Sundays are such crappy days

Every time I recognize I have a "feeling" about something, I'm trying to remind myself to blog about it. Not that I want to have a blog full of "I hate my life .." moments, but a blog where people realize the ups and downs of my life because it isn't all perfect. In August, I told Scott since he had been such a great sport supporting the new things in my life - running thousands of miles, no longer sleeping in on Saturdays, aches and pains of 15 mile runs and standing at the finish line of so far each race I have run - that I would make a sincere effort to enjoy one of the major loves of his life - football. In the past I have really put up some major fights. 

I can't understand why we have to watch it all day Sunday, Monday nights, Thursday nights and Saturday's. Yes, this means "we" love Pro AND College football. I even joined a Fantasy League this year just so I could have something to talk about. But when it comes down to it, I just really hate Sunday's. He goes to his friends house and they watch football all day. I take time out for myself and do some things that I need to do for myself, but that doesn't take the whole day. Currently though at the same time, I'm going to admit that I miss my parents. Sunday's are days I could just hang out at home, and they would be there. If they weren't there during the afternoon, I could always look forward to dinner with them. That really helped make my days, not so lonely. 

However, they are gone right now and for the past 2 weeks I have dropped Scott off at his friends house at 12:30 and been left to figure out the remainder of the day by myself. I hate being by myself. I am a social person. Granted my social circle is rather small, but I prefer to be in the company of friends and family majority of the time. I really don't like being alone. I try my hardest to not pester Scott until the second set of games is over, with hopes - small hopes, that he will be ready to come home for the night game. I'll certainly watch the night game with him, as long as it means not being alone. I also have to add that now that it is getting darker earlier, it's starting to get slightly depressing. The sun definitely does something for your well being. 

Jenny McCarthy - Oh My.

Judging by the title, you can probably feel my hostility towards the "new" Jenny McCarthy. Yesterday, just like every other Friday, the latest edition of US Weekly arrived in the mail. Look, bottom line - I need my star gossip. Anyways, PLASTERED on the front cover is a picture of Jenny McCarthy with her son. With a huge headline "HOW I SAVED MY SON - Beating Autism". Point blank, I'm going to say it, what the fuck. She thinks she saved her son, great. She thinks she has "brought him back to life", fabulous. What about the THOUSANDS of kids that aren't saved. That aren't cured, that are autistic forever. What about them? How does that make parents feel, especially when you are a rich film/tv star that has $$$ to pay for any type of accomdation/service necessary for your son to receive the best possible education - you cure your son and they can't cure theirs.

She also choses to refer to disorder as an "injury". Like he fell off the curb and now he has autism. Oh, but wait, he's cured. Oh, wait again - last time she was on Oprah she told the world that he can't leave their house due to immune disorders. She has to teach him in their house in a sterile environment, he still suffers from constipation and from several other issues. He's still considered cured? I haven't met one parent that feels Jenny McCarthy is going to save the world. I haven't met one educator that feels she has saved the population. As far as I know, the smartest doctors and specialists in the world, are still looking for answers. How in the hell does a TV actress find the cure and they can't? Why are we still fundraising and walking or running for Autism if she has really found a cure?

One tactic she tried was what we call the "autism diet". One form of the diet removes dairy and wheat completely from the diet of autistic children. Due to digestion issues, the trend suggests autistic children suffer with wheat and dairy. However, I've worked with numerous kids who have tried the diet and it does nothing. She needs to admit that for some children, it works, and for others, it doesn't. You can't tell the world you cured your son with something that can't cure every one else. You can however chose to tell the world that you feel the diet is making a difference and that you are lucky it is working for you. Except, I look at it like Atkins. Can one who loses weight on Atkins REALLY go with eating only meat for the rest of their lives? Is that practical? I fail to see how avoiding dairy and wheat for the rest of your life is healthy.

All in all, the way she presents herself has made an impression on me. I still have a job, and most of my population still suffers from autism. For now, I know people are working hard to find a cure and correct the issue. I pray and hope to see a cure one day, but I sure as hell don't expect it to be from a TV star.

Disclaimer: Please don't think I feel its impossible for someone to help their child. There are several factors that go into helping a child with Autism. Gains are certainly able to be made and I've watched students progress into what appears to be typically functioning young adults and adults. However, it takes time, patience and the effort to try anything. Autism is a spectrum disorder that presents itself in thousands of ways, therefore I strongly believe there must also be thousands of ways to help mold the lives of these children so that they may function in a typical setting. I think it's possible to find a cure, we just need to keep going with what has been discovered so far. I think one will be found eventually, but I'm not so sure that I'll be reading about it in US Weekly when that day comes.

Working hard at being an adult

For those of you that don't know, I currently still live with my parents in the house I grew up in. It's convienent, and they are wonderful with the amount of "coming and going" I do. There are days my mom refers to me as a "boarder" because I am only there to sleep and shower, but at least a few days a week I try to be there more often for dinner and other things.

They left for China 9 days ago and so far I've been doing pretty well on my own. My mom doesn't have a job, so for most of my life she has always made various meals throughout the day. I've never really had the opportunity to actually prepare and cook an entire meal for myself and/or someone else. This week was certainly my time to shine, however I never realized how so many "adult" tasks can just burn away your time. I'm now beginning to appreciate people who are married, have families AND go to Graduate school at the same time. I don't have the first two - but the third, along with cooking/laundry/watching my grandmother/paying my parents bills/reading the mail every day/feeding the rabbit and lizards/returning important phone calls/and making sure nothing breaks is exhausting. Oh, I forgot teaching full time and graduate school also tacked onto that list.

My first week without them was certainly jam packed. You know how parents are, they can irritate the hell out of you. Well, I'll certainly admit, now that they are gone, I really do miss them. Not because my mom helps me out with things from day to day, but for the simple fact that the dogs are in the kennel and I'm stuck in their big empty house alone. I don't watch that much TV, so it's fairly quiet. I also am way past the phase of having huge parties simply because I don't want anything to do with cleaning the house the next day. Thankfully, I've been able to spend a decent amount of time with Scott and some friends. They have really helped make things not so lonely. I've also stepped up in the world and started cooking meals! REAL MEALS! Can you belive it? And, they are actually very successful.

I've done a great job sticking to my points, making healthy lunches and preparing WW recipe dinners. I made Baked Mac & Cheese the other night and I also made hamburger helper. Anyone ever used the new Zip Lock Zip 'n Steam bags yet? They are WONDERFUL! I threw enough broccoli in one bag for Scott and I and 3 minutes later had the most beautiful green and tasty broccoli I've ever seen. You can also cook chicken, shrimp, fish and all kinds of other veggies in them. What a great invention, expecially for the novice. It makes cooking things easy.

So, all in all, I weighed myself yesterday and my excellent cooking skills have caused me to lose 3 pounds! Success! I have been doing SOMETHING right and seem to be able to make smart choices. I had been right at my goal weight when my parents left, but often I like to be a few pounds under. When that's the case, I have a little more room for extras or sweets if I'd like to indulge in something small. Today Scott and I took two more WW recipes and made Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies (2 = 1 point) and Chocolate Chip Blondies (1- 2"x2" square = 3 points). Both items turned out to be excellent! I am really proud of myself for reaching this point. Hopefully the next two weeks turn out just as well.

The Baltimore Half Marathon

Friday, October 10 I was finally starting to feel the energy for my upcoming race the next morning. I was going to run in my second race ever, the Baltimore Half Marathon. In reality I would have had to run 10 miles that day anyway as part of a training run for Disney in January, so what's another 3.1? 

The week leading up wasn't exactly the best. I had the dreaded stomach virus that had been hitting a lot of people in the US. I hadn't eaten Monday-Wednesday and managed to lose 8 pounds. On top of all that, there was no way I was going to exercise/run/walk/get my ass off the couch - because hey, when you're feeling "shitty" (no pun intended...) you should be able to sit still and just watch daytime TV. That is the perfect remedy. So, Friday came and Tracey and I had plans to go out for a pasta dinner. I was going to go for an easy 2 mile jog after work, but in reality, what was that going to do for me? It was going to possibly set me up to trip and hurt myself, and we all know I have done that before... so I decided against it. I met her at Mama Lucia's in Elkridge (by the new Costco) at 7pm. I ordered something simple, just because with my luck, something new would make me sick. We had a great dinner, then it was off to Wal-Mart to buy some throw away sweats for the morning.

I woke up at 6:30, ready to go. I had laid everything out I needed the night before in the same way I've laid everything out for the last 9 months. Why should I change routine now? I made a cup of coffee, gobbled down some oatmeal and was out the door.  Tracey and I met at the light rail in Linthicum Heights a little before 8am on race day. The Half wasn't scheduled to start until 9:45. That was a little later then we had liked, but, it was what it was. We hit the streets of Baltimore around 8:30 or so and stopped by the Sheraton for a bathroom break. After all, that seemed much more appealing then the lovely set ups they had for the bulk of the crowd. We proceeded to the sky walk to watch the Kenyan (I'm not joking...) in the lead for the marathon come running under us. I was starting to feel excited - but we still had 45 minutes to wait for the start. By now, it was warming up. The sun was shining and there wasn't a cloud in the sky. 

We walked to the other side where Tracey made one last bathroom stop. We made our way to the "Wave #3" holding area and all that was left to do was wait. We found a group from Howard County TNT and chatted with them. Out of 17,000 people, who pops up?! Jeff! Jeff and I ran together during the spring while I trained for Alaska and he trained for Frederick. On one of the longer runs we came to realize we live a street away from each other! We said hello and wished each other good luck. (Jeff had had an injury back in May. He had taken a break from running in order to train for the Seagull Century.) 

                             

 9:45 came and the first wave was off. Unfortunately we had to wait 5 minutes before wave 2 started and another 5 before we were allowed to. We didn't start until 10am... regardless, I was now running. Tracey was next to me for the first few miles. The way the course was set up, the first 3 miles of the half were run on a different course, then we joined up with the full, for us it was mile 3 for the full, 16.  Our two courses merged together and as I was running I happened to notice - I missed the first water stop! Rats... Oh well, I knew I'd be ready for water by the time I hit the next one. Not only that, but I'd also be ready for a gel. The course was hilly, but I had been warned. I had also been told I'd be OK, because training in Howard County is perfect for that. By mile 6 I was wondering when the hills would stop. I was now approaching Clifton Park. This was a side of town that I had never seen before, but there's something to be said for the Baltimore native that looks at you, grunts and says "now THAT's what I'm talking about" as you run by- blond hair, blowing in the wind. 

This is where I finally had to stop and walk, but I was happy - I had run the first 6 miles without stopping and it was mostly uphill. I owed myself a break. I walked through Clifton Park and it was onto Lake Montebello.  As I began to run again (mile 6.5) I noticed someone up ahead standing in the middle of the road. From behind, it looked as though he could hardly stand up. As I got closer I realized it was someone I knew! Lee, who also runs with the Saturday morning group, was struggling with a leg cramp. I ran right up to him, pulled out my ear phones and offered help to get him to the side. We got to the side and started walking. He was in need of a water stop, badly. Luckily there was one about half a mile away. We spotted a photographer, broke into a small jog for the photograph, then I continued on.  I  made it around Lake Montebello and up 33rd street. Yes, UP 33rd street. You guessed it, this road was basically UP HILL. I had to walk this as well. For the first time, I was experiencing cramping in my left thigh. That was an issue I have never had before. I was at a point, my first ever "maybe I should just give up" point. This is also something I've never had before, but considering the factors - heat, sickly week, poor hydration, time of day - it really seemed like something worth doing. 

As I dropped my head, what did I hear ?? "Hey stranger!" I looked to the right and saw Jeff! What timing... He ran along side me while I picked up the pace again. We started chatting about the TNT group and my parents trip to China. That I needed.... and for the next mile or so we hung together. As I approached mile 11, it was hard to believe I was almost finished. I felt like I was at mile 24 in Alaska. I couldn't believe my body felt this poor in such a short amount of time. Jeff and I were still running, however he was a little up ahead. I had to drop back to a walk again, but I was OK with that. It looked like I was going to finish. As mile 12 approached, I found myself next to a woman maybe a few years older then me. I looked at her and said "man, I feel like shit" she looked at me and said "I will never run this half again, my ankles hurt like hell" I looked up and said, "well... we've got one mile left to go... should we run it in? Let's do it!" and the two of us started into a slow hobble. There's definitely something to be said about the feeling of a finish line that is part of a race filled with 17,000 people. 

As we ran through Lexington Market, you could hear the cheers from the other side of Camden Yards. We ran through Camden Yards and I began to pick up speed. I was flying. Knowing the end was near, hearing the cheers from the finish line and knowing Scott was there waiting - I just had to blow through. I happened to notice that I wasn't too far behind Jeff. As I crossed over the mat and came to a stop, I looked up and noticed he was doubling back to give me a high five. We had made it. It was over. My legs hurt like hell, my back was sore and I wasn't feeling hot at all. 

  

Finish time according to the Garmin: 2:48. 

Chip Time: 2:50:17. 

I received my  medal and found Scott, ready to collapse and add another race to the list.  

All in all I have to say I was pretty proud of myself, all things considered, I made it. I finished the race and have another accomplishment to add to the list. Scott also reminded me that I had kinda, sorta skimped on training for this race. I had never run more then 8 miles while training, and that was on a treadmill. More the reason to feel accomplished! But also, more the reason to learn and not make that mistake again. 

Tired of being sick

Well, that just about says it all. Saturday I ran the best 6 miles so far. I couldn't believe it went so well, I ran the entire time for the first time as well as in the shortest time possible. Talk about excitement! Then my family and I went to the Michael Phelps parade in Towson. That night, I went out for Sushi when halfway through the meal, I began to get a stomach ache. I thought it was something a few tums would take care of, so after dinner I did just that. Took the tums, and the pain went away. 

The same thing happened again Sunday afternoon. While watching the games at Dimitri's in Catonsville, I began to get the same pain. I had hoped it wouldn't stick around for long, because I love to eat and so far, I had been associating this pain with food. All was good until 4:30am Monday morning. That's when it began, the constant, intense stomach cramps, nausea and diarrhea. What in the world could it be? I had a fever by Monday afternoon and it didn't seem to want to stop.  I thought back to the food I had eaten and was almost convinced it was some sort of food poisoning. I had to call out of work on Tuesday for all of the same symptoms, except for the vomiting. That had stopped Monday afternoon. 

Around 1pm on Tuesday I realized that if this was due to food, it should be done by now. Usually, your body vomits up everything it's got until the bad food is "all out". Well, I hadn't stopped getting rid of "bad food" so I called the doctor. She immediately said "Welcome to the club hon, we're all getting that..." Just by hearing that, I felt some relief. They called in two prescriptions for me one for nausea and vomiting and the other for cramps and diarrhea. I popped a few of those was was on my way. Until a few hours later when one of the drugs made me SUPER dizzy, loopy and tired. I crashed around 7:30 and didn't really wake up until 9:30 this morning. Which also means, I called out of work again. 

I finally ate a meal today, which now when I think back on it, makes me want to throw up again. I know I have to make myself eat something, I've lost 7 pounds since Sunday and I'm supposed to run the Baltimore Half Marathon on Saturday. I'm a little nervous and beginning to think maybe I should pull out, but I'll wait and see how I feel tomorrow.  My mouth is super dry and I know dehydration will be an issue. So far though, that's the only sign. Urine is the right color and my skin hasn't gotten all wrinkly yet! My parents leave for China tomorrow, well actually San Francisco first, then off to China over the weekend and I'm a little nervous. I know everything will be fine, but it's a long time without them around as well as a long time to keep watch over my grandmother. They will be gone for about 3 weeks touring the entire area. I guess if you're going to do a vacation like that, you might as well be gone for awhile.... and we all know somehow I'll manage to make the best of it. 

It's back to my daytime television, I think I'm really going to miss Bonnie Hunt, Ellen and Oprah when I have to go back to work tomorrow! 

It's all uphill

Many of you know that I've taken to the sport of cycling. Thankfully, after dropping a ton of $$$ on a really nice bike, I have found that I l-o-v-e it! Before I bought this super, awesome, amazing bike, I went through a series of test rides from all different stores. I hadn't been on a bike for well over 10 years. The thrill of an "adult" bike that is almost weightless is awesome. You can fly anywhere. After trying several different types, I finally settled on one I fell in love with. It took me awhile to track it down, but my efforts paid off. Since I've brought home this beautiful baby in August, I've been out at least every Wednesday. I think I picked Wednesdays because I thought it would help break up the monotony of running M-Th.  I thought out a route in my mind that would have minor hills, avoid red lights (clip shoes are really fun to learn... I only hope I get to witness someone else almost falling off their bike like I did the first time) but be a good workout. I did just that. 

The first time I rode, my Garmin said it was about 7.5 miles. That was a good first ride! Basically, over time I just started riding the same route multiple times for longer rides. Yesterday it hit me. I'm bored of that route. (I hope you all don't wonder why...)  I suppose it was today I decided it was time to experience the "other" side of Route 40. So, avoiding the major red light, I drove to the Seventh-Day Adventist on St. Johns Lane. I parked my car, hopped out and really looked like a pro. (If you know me, you know I have the complete outfit. Although I may fail, I must try and make sweating look cute) I started out on St. Johns Lane in the direction of Route 99. Uh oh. My first red light! (I also found some videos on youtube that helped me understand a little more on how to approach a red light and proper turning rules - smart, huh? Youtube has everything!) So, I unclip my left and put it down. That feels more natural for me and I get a better start using my right leg. The light turns green and  - I made it! I head down Route 99 in the direction of that awesome snowball stand and think, this is pretty good. 

I hit another red light - and pass that one too. I'm feeling pretty good about this ride. (This is where I don't notice it is slightly downhill, with small uphills) I get to the snowball stand and take a left on Woodstock Road. This road is pretty neat too. Until you come to the more wooded area (this is because you are entering part of the State Park), the road takes a major drop into the depths of nowhere. Dramatic? That's how it felt. I got halfway down and couldn't see where it ended, it just kept going d-o-w-n toward the railroad tracks. Why doesn't it feel like this in your car?  I had to stop and turn around. I already knew I was screwed. Do bikers that really know what they're doing actually ever GET OFF AND WALK THEIR BIKES UP A HILL??!?!?! I don't know... I can't say I've ever seen it and I'm half embarrassed to ask. 

So, I get my start up this steep hill, not even at the bottom but halfway up it. I drop down into a pretty low gear and try and gun it. Mistake. I am struggling. The only way I was going to make it up this hill was if I decided to get off and walk. Realization would hit: this is during commutes home, driver-by's would see this and potentially someone I know, could I actually give in like that? Nope. I made it to the top, huffing and puffing my ass off, but I knew that if I made it up a hill like that, it opened up many different options on places to ride. Once I hit the top, I had to stop and settle my breathing down. What really matters, is that I made it. Needless to say,  it was mostly uphill on the way back. I hit St. Johns Lane and although I did low milage tonight, I still had an intense workout. Not to mention, I had accomplished something new. 

Oh... it's been awhile... but don't worry, I haven't gained weight!

Well, yes, it has been awhile since I've managed to be able to sit down and blog. I started with that title for my blog because often times, people who blog about their diets or workout habits often stop writing when they've either hit a wall, or started gaining again. No need to worry, I'm maintaing my weight and happier then ever with my workout routine. I have also been smoke free for 4 months now. I've managed to replace my nasty habit with feeling great about myself with working out. 

With summer ending and getting back into the full swing at work and with grad school, I just haven't had the time. Plus, the kids at school manage to find the craziest stuff on the internet, so blogspot.com is blocked. I'd have to say it looks as though this school year will be a good one. Nothing too exciting has happened so far. I lost two kids off my caseload from last year, but gained another. It's been a challenge getting used to the new one I've gained, but once he learns our school is so much different from the one he came from, things will hopefully change. He's not a behavior issue, more of a - my way or no way type. He also views himself as the "master compromiser". Kids like this drive me nuts. 

Grad school seems to be well on it's way. I haven't started a count down to graduation yet, but I think someone said it is May 22nd, 2009. I am SO excited! I do have to make it through these last 4 classes first. The one class will be interesting, however, it's so medical I will actually have to read the text so I can follow along. At least the text is interesting, currently I'm on the chapter of Newborns/Premies and birth defects. The other class will be a little slower. The book is not nearly exciting, and that also goes for the teacher. This one is on teaching communication and social skills. I think I may actually know a few adults who would benefit from this too! ; )  

While I've still managed to maintain my weekly running, I haven't been out with the group too much. I've been trying to come up with a new routine for the week. Wednesday's (at least until it gets dark) I have been heading out for a 15-20 mile ride. That has given my legs a different workout and actually makes me feel stronger on Thursdays when I do my usual 3-4 miles. I often wish I could do more, but time only permits so much. Today I made it back out to meet some of the new runners for the Winter Season. I am mentoring for this season, so this should be fun. I've always like to help people, and sharing everything I learned or tried from last season is a nice way to help. I didn't meet everyone I'm working with season, but I did meet a few of them. It was hot today, so everyone who ran must get some sort of credit. I'm already feeling drained and I still have a ton of work to do for the week, today. Thankfully on Monday's my planning period is first period, so I have that time to play a little catch-up! My weekend was nice, but I'm always a little sad when Sunday comes.....