Dingoes springing into April - Page 9

[MelW]

Jo, the sabotage is awful! He's really threatened by you looking and feeling so good?!

sparkle, way to run!! Enjoy the massage.

RR- an hour in the forest with my husband while MIL babysat. He let me set the pace so I didn't kill myself.

NRR- A trip to the recycling depot and dump, bottle depot and electronics recycling, and I still have five boxes to do ate to he thrift store. Spring cleaning purge is going well. Now to tackle the taxes and the yard...

[tjsmama]

nic~This is the cleanse I did. I did their 3 day renovate cleanse. Pricey, for sure, and I wouldn't have done it without my tax refund!!!

I survived the juice cleanse! It really wasn't that bad. I can honestly say that I was really, truly hungry only a couple of times during the three days. I did, however, have serious fantasies about food, but it was really more mental than physical. I lost 6 pounds, but I really don't expect it to stay off. I would be happy if 2 or 3 stayed off. I never really felt BAD per se, just low energy. I went to bed early every night and took naps, but then again, that's not that different for me lately. I definitely feel like it helped reset my appetite. I woke up this morning, and I was starving, but I limited myself to half an english muffin, and I was totally full. I didn't really follow their recommended post-cleanse diet, but I tried at least a little. You're supposed to only eat fresh raw or lightly steamed veggies and fruits, but I felt like I needed something more for breakfast. I had a huge salad for lunch, and then I completely fell off the wagon tonight. It was the school auction, so my choices were limited to the appetizers they had available, and I had two glasses of wine. And now my stomach hurts. BUT, I definitely had a lot less than I probably normally would have, so that's good, I guess.

Belated rr from yesterday~Running on day 3 of a juice cleanse? Not easy. I ended up wogging 3 miles. Better than nothing, right?

I really, really should have done my long run today (weather-wise), but I felt like I was going to need at least a day of eating to be able to fuel it, so I went to spin this morning instead. It was a good class, still feeling a little tired and low-energy, but was able to get through it. I even did some upper body weights after. And now I'm looking at the prospect of running 9 miles in the morning in freezing rain, or waiting till the afternoon to do it on the hamster wheel. Either way:

[Realrellim]

tjsmama--if it makes you feel better, I'll be running 18 miles in whatever nature has to offer tomorrow afternoon. There's just no way I can run that on a treadmill and I'm subbing for our church organist in the morning.

RR: 8 just before the storms came in (it started spitting once I hit the backyard).

NRR: My other sweet and wonderful parakeet of 15 years died overnight. Her health had seemed to be declining this week, but it was fairly subtle. She was flying around yesterday still, though having a harder time gaining altitude than usual. I'd wondered though, and made sure to clean her cage yesterday morning because I didn't want her to die in a dirty cage. And I took a video of J joining DH to sing her her lullaby last night (yes, one of us sang Griffin a lullaby each night when we put her to bed. And no, I don't do that for my kids, probably because they usually fell asleep while nursing). I suspect she died shortly after we put her to bed last night. I'd had her a for a long time, before I was married even. So after an hour of cleaning her cage and toys and all this afternoon, I really needed that run. The kids are doing ok. R is upset, in part because she is currently pet-less. J took it in stride, and still remembered that we buried Tiki 7 months earlier. So now both birds are buried by the bird feeder and there's a big empty space in the house.

[1jooj]

I'm so sorry, Lisa.  And to sweet, little bird, fly away home.  I hope the 18-mile run is a good one.

So Gaye, would you do it again? I have a friend at home who's recommending a period of doing juice during the day and then a dinner meal for a while. I could see it helping with appetite, but I really, really, really like to chew.  I have a juicer, a small one, but big enough for juicing for myself. But definitely not until I am long finished with this Whole30 (which will likely become a Whole45).

MelW, I know the last time I was down in my super-fit range (which is just above "normal" weight for my height), dh was practically running scared. I don't know how obvious the physical changes are to those outside my body; of course I am scrutinizing myself daily. I can see that I am getting my biceps and pecs back already, but can he? I think it may have to do with such a very outward expression of self-determination: No, thank you, I will not drink that diet coke. 

RR: 8 miles on the beach. Film crew was at my usual starting point; kind of a hassle, but it went on to become a fantastic workout. I feel strong and vitamin-D enriched. 

[JayGee]

Jooj ~ it makes me so happy to hear how good Whole30 is making you feel!  So happy in fact, that I'm starting another one today myself!  I'm sorry your DH is not being supportive and feeling threatened by your success though.

Gaye ~ glad you made it through the juice cleanse and feel good.  Enjoy those days off!

Real ~ good luck getting those 18 miles in today.  From your post and Gaye's, it sounds like rough weather is heading your way.  Stay safe (if not dry).

MelW ~ your trail run with DH sounds wonderful!

sparkle ~ hope you and DH enjoyed your evening out.  Massages....  mmmmmmmm .  And your meatloaf recipe sounds delish!

BBM ~ I love, love, love the shared journal idea.  Thank you!

RR ~ walked for an hour yesterday at the Y.  And had scooter races with DH and the kids after dark last night .  I'm sure that counts for something.

NRR ~ yesterday was my birthday! Am I really 44 years old?! Sheesh! Honestly, the day started out pretty crappy with pouring rain, a meowing cat at 6:00am, and that enormous check to the IRS that had to be mailed.  But DH and the kids made me a wonderful gift.  They went out and bought 10 different gift cards, some big, some small, to all different places around town (Barnes and Noble, J Jill, Loft, Starbucks, Target, the garden store, Michaels, and more) and "planted" the cards in pots of flowers for the garden.  It was so cute, and thoughtful, and now I feel like I can actually go out and buy myself some clothes without feeling guilty. 

[Nickarolaberry]

Happy birthday JayGee, that's awesome! What a great idea for a gift.

Jo, good for you for sticking with the whole30 and pthui at your dh for sabotaging you. I seem to be familiar with the 'the stronger i get, the more jerky he becomes' thing. Or maybe I just notice it more? sigh.

Had more personals but forgot them...have so much to do today. Anyway, a bit of a rocky 13.4 this morning, kind of bonked in the middle. Luckily my route takes me past a convenience store so I was able to get myself an orange juice and that helped a lot. At least it's done!

[bec]

Happy Birthday, JayGee!!!  I have become a big fan of gift cards!  And, I love the format!

Nic - I'm glad the OJ worked for you and you got through your run.  I'm so impressed with your mileage.

Lisa - I'm so sorry about your birdie.  I think it is incredibly sweet that you sang him lullabies every night.  I hope you have a good and productive 18 miler!

Jo - You have been doing awesome.  Your DH needs to learn to not take your strength as his weakness. 

RR: half an hour of swim (lost count, but I think around 800-900 yards), followed immediately by spin class.  It was a good workout, and reminds me why I like early morning workouts!  I might be starting to psych myself up for the 5:30am boot camp.

NRR:  I rented a garden plot from the park district for the summer, and I'm hoping to get to the garden store for some plants and get them in the ground!

[sparkletruck]

Bec- a garden plot, that's so English of you I love morning work-outs too

JG - Happy Birthday!!! I love the idea of an assortment of gift cards! What is the significance of the number 4? Seems like there should be something: 4th month, 44 years old, on the 14th.... I hope the next whole30 is productive for you

Jo - the sabatoge is odd to me; it seems strange that he was and is attracted to such a strong woman, but when you do something like this to advocate for yourself, he doesnt like it. Odd. I hope he works through it. Is this an opportunity for a conversation about your goals

Real - That is so sweet about the lullabies. Good luck with the 18!

RR: rest day

NRR: more of the same

[Plady]

Originally Posted by MelW 
plady, let's meet in Sidney one day. It's only about a 3 hour drive from here. I'll bring a bucket of pink solution, and we can go for a run/walk on the galloping goose trail or something.

I'd love that!  I'll look into the ferry schedule as the spring wears on.  And how nice that your brain fart is working in your favor with the running! :)
 

Originally Posted by sparkletruck 

Pro-Meatloaf here as well It's one of our staples, but I make it with tomato paste instead of ketsup, and ground flax instead of bread....

Nic - Sorry about Dh, I really give you credit for maintaining some semblance of reason through it all.
Real - Same to you about Dh. I'm in awe that you hold it together at all, let alone so gracefully

Love the meatloaf idea!  I am a fan but I never make it because when I look at any recipe and see how much sugar there is from ketchup or whatever I always reconsider.  I'll remember that strategy though and put it back on the menu, thanks!

And yes, I am also impressed with the patience that Real and Nic and Jo have with their partners.

BBM - I love that idea for the shared journal!  I'm starting that today!

Originally Posted by Realrellim 

NRR: My other sweet and wonderful parakeet of 15 years died overnight. So now both birds are buried by the bird feeder and there's a big empty space in the house.

Aww Lisa, I'm so sorry.  That was a long sweet relationship.  I hope you find enough time to grieve without interruptions.

Originally Posted by JayGee 
NRR ~ yesterday was my birthday!

Happy Birthday!  That sounds like a great present! 

Gaye - Welcome back to the world of chewing.  :)

Jo - Sorry your dh is such a scared little bunny. 

I got my 'new' car yesterday.  I'm so glad I had the AAA tow to a mile from the dealer though because the car would definitely not have made it all on its own.  It was totally doing it's last gasp routine as I warmed it up for its last mile.  While I felt pretty guilty about this trading-in-a-near-death-car every guy I've talked to thinks it's like some great karmic payback (carmic?).  In any case, they didn't even bother to listen to the engine or anything, the guy just handed me my keys, took my old ones and the title and that was it.  I tried not to peal out in my enthusiasm to make it out of there before they reconsidered!  But, it was still a little nostalgic.  Like the final flight of the Concorde or the Space Shuttle, we'll never have such a high tech car again, nor one that's so luxury. 

[Nickarolaberry]

Please don't give me any credit where no credit is due. My patience is nearly up (at dh that is). I was reading Oprah Magazine () and this month there is a whole thing about 'what you would tell to your younger self.'

I think I would tell myself don't marry him. How sad is that?! I don't regret my kids at all, they are the brightest and most wonderful thing in my life. But ...jeez, I don't know.  I am not in a good place with this at the moment but also don't feel able to make a change (yet).

ETA: Sorry about your birdie, Real. 

Meanwhile, I'm taking dd2 for a manicure today (afikoman gift -- the afikoman is the piece of matzah we separate at the seder to be eaten last; it's tradition for a kid to steal it and then 'ransom' it for a gift -- of course all the kids get something promised and this was what dd2 wants) and I think I will indulge, in a pedicure. My feet need it and I could use the pick-me-up. 

Ds' new ideas...tennis and baseball. Sigh. Ok. I think there is a tennis program through the town in the summer, so we'll try that. Meantime soccer signups are this week and he keeps changing his mind (this is outdoor soccer). I have no idea what to do.

[sparkletruck]

Jo - I had a thought: maybe its not about him keeping you down, so much as its about him keeping you with him. He doesnt eat great and watches too much TV - maybe when you eat well and take care of yourself, he feels worse about himself, that is, his unhealthy habits stand out in stark relief. I have been given A LOT of flack from people (family, friends) over the years b/c I am a healthy eater, and when everyone is eating chips and dip and Im not, they urge me not to worry about what I eat so much. Um, Im not worried at all, I prefer what I eat, but I know I make people self-conscious about what they are eating when Im around. Its not good

Nic - But what else does Oprah say? ... 'when you know better, you do better" (omg, dont ever tell anyone that I quoted Oprah )

NRR: crappy day...

[Mel38]

Originally Posted by sparkletruck 

... his unhealthy habits stand out in stark relief. I have been given A LOT of flack from people (family, friends) over the years b/c I am a healthy eater, and when everyone is eating chips and dip and Im not, they urge me not to worry about what I eat so much. Um, Im not worried at all, I prefer what I eat, but I know I make people self-conscious about what they are eating when Im around.

Yes! I think you really have a great point here! When in doubt (about motives and such), it usually is about that person's own image of themselves more than their image of you.

Sorry your day was not so hot.

Jo: For you, I wish you strength in dealing with your DH through this. You are so inspiring in the things that you achieve and the way you keep your family strong and maintain your sanity while living such a crazy expat life! And now you seem to have really found your place and I love to hear about your writing progressing.

Real, I'm so sorry to hear about your bird. It must be so heartbreaking to lose such a long-time companion! Things must seem very empty now, but please put up a picture for yourself to look at once in a while. I miss my dog so much, and I look at her picture every day. It makes me sad, but in a good way.

JG: Awesome birthday present!!

Nick, no worries about quoting Oprah to me! I secretly her, and I think that is a cool exercise - to think about what you would tell your young self. Your DH definitely is not keeping up with the incredibly positive changes going on in your life, and he sounds a little bit immature about things, too (that cleaning excuse is particularly "special" ). And way to go toughing it out through that run.

x2 on the pedicure. I only started getting those last summer after doing it myself all my life, and I can't believe how much more fun it is to wear sandals when my feet look nice.

Plady - woohoo on the new car! They definitely count on fixing the car before selling it, so no worries there. That's the thing I love about trading a car in.

Bec: The garden plot sounds lovely! I can't wait to hear what you decide to grow.

Gaye, wow, baby overload! And definitely take it easy on running for the next few days. I just started reading some books on nutrition and am re-learning how important rest-day nutrition is. So give your body time to heal up and gather strength!

Shoot, it's already April and I never did any kind of elimination diet like I was planning in January. But, tomorrow is another day!

Florida was a great family trip, and it is so nice to be back at home again. I ran once on the treadmill in the hotel, but did countless miles in the parks on Tuesday and Thursday. It was really lots of fun, but we have pretty much decided not to visit another Disney park until we have grandchildren to take there.

Next up... my first sprint triathlon of the summer is next weekend! Yikes!! I feel ok about the run and swim, but I have not been biking at all like I should have. Still, I am excited!

[Shantimama]

1jooj - good for you for holding strong in the face of your h's sabotage. I suspect you will make great gains over the time you are apart this summer without that dynamic.

nic - I would love to read that article if you still have a copy

bec - I love gardening but have had no luck in 7 years on this lot. I will have to live vicariously!

real - 

sparkle - sorry you had a crappy day

babybugmama - my dd and I used to leave notes and it helped a lot. She doesn't like doing that now and i miss it - I hope she will reconsider or I may not survive these teenage years  

jaygee - happy birthday!! I am only a few months behind you  

tjsmama - congratulations on completing the juice cleanse!

plady - enjo is the best stuff ever. I wish there was a way to do an online-dingo-enjo party - everyone should have this stuff! Here is a link to some short videos about it. I love that our home is completely chemical free, we have no cleaning related waste, asthma symptoms are way, way down, but I really, really love that it is so much faster than anything else I have tried and it works better than anything else too.

ds is doing okay. He had a bit of a meltdown the other morning when he just couldn't swallow his pills - the unfairness of it all came crashing down around him. The pharmacist gave him a liquid form for now until he can master huge-pill swallowing better. He has enough to adjust to without that right off the top. He started telling some people about it today which I think is a good sign. Still no word on when we head to the neurologist in London but hopefully it won't be too long.

Our car has turned that final corner of being nothing but a money pit so we went to replace it yesterday. That kind of thing stresses me out beyond description, especially right now. We got a good deal so did it - kind of like ripping off a band aid. I hate having to buy a car right now but it is a bigger relief than I expected that I am not worried about the next breakdown, the next bill, how long until we have to replace it - it is all done. It is a smaller more fuel efficient car which will save us some money. This is the first car we have bought in the last 16 years where car seats were not a consideration so going small was easy. Probably all of our kids will learn to drive on this one  

I am working hard on sticking to a good eating plan. It is so hard with all of the other stress happening. I realized this week I need to give up corn too. I love chips and salsa or guacamole like nobody's business but I always feel awful after. I stopped the tortilla chips a while ago but had a brain lapse this weekend and made some corn chowder. It was delicious but I was violently ill after eating it - I think I am ready to give up corn after that! That leaves me pretty much grain free, maybe just a little rice every now and then. The hard part is that eating this way requires time and planning. I might make myself some snack bags with nuts and a little dried fruit and dark chocolate chips so I won't be so tempted to grab things I know make me feel awful. We can't afford to keep a huge supply of fresh fruit in the house but I am going to always keep lots of leafy greens in the fridge. I have discovered that I will eat just about anything served on a plate of spinach and arugula! My family thinks it is weird but I like not feeling sick every time I eat.

The hardest part for me right now is staying hydrated - I can't seem to remember to drink enough water and I crave Diet Coke all the time. This week I am going to try to drink a couple of cups of green tea through the morning for the caffeine and maybe add some lemon or a tiny bit of juice  to some seltzer to get that zip. I am not sure it will work but if I can replace the diet coke with things that are good for me I will feel better.

I haven't been able to find anytime alone at the computer to update the yahoo group but I will do that a.s.a.p. You are wonderful friends  

[Nickarolaberry]

I will send you a copy, Shanti. Email me with your mailing address.

I hear you on the eating thing. I suspect corn might be a problem for me too, mainly because I think it is frquently contaminated with gluten/grains. Sigh. I have to be better about planning as well; my socca pizza (chickpea flour crust) which sounded so divine in the recipe came out...inedible.  And I wasted a good red pepper, spinach, and some nice cheese on it. Bummer. I ended up eating a rice cake with pb&j for dinner followed by a chcolate ice cream. 

Beverage: currently I guzzle seltzer mixed with a splash of cranberry or grape juice. It seems to quiet the DC cravings for some reason. I try to drink green tea but it's not my favorite thing. I still have my coffee in the morning though...

[1jooj]

 Dingoes. Thanks for the support. It is what works, I think.

And sparkle, I think you really nailed it. Like Mel38 said, it is usually more about the other person than it is about you or me. I was thinking just that as I ran on the beach yesterday; neither of us is getting younger. He was critical of how every year I get an idea in my head of something new I have to do (not kidding, that's about verbatim). Whereas, rather than quit smoking, quit sugar or start exercising, he has now decided to let the barbers color his hair.  I'm begging him to stop. He looks like he took a sharpie to his head. I've given up even caring about his smoking, though. I'm not even going to admit some of the thoughts I've had about that. So, yeah, probably.

Congrats on the new cars, Plady and Shanti! We once traded in a car that we were sooooo scared would not start once parked at the dealership. The started was done. Miraculously, it did, though. And considering the margins they are usually making, I agree with the karma theory. Anyway, here's to years of trouble-free driving.

Ugh, 6AM comes too soon. Time to wake the kids and get this day going for everyone. Planned workout: beach walk + yoga + bonus lap swim after dinner. 

[tjsmama]

real~I'm so sorry about your birdie.

jo~Yes, I would do it again. I might try to choose a time when I really don't have to get any kind of serious workout in for at least a few days afterward, but it was definitely a reset on my appetite and my diet. And a big YES to what sparkle said.

Congrats on new cars, plady and shanti!

I am a firm believer in the power of pedicures. I them. My toes went sorely neglected while I was in school, and I hope not to let that happen again. I used a groupon on Friday, and they look soooo pretty now. :-)

Today was a very, very busy day. Up early(ish) for my long run, then immediately into the shower and off to a birthday party for DS's classmate. From there, we headed to the mall, then the grocery store, then spent two hours cooking/baking, dinner, bedtime for DS, and now paying bills, doing laundry and trying to get caught up on the internets before bed and work the next three days. Yeesh. I finally ordered the twin sleeper for the living room (which is why we had to go to the mall, to get fabric swatches). The bummer is that the fabric I fell in love with is out of stock (and of course, made in China, so takes forever to get back in) so it's probably going to be August before it comes in. Oh well. That's what I get for wanting a good quality chair instead of a cheap one in stock from the local megafurniture store. I should probably set aside the tax refund money, though, so that it's still here in August when the card gets charged...

rr~Worst long run ever. It was ugly. The weather actually cooperated, shockingly, so I got it out of the way this morning and it was pretty nice until the last mile when it got super windy. I did a decent 3 miles, and then fell apart and pretty much wogged the last 6. And of course, since my legs had zero energy, my foot was being really irritating on top of it. What was slightly encouraging was that I really wasn't having any cardio problems, I just didn't have any energy (thank you, juice cleanse ). Oh well, it got done, and that's what's important, right?

Who took over the race list? Mel? Can you add the Cherry Creek Sneak 10 Miler for me on April 29?
Edited by tjsmama - 4/15/12 at 8:46pm

[Realrellim]

1jooj--glad you feel both strong and Vit-D enriched. Eight miles on the beach is awesome. And count me in as another vote for what sparkle said. I've had that experience with my in-laws.

JayGee--happy birthday! And no, you're not 44. You certainly don't look it!

Nic--That's *exactly* the advice I have for my younger self. And yet, the kids. It's this, yes?

bec--have fun getting plants for your garden plot. That's the best part (other than eating the produce, of course).

Plady--what kind of car is your new one? Sorry to hear about your old one, even though it sounded nice in its time.

Mel38--glad to hear you had a nice trip and woot for your upcoming tri!

Shanti--the eating stuff is tough, but you sound like you're deal with it well, given everything else. Yay for a new car, despite all the anxiety that goes with sinking that much money into something.

tjsmama--hoping for an energy-filled week for you!

RR: ah, the all-weather 18-miler. Chilly rain and wind, then small hail (only for a couple of minutes, thankfully), then more wind and rain, then a break, then more rain, and finally a longer break. I'd been planning on Westy having functional water fountains (because they put the portapotties out this week), but apparently they haven't turned them on yet. That part was unfortunate, as I'd counted on filling up my bottle at mile 9. I had some left, but it was another 4 miles until I could refill at a gas station. By mile 15 I'd given up the will to live, much less run. Contemplated laying down in a viaduct and taking a nap, figuring either I'd be carried off by coyotes or hauled to jail by the police (would they just carry me to the squad car?). Consoled myself by noting that it wasn't actually raining. At mile 16, it starts raining. Dude. Think about how much I hate marathon training, marathons, and whether I'm a running hypochondriac (Yes). Note to self: one twinge in your foot is not a stress fracture, and shin splints that last a mere half mile of an 18 mile run are also not a stress fracture. Nor was that brief foot pain plantar fasciitis. Suck it up woman! Kept running only because I wanted to get home and to get some satisfaction in seeing 18.0 on the Garmin. Holy ow.

NRR: subbed at church. Was reminded again that I really stink at that. DH tells me no one can tell, but if so, that's only because 50-70% of our members are 60+ and probably can't hear well. At least they don't deduct the mistakes from my paycheck. Also, R played violin very nicely with a couple of our high schoolers (kids who attended her elementary and took orchestra there). Here's the link to one of the pre-service run-throughs.

One bit of bright news: a journal has conditionally accepted an article I submitted in November. There's a bunch of revision work to be done, but still!
Edited by Realrellim - 4/15/12 at 10:49pm

[Nickarolaberry]

I am so proud of dd1. She took the initiative to tell me and her dad she wants to ride her bike to school. I can't do it for her every day (we live on a very busy road, so she has to be accompanied and there's no way for me to do it alone because I have the other two kids and all the backpacks) but dh is taking her today for her first 'run.'   Their school needs so badly to have a culture of physical fitness and attention paid to that, especially as this is a town where in the public schools all the kids ride or walk - no buses except in high school because everyone lives within 2 miles of a school.

Also, a question: I cannot for the life of me find short sleeved shirts for my girls which are not capped or very short sleeves. I don't hold they have to wear shirts below their elbows but I definitely prefer that their sleeves are within an inch or two of their elbows. Lands End used to have them but I can't find any that are feminine anywhere. Any ideas? 

[mommajb]

Originally Posted by sparkletruck 

Nic - But what else does Oprah say? ... 'when you know better, you do better" (omg, dont ever tell anyone that I quoted Oprah )

I haven't read past here yet but I wanted to throw in Dr Phil's "How's that working for you?" along with his thought that doing the same thing over and over while expecting different results is not the best way to showcase one's 'smarts'. Now I will will require the paper bag so that I can

[Plady]

“There is a difference between giving up, and knowing when you have had enough.”

Just sayin'