Working on Weight Loss and getting Lean!

[rubato]

Hello ladies. How's everyone doing? Fighting the cold? I just ran in 20 degrees. BRRRRRR

Vicky: Good job on the meals. There is no way I could make a batch of cookies and not eat them. You have such willpower!!!
In looking at our bibs, it looks like we'll be in the 3rd or 4th corral. Not bad at all. I hope we are both feeling healthy in 3 & 1/2 weeks. I'm starting to get a little bit nervous about the amount of people doing this. I'm not sure I'll be able to find you. I think I'm going to give you my hubby's cell # and take his phone. He has the international plan, so I can call a Canadian phone. It's ridiculous that my normal plan doesn't include Canada. Oh well.

Maria: I think it's a good idea to skip that lunch tomorrow. I am not a fan of bad cuban food. Plus, it's so much easier to stay on track when you get the food you know is healthy.
I'm feeling behind getting ready too. Something about all these silly holidays we have to get through.
I'm happy to hear I'm not the only one with a stubborn hubby. Why are men like this? Ugh!!!
Sunday was the first time I have ever routed for the Patriots. I can't help it, I just don't like Brady. He's too much of a girly man for me. But, I needed them to beat the Bears for the sake of my Packers and they did not let me down. Now, the silly Packers just need to win.

AFM: I have all good news to report.
#1: I have run 2 days in a row and my achilles doesn't hurt. It's only been 4 miles each time, but there is no more pain. I also walked the dog both days, but very short walks. Tomorrow, I'm going to do a longer walk and maybe, if I'm feeling brave, zumba. We'll see.
#2: Eating is going great. I am down a little tiny bit in weight, but it's actually more noticeable when I just look at myself.
#3: Harrison has been doing great with his eating. He hasn't complained at all and Frank has eaten all of his junk secretly, which has been helpful.


So, overall, things are going very well. We're actually having a night in tonight. I think I'm making chicken burritos and we're going to watch Toy Story 3 again. This time, I'll be in my own home, so when I cry through a whole box of Kleenex, it won't be as embarrassing as last time in the theatre.

Have a great day ladies!

 

[MouseDogMom]

Tandy - I LOVE Maeve Binchy, in a very relaxed, laid back sort of way. And the Kingdom Keepers books are so much fun. While you're in a juvenile mood, you might try Kathy Reichs new book for tweens - Virals. I just finished it and really liked it too. Keep reading, and stay off the leg. You need to be healed for January!

Maria - Congratulations on the weight loss! You are having an amazing year.

No good news on the eating front, not really. I did start feeling truly unhealthy a couple of days ago, so I bought yogurt and blueberries so I could start having Kashi with fruit and yogurt for breakfast instead of stopping at McDonalds every day. That was an improvement! I'm still eating chocolate like someone said it was going away at the end of 2010, but maybe it will, and I won't have to eat any more!

Lots of other news, though. My surgery is scheduled for next Wednesday morning, finally. I should be home mid-afternoon, and then I get to spend the holiday weekend recovering. I'll be on crutches for 4 weeks, and then do a couple of months of physical therapy.

Since I wasn't at all stressed about that, we had snow and ice this morning, and my boss opted NOT to delay opening the office, and on the way to work I skidded on a patch of ice and slid into another car. Didn't do TOO much damage to my van, but really smashed up the other one good. After I called my boss and screamed at him that it was all his fault , he decided we didn't need to open and sent everyone home. I've spent the entire day on the phone with my insurance agent, adjusters, and the hospital. Lots of excitement!

Jackie

 

[bunnyfoo]

Hi ladies! Happy Friday!

Jackie - I'll be thinking good thoughts and sending you lots of next Wednesday. On the bright side, you can get your kids and DH to wait on you hand and foot during the holidays Are you taking any time off work for the surgery? Sorry to hear about the car accident. Here's hoping you won't have too tough of a time with insurance.

Tandy - Don't worry! There are a ton of people but the two times I've done the race, I've managed to find the person I was looking for. Although if it's cold like last year, I may just be hiding out in a port-a-pottie until the start I'm sure we'll see each other at the Friday meet anyway! I'll have my cell with me so if you don't see me, definitely call! I don't have international minutes as part of my plan but will put some on anyway. I always end up calling people while in FL. So glad your runs are going pain free and your eating is going well! Good job!

AFM - I've been getting in my workouts and little weekday runs All pain free so far! *phew* I'm going to attempt a 10 miler this weekend and will probably end up running the same 5 mile route twice because my other route has a lot of hills which I was told to avoid. I generally don't like doing that but because of the snow and my knee, I'll run the 5 mile route. The 10 miler puts me a little farther from home so if I get in trouble, it will take longer for me to walk home.

Got a mani at lunch and while I like the colour, the polish has bubbles in it Kind of sad when I can do a mani better than an esthetician. I only got one to save time but now I'm contemplating redoing it myself. I'd usually go back and complain but I don't have another 30 minutes to spend today. D'oh. I know I'm the only one who can see the bubbles but still... Just one of those things that bothers me (for reasons unknown).

Have a great day ladies!

 

[deekaypee]

Maria: The princess seems like such a fun event and at an even better time of year, weather-wise. It's bound to be worth doing two 1/2s so close together. I'm glad to read about your shifts in diet - I've stepped so far away from the scale and watching what I eat. Not pretty, I tell you. And it's good to have focused people to rely on, like you!

Congrats on posting a 7 pounds weight loss last week, btw. That's fantastic, and worthy of BL bragging rights! And being able to step away from Cuban food is worth a thumbs up , even if the students make it easy to "just say no." (Love Cuban food.)

Speaking of being able to rely on you...I just copied all the books you mentioned into my reading list. I just finished "Mockingjay," the last of "The Hunger Games" triology & looking for new blood. I need to see some good SyFy stuff, too. We've been catching up on our British television recently.

I've been MIA so long. So you're redoing your guest area? Is this for the holidays or part of an ongoing plan? Sounds like a great way to decorate for Christmas and beyond!

Vicky: Acupuncture. You're a brave, brave soul. And it's a sign of how determined you are to get to both the start and the finish line. Woo hoo! Just like you're determined to eat well (clean, healthy) when social lunches and events urge you to do otherwise. Strong willpower, strong muscles.

Wow, that's good news and serendipitous about your chiro being able to see you run on the TM. A lot of information to digest, but it sounds like she's got a good sense of how to approach your treatment & things you can do. I tend to run hard/stomp on the TM too. And outdoors when I'm tired. I notice how much better I feel when I run lighter, and keep meaning to be more mindful about running hard. Did she have any suggestions for you, or do you have a strategy for running light?

Just curious, but what's your running & XT schedule normally like? I've fallen way off the XT bandwagon, except for cardio. And how did this weekend's 10 miler go - I'm glad to hear you're not experiencing pain and have planned a safer, less hilly route.

LTO means Life Takes Over, btw. It's kind of been the 2010 theme for me. And for you in some ways. Wasn't this weekend the meeting with the ex? How did it go - other than you looked fabulous - including your mani - acted gracious and had him eating out of your hand in 5 minutes?

Tandy: Yay for recovering slowly and surely, even though you were feeling antsy about getting back out there. No pain is a good thing, as is a slow and steady increase in movement with LOW mileage. And Vicky is right - you'll have a great time at WDW no matter what - and other exercises can help ease the anxiety about running, if not entirely rid you of the desire to run. Funny how addictive running is. Did you get an opportunity to do a little zumba?

And I'm very impressed that you continue to work on upper body/abs/etc when you recover from an injury. I tend to throw in the towel. So you're demonstrating good, healthy living with your focus on overall exercise. ANd with your focus on eating. I totally understand why you're not going to focus energy on what DH does. It has to be his decision, and it's too much a burden for you. And your focus needs to be, rightfully, on you and DS. Hugs to you both!

My little urban neighborhood has recently had an infestation of turkeys in our yards. (Not in the park/trails where I run sometimes. In our front yards and spaces between apartment buildings.) I don't know where they come from, but they wander in the yards & into our road, which gets a fair amount of commuter traffic. So when I head out for my a.m. runs, I tend to shoo them away so they don't get hit - a real possibility. They're bold, though, and don't want to go. We tend to have showdowns.

Jackie: I had no idea your surgery was coming up that quickly! Wednesday is right around the corner! But you must feel some relief that there's a plan in place and soon you will be pain free. Crutches for four weeks, though. Does this mean you're not going to Disney? I know, I know, I'm so out of the loop.

But big HUGS to you for the stress caused by the car accident. I most certainly hope you didn't get a ticket. If you did, your boss should definitely pay for it. Wanker.

As for me: I completed my 10 miles today. My training schedule has been all messed up, and the T, Th, Su runs haven't worked for me very well, but I got it done. I'll be traveling to Santa Fe for the holidays (ILs) and will run on Sunday. I'm not planning on tapering, per se, before the 1/2, but will be happy for whatever I get in next Sunday between 8 - 12 miles. It's been that kind of haphazard training season.

We did most of our shopping this weekend, but presents will be mailed out late this year. A first for us, but we just couldn't get our acts together. (And by we, I mean me. Such things are my responsibility, apparently.) I did take the time to prioritize "Tron: Legacy." Just like "Avatar," it's pretty visually cool and meant to be seen in 3D, but the storyline and characters are lacking. Then again, I say the same thing about "Star Wars." Perhaps I privilege narrative and well-rounded characters too much. Anyway, don't let all the "Tron" geeks fool you...the sequel is not the next best thing since sliced bread. It's a fun, forgettable flick.

Vicky: I haven't seen "Love and Other Drugs," as the reviews were pretty tepid. I've also skipped out on a number of free movie previews recently. It's the time crunch, I guess.

Okay, folks, I'm off to see if I can Priceline a rental car for Jan., maybe get some ADRs. I really need to take my Disney vacations more seriously. I was seriously excited to learn that Disney now takes online reservations for special events and dining, though, so I might see if I can plan something celebratory for Jan.

 

[rubato]

Debra: I would be scared of the showdowns with the turkeys. At our zoo, there are some geese that think they own this certain area (I guess, technically, they do) and they will guard it by hissing and chasing the little kids. It's scary!
Boy, you read a lot. I wish I had the ability, but I'm lucky to get a book in a week. It's usually every two weeks.
I have no doubt Tron is a bad movie. I am seeing it, however, because I loved the first one and love that Jeff Bridges is in this one also. I am not wowed by CGI, so the special effects won't really matter to me. It's just for nostalgia's sake. Of course, I'll have to wait until we can go to a matinee and see it cheaper, because I can't pay full price for a movie no matter what.
Great job on your running. Sometimes, you just get it done wherever and whenever you can.

Vicky: I am SOOOO glad to hear that you are still pain free! Woo Hoo!!!
I hate it when I spend good money on a pedicure just to have it messed up. And, if it's messed up from the get go, I'm really mad. So, I feel your pain. I am going to get one in about a week just so I will be able to wear flip flops in Disney. Otherwise, my feet will look horrid.

Jackie: I'm so sorry to hear about the wreck, but so glad to hear the surgery is scheduled. Good luck Wednesday. I'm sure it will be a breeze. The hard part is the month after. Let the family help you out. Don't overdo it. Let us know as soon as possible how everything went.

AFM: Bad news. Leg is messed up. I went running Friday and had to quit at mile 3. I'm having a hard time right now. I can't get into any doctor other than my regular doctor. All he's going to do is tell me to stay off of it and order an MRI, which I don't want to do right now. So, I will not be running until race weekend. I'm going for short walks a couple of times a day, stretching, icing, massaging and taking Frank's prescription anti inflammatories. I'm staying off it as much as I can, but I'm not the kind of person who sits, ever.
I think it'll be okay as long as I take it easy until the races. I have resigned myself to the fact that there will be no PR in the half. I just want to finish the 2 races. I may go for a short run early during race week just to test it out, but I'm determined to run no matter what.
Because I was bummed about my ankle, I did nothing but eat this weekend. I gained 5 pounds in 3 days. Of course, I know that's only temporary weight, but it feels like I'm 5 pounds heavier!
Harrison is doing such a great job with his eating. He went to 2 sleepovers this weekend, and yes, they ate pizza and burgers, but he didn't take any candy or soda that was offered. He asked for water. He ate Cheerios instead of the poptarts the other kids had for breakfast. He may just maintain his weight this week because he does eat a lot better than that at home, but I'm so happy that he's thinking about what he puts in his mouth. He did want to make sure that Christmas day is a non dieting day.

How's everyone doing on their holiday preparations? Is everyone ready? I've got one more trip to the grocery store, but other than that, we're ready. I have completely overdone it with Harrison again, but I can't help it. He's my only child!

Have a great day ladies.

 

[bunnyfoo]

Hi ladies! I keep meaning to come by and post but work is so busy. I thought this week was going to be quiet but it seems like everyone wants stuff done before the weekend. You mean I have to do work

Tandy - Tell Harrison that we're all very impressed with his good eating habits! I don't think as a kid I would (could) have ever turned down candy or poptarts. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that nothing serious has happened to your achilles or ankle. Make sure you're taking it easy and RICEing this week young lady! As for Christmas, I think I'm more or less ready. I've picked up presents for everyone and I'm hoping to get in a little baking as well.

Debra - My running and XT schedule would normally go something like this:

Mon - Short run (3-5 miler) morning, 1 hour gym/training evening
Tue - Rest day
Wed - Longer short run (5-8 miler) morning, boxing session
Thu - Short run (3-5 miler) morning or after training, 30 min training
Fri - Rest day
Sat - Yoga morning, LR in the afternoon
Sun - Rest day or picking up miles missed during the week

The Monday, Wednesday Thursday runs are all based on whatever training schedule I'm following. For the full, I started out following Higdon's Novice 2 plan but because of my knee, it didn't quite work out that way. I cut out my Monday run and shortened Wednesday to 3 miles and Thursday to 2 miles. My longest run before the full will only have been 14 miles and that was back in November. After talking to a few more experienced marathoners - Coach Charles and a few others, they seem to think I'll be okay because I do have the 30K under my belt and keep fairly active. The 10 miler was really good - if I had more time I would have gone to 15 miles (I was running a 5 mile loop). I'm planning on attempting a 13 miler this weekend and that will be it. Next weekend (New Year's), I could push for 15 but figure it's better to save that for the actual race rather than risk injury.

Ah Life Takes Over - gotcha… maybe I should make a Road ID bracelet and use that at the bottom And you're absolutely right it's been a running theme for the year. Saturday's meeting was good I think. The ex was more emotional than I was … ok, I just didn't want to ruin my lashes. Which btw are awesome! It was a super long appointment so it took quite a bit of time. Not sure if you saw my FB message last Friday "OMG it's 10PM!". The lashes took about 3 hours or so to put in but were so worth it because I've gotten a ton of compliments on them. Not sure if they'll last until marathon weekend but I'm trying to be careful with them. Anyway, I'm meeting again with him today to keep talking. I owe you an email ...

AFM - The eating has fallen apart a little bit. There are too many treats floating around the office. So I've been grabbing cookies and chocolates here and there and it all adds up. It would be so bad if I was running 4-5x a week but that's just not happening. My chiro has increased the intensity of my workouts - it was mainly to get me into the dress for Saturday. I'm not one to brag but I thought my arms looked really good. I thought I had a picture to post but I can't seem to find one of just me in the dress Going to try and go for a 13 miler on Christmas day and keep a tighter reign on the eating.

I woke up around 3AM on Tuesday morning to catch a glimpse of the eclipse. The sky was clear but for some reason I had trouble finding the moon in the sky. When I finally saw it, it was a really dark red colour and not very bright. I didn't think it was worth waking up for… I did stay up to watch the eclipse go through the final phases and thought when the moon was partially visible, it was more impressive. I thought it was cool when it was partially white and partially red - definitely a lot brighter and more visible then.

Is everyone going to the Friday Pop meet? I'm so looking forward to seeing everyone again! I can't believe it's almost January (again!).

Have a great day everyone!

 

[MouseDogMom]

Vicky - The eclipse is usually much more impressive in the early and later stages than when it's fully eclipsed. Then it's just red. That in itself is kinda cool, since you don't often see a red moon, but I'm like you. I woke up to go to the bathroom around 3:30 and looked through the skylight and thought "oh, the moon is red," and went back to bed. Didn't have it in me to stay up and wait for it to start changing back! And I think you'll be fine for the marathon. You have plenty of mileage under your belt.

Tandy - TAKE IT EASY! Both between now and race weekend, and especially during the half. Do I need to call you during the half and tell you to slow down? (This coming from the person who ALWAYS starts out too fast... but that's why I'm particularly concerned about you!) I think the rest will get you to the start line okay, and you've got the mileage under your belt, too.

Debra - They weighed me at check-in this morning, but the scale was set to kg, and I told the nurse not to tell me what it converted to. I just don't want to know. I've run twice since MCM, and done absolutely nothing else. I am trying to be just a teeny, tiny bit better, especially now that I'm going to be a couch potato for several days. And no, Disney never made it to the calendar for us this year. Neither of us really, really wanted to do either (or both) races, and the entry fees have gotten so ridiculously expensive that we just couldn't justify the trip. Annie wants to do a spring break trip, so that could still happen, but not likely with the accumulation of medical bills now. If they hadn't changed the Princess date, it would have fallen during her break and it was a definite!

AFM - surgery was this morning. It's finally done. For those of you not on FB, according to DD, the doctor said the tear is repaired and I now have more clearance in the joint without anything extra needing to be done. I think that's good news? Now I'm lying in bed waiting on DH and DD to get back from the grocery store. I slept all afternoon (gotta love the pain and anti-nausea meds), but woke up bored to death. DD brought me the laptop, and I'm much happier now! I may be on FB and the DIS non-stop this weekend. I also have a stack of books, beginning with James Patterson's newest, Cross Fire. The new flat screen TV won't hurt either!

My running buddy is bringing dinner tomorrow, and we've been invited to have Christmas dinner with her family. Gives me something to look forward to, which I desperately need. I think I'll end up missing the Christmas Eve service at church, and that's been one of my favorites since childhood. Annie is doing one of the readings, so that makes it even more of a bummer! Oh well... I just keep telling myself this will be a good thing come next spring!

Hope everyone's ready for the big day, or at least close!

Jackie

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Hey Leanies!

I don't even remember the last time I posted, which is not a good sign...

Jackie -- I'm so glad the surgery went well! You sound like you have a wonderful attitude, and I hope you will be entertained all weekend! I know you are enjoying having Annie home, even if you won't get to hear her reading. Like you said, next Spring you will be so happy you had the procedure!

Vicky -- I'll be at the Pop Meet on Friday! I'm looking forward to seeing you again 13M on Christmas?! You are hard core! Sorry about the mani -- I desperately need one, but can't seem to find the time. I have to make something to take to my neighbor's on Christmas Eve, and the thought of cooking has me cringing. I don't want to take the 20 min it will take to make fudge, which is pretty pathetic!

Tandy -- I'm sorry about your leg, but glad you've decided to rest it -- it sounds like you really need to! I know what you mean about spoiling the only -- I declared I was done and not buying a certain wii game (ok, I only declared it to myself and dh but still...it should arrive from Amazon today )

Debra -- The basement remodel has been planned for awhile, it just seemed like the first step (painting and sealing the floor), didn't seem to be happening. DH finally conceded there was no way he could get it done before our company, and we moved forward with covering the floor with rugs, new bedding, some small furniture purchases, etc. I still want to put new curtains down there and I was far from ready for the relatives, as is evidenced by the ridiculous amount of dust that is still visible... , but it is much more comfortable and cozy. My ds doesn't seem to be interested in Tron. I'm not sure why, he loves Sci Fi Sounds like we can wait for Netflix...

Ok, in the news I've been dreading posting, just 'cause it's hard...last Friday I ran 12M, and I was so pleased when I got off the TM. That's the first time I've ever run that far and it not been in a race. My good mood quickly evaporated when dh told me he'd moved up Worf's (kitty) appt. with the vet because he didn't look good. And he didn't -- he didn't seem to have control over his motor functions, or even able to hold his head up. We took him in and he passed his kidney tests, but he just didn't look good. We took him back home, and over the night it became clear that Worf was just not going to have a good quality of life -- he couldn't eat, drink, or really walk. He found a way to get up on the bed and sleep with me, and I swear it took every bit of his energy to do it, and he did it because he knew it was the last time. We called the vet and spent the morning saying goodbye, then dh took him for the last time. They don't let you stay with them at the end, and I think that's probably a good thing. The vet thinks he had a stroke, because he went downhill so fast. He was fine Thursday, his usual inquisitive and affectionate self, demanding love and attention. So, after 17 years, Worf Everett Doodles Davis aka Worfiedoodles, has been laid to rest. I'm keeping my screen name, 'cause he's always in my heart.

I'm just glad this happened while we were here instead of at WDW, I would be devastated if I hadn't been able to say goodbye properly.

And I can't end on a sad note -- so let me say it has been interesting having my dad and smom visit since last Sunday. I am very happy they are visiting until Jan. 12th (they stay with ds while we go to FL), but there have been some challenging moments with the smom commenting on my eating (apparently too much), and her cooking -- this is not her best skill, but of course I can't tell her -- nothing anywhere near the Debra category of outlaw intrigue, but enough to keep me um, anticipating angst.

Oh! And did I mention I had to ask them to turn down the heat about half an hour before I'll be home to work out? The first day I went down to the basement and they had it set on 80 I felt like I was running in Phoenix!

In case I don't get to post again before -- Merry Christmas!

Maria

 

[rubato]

Maria: Oh, honey, I'm so sorry! I know how hard it is to put a beloved, special pet down. But, it sounds like you did the right thing. And, yes, it is good that it happened now, while you are there. How special that you got a last night with him.

I am happy to hear about your run though. Great job. I don't know how you can have family stay with you that long. I would probably end up hurting someone. My stepmom is one of those people that has a wonderful, kind heart, but no tact at all. She says the most horrendous things all the time and can't understand why people can't stand her. But, she makes my dad very happy and she puts up with him, so I love her.

Jackie: I am SOOO happy to hear things went well. How wonderful is your running partner? My goodness. I am glad you have such good support for your recovery.
I love Patterson and can't wait to read the latest Alex Cross happenings. I've been through this series since the beginning. It's my 2nd favorite series behind the Scarpetta series. But, with James Patterson, you get such a wide range of different stories. My favorite book he ever did wasn't even written by him. Against Medical Advice was just fascinating. Have you read that one? I have a friend who's son has paranoid schitzophrenia and I really wanted him to read it. but he hasn't yet. Anyway, hang in there. As someone who has recovered from 5 surgeries, you get bored and antsy pretty quick, but just take it easy.

Vicky: Your workout schedule is CRAZY! I am feeling like a big, fat slob compared to you.
I forgot about the eclipse entirely until Harrison told me the next day. He was mad that I didn't let him see it. Like that's my fault. Hello.
I bet you did look great in that dress. You have worked really hard. Time to show it off.
Oh, and I'm so jealous of the lashes. I mentioned getting mine done to Frank (mine are getting really thin) and he made it VERY clear that he would be unhappy with my decision to do it. Oh well. Instead, I'm going tanning this month and getting a pedi before we leave. He knows that I'm not happy when I'm pale. I only go maybe one month every 2 or 3 years, so I'm not worried about it. The funny thing is that Harrison is the palest person I've ever seen, but I would never let him be in the sun or tan. SPF 50 or higher for him.
I will be at Pop for sure. Don't think I'll do the Monday morning meet. But, I'll be at both races early.

AFM: I absolutely hate not running! I am going insane, really. My leg feels completely better again, but I know what happened last time, so I'm waiting until I go to the ankle specialist Monday morning before I attempt running. I want to see what he says. I have been walking 2 miles on the TM at a full incline. Every single time I get on there, I have to stop myself from pushing the speed up. I am walking at 4 mph and want to be running at 8 mph. But, I know not to do it. I will be good, I promise. And, yes, Jackie, I am going to have to watch myself in the half. I am horrible about doing positive splits.

Eating is very hit and miss for me. I will be perfect one day, and horrible the next. Frank wanted Chinese buffet yesterday, which is a weakness of mine. I know there are plenty of healthy options, especially because they have lots of sushi and a grill, but I go straight for the teriyaki type dishes. At least I got brown rice.

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday, whatever you celebrate!

 

[MouseDogMom]

Maria - and and more Yesterday was the 2nd anniversary of Mystic's leaving us. So glad you got a chance to say goodbye - that last night is really, really special. DH slept on the couch so Mystic and I could have the entire bed to ourselves, and I still treasure that time together. And it's good that you were home, and not at WDW. Worf knew what he was doing!

Tandy - 4 mph. 4 mph. Keep repeating that until Monday! I haven't read Against Medical Advice, but I will certainly put it on the list. Annie and I checked out a stack between the two of us, and I'm planning on trying some of hers before I'm done! I think I'll have covered most genres before we turn them back in.

Yep, been home 27 hours and I'm already stir crazy. My running buddy came over today, so that was a nice diversion. And I moved from the bed to the couch, so the dogs have tried to entertain me too. And don't tell Annie, since we're going to make it part of her Christmas stocking, but we finally broke down and bought a Netflix account, so I can actually watch movies on my laptop for the next couple of days before she finds out about it! She used to be able to use the BF's account, but after they broke up she felt a little guilty continuing to use their logon information. The good news is that I'm not really in pain, but not all of the anesthesia appears to have worn off yet, since there are still large areas that feel tingly.

Merry Christmas to everyone!

Jackie

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Thank you so much for your kind words. It really helps, and I so appreciate the support!

I had to bail on my 12M today. My cold is just nasty , and besides, I would have had to kick smom, who now also has a nasty cold, out of her bed. That would just be mean...I'm hoping to do it Sunday, but even if I skip it I know I did the 12 just fine, and I feel ready for the Half.

I'm about to round up the troops to start our Christmas Eve traditions. DH is at the gym doing his lsr. I'm not sure what it will end up being. I think he's supposed to do 15, but he feels guilty about missing his 22 last week, so you never know. He knows he doesn't have a set time to be home, so we'll see...

We begin with a family Christmas puzzle (with the exception of dh, who really doesn't like them), and then we'll watch some Christmas specials, finish wrapping, etc. Tonight we'll drive around and look at lights, and have homemade pizza. We go over to my neighbor's (which I'm going to skip since I don't feel well), and then watch a classic Christmas movie. We send ds to bed around 10:30, and then I can get out the gifts from Santa. Of course he doesn't still believe at almost 13, but it's fun to have an unwrapped surprise waiting when he gets up in the morning. I have about 2 dozen little tags to take off of Schleich animals today....I'm setting them up on and around the new blu ray player. It's for the entire family, but he doesn't know we bought it. DH thinks he won't be excited, but I think he will when he sees the blu ray movies he's also getting...

So, since I doubt I'll be back before tomorrow, Merry Christmas, and Bless Us Everyone!

Maria

 

[rubato]

Happy Monday morning ladies. I have good news. I have been cleared to run. I have flexor tendonitis, not achilles tendonitis.

Maria: How are you feeling? I hope you are better soon, because it would stink to not be able to finish out these last runs before the half.

Jackie: How's the Netflix working out for you? We just got it a few months ago, but I don't enjoy watching movies, so it's mostly for Frank and Harrison.
How are you feeling?

How was everyone's Christmas? We had a great holiday here. No one fought or even got annoyed at anyone. It was a banner year! My stepmom was a little obnoxious, but we all just kept walking away. It was just self preservation, not rudeness.

Frank and Harrison got me the purse I have been drooling over. It's the Isabella Fiore Minnie Mouse tote. They also got me the wallet, which I didn't know was out there. I am not much for designer purses, because I am a cheapskate, but I love the design of this bag. It's been sold out for months, so I was very surprised when I opened it. Everyone else was very happy as well.

Eating was horrible, but it's Christmas. Plus, we had dinner theatre last night. I guess I've started carb loading a little early huh?

I am going to attempt to run today. The doctor told me that there's no way I can tear or rupture the flexor tendon (at least he's never seen it) and, as long as I'm either pain free or fine running through the pain, I should go for it. If, when I get back from vacation, I'm in pain, he'll put me in a walking boot, and I'll take it easy for quite awhile and heal it properly. I'm in no pain at all right now, so I'll see how it goes.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Merry Post-Christmas, Ladies!

I am still fighting my cold, but the fever is gone. Now it's a sore throat, incovenient spastic sneezing, drainage, and general tiredness. So glad that's an improvement over the last two days

My goal is to feel well enough to do my last 10M on Friday. At this point, I think that's all I can hope for.

My boss called last night to tell us all non-essential personnel (that's me!), were not to come in today due to the blizzard. My dh has been shovelling all day, in spurts. There's a lot of snow out there, and it's cold and windy, too... It really works out well with the way I feel, I can definitely use another day to recover before I try to be efficient and super-productive at work. I was supposed to have Wednesday off, but with being out today, that's not going to happen.

Tandy -- Congrats on the fabulous purse! I was also spoiled -- not quite rotten, but pretty close. My most ironic gift -- I asked for a Jimmy Buffet cd, not specifying any one, but thinking he would get some kind of greatest hits. He did -- he found a cd that does not have "Margaritaville", "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere", "Changes in Attitudes", or any of the classics I associate with him. It's a bunch of stuff I never heard of. I hope I like it!

Jackie -- How was your holiday? How wonderful to spend it with your running buddy! I hope you are feeling a little better each day.

Vicky and Jackie -- I hope you had a magical holiday, that goes for you, too, Debra!

DS just came in demanding hot cocoa and a showing of "Vampires Suck", so off I go...

Maria

 

[MouseDogMom]

Tandy - Great news that you're okay to run. Bummer that it may need to be treated post-race, but coming from someone who limped through a marathon... whatever works! So far we've gotten our money's worth from Netflix, but that's primarily because DD is home and insisting that we watch at least one movie every night. I suspect she'll use it more when she goes back to school, but I'm trying to make a list of movies that I'd like to see (or see again.) So far we've watched "The Princess and the Frog," "Boondock Saints," (disclaimer - I did NOT watch that. UGH!) "The Bounty Hunter," and "Kiss the Bride."

Maria - I got an extra recovery day as well. We got 6-10", depending on where you measured, so my boss called me Sunday night to put us on a 2 hour delay, and then called me Monday morning to say stay home. No complaining on this end! Glad you're feeling better. I wouldn't bother with the last 10M unless the tiredness improves. You'll be better off with the rest than with the extra mileage.

Today was my first day back at work, and it went better than I'd expected. It at least kept the boredom at bay. I'm completely stir crazy at home - keep seeing things that need to be done, but I don't want to nag poor DD, who's doing the best she can. Tonight she admitted that she had no idea how much I did on a daily basis just to keep the household functioning. Walking the dogs, laundry, meals, and keeping the dishwasher emptied are about to do her in!

Jackie

 

[rubato]

Hello ladies. I hope everyone is doing well.

Jackie: Wow, you went back to work pretty quick! You must be feeling pretty good. I love that your daughter is finally able to appreciate the work you do. My son may never know, we'll see. I can't remember, but how old is your daughter? It's nice that she can be home for you. When does she go back to school?

Maria: I have to agree with Jackie. I think you should skip the run and just rest up. I think the CD is funny. Maybe you will end up liking it. He actually had more of a range than most people know. My neighbor at the lake was a sailboater and a guitar player, so we heard a lot of Buffet songs!

I'm jealous of you both. We have gotten maybe 1/4 inch of snow so far. I grew up in a ski resort town in Colorado, so I really miss the winters full of snow. Of course, it didn't all come down in one day like it did for you guys.

AFM: I ran again today. I did 4 miles at race pace. I'm just waiting for the pain to come back. Everytime I put my foot down, I think the next step is going to be painful. Hopefully, that won't happen. But, it's a worry. Eating is horrible! I can't get back on track from the holidays. I am afraid to get on the scale. But, I actually think I'll do better while I'm on vacation. We'll see.

I'm getting so excited for this trip. It feels like I haven't been to Disney in forever. But, it's only been since this January. We're trying to get all our final planning taken care of. I've had to map out transportation for Frank because this is the first time he will be going places without me. He thinks he knows what to do, but when I question him, he's wrong. He can't even remember the name of our resort. And, he keeps saying that we're going to Disneyland! What's wrong with this picture?

I hope we hear from everyone soon. Where is everybody???????

 

[MouseDogMom]

Tandy - Trust me, I'd rather not be at work. I HATE trying to navigate on crutches. Unfortunately, because we're desperately short-staffed, and it's the end of the year, I need to be here. Technically, by official policy, I'm not cleared to be working, but my boss is ignoring that detail. I have decided I think I'm going to work 4-day weeks the remainder of the time I'm on crutches, just to give myself a reprieve.

DD will be 20 in 10 days. We usually celebrate her bday during marathon weekend. If you don't mind, say happy birthday on Sunday while you're running! I had to laugh at Frank calling it Disneyland. After 13 trips, you'd think our family was pretty die-hard. But I forget that DH hasn't been to DL yet. We were watching the parade Christmas Day, and they cut back from the Magic Kingdom to Disneyland, and he asked "Well, don't they call it the Magic Kingdom there too?" Annie and I rolled our eyes and said, "No, Dad, it's just Disneyland there. It was only one park until CA was built." He still doesn't get it. At least he can get around without me! And fortunately, so can Annie. She was bugging me last night about when we're going back, while playing the Fantasmic soundtrack on her computer...

Keeping my fingers crossed that you continue to be pain-free!

Jackie

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Good Morning, Lovely Lean Ones!

I should get to what I can do on my project (still waiting very impatiently for some information ), but I'm going to post first!

Jackie -- I have a January baby, too! DS will be 13 on the 29th, but assures us he is already "emotionally 13". Well, judging by his attitude, I'd say that's correct I think the 4-day workweeks sound like a great strategy. I'm glad the work is keeping you mentally occupied. It is true that you can only watch so much netflix!

Tandy -- So, the scoop on the cd is it consists entirely of encores. Before every track, Jimmy is talking to the audience, etc. I wish I was a bigger fan, I'm sure I'd love it then. I really just want to hear the classic hits Our snow is starting to hit the stage where it's unattractive and annoying. It's going to be 50 on Saturday, so hopefully most of it will melt...

In my news, I am feeling much better and more energetic, definitely like my old self! I am going to do the 10M, because I do feel like I won't have any issues. If I start to, I'll reconsider. My taper is going to consist of 10M Fri., 5M Sun., 4M Tues., and 3M Wed. (assuming everything goes as planned!)

I'm at work until 3 today, and I have a couple of church meetings tonight. When I finally get home about 9, I plan to put everything out of my mind and relax until Saturday afternoon, when I will start to think about my packing list. This time one week from today, we wil be in the air and headed for WDW!

Maria

 

[bunnyfoo]

Hi lean ladies! Sorry to have been absent for a while - work's been a little bit busier than I thought it would be and then I've just been hiding out a little bit too. You'd think with all the hours I logged playing Epic Mickey, I'd be finished the game and then some but nope - I'm just not a skilled gamer The puzzles are easy but not so much the skill involved in slaughtering bad guys. Anyone have big New Year's Eve plans?

Jackie - I can't believe you're back at work already! Sounds like things there are busy but make sure you're taking things easy because you're still recovering. I've had to fill in for my mom a couple of times and it is not an easy job. I have to say that all moms make it look very easy! And happy early birthday to DD!

Maria - Yay! Glad you're able to do the 10M! I got your email but have just been busy and haven't had a chance to respond yet. I was going to suggest a 10K but since you're up to it, go for the 10M! Hope your work day goes quickly! It's pretty quiet here but I still have work to finish up.

Tandy - So glad you're cleared to run and that your 4 miler was pain free! WTG! Frank calling WDW DL sounds a lot like my dad or well ... any non-Disney person. I get a lot "Well aren't they the same place?" My eating has been off too - I find it really hard to get back on track once you fall off. My new goal is not to gain any (more) weight before I get to WDW. After the full, all bets are off!

The lashes are so much fun! But really, they're no different than the falsies you'd get at the drugstore. The only difference is that you don't have to fuss with putting them on. Maybe it's like wearing contacts and it just takes practice but I have the most difficult time getting them on. Then I'm always worried about the glue and having them fall off half way through the night!

Debra - and for you and DOOD! Do you have any news on FIL? I'm sending good thoughts your way. I owe you an email btw...

AFM - Not much of import to report ... just working out, doing minimal running because I don't want to throw anything out of whack before the 9th. I'm trying to keep my eating under control so my new goal is to not gain weight before WDW. And I can tell my eating is off because I'm getting breakouts... Ugh! Or maybe that's stress related to the ex... *sigh* I've been talking with him since we met for dinner but I can't tell how he feels. He asked if I wanted to do something for New Year's but then so did my friend Spencer (he's having some friends over to his house and they're just going to chill). I don't know what to do ... and yeah I know it's not complicated I think I'll just stay home pack and catch up on sleep

Oh - here's some good news! I found some gift cards that I'd stashed away earlier in the year. I guess I'd just forgotten about them. Anyway, they expire tomorrow but there's $100 worth so I can get some sale clothing - so that's what I'm going to be doing at lunch!

Have a great day! And if I don't make it back here in time - happy new year's!!

 

[rubato]

Happy New Year's Eve everyone!!!! What do you all have planned for tonight?

Vicky: Did you have fun shopping? We have been debating Epic Mickey but I think Harrison isn't that interested, so we probably won't be getting it. Oh well. Have you made a decision on whether your ex is coming on the trip with you? How's all of that going right now? What about this evening? Relaxing is the way to go. I think I'd rather stay home and pack than go to the party I'm going to, but I'm stuck!

Maria: Wow, your little boy is about to turn 13? How are you feeling about that whole 'teen' thing? I'm sad today because I noticed that my son is spending less and less time talking to us and more and more time talking to his friends. When we want to play board games, he'd rather go to a friends house or have someone over or play xbox live. Are you running your 10 tonight? Boy, that's not much of a taper, but I have heard you don't have to taper much for a half. I did for mine, but then, it didn't go well, so who knows?

Jackie: How are you feeling? Please dont overdo it! My husband also has no concept that Disneyland is the size of MK only, and to call Disneyworld Disneyland is a bit insulting. Oh well. He gets better with each trip. Maybe our resident Disney expert, Debra, can school him a little at the meets! How is Annie handling not spending her bday at Disney? I will make sure to wish her a happy birthday while I'm dying.

Debra: Is everything okay? Again, no facebook for me, so I don't know what's going on?


AFM: I have managed to run 3 times with no pain this week. I am going to push it a little and do 6 miles tomorrow and then, 4 on Tuesday. Then, I am done until the races. I am getting soooooo excited. I finally started packing. The weather report looks amazing. 70s and 60s everyday. I hope I can wear lots of shorts, even if I do have a lot more layers on top to make them work.

My eating is atrocious! I give up. I will worry about it after I get back from vacation. Isn't losing weight the #1 new years's resolution? I guess I'll just join the mainstream.

Everyone, have a fun and safe holiday.

 

[deekaypee]

Hey, I'm back. It's been a whirlwind family holiday, as per usual. It's really hard to carve out "me" time with my out-laws. Sorry.

First up...Maria: I'm so sorry to hear about Worfiedoodles. When I read the news, the first thing I did was go over and hug my cats. I'm comforted to know you were able to say goodbye and he didn't suffer, though. And I'm glad to know you have been having an interesting (successful?) holiday, with the out-laws, snow, etc. We tried, and failed, to complete a Christmas puzzle. It sounds as if the half will be a great time for you this year, with all that running.

Jackie: Congrats on the successful surgery. It's got to be so good to have gotten that out of the way. I can't believe you're at work, though. It seems to me you've had no real recovery time. And happy (upcoming) b-day to your DD. (Can't believe you have a to-be 20 yo.)

Vicky: Thanks for the schedule. Reading yours (and others) reminds me how much I've slacked off in 2010. I really need to recommit to that over, IDK, eating and watching bad TV. I need to get the details about the ex...but I'm loving the details about the lashes. LONG time to spend in a chair, but I like the idea of low maintenance / high impact results.

Don't you just love finding gift cards - I'm really bad at spending them & putting them in places where I'll remember them. I can't wait to hear what you got. Something extra-special, I hope. Oh, and can't weight (pun intended) to see you at Disney.

Tandy: I'll join you in joining the mainstream! Losing weight is my #1 priority next year. I'm now bursting out the seams of my largest pants & refuse to buy bigger ones. That said, I do hope your #1 plan between now and Disney is to remain pain-free for a great race (which I'm sure you'll have). It's just that I worry because, if you're like me, you get antsy during taper - especially if it's been forced early on you.

Loved the Disneyland story. My out-laws and parents do it all the time. Then they get confused when I get confused in trying to answer their questions. (Which are usually a variation of "You're going to Disneyland again? Why? Why not visit us?) Um, because you don't know the difference between DL and WDW?

AFM: Ah, the big news. The holiday. Worst. Christmas. Ever. It started out with one person deciding not to come at the last minute (work stress, which would be compounded by family holiday stress). Then my BIL and his GF/mother of my new niece left early after one night & for reasons I'm not clear on - family stresses. (I've never left early, though been tempted tempted, so they beat me.) That left DOOD and myself as the "children" of very depressed/stressed parents who missed their granddaughter.

So...there were emotional stresses. And we were experiencing altitude sickness. DOOD & I both tried long runs on a hilly golf course but were unable to complete because of it. So we didn't think much of things when DOOD's father was feeling under the weather - at first. I kept insisting he and my MIL take it easy, but they ignored me & we ended up going to Bandelier Mountain. The next day, my FIL ended up being hospitalized and we found out he'd had a heart attack some time in the past few days.

Anyway, that's where our time & attention has been recently. We were unsure what to do and whether we'd be able to go to WDW or should stay in Santa Fe (which is where we were all vacationing). Anyway, my FIL has been released from the hospital now and we're still going to Disney.

I could go on and on about the trip. But I won't regale you stories about the various happenings that are my typical outlaw experiences. (New insight: I realized my MIL does the "neg," that dating strategy used by guys where you cut someone down with a backhanded compliment.) But the usual frustrations seem overshadowed by the heart attack.