So, after rereading my last post, I realized I may have left a bit of confusion on a few issues.
1) I did not work out every single day of the week. While I was up at 6:00 am every morning, I only worked out 3 of the days (as per the C25k plan). The other days I worked on training the dogs and cleaning.
2) I also did not do the strength training stuff that I'd hoped to do. Since some cleaning got done, I do consider that to be a bit of stress relief, and I got a single session of yoga in this morning (which is technically week 5, so I'll talk about that later). Hopefully I can do more this week.
3) I'm also not running as far as I should. I'm meeting the time requirements, but I'm keeping it at a fairly slow pace so I'm typically about a half mile behind where I should be. I do try to make it up from walking, but I'm certainly not running as far as I should be. That said, I figure I'll worry about that later. For now, I'm just going to focus on time.
4) I'm staying on the treadmill, and have not started running outside yet. Again, that's something I'll worry about later.
For now, wish me luck on the next few weeks!
Monday, May 31, 2010
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Couch to 5k Week 4
I don't want this blog to become an exercise blog, but this week has been super hectic. I'm actually not sure if I've fully explained our current living situation, so let me try to explain now. Currently, we are living with 2 cats, 4 dogs, and 6 puppies. The puppies are now 6 weeks old and are constantly getting into trouble. They're eating more and digging more. They want to be held, and they know how to climb stairs. Of course, this means they also are learning how to fall down stairs, so we have to be really careful.
The 4 dogs are great, but don't always get along. We really have to be careful around Mama Dog (Macy) and Shadow who tend to turn on each other at the slightest provocation, so they pretty much have to be kept separate or kept on leash. Cody and Shadow play all the time, or at least Shadow tries to play with Cody. Merlin is on new thyroid medication which seems to be making him very thirsty which means he's getting up in the middle of the night. Combined with Shadows dislike of her night time crating Hans and I are getting very little sleep. It's exhausting!
Add to that the job at WEE Shop, the fact that Hans is working the show at TIV, and the multiple projects around the house and we are just about ready to drop. I'm finding myself yawning all the time, and the bags under my eyes look like I'm packed for a 4 week vacation (well I could use some spa time).
All of this could be one giant excuse for not doing week 4. I could have slept. I could have sat back and watched t.v. and eaten chocolate (like I did last night). I could have taken every spare moment and taken a nap. But...I DIDN'T!
Hans and I woke up every morning at 6:00 am. Some mornings this was after only 4 hours of sleep. Some mornings this was after having worked until midnight the night before. Hans was great and helped with feeding all the dogs while I went for my jog. I even ended up going a little faster on some of the jogs! I was hoping to be able to do longer runs on occassion, but I'm not as awesome as my SIL, Liz. Still, though, I did what I set out to do.
I was kind of fed up when I couldn't get through week 3, so there was no way I was going to do that with week 4. And I don't plan on doing that with week 5 either. Onward and upward. Woohoo!!!
The 4 dogs are great, but don't always get along. We really have to be careful around Mama Dog (Macy) and Shadow who tend to turn on each other at the slightest provocation, so they pretty much have to be kept separate or kept on leash. Cody and Shadow play all the time, or at least Shadow tries to play with Cody. Merlin is on new thyroid medication which seems to be making him very thirsty which means he's getting up in the middle of the night. Combined with Shadows dislike of her night time crating Hans and I are getting very little sleep. It's exhausting!
Add to that the job at WEE Shop, the fact that Hans is working the show at TIV, and the multiple projects around the house and we are just about ready to drop. I'm finding myself yawning all the time, and the bags under my eyes look like I'm packed for a 4 week vacation (well I could use some spa time).
All of this could be one giant excuse for not doing week 4. I could have slept. I could have sat back and watched t.v. and eaten chocolate (like I did last night). I could have taken every spare moment and taken a nap. But...I DIDN'T!
Hans and I woke up every morning at 6:00 am. Some mornings this was after only 4 hours of sleep. Some mornings this was after having worked until midnight the night before. Hans was great and helped with feeding all the dogs while I went for my jog. I even ended up going a little faster on some of the jogs! I was hoping to be able to do longer runs on occassion, but I'm not as awesome as my SIL, Liz. Still, though, I did what I set out to do.
I was kind of fed up when I couldn't get through week 3, so there was no way I was going to do that with week 4. And I don't plan on doing that with week 5 either. Onward and upward. Woohoo!!!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
One Thing At a Time
So, I've been reading my SIL's blog recently (like I do), and she's been having some trouble with the C25k program. The problem hasn't so much been the actual work-out itself, but rather the motivation to do the workout. Yesterday, she posted a beautiful blog about how she really evaluated her life and her priorities and decided this was definitely something she wanted, and that she'd just have to reprioritize her life a bit. To check out this great post go here. Anyway, I started to post a comment to her blog, but decided that this subject was worth a whole new post.
First of all, I can't help but wonder if this lack of motivation isn't a seasonal thing. Almost every ladies' magazine you find this month has something about getting organized, staying focused, or living better. Of course, that may just be because spring is the quintessential time to clean. Secondly, I found it ironic that Liz posted this post when she did, because Hans and I had been chatting about this same issue just the night before. And by "issue" I don't mean the C25k, but rather the priorities and staying focused.
The thing is, I think staying focused is really easy for some people. There's a job, they get it done, bam! On to the next job. Somehow, though, I think I missed that gene. On projects and paperwork I'm great at multitasking, but on things like housework and fitness I just can't seem to get it together. I'll see the multiple things that have to get done, and I'll have great motivation to get started, but I just can't seem to decide where to start.
There's the laundry and the kitchen and the vacuuming and the rec room and the vacuuming and the office work and the vacuuming. Did I mention vacuuming? Plus, there are the work outs and the diets and the grocery shopping. What's more important? Well, they're all important and when I can't decide what to do first I often end up doing nothing.
So, the other night Hans and I sat down and made a list of all the things that need to be taken care of inside the house. We ONLY focused on the inside of the house. Outside will come next. We wrote everything down, and then we made a sechedule for when all that would happen. Already, we have a clean kitchen, and a room that's almost done being painted. I feel like we're really getting things in order.
Plus, I decided I needed to do the same for my workouts. Basically, I'm saying screw it to the diet. Don't get me wrong, I'm being mindful of what I eat. I'm just not freaking out over it. I really need to just focus on my workouts right now (which are going fairly well). And instead of sleeping in on my days off from working out, I'm working with the dogs. It's working out quite well so far (all two days of it).
Anyway, my point is that it doesn't do me or anyone else any good if I stress out and become overwhelmed. Just one day at a time, one step at a time. I'll do my best to forget everything else!
First of all, I can't help but wonder if this lack of motivation isn't a seasonal thing. Almost every ladies' magazine you find this month has something about getting organized, staying focused, or living better. Of course, that may just be because spring is the quintessential time to clean. Secondly, I found it ironic that Liz posted this post when she did, because Hans and I had been chatting about this same issue just the night before. And by "issue" I don't mean the C25k, but rather the priorities and staying focused.
The thing is, I think staying focused is really easy for some people. There's a job, they get it done, bam! On to the next job. Somehow, though, I think I missed that gene. On projects and paperwork I'm great at multitasking, but on things like housework and fitness I just can't seem to get it together. I'll see the multiple things that have to get done, and I'll have great motivation to get started, but I just can't seem to decide where to start.
There's the laundry and the kitchen and the vacuuming and the rec room and the vacuuming and the office work and the vacuuming. Did I mention vacuuming? Plus, there are the work outs and the diets and the grocery shopping. What's more important? Well, they're all important and when I can't decide what to do first I often end up doing nothing.
So, the other night Hans and I sat down and made a list of all the things that need to be taken care of inside the house. We ONLY focused on the inside of the house. Outside will come next. We wrote everything down, and then we made a sechedule for when all that would happen. Already, we have a clean kitchen, and a room that's almost done being painted. I feel like we're really getting things in order.
Plus, I decided I needed to do the same for my workouts. Basically, I'm saying screw it to the diet. Don't get me wrong, I'm being mindful of what I eat. I'm just not freaking out over it. I really need to just focus on my workouts right now (which are going fairly well). And instead of sleeping in on my days off from working out, I'm working with the dogs. It's working out quite well so far (all two days of it).
Anyway, my point is that it doesn't do me or anyone else any good if I stress out and become overwhelmed. Just one day at a time, one step at a time. I'll do my best to forget everything else!
Monday, May 24, 2010
Couch to 5k Week 3- For Real This Time
Well, I finally did it. I finally, FINALLY completed week 3 of the program. Plus, just to make up for lost time I added an extra day. This next week I'll be moving on to week 4. Woot!
So, how did it go? Well, it was noticeably more difficult than the previous weeks. I'm actually really worried about this next week, because week 3 did seem so difficult to complete. Part of the difficulty I know is due to sheer exhaustion, but I'm not really expecting this next week to be any easier. I could probably change my diet too, and that might really help. For now, though, I just have to play it by ear.
Honestly, I suppose part of me is just hoping that this week will just seem magically easy. I mean, I did complete the week before it. That said, I really know what's holding me back. Like I already said, there's exhaustion and diet. But there's also lack of sleep, stress, and lack of strength. And by lack of sleep, I do mean something different than exhaustion. Exhaustion is caused by running around all day. Lack of sleep is caused by me staying up too late. So, I suppose I should set some goals this week.
Goals for Week 4
1) Go to sleep!
2) Do something for the stress. This may include cleaning, painting, or yoga. The first two are stressors that could be taken care of. The third is a good stress reliever.
3) Work on some strength training. If lack of strength is keeping me from running, I guess I have to add some strength. Bring it on!
Alright, so looking at these goals, I have the feeling that the last too are going to prevent the first. Any ideas?
So, how did it go? Well, it was noticeably more difficult than the previous weeks. I'm actually really worried about this next week, because week 3 did seem so difficult to complete. Part of the difficulty I know is due to sheer exhaustion, but I'm not really expecting this next week to be any easier. I could probably change my diet too, and that might really help. For now, though, I just have to play it by ear.
Honestly, I suppose part of me is just hoping that this week will just seem magically easy. I mean, I did complete the week before it. That said, I really know what's holding me back. Like I already said, there's exhaustion and diet. But there's also lack of sleep, stress, and lack of strength. And by lack of sleep, I do mean something different than exhaustion. Exhaustion is caused by running around all day. Lack of sleep is caused by me staying up too late. So, I suppose I should set some goals this week.
Goals for Week 4
1) Go to sleep!
2) Do something for the stress. This may include cleaning, painting, or yoga. The first two are stressors that could be taken care of. The third is a good stress reliever.
3) Work on some strength training. If lack of strength is keeping me from running, I guess I have to add some strength. Bring it on!
Alright, so looking at these goals, I have the feeling that the last too are going to prevent the first. Any ideas?
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Bark in the Park- Flying Squirrels a Hit
Let me begin this post by explaining the Flying Squirrels. Richmond used to have a baseball team called the Richmond Braves (the farm team to the Atlanta Braves). They were a fine Triple-A farm team for the Atlanta Braves. However, due to some stupidity on the mayor's part, our beloved Braves decided to leave us...about 2 years ago. For about 2 years, Richmond had no professional baseball team. There were no fireworks in the Diamond (our stadium) for 2 years. There were no games, no fans...nothing. Then, this past year, the Flying Squirrels moved in. They're the double-A team for the San Francisco Giants.
First of all, let me say that I absolutely hate the name Flying Squirrels. However, their mascot is freakin' awesome. Only a Flying Squirrel could do hand stands and climb poles. It's pretty neat.
Anyway, this past Wednesday the Diamond and the Flying Squirrels did something they've never done before. They held a Bark in the Park night...dogs were allowed! Well, even though there are currently 4 dogs and 6 puppies in the house, Hans and I decided to just give Cody some alone time, so we took him to the game. Boy, oh boy did he love it!
Let's forget the fact that Cody loved seeing so many other dogs, and the fact that he was thrilled to be somewhere completely new. Let's forget the fact that he was very well behaved, and that everyone thought he was adorable. Let's forget the fact that Mom and Dad (me and Hans) love stadium food, and decided to indulge, and to share with Cody. Let's forget the fact that even members from the opposing team saw Cody and thought he was cute enough to approach and play with. Let's forget the fact that we had front row, third base line seats. Let us forget all that. For Cody, THERE WERE BALLS!!!!! There were lots of balls. There were balls being thrown, balls being hit, balls being bought, but there were no balls being bit (at least not by Cody). It was really fun to watch Cody's reaction as a foul ball bounced past us. The opposing team (the Seawolves) were really nice and actually gave Cody a spare ball. That made him happy.
Oh, and as for that mascot? He was a hoot!!! Well, Cody kind of hated him, but I'm pretty sure if I were a dog I'd hate a giant squirrel in a cape too. Anyway, like I said, he did hand stand, walked on his hands, climbed poles and railings, and really got the crowd going.
I felt like the whole night was a success. Well, except for the fact that we lost. Honestly, I don't see me going to another Squirrels game this season, but I will definitely return for their next Bark in the Park night. It was great!
First of all, let me say that I absolutely hate the name Flying Squirrels. However, their mascot is freakin' awesome. Only a Flying Squirrel could do hand stands and climb poles. It's pretty neat.
Anyway, this past Wednesday the Diamond and the Flying Squirrels did something they've never done before. They held a Bark in the Park night...dogs were allowed! Well, even though there are currently 4 dogs and 6 puppies in the house, Hans and I decided to just give Cody some alone time, so we took him to the game. Boy, oh boy did he love it!
Let's forget the fact that Cody loved seeing so many other dogs, and the fact that he was thrilled to be somewhere completely new. Let's forget the fact that he was very well behaved, and that everyone thought he was adorable. Let's forget the fact that Mom and Dad (me and Hans) love stadium food, and decided to indulge, and to share with Cody. Let's forget the fact that even members from the opposing team saw Cody and thought he was cute enough to approach and play with. Let's forget the fact that we had front row, third base line seats. Let us forget all that. For Cody, THERE WERE BALLS!!!!! There were lots of balls. There were balls being thrown, balls being hit, balls being bought, but there were no balls being bit (at least not by Cody). It was really fun to watch Cody's reaction as a foul ball bounced past us. The opposing team (the Seawolves) were really nice and actually gave Cody a spare ball. That made him happy.
Oh, and as for that mascot? He was a hoot!!! Well, Cody kind of hated him, but I'm pretty sure if I were a dog I'd hate a giant squirrel in a cape too. Anyway, like I said, he did hand stand, walked on his hands, climbed poles and railings, and really got the crowd going.
I felt like the whole night was a success. Well, except for the fact that we lost. Honestly, I don't see me going to another Squirrels game this season, but I will definitely return for their next Bark in the Park night. It was great!
"OK guys. I'm ready to go in! Can we go in now? There are lots of dogs. Can we please go in?"
"Hmmm. What's going on over there? It seems kind of interesting."
"Hey look! A BALL!"
"Please can I have the ball?"
"Hey mister! Thanks for the ball!"
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Having the Hubby Back
For some reason, the song "My Boyfriend's Back (and You're Gonna Be in Trouble)" comes to mind, although the story behind that song doesn't quite fit.
You see, the past few weeks Hans has been preparing for the opening of Sound of Music at TIV. Not only is he building the set, but he's also working the show, which means that he has spent the majority of the past two weeks at the theater building. And when I say he spent the majority, I MEAN the majority of the past two weeks. He would leave at 8:45 am and not return until 11:00, 12:00, 1:00 or one time 2:00 am. When he was home he was tired. Heck, I was tired, and our time together was typically spent sleeping.
It's amazing how much less motivated I am when he's away. I really like having a partner to do things with, and he's so great with helping out with things. Plus, some tasks are just easier with a friend. Take last night for instance. It was raining too hard to take the puppies outside, so we laid some plastic on our floor and let them out on that. It was definitely a two-person job (plus a Cody) keeping them wrangled. Then, instead of worrying about the multiple rooms that had to be cleaned, I was able to focus on my office. Hans did a fantastic job helping to tidy up, and I was really able to get some serious work done.
Plus, we have so many projects that need to be completed, and quite a few of them just can't be started with only one person. Actually, let me rephrase, quite of few of them I have no clue what I'm doing, so I need Hans' guidance. Other projects I need to grow a few inches to do effectively. So that may sound like I'm making excuses, and I probably am, but like I already said I really like having Hans around to work with.
Anyway, now the show is open, and while Hans is still gone on weekends, he's here in the evenings. We may actually be able to accomplish things again. Hurray!
You see, the past few weeks Hans has been preparing for the opening of Sound of Music at TIV. Not only is he building the set, but he's also working the show, which means that he has spent the majority of the past two weeks at the theater building. And when I say he spent the majority, I MEAN the majority of the past two weeks. He would leave at 8:45 am and not return until 11:00, 12:00, 1:00 or one time 2:00 am. When he was home he was tired. Heck, I was tired, and our time together was typically spent sleeping.
It's amazing how much less motivated I am when he's away. I really like having a partner to do things with, and he's so great with helping out with things. Plus, some tasks are just easier with a friend. Take last night for instance. It was raining too hard to take the puppies outside, so we laid some plastic on our floor and let them out on that. It was definitely a two-person job (plus a Cody) keeping them wrangled. Then, instead of worrying about the multiple rooms that had to be cleaned, I was able to focus on my office. Hans did a fantastic job helping to tidy up, and I was really able to get some serious work done.
Plus, we have so many projects that need to be completed, and quite a few of them just can't be started with only one person. Actually, let me rephrase, quite of few of them I have no clue what I'm doing, so I need Hans' guidance. Other projects I need to grow a few inches to do effectively. So that may sound like I'm making excuses, and I probably am, but like I already said I really like having Hans around to work with.
Anyway, now the show is open, and while Hans is still gone on weekends, he's here in the evenings. We may actually be able to accomplish things again. Hurray!
Couch to 5k Week 3- Repeat
Phew! What a week! After such a horrible original week 3, I'd like to say I amazed myself and wowed my husband and friends by running like a fiend this week. Alas, it is not so. I did run. Yes, I did, but I did not manage to do what I was hoping...and that was to complete week 3.
First of all, I only did two workouts. I don't have much of an excuse other than sheer exhaustion and laziness. More laziness, but I was pretty tired too. I just couldn't muster up the energy to get up in the mornings, and even though I was staying up late waiting for Hans to get home from work I just couldn't seem to force myself onto the treadmill. I am finding I'm much more motivated when Hans is around. I think I just really like to show off how fantastic I really can be.
Second of all, I wasn't able to complete either workout. Was it for lack of time? No. Was it from sheer laziness? No...once I was on there I was on there. It was from the dreaded side-stitch...aaaah! For some reason, this always seems to be my downfall. And trust me, I've tried just about everything. Honestly, I think it may be related to my food intake. You see, I prefer to not eat before I run, but I think sometimes my stomach is just too empty so then it ends up jabbing me in the side. Of course, it could also be related to stress and lack of sleep.
Anyway, to put things mildly, I am repeating week 3...again. It stinks, but I really want to get through this week. I'm refusing to go to bed until I get a workout in tonight...and if you look at the time you'll see why working out last week was so difficult!
First of all, I only did two workouts. I don't have much of an excuse other than sheer exhaustion and laziness. More laziness, but I was pretty tired too. I just couldn't muster up the energy to get up in the mornings, and even though I was staying up late waiting for Hans to get home from work I just couldn't seem to force myself onto the treadmill. I am finding I'm much more motivated when Hans is around. I think I just really like to show off how fantastic I really can be.
Second of all, I wasn't able to complete either workout. Was it for lack of time? No. Was it from sheer laziness? No...once I was on there I was on there. It was from the dreaded side-stitch...aaaah! For some reason, this always seems to be my downfall. And trust me, I've tried just about everything. Honestly, I think it may be related to my food intake. You see, I prefer to not eat before I run, but I think sometimes my stomach is just too empty so then it ends up jabbing me in the side. Of course, it could also be related to stress and lack of sleep.
Anyway, to put things mildly, I am repeating week 3...again. It stinks, but I really want to get through this week. I'm refusing to go to bed until I get a workout in tonight...and if you look at the time you'll see why working out last week was so difficult!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
This Week
First of all, since my computer/email has been acting kind of funny, let me say here that I have some of the best clients in the whole wide world! After my last post I had a client leave a comment and email me offering to help me out. While I definitely appreciate the offer, I think at this point I just need to tackle some stuff on my own. Trust me, though, we aren't that far away from hiring someone part time. Heck, even just having someone to answer phones and take messages would be great at this point.
Next, let me say that this week has been considerably better. Actually, more than considerably...phenomenally better. Time-wise things are still just as crazy as ever, but I'm in a better place this week than I was last week. After such a terrible start to last week, I was left with this continual feeling that I needed to catch up, and that no matter what I did I could never make it work. This weekend, though, I reevaluated a few things and decided I could do this.
Yes, I ended up having to cut a few things that I really didn't want to cut (sorry, Impawsible Pups. There will be no Spring newsletter), but I realized that means I already have a decent start on the next project (Summer newsletter, you're already halfway done). I also know I'd rather do a great job on 50 projects than a half-a** job on 100 projects. What can I say? I'm a perfectionist!
Also, I'm starting to see some light at the end of the tunnel. Sound of Music opens at TIV this Friday (an opening I will not miss), so that means I'll soon be getting my husband back on weeknights. Weekends will kind of stink, but at least then he'll be home by 10:00 or 11:00 as opposed to midnight or later. Basically, things will be a lot easier.
That said, it's months like this that make me kind of hate the theater. I find myself wondering why Hans doesn't have a better paying / better hours kind of job? They're doing construction below the WEE Shop, and I find myself wondering if they're hiring? Then, however, I see Hans at work. I see how happy he is, how comfortable he is. I see the amazed look of wondernment on the children's faces, and I no longer wonder why Hans is still at the theater. He loves it there, and I love him both for it and in spite of it. That said, I do wish they'd pay him more and work him less...ah! The life of the theater!
After that, there's not really a lot to talk about. Things have been busy, but not terribly exciting. The puppies are growing rapidly, and they're now starting to eat solid foods. Everyone seems pretty relaxed, although I think Cody's relaxation comes more from sheer exhaustion than anything else. I'm hoping things continue on this happy path, because Lord knows I hated last week. That said, Lord also knows how thankful I am for this week. Here's to keeping it up!
Next, let me say that this week has been considerably better. Actually, more than considerably...phenomenally better. Time-wise things are still just as crazy as ever, but I'm in a better place this week than I was last week. After such a terrible start to last week, I was left with this continual feeling that I needed to catch up, and that no matter what I did I could never make it work. This weekend, though, I reevaluated a few things and decided I could do this.
Yes, I ended up having to cut a few things that I really didn't want to cut (sorry, Impawsible Pups. There will be no Spring newsletter), but I realized that means I already have a decent start on the next project (Summer newsletter, you're already halfway done). I also know I'd rather do a great job on 50 projects than a half-a** job on 100 projects. What can I say? I'm a perfectionist!
Also, I'm starting to see some light at the end of the tunnel. Sound of Music opens at TIV this Friday (an opening I will not miss), so that means I'll soon be getting my husband back on weeknights. Weekends will kind of stink, but at least then he'll be home by 10:00 or 11:00 as opposed to midnight or later. Basically, things will be a lot easier.
That said, it's months like this that make me kind of hate the theater. I find myself wondering why Hans doesn't have a better paying / better hours kind of job? They're doing construction below the WEE Shop, and I find myself wondering if they're hiring? Then, however, I see Hans at work. I see how happy he is, how comfortable he is. I see the amazed look of wondernment on the children's faces, and I no longer wonder why Hans is still at the theater. He loves it there, and I love him both for it and in spite of it. That said, I do wish they'd pay him more and work him less...ah! The life of the theater!
After that, there's not really a lot to talk about. Things have been busy, but not terribly exciting. The puppies are growing rapidly, and they're now starting to eat solid foods. Everyone seems pretty relaxed, although I think Cody's relaxation comes more from sheer exhaustion than anything else. I'm hoping things continue on this happy path, because Lord knows I hated last week. That said, Lord also knows how thankful I am for this week. Here's to keeping it up!
Friday, May 7, 2010
Couch to 5k Week 3- Kind of
First of all, Hans informed me that he could not view my Wordless Wednesday post. Upon further investigation, we found that I could view the picture on Mozzila Firefox, but he could not on Internet Explorer. Did anyone else have this problem, and can any of you help me with it?
Now, on to week 3 of the C25k program. To put things plainly, it just didn't happen this week. I don't mean that I tried and couldn't complete it. I mean it didn't happen...at all. Between a late-night visit to the E.R. vet, and the all-night care of a puppy who didn't make it, and then just trying to cope and catch up with everything else it just didn't happen.
Honestly, I am still hoping to get at least one solid run in this week, even if it's not on the plan. I'm really wanting to move. That said, I have been out with the dogs more, so that's helped. Plus, I've tried to not cope by eating (one of my favorite things to do). Granted, the pizza last night begs to differ, but that has nothing to do with coping and everything to do with the fact that I'm a pizza whore.
Really, there have just been so many other things in my life I'm trying to get together. There seem to be about 3 zillion projects to finish, and there are always new ones coming up. There doesn't seem to be enough time in the day, and the days that do allow some extra time typically find me falling asleep before I can take advantage of that time. If I could afford it I'd probably hire a life coach...and a maid...and an office manager...and, well, basically a lot of people. In reality, though, it's just me and Hans, and with Hans getting busier at work I'm finding it's more and more just me (at least on some things). I know this stress will pass, and I'll go back to being in the happy-go-lucky state I was in just a week ago, but this week has been the pitts, and I'm ready for it to end. Any ideas?
So, while I rarely send out questions to that I really want answered, I do have a few today.
1) What do you to relax and keep from stressing out too much?
2) Do you have any really great organizational tips for either home or business (or both)?
Thanks!
Now, on to week 3 of the C25k program. To put things plainly, it just didn't happen this week. I don't mean that I tried and couldn't complete it. I mean it didn't happen...at all. Between a late-night visit to the E.R. vet, and the all-night care of a puppy who didn't make it, and then just trying to cope and catch up with everything else it just didn't happen.
Honestly, I am still hoping to get at least one solid run in this week, even if it's not on the plan. I'm really wanting to move. That said, I have been out with the dogs more, so that's helped. Plus, I've tried to not cope by eating (one of my favorite things to do). Granted, the pizza last night begs to differ, but that has nothing to do with coping and everything to do with the fact that I'm a pizza whore.
Really, there have just been so many other things in my life I'm trying to get together. There seem to be about 3 zillion projects to finish, and there are always new ones coming up. There doesn't seem to be enough time in the day, and the days that do allow some extra time typically find me falling asleep before I can take advantage of that time. If I could afford it I'd probably hire a life coach...and a maid...and an office manager...and, well, basically a lot of people. In reality, though, it's just me and Hans, and with Hans getting busier at work I'm finding it's more and more just me (at least on some things). I know this stress will pass, and I'll go back to being in the happy-go-lucky state I was in just a week ago, but this week has been the pitts, and I'm ready for it to end. Any ideas?
So, while I rarely send out questions to that I really want answered, I do have a few today.
1) What do you to relax and keep from stressing out too much?
2) Do you have any really great organizational tips for either home or business (or both)?
Thanks!
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
First Ever Wordless Wednesday
So I'm not guaranteeing that this will become a weekly event, but this was just too cute to not share.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
A Sad Morning
This is a sad morning and I am very tired.
The puppies were supposed to go home on Sunday evening, but timing ended up not quite working out, so we postponed until Monday. Sunday night I went to check on the pups one last time (around 11:00) and noticed the runt was acting odd. Upon closer inspection I noticed she had a good deal of mucus around her eyes and nose. After some brief deliberation, Hans and I decided it would be best to take her to the emergency vet. The diagnosis? A nasal infection...no big dea, but keep an eye on it and give her antibiotics.
Monday morning I noticed she was still having quite a bit of trouble, so I separated her from the litter, wrapped her in a towel, and held her. She seemed to improve with that, so I felt semi-comfortable leaving her alone for a couple of hours while I went to court (a post to come soon). When I came home, not much about her condition had changed, so back to the towel and snuggling.
When I left to meet Hans for lunch she hadn't nursed all morning. I figured she was having trouble suckling due to the congestion, so I decided bottle (syringe) feeding might be easier for her. She wasn't having any trouble taking her medication, so I knew that wouldn't be a problem. After lunch I went and got some formula.
She was having trouble eating, which was disheartening, but she was still getting food, and that was my biggest concern. Christine from HHS came by yesterday evening to drop off another dog, and she was supposed to take the puppies back. We'd already decided to keep the runt with us (the sick one) and bottle feed, and after discussing it Hans and I decided to foster the whole litter as well as the mom. Their original foster was greatful. Chritine gave me a few more tips, most of which I'd started but it helped to have the back up. I also talked to the vet some more and got the same opinion.
As the evening wore on, though, little runtlet took a turn for the worse. She started refusing food entirely, and while I could get it down her, she was fighting against it...big concern. Around 11:00 she vomited and it wasn't a pretty sight. Shortly after that I sent Hans to bed, but I wasn't going to leave her alone in that condition. She needed lots of fluid and a little extra care. She did decently for the most part, but you could tell that things had taken a turn for the worse. Her breathing was worse, and she was having a lot more trouble moving around.
Around 5:00 am Runtlet vomited again...and again. I'd already decided to take her to the vet, but at that point I figured there wouldn't be much they could do other than end her suffering. I woke Hans up at 5:30 to ask for his help, because I was so tired and at my breaking point. As Hans held her, I took care of the other dogs (well the adult dogs) and then I went to shower. Hans put her in a warm box and went to take care / clean up the other puppies. I was just getting out of the shower when Hans came upstairs to tell me she'd vomited again and that was it. She wasn't suffering anymore. Of course, I was sad, and the lack of sleep made everything more emotional. However, I was also somewhat relieved. She was in such bad shape. I knew the vet wouldn't really be able to help her, and she just seemed so miserable. I'm grateful I stayed with her through the majority of it, and I wish I'd been with her until the very end. She was quite a trooper.
So, today hasn't started off great. Like a dog, however, I cannot dwell on the loss of a very sweet puppy. I have to keep an eye out for any similar signs for the other pups. I refuse to let this happen again. I also need some sleep. Maybe tonight.
The puppies were supposed to go home on Sunday evening, but timing ended up not quite working out, so we postponed until Monday. Sunday night I went to check on the pups one last time (around 11:00) and noticed the runt was acting odd. Upon closer inspection I noticed she had a good deal of mucus around her eyes and nose. After some brief deliberation, Hans and I decided it would be best to take her to the emergency vet. The diagnosis? A nasal infection...no big dea, but keep an eye on it and give her antibiotics.
Monday morning I noticed she was still having quite a bit of trouble, so I separated her from the litter, wrapped her in a towel, and held her. She seemed to improve with that, so I felt semi-comfortable leaving her alone for a couple of hours while I went to court (a post to come soon). When I came home, not much about her condition had changed, so back to the towel and snuggling.
When I left to meet Hans for lunch she hadn't nursed all morning. I figured she was having trouble suckling due to the congestion, so I decided bottle (syringe) feeding might be easier for her. She wasn't having any trouble taking her medication, so I knew that wouldn't be a problem. After lunch I went and got some formula.
She was having trouble eating, which was disheartening, but she was still getting food, and that was my biggest concern. Christine from HHS came by yesterday evening to drop off another dog, and she was supposed to take the puppies back. We'd already decided to keep the runt with us (the sick one) and bottle feed, and after discussing it Hans and I decided to foster the whole litter as well as the mom. Their original foster was greatful. Chritine gave me a few more tips, most of which I'd started but it helped to have the back up. I also talked to the vet some more and got the same opinion.
As the evening wore on, though, little runtlet took a turn for the worse. She started refusing food entirely, and while I could get it down her, she was fighting against it...big concern. Around 11:00 she vomited and it wasn't a pretty sight. Shortly after that I sent Hans to bed, but I wasn't going to leave her alone in that condition. She needed lots of fluid and a little extra care. She did decently for the most part, but you could tell that things had taken a turn for the worse. Her breathing was worse, and she was having a lot more trouble moving around.
Around 5:00 am Runtlet vomited again...and again. I'd already decided to take her to the vet, but at that point I figured there wouldn't be much they could do other than end her suffering. I woke Hans up at 5:30 to ask for his help, because I was so tired and at my breaking point. As Hans held her, I took care of the other dogs (well the adult dogs) and then I went to shower. Hans put her in a warm box and went to take care / clean up the other puppies. I was just getting out of the shower when Hans came upstairs to tell me she'd vomited again and that was it. She wasn't suffering anymore. Of course, I was sad, and the lack of sleep made everything more emotional. However, I was also somewhat relieved. She was in such bad shape. I knew the vet wouldn't really be able to help her, and she just seemed so miserable. I'm grateful I stayed with her through the majority of it, and I wish I'd been with her until the very end. She was quite a trooper.
So, today hasn't started off great. Like a dog, however, I cannot dwell on the loss of a very sweet puppy. I have to keep an eye out for any similar signs for the other pups. I refuse to let this happen again. I also need some sleep. Maybe tonight.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Couch to 5k Week 2
Well, I've done it. I've officially completed two weeks of the 8 week program. Woot!
I entered this week thinking I'd have quite a bit of difficulty or that the second session would be particularly troublesome. However, it wasn't like that at all. I think that week one was such a busy, hectic, crazy week that week two just seemed easier in comparison. Yes, week 2 was busy, but it was substantially easier than week 1 was. I had more rest and felt better over all, so getting up to jog was less of a pain and more of a fun thing.
Anyway, day 1 was the hardest day. It had been a whole weekend since my last jog, and Mom was in town. So much had happened in two days that I almost forgot to do my jog. I barely fit the jog into my morning routine, and I ended up "running" around all morning. That said, I did fit in it, and the fact that it was hard to do made it all that more rewarding.
The second day surprisingly was extremely easy. Week one, the second day was the hardest, and I was expecting it to be the same for week two. I think because I slept so well the night before jogging just seemed to be a breeze. It left me feeling good.
Day 3 was difficult but still felt great. Hans and I started painting the rec room on Wednesday, so two late nights made getting up Friday morning extremely difficult. To say I was tired would be an understatement. While doing my warm-up I felt stiff and sore, and I certainly wasn't sure how I was going to do anything more than a walk. By the time my warm-up was over, though, I felt ready to go (I was warmed up. Go figure.). This day left me wanting more. I was kind of disappointed when the session was over, and I almost decided to go longer, but I had other things to do and I had to stop. In the end, I felt good.
Actually, day 3 felt so good, that I added a fourth day on Saturday. This one didn't so much follow the schedule, but rather it was just a chance for me to move. And trust me, moving felt great. It just felt like I started the day off right. I'm excited to start week 3, and I can't wait to see how I do.
Wish me luck!
I entered this week thinking I'd have quite a bit of difficulty or that the second session would be particularly troublesome. However, it wasn't like that at all. I think that week one was such a busy, hectic, crazy week that week two just seemed easier in comparison. Yes, week 2 was busy, but it was substantially easier than week 1 was. I had more rest and felt better over all, so getting up to jog was less of a pain and more of a fun thing.
Anyway, day 1 was the hardest day. It had been a whole weekend since my last jog, and Mom was in town. So much had happened in two days that I almost forgot to do my jog. I barely fit the jog into my morning routine, and I ended up "running" around all morning. That said, I did fit in it, and the fact that it was hard to do made it all that more rewarding.
The second day surprisingly was extremely easy. Week one, the second day was the hardest, and I was expecting it to be the same for week two. I think because I slept so well the night before jogging just seemed to be a breeze. It left me feeling good.
Day 3 was difficult but still felt great. Hans and I started painting the rec room on Wednesday, so two late nights made getting up Friday morning extremely difficult. To say I was tired would be an understatement. While doing my warm-up I felt stiff and sore, and I certainly wasn't sure how I was going to do anything more than a walk. By the time my warm-up was over, though, I felt ready to go (I was warmed up. Go figure.). This day left me wanting more. I was kind of disappointed when the session was over, and I almost decided to go longer, but I had other things to do and I had to stop. In the end, I felt good.
Actually, day 3 felt so good, that I added a fourth day on Saturday. This one didn't so much follow the schedule, but rather it was just a chance for me to move. And trust me, moving felt great. It just felt like I started the day off right. I'm excited to start week 3, and I can't wait to see how I do.
Wish me luck!
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