On occasion I have been known create an impossible schedule for myself. I did it again this past weekend when my sister was dropping off her three children for me to watch for three days. Check out my crazy schedule.
Thursday 03/26/09
Work 9-6
Half Price Book Store stop 6:15
Book Club 6:30-9:30
Dinner in my car on the way home
Wendy dropped off her three children at 12:30am
Tried to convince the children it is a good idea to go to sleep until 01:30
Passed out and let the children do as they wanted 01:45
Friday 03/27/09
Children wake up 8:30
I ignore the ruckus until 9:00
Feed the crazy children breakfast while downing a giant coke 09:15
Try to get the two girls to do homework while I Internet 09:30-11:15
Shower and dress to meet Lou for Lunch 11:15-12:15
Meet Lou at Hardees’s for lunch 12:30
Take the children to the Library to pick up my book for club book 12:45
Go to Fort Harrison State Park for Hiking Fun 01:15-04:00
Loose Camera at the park but don’t realize it until Monday Morning
30 Minute TV time with Kevin JR…while the girls do Homework 04:30-05:00
Lou drops off three more children at my house for dinner and then leaves
CRAZINESS ENSUES WHILE I PREPARE AND EAT DINNER 05:15-06:45
Take the six children to the Bounce Planet in Noblesville with Joanne 7:00-9:15
Taylor bounces out of the bounce thing onto her head 9:15
Rush home with frantic calls to Lou that Taylor needs to go to the ER
Bath the five children 9:30-10:15
Lou comes to pick up Taylor and take her to the ER 10:15
Try to get the remaining five children to sleep 10:15-12:45
Saturday 03/28/09
Children wake up 8:15
Aunt Candy finally get’s out of bed 8:45 after much begging for breakfast
Feed the children breakfast and shower 9:00-10:00
Take the five children to the movies to see Kung Fu Panda 10:30
Take the children home and feed them lunch 1:00-2:00
Fight with Kevin Jr. about eating his salad and drinking his milk
Take all of the children to Lou’s house for Sean’s birthday party 2:15
Some kind sole brought me Starbucks to perk me up
Participate in Sean’s petting zoo Birthday Party 3:00-4:30
Go home ALONE to shower and dress for evening out
Fold the Laundry, clean up messes, and empty the dishwasher at a furious pace 4:45-5:05
Shower and Dress 5:05-5:30
Casey comes by and we go downtown to Barcelona Tapas for dinner and then to the ISO for Cirque De La Symphony 5:30-10:30
Worms try to get me in Lou's driveway....I believe they were chasing me!
Pick up Kevin Jr and take him to my house 11:00
Kevin is in Bed 11:15
Hurray! It is Internet time 11:15-1:30
Sleep
Sunday 03/29/09
It’s a glorious day as I wake up at 9:30 without being disturbed
Lou drops off remaining two children at 10:15
Quiet time in the kitchen for the children’s homework and more Internet time 10:30-11:30
Yummy lunch consisting of Broccoli, grilled chicken and left over mac and cheese 12:45-1:15
Shower and dress 1:15-1:45
Meet Ems at the Pinheads bowling alley for an expensive game of bowling with the three children 2:00-4:00
While waiting for our open lane to open up, go to CVS and Walgreen's to purchase water bottles for the three children
Back to Aunt Candy’s house to pick up dinner items and then to Lou’s house for a visit and then dinner
Zone out on Lou’s couch and stare at the wall while the children play 4:30-5:30
Cook dinner 5:30
Eat Dinner 6:30
The children make a mini movie for Sarah’s school project 6:30-7:30
Take the three children home
Three showers, packing, cleaning up room and setting up extra bed 8:00-9:00
Send the children to bed under threat of severe spanking if they get up 9:15
Internet Time!
Text Lou to tell him how proud I was to get the children in bed by 9:15
He replies that his have been in bed for an hour (Show OFF)
Go to the kitchen for a drink and find Shelby talking to Joanne 10:00
They were never asleep ;(
Update check book, break-up with the old boy, and IM a new boy 10:00-1:15am
Wendy and Kevin (the children’s parents) arrive at my house to spend the night
In bed and asleep 2:00
Monday 03/30/09
Wake up 8:00 and smile because I know the children will be going home today!
Go to work and finally realize that missing camera was left at Fort Harrison and one phone call later they confirm that they have it at the office
Work Time
Guests Leave 10:15
Lunch with Lou 12:00-1:00
Go home and crash for two hours even though I have a million chores waiting.
March 30, 2009
March 27, 2009
Worms Crawl In.....
I am not sure how many of you know this, but I am deathly afraid of worms. They scare the crap out of me! (This makes moorewrites fear of dogs seem normal.) I realize that it is irrational and the logical part of me knows that they will not hurt me but my emotional side takes over when I see them.
Spring has begun and my fear came to me full force this morning. I was taking my long walk from the parking lot to the building in the rain when it hit me! There were worms everywhere! They were creeping towards me, they were slithering and I know that they were trying to get up my pants leg to eat a hole in my leg and stomach. I began breathing fast and my heart was pounding. I wanted to run to the building for cover but I got paralyzed with fear and become unable to move. I eventually recovered and was able to self talk myself into proceeding toward the building and to safety, but I don’t understand my reactions.
It isn’t logical that I get so scared. I know that the worm is not going to get me but I cannot seem to help myself. As much as I LOVE spring and the sun shining I also cannot stand that it rains all of the time and brings forth the vile creatures. I don’t mind them if I cannot see them, you know out of sight out of mind.
Two years ago in the spring I came home after a long day and as I walked through the living room I discovered two worms having a party on the floor. I had no idea on how they got there, but I suspected that they crept into the garage and Mickey carried it back in on his last visit.
I am hoping for either a short or dry spring. Otherwise, I could freak out at any moment when I am with you outside.
BTW…I considered posting a picture of the worms but I cannot look at them. I don’t even like to eat food shaped like worms. YUCK!
Spring has begun and my fear came to me full force this morning. I was taking my long walk from the parking lot to the building in the rain when it hit me! There were worms everywhere! They were creeping towards me, they were slithering and I know that they were trying to get up my pants leg to eat a hole in my leg and stomach. I began breathing fast and my heart was pounding. I wanted to run to the building for cover but I got paralyzed with fear and become unable to move. I eventually recovered and was able to self talk myself into proceeding toward the building and to safety, but I don’t understand my reactions.
It isn’t logical that I get so scared. I know that the worm is not going to get me but I cannot seem to help myself. As much as I LOVE spring and the sun shining I also cannot stand that it rains all of the time and brings forth the vile creatures. I don’t mind them if I cannot see them, you know out of sight out of mind.
Two years ago in the spring I came home after a long day and as I walked through the living room I discovered two worms having a party on the floor. I had no idea on how they got there, but I suspected that they crept into the garage and Mickey carried it back in on his last visit.
I am hoping for either a short or dry spring. Otherwise, I could freak out at any moment when I am with you outside.
BTW…I considered posting a picture of the worms but I cannot look at them. I don’t even like to eat food shaped like worms. YUCK!
March 25, 2009
Cats at Beef and Boards
What a stupid musical! How could it make so much money?
I went and saw the musical "Cats" at the Beef and Boards dinner theatre last Thursday (03/12) night and it sucked! I was not impressed with the venue, dinner or the musical. However, I did enjoy the company.
Dinner was the ultimate horrible gross typical nasty buffet! They had a small generic salad bar, BTW this was the best thing about the dinner. They had some carrots and mixed vegetables that looked as they had been cooked for the last twelve hours. They were definitely dead. They included three meat choices: baked salmon, baked chicken wings with mushrooms and roast beef that was in the oven for thirty years. The roast beef was so tough that I needed to add some cheese spread to make it palatable. Unfortunately, I have been to this venue a few time about four years ago and my current assessment of the food matches my memory.
So the food was bad, but I don't generally go to Beef and Boards for the food. In my prior experience I have LOVED the shows. I saw a performance of "The King and I" a few years ago and it was terrific. I have fond memories of that experience. However, I did not enjoy Cats.
I saw "Cats" in London in 2000 and I didn't really enjoy it then either. I just think that it is the show and not the actors. I don't think that the show has a point or even a story line. I just let my excitement over having a coupon cloud my memory of my prior experience with the show. The music is not memorable and doesn't hold any appeal. I would not recommend this show to anyone.
I now have a dilemma. Beef and Board is presenting "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" in August and this is one of my favorite 1950's movie's. I like the songs and story line. Should I go? I would like to see it but the food is so very BAD. Can I buy a ticket for the show only? What do you think loyal readers?
I went and saw the musical "Cats" at the Beef and Boards dinner theatre last Thursday (03/12) night and it sucked! I was not impressed with the venue, dinner or the musical. However, I did enjoy the company.
Dinner was the ultimate horrible gross typical nasty buffet! They had a small generic salad bar, BTW this was the best thing about the dinner. They had some carrots and mixed vegetables that looked as they had been cooked for the last twelve hours. They were definitely dead. They included three meat choices: baked salmon, baked chicken wings with mushrooms and roast beef that was in the oven for thirty years. The roast beef was so tough that I needed to add some cheese spread to make it palatable. Unfortunately, I have been to this venue a few time about four years ago and my current assessment of the food matches my memory.
So the food was bad, but I don't generally go to Beef and Boards for the food. In my prior experience I have LOVED the shows. I saw a performance of "The King and I" a few years ago and it was terrific. I have fond memories of that experience. However, I did not enjoy Cats.
I saw "Cats" in London in 2000 and I didn't really enjoy it then either. I just think that it is the show and not the actors. I don't think that the show has a point or even a story line. I just let my excitement over having a coupon cloud my memory of my prior experience with the show. The music is not memorable and doesn't hold any appeal. I would not recommend this show to anyone.
I now have a dilemma. Beef and Board is presenting "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" in August and this is one of my favorite 1950's movie's. I like the songs and story line. Should I go? I would like to see it but the food is so very BAD. Can I buy a ticket for the show only? What do you think loyal readers?
March 24, 2009
Additional Biking Story
Ems wrote a story about our biking adventure last weekend. Follow the link and read about our trek from her viewpoint.
http://ems0178.blogspot.com/2009/03/owie.html
http://ems0178.blogspot.com/2009/03/owie.html
March 21, 2009
Biking Stats
Ems came over today to have a biking adventure and these are our stats. She is going to write a story next week so I will send you the link when she is finished.
Total Time: 1 hour 46 minutes
Total Distance: 15 miles
Average Speed: 8.1 mph
Highest Speed: 16 mph
Total Time: 1 hour 46 minutes
Total Distance: 15 miles
Average Speed: 8.1 mph
Highest Speed: 16 mph
March 19, 2009
New Drug!
My new BFFF (NM) gave me a wonderful new drug today. Coca-Cola from our friends in Mexico made with real sugar and not high fructose corn syrup. This was the BOMB! I loved every taste as it hit my tongue. She got this special bottle at Fresh Market in Broadripple and it comes at a very dear cost. I know I will need to stay very far away from this store in the future as to not spend all of my money or consume hundreds of extra empty calories each day.
Sorry, I couldn't get the photo rotated....I just couldn't figure out how!
Sorry, I couldn't get the photo rotated....I just couldn't figure out how!
March 18, 2009
Mauritius at the Phoenix Theatre
I really LOVE the Phoenix Theatre. They always have great productions and great stories. This theatre specializes in contemporary and independent productions. I have a season pass with my friend GH but she was unable to attend this month so I had to find another willing companion.
I thought of SH a friend from work, although, she is no longer employed at KBA. I thought it would be a fun thing to invite her to and to find out what is going on in her life. It was nice to reconnect and pursue a friendship with someone that I have so many things in common. She even lives in Noblesville near me, unlike most of my other friends who live far far away.
We meat at the Hamilton Town Centre mall at Houlihans for dinner. It was fantastic! This was the first time that I had eaten at this restaurant and I was impressed with their menu and their food. We ordered the Salmon Salad, Spinach dip and three mini desserts and shared it all. I especially enjoyed the salmon salad, it was very crisp and tasty.
This play was just fantastic! It was very suspenseful and the dynamic amongst the actors was very good. They worked really well together and had great chemistry. There was some dark areas explored in the story as well as loads of cursing. This doesn't bother me but someone who doesn't like cursing probably wouldn't like this theatre. I just appreciate that they try to make the characters real and interesting.
They even have bargain shows on Thursday nights for $15. Anyone who likes live theatre should go and see this play.
I thought of SH a friend from work, although, she is no longer employed at KBA. I thought it would be a fun thing to invite her to and to find out what is going on in her life. It was nice to reconnect and pursue a friendship with someone that I have so many things in common. She even lives in Noblesville near me, unlike most of my other friends who live far far away.
We meat at the Hamilton Town Centre mall at Houlihans for dinner. It was fantastic! This was the first time that I had eaten at this restaurant and I was impressed with their menu and their food. We ordered the Salmon Salad, Spinach dip and three mini desserts and shared it all. I especially enjoyed the salmon salad, it was very crisp and tasty.
This play was just fantastic! It was very suspenseful and the dynamic amongst the actors was very good. They worked really well together and had great chemistry. There was some dark areas explored in the story as well as loads of cursing. This doesn't bother me but someone who doesn't like cursing probably wouldn't like this theatre. I just appreciate that they try to make the characters real and interesting.
They even have bargain shows on Thursday nights for $15. Anyone who likes live theatre should go and see this play.
March 17, 2009
Bicycle Riding Stats
I had another relaxing bike ride tonight after work. I caught the Monon trail in Broadripple and I cycled up into Carmel and back. It wasn't super fast or an extreme cardio workout, but I had great fun!
Total Riding Time: One Hour
Total Distance: 7.4 Miles
Average Speed: 7.4 MPH
Max Speed: 10.3 MPH
Total Riding Time: One Hour
Total Distance: 7.4 Miles
Average Speed: 7.4 MPH
Max Speed: 10.3 MPH
Bicycle Rack
My brother gave me a bike rack for Christmas, and I went over to his house tonight so he could install it tell me how to attach my bike. When I arrived home I set about the task of attaching the bike. When we tested it out at Lou's house we used his normal boy bike that has a top bar. I don't think that this rack was made for a girls bike, especially for a odd shaped one like mine. After I got it on the bar I used several bungee cords to keep it tight to the car.
After I was done I went inside and called out to Joanne, "Can you help me see if my bike is sturdy?" She walked into the kitchen with the oddest look on her face and she said "What?" in a perplexed voice. Apparently she thought I said, "Is this dirty enough?". I guess she was wondering who I was sending a dirty text too and why she needed to help me. We had a big laugh and then headed outside to check out the bike.
She was immediately amused by the look of my hillbilly mobile. But she did think that it looked sturdy. We decided that I could use something on the tire so it wouldn't scratch my car. I went and found a white dish towel and bunged it to the tire. Doesn't it look great?
This whole bike rack thing is not working out as I had imagined. I envisioned a much more dignified attachment to the car. Tomorrow will be the test run, I hope I can get to work without incident! It would be really bad if it fell off on I69 as I am going to work!
I hope that NM appreciates the effort I have made for our bike riding extravaganza tomorrow night.
After I was done I went inside and called out to Joanne, "Can you help me see if my bike is sturdy?" She walked into the kitchen with the oddest look on her face and she said "What?" in a perplexed voice. Apparently she thought I said, "Is this dirty enough?". I guess she was wondering who I was sending a dirty text too and why she needed to help me. We had a big laugh and then headed outside to check out the bike.
She was immediately amused by the look of my hillbilly mobile. But she did think that it looked sturdy. We decided that I could use something on the tire so it wouldn't scratch my car. I went and found a white dish towel and bunged it to the tire. Doesn't it look great?
This whole bike rack thing is not working out as I had imagined. I envisioned a much more dignified attachment to the car. Tomorrow will be the test run, I hope I can get to work without incident! It would be really bad if it fell off on I69 as I am going to work!
I hope that NM appreciates the effort I have made for our bike riding extravaganza tomorrow night.
March 16, 2009
Bicycle Fun
It seems as Spring is finally here. I am so happy and it makes me want to go outside and ride my bike. Last weekend I tried riding and I only did two miles because it was so very windy, and as I was riding into the wind I was hardly moving.
Last fall I purchased a bike odometer on clearance for seven dollars and I had my brother install it last Sunday. It is a fun gadget that tells me how long I have been riding, how many miles I have gone, my average and my highest speed. It gives me a sense of accomplishment to see the odometer increasing after every ride.
Yesterday, I took a bike ride to the Hamilton Town Centre mall to purchase a gift for my nephew who turns five on Monday. It was a rather short ride of two and half miles each way but I felt good when I was done. Five miles seemed a good accomplishment after not riding at all for the last six or so months.
Today, I wanted to be lazy. I was lounging in my bed and all I wanted to do was watch TV and Internet. I just signed up for facebook and I wanted to spend some time there trying to understand the fuss. Then I looked at the widget on my laptop and it told me that it was 57 degrees outside and it was yelling at me to get up, and to go outside and ride my bike. I got off of my but and got dressed, packed up my backpack, strapped on my IPOD and headed outside.
I brought up Jamie Cullin on my IPOD and headed out with a vague idea that I might ride over to the Fishers library to pick up a book that I have on hold. I wasn't sure that I had it in me to go that far but I wanted to try. My brother lives en route to the library so I stopped by there for twenty minutes to visit with the children, rest and decide if I was going to head home or continue on my journey.
I was determined to make it to my destination, so I headed out on my bike and continued on to the library. I went inside and got my book and a couple CD to listen to and decided to reward myself for the exercise with a decadent ice cream from Handles. This is my favorite ice cream ever. It is so very rich and creamy....I am dreaming of the wonderful taste right now. I ordered peanut butter brownie in chocolate ice cream...that is what I call heaven!
The ride home was fairly uneventful and I didn't have any stops, but it was much more difficult. I was riding into the wind for most of the time, and I have to exert much more energy to keep up a steady pace. When I got home I removed some of my layers and I fell down exhausted into my bed. I couldn't even bring myself to answer the phone when it rang. I just watched Monday's episode of Dancing with the Stars until I recouped some of my energy.
These are the final statics:
I rode 16 Miles
I rode for 1:58 hours
My highest speed was 18.2 MPH (This was downhill)
My average speed was 7.8 MPH (I would like this to be higher, but he wind was kicking my but)
So where should I go next time to beat that length? If I ride near my home I like to have a destination rather than just aimlessly riding. The library was a good goal. Will I one day get all the way to Castleton and back? Time will tell!
Last fall I purchased a bike odometer on clearance for seven dollars and I had my brother install it last Sunday. It is a fun gadget that tells me how long I have been riding, how many miles I have gone, my average and my highest speed. It gives me a sense of accomplishment to see the odometer increasing after every ride.
Yesterday, I took a bike ride to the Hamilton Town Centre mall to purchase a gift for my nephew who turns five on Monday. It was a rather short ride of two and half miles each way but I felt good when I was done. Five miles seemed a good accomplishment after not riding at all for the last six or so months.
Today, I wanted to be lazy. I was lounging in my bed and all I wanted to do was watch TV and Internet. I just signed up for facebook and I wanted to spend some time there trying to understand the fuss. Then I looked at the widget on my laptop and it told me that it was 57 degrees outside and it was yelling at me to get up, and to go outside and ride my bike. I got off of my but and got dressed, packed up my backpack, strapped on my IPOD and headed outside.
I brought up Jamie Cullin on my IPOD and headed out with a vague idea that I might ride over to the Fishers library to pick up a book that I have on hold. I wasn't sure that I had it in me to go that far but I wanted to try. My brother lives en route to the library so I stopped by there for twenty minutes to visit with the children, rest and decide if I was going to head home or continue on my journey.
I was determined to make it to my destination, so I headed out on my bike and continued on to the library. I went inside and got my book and a couple CD to listen to and decided to reward myself for the exercise with a decadent ice cream from Handles. This is my favorite ice cream ever. It is so very rich and creamy....I am dreaming of the wonderful taste right now. I ordered peanut butter brownie in chocolate ice cream...that is what I call heaven!
The ride home was fairly uneventful and I didn't have any stops, but it was much more difficult. I was riding into the wind for most of the time, and I have to exert much more energy to keep up a steady pace. When I got home I removed some of my layers and I fell down exhausted into my bed. I couldn't even bring myself to answer the phone when it rang. I just watched Monday's episode of Dancing with the Stars until I recouped some of my energy.
These are the final statics:
I rode 16 Miles
I rode for 1:58 hours
My highest speed was 18.2 MPH (This was downhill)
My average speed was 7.8 MPH (I would like this to be higher, but he wind was kicking my but)
So where should I go next time to beat that length? If I ride near my home I like to have a destination rather than just aimlessly riding. The library was a good goal. Will I one day get all the way to Castleton and back? Time will tell!
March 15, 2009
The Cat Empire
My sixteen year old nephew posted an inappropriate video on YouTube last week. I watched it and I thought it was hilarious, but it was a bit on the offensive and vulgar side. He made a five minute movie with his friends that included a soundtrack, titles and closing credits. I found it fairly creative use of their time but I digress. (PS...I don't think my brother would appreciate me posting the video here so if you are really interested email me and I will send you the link)
I really dug the music he used and after a fifteen minute texting session with him, I found out the name of the band. They are "The Cat Empire" a band out of Australia. I did some previewing on Itunes that night and discovered that I really enjoyed most of their music and I downloaded the two available albums. It is interesting to me that I have common music interests with a sixteen year old.
This is the link to go to a YouTube performance of The Car Song. Please Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9asfw8Z4jw
I really dug the music he used and after a fifteen minute texting session with him, I found out the name of the band. They are "The Cat Empire" a band out of Australia. I did some previewing on Itunes that night and discovered that I really enjoyed most of their music and I downloaded the two available albums. It is interesting to me that I have common music interests with a sixteen year old.
This is the link to go to a YouTube performance of The Car Song. Please Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9asfw8Z4jw
March 9, 2009
Push! Gym
I decided to join a new gym last week. I let my membership at the YMCA lapse in February and I was having an inner debate whether or not I should renew it. I probably would have if NM hadn't introduced me to Push! Fitness. She has a membership there and she encouraged moorewrites and I to take a free two week trial so we could attend a couple classes together. After the first visit I liked it but I still thought that the YMCA was better. Initially, I had a couple negative thoughts about Push:
1. They only have one location
2. The price is a bit high, $50 per month with a one year contract
3. There is no pool
4. The building is small
5. It is not near my house
However, after my second visit I began to notice the positive things:
1. There were NEVER any children at the facility and the YMCA is crawling with children...they are everywhere...please don't judge me for this being in the positive column
2. It was quite and serene
3. It is within five minutes of my work
4. Everyone is super nice and they gym has a very personal touch
Suddenly, the positives were tipping the scales in my head and I decided to join. However, my major objection of the high price was still weighing on my mind. Last year the owner, Jason, came to my work and gave us an exercise demonstration and hinted that if we were to join we would get a discount. When I arrived for my third visit, I asked the desk worker what the discount for my company would be? She didn't know but let me come in and get ready for my Zumba class. When I came back she announced that my employer gets a $39 monthly rate, no joining fee with a one year contract. I was sold! This was just the news I was looking for. I am always driven by price, however, if I really want something I act as if price is no object (this is in reference to me taking exotic trips each year that I probably cannot afford, but I go anyway). I gave them my credit card and I was officially a Push! gym member.
With my membership I get two training sessions with a personal trainer to explain how the weight machines worked and put me on a plan. It also includes a one hour personal training session. Another cool benefit is that the person who recommends you to the gym gets a one hour complimentary massage. Getting these free things was a nice compliment to the membership.
I arrived for my first training session on Thursday evening at 6:15 ready for my new journey. Jason, the owner, was to be my trainer until my actual trainer was ready for me. He greeted me and I chatted with him a few minutes. He mentioned that he remembered me from my employer and he was happy that I decided to join. He is a very affectionate person because he stood next to me and put his arm around my shoulders and was completely touching me. I am not used to such physical affection from strangers and it weirded me out.
The first step in my training was to get fitted with a heart rate monitor. Jason got one out and indicated that we should head to the locker room. I was confused. Was he really going to come into the ladies locker room and help me into the heart strap that goes around my middle just below my bra strap? That would have been very intimate for a strange man! I lucked out because just then my regular (female) trainer came and took over. It would have made me extremely uncomfortable to have him assist me in the locker room. As it was, I had the lady trainer help me and it made me only slightly uncomfortable. I am usually comfortable changing in the locker room in front of others but the touching is weird. As we were finishing up a lady walked into the locker room and began talking to my trainer. She asked me if I was new and after I affirmed, she began to gush and say how much she LOVED it at Push and how much I would love it also. Then she walked over to me and gave me a great big hug. Was I putting off pheromone's that I was in need of hugs? Two unsolicited hugs in one day was a bit unsettling.
After the locker room debacle I was lead over to a treadmill that is located off in the corner. She asked me to lie on the floor for five minuets to get my true resting heart rate. So there I lay on the floor...it felt like I was in the middle of the gym for everyone to ogle. I cannot believe that they got a real resting heart rate as I was extremely uncomfortable lying on the floor. When I was done she had me get up and get on the treadmill and she wanted to see how long it would take to get me up to my target heart rate. I assure you it didn't take long.
She had me on for about ten minutes and determined that I should be walking at a 2.9 rate at a 3% incline. The pace is good but walking up the hills is NOT fun. While I was walking she began asking me questions on my fitness goals. Somehow the question always makes me clam up. I think to myself...duh I am fat and I no longer want to be....why do they always ask me these questions. I just don't understand it. I gave her some lame thing about wanting to have accountability to come to the gym more often. I wish I was able to express myself better in this situation. I guess this is another thing I have to work on.
After I finished my ten minutes on the treadmill she had me lie on the floor again to see how long it would take for my heart rate to normalize. Apparently, it took too long and she told me and then she told Jason. I guess that was the indication that I was out of shape! DUH!
After the treadmill she took me to five different weight machines to get me set up with the proper settings and weights. While we were on the leg press I told her the weight was good enough, but of course she could see it in my face that I wasn't working hard enough and she had me add more and more weight. Before long I was up to 170 lbs, I guess my legs are super strong. I was OK with this exercise until she wanted me to just hold the weight up. That HURT! I guess that is the purpose.
My entire upper body was in pain the all day Friday and Saturday. I wasn't used to the weight training and my shoulders and chest area were bothering me. I know it will get better the more my body gets used to it.
Next Tuesday will be my second orientation day. I hope it goes well. I just have to learn to LIKE the gym. My first goal will to go three times a week. Currently, I am on a once a week plan.
1. They only have one location
2. The price is a bit high, $50 per month with a one year contract
3. There is no pool
4. The building is small
5. It is not near my house
However, after my second visit I began to notice the positive things:
1. There were NEVER any children at the facility and the YMCA is crawling with children...they are everywhere...please don't judge me for this being in the positive column
2. It was quite and serene
3. It is within five minutes of my work
4. Everyone is super nice and they gym has a very personal touch
Suddenly, the positives were tipping the scales in my head and I decided to join. However, my major objection of the high price was still weighing on my mind. Last year the owner, Jason, came to my work and gave us an exercise demonstration and hinted that if we were to join we would get a discount. When I arrived for my third visit, I asked the desk worker what the discount for my company would be? She didn't know but let me come in and get ready for my Zumba class. When I came back she announced that my employer gets a $39 monthly rate, no joining fee with a one year contract. I was sold! This was just the news I was looking for. I am always driven by price, however, if I really want something I act as if price is no object (this is in reference to me taking exotic trips each year that I probably cannot afford, but I go anyway). I gave them my credit card and I was officially a Push! gym member.
With my membership I get two training sessions with a personal trainer to explain how the weight machines worked and put me on a plan. It also includes a one hour personal training session. Another cool benefit is that the person who recommends you to the gym gets a one hour complimentary massage. Getting these free things was a nice compliment to the membership.
I arrived for my first training session on Thursday evening at 6:15 ready for my new journey. Jason, the owner, was to be my trainer until my actual trainer was ready for me. He greeted me and I chatted with him a few minutes. He mentioned that he remembered me from my employer and he was happy that I decided to join. He is a very affectionate person because he stood next to me and put his arm around my shoulders and was completely touching me. I am not used to such physical affection from strangers and it weirded me out.
The first step in my training was to get fitted with a heart rate monitor. Jason got one out and indicated that we should head to the locker room. I was confused. Was he really going to come into the ladies locker room and help me into the heart strap that goes around my middle just below my bra strap? That would have been very intimate for a strange man! I lucked out because just then my regular (female) trainer came and took over. It would have made me extremely uncomfortable to have him assist me in the locker room. As it was, I had the lady trainer help me and it made me only slightly uncomfortable. I am usually comfortable changing in the locker room in front of others but the touching is weird. As we were finishing up a lady walked into the locker room and began talking to my trainer. She asked me if I was new and after I affirmed, she began to gush and say how much she LOVED it at Push and how much I would love it also. Then she walked over to me and gave me a great big hug. Was I putting off pheromone's that I was in need of hugs? Two unsolicited hugs in one day was a bit unsettling.
After the locker room debacle I was lead over to a treadmill that is located off in the corner. She asked me to lie on the floor for five minuets to get my true resting heart rate. So there I lay on the floor...it felt like I was in the middle of the gym for everyone to ogle. I cannot believe that they got a real resting heart rate as I was extremely uncomfortable lying on the floor. When I was done she had me get up and get on the treadmill and she wanted to see how long it would take to get me up to my target heart rate. I assure you it didn't take long.
She had me on for about ten minutes and determined that I should be walking at a 2.9 rate at a 3% incline. The pace is good but walking up the hills is NOT fun. While I was walking she began asking me questions on my fitness goals. Somehow the question always makes me clam up. I think to myself...duh I am fat and I no longer want to be....why do they always ask me these questions. I just don't understand it. I gave her some lame thing about wanting to have accountability to come to the gym more often. I wish I was able to express myself better in this situation. I guess this is another thing I have to work on.
After I finished my ten minutes on the treadmill she had me lie on the floor again to see how long it would take for my heart rate to normalize. Apparently, it took too long and she told me and then she told Jason. I guess that was the indication that I was out of shape! DUH!
After the treadmill she took me to five different weight machines to get me set up with the proper settings and weights. While we were on the leg press I told her the weight was good enough, but of course she could see it in my face that I wasn't working hard enough and she had me add more and more weight. Before long I was up to 170 lbs, I guess my legs are super strong. I was OK with this exercise until she wanted me to just hold the weight up. That HURT! I guess that is the purpose.
My entire upper body was in pain the all day Friday and Saturday. I wasn't used to the weight training and my shoulders and chest area were bothering me. I know it will get better the more my body gets used to it.
Next Tuesday will be my second orientation day. I hope it goes well. I just have to learn to LIKE the gym. My first goal will to go three times a week. Currently, I am on a once a week plan.
March 6, 2009
Book Etiquette
I was at book club last week and I though I was going to get kicked out over my treatment of a borrowed book. I was using the 'dog ear' bookmarking system. In my opinion my friends overreacted to the situation.
Let me present the facts and I want to let you be the judge in this case.
Fact #1 – I received the borrowed book after two other book club members had read the book. Fact #2 – I only had the book for seven days.
Fact #3 – I couldn’t find a book mark.
Fact #4 – I turned town the corner of the page to mark my place.
Fact #5 – Dog eared pages are not upsetting to me.
Fact #6 – I turn down pages in my own books as well as borrowed and library books.
Fact #7 – I never ate anything while reading the book.
Fact #8 – The book owner wasn’t entirely aware that I was in possession of the book until she saw me with it at our book club meeting.
Fact #9 – When I opened the book to my marked page during the book club meeting, I immediately heard laud gasps and saw shocked expressions around the sitting area.
Fact #10 – I have been banned from borrowing any future books!
I guess I don’t think what I did was so wrong. I sometimes use a bookmark and sometimes use napkins or random pieces of paper or I even fold the pages down. I don’t find myself to be very organized in this area and I use anything at hand. I like my books but they are only pieces of paper and I guess I don’t covet them or care about bent pages.
Did I deserve this level of censure? Please leave me comments with your answer.
I found the quiz below at this website and the answers in red are mine and the answers in purple are the "correct" answers. I am afraid that I would have failed according to library rules as I got zero right. But I win in my book. How did you do on the quiz?
Library Quiz
1.
What do you do when you have to stop reading your book, but you want to find the right page later?
a. Lay the book open, pages down, on the table or floor
b. Fold down the corner (and what do we call that?)
c. Use a bookmark
2.
How are you supposed to turn the pages so they don't rip?
a. At the bottoms with your thumb
b. Lick your finger then turn the page
c. Lift them at the corner, then turn the page
3.
To carry a book safely, you should
a. Hug it
b. Swing it with your arm
c. Try to balance it on your head
d. Toss it in the air and see how many times you can catch it
4.
Should you eat or drink while you are reading your book?
a. Yes
b. No
5.
If you find a tear in your library book, you should
a. fix it at home with tape or glue.
b. give it back to the librarian and hope she doesn't see it.
c. hide the book and hope everyone will forget it.
d. show it to the librarian so she can fix it with special book tape.
6.
If you want to keep a book longer because you want to read or use it more, you should
a. leave it at home even though it is library day.
b. take it back to the library and renew it.
c. keep it until you finish it.
Let me present the facts and I want to let you be the judge in this case.
Fact #1 – I received the borrowed book after two other book club members had read the book. Fact #2 – I only had the book for seven days.
Fact #3 – I couldn’t find a book mark.
Fact #4 – I turned town the corner of the page to mark my place.
Fact #5 – Dog eared pages are not upsetting to me.
Fact #6 – I turn down pages in my own books as well as borrowed and library books.
Fact #7 – I never ate anything while reading the book.
Fact #8 – The book owner wasn’t entirely aware that I was in possession of the book until she saw me with it at our book club meeting.
Fact #9 – When I opened the book to my marked page during the book club meeting, I immediately heard laud gasps and saw shocked expressions around the sitting area.
Fact #10 – I have been banned from borrowing any future books!
I guess I don’t think what I did was so wrong. I sometimes use a bookmark and sometimes use napkins or random pieces of paper or I even fold the pages down. I don’t find myself to be very organized in this area and I use anything at hand. I like my books but they are only pieces of paper and I guess I don’t covet them or care about bent pages.
Did I deserve this level of censure? Please leave me comments with your answer.
I found the quiz below at this website and the answers in red are mine and the answers in purple are the "correct" answers. I am afraid that I would have failed according to library rules as I got zero right. But I win in my book. How did you do on the quiz?
Library Quiz
1.
What do you do when you have to stop reading your book, but you want to find the right page later?
a. Lay the book open, pages down, on the table or floor
b. Fold down the corner (and what do we call that?)
c. Use a bookmark
2.
How are you supposed to turn the pages so they don't rip?
a. At the bottoms with your thumb
b. Lick your finger then turn the page
c. Lift them at the corner, then turn the page
3.
To carry a book safely, you should
a. Hug it
b. Swing it with your arm
c. Try to balance it on your head
d. Toss it in the air and see how many times you can catch it
4.
Should you eat or drink while you are reading your book?
a. Yes
b. No
5.
If you find a tear in your library book, you should
a. fix it at home with tape or glue.
b. give it back to the librarian and hope she doesn't see it.
c. hide the book and hope everyone will forget it.
d. show it to the librarian so she can fix it with special book tape.
6.
If you want to keep a book longer because you want to read or use it more, you should
a. leave it at home even though it is library day.
b. take it back to the library and renew it.
c. keep it until you finish it.
March 4, 2009
Flirting
Isn't it funny when you learn something new about yourself and your personality?
Recently it has been pointed out to me that I have been flirting with some boy’s unconsciously. I had no idea that I was doing this and it was a weird concept to me.
Last week at work we had our financial auditors in the office and I was working with them daily to resolve various issues. On Thursday afternoon I was standing near the copier talking to one of them for about five minutes. As I turned around to walk back to my desk I hear psssst….pssssst…..psssst, from behind me. I thought to myself, what is that noise? It was J from work and he was motioning me to come to his desk. When I was there he called me out! He said, “Why were you flirting with the auditor?”. I denied the accusation. He said that I was doing the following actions: moving my head to the side while I was talking, talking in a overly sweet voice, and moving my foot around in circles. It began to dawn on me that he was on to something, and my face got flaming red and I quickly walked away. For the rest of the day and Friday he took great delight in telling everyone about my escapade and embarrassing me.
I was caught again on Friday but this time I was much more aware of my actions. I had no idea that I did this with people until it was pointed out. I have to wonder how long this has been going on? It is interesting to me that I could have this whole side to my personality and be unaware of it. I like to think that I am usually a self aware person and I can see myself as I am, and not as I want to be seen.
So can this flirting be confused with my natural friendly and extroverted behavior? On Saturday night I was in Bed Bath and Beyond with C and I was talking to the cashier as we checked out. Buy the time I departed I knew all about her wedding in December and I had given her advice on a dilemma she was having. When we were back in the car C asked me if the cashier was one of my friends, and I said no she was a stranger. C was flabbergasted, because I was having such an intense conversation with this person.
So do I flirt or am I just very friendly?
Recently it has been pointed out to me that I have been flirting with some boy’s unconsciously. I had no idea that I was doing this and it was a weird concept to me.
Last week at work we had our financial auditors in the office and I was working with them daily to resolve various issues. On Thursday afternoon I was standing near the copier talking to one of them for about five minutes. As I turned around to walk back to my desk I hear psssst….pssssst…..psssst, from behind me. I thought to myself, what is that noise? It was J from work and he was motioning me to come to his desk. When I was there he called me out! He said, “Why were you flirting with the auditor?”. I denied the accusation. He said that I was doing the following actions: moving my head to the side while I was talking, talking in a overly sweet voice, and moving my foot around in circles. It began to dawn on me that he was on to something, and my face got flaming red and I quickly walked away. For the rest of the day and Friday he took great delight in telling everyone about my escapade and embarrassing me.
I was caught again on Friday but this time I was much more aware of my actions. I had no idea that I did this with people until it was pointed out. I have to wonder how long this has been going on? It is interesting to me that I could have this whole side to my personality and be unaware of it. I like to think that I am usually a self aware person and I can see myself as I am, and not as I want to be seen.
So can this flirting be confused with my natural friendly and extroverted behavior? On Saturday night I was in Bed Bath and Beyond with C and I was talking to the cashier as we checked out. Buy the time I departed I knew all about her wedding in December and I had given her advice on a dilemma she was having. When we were back in the car C asked me if the cashier was one of my friends, and I said no she was a stranger. C was flabbergasted, because I was having such an intense conversation with this person.
So do I flirt or am I just very friendly?
March 1, 2009
What is inappropriate attire at the ISO?
What should one wear out to an evening at the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra? I think that there are plenty of good options but I did see something on Friday that is best left at home; Pajama Pants! I was flabbergasted. The performance had ended and I was standing up clapping when along came two women trying to leave. One was wearing printed pajama pants and the other was wearing sweet pants. I looked over at N and we both lifted our eyebrows and cracked up. Now I know that I am not the person one looks to for fashion advice and I often miss the mark on what an appropriate outfit should look like, but I do know better than to wear my PJ pants out to the ISO. There are only two places that I can think that are appropriate: CVS after 11pm and anytime at Wal-Mart!
I had the opportunity to go to the ISO the past two Friday nights. Last Friday (02/20/09) night I saw a performance by a classically trained pianist Jonathan Biss. It was very beautiful performance. This was the first time that I experienced classical music and I really enjoyed it. I could not imagine listening to this type of music on a regular basic but I found it quite enjoyable for an evening’s entertainment. I did find it odd that the theatre was only about 1/2 full that night.
A funny thing happened at intermission while I was at this show. We were clapping forever and I thought that it was time for intermissions, so I hurriedly got up to beat the rush to the ladies room and when I came back out Jonathan Biss was still playing. I guess he was giving an encore performance, but they wouldn't let me back in so I had to stand outside and listen through the door. That is what I get for being in a hurry.
On Friday (02/27/09) night I saw "Sounds of the City" a Latin inspired classical type performance. The orchestra played a piece by Gershwin and some music from West Side Story by Bernstein. The evening also included the world premiere debut of the composition "Pereginos" by Gabriela Lena Frank based upon the Indianapolis's Hispanic community. This composition had five pieces and each piece was based on some type of Hispanic theme. I didn’t really get it. There were long pauses between each act and I couldn’t put together the story and the music. I didn’t find myself wanting to purchase the music or listen to it again. But I found the second act portion with Gershwin and Bernstein very enjoyable. I even went to the library this weekend and got a copy of West Side Story and Yo-Yo Ma to listen to. (BTW...I am listening to Yo-Yo Ma's, Simply Baroque as I write this blog.)
The Gershwin piece was performed on the piano by Gabriela Montero, who recently performed at President Obama's inauguration. She was magnificent! Her hands flew along the keyboard. I was fascinated by watching her play. It was amazing! At the end she gave us a bit of an improvisation and this is something that she is know for. I am glad that I had the opportunity to see such a talented artist.
Friday night after the ISO N and D introduced me to Nicky Blaine’s bar. Except for the smoke smell this place was right up my alley. They had individual seating areas set up with couches, chairs, and coffee tables. The music was nice and low enough to allow conversations to flow. My only objection was the price of my drinks. I ordered two Lemon Martinis and my total bill was $22.00, they were very tasty but not worth the price. We stayed there talking for about two hours and my coat still smells like smoke. I have to say that there are not very many bar type places that I enjoy visiting but this would be at the top of my list.
Overall both were very enjoyable evening's out with my friends!
I had the opportunity to go to the ISO the past two Friday nights. Last Friday (02/20/09) night I saw a performance by a classically trained pianist Jonathan Biss. It was very beautiful performance. This was the first time that I experienced classical music and I really enjoyed it. I could not imagine listening to this type of music on a regular basic but I found it quite enjoyable for an evening’s entertainment. I did find it odd that the theatre was only about 1/2 full that night.
A funny thing happened at intermission while I was at this show. We were clapping forever and I thought that it was time for intermissions, so I hurriedly got up to beat the rush to the ladies room and when I came back out Jonathan Biss was still playing. I guess he was giving an encore performance, but they wouldn't let me back in so I had to stand outside and listen through the door. That is what I get for being in a hurry.
On Friday (02/27/09) night I saw "Sounds of the City" a Latin inspired classical type performance. The orchestra played a piece by Gershwin and some music from West Side Story by Bernstein. The evening also included the world premiere debut of the composition "Pereginos" by Gabriela Lena Frank based upon the Indianapolis's Hispanic community. This composition had five pieces and each piece was based on some type of Hispanic theme. I didn’t really get it. There were long pauses between each act and I couldn’t put together the story and the music. I didn’t find myself wanting to purchase the music or listen to it again. But I found the second act portion with Gershwin and Bernstein very enjoyable. I even went to the library this weekend and got a copy of West Side Story and Yo-Yo Ma to listen to. (BTW...I am listening to Yo-Yo Ma's, Simply Baroque as I write this blog.)
The Gershwin piece was performed on the piano by Gabriela Montero, who recently performed at President Obama's inauguration. She was magnificent! Her hands flew along the keyboard. I was fascinated by watching her play. It was amazing! At the end she gave us a bit of an improvisation and this is something that she is know for. I am glad that I had the opportunity to see such a talented artist.
Friday night after the ISO N and D introduced me to Nicky Blaine’s bar. Except for the smoke smell this place was right up my alley. They had individual seating areas set up with couches, chairs, and coffee tables. The music was nice and low enough to allow conversations to flow. My only objection was the price of my drinks. I ordered two Lemon Martinis and my total bill was $22.00, they were very tasty but not worth the price. We stayed there talking for about two hours and my coat still smells like smoke. I have to say that there are not very many bar type places that I enjoy visiting but this would be at the top of my list.
Overall both were very enjoyable evening's out with my friends!
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