Wow. I guess I need to update. The past month or so has been pretty busy, but not in an exciting way. Finishing up another quarter of school and realizing that I only have 2 more quarters left. Yikes! Thesis starts this coming quarter. But I do have two weeks off to get my house and the rest of my life in order before I start the insanity of my thesis. Am I ready for it? Sort of. If I think too much about it, I freak out, I don't think I'm ready, and I'm overwhelmed by the amount of work. However, once my rational side kicks in, I know I'll be fine, that I have enough skills in my arsenal to work with and if there are skills that I lack I will be taught or at least directed on how to attain (or sharpen) them. 

Other than being almost done with school, the biggest thing has been discussing moving. We're definitely leaning towards (or at least I'm pushing towards) Columbus, OH in the summer of 2011. We need some time to save up so we don't move the way we did before (when we almost killed eachother in the process) and I want to do some internship work when I finish school to build some practical experience in the field for my resume before I start job hunting out there. Plus, for a lot of reasons, I'm just not ready to leave yet. I really love it here, much more than either of us ever thought I would. The only problem I have is that I'm too far from my family and (most of) my friends. If I could somehow wedge Vermont in between Ohio and Pennsylvania I would so I could justify staying here.

September is going to be a month of craziness--not only does school start again, but Matt's 30th birthday is rapidly approaching (9/14), my aunt is coming for a visit (I think, she hasn't confirmed yet) for a few days, my second 5k is on the 20th, we're going to see Margaret Cho in Burlington on 9/25, Denise's birthday and her wedding rehearsal are on 9/26, and she and Chris get married on 9/27. Whew! It will be awesome, though.

A quick plug: Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF boxes are now available. Check out your local Hallmark Gold Crown store for free boxes, or email me your address and I will send you one if you're interested.

So I guess there's stuff to catch up on, but I don't know what since not much seems to happen in my life. SSDD, you know.

Work was insane yesterday. We're down a Senior Receptionist as she is on a much needed vacation. Tuesday we saw 20 patients and that was not nearly as stressful as yesterday was with half as many. Which left me with PitA, PA-C (Pain in the Ass, Physician's Assistant-Certified). And she was in a mood. Obviously she's a pain, hence referring to her as PitA, but usually I can blow her off. Yesterday she started to get to me. She didn't hurt my feelings (like Sr. Receptionist often feels) she pissed me off. I refuse to let her make me feel inferior, and readily accept that she lashes out at us to make herself feel better. Well, I'm sorry she's struggling with some kind of internal inadequacy, but that is not my problem. I'm human, I make mistakes, but I will not allow her to make me feel bad. I wanted to punch her in the face. *deep breath* But that is over now. New day. Moving on. Our doc asked if it's always like this on PitA days, I said only when she's in a mood.

An old friend found me on Facebook last night. That made me quite happy. I miss him and am glad to see life is going well for him. My favorite part of FB is keeping tabs on people. I like having this thread of connection and knowing what people are up to.

Training for the next 5k is going well, and I've officially registered. Woot. Can't wait for that. 4 miles tonight. On my first 4 mile day I was sure I'd be in pain the next day, but I wasn't. That makes me feel good. And I just bought myself weighted gloves to use with my kickboxing DVDs, which is fun. Though what I'm really jonesing for is one of the cardio kickboxing classes at Mr. Dee's back in E-town. While his low-carb mumbo-jumbo was a load of crap and kind of annoying, his classes were kick-ass. Hard to find that around here. Though there is a multi-level yoga class in the building up the block that I'm considering taking.

Now I'm just trying to survive the rest of the school quarter, prep for the next one, and sort out my house. I'm not sure how it gets so messy (probably because we're 2 busy people who have very paper-centric lives) but it needs to be sorted through, so I'm slowly working on that. Gardening when the weather allows me (about half of our plot is weeds at the moment, good thing I don't mind weeding).

Oh, and what has two thumbs and tickets to Margaret Cho? This girl right here! Going to see her the Friday after my next 5k. Can't wait. :o)

Yesterday was AWESOME.

We got up wicked early for my 5k. We got up at 5:45 so we could leave by 6:30 for Burlington, got there around 8, parked, I registered and got my bib and went for a warm-up walk along the waterfront. We watched the kids fun run, which was cute. Then it was my turn. I was nervous, but I did okay. I put myself in the right place and paced myself pretty well to start out with. I won't lie--I did walk some of it, more than I wanted to. But I still finished in 40 minutes, and considering I do it in 35 when I run the whole thing on the treadmill, that's not too bad. I HATE running outside, but I'm making myself get better at it because I love the running and there aren't really treadmill races, so....I have to suck it up and deal. Here's me before the race:

And here's me coming across the finish line:
(And for the record, I'm not cheesing for the camera. I really do smile when I'm running. Not the whole time, for sure, but very often, even on the treadmill I'll grin like a freakin' idiot.)

After the race Matt and my friends ate my post-race food while I downed about 5 little bottles of water (cause I couldn't fathom eating but I was wicked thirsty). We went to a hotel and I took a shower and changed and we walked around Burlington for a bit. Got lunch. Did a little shopping. Later Matt and I went to see "UP" which is AMAZING. I laughed and I cried...sooo good. By the time that was done I was just about spent. Physically and emotionally drained. We got me some more coffee, and agreed we would just come home since I was about to crash, I might as well sleep in my own bed where Matt could stay up later and have more fun (we were planning to stay overnight originally, but I underestimated how tired I would be). Before we left for home, though, we stopped into a record store and I hit Elvis Costello gold--we found vinyl copies of King of America, Blood & Chocolate, Imperial Bedroom and My Aim Is True. Sweet Ass. And I got an old copy of Musician magazine with Elvis on the cover and a huge interview inside (which I was way too tired to read last night). I am so excited--we have cool Elvis schwag--and it only cost me $33, which is sweet!

I think that about covers my day. :o)

• rescued broccoli plants, they are still doing well
• picked up Dee and hung out for a bit between her jobs
• decided on race day outfit for race (still mulling options for after)
• got the okay to have my iPod on tomorrow (PTL! I didn't know what I was going to do if she said 'no')
• decided what to make for dinner and have chicken thawing

Now, for the rest of the evening:

• pack for tomorrow/make plans
• finalize playlist
• response posts for school
• start application assignments
• pedicure!!
• visit Dee at work/paint a pot??
• checkbooks/bills
• get donations, etc. ready
• write thank you notes for donations
• go to bed early

I think that's it for now. More later. :)

I am soooooo excited for Race Day tomorrow. They are predicting scattered showers for the afternoon and my event is in the morning so hopefully I'm in the clear. A friend reserved a hotel room for me so I can shower after the race (since we'll be like an hour or so from home) and then we're going to hang out in Burlington, and Matt and I will likely spend the night (since the room is paid for, and all).

Registration is supposed to start at 8, so I'm shooting to get there 8ish so we'll have time to park, get down to the waterfront, I can register adn warm-up a little so I don't necessarily feel the need to walk for the first couple of minutes (although I still might just to ease myself in). We're running on the bike path by the ECHO lake and aquarium center that is supposed to be flat and scenic (though flat in Vermont is a relative thing, here's hoping it is actually pretty flat).

My friend is talking about getting a tattoo, and I'm far too wussy for that, but I would like to do something to celebrate. I'm not sure I'm up for another piercing or anything like that, but maybe a nice piece of jewelry or a bracelet that I can add to over time...we'll see. I'm up for suggestions if anyone has them.

I need to tweak my playlist for tomorrow, pack for tomorrow, work on homework (since I'll be gone tomorrow), take the covers off the broccoli plants, get my donations ready for tomorrow, pick up Dee, balance/update checkbooks, pay bills...the list goes on and on. Guess I should get started on some of that.

I just ran 4k of 5k (I walked the first 1/2 km and the last 1/2 km)! Woo hoo! I'm so going to be ready for my race on Saturday--I may be slow, but I'm confident that I will be able to run the whole thing and that's all that matters to me.

Now if I can pull myself away from Elvis Costello interviews long enough to make dinner and do my homework before heading to the garden with Dee...

The running, it is good.

So yesterday, I went to the gym and ran after work and I did 4 minute intervals with 2 minute rest intervals--and it wasn't hard. In fact, one of the trainers I'm friendly with came over to ask me a question and I was talking to her while I was running. And I didn't stop or slow down, I was just having a conversation without sucking wind. It was great. Then today I downloaded the Ok Go "Master the Treadmill" workout from iTunes and I ran the intervals a full mph faster than I do normally, except the last 30 seconds I ran at 7. Yay! I ::heart:: running. I ::heart:: it so much! Why did I wait so long to start doing this?

Race is two weeks from tomorrow and I'm pumped!! While I'm on that topic...some of you will be getting emails along these lines...

Here is my fundraising page. I know times are tough, but I'm hoping to raise $100. I need to raise at least $65 to waive my entry fee. I've got $10 so far. So all I need is 9 more people to donate $10 or 18 more people to donate $5. I'm running for Women Helping Battered Women in Burlington, VT (which I think is pretty self-explanatory). If anyone can contribute any amount it will be greatly appreciated. Please use the link below (you can also leave me a message!). Thanks!

I'm currently on route to Logan Airport via the Dartmouth Coach. Love it. It was rough getting up this morning, I've only had about 5 hours of sleep because I was frantically trying to finish the last of my school work so I wouldn't have to bring books with me. I succeeded, which is great. And I managed to get the only 100% on a stats quiz that I've gotten all term. Go figure.

It's been a crazy couple of weeks. Work has been great. I still love my new job, though I miss the ladies at the bank. Dee and I are trying to get our plot in the community garden together, though our seedlings look great! Soon we'll be ready to start the actual planting and give this organic community garden thing a shot. I'm excited about the prospect and I hope it goes well.

I've been so scattered that I really haven't made plans for this trip. Not past the weekend and one day of shopping with my sister. Which is kind of nice, but I do want to make sure I get to see people. Especially those I don't usually get to see (like Steph and her babies). I'm not even sure how I'm getting from Columbus to Elyria on Monday yet. That will be interesting.

5k training is going great. I'm getting nervous as race day looms near, but you know what? If Ron on the Biggest Loser can walk a marathon, I can run a 5k. For serious. Speaking of Loser, I'm glad the season is done. I need a break. It was so odd to be at the gym running at 8 p.m. on Tuesday night instead of glued to the TV (with my laptop in my lap because I can't do one thing at a time).

I need a bigger coffee. The free stuff at the bus station was good, but not very big. And I'm listening to vintage Jillian Michaels podcasts (from 2007) which is fun, but I have the same frustrations I always do--these people say 'i love you and i listen to you all the time!' but proceed to ask questions she answers EVER FREAKING WEEK! If you listened to her, you won't have bothered calling because YOU KNOW what she's going to say.

My friend Thomas J performed at the NEW! Elixir last night and was great as always. Got to catch up with people I haven't seen in awhile. Got dressed up and had a great time. Then came home and did my work and finished packing.

I feel like I'm rambling now, and just typing to type. Perhaps I'll close up the computer for a bit. Later LJ land.

So I'm actually going to do it this year. I'm going to run my first 5k. I signed up for one in Burlington, Vermont on June 20th. It's a fundraiser for Women Helping Battered Women in Burlington, and while I wish I could've found something a little closer by, I'm glad to be helping out this organization. Since it is a fundraiser, I've set up a webpage where those who wish to donate can do so.




You'll probably see this several more times from me (particularly if you are on facebook as well). I'd appreciate anything you are able/willing to give. Thanks!

I guess I’m due for a huge entry since I haven’t written anything substantial in a month or so. I was talking to my mom the other night and said it’s been SSDD, but I guess a couple interesting things have happened…

( ”church )

( ”Weight )

And now I’m spent. I’m going to get ready for bed. Have a good one, all.

So....I got in. Officially, I am a graduate student of Walden University where I am pursuing my Masters in Organizational Psychology and Development. And my head is spinning. The next month is going to be a whir of financial aid and material purchases and learning to navigate my new online community. It's all happening so fast. But I'm wicked excited about it. My first day of "class" is September 2nd. I've already let them know at the store that I'm cutting down to 2 days a week. I'm trying to come up with a good schedule that I can maintain in order to make sure my work all gets done (and I still get to have a life).

And in other good news, my 13-21 day stretch was broken. Lisa was able to give me tomorrow night off of the store so I do in fact have a full day off, which is great. I have some running around I need to do and some much needed girl time with Denise. :) I promise that pics of the new place are coming soon (I keep promising my sister) but I just haven't had the time to upload them all individually (I need to re-look into my Picassa account and see if I can just upload them there and link to it).

Yeah, I'm excited. Things are good. And I'm getting back into the swing of my physical training so hopefully I'll still be able to eek out that 5k in October. :) More soon.

I'm off to a good start. :)

I made Matt promise that he would encourage me to keep running through the move. I know how I get. I know that at some point stress and worry will kick in and I'll say 'no, I need to stay home and pack tonight.' and I will be wrong. I need to run. We'll both be happier if I do because I will be infinitely less stressed. And the packing will still be here and need to be done when I get home.

Couch to 5k--Week One done! :) Bring on Week Two! :)

We signed the lease on our new place today. I want to frame it, it makes me so happy. :) And I'm in love wtih my kitchen-to-be. The new place has many great features, but the kitchen is what made me fall in love. I love it.

Okay. I need to hit some p.m. coffee and pack a few more boxes before we go to bed. Catch y'all later. :)

First off: the snow yesterday! Oh my gosh! I could hardly believe it. Glad it didn't stick, but man I wish it would warm back up already.

Second: Crazy Wednesday at the bank. It was a crazy Wednesday at the bank. I don't want to go into it too much, but I will tell you the best story--I was on the drive up and there was one lady who needed to cash a check. First she gave me the wrong check (it had been canceled by the grocery store). So she gives me the right check, but she hasn't endorsed it. I send that back, she signs it, but when she goes to put it back in the drawer it catches and falls on the ground. She's unable to get out of her car to get it. It's snow flurrying and I was kind of busy so I finish with the customer at the second lane and run outside to get the check. She's got her cane holding it against the building so it doesn't blow away. She felt so bad, but it was HILARIOUS. And it had just been that kind of day. A good story to tell, at any rate.

Third: Momofuku is the new album by Elvis Costello and the Imposters and it is AWESOME. The first release is VINYL--2 33 1/3 RPM records, with codes enclosed for MP3 downloads. Matt bought the records and we downloaded the MP3s first thing this morning. It is really good. I hear bits of 2 of my top 3 Elvis albums in it, which makes it awesome.

Fourth: I'm really getting into the communities and such on Spark People. I broke down and bought my heart rate monitor early because I wanted a new gadget. I love it. And I'm having fun posting goals and entering challenges and such on the SP site. Loving it.

Fifth: I didn't make my 100 miles goal, but that hasn't deterred me. I'm going about 3 miles a pop now, so my goal for May is 50 miles. Which admittedly sounds absurd considering I had trouble making 100 in 4 months let alone 50 in one. But the whole point is to push and challenge myself, what good is it if I make a goal that's too easy. I figure I've been doing roughly 3 miles per workout, I go to the gym about 4 times a week, that's 12 miles a week or 48 a month right there, I'm only pushing for 2 more miles than that. So here goes. And here's the new ticker:



Sixth: We looked at another apartment today and fell in love with it. It's a little more expensive than this place, but Matt will be working so we can afford it and it would be well worth the extra money. It's a little smaller than the place we have here, but as I said to Matt--"I love it! It's a great place! 2 closets! A real landlord! A real lease! We can get a kitty!"--and he agrees that getting away from Crazy McLandlord would be a great thing. So we're going for it. We're going to fill out the application tonight, fax it to the guy tomorrow and figure out how to scrape together the deposit by the end of the month. Everyone please keep your fingers crossed for us because we really want this place!

Seventh: I LOVE oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. Love them. They are probably my favorite cookies ever and I made some today. Yum-O. :)

K. I think I'm done for now. (At least until I get back from the gym and the ticker gets an update.)

Okay, the end of March was rough on the workout schedule and put me a little behind in the 100 miles by May 1st gig, but I'm not giving up...here's the progress...





I've got about 2 weeks left. If I can get about 15 miles per week, I should be okay. And the way my schedule is working I should be able to hit the gym almost every day. :)

I started off not even really wanting to go to the gym. But I have a deal with myself--if I don't feel like it, I have to at least go and do 20 minutes. If I'm still not into it, I can leave. So I went, kinda thinking that today was one of the days I'd get into it and be so glad I went. It was in fact one of those days. I did my 5 minute warm up, and intended to continue 2 minute intervals, not really feeling ready for 2 1/2 minute intervals yet. So I'm hanging in into minute 6, then I start watching the clock a little more. And then I get distracted. Next thing I know I'm a few seconds into minute 7, so I decide to go for the extra 30 seconds. So I inadvertently started my 2.5 minute intervals! yay!

...but another status update...