I'll rest when I'm dead

LOL!!

I haven't been very good at getting enough sleep lately. I spent a total of seven hours over three days staining our deck before the rain arrived this evening. That combined with going to class for hours on Tuesday and today, taking care of the kids and all the other random chores I need to do have really taken their toll on me. I am just exhausted!!

But I did manage a workout this evening on the elliptical. I threw in push ups for good measure. The weather is supposed to be crap here for several days, so I think I might just take a little break from running. Plus, I still really need new shoes. I don't want to run in my old ones anymore because they hurt my legs so badly now. :-(

Tomorrow is Halloween!! Kara has been looking forward to it for weeks now. She's going to be The Little Mermaid (her idol). Their preschool had a Halloween party today, so both kids came home hopped up on sugar. Tim was told that they had been eating all day when he picked them up. Sure enough, neither wanted to eat dinner, so I didn't force it. Then Matty collapsed in bed around 7 p.m.

I'll post pics of our Halloween outing this weekend!

Today's stats:
Elliptical:
Time: 30 minutes

Week 2, Day 2 100 PUP:
Total push ups: 53

I am pooped

I had a really rough couple days. I was studying for my second lab practical, which was today. My brain is now frazzled. I feel like I did pretty well on the test, though, so all the stress and studying was worth it.

I need new shoes. My legs are still achy from Sunday's race. Not a good thing. I need a job so I can buy myself running gear! LOL! Seriously, I am thinking about getting a part-time job at a local assisted living facility once the semester is over. I have met a few people who work there, and the facility is constantly looking for good people who aren't right out of high school to work there. I think a future RN would be a good candidate, don't you? So we'll see what happens.

I'm going to head to bed soon. I need a good night's sleep!

Today's stats:
Elliptical:
Time: 30 minutes

Week 2 Day 2 of 100 PUP:
Total push ups: 51

I did race today!

So the 2008 Monster Dash is in the books, and it was a fun race!

But I am glad I didn't dress up in costume. My idea -- to be a microorganism -- would have had me severely overdressed for the conditions, as it was around 80 degrees at race time. That is hot for us coastal types! Plus, my microbiology teacher didn't even show up for the race (she said she was going to), so the whole costume would have been lost on everyone else.

That's OK, though, because I had a good time and got a nice run in.

I still don't know my finish time (left Garmin at home), but I will post it once the official times are listed on the Internet. I know I didn't set a PR, since it was so stinkin' hot.

Today's stats:
Distance: 3.1 miles
Time: ???

Tomorrow is race day!

Tomorrow is the Monster Dash race I am planning on running. I am so excited!! I actually went back and forth on whether I should run it, but in the end I decided it just sounded too fun and I didn't want to miss out!

I really want a witty running T-shirt. I found a lot on Cafepress.com. Here are a couple of my favorites:









(This one makes me LOL because it's true sometimes):

O.M.G........!!!!!!

I *cannot* believe I just did this!!!!

After nearly two years of running, I FINALLY broke the 30-minute mark for a three-mile run!!!

I don't have time to write much now (have to shower and go to school), but I just got back from my three-miler and my time was...........


29:42!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Holy &$#%!!!!!!!! *happy dance*

Today's stats:
Bike:
Time: 20 minutes
Distance: five miles

followed by my PR run:
Distance: three miles
Time: 29:42
Pace: 9:54 minute/mile

Yesterday's stats:
Elliptical:
Time: 30 minutes

Matty's owie

So it was a struggle, but we took a pic tonight of Matty's owie and stitches. Poor little guy. (It's not a great pic because he's such a wiggle worm!):



Despite the stitches, he was in a good mood when I dropped him off to preschool this morning. Good thing, since I had a test to take. I think I did OK on it. I actually feel a tad more confident about it than the first lecture test we took. But it's hard to tell with this class, as the tests always have a trick or two in them.

Switching gears, there is another race I want to do this weekend. It's the Monster Dash 5K, and it is a costume run (if you choose to dress up, that is). I was thinking of costumes that would be pretty cheap, and I think I have one that would make my micro teacher proud (she's supposed to be running this race, too).

Warning: this idea proves I am a science dork now. I was thinking of buying some inexpensive dark purple sweatpants and a matching sweatshirt, and writing "I (heart shape) O2" on the front of the shirt. If I was really ingenious, I would make some sort of headpiece and stick a big green ball on the end. Guess what I am? A Gram-positive bacillus that is an obligate aerobe and can produce endospores. OMG, I AM SUCH A DORK NOW! But I love this idea because the only person who would "get it" is my teacher (and any other former/current micro student who might be around).

Anyway, I got a run in today. My legs ached afterward. Definitely time for new shoes.

Today's stats:
Run:
Distance: three miles

Stressful night

I was already stressed out this evening because I have a test in micro tomorrow.

And then Matty had to go and split his chin open while playing cars in the kitchen with Kara.

What followed were a few minutes of hysterics, and then a trip to the ER, where he ended up with four stitches in his chin. He took it like a man though, almost falling asleep on the papoose board they strapped him to (thank goodness for that thing!!).

So here it is, 11:30 p.m., and I have to get back to studying after this traumatic event. I am dreading this test tomorrow. I am hoping it's not as hard as I think it will be.

Meanwhile, we're still trying to get the kids to bed (since we got back from the ER a few minutes ago) and now I hear someone crying. Ugh. Thank goodness I got a short workout in earlier this evening or I would go completely insane.

Today's stats:
Elliptical:
Time: 30 minutes

Followed by Week one, Day one of 100 Push Up Challenge (I have to start over AGAIN! Damn lack of motivation!)

I got a job!

I landed a little job today. It's not a 9-to-5 gig or anything, and I won't be hauling in tons of cash, but it will provide me a bit of extra money in the end. And the best part is I won't have to leave campus to do it.

Our college has a program for disabled students. Anybody with any type of disability, whether it be mental, learning, physical, etc., can apply for help through the disabled students program. One of the types of help offered is note taking for classes.

My teacher put out a plea yesterday for someone to become the official note taker for the disabled students. She had some people earlier in the semester saying they would do it, but they all flaked. Basically, if you have legible handwriting, take decent notes and have a good GPA, you can qualify. The note taker makes photo copies of their notes at the end of each class session (at the center, so you don't have to fork over any money), puts them in a folder and signs in on a sheet of paper saying they've copied notes for the students who need them. That's it.

I told my teacher I was interested (since her email indicated there would be money involved) and she directed me to the disabled students office. I went there today to apply. There were like 30 pieces of paper I had to fill out and sign, including a W-9 form for taxes (damn tax man!). But in the end, they welcomed me with open arms because they were desperate for anybody to do this job. LOL! Oh, and come the end of the semester, I will be receiving a $50 check. I told you it wasn't a lot, but every little bit helps, especially around the holidays.

So there you have it. I start my new job tomorrow. :-)

Oh, and I've still been having a lot of luck selling things on CraigsList. Today I sold a pair of new toddler boots that Kara outgrew before she could wear them, and a futon mattress. I've previously sold a crib, jacket, baby monitor and set of stacking tables. A folding bookshelf I put on there has netted me emails from nine different people and I have accepted an offer on it, although we haven't made the exchange yet. And another woman wants me to call her so she can buy my infant car seat I have listed. I think I'll do that tomorrow.

Today's stats:
Run:
Distance: 3.1 miles
Time: don't know, don't care

Blabbity blab

I need to put aside some time to do a real post. But it's not gonna happen tonight. Got caught up watching a show after the kids went to bed, and now it's late and I have school in the morning. So I'm off to shower and hit the hay. Maybe I'll have more time tomorrow.....

Today's stats:
Elliptical:
Time: 30 minutes

Loser

Today's stats:
Elliptical:
Time: 30 minutes

No race for me today

I opted out of the beach race today. I was running a few minutes behind, and when I got to the location the wind was so strong that it was making my truck shake while I was parked. I looked across the beach to the starting area and everyone looked like they were freezing (it was a chilly day). I thought for a minute and decided that five miles of running in strong winds on sand wasn't my cup of tea. Only 25 people ended up doing that race, anyway.

I headed instead to the Hammond Trail in nearby McKinleyville. It was beautiful. The winds were still strong there, but not quite as bad. And I could still see the ocean in the distance as I ran. It was a good compromise.

The rest of the day was a blur because it flew by. The kids and I ended up going to my friend Kristen's house to help her put together a new trampoline in her backyard. Kara got to play on it and loved it. She said she wants one of her own. If we had a real backyard, I would get one. Oh well.

Today's stats:
Run:
Distance: 3.3 miles
Time: not sure because I accidentally restarted my Garmin before I took it off and the time got all screwed up.

I might race this weekend

There's this race I am considering for Saturday afternoon. It's called the Sand Dollar Shuffle and it's a beach run near McKinleyville. It's five miles and doesn't start until noon (bonus for me). And it's a club run so members, such as myself, can run it for free. I am leaning toward doing it because I need to find some running motivation again.

That being said, I did run again this afternoon. I think I need to get new shoes soon because I have achy shins after my runs now when I didn't before. I just wish running shoes weren't so darn expensive! In this economy, luxuries like that definitely take a back seat.

I have to leave for school soon. Our class is canceled this week, but I have a meeting with a counselor just to make sure one more time that things are in line for me to apply to the nursing program in January. I am one of those people who needs to know exactly where I stand or else it will drive me nutty.

Oh, and I have changed my blog background to feel more autumn-like. I love this time of year!! Kara is so excited about Halloween, and so am I!

Today's stats:
Bike:
Distance: five miles

followed by a run:
Distance: three miles
Time: 32:18
Pace: 10:46 minute/mile

Thanks, Caren!

My buddy and super mommy Caren has given me an "I Heart Your Blog" award! Thanks, Caren!!!

This honor also comes with another responsibility: to post another six random facts about myself and "tag" another six bloggers with some blogging love.

I am really tired tonight and I almost wrote that I'll be back tomorrow to finish it, but I know that probably won't happen. So here goes nothing:

1) Like Caren, I **LOVE** macaroni and cheese. Growing up I went on a major mac 'n cheese bender around the age of 10. I ate it every day (and it had to be Kraft or I wouldn't touch it, LOL). After a while my mom (who was probably sick and tired of making it) told me if I wanted to eat it I had to make it myself. And so I did. For weeks. Then I got tired of making it and the bender ended. But I still love the stuff.

2) I am not domestic at all. I hate cleaning, cooking, doing laundry, etc. If I am ever independently wealthy, I am going to hire people to do that stuff for me.

3) (This one's kinda morbid) Whenever I cross a bridge over a creek while on foot, I always look down into the creek to see if there are any bodies. I did this today when I was running (literally running) to town. Then I realized I do it EVERY time! There has been at least once case here of a body found in a creek (it was a transient), so there's always the possibility of it happening again, I guess. Just call it my former crime reporting skills hard at work, more than four years after I left the newspaper biz.

4) I really love school. It's funny, because the first time I went through college in my early 20s, I wasn't nearly as focused as I am now. Plus it offers me the chance to hang out with other adults!

5) I (still) bite my fingernails. Not sure I'll ever fully shake this habit.

6) I went to our town's Apple Harvest Festival last weekend, but I don't really like apples. At least not raw ones. Juice or ones baked in pies are OK.

So there you have it. Aren't you glad you know those things about me now? ;-)

I am hereby tagging:

1) Mendy
2) Nancy
3) Laurel
4) Sonia
5) Mary
and
6) Marathoner in Training

Today's stats:
Bike:
Time: 20 minutes
Distance: 5.05 miles

followed by a run:
Distance: 3.65 miles
Time: 39:06
Pace: 10:42 minute/mile

I really, REALLY love Craigslist!!!

My Craigslist love affair began a couple weeks ago with the purchase of Matty's adorable new toddler bed.

And since then, it's just gotten more intense.

First, I listed Matty's old crib on Craigslist and got an offer the next day. The only caveat is she asked me to hold the crib until this Friday, when she gets paid. I said sure, so this Friday I'll be getting the crib out and some money in my pocket.

Today I listed some more stuff on CL. One item, a set of three stacking tables, had three offers within a couple hours. I ended up giving the first person who responded dibs on it. He drove more than 30 minutes one-way to pick them up. And he paid me $5 more than what I was asking!! How cool is that? Tonight, I got two emails about another one of my listings, so hopefully tomorrow I'll have another item officially sold.

It feels good to get rid of the things we no longer use, especially since I am making a little extra cash!

Today's stats:
Elliptical:
Time: 30 minutes

Day one of Week one of 100 Push Up Challenge (I am starting over):
Total number of push ups: 40

Bittersweet Sunday

There are many reasons to love and hate Sunday.

I love Sunday this time of year because of football. If I had time to sit around all day watching football, I totally would.

I love it because Tim has the day off.

I love it because Sunday feels like a day we can all be a little lazy.

I hate Sunday because it's only a day away from Monday, and I really hate Mondays.

I hate that I never get any "real" work done -- not on my house, or for school or anything.

Tomorrow the week starts over. Only six more days until the next Sunday.

Today's stats:
Bike:
Distance: 5.17 miles
Time: 20 minutes

Elliptical:
Time: 30 minutes

Nine years

Today, Tim and I have been married nine years.

I know, you're thinking "Hey, you don't look a day over 21. You can't POSSIBLY have been married NINE YEARS!"

(Oh, wait. Did I just say that in my own head? I guess you're not thinking that after all.)

But I digress. It was nine years ago on this day that we tied the knot, got hitched, attached the old ball and chain for good, whatever. It has, overall, been a very good nine years. And I know it will get better as time goes on.

So anyway, happy anniversary, Tim. May the next nine years bring even greater things for us!

Today's stats:
Elliptical:
Time: 30 minutes

Square one

Call me a slacker, but I'm going to start over on the 100 Push Up Challenge.

I haven't done a single push up in about two weeks, so I'm just going to scrap this round and start from scratch. Somewhere along the way I lost my push up partner (Tim) and my motivation flew out the window, too. But I really, really want to finish the program, so Monday will be the day I begin again.

It's supposed to start raining here beginning tomorrow, so I might just hold off on running for the next few days, too. Thank goodness I have my elliptical!!

Today's stats:
Elliptical:
Time: 30 minutes

Sick kid

Kara is sick. She developed a fever tonight and is not feeling well. Now she has to stay home from school tomorrow and I have to bail on my morning micro lecture. I emailed my teacher and deep down am so happy the lectures are not mandatory! But I have to go to lab in the afternoon, so Tim will have to come home early to watch sickie girl. I am hoping Matty goes to school, unless he's sick too. That would suck.

I'm giving my shins a bit of a rest, seeing that they've been achy lately. I opted for an elliptical workout tonight because of that. I am really glad now that I am not doing the HM later this month. I think my legs would rebel and fall off.

Today's stats:
Elliptical:
Time: 45 minutes