Thai Food

So I've been reading quite a few books about dieting. Not diet books, but books about how our body processes foods. Basic premise is that we don't need to count calories, we don't need to chose non-fat things, we don't need to stress about every single little calorie. We just need to consume non-processed, whole foods that we prepare ourselves, with the base being fruits and vegetables, along with some lean meats and dairy. I've been getting back into cooking lately and love it. And I haven't counted a single calorie, nor gained a single pound. Lovely! It's still weird to consume full-fat milk items . . . I'm a product of the low- and non-fat 80s and it's amazing how much my brain was trained by that.


I've been making lots of soups and various vegetable concoctions. But the other night, I decided I wanted some thai takout. OMG, it was like giving cocaine to an addict! So yummy! :) OK, back to the soups . . .

Did I mention I got a Tivo? It's the best thing ever. I love seeing what shows it thinks I'll like. It recorded E! True Hollywood story for me the other day. Umm, I didn't even know I got that channel! Danger! How did Tivo know I would be sucked in?! I also love being able to see my pals, Oprah and Ellen, every day. I told someone how much I love Ellen and he was all surprised. I might be conservative and all, but liberal/straight/homo/hetero, that gal is damn funny!

Pole Position

I wonder if Emily Post has written anything about Blogger etiquette? I went to LiveWire on Saturday with a couple of friends, one of whom I know, the other I sort of know . . . but only because I read her blog. I'd never met her, so what's the etiquette here? I already know where she works and random little life events because I read her blog. But she doesn't know this. Do I pretend I don't know? Tell her I do know?

I think I know who has access to this blog and reads it, but I also know that it's public domain and I try to not forget that! It is weird when friends come up to me and make a comment about something going on in my life, even though I've never directly told them. They've read it in my blog! :)

I was driving back home from The Farm a few days ago and it was dark out. I-5 had just been repaved and they put shiny new reflectors on the road. It felt like I was driving in the Atari game, Pole Position. Only the road was straight, so it was like a really boring game. :) (edit: It occured to me at midnight last night that I might actually be thinking about the wrong game. Night Rider, maybe? I don't know, people, it's been 25 years since I last played it. But it's the one where the car was at the bottom of the screen and the road moved around it. Argh, the things that keep me up at night!) :)

This one's for you, Cush!

I love step aerobics, especially if the instructor plays good dance music. Last night I imagined I was on "So you think you can Dance?!" while stepping away. Yes, I am goofy. No, I can't dance. But the name of the show isn't "So you can Dance!", it's "So you _think_ you can Dance?!" And that's all that matters. I think, therefore I can. ;)

I have also been waking up at the butt crack '0 dawn for my Masters Swim class. I mostly love it. There's always that inner groan (sometimes outward as well) when the alarm goes off at 5:00 a.m., but once I'm up and in the water, I'm happy. It used to be that swimming 100 yards was a challenge. Now, it's a piece of cake! Mmmmm . . . now I'm thinking about cake . . . .

More Funny Physician Names

I started keeping a little list of funny doctor names:

Dr. Skylizard
Dr. Aswad
Dr. Precious Jewel
Dr. Buttram
Dr. Criss Cross (will make you jump! jump!)

Yes, my humor is sophomoric, but you love it!

Next?

So now that my tri is over, I have been thinking about what I'm going to do next to change up my workout routine. I've been thinking for quite some time about joining a Masters Swim program my gym offers. My hangup -- they meet at 5:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, plus 8:00 a.m. on Sundays. Yikes! I also thought I'd suppliment the other days by doing pilates in the morning, thereby leaving all my evenings free to pursue other things. This change was going to be effective starting this morning.

My alarm went off this morning. Time for pilates! Yeah, not so much. I turned it off and fell back asleep. Hmmmmm . . . might have to rethink this plan . . .

No, actually I'd like to seriously give the swimming program a try. I think if I did lap swimming for an hour and a half, three times a week, I'd be in pretty good shape. It just would have been smarter to start this during the summer months when the rising sun helped wake me up.

I did it! I did it! I did it!

If you haven't already figured it out, I did it!!! I have successfully completed my first triathlon!

I was wide awake by 1:30 a.m. this morning. It was the kind of awake where I just knew I wouldn't be able to fall back asleep. I was one if the first to arrive at the park at 5:15 a.m. I wasn't alone -- there were a few others who couldn't sleep either! I got all set up and chatted with some of the other women. Many of us were there for the first time, so I quickly realized I wasn't alone in my apprehension.

The Sprint waves went first, followed by my SuperSprint waves. The water was cold, but not bad -- 70 degrees. I did a mix of strokes and managed to keep calm, but can now really see why some people freak out during this part of the race. With all those bodies in the water, it's easy to get hit and it can be challenging to see very far in front of you. I made it to the exit spot and ran the 0.10 mile up to the transition area. It was a little weird running in my bathing suit . . .

At the transition point, I did my best to dry off, but it was hard to put my pants on because I was a little wobbly on my feet. I even had to sit down to put on my shoes and socks. My friends were there, cheering me on the whole time! Then I was off for the bike ride portion.

I was feeling pretty good about the bike ride. However, at about the halfway point, I made a poor gear change and my chain popped off! I had never had this happen before and had no idea how to fix it. I took a look and tried to move it, but couldn't get it to budge. A couple ladies stopped and tried to help, but no one could get it. I ran with the bike to the next point where there were helpers and they called a policeman over. He said he'd fixed 15 chains today, but mine was the worst. I told him that I like to do things right! He finally managed to fix it for me, which was great, although this all took 10-15 minutes and many people were passing me. If he hadn't fixed it, I would have been disqualified. That would have upset me GREATLY and it was at this point I realized just how badly I wanted to finish this race. I hopped back on and made my way back to the transition area.

I dropped off my bike and took off for the run. As I reached the start of the trail, my whole back siezed up. I did my best to stretch it out and grabbed some Gatorade and one (or both) of those things worked because I was soon back in action. The run was hilly, but I managed.

Crossing the finish line was the best! Not only were my friends there to cheer me on, but many others were as well. I felt wonderful afterwards! I love endorphans!

After a nice lunch, I drove back home and took a much-needed shower. I smelled of sweat and lake!

This was a great day! I almost had an "ugly cry" (as Oprah calls it) when I was about a 1/4 mile away from the finish line. I started thinking about why I really decided to do this race in the first place -- to celebrate my return to health. How wonderful that I feel back to normal and strong enough to complete a race like this. However, the sobbing was throwing my breathing pace off, so I had to shake that off and keep my eye on the finish line. I did it!!!

Officially Body Marked

I drove up to Federal Way, WA, this morning to go to the pre-event event. I was totally overwhelmed, almost to the point of tears. They give you all your supplies, mark your actual skin (in very permanent ink!) with tons of numbers so they know who you are, and provide a pre-race talk. I'm alone on this race, which is a big part of why I felt so overwhelmed today. I have to remember quite a few things and have tons of different types of gear ready and working. Yes, I'm alone. My friend backed out a few days ago. I, however, did not. I'm doing this thing. A really nice lady who sat next to me during the course talk really calmed me down. She's done the race a few times, so gave me some great tips. On of those included walking part of the course and driving the bike course today so I would know what to expect tomorrow. I know I can do the physical part (well, except for the hills); it's the mental part that will be the real killer.

Afterwards, me and my arm marking went to the mall for some shopping and a movie. When I say my arms are marked, I mean they are really marked! All I have with me are short sleeved shirts, so got tons of comments. I feel like I am in a gang or something!

A couple of friends will greet me at the finish line and for that I am eternally grateful. There are supposed to be about 1,000 women there tomorrow. I'm in the 13th wave and jump in the cold water around 8:15 a.m. I think I have all my gear, I'm as ready as I'll ever be, so off I go. . . .

End of Summer

Yes, if you want to get technical, summer doesn't end for another couple of weeks. But come on. It ends this weekend. Some might question if we in Oregon even had a summer . . .

Ever since I moved to Portland five years ago, I have gone to the free Oregon Symphony concert down on the waterfront. It's wonderful! And I realized last night that it is an end-of-summer trigger for me.

They always end the concert with the 1812 Overature. For those of you who know the piece, it ends with large cannons going off. The last four years, I have nearly jumped out of my skin when the Howitzers go off. I always try to plan for it, but will all the ebs and flows of the song, it's hard to know (for me) exactly when the cannons are supposed to go off. This being the fifth year, I was sure I was going to have it down. I kept plugging my ears in anticipation . . . only to have to uncover them when I realized that no, it wasn't quite time. I had to laugh at myself . . . this great piece of music and here I am, plugging my ears. . . .

Bring on the next season!

Training Update (or, What Have I Gotten Myself Into?)

Race day is getting very close. Let me tell you, it's hard to come back from 10 days of not working out! I'm working out mornings and evenings and things are slowly coming back, but the first few days it was like I'd never worked out a day in my life. I feel like a movie plot: the underdog girl with no chance of completing her race trains and trains (Rocky theme music inserted here). Will she make it? Will she succeed? Will she be able to walk the next day? Stay tuned . . .

Oh, I meant to type about my beer drinking in the Czech Republic! I drank beer. Not once, not twice, but FOUR times. Next thing you know, I'll be petting cats and talking to birds.

Czech Out Time

I had one more heading to use (Czech your fly!), but am nearing the end of the trip and needed to use this one up. :)

I have no idea where I left off, but I think I was in Telc last time I wrote. There was a music festival there, so each night we attended concerts -- in a castle nonetheless! The music was a mix of both Czech and English versions of songs. Very cool. Also took a bike ride towards a castle while there. I say "towards" because yours truly is a nether-region whimp and the saddle was becoming a bit too much for me. I made it a fair clip, but sent Laura on her way to report back to me after she reached the top.

Back in Prague for the next few days. We went to Terezin today, which was a concentration camp. Very interesting; powerful. We thought we had the bus trip back home all figured out, but after sitting for over an hour waiting for it, finally decided we were SOL and that no more busses for coming for the day. The idea of getting the true experience and spending the night in the concentration camp wasn't too appealing, so we tried to hitch a ride. We couldn't find anyone, but finally one of the Czech ladies who worked at the camp convinced her husband to give us, along with two other American girls, a ride to the nearby train station. We were all so thankful for this ride because this was a very desolate town and there wasn't much of anyone living there. We aren't even sure we could have got a taxi out of there!

Unsure what tomorrow holds. We might just stay put in Prague or we may venture out to a nearby town for a day trip. With it being Sunday, we are going to make extra sure there's a way to return back to Prague!

I fly back on Monday. It's been a good trip! I can't believe I have to go back to work bright and early Tuesday . . . Dyaque!

Czech Pointe

Just a quick greetings from Telc! We stopped in the tourist info spot to print some info off for our bike ride tomorrow, so thought I'd blog for just a second. While still in Cesky Krumlov, did a nice canoe trip down the Vlatva river yesterday, followed by a quick hike up to the church overseeing the town. Great views!

I am almost sleeping at night . . . probably will be right on schedule just as the trip ends! :) All is going well and thoroughly enjoying myself!

Czech This Out

Greetings from Cesky Krumlov! After our walking tour, which covered tons of Prague yesterday (Old Town, New Town, Jewish Quarter, Castle, boat ride, tram ride), Laura and I hopped on a bus for this smaller city today. I actually like it better than Prague. Quieter, with fewer tourists. Fairytale like. We enjoyed a traditional Czech midevil meal (including Grog!) and then wandered the streets for hours . . . spending all the way. Tomorrow, assuming the weather holds, we will take a three hour canoe ride and possibly bike our way back to the city.

We leave for Telc and the music festival the day after tomorrow. Hopefully that bus ride won't make me as naseaus and the bus driver won't yell at me in Czech! I have no idea what he said to me, but by the look on his face, it wasn't very nice! :)

Czeching in

I keep saying to myself, "I can't believe I'm really here!" But I am!

No problems getting here. The flight to Atlanta was fine, and I walked up and down between terminals (1 mile each direction) during my four hour layover to get some exercise.. The flight to Prague was surprisingly empty, so I actually got to stretch out over two seats. I slept a little bit, but not much. After taking a taxi to the hostel, I promised myself I would only lay down for 10 minutes . . . that quickly turned into a 3 hour nap! Oops. Laura arrived and we hit the town for dinner and an evening walk. We are joining a walking tour today because we decided we know very little about the history of this country and thought it'd be nice to get some education.

There was a brief thunderstorm yesterday, but the sun is out this morning. I barely slept last night, but it seems to be enough that I can get moving today. Hostel has free internet, making life even better!

Packing light

Packing update -- I'm packing tonight for my big adventure! I am determined to do it all in one carry-on bag, plus maybe a backpack for day trips . . . and treasures that I must bring home. I used to only do carry-on, but as the years go by, my "must take" list gets bigger and bigger. How the heck does that happen? Maybe yet another indicator that we do all indeed one day become our parents? I have gone back to just the basics for this trip and so far, have fit most everything into the carry-on . . . leaving the backpack completely empty! Sound the horns! This might be a miracle!

Basics update -- Speaking of back to basics, I have recently discovered the joys of Craigslist. I have so far sold 4 items. The people actually come to my home, hand me money, and take away my stuff. Excellent. I have removed bag after bag of unwanted items from my home. I absolutely love that feeling. Still have too much"stuff", but it's progress.

Training update -- the bike is currently getting fitted with road tires . . . "slicks" as the pros call them. I've been told by many people that this will make me go faster and be far easier than my "nubbies". Good. I'm tired of getting passed up by kids and old ladies. Unless that's really just me being slow, which is entirely possible. ;) When I get back from the Czech Republic, it's nothing but training for a month straight until the Big Day. I'm not only determined to be in better shape, but also lose these 3 lbs that seem to be creeping on. And then more. Always need to take off more.

AC update -- If AC were a man, I'd marry it.

Ode to my AC

Is it any coincidence that Able Cable and Air Conditioner start with the same letter?
No, because both make life better!

The seven day forecast calls for 90 degrees plus?
No, don't worry, don't fuss!

After four years of not sleeping through the hot summer night
I finally have an AC that keeps everything right!

Training update

I "ran" my second 5K last weekend -- the OHSU Tram Run. We took the tram up to the top of the hill and ran down it! I jokingly say "run" because my friend walked it while I jogged by her side. Obviously, I was "running" pretty darn slow.

The very next day, I went for a 10 mile bike ride! I love it! I have been feeling that the biking part was going to be the worst, but lately I've been wanting to ride more often and actually am enjoying it. I'm going again tomorrow and cannot wait!

Have a happy and safe Fourth!

B-Ditty

Happy Birthday to ME! Another year older, although sometimes I question if I'm really another year wiser. :) I think 32 will be a good year! To start it off right, I _finally_ got AC installed in my sweatbox apartment. I cannot begin to tell you just how happy this makes me. Happy, Happy, Happy!!! It's supposed to be in the 80s today, but Able Cable will get her beauty sleep tonight without any problems!

In other news, I'm going to Prague! The Czech Republic has been on my to-see list for many years and an opportunity opened up for me to "czech" it off my list. I'm leaving in only a month, so have already started the planning process.

The party plans for today include leaving work early for a massage and pedi. From there, off to PGE Park to join friends at a Timbers soccer match. I will have my usual wish as I blow my candles out today (but I can't tell you 'cuz then it won't come true!), and off I go into the next year!

I may be blonde . . .

but I'm anything but stupid. I actually had to use that line on a first date tonight. These are but a sampling of the questions he posed this evening:

Do you know where Indiana is? (and even though I said, "Yes", he went on to then describe the map of the US and tell me exactly where it is.)
I used to live in Florida. You know where that is, right?
Do you know who Michael Jackson is? Elvis?
I have a twin sister, but we're not identical. You do know that boy and girl twins can't be identical, right?
I used to live with my sister, but you know we didn't sleep together, right?
Women are not as mature as men until they are past the age of 25, don't you think?

I considered ending the evening after the first 10 minutes, but then thought, "Hmmm . . . kinda curious just how bad this can get. I'm going to wait and see 'cuz damn, this will make for good blogging!" I can't make this stuff up, people . . .

To leave a call back number, press 5

As part of my job, I get the pleasure of leaving lots of voicemails. Drives me crazy to hear the system-generated voicemails!! How many of you out there have ever pressed "5" to leave your call back number? I'll bet it's none of you, so why do they even put that option in there?! :) I really wish they'd shorten those messages because trust you me, it's gets old to listen to them time and time again!

I probably need to update you on my tri training. Or lack thereof! :) Nah, I've been slowly but surely working on it. I've now officially been on my bike three times and it's getting easier. Now that the days are longer, I'll be able to ride it after work. The biking part remains the hardest event for me, but I'm sure more practice will make it easier. A friend of mine sent me a 12 week training schedule (goal of schedule is to complete, not compete, which is right up my alley) and now I just need to follow it!

I ordered an AC unit yesterday!! After four summers of sweating during the summer in my hot upstairs apartment, I am finally giving in. A neighbor is going to install it for me and I really hope it works. It's an old building, so I'm not even sure if I'll be able to have it on with other appliances without blowing a circuit . . .

Cheers!

e post

I am bored. Here I sit in the great city of San Fran yet am stuck at a boring conference. Blah. Kinda cool that I can post via my cell phone but that won't keep me entertained for too long. You should see the pharmaceutical reps .. Perfect suits, perfect hair, etc. I once concidered being a rep but am too far from perfect, I think! :)

Walked around the city last night ... Uphill and downhill. Was great!