in the life of Dixie....boring, huh? If I dont' post again for awhile, I hope you all have a wonderful Holiday/Holidays and count your blessings!

When it rains....It pours....

2011-11-02T10:01:00.002-04:00

I haven't been around in awhile...basically, because there is too much negative shit going on in my life and blogging about it, well...just wouldn't serve any purpose. So, I have avoided this blog....My personal life is full of stress, my work life is full of stress and I am at my wit's end....just wanted the 2 of you that still read my blog, to know I hadn't died or anything...lol. Hopefully, I will be back soon with interesting worthwhile things to blog about...if not, maybe this blog has come to an end...haven't decided yet...

Stay tuned...

Shallow People....

2011-10-12T09:54:00.005-04:00

I am so tired of shallow people...that claim to be your freind one minute, then the next...poof! Oh, well...the only true friend I have is my hubby....I count my blessings there every day. (With the exception of one or two others, but one doesnt' live close, out of state)...

I went to the gym last night...first work out I have had in 3 days....I ran 6 miles in 58 minutes...slow, slow, slow...I just wasn't feeling it. I have been kind of depressed and sluggish since last weekends fiasco with our "friend" and was just not feeling it...with a cool down walk, I ended up completing a 10k...6. 2 miles. Then I proceeded to stretch for 10 minutes and then did 15 minutes of abs...followed that with a full hour of upper body weights....man, I am feeling it today.

Didn't sleep too well last night....got a lot of crap going on with my two oldest sons....and their Dad, as well as with My Mom and Brother in S.C....between worrying about all of them, screwing things up with our friend, car problems, money issues...I feel as if I am about to crack the hell up! I feel like sometimes, there is just no point to things....how come some people, can have it so damn good...and me and my family do nothing but struggle every single day! Makes no sense sometimes....sigh. Oh, well...just continue to plod along...day in and day out, always hoping for a better today tomorrow.

Interview with Childrens Book Author...Anna Deskins

2011-10-11T11:36:00.003-04:00

I recently received an email from a wonderful childrens book author, who just happened to read my blog....her name is Anna Deskins and she recently just published her first book.

Here is a picture of Anna and her beautiful children...

The book is called The Adventures of Smitty...and it looks adorable....I am sure my kids will love it and yours will too!

Here is an interview with Anna that I have the oppurtunity to post on my blog:

Your children's book, The Adventures of Smitty looks magically. Tell us about it.
It's the story of a magical island of little creatures called Smilies and the mischievous little main character, Smitty. He's such a naughty boy. Haha! All the moms and kids I've shared it with have been giving me such a wonderful reaction. I cannot believe it. I have to tell you how excited I am to finally have a life-long dream come true. Writing The Adventures of Smitty was really about finding a story that I would want to read to my children at night. It has to be exciting but not scary so that my two daughters can go to sleep. Basically, I was looking for that perfect blend to read to my kids at night and decided, "Why not try writing my own?"

We've had a lot of changes in our life recently, so I want to make sure that when I put my daughters to sleep that they feel safe. I have short chapters because I know how busy we moms are but if you can just sacrifice 5 minutes at night reading to your kids, it makes a world of difference. Your kids will never forget it. And although we're running around the whirlwind of life, our kids grow up so fast, and that time that we'd rather finish watching what happened in our favorite soap opera instead of reading to our kids will never come again. I hope that The Adventures of Smitty and books like it help moms do exactly that.

And it's only 99 cents this week. That's what I love about it. Now, You are recently divorced. How have you been able to continue writing when going through such a change?
Yes, it is by far one of the most challenging points in my life. To see a marriage you thought would last forever to not last forever was difficult for the two of us. I really learned a lot about myself and most importantly, it's brought me closer to my daughters. I think that's what really motivated me to finish this children's book no matter what. When you're going through changes in your life like this, you need something to hold on to. There's a part of you that wants to prove that you can make it, that you will be a success even if it's not with the partner you originally imagined building a life with. I had to keep writing, for my kids. I want to show them that they have to keep strong, no matter what.

We as women, as moms really need to stick together to support each other and our dreams. We're living in an age when I think we're finally realizing, although we want love, the men in our life aren't the answer to everything. We have to stand up on our own two feet and keep going. True love will happen, but until then, we have to keep moving forward. Our children depend on us and we depend on us.

In addition to being a children's book author, you're also a small business owner. How do you juggle taking care of two daughters and at the same time running a business?
Yes, I am a fashion designer and have a retail store. Any type of creativity is what I'm passionate about. That's why writing The Adventures of Smitty was so important to me. Let me tell you, running a small business in today's economy isn't easy especially when raising two girls at the same time. But somehow, it seems someone's watching over me because my dreams are coming true no matter what. To have that many moms glowing about my children's book, means so much to me. And I know my girls are proud.

When do you ever have time to write?
You mean, in between laundry, running a business, chasing my girls around the house, cleaning the house, and flying back and forth fromMiami to New York? Haha? That's one thing I've learned, when you really want to do something, you find a way. Things fall into place if you just go for it and that's what I want to encourage all the moms who are reading this right now. Whatever your goal is, you can do it. Don't let the challenges in your personal life stop you from going for your dreams. Just go for it and it's almost magical how things fall into place.

Where can we get a copy of "The Adventures of Smitty"?
Right now, it's available online by going to: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/94655 You can also visit my website:http://www.AnnaDeskins.com where you can read more about my writing process, my recommendations for other books and my own adventures in Mommyhood.

I'm so grateful for your support and the support I'm getting from so many wonderful moms who dream of writing children's books one day too. Writing The Adventures of Smitty has been such an emotional experience for me, a true journey as I was going through so many changes while writing it. It's truly been a blessing in my life. It, along with my daughters, and that guy upstairs have really pulled me through a challenging time.

Thanks for the interview, Anna. And let's go out and support a fellow mom by getting a copy of The Adventures of Smitty today. I know I will!

Don't need no drama....

2011-10-10T13:47:00.004-04:00

This has been a Monday from hell..all because I had a weekend from hell. Started out with car problems, a trip out of town with the hubby...I made some poor decisions with the hubby and a friend of ours, which just about caused the friendship to be dissolved...way too much drama for my nerves to take...caused quite a rift between the hubby and I as well...I am too old for this crap.

Things are on the mend now...I think...not so bad the damage can't be repaired...although I did learn some valuable lessons from it. I will never drink too much again, where I lose all sensibilites and I will never crawl on the back of a motorcycle with a friend again...lessons learned!
I know this post is all over the place and kind of vague...but, details are not worth mentioning...just hate losing friends over unnecessary drama...

Here's to a better week! I hope....

Fall is here.....

2011-10-04T08:36:00.003-04:00

Well, Fall is officially here...the mornings are chillier...and I am sad that Summer is gone..but, with the cooler temps, comes more glorious outdoor runs...I am definitely a fan of that!

What I am not a fan of is that I am not going to be able to run the Indy Half Marathon on October 15th...the one that I have trained the past ten weeks for. Reason being, finances...the entry fee (of which I always wait until the last minute to pay) and I need new cooler weather running clothes and new shoes....I am getting shin splints from the old shoes that I have and without the money to replace and buy those other things, I am not going to risk injury....there is a 10 k in my neighboorhood in a few weeks, so I plan on doing that and then next Spring, maybe throwing caution to the wind and training for a Full Marathon....the decision to not run this half has depressed me quite a bit..but, I have to do what is best for my me and my family at the moment.

On another note...all four boys are doing well....the older two, as usual, I never see....they are so busy with school and thier jobs, the 17 year old with football as well, makes it hard on me to see them. Next Friday, is my 17 year olds Senior night at school, so for that football game, I have to be in Terre Haute to "walk" with him and his father as they announce his name and position on the football field...I wouldn't miss it for the world...that is another expense that keeps me from running my half marathon, as his Senior night is the night before the race, in order for me to go to that, I have to rent a car for the weekend...so, my son is more important. There will be other races. :)

I can't believe that Halloween is around the corner....the season seem to come and go so quickly...I feel so old lately...old and tired. We have already made one visit to the local Halloween stores...the little kids are pumped up for new costumes, decorating and trips to a corn maze with pumpkin picking. We have been trying for a couple weeks to plan a trip to an apple orchard, but is seems like there is always something preventing us from actually doing it...on our weekends with our kids, the hubby seems to work 7 days a week, and it takes the entire weekend for me to clean and grocery shop, fit in my long runs. Then in our off weekends, when it's just the hubby and I...we tend to make short little get aways to try and keep the spark alive in our relationship....which is a good thing...it does a couple good to get away with one another, be romantic....here is a picture of me from our last weekend get away

Not too crazy about it...my head is at an odd angle...but, hubby can't take pictures very well with my camera either. We spent the night dining on Sushi, first time for me and I LOVED IT!!!!! Then we went to a couple of clubs with a friend and got back to our hotel in the wee hours of the morning...from this, I have learned how old I really am and I am finding it more and more difficult to keep these kind of wild and late nights...getting close to the time for me to hang up my dancing shoes...lol.

Well, I have lots of work to do, so I better get to it...Happy Fall everyone!

Been a while....

2011-09-16T11:04:00.002-04:00

Wow, I just seem to get worse over time with posting on this blog....I don't have any excuse...just not a lot to talk about, no one reads this thing anymore anyway...more of a place for me to reflect any major life things I want to document...but that's about it....

So, nothing new...working, taking care of my family, and running/gym...consumes my time....the hubby and I have been having some awesome weekend adventures...we have never been so close and it has been awesome...the kids are all doing good. I don't get to see the two oldest enough..what with college/school and their jobs..plus the 17 year old has football, so he is stretched thin on time as well...

Glad Fall is finally here..the temps have cooled down....so, it makes for some enjoyable runs outside. I have one month of training left before my next half marathon...I pray that it will be cool out, but not too cold. Last year, in October, I ran my first 10 k and it was quite chilly....not sure how I will do if it is like that for 13 entire miles.

Glad the weekend is here and hope my two readers out there enjoy it. I plan too!

Time....keeps on slipping....

2011-09-07T09:14:00.003-04:00

Today...I turn another year older...can't say that I am too happy about it..but, it is what it is....grateful to be alive. Thankful for all the many blessings I have in my life. Life hasn't always been easy for me, but each experience, weather good or bad, have shaped me and made me into who I am today. I have a wonderful husband, 4 smart, loving handsome sons, my extended family and friends. I am very lucky indeed...Thank you Lord for another year...

Good news.....I think....

2011-09-06T15:59:00.002-04:00

Hi, ya'll.....back to work today, after being off since last Thursday...been super busy and no time for computer time, but just wanted to let the few of you know, that are concerned, I did go to the Doctor Friday, and after several mammograms, and an ultrasound, by the tech and then again by the doctor, the doctor is pretty sure the lump I found is a cyst..about 97% sure....although she did find some calcifications that concerned her....so, they are going to check me again in 2 months with another ultrasound, if the cyst and the calcifications have not changed, then they are either going to aspirate the cyst are do biopsy.....so, for now...I wait. Good news is it has gotten smaller, so that is a good sign. Thanks for all the well wishes. Really meant a lot to me.
Dixie

Frazzled....

2011-09-01T09:24:00.002-04:00

I am very frazzled right now...my nerves are on edge, I didn't sleep last night...tomorrow at Noon is the day of my Ultrasound...I pray that the results are good news. I am only working a half day today and I am off through next Monday, Labor Day...I am hoping for the best and have turned it over to God. Hubby strongly believes that the "mysterious lump", which has now been present for 12 days, is nothing more than a cyst. I am going to be 41 next week and from what I have read, women my age start to develop these situations, which are almost always benign cysts, due to estrogen levels changing. Also, from what I have read, women who consume a lot of caffiene, which I do, tend to develop a lot of breast cysts as well. Have any of you other women out there experienced benign breast lumps? If so, please leave me a comment and tell me about it. I need all the reassurance I can get. Being a Virgo, I tend to always think the worst of every situation and it would really help to put my mind at ease to compare with other women.

Right now, I am seriously living on a prayer....Have a great Labor Day weekend, enjoy your families and count your blessings.

Every Woman's Worst Nightmare....

2011-08-24T10:27:00.005-04:00

On Sunday, while in the shower, I found a lump...in my right breast....I went to the Doctor yesterday and they want to do an Ultrasound...I had a Mammogram in April, and everything was fine...I have no history of breast cancer in my family...but, I am scared ya'll....I sit here right now, waiting on the Doctor's office to call me to schedule this ultrasound. I am on pins and needles. My biggest fear in this world is to die at a fairly young age and leave my family behind. Please pray for me, those of you still out there that read my blog....I can only hope that God will show favor on me and it will be nothing more than a cyst or benign....I am about to lose my mind with worry.

UPDATE: My Ultrasound is scheduled for Friday, Sept 2nd, at 12:15 p.m....keep me in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you.

Gym Fail...I suck!

2011-08-18T10:36:00.003-04:00

The above orange blob was me last night, during Body Pump....I don't know what happened, but it ended up being the worst gym experience/work-out I have ever had. I left work, feeling fine, headed to the gym, for a 5 30 p.m. Body Pump Class. I got there, set up my bench and weights, and had about 15 minutes to kill. Since I also had a 35 minute tempo run to do, I figured I could do 10 minutes of it before the class started, so I went upstairs, hopped on the treadmill and pumped out a 9 min 10 sec mile..cleaned the machine and went downstairs for Body Pump...I felt fine at first, but as the class got further in...I felt worse and worse..by the time the biceps track started (30 minutes in)....I got light headed, my head started pounding and I thought I was going to pass out....I had to leave the room and ended up getting sick in the hall way....I had to quit! I had to put my equipment away in front of everyone and leave! I was mortified....I have never failed so miserably at a workout...I am taking an antibiotic for an issue I am having, so I am not sure if that made me sick or what the deal was...but, I left the gym and went home.

I have worked out for the last four days straight, tonight is supposed to be a rest day....plus it is Open House at the kids school...maybe that is what my body needs. I am burned out...needless to say, I have been putting a lot of pressure on myself to be on top of my game with my workouts, so last night left me feeling utterly defeated. I am still steaming mad over it today.

But as Scarlett O'Hara said, "Tomorrow is another day"....

So, Friday night, after work...I will head back to the gym and try again....an hour of cardio, and strength training..on my own. I think I need to break up with Body Pump...it is not doing this body good.

Stay tuned, I plan on doing a post soon on some of my favorite things...works for Oprah...maybe it will work for me and actually generate some traffic and readers/commenters for this blog.

Where has the Summer gone?????

2011-08-12T13:47:00.002-04:00

Wow, hard to believe it has been so long since my last post....the days of Summer are dwindling down, the kids are starting back to school and I have been as busy as ever. The desire to post anything on this blog has not been there for me. My life is kind of monotonous....same routine, day in and day out. Work, try to make it to the gym (although for the past few months, that too has been half-assed)....take care of the house, spend time with the hubby and the kids when they have been around. Pretty much, the two younger kids have spent the entire summer, give or take, away....Aaron spent weeks at at time with his real Dad and that side of his family, while Max...lived his days at the lake with Grandma and Grandpa...I missed them. But, it wasn't fair to keep them cooped up in the house all day during their summer break, While I worked every day and Keith tried to rest (since he works 3rd shift)..therefore, he had to sleep and they couldn't go outside or do anything until he was up for the day...so arrangements were made and they were gone for most of the summer...with "visits" with me and and their Dad(step-dad)....
Anyway, they came home on Wednesday and they start back to school next Tuesday. Aaron will be in 5th grade and Max is going into 2nd....I hope it is an easy year for both of them. With Aaron's ADD and Max's ADHD...school has been a constant battle and I am not looking forward to the evenings ahead battling with them over homework and bedtimes....

All of that aside...it seems like the Summer flew by..technically, we have a few more weeks left on the calender for the season we call "Summer"...and I love Fall, so that's ok..but, I am not looking forward to Winter...Winters here in Indiana can be pretty rough and I dread the cold and snow. As it is, I have started training for a Fall Half Marathon and am currently in my 3rd week. My fitness level is so much worse at this time then what it was this time last year...I have really slacked off on weight training so I have pretty much lost all my muscle tone that I had...I keep fighting a 5 lb weight gain that started after my half-marathon in May and the scale goes up and down, driving me batty as hell. Some weeks, I manage 6 workouts, others I may only get 4....so, I really need to buckle down, be more consistent, with a minimum of 5 workouts a week, 5 hours of cardio and 3 of those days for weight training as well. I am really unhappy with the way I look right now...the scale may say 112 lbs, but it is a "skinny fat" 112 lbs...I need to refocus on my eating and cardio/strength training, cut out the wine (I love my wine-so that's going to be hard) and I know I can get it back...I have just lost my motivation...wish I could figure out how to get it back....

Seriously, I have been kind of depressed lately...I find no joy in my job, no joy in my workouts-they are just another "chore" to me...to keep me from getting fat again....I am obsessed with the freaking scale..weighing myself every single morning...and it seriously ruins my day when I see it tap that 115 mark...for so long, I was consistent, at 110...now every day it is up/down, up/down...driving me nuts. I think I have some kind of stomach issues, my belly stays so bloated...I look like I am four months pregnant somedays..then somedays not so bad...I can't help but wonder if I have IBS or something. There always seems to be something wrong. Today, I was at the dentist with teeth/gum problems.....I seriously feel as if I am falling apart. This getting old thing sucks big time...and to think, next month, I have another freaking birthday. Guess I should be grateful that I am still having them though, huh?

Well, since I totally made this post into a depressing whine session, I am going to stop now. I am hitting up the gym tonight after work...for a solid 2 hr 30 min run/abs/weight session....Since I only did an hour of cardio(3.9 mile run/elliptical) on Monday and 55 min of cardio Tuesday (3.1 mile run and 25 min on elliptical) no work out on Weds/Thurs(due to family obligations), I plan on working out Saturday and Sunday too. I have got to get this flabby old lady body back in shape...cause when Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy.

Have a Good Weekend!

Just for fun...and because I have nothing worthy to say...

2011-07-27T10:22:00.002-04:00

1. Can you cook?
***I am an excellent cook! I love trying new recipes and baking for my family.

2. What was your dream growing up?
***To be a pediatrician.

3. What talent do you wish you had?
***I wish I could sing and play the piano-very well!

4. Favorite place?
***Florida....hands down!

5. Favorite vegetable?
***Brussel Sprouts

6. What was the last book you read?
***Nicholas Sparks-Safe Haven-Was an excellent book!

7. What zodiac sign are you ?
***Virgo

8. Any Tattoos and/or Piercings?
***No tattoos...I don't think they are very attractive on women, but to each his own. No piercings either. Not even my ears. My right earlobe is split, so I can't wear earrings, due to my son, when he was a baby, pulling an ear ring out, ripping my ear lobe.

9. Worst Habit?
***Cursing

10. Do you know any blogger outside of blogging?
***I have met a couple of bloggers before, would like to meet more.

11. What is your favorite sport?
***Running-Don't care for stick/ball sports.

12. Negative or Optimistic attitude?
***Negative-I always think the worse...because I am a Virgo.

13. What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator?
***Probably Panic

14. Worst thing to ever happen to you?
***Don't care to talk about that.

15. What is one weird fact about you?
***There are no wierd facts about me.

16. Do you have any pets?
***No pets.

17. Do you know how to do the macarena?
***Yes, a long time ago.

18. What time is it where you are now?
***10:30 a.m.

19. Do you think clowns are cute or scary?
***We just watched IT-by Stephen King-so, I think they are scary as hell!

20. If you could change one thing about how you look, what would it be?
My teeth...maybe a boob job? LOL...

21. Would you be someones crime partner or go with your conscience?
***My conscience

22. What color eyes do you have?
***Blue

23. Ever been arrested?
***No

24. Favorite fictional character of all time?
***Donkey-from Shrek

25. If you won $10,000 dollars today, what would you do with it?
***Pay bills-help my children

26. If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
***The ability to be invisible.

27. What’s your favorite hangout?
***Gym

28. Do you believe in ghosts?
***Very much so!!!

29. Favorite thing to do in your spare time?
***Read, watch movies and drink wine.

30. Do you swear a lot?
***Yes, way more than I should.

31. Biggest pet peeve?
***People not replacing the toilet paper roll, at home and at work!

32. In one word, how would you describe yourself?
***Dependable

Please feel free to repost this with your own answers on your blog, leave me a comment that you did, so I can visit and read your answers!

Just like a wilted flower....

2011-07-22T13:39:00.004-04:00

That is how this excessive heat makes me feel...yuck! It reached 100 degrees here yesterday. I don't think I can ever remember it being this hot. Because of this heat, I haven't run outside in some time and I really am missing it. Although, at the gym, it is not much cooler. I know the air is running there, ceiling fans are going, but with all the people in there, sucking up that air...I still leave dripping in sweat with my clothes soaked through. It was so hot last night, I felt like I was going to pass out and I was running so slow...taking several walk breaks. My time sucked: 5 miles in 52 minutes...I can usually do 5 miles in 48 minutes or so.

I am so glad it's the weekend. All of my children are gone until Sunday, so not sure what the plans are with hubby. We may go to a winery tomorrow, just chill and then for dinner. Tonight, I feel like I should go to the gym and run a few miles, but I know if I even mention it to the hubby, he will get ticked off. I have worked out the last 3 days straight, so tonight is supposed to be my "rest" night...he has to work so I know we won't do too much tonight, keep things pretty low key.

So, tomorrow morning, I plan on being at the gym by 9 a.m., run a few miles then take a Body Pump class. Sunday, starts my first day of half marathon training, which is supposed to be to stretch/strength train but since I am doing that on Saturday with Body Pump, I will probably just run a few more miles again. I have been trying to average at least 20 plus miles a week with my running. Some weeks are easier and better than others. I know my run last night sucked big time. I have found since my last half marathon, I have gotten a little slower than I used to be...I don't know why. Just getting old I guess.

Well, got to finish up my work day and looking forward to 5 o'clock. Have a good weekend and try to stay cool.

Here's a Friday funny for those of you having to deal with the heat like we are here in Indiana....

It's all downhill from here....

2011-07-13T09:29:00.003-04:00

For some reason, it sure seems like this week is dragging by...I am totally looking forward to the weekend. Work has been really busy as of late...yet very boring, if that makes any sense? LOL....

Went to the gym last night, and ran a quick and speedy four miles, spent 20 minutes on ab work and then another hour doing this:

I am so sore this morning, I can barely move...good news is, when I weighed this morning, I was down 3 lbs, from the 5 I gained....so, I will take that! Must have been a lot of water weight....

I decided last night that I am going to go back to weight training on my own...I have been doing Body Pump a couple times a week and I am giving it my all when I do, but I am just not seeing a lot of results from it. I use at least 15 lbs on my warm up and even more when doing the exercises...but, my body is just not as toned and muscular as it was when I weight trained on my own. Don't get me wrong, I may still take a Body Pump class occasionally, because I do enjoy them, but I am not going to depend on that for my total strength training....not so sure that I ever burn off 600 plus calories in an hour they say you can when you give it your all. Have any of you ever taken Body Pump and if so, what kind of results did you notice over an extended period of time?

I am totally loving my new gym too! I am so glad I transferred, Newtones is so much nicer and cleaner, the people are friendlier and the staff are awesome. So much better and more enjoyable then my former gym....there are fewer treadmills there, so...I had to wait a few minutes last night for one to open up...but that doesn't happen very often, so I didn't mind....worse case scenario, they have an indoor track, so I can run a few laps around that if need be while I wait. It so hot right now, running outside is just not an option. I have said before, me and the heat, we don't mix....so, during the hot Summer months, I take my running inside...I do hope that it starts to cool down somewhat within the next couple of weeks, as my training for the Indy half marathon begins July 24th...I do prefer to run outside, so cooler weather would be welcome.

The kids are enjoying their Summer Vacation, but it seems like it has went by so quickly...they will be back in school in about 4 weeks. So, the hubby and I are going to try to fit in a little weekend get away for them in a couple weeks. We are going to take them to Holiday World, in Santa Claus Indiana....Aaron was very little the last time he went, and Max has never been, so that should be a fun and exciting adventure for them. Max has just now reached 4 feet tall, so he is thrilled that he will be able to ride all the rides. Lol...if that were all I had to worry about...I will make sure to take lots of pictures....

Well, I better wrap it up...lots of work to do....Have a good rest of the week everyone!

No news is good news I guess....

2011-07-08T11:39:00.004-04:00

Happy Friday everyone! Even though it was a short work week for me, I am very glad this week is coming to a close....I assume everyone had a safe and delightful 4th of July....I did....nothing exciting happened..I had 5 days off from work and enjoyed every single second of it. We stayed close to home and I got to spend a couple days with my 17 year old. We went and watched fireworks one night and I took them to an afternoon movie....We saw Super 8....typical Steven Spielberg movie...my advice, if you haven't seen it, save your money and rent it when it comes out on DVD...

Went for several uneventful runs...that's about it. Been averaging 4-5 workouts a week. Gaining and losing the same freaking 5 lbs over and over....I honestly think it is muscle, because my eating habits have not changed...all the miles I put it in on my training for my half marathon definitely added some definition to my legs...my thighs seem more muscular and bigger...not sure I am too happy about that...oh, well...I love running too much to quit. So, a curse I guess I will have to deal with.

I took a Body Pump class a few days ago..since then I have been having a consistent sharp pain in my chest, on the left side....hurts when I breathe in sharply...pretty sure its a pulled chest muscle....it subsides when I take ibuprofen for awhile....hopefully it will clear up soon..if not, I may have to go get it checked out....I hate when things are not "right" with me healthwise..when I don't feel a 100%....I am one of those google freaks that has to check any and all maladies out online and I always tend to think the worse. Have any of you ever had a pulled chest muscle? If so, what were your syptoms and how long did it take to heal?

Well...guess that's all I have today. Forgot my breakfast this morning, so I am just about ready to gnaw my arm off I am so hungry...think lunch time is going to come about right now...Panera Bread sounds pretty darn good to me....I love their Summertime salads...what's your favorite meal from Panera?

Have a good weekend!
(I do believe this rates as the most lame post I have ever put on here! LOL!)

Happy Tuesday!

2011-06-28T09:28:00.004-04:00

Hello, blogworld....long time no see. LOL...as usual, I really don't have a lot of reasons for being absent over the past week. Just busy...busy with work, busy with exercise, busy with family...etc, etc...

Hubby and I were on the go all weekend...as is usually the case. Friday afer work, we went out for a quick bite, then came home to tackle the house. God, I hate cleaning house....but, I hate having a dirty house even more, so I cleaned for four hours straight, stopping around midnight. Had a glass of wine, then went to bed.

I was wide awake Saturday morning by 5 30 a.m....on a Saturday? Who the heck does that? I tossed and turned for about 15 minutes and then decided I might as well get up, fuel up, throw back some coffee and then go for a run. It was in the mid sixites by 7 a.m, so I hit the road for a very nice 6.2 mile run. It was glorious. The best run I have had since running my half marathon last month. Which by the way, my training starts in one month for my next half. I am so looking forward to running another half...I would love to P.R., come in under 2 hours 10 minutes....that would be freaking awesome!

After my run, I came home showered and dressed and went to get a nail fill and a pedicure...hubby and I planned to go out of town for the rest of the day and overnight, so I was unable to make it to Body Pump Saturday morning.
We left around 1 30 that afternoon, driving up to Ft Wayne, Indiana..with the plan to stop at a winery near South Bend....well, the winery we stopped out was an apple winery and needless to say, it left a lot to be desired. We left empty handed and quite disappointed.

All in all our visit with friends in Ft Wayne was very nice and we had a lot of fun...
we got home Sunday afternoon around 2 pm, dropped off our overnight bags, then headed to Rockville to pick up Max from his Grandparents.

It was a fun but exhausting weekend. This weekend coming up, being the Fourth, I really have no plans. I might drive to Terre Haute on Sunday, as my oldest son turns 21 on the 3rd of July, and I would love to take him out for lunch. We will see....depends on how he feels after the previous nights celebrations. LoL.....Heres to a short work week...I have a four day weekend and it can't get here too soon. I plan on working out every day this week, I had a four mile run last night, tonight, I plan on at least 5 miles then Body Pump....a 3 mile on Weds and then four miles on Thursday and lifting on my own....I may take Friday off then work out again on Saturday, run and Body Pump and a long run of 7 miles on Sunday.

Happy early Fourth of July!

ABC's Of Me.....

2011-06-16T10:51:00.002-04:00

I have been seeing this around the blogosphere for awile...and since this is a tiresome Thursday and I really don't have anything else to say, thought I would give my two readers out there a little insight...about me!

A. Age: 40

B. Bed size: Queen

C. Chore you dislike: Cleaning the bathroom,especially the shower.

D. Dogs: None....don't have the time or energy, plus I don't like dogs in the house.

E. Essential start to your day: Coffee!! Must have as soon as I get out of the shower!

F. Favorite color: Black is not a color, but I wear a lot of it! It's slimming...I'm not goth! LOL.

G. Gold or silver: silver

H. Height: 5’2. With heels: 5'7.

I. Instruments you play(ed): None...although I have always wanted to play piano.

J. Job title: Commercial Assistant a.k.a glorified secretary!

K. Kids: Four-Tim 21 yrs old, Justin 17 years old, Aaron 12 years old, Max 8 years old

L. Live: In Lafayette, Indiana

M. Mom’s name: Ann

N. Nicknames: Donna duck-hubby, and Pumpkin-Hubby

O. Overnight hospital stays: Five-once due to a car accident when I was 17 and the other four with the birth of each of my son's.

P. Pet peeves: Family getting out of the shower soaking wet and walking through the house leaving wet footprints on the carpet; no one replacing toilet paper on the roll or trash can liner in the trash can.

Q. Quote from a movie: "Did someone drop you on your head?"

R. Righty or lefty: Righty!

S. Siblings: Earl-38 years old and lives in S.C.

T. Time you wake up: 6 30 a.m.

U. Underwear: Almost always; No granny panties though! Yuck!

V. Vegetables you dont’ like: I love them all!

W. What makes you run late: Hitting the snooze button too many times in the morning!

X. X-rays you’ve had: Chest and Mammagram

Y. Yummy food you make: Too many to list! My family tells me I am the best cook ever!

Z. Zoo animal favorites: Polar Bears and Penquins

Have a great Thursday! The weekend is almost here! Whoot! Whoot!

No secret here....but....

2011-06-13T14:23:00.003-04:00

I have said it often here on this blog....but Monday's....you suck! I slept absolutely none last night....insomnia, why do you torment me so? I have horrible sleep patterns lately...even taking a sleeping pill or melatonin...just doesn't seem to help. Don't really know what my problem is. Wine helps, but I can't drink every single night. LOL....Don't want to have that pattern....I try to do all that I can to relax my body and mind before bed time, but lately, just doesn't work.

Oh, well...sure hope this weeks goes fast. I am already looking forward to the weekend..

Oh, I do have one exciting announcement to make...I'm gonna do it again!

Oct 15th, 2011 I will be running this:

I am officially race crazy....but, only half crazy, as I am only going to do the half again....the full, well, it scares me silly and I just don't think I am brave enough to tackle that distance....hubby would kill me if I even mentioned the thought of that...he thinks the 13.1 miles is too far as it is....One more month and my training begins again.

Happy Anniversary....

2011-06-02T13:19:00.002-04:00

To My Wonderful Husband:

Thank you for 9 wonderful years. You are without a doubt, the love of my life, my rock, my strength, the most wonderful hardworking man I have ever known....
Happy Anniversary Sweetheart! I Love you!

Today is National Running Day!!!!

2011-06-01T11:14:00.003-04:00

Have you got your run in today? I was up at 5 30 a.m. this morning and got in a 4 miler...if you haven't run today, read the following:

10 Ways to Celebrate National Running Day:

Declare your passion
– People run for millions of reasons, and we want to know yours! Head to www.runningday.org and let the nation know why you run, be it raising money for charity, keeping your waistline in check, or getting to that bagel at the 5K finish line.
Bring a runway to work –
Swap your loafers and heels for sneakers and you'll be dressed to the nines for National Running Day. Your feet will thank you for it, and it will be that much easier to step out for a short jog during lunch or on your way home from work.

Morph your friends into running fiends
– Friends don't let friends just walk on National Running Day! Invite a pal or two—the more the merrier—to hit the road with you. They'll be hooked in no time!

Change Happy Hour to Running Hour
– Shake things up by adding a run to your post-work plans. Head out at 5:00 p.m. with some co-workers and relax over miles instead of cocktails.

Strike new ground
– Seize the day and take the road you've never traveled. Who knows? You might find a new favorite running path to spice up your summer.

Give the gift of happy feet
– Donate to organizations that support youth running, like Shoes That Fit. They’ve assisted in getting 800,000 pairs of sneakers on little feet – just think of all the miles you’ll help them run!

Make running run in the family
– They have your eyes, but what about your endurance? Leave the bikes and baseball bats in the garage and run around the neighborhood with the kids. Keep things interesting with a short race to see who is the fastest.

Choose a running resolution
– Kick off a new fitness goal on National Running Day. It can be anything, including adding five minutes to your next run, running a new distance, or signing up for a road race.

Take advantage of the great outdoors
– Running outside beats spending all your time on the treadmill. Step out the front door and away from the gym to take in a bit of nature during your afternoon run.

Treat yourself like a champion
– Set yourself up for success by indulging in your favorite post-run snack, sporting your lucky t-shirt, or helping your feet to a new pair of sneakers.

(courtesy of http://www.runningday.org/site/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=74&Itemid=58)

So, lace up your sneakers and hit the road....you not only look better, but you will feel better! Happy Running!

My First Half Marathon....Bridgeton, Park County, Half Marathon....

2011-05-31T13:18:00.007-04:00

In a word...my first half was "Amazing".....I think I did really well, finishing the run in 2 hours and 22 minutes....actually, I thought that time was for 13.1, but according to a couple of guys that ran the race, that had worn Garmins, the course was mis-measured and actually was 13.4 miles.

The night before the race, we spent the night with hubby's parents...I made a huge pan of lasagna, garlic bread and a salad for dinner, and carbed it up....we then left for a drive that evening, driving around Parke County, looking at all the tornadoes that bounced around the area last Wednesday night....no one was injured, no homes were majorly damaged, but there were at least 12-14 mini tornados that skirted around taking lots of trees and power lines down. We also went to Bridgeton, driving the race route, planting a few water bottles on the way, as I was unsure how I would handle it if hubby couldn't drive ahead of me with water, where the aid stations were, etc...come to find out, I didn't really need them....the race had water at about every 2.5 miles, along with gatorade....I ended up carrying a water bottle in my hand, the entire race.....it was so hot out!

Anyway, the night before, after driving the route, the hubby, in-laws, Max and I went for an ice cream cone, then home to shower, relax and watch a movie. I was so nervous and apprehensive about the race the next morning, I laid awake, with insomnia, the entire night...so, that in turn, made me even more nervous...when my alarm went off at 6 a.m....I felt as if I was going to throw up...I got in the shower, the whole time mumbling, "I can't do this...I haven't slept, Omg, Omg....how am I going to run 13.1 miles on absolutely no sleep"....I made coffee, had a cup, along with a bagel thin, with peanut butter, and a banana and along with hubby, the mother-in-law, and my youngest son, Max...headed to the race....my mother-in-law had picked up my race bib and t-shirt the day before, so all I had to do was check in.

At 8:30 a.m., it was already 80 degrees out and we knew the temp was going to continue to rise...I honestly felt sick to my stomach. So, I had to go to the bathroom...figured I better, before the start as I have never been one to "go in the bushes"...lol. The line to the port a potty was 15 deep, 15 minutes before the race, so then the nerves kicked in even more, wondering if I was going to miss the start and be stuck in the port a potty...lol.
But, I didn't....got done and to the start line on time...

Here I am before the race:

You can see some of the storm damage behind me, to the bridge, the tree and the mill's roof....it was pretty bad, and along the course, the dirt road part, we did run into a litle storm debris, but nothing too bad, just tree limbs, etc.

At this point, before the race, I was deliberating the porta potty issue and swallowing back the nausea from my breakfast...yuck! I have in my hand my Gatorade pre-game fuel and 2 packets of Gu Gel, that I ended up safety pinning to my running skirt...I ended up taking one at Mile 5 and the other at Mile 10...I swear by these things...after taking one, I can actually feel it working in my muscles...they are awesome for long runs...I wasn't the only one...one dude was carrying his in his hand...I mentioned the safety pin thing to him before the start...but guess he was too much of a "dude" to want to do that, he said he would just carry his...so, I was like Whatever man, whatever...

The race started exactly at 9 a.m....no timing chips were used, so we just went by the clock....there was a total of 86 people running this half marathon, a small crowd to say the least, but I thought it was perfect....the age group varied...I would say the youngest was around 18 and up to a gentleman and a couple ladies in their mid to late sixties...so age wise, it was pretty diverse.

The first few miles went pretty good, there were a couple large hills at Mile one and Mile two, which most people stopped to walk up, so that slowed me down some, but by mile 3.5, I had found my groove and was doing pretty good, reaching mile 6 in 57 minutes.

Hubby and family went ahead of me every mile, has the roads were still open to traffic...there was no traffic control whatsoever, so we all kind of looked out for one another, yelling car every so often, for those few runners that were running on both sides of the road, down the middle of the road, etc....some of them to me, just were not paying attention....or just didn't care....I pretty much stayed to the left, facing traffic, as you are supposed to do, the entire way....one guy I stayed pretty much neck and neck with laughed, at Mile 5, when I seen the family again, and I told him I take my racing seriously and bring my own pitt crew...he busted out laughing...was pretty funny.....lol.

By Mile 8, there was another huge hill, I believe it was the largest one yet, and with the temperature being 88 degrees at this point, with 83% humidity....I was starting to slow down a little, stopped to walk a couple of times, as I started to feel a little dizzy....I was drinking plenty of water and a half cup of gatorade at every aid station, so I knew I was hydrating properly, it was just the freaking heat and possibly, my lack of sleep from the night before....By Mile 10, I took my second Gu Gel and once it kicked in, I picked up my pace.....I was determined to get through those last few miles without walking....By Mile 12, I seen the family one last time, told them to head to the finish...I would see them there in around 12 minutes.....(I hoped)....By the time I rounded the corner and seen the finish line ahead, I almost started crying...I was so tired, I just wanted to lie down on the side of the road, I said a quick prayer, reminded myself it was now "mind-over-matter" and pushed myself to run faster than I had ever run before....200 yds to the finish, I seen all three of my boys standing near the finish, watching for me and I ran as fast as my legs would go to them, high fiving them has they hollered and whooped, "Way to go Mom", "We love you"....carrying all the way to the finish line!
(sorry for the thumb over the top of the picture, hubby doesn't take pictures very well)...
I threw my arms up in the air, with pure joy, my eyes were all teary eyed, as I honestly could not believe, I had just ran and completed my first half-marathon.....
My finish time was 2 hours 22 minutes, placing 34 out of 86 people. Was probably less than that, since after the race I found out I had ran an extra .3 miles that I didn't realize...so lets say, that took and extra 3 minutes, my time was probably around 2 hours 19 minutes....after getting my medal, (which I forgot to take a picture of-I will try and do that later today and update this post with it) which I wished had included at least the date of the race on it, and getting another water....I found myself hugging everyone, getting my offical time, then heading to the "snack" table for a banana or something...but, to my surprise, actually dismay, they had hardly anything there for the finishers to replenish themselves...I was disappointed to find, that after paying $65 to run this race, there wasn't even a freaking banana to eat...just some stale bagels, a half eaten bag of M & M's that everyones hands had been in and some freaking twizzlers....thankfully, the Mother in law had packed a peanut butter sandwich, so I ate half of that, and rode back to the in-laws with my two older boys. Hubby went ahead with Max and his Mom, as he was anxious to get back to the house to watch the beginning of the Indy 500 race.

Once back at the house, I ate a banana, took a shower and pretty much did nothing for the next four hours....but visit with my family,refuel and rehydrate, watched the crazy end of the Indy 500 race, then hubby and I headed home, back to Lafayette....I went to take a nap about 5 30 pm, and slept until 8 a.m. Monday morning...I have never been so tired in all of my life....I was kind of sore Monday, but today, I am almost as good as new.....I am going to the gym tonight, but don't think I will run just yet. Just do the eliptical, some weights for upper body, then maybe start running a few short miles tomorrow.

All in all, I had a blast...and I am already looking forward to running another...Maybe the Indy Half Marathon in October.

13.1! Done!

2011-05-30T09:26:00.003-04:00

I did it! My first half-marathon...13.1 Miles in 2 hours and 22 minutes...I didn't meet my goal time of 2 15, but that's ok...there were some killer hills and I, along with the majority, had to stop and walk up them...but, for a first half, I did pretty darn good! I am proud of myself. Pictures and full race recap tomorrow!

I can't wait to do another! I am officially addicted! Lol...

12, 3, 4...done and done!

2011-05-26T10:37:00.002-04:00

The end of my training that is! I have completed my 12 miler on Sunday, and let me tell you...it was brutal! It took me a lot longer than I wanted it to...so, I am concerned that I am not going to meet my goal of completing this half marathon in my 2 hr 15 min time frame....It is going to be hotter then heck out on Sunday...a supposed high of 88 degrees....I don't handle the heat very well, it slows me down...although the race starts at 9 a.m..so, maybe it won't be quite as hot until late in the afternoon...since the 12 miler, I have done a 30 minute tempo run, that sucked too...I did that on Tuesday...and was still extremely sore from the 12 miler,plus it was on the treadmill in my garage, was again, very hot out....so I ended up running/walking for 30 minutes....last night, was a 4 miler and some strength training at the gym..the 4 miler was awesome...I felt great, my pace was around 9 min 35 sec per mile..I can deal with that kind of pace on race day...hope that momentum keeps up....tonight, I am supposed to run 3 miles, then taper on Friday and Saturday...I am thinking of skipping it, as I am still pretty sore and tired...I don't know, what do you think? Should I do it anyway, get it over with, then rest Friday and Saturday?
I am working a half day on Friday and am off of work next Monday for Memorial Day, which is a good thing, as I am sure walking on Monday will be somewhat difficult.
I can't believe after 12 weeks of training, my race is in 3 days! Omg, Omg, Omg...I am so freaking nervous! I couldn't hardly sleep last night, I am so anxious and worried over it. I am sure I will do fine, but I wouldn't be as nervous if I knew the temperature would be cooler.
As I said, I am working a half day tomorrow...so I intend to relax, go for lunch with the hubby, start carb loading Friday night. Saturday will be spent relaxing at the in laws lake house, they are 5 minutes from the race, instead of over an hour like I am...so we are spending the night at their house, so I won't have any worries getting to the start line Sunday morning...as far as carb loading goes, I have no idea what I need to eat in preparation for this race. I don't want to over do it, but I don't want to not have enough to power me through. If any of you have ran a half marathon..what worked best for you to eat the night before? I am thinking of making a lasagna and a salad....then race morning, just eating a bagel thin with peanut butter, a banana and a cup of coffee. I plan on taking a gu gel 15 minutes prior to start, then another gu around mile 4.5 and mile 9...Do any of you have any suggestions for me?
Help! :)

Wish me luck everyone!

Hitting the Wall...

2011-05-18T03:32:00.011-04:00

As you know, I have been training for the past 10 1/2 weeks to run my very first Half-Marathon...and I am so over this training schedule. My longest run to date was last Sunday, for 11 miles....and I am starting to hurt, ya'll...this getting old shit is for real....at 40, I am very proud of how far I have come....I am healthy, I am strong, and I can run...something I would have never thought possible when I started my weight loss journey 3 years ago. Up until now, I have been very excited at the thought of running 13.1 miles....but, now...I am scared....worried and worn out. I am tired....and I am starting to doubt myself. Can I finish? or will I have a heart attack and die out on the road....lol. Hubby doesn't like me running long distances...he too doubts my capabilities I guess...or should I say what my body can endure. He told me that If I die on him next Sunday May 29th, he is going to be pissed, because he is missing the Indy 500 to come out and support me during this race. Lol....
I think I will do fine....as I said, I am in the best health of my life, and I assured the hubby that I know my body's limitations, and if I have to stop and walk here and there...then I will. I am not going to push myself to death...literally. Last Sunday, when I ran the 11 miles, I ran that in 1 hour and 50 minutes....so, my goal time for this mini will be 2 hours 15 minutes...that is what I am hoping to achieve time wise. I am not in it to win it..just to finish it. So, wish me luck that I can finish out the rest of my training and get this accomplishment checked off my bucket list.
Now, moving on....here it is Wednesday and I have been meaing to post about my weekend..last weekend to be exact....Friday night started out good, the kids and I were watching a movie, hubby was in bed, since he had to work that night and I get a phone call...drama from my almost 21 year old and his Dad/Step-Mom....He has totally got too much on his plate, working 2 jobs, college, etc....he is not making enough money to make it own his own and is struggling...his grades are slipping....which is not good...he has to graduate and if his grades continue to fall...I shudder to think what will happen....his dad, who has worked for the government for 20 years, felt it was acceptable to retire at 50 freaking years old, losing out on close to a million dollars in income if he had worked until 65 or so. Especially knowing that he has two boys, one in college, one going to college in another year. I absolutely do not have any extra money lying around. My family, growing up, my married life now, have always lived pay check to paycheck, as a lot of familys in the economy today do....so, Tim is making it on his own, struggling to even have money for food....he of course has financial aid, student loans to help with school, but there are still lots of expenditures. He called me Friday night, upset, had an arguement with his Dad and StepMom...pretty bad one (don't want to get into the details), but it ruined my night....Tim had me in tears...he is at the point he just wants to give up and I don't know how to help him....financially, I can't give him thousands of dollars to pay for school and pay his rent, pay his car payment etc....For the past two months, or longer..hubby has been working 7 days a week, not a day off, we are still struggling ourselves....plus, My brother in S.C losing his job, has put added financial pressure on my Mom, so we have been helping her out with some of her bills....we just don't have it! Makes me so sad, that I don't have money lying around to help my sons, my Mom and for us to make it too...it is tough.
I gave him the best advise I could...stay in college, just reduce your number of credit hours...if it takes you five years, instead of four years, so be it....he can't keep burning the candle at both ends, or he will crack up...as a Mom, it is so hard to hear your grown son, almost 21 years old, talk like his life is over before it has even started...I cried and worried all night Friday.
Saturday, I got up and went for a five mile run, to clear my head and check off another day of training on my schedule...then I got dressed and drove to Terre Haute to see both of my older two boys. It was Justin's, the 17 year olds Junior Prom Saturday evening, and I had to be there to get those coveted precious prom photos. I had Aaron with me and Keith took Max and stayed at his parents house, which is on the way to Terre Haute. I took all three of my older boys out for lunch...it was really nice to be able to spend time with them...I don't get to do that as much as I like, because of their school/job commitments. After lunch, I dropped Justin off at his Dad's to get dressed for the Prom and pick up his date, and I took Tim to Walmart to buy him some groceries, since he had nothing to eat in his apartment. He had been eating at his Dad's, but due to his falling out with him, he knew going back to his Dad's to eat was out of the question and I was not going to let my son starve....so, I loaded him up with groceries and he was tickled to death and very appreciative that Mom came to his rescue.....I told him I would give him whatever I could, when I could to help him out, and he would never be without food. Afterwards, we went back to his apartment, unloaded the groceries and I got an eye opening experience to what a boys frat house looks like inside...OMG...it was a mess....lol...typical college boys....it definitely could have used this Mom in there to do some heavy cleaning.
At six p.m., we had to gather at Deming Park to get pictures of Justin and his date for the prom. His school combined the Junior and Senior prom together, so it was crowded with teen-agers...it took some time to locate Justin and his date, but we got some great pictures...take a look!

All 3 of my Older boys...fine looking young men if I do say so myself....Love them so much!

Justin, striking a "pose"....that's his best bud to his left..funny guy!

Aaron of course had to get a picture with the ladies...lol. He was embarassed!

Me and the boys...(God, I look like crap...it was cold and rainy out, and that makeup and hideous hair was from very early that morning....yuck)

What a great group of kids!
I got all teary eyed seeing how much Justin has grown up...he is not a baby anymore...and it saddened me, but I was so proud of him....he has turned out to be a wonderful, thoughtful, loving young man..he has a ton of friends, all great kids, he is on the honor roll, works a part time job and is on the football team....can't wait to see what he does with his life in the future.
After prom pictures, the girls were all freezing, so the guys were ready to load them up and get started on their prom evening...so Aaron and I said our goodbyes, to Justin and Tim (he had to go to work) and headed out....after stopping by the in-laws to pick up Keith(Max decided to spend the night with Grandma and Grandpa), we headed home...it was after 9 p.m. before we got home and I was exhausted. Hubby headed to work, Aaron and I watched a movie and then I crashed.
Sunday, well...it was rainy, cold and dreary, and even though I dreaded it, I headed to the gym to crank out that 11 mile run....I went into totally not wanting to do it..but, I found my pace, found my rythm and got it done. Whoo hoo....I spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing with dinner at Applebee's with the hubby and Aaron....then home to wait on the in-laws to drop off Max...I read, watched t.v. and sipped some wine and ended the weekend on a good note...
This weekend, we have no kids...so we plan to keep it pretty low key. I ran 5 miles last night, I have a 3 mile tonight, a 3 mile and strength training tomorrow....No workout on Friday, then a 3 mile and Body Pump Saturday and Sunday is the big final run before my half...12 miles! Wish me luck!
Have a great rest of the week everyone!

Hey, Hey, Hey...

2011-05-09T13:13:00.007-04:00

Long time no blogging, my friends....How is everyone doing? Things are still just as crazy and hectic as ever in my life right now...3 weeks left in my half Marathon training....I am getting nervous about the whole thing. My last long run of 10 miles was difficult, then Sunday, I ran a 15 k....yes, on Mother's day! LOL....I am woman, hear me roar....I kicked butt on it, but I have noticed my legs were starting to feel really heavy and achy during my runs...upon completion of my 15 k, I was taking off my shoes and noticed a tear on the right side....I had literally blown out my shoe...so, today, I went to Dicks and bought a brand new pair of Asics gel running shoes. I can't wait to try them out on my 5 mile run tomorrow...hopefully they will improve the way my legs feel when I run.

I hope all of you Mother's out there had a wonderful Mother's day...I did! My 17 year old send me a beautiful necklace in the mail...a diamond and sapphire pendent that he bought from Osterman Jewelers..I was so flattered and impressed that he spent his hard earned money on something so pricey for me. It is beautiful and I love it! Hubby bought me some clothes and took me out for dinner. (Also, my new running shoes are part of my Mothers day).....I didn't have any of my kids with me this Mothers Day until Sunday evening, but it was nice.

I didn't get any relaxing done at all this past weekend....I was on the go constantly.
Friday night after work, I rushed home to get ready to go out for dinner with the hubby. We didnt' get home until late, he had to go to work, I was in bed early because I had to work Saturday morning for a few hours. Then afer work, I rushed home to pick up the husband, then headed back into town to pay some bills, do some shopping. Then home to get ready for a big family event...my youngest son, Maxwell, was having his first Communion....we were very excited for him. He was with Grandma so we had an hour drive to Rockville to the church he was receiving communion at.

Here are some pictures:

Max, in his first "real grown-up" suit...he was quite dapper. This was before we left for the church.

Max was called up by Father Joe to stand with him while he performed the Eucharist.

Max...receiving his First Communion.

Afterwards, at Grandma's with his Celebration Cake...He was so proud..as we were of him!

It was a late evening and we were very late getting home. Hubby has been working non-stop, 7 days a week, for quite a few weeks, and he had to get to work..and again, I went straight to bed..to get up on Sunday, run 9.3 miles, then go for a late lunch with the hubby...phone calls from my boys with Mother's Day wishes, a call to my Mom's, then a trip again down to Rockville to pick up the younger two boys.

So...as of today, Monday...I feel like the weekend went by in a blur. I have Body Pump tonight, 2 5 mile runs this week, a 4.5 mile run and my long run on Sunday of 11 miles....plus a trip to Terre Haute on Saturday for my 17 year olds Junior Prom send off and pictures. Whew! I am tired just thinking about it. Hope you all have a great week! Mine is once again, going to be a doozy!

Still here....but nothing to say.

2011-04-27T15:02:00.003-04:00

I'm still hanging around, for those of you that may be wondering. Just been busy, working, living life and training for my half-marathon. I am so tired from all of the above, I hardly ever feel like being on the computer, little long making a blog post. I seriously have no readers anymore, so it doesn't really matter I guess. I am so far behind on my blogroll reading, that I feel like just deleting the whole thing. I have found so many new health and fitness blogs I have been reading, that I really have lost touch with what's going on with all the "old" blogs on my reading list.

I also never get on face book anymore. I just don't care about that kind of stuff any longer. I find it boring, tedious, and a waste of my time.

So, where does this blog go from here? I really dont' know. My posts, or time between will probably not get any better, as I have no interest any longer. I will still keep this blog, but will only post when something worthy happens, for my memory book.

Later Gators.

Hiatus....

2011-04-06T09:29:00.021-04:00

Wow, almost a month since my last post. Guess you could say I have been on a blogging hiatus. I have had a lot going on over the past month. Week 4 of my half marathon training and the family and I went to S.C and Florida for 9 days. Been very very busy.
The trip to S.C. to see my Mom and Brother was nice...I only got to see them for two days. My mom was supposed to go with us to Florida, but she backed out at the last second as I knew deep down she would. Her health is not the best and my brother needs her to look after his daughters while he works and tries to put his life back together. My niece's mom is unfit nor does she care about her girls, which is very sad. It was good to see my nieces and my brother as well. Although my brother looks terrible. Breaks my heart. You don't how hard it was for me not to go across the street and kick my ex sister in laws ass for doing my brother and nieces so bad. (She actually lives in my brothers house across the street-well, for now anyway, until she gets evicted)...long story.
Anyway, we spent two days with my family and then drove from Belton South Carolina to Sarasota Florida...what a trip! I hate driving in the car that long. We drove all night that Sunday night, arriving in Florida around 11 a.m....16 hours in the car. It sucked. Once we arrived in Florida, it was all worth it though. We stayed in land for two days, driving to the beach, then spent one night at the Hilton Longboat Key Resort on the beach...our 4th day in Florida it rained and stormed all day long, so we packed it up and headed for home. We then drove away from the coast to Ocala Florida, spent the night there on Thursday night, got up on Friday and drove to Silver Springs...visiting the park until late in the afternoon, then headed toward home. Friday night, somewhere in GA we spent the night, after a two hour search for a hotel room. What a nightmare. Everywhere we stopped...booked solid. Eventually we found 2 nasty rooms at a Super 8 hotel....( I have never in my life stayed at such a filthy dump before)...never ever stay at a Super 8 or a Motel 6....degrading. At least for 2 rooms at 120 a room...what a rip off! They had you fooled as the lobby was immaculate....so, we just assumed the rooms would be too. They needed to be turned over to the health department, for real.

Anyway, we got up Saturday, hit the road by 9 30 a.m...to head for home. Oh..while we were in Florida, on the 3rd day at the resort beach, we all got sunburned, with Max, the youngest getting the worst of it....I used sunscreen on them, but it wasn't a high enough spf I guess for the amount of time we were out...the day was cloudy and overcast, but they still got a sunburn, so Max was pretty much miserable Weds through Saturday....we stopped a lot on the drive home...to eat, get gas and a winery in GA....all in all, if you don't count the drive time and Max's sunburn, it was a nice vacation. I already want to go back...just hope next time, we can fly.

Here are some pictures:

We took my Mom, Brother and neice out for dinner while visiting....it was great to be able to treat them and spend time with them.

The cousins seemed to have a good time hanging out together. In fact, Alyssa broke down crying when we left Sunday night. I truly wish they all had more time to spend together. They got along so well.

The boys really enjoyed watching me and the hubby freak out over my brother's snakes and the fact that my neice was not scared to hold and play with them. In fact, my brother scared my hubby so badly with one, he threw his cup of coffee and just about had a heart attack..no joke.

3rd day on the beach...at Longboat Key...Max thought he found a shark tooth..lol...Actually, was just a broken shell. He spent hours looking for just the right "souvenir"...

Hubby enjoyed pulling his chair all the way up to the edge of the water and sit there, letting the waves wash over him. While Aaron played in the sand in the background.

Both boys enjoyed being "buried" in the sand while making a new friend at the same time.

Max's turn!

Our visit to Silver Springs!

We took this glass bottomed boat through the Silver Springs..it was really neat to look through the bottom, see all the caverns and fish/turtles and vegetation that grew beneath the springs. Also, it was a cool thing to find out that several movies had been filmed there, including the original Tarzan and a movie that included Burt Reynolds.
Here is an excerpt from the website:
Six “Tarzan” movies, the “Sea Hunt” TV series, the horror movie classic “Creature From The Black Lagoon,” National Geographic specials, TV commercials…the list goes on and on of movies, TV shows and commercials that have been shot at Silver Springs over the years. Today, Silver Springs’ crystal clear waters, tropical jungles and thick forests are still serving as locations for the film and TV industries.

Film crews have been attracted to “Florida’s Original Tourist Attraction” since 1916 when the silent movie “The Seven Swans,” starring Richard Barthelmess and Marguerite Clark, was shot at the park. Many more small films followed, but it wasn’t until the ‘30s and ‘40s when Johnny Weissmuller starred in six “Tarzan” movies shot at Silver Springs that the attraction’s exotic surroundings became a popular location for films.

Since the 1940s, many movies have been shot in and around Silver Springs’ main spring area including “The Yearling” starring Gregory Peck and Jane Wyman, “Distant Drums” with Gary Cooper, “Underwater” starring Jane Russell and Richard Egan, “Blindfold” with Rock Hudson and Claudia Cardinale, “Never Say Never Again” starring Sean Connery, and “Smokey & The Bandit 3” with Jackie Gleason. Military training films on jungle warfare have also been shot at the park.

Oops...my finger got in the shot.

The alligators and crocodiles were amazing, as were the bird exhibits....the boys absolutely loved the parrots!

My favorite was the pink flamingos!

Taking a break! Hubby refused to be in the picture..party pooper!

Goofing off on this old "curved" tree...

Of course, hubby had to be more "vulgar" about it. What a goof!

What trip wouldn't be complete without a stop at a winery! They had the most awesome wine....had a glass there and bought a bottle to take home. It was so good, wish I had had the money to buy a case. Yum!

I would also like to make my back yard look just like this! So pretty!

All in all...it was a nice family vacation. We had a few snafus...hubby lost his wallet on the second day, but it was recoverd and the day we left Longboat Key, we left all of his clothes hanging in the closet at the Hilton....five hours later, we discovered they were gone. But, all's well that ends well. He did have a few things i n the suitcase so we stopped and bought him a couple more shirts and the resort has shipped his belongings UPS....

Now, it's back to the grindstone..work, training (which I am proud to say I stayed on top of my entire vacation, only missing one 3 mile run)...

Just Call Me The Roadrunner......

2011-03-08T13:40:00.002-05:00

If anyone recalls, awhile back, I posted that I am running my first half-marathon on May 29th. My first day of training started yesterday. It called for just stretching and strength-training...but, I can't go to the gym and not run. So, I lifted/strectched for an hour and then ran 4 miles. It was just an average run, with a little .25 mile recovery walk thrown in there.

Today, on the other hand, the schedule called for a 3 mile run. I went to the gym at lunch time, under pressure, to get in and get out. I ran the fastest I have ever run in my life.

3.2 miles in 28 min and 20 seconds.

The first mile, just a warm up mile...9 min 30 sec.
The second mile, I kicked it up a notch...8 min and 40 sec
The second mile, I became the roadrunner....8 min and 20 sec..
The final .2 miles 2 min, with a brief cool down walk in there for good measure.

Awesome! Feels so good to have it out of the way and my evening, after work, free....well, as free as it can be with hubby and the kids at home, needing my attention. But, I love them..so that's ok.

Hang in there, Hump day is tomorrow!

Stuck in a rut....

2011-03-07T11:28:00.002-05:00

Just like the artist in the cartoon...I too am stuck in a rut. When it comes to blogging, I can pretty much take it or leave it some days. My post tend to range on a the verge of a boring re run on t.v....wash, rinse and repeat. So...what do I do? Avoid blogger at all cost.
After no post for a couple of weeks...just thought I would let the two people that still read this boring diatribe know I am in fact, still alive and kicking.

I have been working out like a mad woman for the past two weeks. 5 days a week. Body pump twice a week, weight lifting on my own once a week and running 5 days a week. Plus, it is becoming our busiest time at work, then throw in home life...there is really no blog worthy material.

I did switch gyms...and I am finding I am liking the new one more and more. I believe it was a good call.

Other than that, we are planning a trip to South Carolina and Florida....leaving in less then 3 weeks and the family and I can not wait. We are literally counting down the days.

This past weekend, I had three of my four boys with me. Of course, I always have the youngest two, but Justin, the 17 year old, drove up to spend the weekend with us. We hung out, went out to eat and also went and seen the new movie Rango...it was hilarious, although, some of the humor was more "adult oriented"....thus the PG rating. I have read some reviews this morning where some parents found it very offensive, and others not so much..me, well I was on the not so much side. I have four boys, crude humor exists in our lives every day. I gave a five out of five and would watch it again.

Sunday, we went for brunch at Bob Evans and then to the grocery. I came home and made a huge stock pot of corn chowder..it was rather disappointing....I blame on the recipe. I doubled it and there was just too much corn in it. And the amount of heavy cream...a caloric nightmare. I only ate a small portion, as did the hubby and kids, then I froze the rest. It will probably get pitched..oh, well.

Here's to a speedy work week and a long relaxing upcoming weekend.

How Rude...

2011-02-24T11:01:00.004-05:00

I don't know if it is just me, but lately, no matter where I go, I run into or encounter a rude individual. At the gas station, at the stop lights, at the mall, at the grocery store, restaurants and most of all..at the gym. I am so sick of people, and their sense of entitlement. No one thinks of other people, men are not nearly the gentlemen they were years ago and most women seem to be in "bitch mode" all the time.
For instance, I went to the gym last night, with a plan...get in/get out...I get there, change and decide to do a warm up run, then take a body pump class, then run another few miles before heading home. I ran one mile in 8 min 40 sec. Then took a body pump class, which by the way are totally awesome! After the class I came back out to run my last few miles and go home. But, before I got that 3 miles in, I almost had a "throwdown" with some old Santa Claus looking dude. I came out to the cardio area last night after the class, all the treadmills were in use, with the exception of a few that were broken....I stood there for a minute hoping someone would hurry up and finish and I could snag one. Within a couple minutes, a woman got off of one and I made a bee line for it. Just as I was about to reach it, within a second of putting my foot up on it, this old dude, big pot belly, long white hair, long white beard....maybe around 70'ish...lunged in front of me, threw his arm in front of my chest (blocking me) and grabbed the side rail of the treadmill, said "I'm taking this one"....let's just say my "claws" came out and I said a rather "not so nice" term, (guess my bitch mode was out too)....I was so pissed. Steaming mad! I have never had a man be so rude to me in my life.
I went to the back of the gym to watch for another treadmill, doing all I could to keep my anger in check. Within a few minutes, another treadmill opened up. Guess where it was at?
Yep, right next to Bad Santa....So, I was not going to let him intimidate me, so I jumped on next to him, threw my water bottle in the holder, flung my towel over the front...started adjusting my speed...that's when Bad Santa decided to mouth off again...He goes, "There is no reason to act so pissy"....and I said, "I have every right, you were rude"....He said, "life's to short, blah, blah, blah"...and I told him "Maybe for you, but not for me and I have no time for bullshit from dumb ass rude people like you"....Then he said something else, I was so mad, don't really remember, I just remember saying, "Don't have a heart attack-I would appreciate it if you would just shut the hell up"...and I started running, and totally smoked his ass. 3 more miles in 27 minutes.

I am so sick of this gym. Half the time the equipment is broke, people are rude and it is dirty. I am seriously thinking of switching to the gym on the other side of town. Newtones. They are doing a million dollar renovation and it is looking awesome. Cancelling at my current gym may be a problem though, because I have heard bad rumors about the owner ...that he is a shiester, he steals peoples money, and when you ask him to cancel your membership, he continues to withdraw funds from your checking. Some people have even had to threaten taking him to court to get there money back!

I can't afford two gym memberships. I am sure, there will be "rude" people wherever I I may go, but at least at this other gym, it is very nice/clean/ new equipment, etc... I have been there 3 times on a free pass and I really like where this owner is going with things.

Because last night, that was just the icing on the molded cake. LOL..

I am tired of going to an overcrowded dirty gym, where the workout areas make you feel like this:

Seriously, you can't even get over to the free weight area any longer. It so crowded with the social "meatheads" that lifting is out of the question.

What do you guys think? Should I switch gyms?

Happy Valentines Day!

2011-02-14T12:13:00.004-05:00

Hubby and I celebrated over the weekend. He took me for an overnight get-a-way to Ohio....we stayed at a lovely hotel and went to a fabulous club and then a great brunch on Sunday at Ruby Tuesday before driving back home. It was really nice to make a mini road trip with him.

This morning, he delivered these to my work.

I am very blessed to have such a wonderful husband. He makes me feel special and loved 365 days a year, just not on Valentines Day. I love you babe! Have a great Valentines day! If you don't have significant other...do me a favor, don't dwell on it. Spend the day loving yourself! Treat yourself to whatever your heart desires!
You are all special and loved!

Happy Birthday Max!

2011-02-10T15:36:00.004-05:00

Wow, my baby is 8 years old today! I can't believe it. My kids are growing up and slipping away from me....I feel so old.

I love this little monkey to pieces! He is such a loving little guy..a handful, but I wouldn't trade him for the world. He is definitely a Mama's boy. We are celebrating with dinner at Red Lobster, birthday gifts and cake with the family. He is so excited. Seems like I just had him yesterday. I can't wait to see how his little life unfolds.

Happy birthday baby!

LOVE...

2011-02-10T15:18:00.004-05:00

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, I thought I would post this little survey I found on another blog.

LOVE

♥ What are your middle names?
Ann
Alan

♥ How long have you been together?
9 years this upcoming June

♥ How long did you know each other before you started dating?
We met online-chatted on a Saturday, met on a Sunday, were apart one day (Monday) and he visited on Tuesday and never left...we have never been apart one day since.

♥ Who asked whom out?
He contacted me via Match.com first. I ignored his first three emails, then on a whim, answered him back and the rest is history.

♥ How old are each of you?
Me-40
Him-48

♥ Whose siblings do/did you see the most?
His, My brother lives in S.C.

♥ Do you have any children together?
I have three from a previous marriage, we have one together...Max who is 8 years old today!

♥ What about pets?
None

♥ Did you go to the same school?
No, I grew up in S.C. and he grew up here in Indiana.

♥ Are you from the same home town?
No, see above

♥ Who is the smartest?
We both are, but I have blonde moments, or has he refers to them "pumpkin moments.a.k.a Kelly Bundy moments...lol...

♥ Who is more sensitive?
Definitely me

♥ Where do you eat out most as a couple?
Applebee's, Buffalo Wild Wings, Spurlocks, Our Time and McGraws Steakhouse

♥ Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple?
Florida

♥ Who has the craziest exes?
I have two ex-husbands, neither are really crazy, but the second definitely has some issues. He has one ex-wife and we never hear from her.

♥ Who has the worst temper?
Both of us! We butt heads terribly sometimes.

♥ Who does the cooking?
He does it on my gym nights, I do it on non-gym nights and weekends, unless we go out to eat, which we do a lot.

♥ Who is more social?
He is...he talks to everyone!

♥ Who is the neat-freak?
I am...Keith doesn't care what the house looks like.

♥ Who is more stubborn?
I am

♥ Who hogs the bed?
We don't sleep together-can't-due to severe snoring issues (him, not me)

♥ Who wakes up earlier?
I do because I go to work during the day, Keith works nights.

♥ Where was your first date?
Lunch at Applebee's, then back to my house.

♥ Who has the bigger family?
Neither. We both come from small families. He has one sister, I have one brother.

♥ Do you get flowers often?
Not really...They just die and cost too much money.

♥ How do you spend the holidays?
Just us, his parents and our four boys.

♥ Who is more jealous?
Definitely me!

♥ How long did it take to get serious?
Immediately. We wasted no time. Love at first sight!

♥ Who eats more?
Him. Most guys do dont' they?

♥ Who does/did the laundry?
He is the "Laundry Manager" in our house. From the day we met, he took over and will get extremely mad at me if I even touch it.

♥ Who’s better with the computer?
Both-He is better at weeding out viruses and doing system restore and I am better at everything else...lol.

♥ Who drives when you are together?
Him 99% of the time

Well-that was fun! Feel free to use it on your blog. Leave me a comment if you do so I can stop by and see your answers.

Happy Valentines day if I don't post again before then.

So Cold....I can't stand it....

2011-02-10T09:06:00.003-05:00

How cold is it outside? It’s so cold that …

… people are going to church just to hear about the fires of hell

… local pet stores are selling penguins

… you light a candle and the flame freezes

… you have to break the smoke off your chimney

… you have to open the fridge to heat the house

… after police told a robber to freeze – he did

… local lawyers had their hands in their own pockets

… people are looking forward to getting a fever

… mailmen are now watching out for polar bears

… you can bake a cake, set it out to cool and 5 minutes later it’s frosted

The only way to deal with it is to laugh about it I guess...It was -7 here this morning. I definitely have the winter blues...how much longer is this going to last? I pray for Spring....

One good thing is...it's Thursday. One more day and the weekend is here. Hubby is taking me away for a romantic Valentines weekend....unfortunately, not somewhere warmer...but, still looking forward to it.

Have a great rest of the week!

Oh, yes....yes I did....

2011-02-08T10:29:00.002-05:00

The above picture...well, that would be the number of miles I ran last night..it was, without a doubt, awesome! I had planned on 4 miles, but at mile 4, I was really feeling it, so I thought, I can do one more, well t hat one more turned into 6 more. Needless to say, I did have to stop and walk a few times, for a minute or so....but, that's ok. I still did it and did it in one hour and 40 minutes, total calories burned 1186....Hell, yeah! I know without a doubt that I am going to ace that half marathon come May 29th.

As far as strength training goes...I still suck at that. I just can't get my groove back in that area. I went to Target Sunday to buy the 30 day shred and they were all out. Everyone was grumpy and tired Sunday and wanted to go home, so I didn't go anywhere else. I hope to pick it up today after work. I had planned on a 3 miler and some strength training to day, but my legs are really sore. So, I think I will rest..the hubby doesn't want me going to the gym after work anyway...tough on him to stay home with the kids while I do that. Another reason my workouts have been scarce. Maybe I just need to toughen up and pick up the outside runs again. But, dang...it is so hard...especially when the temps are like -8 with the windchill. I hate the cold!

So, my workouts will be Weds, Friday and hopefully again over the upcoming weekend.

Take care and have a good Tuesday everyone!

Happy Friday Ya'll!

2011-02-04T13:33:00.003-05:00

Thank goodness it's Friday...I know it hasn't been but a 3 day work week, but I am ready for a nice weekend. No snow, I pray. As I stated in my last post, I am soooo over it!

I just got back from my lunch break and thought I would let those of you that care know..I have now worked out for 2 days in a row. I ran 3 miles in 27 min and 10 sec at lunch....I was late getting back to work of course, but I am glad to have some form of exercise in the bag for the day. Now I can enjoy my evening with my family tonight.

I made it to the gym last night too. Yay for me! I ran 4 miles, did 6 different ab exercises and 30 minutes of various leg machines....I was smoking! I wanted to do some dead lifts, squats, etc..but the weight rack area was full of meatheads and I got sick of waiting around, so after 2 hours total, I called it quits and went home. All in all, it was a great workout. I hope to make it 3 for 3 and go tomorrow too.

On the exciting news front...we finally filed and got our income tax refund back. I have a huge list of things I want to buy....but, we are trying to be "frugal" with it and hopefully make it last for some time...that way we won't have to worry from week to week like we usually do.

I am going to buy a treat for myself tonight....I have decided, to boost my tone-up plan, to get rid of my "jigglies" I have acquired over the winter, I am going to pick this up and the appropriate little accessories to go with it:

I have read on other blogs that it really works if you stick with it, I have seen great results from the pictures they have posted..so, I am gonna give it a whirl...I may or may not post before and after photos. Don't get me wrong...I am not in terrible bag lady shape, I am still 110 lbs, but after a long winter thus far, 4 kids and copious amounts of wine consumption my tummy and my ass could use a little "tune-up"..so, Jillian...you are welcome into my home and I do hope you kick my ass!

Let the games begin...

Have a great weekend!

Snow, Snow, Go Away....I want to break up with you!

2011-02-03T14:29:00.003-05:00

O.M.G....I am so over this winter! Starting late Monday evening, snow and Ice started pelting Indiana. After work on Monday, I had plans to go to the gym, since I had not been since the previous Friday, but that was not meant to be. We were under a winter advisory, and I knew, with the amount of snow coming down as I left work, that if I went to the gym, it would be impossible for me to get home safely. I ended up cancelling out the gym, going home, getting the hubby and kids and headed back to the grocery, as most people decided to do, to stock up for the impending storm.

I am so glad we did, as we were snowed in Tuesday and Wednesday. Hubby did make it to work Tuesday night (they called me off Tuesday and Wednesday), but Wednesday, he couldn't get the car pulled off the side of the road in front of the house onto the road...solid ice. We were not able to go anywhere! I am so glad, believe it or not to be back to work today. Being stuck in a tiny house with the two kids and the hubby really begin to wear on all of our nerves. Bickering and fighting ensued last night, on all or our parts, so with a sigh of relief, I drove off to work today. The kids are still out of school, for the third day in a row, hopefully to return tomorrow.

The storm is over and the county is pretty much still trying to clean up the aftermath. A lot of people lost power, but fortunately, we were not one of those thousands that suffered from that. The in-laws were without for almost 36 hours. Luckily, they had a small generator, plenty of gas and could stay warm.

I have not worked out in five days and I am itching to get to the gym. I plan on a short run and some leg/ab work tonight. My fitness from last year is gone. I have got to get my ass in gear. Especially since I have a 1/2 marathon in a few months.

Spring...please get here soon. The groundhog didn't see his shadow, so hopefully that prediction will ring true.

I can't stand much more of this bitter cold and snow.

I'm Gonna Do It....

2011-01-27T10:31:00.004-05:00

Just call me crazy...but, come May 29th...I am going to be running my first Half-Marathon...

This one to be exact:
http://runthroughthebridges.com/home_page.html

Our half marathon runs through 4 covered bridges.

All runs start and end at the Bridgeton Covered Bridge, a double span covered bridge sitting atop a dammed waterfall next to a Flour Grist Mill established in 1823.

This run is special. I have brought my children here to play, I have visited the wonderful covered bridges, canoed underneath them and went shopping at the festivals. Plus, my in-laws live just up the road, so they can come out and watch me run this race.

The 50k, marathon and half marathon are run on Sunday, May 29th, 2011

Most of the covered bridges on these runs are over 100 years old. Many are still in use today.

I am so excited!!!! My official training will begin on March 7th. I am following Hal Higdons Intermediate Half-Marathon training program...

I am nervous..but, I have a couple twelve milers under my belt, so I know I can do it.

Wish me luck!

Happy Birthday My Son!

2011-01-25T09:38:00.003-05:00

Wow, where has time gone? Seems just like yesterday, you were toddling around behind me, tugging on my leg, saying "up, up, Mommy"...wanting me to carry you everywhere you went. Now, I don't have to carry you anymore...you are almost a grown man. 17 today! I am so proud of you...You have your head on straight...you are thoughtful, compassionate and loving. Carry these traits forward with you into your adulthood and you will find a much happier life will exist for you.

Happy Birthday my dear boy!

Slacker.....I should win an award in that category.

2011-01-23T11:42:00.002-05:00

Wow, where the heck does time go? I know it has been over 2 weeks since my last post. Why? I don't really know...just haven't felt like it...same old same old story, huh? So much for trying to do better in the New Year.

I am so over winter...I think that has a lot to do with it. The doldrums/winter blues are seriously having an effect on me...I don't want to do anything. Still struggling on the exercise front...3 days a week..seems that is all I can muster. I really need to kick it into gear though...we are planning a family vacation for Spring Break and are going to S.C. and then to Florida. If I am going to pull off the bathing suit thing, without too much embarrassment, I have got to get back to the 25 miles a week I was running and the weight lifting...I have gotten soft and mushy...I was so ripped last summer and taking almost 2 plus months off from the weights, well you can tell...I feel like a limp noodle. LOL...

The family is all doing ok...well, except for the hubby. He was diagnosed a couple weeks ago with congestive heart failure. His lower extremities have become very swollen, especially his ankles and legs...I am very worried about him. He has got to lose some weight..change his eating habits and follow an exercise program. I am very frustrated and very worried...he says he can't work out, for one..because of the swelling...so, we have got to get that under control. Along with changes to his diet...eventually, I am hoping we can turn this thing around.

As I stated, I am back to work...so life once again is busy. I enjoyed my time off....I could so be a "kept" woman....alas, I will never have the joy of knowing what that is like...we have to have my income...so, I will work until I am 80 years old...if I live that long. I am just thankful I have a job...so, I can't complain too much.

My kids are all doing good. The oldest is still doing well in college, sophmore year and he is starting to get a little burned out...juggling 2 jobs, school work, social life, etc..plus the stress of paying his own bills...well, it worries me. I wish I had more money to give him, to help him...it is tough putting your own self through school and I feel like I have failed him and let him down by not having money put back for college. I wish I had planned more effectively for my kids, to ensure their college education, but 2 divorces, and screwing up financially...well, I was unable to do it. I just hope Tim hangs in there, keeps it up and graduates. I am so very proud of him. If he graduates, with his degree in Sports Medicine, he will be the first person in our family to graduate from College.

Justin, the 16 year old, who is turning 17 next Tuesday...well, that kid is amazing...he is also working a part-time job, still in football, and all that entails, makes the honor roll, etc...he is doing so well and I couldn't be more proud of him either. I can't believe he is going to be 17...I am getting freaking old!

The two younger kids, well...they are a hand full...always bickering, as younger siblings are prone to do....winter time and being cooped up indoors is wearing thin with them as well..the fights over the x-box are driving me mad...can't wait until Spring, to get them outside, riding their bikes and playing with their friends. They are doing well in school....given the fact they both have ADD (AAron) and ADHD (Max)...I don't know if they will make the honor roll every time, but as long as they maintain their a/b and one or two c's...I will be happy. It has been a long rough road the past few years with them and their schooling...and I am proud of the success they have achieved...just pray I can keep them focused and doing well.

Well..as far as updates go...this is the best I can do. We are leaving for Sunday brunch...hope you all have a great rest of your weekend and a terrific week next week.

Later..
Dixie

Man, Am I A Slacker...First post of the New Year....

2011-01-10T11:20:00.004-05:00

Sorry for being such a slacker....I just haven't felt like blogging. Life has been pretty busy for me since returning to work....No big news to report..so, I have kind of pushed this blogging thing to the back burner.

How has everyone's New Year been so far? Mine has been good...hubby, the kids and I are all well...battling a few little health problems..but, nothing major...just minor colds, stomach bugs, pink eye and a sore throat....other than that..just peachy.

Winter doldrums have set in....for all of us. Hubby is chomping at the bit to get down South...to visit my family and to go to the beaches of Florida. Just now in the second week of January and I am so ready for winter to be over....I am ready to feel the Spring breeze on my face, to run outside and kick up my fitness again.

I have gained 4 freaking pounds since November....the thoughts of dragging my butt to the gym makes me cringe...I have been going, just not as much as I used to. Compare 5-6 days a week to only 2-3 days a week and then I only give a half-assed effort while there. This is the week I plan on kicking it up a notch...try to go at least 4 times...

The weather has a lot to do with it...I am lacking motivation. It is dark when I leave for work, dark when I come home....it is cold, dreary and gloomy...all I want to do is go home after work, put on my comfy warm robe, curl up on the couch with hubby and not move....

Hurry Spring....I miss you! LOL...

The other day, I configured how many miles I ran for 2010...if my math is correct, I ran a total of 800.10 miles. That is awesome! So, for 2011 my goal is to run several 5 ks, 10ks and at least one half marathon. Total over 900 miles for the year. I think I am going to hire a trainer, to come up with a strength training routine for me. One that incorporates all muscle groups with every set. I want to get as buff as I was last summer. More so..if I can.

Well, guess that's all I have...Hope everyone has a great start to 2011.

Back To Work....

2010-12-29T10:27:00.002-05:00

Well, the holidays are over...and I have been called back to work. The 2 weeks I was laid off flew by. Other than shopping, preparing for Christmas, I didn't do a whole lot. Some housework and I really slacked off with going to the gym. I only made it for cardio 4 times the entire 2 weeks.

Christmas turned out better than I had hoped, thanks to the generosity of a very dear friend and a nice bonus, believe it or not, from Mr. Burns here at work. My older 2 boys were very understanding about our financial situation...I gave them some money, promised to make it up to them when I get my income tax return in February. So...with that, I was able to provide a decent Christmas for the two younger ones. Now, I just breathe a sigh of relief that the Holiday stress is over, I am back to work (still have not got that first unemployment check), so the money will start coming in again, get my bills caught up and get my lazy butt back into the gym.

I have been batteling a serious throat condition for the past few weeks, and hubby finally hauled my complaining butt to the doctor last night....may be strep throat...in the meantime, while I wait on the labs, he has given me 2 different medications to take...already feeling better.

So...guess that's it...anyone have big plans for New Year's Eve? Not us...we have Max, so I am going to make it a special New Year's Eve for him.

Wishing you all the best this upcoming year.

Dixiechick

Devastated.....

2010-12-13T05:08:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to put a quick post...I was laid off from my job last Friday afternoon..I am devastated...did not see it coming at all. Went to lunch on Friday, came back and was told later that afternoon. Effective immediately. I have spent the weekend in tears. 2 weeks before Christmas!!! Who the hell does that? I was counting on those checks to buy my kids Christmas...now, well...there will be no Christmas for them. I hope that whomever, whatever piece of shit executive that made this decision can enjoy his Christmas though, along with his big fat bonus that laying off front line employees, the little people, brings him. I hope that he didn't have to tell his children, like I did my seven year old, that there is no Santa.....why did I have to tell him? Well..when he sees you crying over your job, over no money coming in for Christmas, bills, etc....and then he tells you in his innocence that "that's ok Mommy, Santa can bring it"...well, it is fact now that Santa can not...I have never in my 20 years of being a Mother felt like such a failure, like such a worthless piece of shit....not only do I lose my job, but my health insurance as well. This blows...I know I am not the only one that has had to endure this during this recession...I thought things were better. Hell, my company just told us during a meeting a few weeks ago how much more we have profited this year over last year, blah..blah...blah.....It really sucks to be the little man on the totem pole, that is for sure.
I will be called back, I was told...after January 3rd...but, that doesn't help me now. My family is a paycheck to paycheck family. We have a hard time getting ahead. One missed paycheck sets us back. Hubby has been working overtime to try and get us a little ahead to be able to buy Christmas for the boys. Now, that money can't be used as I will have no pay for the next few weeks, until I get my unemployment. Hopefully that will start rather quickly. I don't know....Never been laid off before.
I have to go into the office today..to fill out my "termination-due to seasonal lay off papers"....things are going to be so screwed up with me not being there. No one knows anything about how to do my job, accounts receivable, billing, reports, etc....when I do come back, I fear I am going to have one heck of a mess on my hands. OH, well...not really my problem at this point. They will just have to figure it out...
I doubt I will post again for some time...I am pretty depressed and this Christmas is going to be a sad one...My older two boys are really understanding, and told me to just focus on their little brothers...shit, I don't even have the money to do that.
So, anyway....for those few of you that still read my blog, I wish the best for you and your families this holiday.

In Case anyone Cares....I am taking a break!

2010-12-08T10:36:00.004-05:00

Since it has been over a week since I have posted, might as well continue the hiatus. I really don't have a lot to say. Very busy at work, with the Holidays, and my family. Plus, I have been rather ill. My workouts over the past two weeks have been almost nonexistent and I don't really have a lot to say about why. Just have not been feeling it.

I did take the spin class last week, and...it kicked my butt! But..I did like it very much and as soon as I am feeling better, I plan on taking another one.

For right now though....I am going to go on a "blogging hiatus"....

See you after the New Year...(unless some ground breaking news happens).....

Dixiechick...out.

Say A Prayer For Me......

2010-11-29T16:51:00.002-05:00

As I am leaving work in a few to go try out a new gym in my area...I have never taken a group class before..so, I am going to take this class:

Yeah, my first spin class...wish me luck!

Food coma....do you still have one?

2010-11-29T11:44:00.007-05:00

Well, here we are...the Monday after Thanksgiving....and I am still feeling sluggish and out of sorts. I had 4 lovely days off with my family and coming back to work afterwards...it is hard!

Know what else is hard...hard to believe that Christmas is only 26 days away! I have not put up my tree or started shopping. Hosting and cooking Thanksgiving totally kicked my bootie...I need a week or so to recover.

Anyway...as I said, I cooked a huge Thanksgiving dinner. My turkey turned out to be the best one I have ever cooked! It was amazing...check it out:

That isn't even the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the amount of food we had. I sent a lot home with my two older boys and the in-laws, but we continued to eat it into the weekend. It is all gone as of today.
It was wonderful having all four of my sons with me for turkey day...the only downside was that I was so busy cooking/cleaning, I didn't get to spend a lot of time with them.

Some Thanksgiving day pictures:

Tim..my oldest...isn't he quite the handsome man? I sure don't get to see him that much, each time I do, it amazes me how grown up he has become.

Justin...the picture is kind of blurry...my camera sucks..but, man, he doesn't get a homecooked meal like this very often, so he was in heaven....lol. Yes, he is very handsome too! I am so proud of what a wonderful young man he has become!

The Mother-in-law and Max...poor mominlaw...she looks like a deer caught in the headlights...I am terrible at taking pictures...or it may just be the camera.

Anyway, I got distracted and didn't get anymore photos..of Aaron, nor a decent one of hubby and his Dad...I hate that!

Anyway, we all had a wonderful day and I had a wonderful and relaxing weekend with the family...

The only other downside of the entire holiday...I gained 5 freaking lbs...seriously. I woke up Weds, at my normal weight and by Saturday morning, I was up 5 lbs. I did go to the gym for an hour of cardio Friday night and then again on Saturday for 2 hours. Along with healthy eating for the rest of the weekend, I managed to lose 4 of the 5 lbs I gained by this morning.
This holiday weight gain stuff is no joke. It's all good though. You mess up, get right back on the wagon and don't let one holiday dinner/weekend make you want to throw in the entire towel.

I am going for my first spin class tonight. I heard they kick ass! So, wish me luck...

Hope all of you had as wonderful a holiday as my family and I did.

It May be Monday....

2010-11-22T13:12:00.004-05:00

But it is a short work week! So, whoo hoo! Here is to only working 3 days this week!

So, how was everyone's weekend? Mine, well..rather uneventful I must say. I worked out Friday night. I managed to run 4.5 miles and my leg only smarted a little bit. I then did a full upper body workout and abs, called it a night and got the heck out of there..I mean, 2 plus hours of working out, on a Friday...more than enough! I stopped and picked up my after work-out salad from Chick fil A....it was a madhouse. Seriously, you would have thought that was the only place to get food on a Friday night in this town. I order the Chargrilled Southwest Salad,every time..most of the people that work in there know me and before I have never had a problem. It was so chaotic in there, I of course got my order mixed up. The girl that took my order heard chargrilled only and therefore gave me the wrong salad. So, again, I had to wait and wait to get the correct. For that snafu..they ended up giving me both salads for the price of one. Score!
Afterwards, I had to stop by WalGreens for some make-up and toiletries...didn't want to be bothered with that task but if I wanted to wash off the stink, had to get some body wash...
After Walgreens, I zipped toward home..but not before I made a quick stop at the liquor store for some of my favorite wine.
Once home, I showered and ate, then relaxed with a Netflix movie, since hubby had to go to work. I watched this:

I really enjoyed it! This was the second Meryl Streep movie I have seen this month that totally held my attention. Usually, I can almost always be counted upon to fall asleep before a movie is over. But this one, it was good. I love to cook too, so it was really interesting to watch. I would recommend this movie if you haven't ever seen it. Maybe to watch with a girlfriend, other foodie or by yourself. Your hubby or significant other might not care for it.
After the movie, I went to bed and didn't sleep so soundly. Must have been the wine.
Saturday...had a hard time getting motivated. Lazed around with some magazines and coffee for most of the morning..then finally showered and dressed and went to get myself a pedicure. Also had to stop by Walmart for an exchange. I loathe that store. It is always crowded and you can never have a quick check out. Anyway, after that I headed home to pick up the hubby and we came back into town again for a late lunch. Then some shopping at the mall. I have a pair of jeans on layway at the Buckle and I had to make my payment on those, while there, I scored a couple of cute long sleeve t-shirts from Wet Seal.
We came home to relax for awhile, before dressing and heading to Indianapolis to meet a friend. It was a pretty boring time and I was so grateful to leave and get home.

Before I knew it, Sunday was upon us! I wanted to get to the gym, but I piddled around the house too long (planning Thanksgiving menu and making a grocery list) and we found ourselves almost out of time. Hubby had to leave soon to get the little boys at his Mother's and I needed to go to the grocery. I had made my list for dinner that night as well as Thanksgiving and I just wanted to get it over with. Hubby went with me and 30 minutes later we were done and headed back home.

I now have my Turkey defrosting in the fridge and half of my list completed. I will have to go back to the store Tuesday evening to finish it out, then let the cooking for the feast of 2010 commence. I am not looking forward to all the work. I am making my coconut cake tonight. Tomorrow evening I wont' have the chance to cook, as I have to take Max to the doctor after work, then to the store to finish up. So, Wednesday evening, after I get off of work, you will find little ol' Dixie cooking and baking her heart out. I won't be able to stop until dinner is on the table Thursday afternoon.
With being so busy, I will not have a chance to go to the gym, except for tonight, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I so wish I could be a stay at home Mom....it is quite overwhelming to have all of this to do and have to work on top of it. I am starting to feel the pressure and I don't like it. Oh, well...it is only once a year and I am thankful that I am able to cook this meal and for my family.

Love to you all and hope all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Enjoy your family and friends...

(Just make sure you pick the right bird...lol)

TGIF

2010-11-19T10:40:00.005-05:00

"Running! If there's any activity happier, more exhilarating, more nourishing to the imagination, I can't think of what it might be. In running the mind flees with the body, the mysterious efflorescence of language seems to pulse in the brain, in rhythm with our feet and the swinging of our arms."
— Joyce Carol Oates

A quote I just read from Fitsugar, which for me..can not be more true...gosh, I sure do miss running! My mileage for this month has really sucked. I have only ran 16.5 miles for the entire month of November. I ran 4 miles on Monday and have not been able to run since. Hopefully, since I plan on going to the gym tonight, I may be be able to eek out a few miles. If not, me and my arch nemesis...the eliptical, will have to go head to head..got to get that cardio in somehow.

No big plans for the weekend. Hubby has to work tonight, the kids are going to be gone....so, after the gym, I plan on picking up a salad for dinner, grabbing a bottle of vampire wine and hitting up redbox for a movie. Then home to veg out for the evening.

As far as the rest of the weekend, no big plans. Hubby and I may go out tomorrow night for dinner and then to a club or something. I have to go get a pedicure Saturday morning, then to the gym again (I hope)...and sometime over the weekend, I have to fit in some shopping for Thanksgiving dinner...which I am hosting and cooking this year. Which reminds me, I need to take inventory of my fridge and pantry and clean out both in preparation. I am looking forward very much to having the entire family together. Meaning, me and hubby, my four boys and the in-laws. My Mother and Brother will not make it up. I figured they wouldn't. My brother and I had a big argument over the phone a couple nights ago. He really said some horrible things and hurt my feelings really bad. He is going through a divorce and is taking out his misery on me, Mom and his girls. I wish I could help him, but I just don't know what to do. I have tried to give him advice ( I have been through 2 terrible divorces myself-so I know what I'm talking about), but he won't listen. Anyway, it is what it is and I can't do anything about it.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Waiting...To Exhale....

2010-11-17T09:44:00.005-05:00

It has been that kind of week...hence the lengthy abscense from my blog. I am hanging by a thread...waiting for the weekend...so I can "exhale"....I really don't know where to start...not a lot to talk about.

So, I will just cover everything (what little there is in bullets)....

.....I got a stove..finally! Thanks to the first ex-husband, Mike...was not in too good of shape when I first got it, but it was free, he delivered it...and with a couple hours of elbow grease and a good cleaning, it looks like new. I was able to make cookies for my boys and last Sunday, make thier favorite dinner..lemon chicken. Yum!

.....On the exercise front, last week, worked out only three times...only one time n the gym. Ran a total of 12.5 miles for the week. This week, I have only ran 4 miles. Been to the gym twice. Going again tonight. Still having a love/hate relationship with my leg...the whole me, my leg and running thing? It is a menage a' trois that is not working out. I am loving them both, but my leg hates the running thing and the running thing hates my leg....I am torn between the two. Sucks! So, last night, was cardio on the eliptical and stationary bike. Of course, I hate every flippin' second of it.

.....Freaking holidays! They are a coming...I am looking forward to Thanksgiving. I will have all four of my boys together. Now that I have a stove, I am cooking the "feast"....not looking forward to all the work, but still...very excited. My brother mentioned the possibility of driving up, with my Mom, from S.C. for Thanksgiving. That would be awesome. But..his funds are limited, which I understand, since he is going through a divorce...they suck you dry. So, as far as the visit goes...I will believe it when I see it. Would be pretty awesome though. As far as Christmas goes...bah humbug..not a fan! Just don't enjoy it. Again, just has to do with money. Need a lot, and I don't have any. Sucks to be my bank account. LOL...Haven't even started any shopping, probably won't until the last couple of weeks before.

.....Well, that's about it...hope you all enjoy your Wednesday....the weekend is almost here! Yay!

Happy Monday...although it be late in the day!

2010-11-08T15:07:00.005-05:00

Love this picture...kind of how I have felt all day long! How was everyone's weekend?

Mine..well, pretty boring actually.

This was the highlight of my Friday night...I am a HUGE...HUGE...TruBlood fan...and let me tell you what..when I found this wine..I was like a kid in a candy store..or, um...a liquor store...lol.

It is without a doubt, the best Pinot Noir I have ever had....if you like red wine, not sweet, but not overly dry...you must try this! It was awesome!
The other highlight, was spending some one on time with my little guy, Max....after hubby went to work, we cuddled up in bed, me with my glass of vampire wine and him with his glass of cranberry juice and watched this cute little flick:

We also snacked on popcorn and apples with peanut butter. He was too cute. Telling me over and over how happy he was we were "by ourselves"....it's not very often he gets to have one or both parents to hisself.
I just can't resist his cute little "mug"...

After the movie, we brushed our teeth and I tucked him into bed. And, for a Friday night, I went to bed rather early myself.
Saturday, I spent hours cleaning. I felt sort of like this..

It is no secret that I loathe cleaning the house. But..the hubby and I have a deal..he does the laundry, helps out with the kids and cooks on my gym nights...major cleaning, well..that falls in my lap. Hubby could care less...while I am cleaning, he is the one saying, "Aw, hun...it looks good enough, you have been cleaning for 15 minutes...enough is enough"...yeah, he thinks the dust bunny magically cleans up after itself...lol. So, after several hours of cleaning (must give kudos to the hubby-he did scrub the shower for me-Thanks babe!), I finally showered, with the intention of going to the gym..yes, I shower and put on makeup to go to the gym..I am an original southern belle...let me tell you. But, the brother-in-law stopped by to take a look at our broke oven...the Mother-in-law insisted on him checking it out, even though we paid $60 to a professional from Sears to look at, they told us it would cost several hundred dollars to replace the computer board inside it (electronic start oven)...the brother-in-law basically agreed with the Sears repairman...Go figure! But, at least the Mother-in-law was satisfied we had done all we could do. We did find an outlet for an electric stove behind there. There was no electricity to it, but we are going to get it fixed. The ex husband number one just bought his wife a new confection oven, so he has a like new electric stove he is going to give us for free...so, yay! I may be able to cook a Thanksgiving turkey after all! Hopefully, that little project will be taken care of soon. I am really tired of not having an oven. It has been 9 months!
So, the in laws were at our house for most of the afternoon, when they finally left..well, needless to say, the idea of me and the gym? Well, it wasn't going to happen. I pledged to go on Sunday and instead went to Blockbuster and to pick up take-out from Texas Roadhouse. Yum...roadkill and baked sweet potato..probably not the best thing for my ass, but, oh well....it was awesome! The remainder of Saturday night was spent vegging out in front of the t.v....and again, in bed rather early.
Sunday, I spent a lot of my morning on the computer (after fixing breakfast) trying to find info on the NYC Marathon....I so hope to one day be able to add a race such as that to my list of things to accomplish before I kick the bucket! Anyway, couldn't find a free site to watch it on, so I got dressed and hauled my limp legged butt to the gym. Still having a little leg pain, so I did 30 min on the eliptical, 15 minutes on the bike...I hopped on the treadmill to get a 15 minute walk in and to finally catch a recap of the NYC marathon....and tentatively, started to jog...I managed to get in a slow 2 mile run, before calling it quits. My leg felt really good! So, I am a little nervous and anxious..I want to run again so bad, but I don't want to cause any futher damage to my leg. This sucks! Leg...I hate you! Please stop playing with my emotions.
So, another Monday...almost in the bag. It has been a long, slow, but yet rather pleasant day...Mr. Burn's has been M.I.A. all day long. So...made Monday a little more bearable.
I am not going to the gym after work tonight. It is "family night"...so, hubby is preparing dinner for me. It really is a beautiful day out..probably our last week of good weather before the harsh mid-west winter begins to kick in...right now is sunny, no wind and 67 degrees. What I wouldn't give to go for a run. Hubby has put his foot down though, insisted I give my leg "More time" to heal...huumppph! Maybe I can convince him to let me go for a "walk"...yeah, a walk. At a very very fast pace. LOL..

Hope you all have a fab week!

New York City Marathon...

2010-11-07T10:54:00.003-05:00

Good luck to all the elite runners running the New York City Marathon today. Weather you are at the top with 2 hours or come in at 5 hours, it takes a dedicated and special person to be able to run a Marathon. I only dream about being able to one day take part in such a spectacular event!

A Break From Running....

2010-11-04T15:02:00.003-04:00

As much as I hate it, I have not been able to run at all since my 10k last Saturday. I mentioned that I had a possible shin splint on my right leg...at the time, it hurt, but I thought it was manageable. I think, after running my 10k, I only made it worse. I have not been able to run all week. I absolutely hate it! I have only been to the gym once this week. I did 30 minutes on the elliptical and 15 minutes on the stationary bike....and I hated every freaking minute of it! As I was on the elliptical, one of the guys from the gym I know, hopped onto the one next to me and looked at me and pointed at the treadmill in front of me....I frowned, pointed to my leg and just got more irritated. I love, love, love to run...and as I was on that elliptical, I couldn't help but give the evil eye to the other runners running happily on the treadmills. I was jealous and I was angry. I hated that entire workout. I don't like walking on the treadmill..as that only aggravates me that I can't be running on it.
I took last night off from the gym, to stay home with the family and cook them dinner for a change. I made a huge pot of chili and it was so, so yummy. I ate my fair share. A long with a couple glasses of Malbec...(yeah, I don't usually drink during the week-but you try putting up with "MR. Burns" like I have to all day long at the office, you would be drinking mid week too)..... So, even though the weather outside is cold and gloomy, and I am so very tired....and I loathe the other cardio machines at the gym....I am dragging my lazy butt to the gym after work. For another elliptical session and bike ride. Then abs and leg work. 2 hours and hopefully that will help put a dent in my bad eating from last night.
I can't work out Friday either....as at lunch time, I have important errands to run, then after work, I have to drive my 11 year old to meet his Dad for the weekend..which is an hour and a half round trip. Hubby has to go to work, so he will need the car. Max is staying with us this weekend. He is getting really burned out on going to Grandma's every weekend, I can't blame him...I need to spend some one on one time with my little boy...he is really looking forward to it as well. We don't get the chance very often to focus solely on just one child. He is already planning on sleeping in his brothers "big" bed, watching movies and having the x-box all to his little self. Wish that was all I had to worry about. LOL....
Anyway, this cartoon pretty much sums up how I feel about the cardio machines at the gym...among other things. LOL...

Hang in there my peeps....it's almost Friday!

Eating Some Humble Pie....

2010-11-01T20:40:00.004-04:00

I am sitting here tonight, with tears in my eyes......A couple post ago, I spoke about my 10k, how upset I was over the outcome of it. I did state I didn't find the church or the people of the church at fault for how messed up things got...I really didn't....anyway, as I said, I just got an unexpected visitor...the couple responsible for the organization of the race, Tennille and her companion (husband?), just knocked on my door, with my race medal and a dozen red roses...I am speechless. That someone would be so kind, as to go out of their way, to do something like that for me..well, it makes me feel bad that I thought so negatively about the race. It really lifted me up and made my night.
I would love to take a picture and show you..my few little readers, but I lost my camera tonight. I also found out today that I didn't come in first place like I thought I did. There was another female runner, 41 years old that came in before me by a few minutes. So, even though I didn't get first place....I am in just as good a place, even with second. Since the race times were so off, it was hard to tell the day of the race. I was certain the woman in front of me was much older than I, but she wasn't...and that's ok. She did her best as I did mine. I am proud of where I came in and now, even more so....Tennille, if you found my blog, that is how you found me, then thank you! From the bottom of my heart! You are a special person to do what you did and I know that organizing and being in charge of that race was a huge responsibility...just know that I thought you did an amazing job! What happened was in no way your fault.
You humbled me and restored my faith that there are still good people in this world. God bless you Tennille! I will be there to run that race again next year.

Happy Monday...and race results....

2010-11-01T13:14:00.006-04:00

Well, here we are...Monday again. Why is it that the weekends go by so very quickly and the work weeks go by at a snails pace? Mmmpphhh! After the race on Saturday....I relaxed for awhile, worked on calming myself down on the race let down. Then showered, dressed and hubby took me out for an early dinner. We stopped by the grocery and then the liquor store, came home, drank some wine and watched The Omen....I ended up falling asleep before it was over. We ended up in bed around midnight. Big Halloween partiers we are. LOL

Sunday, slept in till around 9 a.m., got up drank some coffee and just chilled for awhile. Then, did about an hours worth of housework, got dressed and we went out to eat again. Nothing specatuclar..just a local brewery here in Lafayette, then came home and laid around on the couch...we had a few trick or treaters...around a dozen or so I guess. By 8 p.m., the porch light was off and we turned off the lights in the living room. Watched a little t.v. and I was in bed by 10 pm.

I checked the race results online today and they were posted. Along with an apology from the church that organized the race. My medal definitely should be coming in the mail. If it doesn't hubby said he is still going to have one made for me, because I deserved something for the great job I did and for running the race. He is so sweet!
Here are a couple pictures of the race. Hubby doesn't like to use my camera, so there really isn't any good shots.

(Totally a terrible pic-so not my best side!)Me before the race...Man was it windy out..and freaking cold! I was still really sleepy and actually, dreading the race because of the cold.

(Click to make larger)...Mile 4...35 minutes into the race. This was after I took a GuGel....it kicked in right away! I started to warm up and was actually feeling pretty good at this point.

I am looking forward to running my next race. It probably won't be this one...or one this year. I don't like the cold....so, I am already looking forward to next Spring. Who knows, maybe I will run the Indy Mini-Marathon...

5 k done...10 k done...that is next in line. 13.1 miles here I come!

Have a great week everyone!

My first 10 k run....

2010-10-30T12:40:00.006-04:00

Finished my 10k...55 min 23 sec. Ticked off though. The timing chip for some people was all messed up and they didn't get my time documented in the computer system. Guess the timing company they hired had a computer mess up with the timing chips. I am steaming mad! I finished 1st in my age division...they totally skipped women over 25 to 49 and went right to 50 and over. They are supposed to be fixing it and posting results but I am so disappointed. I p r'd and people slower than me got a medal. Heck, the geriatric runners/walkers, that walked the 5 k portion in over an one hour got a medal. I was so dissapointed and after running my personal best, waiting around for over an hour to get my just recognition....I leave with nothing. I came out to the car crying, because the dissapointment I felt was tremendous. Hubby was ticked too and went back into the building and gave them what for over it..guess my metal is supposed to come in the "mail"...when they get the snafu fixed. It was a messed up race! I don't blame the church, or the people at the church. It was totally the timing company's fault. The overall race was very organized. But, I am sure some people think it is no big deal, especially those that did not run...but for a runner like me, that puts her heart and soul into every run, to have your first 10 k, with a personal record, botched so bad..well, there just are no words to describe how unhappy I am. Even though I know I achieved my personal best and should be very proud, having this snafu happen kind of took the happiness away. Either way, it is what it is. I won't be running this race again.
Have any of you ever ran a chip-timed race and have this happen?
I would like to know. Go figure, any time something happens like that, it usually happens to me.
Anyway, here are my splits;
Mile 1-Mile 3, 27 minutes.
Mile 4-8 minutes
Mile 5 9 minutes
Mile 6 9 min 30 sec
.2 miles-2 min 23 sec.
At least I feel that is about where it was. Hubby stayed with me, following me throughout the course, kept me informed of my time. So, although those splits are "estimated"..they are pretty darn close.

Hope you have a good weekend!

Happy Friday and my first 10 K run

2010-10-29T11:31:00.003-04:00

Well, finally...it is Friday. I am so glad. It has been a tough, busy week. I am looking forward to the end of the day and spending the evening with my wonderful husband. The kids are gone for the weekend. It is their Fall break from school and Aaron's dad wanted him, it's his Halloween, and Aaron wants to go trick-or-treating with his cousins. Max went to Grandma's house for 4 day break as well. She took him trick-or-treating last weekend at the neighbors, so not sure if she is going to take him again this weekend. For his sake I hope so. I am going to miss taking part in that with them this year. I hope they take pictures for me. Anyway, it will be nice to relax with the husband.

Tomorrow morning, I am running my first ever 10k run...I have run that distance many times on my own runs, so it's not the distance I am concerned with. But...the shin splint I have on my right leg. I ran 4.8 miles yesterday and the last couple of miles, it just about killed me. I have been taking ibuprofen...I have new shoes, that seem to be working out really well...so, hopefully I can complete the race tomorrow.
I am not looking forward to the chilly morning either. I hate the cold! I hate running in the cold! I am not that hardcore of a runner. Love running outside, but not in weather that is excessively hot or cold. Oh, well..I didn't think about the temp when I signed up for this race, so I am just going to have to grin and bear it.
Hubby is going to "station" himself about every mile for me, with extra water, motivation, picture taking what have you...lol. At mile 3 I plan on taking a gu gel or something, hopefully that will help my muscle recovery a little bit.
I am not shooting for a record breaking time. The last 10k I run on the treadmill, I ran it in 58 min 25 seconds...that was without an aggravated shin splint. So, I am just hoping to complete this real 10k in around 1 hr 5 minutes. Just in case I have to stop and walk.

Wish me luck! Hope all of you have a safe and fun Halloween weekend!

Stress....Level....High.....

2010-10-27T15:29:00.002-04:00

Well...I have one specific person in mind I would like to choke...but, that person is not worth the effort..plus, I would lose my job. Probably go to jail...and I don't want that.

Anyway, reason fro being M.I.A. lately? Life...work, family, etc....I am seriously working my little fanny off lately. It is my busiest time, add in a manager that can't do a thing without me holding his hand and my stress level is seriously through the roof. I have not worked out in 4 damn days.....the hubby and I went away for the weekend, and were seriously on the go the entire weekend. Not a chance to squeeze in any activity...can't really run because all of last week, I ran in broken down running shoes, that seriously needed replaced, therefore I aggravated the hell out of my right leg...serious shin splints. So, I took 4 days off from running...and work has got me so worn out, that the past 2 days, the gym is the last place I want to be.

Which sucks...because I have a 10 k to run this upcoming Saturday morning....I am kind of worried as to how I will do. So, I have new shoes, and I plan to take them for their first spin on the treadmill tonight. I am shooting for a 4 miler tonight, 5 miler tomorrow, rest on Friday then my 6.2 mile 10k on Saturday.

Wish me luck! In everything!

Goal Reached...should I aim higher?

2010-10-18T15:51:00.003-04:00

At the start of this year...I set a pretty lofty goal for myself...to run 700 miles in a year. Well, as of this past Sunday...I met and exceeded that goal.

I have ran a total of 701.8 miles and I am only midway though October with 2 months left in this year.

So, I am changing my goal...although it is harder to get runs in during the winter, I am shooting for 850 miles. It may be a little far fetched, but I think I can do it.
If I can get a 12 miler in once in October, November and December, then I know I can, if not reaching 900 miles. How awesome would that be?

Wish me luck!

Karma...I am a strong believer....

2010-10-15T15:03:00.005-04:00

I have always lived my life, with the philosophy, "What goes around, comes around"....what you give out will come back to you ten-fold. I have been through a lot in my life...I have had my fair share of injustice, many "woe-is-me" moments....I have been through 2 divorces and truly experienced hell on earth. My first marriage, was to a man much, much older than me...I married young, at 19..had babies right away, and lost my true identity, as pretty much everything revolved around this man...his job, his sports, his friends...I was 700 miles away from home, no family, no friends...then one day, I got a job, made friends and discovered, just like Reba in her video "is there life out there", that yes ,indeed there was life out there...and I realized I had fallen out of love with my husband, and I couldn't be in a one sided marriage any longer...so, I asked for divorce, and after a fight for my life for my kids (he put me through a year long custody battle), I came out victorious with custody of my two boys.

Then, I fell into the trap of feeling like I needed another man in my life...and through mutual friends, met husband number two. Husband number two turned out to be a wolf in sheep clothing...went from working a high paying job, to jobless, with a drug addiction and a penchant for taking out all of his frustrations on me..with his fists...and on my boys...I ended up pregnant with my third child and saw no way out...He didn't work for two years, I was the soul provider, did all the household chores, raising the children, everything...all the while daily taking his verbal, mental and physical abuse...eventually, after 5 years of enduring his abuse, which led to his subsequent arrest...I finally saw the light and got out! Thank God I did....that divorce was brutal too...I lost my house, lost my car and just about took my life....Thank God for my children, as they were what kept me going.

While going through that divorce, I met the love of my life..my knight in shining armour..my current husband...of 8 wonderful years....he literally saved me...he found me, I believe through Karma...and literally lifted me up, saved me from my despair and showed me what true love really is.

He too made a lot of bad choices in his life...settling for a woman older than him, not happy...we both believe that we had to go through all the hardships we went through in order for the stars to align and lead us to one another....

I have never been happier...sure, we have our fair share of arguments as any couple will...but at the end of the day, we always settle and work things out. I love him more than any mere words can say. The only unhappiness we ever have in our lives are financial...

Due to divorce, on both of our sides...we have spent many years trying to financially get on our feet. I get no child support from ex number 2, but my husband takes care of his step-son, and our son together...treating them both equally and with love. He is a hard worker and a good provider...we do without a lot..heck, I have no stove and haven't had one for almost this entire year....but, we make it work...slowly paying our bills down, so that we can get a stove, but pay cash for it. We do not use credit....it has killed us in the past...so, we struggle...

A few weeks ago, I got a phone call from Ex-husband number 1, just retired from a high paying job with the government...unbeknownst to me...as his wife of 8 years, thanks to a crafty divorce attorney, I was entitled to a percentage of his retirement....he called me to let me know this. We are on good terms, friends and have a good "divorced" relationship...He said I should be expecting to get a check for quite a large sum of money...he wasn't very happy about it...and you know what, I didn't hesitate at all, not once to tell him, that money is not mine...that it wasn't right and would not be right for me to take it. He was very grateful. I felt our friendship, the relationship we have with each other and our kids was way to valuable to tarnish over money...so, we went to an attorney, and had it changed. 2 checks were already on their way to me. So, I agreed to sign them over and give them back to him.
All the while knowing how much that money would help my immediate family. Wednesday, I got the first huge check. Holding it in my hand, I couldn't help but think...man, this is a new stove, plenty of food to fill my cupboards, clothes for my kids, Christmas, etc...so, I put it in the bank, then turned around and wrote a check to the husband for the exact amount, of which I will give him tomorrow when I pick up our son...

Now, back to the Karma thing....as I said, we could have used that money so much...and by law, I was entitled to it...but, because I did the right thing, what my heart told me I should do...Karma paid me back.

Our local radio station has been hosting a contest...called "Show me the money"...anytime you hear that phrase, you call in, be caller number 9, you have your name entered for a chance to win $500...I have been trying for weeks..and last night, on my way home from the gym, I started calling...after 4 busy signals, I just about gave up, but thought...nope, one more time...I am calling once more..and I be darned, if I wasn't caller number 9...as the D.J. was congratulating me, telling me my name had been entered for the drawing to be held on Friday morning(this morning) and I had won a gift certificate just for being the correct caller, for a massage, then he told me to hold on, so he could get my information...as I was holding, my cell phone went dead...I was freaking out...I was a mile from home, so I zoomed home, ran in the house, grabbed the phone and called the station back. The D.J. laughed, when I told him my cell phone had died, assured me it was good, took my info, told me to be listening Friday morning for the name of the winner in the drawing.

Hubby joked with me when I told him, told me there was no chance I would win...I told him he was wrong...I just had this feeling. This morning, I brought a radio to work, had it right by my desk..at 8 45 a.m...the D.J started the drawing, and lo and behold, he called my name! I sat there for a second in shocked silence...then realized I had only seconds to call back...I was shaking....I couldn't believe that I had just won $500...it took forever for the D.J. to answer the phone...but, he confimed my idenity and the $500 is mine. $500 is no where near the amount of the check I gave back to the ex..but, beggars can't be choosers..that was the amount that I was intended to have...and I am oh so grateful. It will really help with our bills and maybe an extra little treat for the two little ones..

So, see..back to karma...what goes around comes around...do the right thing and eventually, you will reap your just rewards...weather they be a monetary financial windfall or finally meeting that soul mate that you are entitled to...

Have a good weekend everyone!

Tap...Tap...Tap...Is this thing on????

2010-10-14T13:32:00.006-04:00

Hello (echo, echo, echo), Hello (echo, echo, echo)...lol.

Excuse me while I knock some of these cob webs down....

Wow...another week gone by? At this rate, I am going to wake up and find out I am 95 years old or something...geez....

I am so busy, time seems to be getting away from me....I am still reading all of my favorite blogs, just not a lot to write about regarding my life...all of you other bloggers out there put me to shame...so interesting, so insightful...love you all!!

For those few of you that are still in the audience...I will fill you in on my past week or so.

Monday-Friday-work from 8 till 5......busy time of the year, so that is a good thing...the days go by pretty fast.

Evenings after work-hi, ho...hi, ho...it's off to the gym I go....My weight lifting has been down, but my running has went up...I am averaging a little over 20 miles a week....should close in to that 700 plus miles for the year...no doubt in my mind. That feeling of accomplishment is awesome.

Last weekend, the kiddos were gone and the hubby and I had a friend visit...he drove in from out of town, so we hung out and went to a red neck bar on Friday night, which was awesome....always fun to people watch at those type of establishments....especially the drunker people get...lol..plus, live band and they weren't too bad..but, for the life of me...don't really remember there name...oh, well.
Saturday, we picked our friend up for lunch and afterwards we went back to his hotel to swim, sit out on the patio and drink some wine...(for me), beer for the men...well, for our friend..as hubby doesn't really drink...we weren't supposed to have drinks or food out near the pool, but no one else was around, so our buddy snuck some stuff down from his room..the temps outside were awesome, so we lounged around for awhile, drinking and telling funny "life" stories....then we left to go home for awhile, as we had more plans for later that evening. We rested for awhile, then dressed and drove back into town to pick up our friend and then headed to Indianapolis to go to a club there. The club we went to is a mixed crowd of people..from straight to gay, and I must say it is the most fun club around...very techno, cooly decorated and the dance floor was hopping...we had such an awesome time...sad to see the night end...but, at around 3 a.m. Sunday morning, I was finally home and in bed...even though I was dead tired the next day, I still managed to get a 4 mile run in..probably the last hot day we are going to have for the year.
Then I spent my afternoon, having a nice leisurely lunch with hubby at Applebee's and then came home and spent 4 hours cleaning house, while the hubby did the 2 hour turn around drive to pick up the kiddos.

Now, here we are..almost at the end of this week....tomorrow is Friday and I have no major plans for this weekend. I was sick Monday evening and called of work on Tuesday, so I didn't work out either day...ran 4.6 miles last night and I plan on some gym time tonight...another 4 miler...and some leg and ab work. Got to get some strength training in on my legs..because...I have signed up for a 10k run on October 30th....I am super excited, but very scared....I have been having a lot of trouble on my runs lately....feeling tired/sluggish, ankles weak, shins hurt, knees hurt, hips hurt, butt hurts...not sure what is going on...but running 5 miles or more is becoming extremely hard..maybe it's because I'm 40 now, you think? Anyway...I have to get my butt in gear...I would love to work on my speed over the next couple of weeks, try to finish this 10k in around 1 hr 5 minutes...at worst...1 hr 15 minutes...(that would be with some walking)....and I don't want to walk..at all...although, there is nothing wrong with that if you need to.

I have to pick up the 16 year old this weekend...not sure if any of you remember from previous posts, but a little over a month ago, he got a concussion while playing football (he plays center and defensive tackle), so it was pretty serious..he is recovering ok, but no football for the rest of the season..even though he isn't playing, he still has to go to practice and to the games..so, looks like I may not be picking him up until Saturday morning, which throws off my entire weekend...I would rather get him tomorrow night, freeing up my Saturday to not have to do the 2 hour drive....but, that is probably what I will have to do.
I also want to get in a 6 mile run Saturday and a weights sesh as the gym...the little kids want to go to Exploration Acres (see link):

http://www.explorationacres.com/

They have corn mazes, hay rides, pumpkin picking, a corn shooting cannon, all kinds of good fall fun, so we may do that Saturday evening...if we do, I will be sure to take pictures...

Have a great rest of the week everyone and a terrific weekend! Go out and celebrate fall...it is finally here!

Busy and Bored...Lost my mojo?

2010-10-07T14:55:00.004-04:00

Sorry for no posts in the past week. I have been extremely busy here at work..and I am bored with blogging...it has kind of taken a back seat for me...I just don't have it in me most days to come up with a post worthy of putting out there...I don't have many readers any way..so, what difference does it make, at least that is how I feel. I have no worthy occurrences going on in my day to day life that warrant putting a post up...

Without a doubt....I have lost my mojo...anybody care to help me find out? Seriously...I remember when I started this blog...I wouldn't let a day go by without a post...but, I found fitness...I started living healthier and by the time I work all day, which has been extremely busy, and then work out in the evening, get home and take care of my family and household responsibilities...well, I am kapoot...no computer time for me. That is the last thing I want or have time to do.

I know bloggers go through spurts...we all do it, I have read it on other blogs as well...so, I hope my mojo will return...in the meantime...check out all the wonderful bloggers on my blogroll...maybe they will not be as disappointing as me.

Catch ya later!

Temptation...The root of all evil...

2010-09-29T14:46:00.002-04:00

Ahh....temptations...they are all around us....and for those of us that try to exercise, eat healthy and be fit...working in an office...that constantly brings in cookies, donuts, candy etc..it is tough...Even more so on days like today. Today, we are having a collect-a-thon...for Accounts Receivable...so, to motivate everyone..the Managers decided to have a cook-out..hamburgers, grilled chicken, BBQ...chips, cookies, brownies, etc...you name it..it is in the back room and the smell is wafting in my office, especially the BBQ and it is driving me nuts!

I for one..did not know about the cookout, so I went to Panera bread for lunch...cup of veggie soup and half a tuna sandwich..healthy right? Yep, you betcha'...410 calories total. Very proud of myself...then, I walk in the office...needless to say, I would not have ate anything but the grilled chicken, but to have been told before lunch would have been nice. Oh, well....

I have mentioned before, I maintain a healthy weight, and have so for the past 2 plus years..some days, it fluctuates...(like this weekend, a 5 lb gain on Monday morning-of which I freaked the hell out and am proud to report after 2 days of healthy eating...and working out...those 5 lbs are "poof" gone)...so, to stay on track...I am avoiding the back room like a plaque of locusts are back there...well, in lieu of the number of times I have seen repeats trips by various co workers to the back room, there probably is a plaque of locusts..lol...but, man..temptation..so very hard to resist.

How many of you are faced with temptations regarding your food choices? How do you deal with it? Do you bite the bullet or do you cave..give in? Just one little bite? Well, as for me...I am standing firm..sitting here...drinking my water...avoiding the back room, avoiding temptation...Score one for me! Yay!

Taking a break....

2010-09-29T10:22:00.002-04:00

Sorry for the no posts in almost a week...just been taking a little break...been kind of overwhelmed lately at work...worried about kids..arguments with the in-laws over youngest child, family and household responsibilities and still trying to keep up with the fitness and the running. I so need a vacation...from life.

Reading all of my favorite blogs when I can, but so...so behind. Bare with me...Dixie will be back true to form soon.

Oh...are any of you watching Dancing With The Stars this season? I have...and I must say Jennifer Grey is my pick to win..at least for now. I am thinking about restarting up with my Dancing With the Stars posts...my older readers, if they are still around may remember when I did that...is that something any of you would be interested in?

Have a great week! Friday is almost here!

Happy Birthday Son! I love You!!!!!

2010-09-23T09:26:00.004-04:00

Yesterday was my 3rd son's Birthday! We had a party for him last Saturday....He had friends over, his family, his brothers and had a terrific time. We had a cook-out, then a bon fire afterwards and we were all up very late! But, he had a terrific time. He got a new bike, clothes, an XBox game and some large lego sets..he was estatic with his gifts!

(Wow..what a terrible picture. I was so exhausted from my weekend at the Hospital with the 16 year old, I unfortunately did not get a lot of good pictures.)

Anyway, Aaron turned 11 years old yesterday. Time has really flown by. I look at this child in wonder and amazement. We were so close when he was smaller and we still are to a point. Just those "pre-teen" attitudes are starting to creep in and we don't always see eye-to-eye...but he is a terrific kid! A lot like me in so many ways...and man, can this child draw! He is quite the little artist! I can see him taking this talent and going very far with it in his adult life...although he says he wants to be in the military...who knows what he will end up doing with his life. Every day with him is a joy and I love him so very much.

Happy 11th Birthday Aaron! You rock! I am so very proud of you! You give me more joy than you will ever know! I thank God for you every day!

All Stressed Out....

2010-09-21T09:54:00.002-04:00

And yes....I feel as if the rope is about to break from fraying. My weekend didn't quite turn out the way I left off with my last post...Friday I left work early, went and completed my shopping for Aaron's birthday party that I had planned for Saturday afternoon and then went to the gym. Then came home, spent some time with the hubby....and then went with the family back to town for dinner. Afterwards, I was at home cleaning when I got the call...

The call every Mother dreads...My son had been hurt...hit in the head and knocked out, while playing football. Justin, the 16 year old was in Indianapolis, playing a rival school when during opening kick off of the game, he was hit from behind by a huge player and hit his head, knocked him out! My son's Dad, who he lives with, was out of town and my 20 year old was left in charge. I guess when Justin got hit, the coach called his Dad, who was in N.C. and so his Dad called Tim, thinking the accident happened in Terre Haute, told him to get to the hospital. Well, Justin wasn't in Terre Haute, he was in Indy...so Tim called me. At that point, he had no idea what hospital they were taking him to, how bad he was hurt, nothing! I was scared out of my mind. I immediately started calling all the hospitals in Indianapolis...no one had any record of him. My cell phone died, the house phone battery had went dead..so I was franctically looking for another phone...finally, got that problem taken care of and started calling Justin's cell phone. Finally the coach answered his phone and said they were en route to Methodist Hospital. Hubby was supposed to work over time Friday night, so he had to call off work, as we only have one car and I had to get to the hospital. I was totally freaking out, trying to gather up the kids, hubby, etc and get on the road, as the hospital is an hour away.
Once I arrived at the hospital, I ran inside to a full E.R. waiting area and I was furious that I had to "stand in line" to get any information. I wanted to see my son! Finally, a woman coming back from break, seen my distress and immediately took me back to find my son. Once Justin seen me he broke down crying, saying he didn't remember anything. I hugged him and reassured him he was going to be fine. They did a CAT scan, which came back fine..thank goodness. He ended up with a pretty serious concussion though. We were at the hospital until 2 a.m Saturday morning. They decided to keep him over night for observation. I couldn't stay with him, as I had to drive hubby and the two little guys back home. We were all exhausted and hubby, having not slept in two days, was in no condition to drive. Once home, I showered and slept for three hours, called the hospital to check on Justin (he was sleeping but ok) and dressed and drove back to the hospital. Finally at 2 in the afternoon, the truama doctor came down to see Justin. He was discharging him, but told him no football for at least 3 weeks. Justin is pretty upset about that. I don't want him to play anymore this season. What if he got hit in the head again? I could not bare for him to have another head injury, especially after this one, the next one could be worse. The truama doctor recommended he see his family doctor this week, then next week, follow with the sports truama center in Indianapolis. He very well may be out for the rest of the season.
After leaving the hospital, I got home around 3, got Justin settled, and then had to rush to the store to finish buying everything for the cookout for Aaron's party.
The party went well, but by the end of it, I was an exhausted mess. I didn't get in bed until 1 a.m on Sunday and was up early again Sunday morning. No rest for the weary.
I was pretty tired yesterday (still am today), but still managed to get a mini run in last night..when I say mini, well...My 7 year old wanted to "run" with Mama...and guess what, he did, we did a 2.3 mile loop (run/walk) and he kept up really well...after the first loop, we came home for some water and he said he wanted to do it again. I was like, "for real-are you sure" he said yes, he said he loved it and wanted to go again. So, we did...my 7 year old and I ended up running (with a few walk breaks) for a total of 4.6 miles. I have never been more proud of that little guy! And let me tell you, he was so proud of himself, he was gushing! He is ready to go again tonight, but I told him tonight is a gym night for me, so we have a standing running date tomorrow evening. I think he has caught the bug! We will see how long it last. Who knows, maybe this will be his "niche", his "thing"....

Have a good week!

Success!

2010-09-16T14:47:00.002-04:00

I did it! Sore legs are not, I ran a total of 5 miles last night. I am very proud of myself for not tucking tail and going to the gym and getting it done. I am still sore today and I slept like crap last night, but overall..I feel pretty good. Physically. Mentally, just a little burned out. Too much going on and not enough time or money to take care of the business at hand...which causes undue stress...hence, probably another reason sleep has been evading me.
Maybe a short run of 3 miles or so, outside this evening is just what the doctor ordered. We shall see....at least Friday is almost here...that's something.

Ow! Ow! Owie!

2010-09-15T15:15:00.002-04:00

Hello, my lovelies....as I said I would Monday, I went to the gym Monday night and tore it up! I ran a nice little 4 mile run..then worked through 5 ab exercises:

Sit ups on stability ball-15 x 3
Planks-2 x 45 seconds
Stability ball leg to arm transfer over head(not sure of proper term) 15 x 3
Ab machine 15 x 3 at 50 lbs
Oblique side to side 25 lb weight 3 x 12 each side

Then I proceeded to work the heck out of my legs. You name it, I did it...

Dead Lifts 40 lbs 3 x 12
Plie' Squats 20 lbs 3 x 12
Step ups 20 lbs 3 x 12
Lunges 10 lbs each hand 3 x 12 each leg
Calf raises 50 lbs 3 x 12
Hip Adductor machine 90 lbs-3 x 12
Hip Abductor machine 60 lbs-3 x 12
Leg extension 45 lbs 3 x 12
Leg Curls 40 lbs 3 x 12
Leg Press 90 lbs 3 x 12

I was wiped..totally when I left the gym...but, felt really good overall.
Yesterday (Tuesday), I took the night off from the gym to cook for the family. After dinner, the boys and I, along with several of their friends went for an hour bike ride, leisurely pace, but it was exercise none the the less ( I estimate I probably burned off around 200 calories)...I felt great during the ride. It was fun! The boys loved having me along and it gave me the chance to chat and get to know their little friends better.

But, today??? I am paying for it....I am so sore in my legs I can hardly walk. Sitting in this office chair all day long, I am fine..the minute I stand up to move around..it is an "Holy Crap" moment...seriously, I went to the restroom and had to use the handicap bar next to the toilet to pull myself up! LOL....Is this what exercise and 40 is going to feel like? If so, I am up shit creek! LOL...

I am going to the gym again tonight..but I am not sure if I am going to be able to run...I hate the eliptical..but, that may be my choice for cardio tonight. I will take it mile by mile...if I can't do it, so be it. I will do an upper body workout and call it a night.

My upcoming weekend is shaping up to be a very busy one. I am so busy, that I had to ask for a 1/2 day on Friday to get everything done. My 3rd son is turning 11 next week on Thursday, so we are having his birthday "celebration" this Saturday in the form of a cook out for friends and family. So, I have to shop, clean and prepare. I am pretty anal about things being perfect, so I hope I can get it all done.

Back to tonight...here's hoping I get a minimum of a 4 mile run in.

Thursday-No gym, but hope to do a neighboorhood run. My son's 12 year old friend want's to run 2 miles with me....says he can do, so we shall see.
Friday, after 12 p.m., when I leave work, I hope to get some gym time in the afternoon and another run in Saturday morning.

I feel like a slacker if I run less than 18 miles in a week.

Happy Hump Day everyone!

Right back in the saddle!

2010-09-13T14:22:00.003-04:00

Waaahhhhh! It is no secret around here how much I abhor Mondays....
Worst day of the week in my opinion...I live for the weekends and once here, I blink and it's Monday again.
What makes it even worse for me, is putting up with Burn's in the office all day...but, I am not going to whine about that today. I am not going to whine at all believe it or not.
How was your weekend? Mine in a nutshell was pretty darn good. Friday night, hubby and I went out for dinner and came home. He had to work Friday night, so I spent it by myself, with a bottle of Malbec and the Time Traveler's wife..which I never finished watching. One of my best buddies called me and I ended up chatting with them for quiet some time, until my phone battery died! I am famous for that, let me tell ya!
Saturday morning, I was very lazy. I honestly could not get myself up and going for anything. I managed to get some coffee in me and an egg sandwich along with some fresh fruit and headed out the door for a run. I only managed 4 miles, but that put me at 19.5 for the week (6.5 miler on Thursday)....so, I felt pretty good about that. Not feeling so good about my lack of strength training though. Since getting sick back in June, I have sort of lost my mojo there and only half ass it when I am at the gym. I am going to try very hard to get back into a routine with that this week, starting tonight. I think I am going to back off the cardio and fit in more weight lifting; don't get me wrong, still going to run, can't give that up, but maybe not as much during the week.
Anway, after my run, I came home and showered and went to get my nails done, along with a pedicure. Picked up some sandwiches for the hubby and I, came home and relaxed for awhile while the hubby gave me a foot soak ( I only got a mini pedi-cheaper) and then we got dressed and headed to Indy for a night out. We met some new friends and overall had a great time! Didn't get home until almost 4 a.m. Sunday morning. I was dead Sunday, let me tell ya! Hubby's Grandmother was having her 96th birthday party and we were under direct orders from the Mother in law not to miss it..so, at 2 pm, we headed out to go to that. Afterwards, we went to Pepe's for an early dinner and then home to drop off Hubby and Max...the boys got new bikes on Friday so Max was anxious to ride..I promised them a bike ride after I got back from my 2 hour round trip to meet the ex to pick up the 10 year old. Arriving home at 7 pm, I changed, gathered the boys up, plus a friend and we went on a 30 minute bike ride. Nothing strenuous...there were a few hills involved, but I can count that as a work out right? I ended my evening with a shower, a glass of wine and the VMA's....interesting to say the least. Did any of you watch? I love Eminem and Rhianna's new song the Way you Lie....Glad to see he won best Male Video..of course, Lady GaGA reigned supreme...was not surprised in the least by that or eccentric style of dress...even a dress made entirely of meat! That woman may have some awesome songs, but not so sure if her head is "screwed" on correctly.
Have a great week everyone!

Wow...What a long Wednesday....

2010-09-08T16:36:00.002-04:00

Work day is over in 20 minutes...and I am headed to the gym. For the first time in over a week. Don't get me wrong, I have been getting my cardio in with outside runs...but my strength training as kind of fell by the way side. And...unfortunately, it shows...so, I am headed to the gym for a 6 mile run and to whittle my middle....

Wish me luck! It is going to kick my ass!

Back to work...and It's My Birthday!!!!

2010-09-07T11:09:00.004-04:00

Wow, hard to believe that today, I turned the big 40.....I don't really feel any different...Iam not happy, I am not sad..just kind of "meh"....oh, well...it is what it is...can't turn back the hands of time...

I just got back from a wonderful 5 days off....not happy about having to return to work on my birthday..but, I came into a nice surprise this morning..one of the girls here at work remembered my birthday and decorated up my desk for me....she even bought me a gift....totally was unexpected. But very nice...Check out my desk today...

Very pink and very festive.

Anyway, my days off were fantastic....I truly enjoyed them and I can't wait to I can take time off again. It was nice to not have to worry about schedules, do things at my own pace, work out in the early morning and take naps in the afternoon. Lovely.

Now, back to the grindstone. No big celebrations..the family is taking me out for dinner tonight, but that is about it. Adult birthdays are pretty low key in my family. Just another day basically. Anyway, here's to a speedy work week.

Happy Wednesday!

2010-09-01T13:48:00.009-04:00

Well..it's way over the hump for me...as of 5 o'clock today, I have the next 5 glorious days off! I am super pumped about it. I have needed a mini vacay for quite sometime.

Sorry for the lack of posting over the past few days. I just haven't been feeling it. Hubby and I had a great weekend last weekend....and are planning another great one this weekend.

Highlights of the past five days:
Friday (last) got off of work and went had a lovely pedicure..but, not too happy with the color so that may need to be changed tomorrow. Anyway, after getting home...hubby and I ended up in a little spat, so I threw on some running clothes and out the door I went...just for a short 3 miler, but it made me feel 100% better. Hubby and I worked through our little disagreement, basically agreed to disagree and decided to go for a late dinner. We ended up at Our Time restaurant.
http://www.lafayettehotelindiana.com/hour-time-restaurant-lafayette-indiana/
Love this place! We ate upstairs in the atrium area and I had a lovely glass of Pinot Noir, along with the lamp chops, steamed asparagus and baby red potatoes..oh, and a salad. IT was to die for!
Afterwards, we went to a sports bar here in town, but there were so many people, so crowded and smoky, we left after 5 minutes. Went to Walmart (what date night doesn't end at a walmart? ) and headed home. Once home, I had a couple more glasses of wine and we went to bed.

Saturday morning, I was awakened by my ex-husbands wife to tell me that my son Justin (16 year old) was in the newspaper. He plays High School football, and the night before, his team The Terre Haute North Patriots played their rival team, the Terre Haute South...and they were losing by the end of the last quarter, tied it, went into overtime and ended up winning the game by one point. Anyway, from what I was told, in the locker room, the team had a short meeting and my son stood up and gave a motivational speech to his team-mates...that left tears in some of the football teams eyes, and so motivated them, they got out there and kicked butt, brought it back and won the game. From what his Dad said (boo hoo, I didn't get to be there), it was Justin's true "Rudy" moment....(If you have never seen the movie Rudy-seriously check it out)...or another "Friday Night" lights type of game. Anyway, there is a rivalry bell that hangs in the balance of this game being won. Whoever wins the North South game, gets control of the bell for the school year....and the team player gets to ring the bell upon possession. Guess who got to ring the bell! My baby...Here is the photo! Can't you just see all the emotions going across his face?!

Justin is number 62, the one with his fist in the air! I swear, he eats breathes and sleeps football. I have never known a more dedicated and hardworking young man then him! I am so proud of him.
After getting over not being able to be there for this momentous game...I had some breakfast, relaxing on the porch with a magazine and some coffee for awhile, then I got dressed and hubby and I headed out for a late lunch. We went back to our favorite wine and cheese shop here in Lafayette. Had an awesome lunch and shared a bottle of wine with our favorite waitress there....she was off the clock and she is a riot. After lunch, we meandered downtown and ended up stopping by Lafayette Brewery and had another cocktail....I was feeling the buzz by then, so I only had one glass of wine....it was nice to get out sans kids and have such a wonderful afternoon date. After our cocktail, we decided to go see a movie..Here is what we saw.

Out of 5 stars...I would give it a 3...I liked it but the ending threw me for a loop and made you stand up and go, "Are you kidding me? That is the end?"...sort of like the way Paranormal Activity ended...disappointing.
After the movie, we went to the bookstore for awhile, stopped by the grocery store and finally made it home around 8 p.m....and crashed on the couch while watching Meet The Fockers...love that movie. Dustin Hoffman and Robert Deniro crack me up. Can't wait until the new 3rd movie of that series comes out...it's called Little Fockers...if you have never seen Meet the Parents and Meet the Fockers, seriously you should check it out.
Sunday morning, I got up around 9 a.m, after having some peanut butter toast and coffee, set out for a 6 mile run...I left the house around 10:30 and didn't get home until 11:45...it was hot as hell out and it was a terrible run for me...hubby followed me to certain check points and brought me water. Without his help, I would have melted into the asphalt or the corn field, whichever was closest to me at the moment. It was to date, one of the most miserable distance runs I have ever ran. At about mile 3 1/2 I took a gu gel and it was a little help...my legs were killing me, but I didn't give up. My pace slowed down, but I ended up running at total of 6.4 miles. I was so glad to get it over with, but very glad I did it...made my weekly miles total to 26.4 for the week. Pretty impressive if I do say so myself. Alas, I didn't make it to the gym for any strength training..with our busy schedules on the weekends, so hard to do. After my run, I showered and dressed and hubby and I headed out for some brunch then afterwards to the lake (one hour away) to pick up the kids.
While there, Max (7 year old) was very excited that he had learned to water ski and would not let up until we all went out on the boat so he could show us. He was very excited and so was I, once I seen him do it! I couldn't believe my little 7 year old was water skiing.....too cute. I took a few pictures...I don't know if they show up very well..he is a tiny little thing.

He is not scared of anything! Love him to pieces!
After we were done with our boating/skiing expedition, we went back up the house and had dinner...while we waited on the ex to drop off Aaron. Then we headed home.

That was my weekend in a nut shell...now as far as this week goes, Well, I won't bore you with the pitiful details. Did not work out on Monday, ran 4.5 miles last night and did upper body training and abs...and tonight, I may go for a short 3 mile run, depends on the weather..storming here now. Tomorrow, I plan on a glorious 5 mile run outside in the morning, bright and early.

Not sure what this weekend entails. We once again have no kids, so we may go away for the weekend. It is my birthday weekend and I want to bring the big 4.0. in like I am turning 21...lol...

Have a great rest of the week everyone!

T.G.I.F!!!!

2010-08-27T13:12:00.002-04:00

I didn't think Friday would ever get here this week! I am counting the hours until 5 p.m..then I am off to get a pedicure, home, a short run outside and then to get ready to go out with the hubby. It's date night for us....I think we are going to a sports bar called The End Zone, then who knows where else.

I am tired...so, it might not be a really late night. I want to be up early for a 6 mile run in the morning.

I went to the gym last night, and failed miserably at getting my workout in. I just wasn't feeling it....after completing a sluggish 4 mile run, I said screw it and left. That is just not like me....but, I figure a 4 mile run is better than nothing. So, I absolutely have to make it to the gym for some upper body strength training this weekend. Come hell or high water.

Hope you all enjoy your weekend....I know I will!

TOP 10 SIGNS YOU ARE A RUNNING FANATIC!!!

2010-08-26T10:11:00.003-04:00

I just read this on fitsugar.com....thought I would share with my readers. If you have never read fitsugar, check it out. Offers a lot of great health and exercise tips.

1. For your birthday, you'd rather see a box from Nike than a box from Tiffany's.

2. You own more sports bras than regular bras.

3. When someone asks you out for a date, you assume it's to go running.

4. At least one of your toenails is black or missing.

5. When your heart is pounding, you're breathing heavy, and you're covered in sweat, you're not in the bedroom.

6. You'd rather kick up some dirt than kick back a beer.

7. Your typical conversations involve words like fartlek, negative split, and pronate.

8. You're overly familiar with the iliotibial band and just refer to it as the ITB.

9.You accessorize your outfit with a heart rate monitor watch, sweat band, and band-aids on your feet.

10. You wear sneakers at all times, just in case you can squeeze in some quick intervals.

As only 5 of these apply to me, I guess I am "half of a fanatic"....

How many apply to you?

Lunch Time Fun....um, maybe not.....

2010-08-25T15:08:00.003-04:00

I get an hour for lunch. I spent it doing this:

But, for my legs...actually, the entire hour was spent 15 minutes there/change, leg exercises, 15 minutes change and back to work.

I did:

3 sets of squats 40 lbs, 3 x 12
3 sets of deadlifts 30 lbs, 3 x 12
3 sets of plie' squats, 25 lbs, 3 x 12
Calf exercises, 50 lbs, 3 x 12
glute exercises, 30 lbs each leg, 3 x 12
Hip Adductor 95 lbs, 3 x 12
Hip Abductor 55 lbs, 3 x 12
Leg Extension 40 lbs, 3 x 12
Leg Curls 40 lbs, 3 x 12
Leg Press 115 lbs, 3 x 12

Wow, did I work up a sweat. I should have done them last night, but I ended up running 7 miles and doing abs, so I didn't have a choice but to rush and get it done on my lunch break.
I was late clocking back in, but only by 2 minutes. So far this week, I have ran 12 miles, worked my abs and my legs, tonight I am taking off to spend with the family.

I plan on a 4 mile run and upper body/abs tomorrow night.

Friday a short 3 mile run.

Saturday a 6 mile run. Then later in the afternoon to the gym to do legs, arms, abs again.

Sunday, a day of rest.

That is the plan, we will see how it pans out. My weekends usually get screwed up.

As it is, I am watching the clock....I have had just about enough of this place today.

Expanding on "I Digress"

2010-08-25T08:18:00.002-04:00

Ok, didn't mean to offend anyone with my dislike of the phrase, "I digress"..lol...what I don't like about? Well...just the overuse of it. Running it into the ground on a blog post...every other sentence or paragraph. Too much of a good thing, know what I mean....

Now, back to your regularly scheduled program.

Hey, Hey...It's Humpday!

The weekend is just around the corner! But...I digress...lol.

The phrase that makes me crazier than...

2010-08-24T15:07:00.003-04:00

When bloggers use the phrase, "But, I digress....".....I freaking hate that! It sounds totally lame-o to me...and you will never find it here on this blog!

Tiresome Tuesday....

2010-08-24T13:45:00.002-04:00

Seriously, Mondays are pretty tough, but so are Tuesdays...once you get to Wednesday, it is kind of downhill from there. I don't know why it is, but I am really tired today. We had computer issues here at work this morning, so we were unable to use our computers..therefore, the morning drug by at a snails pace.

Then, of course, lunchtime flew by. The boys started back to school last week, I bought all of the things they needed, except for an extra pair of gym shoes for them to leave at school. So, the Mother in law gave me a coupon for $10 off anything $10 and above, so at lunch today, I ventured over to the mall on the lookout for some gym shoes for Aaron the 10 year old...and luckily, I scored a $40 pair of LA Gear sneakers for $10...they were on sale for $19.99 and with the coupon, they were only $9.99...can't pass that kind of deal up!
If they are still on sell this weekend, I will go back and get Max a pair. For right now, he has a good used pair he can take to school and leave for gym for a while.
Then I hit up Subway for a sandwich for lunch..a roast beef on wheat...yum! I finished it off with a serving of watermelon I brought from home.

Now, sitting here with a full tummy and a long boring afternoon strecthing out in front of me....I feel blah...but, nothing a good workout after work won't cure I am sure. Last night, I was going to go to the gym, but Hubby called me and told me Max had hurt his eye...that he had been wrestling with some other kid, and his eye, the white part, looked scratched and it was all bloody looking. I was very worried that I was going to have to take him to the E.R...but, once I got home, it was not as bad as we thought it was. It looks like a little red scratch...Max said it didn't hurt, he coudl see fine, so I am going to keep my eye on it...and if it gets worse, doesn't appear to be getting better, then I will take him to the doctor.
After determining he wasn't in dire danger...I strapped on my running shoes and went outside for a lovely 5 mile run...

Tonight, I plan on a minimum of 4 miles, ab workout and some strength training for my legs, since I didn't get any in last week (for my legs)...

Here's to Friday!

I was on T.V...

2010-08-23T13:03:00.002-04:00

Local news caught me on camera regarding the race on Saturday.
http://www.wlfi.com/dpp/news/local/ivy-tech-5k-benefits-haitian-student

Check it out! You can see the kid running neck and neck with me at one point, then he pulls ahead! LOl'Z.....

Race Recap and Photos:

2010-08-23T09:14:00.011-04:00

Ok, so Saturday Morning my alarm went off around 6 a.m., having only went to bed at midnight the night before, I was beyond exhausted. I honestly laid there for 10 minutes, trying to talk myself out of getting up and running the race. I just wasn't feeling it. But, the longer I laid there...I knew that if I didn't do it, I was going to regret it. There was not one feasible, legitimate reason as to why I should not. So, I drug my butt out of bed and started getting ready.
My pre-race breakfast:

Hubby and Max went with me...I had not pre-registered, so we had to make sure we were there before 8:30 a.m....I was worried that we would be late and not make it on time, so we were there by 7:45 a.m...No one was there. I was really concerned at first. Finally we seen a couple of guys wondering around, and I stopped and asked them if the race was still going on, they said yes...was still rather early.
Eventually, a few stragglers started wondering in...I registered, got my t-shirt and bib number and proceeded to let hubby and Max take a few photos.

Like an idiot, I had hubby pin my number to my back..I was the only one that did that! After the race, I realized how stupid that was, when I noticed everyone else pinned it to their shirts or shorts. Hey, it was my first race....live and learn.

I was a little nervous and after the above picture, I proceeded to do some stretching....drank a Gatorade for pre-fuel...I had no idea what the race route was going to be, so I was surprised when they had us start out on the grassy area in front of the school.

The race started at 9 a.m....and I was right out there in front...there wasn't a big turn out for the race, maybe about 45-50 people. There were no timing chips. I wasn't sure how they were going to keep track of everyone. I was still unsure of the route
When the race was about to begin, some guy on a gator got out in front of us, the race organizers told us to follow the guy on the gator, he would lead the way.

All I can say is, OH MY GOD.....the first mile was on uneven wet grass, around the campus, around a retention pond, on a sideways hill....it was to say the least very difficult...but, I ran my first mile the fastest I have ever ran...8 minutes and 9 seconds. When the guy standing at the first mile marker yelled out my time, I was like Holy S--T!!!! I couldn't believe I had ran an 8 minute mile. After the first mile through the wet uneven grassy area, we were briefly led back onto the pavement about .10 of a mile, with a sharp left back onto a dirt road, by the school farm..it was very much overgrown, wet and muddy. I was slipping and sliding all over the place. There was a young boy running the race with his mother, and he stayed in front of me about 10 yards for the entire race. I couldn't believe I had a kid beating me. I blame it on my lack of sleep the night before..lol. I passed him once, when we got to the two mile mark, and grabbed some water. Then he gained on me and passed me again. Little shit....I yelled at him, said, "Hey, young man...good job! You are showing this old lady up, and that's not allowed"..he smiled, picked up the pace and left me in his dust.
Finally, we were back onto the paved road again.

Max and hubby were there around every 1/2 mile or so, routing me on, taking pictures. In the above picture, Max ran out to point me in the right direction. He was so proud of me, so excited.

1/2 mile to go...the end is in sight!

The finish line is just ahead...I had not stopped once and I was so glad to see hubby and Max yelling over here!! Over here! You got it!
I ran through the finish line with an overall time of 27 minutes and 55 seconds. It would have been less than that, but as I came close to the finish, I was still behind the young boy and he turned left when he should have went straight, so we both had to turn around and get back on track..that probably cost me 10 seconds or so....
At the end, I grabbed a Gatorade and pretty much swallowed in one big gulp. I have never been so thirsty.

I am not sure exactly what place I came in..I think at the bottom of the top 1/3 of runners, according to hubby...he thinks I was 12 or 13....overall I was very proud of myself, I beat my personal time, and the time I wanted to run the race...

Oh, and last but not least....just to show how muddy it was....
My shoes after the race:

I had a great time and I am so glad I did it....I can't wait until I run another!

I Did It!!!!! With A New Personal Record....

2010-08-21T10:37:00.002-04:00

Just got home from running my first ever 5 K Run...in a word...unbelievable! I ran the 3.1 miles in 27 min and 55 seconds! Not sure what my splits were, but I do know the first mile I ran in 8 min 9 seconds.

I am very pleased with my time. Hubby and the little guy, Max were there to cheer me on, taking pictures around every other stretch...
The run was an out and back run...almost like cross country..very little of it was on a paved surface. I was covered in mud, it was wet, slippery..kind of like a trail run....not what I expected it to be at all.

It was fun though. I will post pictures as soon as I can find my camera cord or first thing Monday from work.

I truly now have the racing bug! I can't wait until the next one.

TGIF!!!

2010-08-20T11:40:00.002-04:00

That can't be further from the truth...no matter how crappy your job can be through out the week, on Friday, it is just better! Guess it's the countdown to 5 o'clock and the fact you have 2 entire days off...

No big plans for the weekend. Tonight the fam and I are going to the gym. I did 4.5 mile run last night, but hubbby needed me to run some errands and be home early, so I was unable to get any strength training in. So, tonight, while I work out, the hubby and the boys are going to swim. I may or may not join them after my workout. I don't plan on running, but may do 30 minutes or so on the eleptical...I figured if I am runnign my 5 k in the morning, I better let my legs rest tonight. My mileage for the week is going to be rather low, unless I can get a run in on Sunday as well. I sure hope so.

After my 5 k run tomorrow, I have to go meet the ex to pick up the 16 year old. Only to turn around and take him back home 24 hours later. So, I will be spending a lot of time in my car this weekend. That's ok...it is worth it to get to spend any time with my boy. We may or may not go catch a movie with all of them Saturday afternoon and hubby said something to me this morning about going out for dinner Saturday night. Just depends on finances. If not, grilling out, chilling with some wine and a DVD sounds just as good to me.

My work day, although it is Friday, is going to be a rather long one. As of this moment, I am totally caught up on all of my work for the day. Lunch time is almost here, so I think I am going to go spend it at Target. Jimmy Johns may or may not be on the agenda as well...I love their lettuce wraps....as far as the rest of the afternoon, I so wish I could ask the boss for a 1/2 day. Go to the gym, get my workout in, then maybe take the boys to Columbian Park for the evening and let them swim there for a couple hours. But..unfortunately, I am a chicken shit and I am afraid to ask. They get really crappy around here about that kind of stuff.

Oh, well...I will fake it till I make it...lol. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Get out, do something good for yourself!

2010-08-19T09:57:00.003-04:00

What I will be doing this Saturday Morning at 9 a.m.:

My first 5k Run! I am so excited.....

(From the website)
Join us for the first ever 5K @ Ivy Tech Community College Lafayette!
The Hands Helping Haiti 5K will take place Saturday August 21, 2010 and is open to runners and walkers of all ages. The course will begin and end on the Ivy Tech Community College Lafayette Campus. Walk will take place after the start of race and is free. All proceeds will be going towards the reconstruction effort in Coupon, Haiti.

I have been wanting to run a race all year, never had the funds. So, since I got this $80 bonus coming, I figured it is about time I do something for myself that matters to me. Plus, the money I pay to run the race will help the Earthquake victims in Haiti...I have wanted to do something for charity for quite sometime and this is perfect.

I am so excited! Guess that means no wine for me Friday night, as I want to be on top of my game in come in with a PR less around 28 minutes. Wouldn't that be awesome?

Wish Me Luck and I will make sure to have hubby snap some photos. If I can get him to come with me.

Show Me The Money....

2010-08-18T16:31:00.003-04:00

My workplace is running a contest to save customer accounts from cancellation....very seldom do I ever participate in these contests, because they generally revolve around the residential side of our business, and I deal with the Commercial side of our business. But, the Customer save contest is open to all employees.
This afternoon, I just so happened to answer the phone, as it was ringing off the hook, and it was a residential customer, wanting to cancel all of his accounts, all 8 of them..yes, 8..and out of those 8, one was a commerical account...I managed to talk him out of cancelling, gave him a free service call on each property, and cha..ching..documented it, and will get a a cool bonus for each account. $10 per account x 8 accounts= $80!!!!

I will believe it when I see it...in another words...Dear Boss Man...

SHOW ME THE MONEY!!!!

And, if the bonus does go through on my next paycheck...question will be, what will I spend this extra $80 on? Probably bills...or kids. Such is my luck.

Snails Pace....

2010-08-18T13:13:00.004-04:00

This is how I am riding through the week...at a snail's pace. It has truly been a week of hell...Mr. Burns has decided to take up permanent residence at his desk...which infringes on me and drives me up the wall! I find it hard to believe that it is only Wednesday. Or that it has been over a week since my last post. I find myself reading blogs, commenting here or there, but not posting.

Nothing new my way....same old, same old, day in and day out. Had a great weekend last weekend with the hubby. The highlight being our Saturday afternoon lunch date to the Lafayette Main street Wine and Cheese shop. OMG...so delicious. Here is the link: http://www.mainstreetcheese.com/

If you are from the Lafayette area and have never been..you must check it out. They sell a huge variety of wines, along with local made cheese, jellies, etc....It is owned by a Farmer in Delphi and he has done a phenomenal job with the place. They serve lunch type sandwiches and soup and on Sundays they have brunch menu with Mimosa's...MMMMmmmm....

I had an avocado b.l.t and hubby ordered a cuban sandwich...with that we shared a lovely bottle of Oliver Piniot Grigio..yum yum...after lunch we were a little tipsy, and meandered down mainstreet. We have never just strolled down Main Street and we proceeded to check out all the little shoppes, etc....stopping in one and buying some incense.

Pretty much, the remainder of our Saturday was spent resting. Sunday, on the road again to pick up kids; which pretty much took the entire afternoon and evening away.

The highlight of my entire week last week: Running 24 miles for the week! I worked out 5 days. That is a personal record for me. Hopefully I can keep up the momentum for this week.

But, now that the kids are back in school (started yesterday), it is really hard to make it to the gym that much. I feel guilty, like I am imposing too much on the hubby if I do. So, I am hoping the temps cool down and I can squeeze a few outside runs in through out the week. I used to be able to go and work out at lunch time, but the owner of the gym I go to, closed it down. He had 3 locations, with one of those very close by my work, of the three, he closed that one! Sucks so bad.

As it is, at this moment..I am counting down the hours until this work day is over. Which puts me closer to the weekend. Really don't have any big plans. We have kids all weekend, so probably housework, gym and some kid related activities.

I forsee one of these in my not so distant future!

All thanks to Mr. Burns...

Here's to Friday's speedy arrival.

Tuesday Doldrums....

2010-08-10T09:35:00.005-04:00

Waaaahhhhh....(sounds just like Snookie)...lol...Wow..it's only Tuesday. I have a feeling this is going to be a very long week. Last weekend flew by, as did Monday...but today, Tuesday...well, it's moving (barely) at a snails pace. I feel like I have been here forever already today.

I was extremely busy yesterday, for a Monday. So, I didn't have a chance to post about my weekend. Needless to say, as usual, my weekend was extremely busy and flew by in a flash.

Friday night, after work, I went to the gym and ran a quick 4 miles...afterwards, I went to the grocery...had to get some wine, stopped and grabbed myself a salad and picked up a pizza for the hubby and the boys. I always feel weird, after working out, being all sweaty, etc..in my work out clothes, and then go inside somewhere an order a pizza...lol. I jokingly asked the teenager behind the counter at the Pizza King, if the pizza they served was calorie free..then I had to make it a point to let him know the pizza wasn't for me, just my boys. Why do we do that? Feel the need to "explain" ourselves to a perfect stranger. Anyway, went home and relaxed for the evening.

Saturday morning, I was up and out the door for a run by 8 30 a.m. At first, the temperature was great..but, it warmed up quickly..in 45 minutes, I got a great 4.5 mile run in. Then I had to shower and dress, as the hubby, myself and the boys, had to drive to Terre Haute (2 hrs away) to meet my 20 year old, to take care of his paper work for his financial aid/student loans for his Sophomore year of college. The paperwork had to be done and turned in this Monday and of course, he pushed the envelope, waiting until the last moment. We got to Terre Haute around 1 pm..took care of the paperwork, then took all 4 of my boys, plus the oldest (Tim) girlfriend, out for lunch. Anytime we visit, the boys always want to go to Buffalo Wild Wings..not my favorite place to eat, but, hey..whatever makes them happy. I finally got to meet Tim's girlfriend....I was a little nervous, as they seem to be pretty serious(from conversations I have had with Tim) and I didn't want to embarrass my son, I wanted to make a good impression. I really liked this girl...out of the three girls I have met, since Tim started dating, she is by far the best...even Max the seven year old, had a crush on her...it was too cute, to watch him blush, when she teased or talked to him. He even told his brother, "Tim, Natalie is hot...you did good!"...lol..it was too funny. Natalie couldn't join us for long, as she had to be at work at 2 30...so, after lunch we parted ways with her. But, not before I got a shot of all of them outside the restaurant...

Tim has been talking about moving out of his Dad's place for some time and Saturday, he told me the apartment that he and six other of his friends were planning on getting had came through and that he would be moving out of his Dad's the next day and into this apartment/house. I was shocked...I knew it would happen eventually, that my baby would "fly the nest" so to speak..but, it was hard for me to fully wrap my head and my heart around it..the fact that Tim was old enough to be out on his own...my baby boy isn't a baby anymore..he is a man...boo hoo. I can't tell you how sad it made me..but, in the same sense..very proud of him. He wanted to show us his new place, so I eagerly agreed to follow him...we had to stop by and pick up the key from one of his friends, then drove over to the new place...

The house that he and his six other friends rented is an old, old 1890's era Victorian home, in a very old neighborhood in Terre Haute...the house, I am sure, was very beautiful in it's time and if someone had several hundred thousand dollars, it could be restored and be quite beautiful..as it is now, well....it needs a lot of work, but for seven college boys, it is perfect. Tim, I feel, has the best room in the entire house. He is very excited and I hope sharing a house with so many other guys works out well for him. I spoke with him yesterday and as of Sunday evening, he is officially on his own. Paying his own bills, his own rent and putting himself through school. I couldn't be more proud of him. After touring his huge new home, we said our goodbyes to both older boys and made the two hour drive back to Lafayette. We got home around 5 pm and by 6 I was out the door to run more errands..the video store and the grocery store.

Hubby ended up grilling out for dinner and we wrapped up our evening by watching the Wolf man, with Anthony Hopkins...it was a rather stupid, graphic/gross movie and I would not recommend it to anyone....

Sunday, well..the morning was kind of a lazy day...I made pancakes for everyone for breakfast, cleaned up, did some household chores..then showered and dressed and took Max, the little one with me into town, to pick up a school supply list and go look for him some new shoes for school. After returning movies to the video store, we stopped, yet again at the grocery and got stuff to grill out again and came home, prepared dinner, cleaned up and I was in bed by 10 p.m...

As I said Monday, here at work I was extremely busy, and 5 o'clock came fast. After work I went to the gym, ran 5 miles and proceeded to do my stretches...as I was strecthing out my left leg, I looked down and seen blood seeping out of the side of my shoe...I had literally ran until my feet bled...what the heck? I took of my shoe and my sock was covered in blood..apparently, I had a small blister on the inside of one of my toes from my Saturday run and had popped it open and it bled as I ran..

Seriously, I am not kidding...

I went to the locker room to survey the damage...

I had planned on doing legs and abs, but knew the legs were out of question...as I didn't want to leave a trail of blood throughout the gym, I had no bandaid, no extra shoes to change into, so I did my ab work and left the gym.

So, tonight, is another gym night...it feels so great to be feeling healthy again and able to give 100% with my gym routines again. I plan on at least a 4 mile run and my leg work I was unable to do last night.

Hope you all have a great Tuesday...3 more days and the weekend is here again! Whoo Hoo!

Calorie dense...but oh so tasty! Larabars...gotta have em'....

2010-08-05T16:14:00.004-04:00

I have posted about these before....I love lara bars...but, I just tried this new flavor, to fuel up before going to the gym this afternoon....this flavor is phenomenal...tropical fruit tart....yum, freaking yum....I am in love.

If you have not tried larabars, and would like a gluten free, low ingrediant snack...then you must try them! My favorite flavors are: Tropical fruit, peanut butter, cashew, key lime and coconut.....

I only eat 1/2 of one at a time, because an entire bar is around 200 calories, but it is much better for you than a candy bar, that is for sure.

No one paid me to say this, nor have I received anything free (although that I wouldn't mind..lol)...I just like them and wanted to share my thoughts.

Doctors visit....

2010-08-05T13:53:00.002-04:00

Ok..well, as I have posted over my last several post..I have not been doing very well. Not quite sure what was wrong with me...lot of different symptoms, etc...but, 2 weeks ago, I felt a lump underneath my right arm...of course, being a woman, the first thing you think..is oh, no...breast cancer..then you get on google, and start typing in your symptoms, and voila'..the next thing you know, you are freaking out and scared that death is imminent....I put it off, worried, put it off some more, and finally caved and went to the doctor. I have been scared out of my mind..scaring my husband, worrying, not sleeping...not eating...not working out very much..every disease, every illness, ran through my mind. I was sure I had one if not two different things wrong with me. My biggest fear, breast cancer.

Tuesday, after having not slept a wink the night before, hubby had finally had enough and demanded I make an appointment. The lump under my arm had went down...I knew it was a lymph node, with all my prior symptoms, I even thought I might have a disease as bad as cancer....but, the lump was smaller...still, I scheduled an appointment with my ob/gyn and he felt it...said it was less than 1 cm and it was definitely a lymph node....he ordered blood work, to test me from everything from mono to the worse..hiv....and thank be to God..everything was negative.
The doc thinks that it could have been caused by a mosquito bite a few weeks before, that made me ill and made my lymph nodes swell up. My blood count looked good, all tests were negative and today, the lump is almost gone.

I am thankful that I am ok...I feel better today. Back to normal, pretty much. I can't begin to tell you the cocoon of fear that I have allowed myself to be wrapped up in. All starting from googling symptoms. Don't do that people. Go to the doctor. Don't look stuff up online, because then, you pretty much convince yourself one symptom can be the cause of fatal life threatening diseases, and then all you do is actually make more symptoms manifest themselves and the worry makes you even sicker.

I get it honestly though...I am a Virgo....we are natural worriers.

And...a lot of the other symptoms I had...may be just related to Peri-menopause....I am almost 40 after all. Getting older sucks. I don't feel almost 40, in my head....that is. Anyway, I am grateful I am ok....and I hope to live at least another 40 years.

The relief I feel is indescribable. I am glad I had all those tests done. It feels like I have another chance...know what I mean?

Anyway, maybe now I will feel like blogging more. I am hitting the gym tonight...the Old Dixie is back!

TGIF!!!!

2010-07-30T09:27:00.002-04:00

Wow! I am so glad it's Friday..you don't even know. It has been a week of pure hell here at work. Come 5 o'clock...today, I am going to run out that damn door! Mr. Burns and I had a huge blow up Tuesday Morning and it has been downhill ever since. He totally threw me under the bus in front of our Branch Manager..yelled at me, berated me and made not only me look like a fool, but himself as well. He's such an idiot and I have learned, as two face as they come. He definitely is not a co-worker you can trust. I have tried so hard to get along with him...have patience, count to 10 when he pisses me off, but Tuesday, he was a total dick. Yeah, I said it...he is. At this point, we are not even speaking unless it is work related, and the highlight of my day is when his toupee'd ugly head heads out the door.

So, with being ill, dealing with some female health issues, crap here at work...I am more than ready to have a wonderful weekend with the hubby. Kids are gone again for the weekend (coming home Sunday night), so hubby has promised me a romantic date night tonight and tomorrow. I am so excited....we are going out for dinner/drinks tonight, maybe to see a movie....I heard Dinner for Smucks was really good, really funny...I need some laughs, so we may go see that...and tomorrow night, we are going to one of our favorite restaurants, on the Wabash River...McGraw's steakhouse....yum, yum....

Not sure what else we are going to do...I am sure there will be a little housework on my agenda (as usual) and at least one trip to the gym on Saturday. With being ill the past two weeks, I have really gotten behind on my running and strength training. I have done much better this week. So far I have ran 15.5 miles for the week, worked out my abs one night and last night, did full strength training on my legs. I am so sore today I can barely walk. Which means I taxed my muscles good. I was planning on another short run after work tonight, before we go out..but, I can barely walk. So, it is probably best I take easy. Tomorrow, I will run 4.5 miles, making it 20 miles for the week. Not too shabby.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend...

DixieChick....out.

Roller Coaster ride....

2010-07-27T09:20:00.003-04:00

For the past two weeks, I have felt like I have been on a roller coaster ride with my health...finally, I am starting to feel better. My energy levels have returned and I am on the mend...I managed to work out twice last week. So, I have started this week with a bang...I ran 7 miles last night. It twas glorious! The only thing that could have made it better, would have been if it was an outside run.

Tonight, I am back to the gym, for another run and some ab/leg work. I am shooting for four workouts this week. If I continue to feel better, then it is definitely doable.

During my "illness"..hubby has been so very supportive. He has taken such good care of me and been more than understanding. I couldn't ask for a more loving husband.
He is, as he has always been, my knight in shining armour. (smile)...

We have been kidless the past week and a half. I miss my babies....Max is with Grandma and Grandpa at the lake...spending his days swimming, skiing and golfing. Playing with his friends. Aaron (10 year old) is spending time with his dad and family in Terre Haute.
So, it has just been hubby and me...kind of nice..but, as I said I do miss my babies..

I would be 100% if my health completely returns (still dealing with one little issue) and if I could find another job. Mr. "Burns"...is still an asshole and makes my work environment pure hell each and every day...Where can I purchase a voodoo doll? Do they really work? If so, do you have to have a piece of thier hair? Because if so, I am out of luck..as Mr Burns has none..wears a god awful toupee'....

I so need to win the lottery.

Nothing to see here...Might as well move along...

2010-07-21T13:50:00.004-04:00

I have been one very sick, run down woman....I have not been to the gym in a week...and then I only worked out one time the week before that. I am slowly on the road to recovery. Just know that at this moment in time...I am not too happy with myself or my life. I try to be healthy, exercise,eat right...then BAM!!! Illness out of nowhere....but, in the mean time...I have worked every day...and drug my sick decrepit butt home immediately afterwards, every single day for the past 9 days.

I am going to the gym for the first time in a week, tonight....I plan on starting slow, seeing what my energy levels are....I hope I do ok..I miss the old Dixie....I want her and her health back....

God Help me....

Can You I.V. Coffee??

2010-07-13T10:37:00.003-04:00

Seriously, what the hell is wrong with me? I am so tired today, I could go to bed at this very moment, 10 30 a.m., and sleep until this time tomorrow. I haven't been sleeping so good as of late and last night, instead of working out, I came home straight after work. I had a stomach ache, for some reason, and felt so exhausted, I just wanted to lie down. I pretty much did that. I took a shower right away, lay on the couch, pretty much the entire evening. The only activity I had was making a snack for myself and the little one, getting him in the shower, unloaded/reloaded the dishwasher, made hubby's coffee before he left for work.

Before bed, around 9 30, I took two generic sleeping pills, and was in bed by 10 30...and I slept sound, all night....so, why do I feel so flipping tired? I have got to take a step back from all of my activities and just rest or I am going to collapse...I can feel it. I have not worked out since last Friday, so I am going to try and go to the gym tonight. I will start out with a small run, see where that takes me and if I can't soldier through, then I am going home.

Something has got to give...I am on my third cup of coffee and it is not helping...can this stuff be I.V'd??

Seriously????