Monday, July 29, 2019

USATF Results, Day 3 of the New Schedule, and the Electric Bill (no photos, sorry!)

Hey All,

I don't know about you, but I was watching the USA Track and Field (USAs) Results (ok via Twitter, Instagram, online browsing) Thursday-this morning. Some highlights:

Benjamin Bruce competed for the 17th time in the USAs!

Kellyn Taylor made the podium for the 10k, which completely debunks the myth that Marathon Runners are slow and lack turnover speed.

Stephanie Bruce ramped up the 10k opening pace and then finished 4th in the 10k and 9th in the 5k. I just love watching the Hoka One One and especially the Hoke One One NAZ Elite runners compete - they give it everything in all the races, even if the distance is short!

If you need inspiration, watch the final kick (sprint) Molly Huddle uses to win the 10k.

Emma Coburn (steeplechase), Track Jenny (Jenny Simpson) - 1500 meters, Colleen Quigley - wow are these ladies talented and they will all be representing the US in Doha.

Congrats to all the coaches and athletes for competing in the USAs!

In non professional running news - I actually made it out for two runs (Saturday, this morning) and did 6 strides after each run. Am I slow? Yep. Is my running pain free right now? Yep. I also was put on 12 month recall to see the doctor, unless I am in dire pain, which is the best news I have gotten in a few months. I also had to admit that my pain tolerance is high. OOPs - I think that is part of being a runner, right?! Yes, dealing with a chronic illness is full of ups-and-downs, but a 12 month instead of a monthly recall is huge. I am also adjusting to a new schedule (day 3) and so far it is working, I think. I am just not thinking about holidays, conferences, or planned travel, when the schedule will not be feasible. It is just one of those things.

And I am going to throttle the electric company. My bill quadrupled and it is the highest bill I had since April 2017, when I purchased the house. It surpasses the installation of the heating/cooling system and, quite frankly, keeping the temperature on two floors at 76 degrees or even 78 should not trigger this cost. Watch out, electric company, I am coming for you.

Beyond that, life is moving along and I have another cello lesson with a different teacher tonight. I hope it goes well!

Happy Monday, All!

Saturday, July 20, 2019

It's hot (My DC sibling confirmed it!) and Moratorium (possibly forever) on Weekend Working.

Hi All -

Yep, your jaws are on the floor and, yes, this is the second post in a week. I would not hold your breath or count on this happening anytime in the near future, because it probably will not.

So...I ordered some rabbit running apparel and, when it arrived, I had to try it. It was so pretty and, while the shorts are bit shorter and snugger than I imagined, I love them both. I now have 4 pieces of Rabbit apparel and I love them all! For awhile, Oiselle stuff worked and, what I have and use, I do enjoy. Rabbit, however, is winning me over slowly but surely. I can hardly wait until I am back in tip-top shape, because then all my running gear will fit perfectly. I originally set a goal of July 4th to be comfortable in everything. I am making progress but I have had some setbacks. So my new goal is Labor Day. If I make it, great - but I am not adding it to the, "things I should stress out about" list.

Today I am officially declaring a moratorium on weekend working. If I have a contract assignment, then I will work evenings (and weekends when I must) to complete it and still keep on track with sleep hygiene. For the past three years, however, I have worked most Saturdays, Sunday, or  both days and it is time to say, "good bye," to this lifestyle. I am cranky at work. I have less focus and concentration. Now - however - I have made enough progress that this is no longer a "must." My sanity and ability to keep a cheery outlook, however, are a must. I am hoping that, if I ever enter a PhD program, I can avoid working most (if not all weekends). I might also be dreaming.

Meanwhile...after 3 days in the office, I got to the appropriate time marker on my Water Bottle (the gallon one with goofy/encouraging sayings." I am not committed to doing this every day or even most days, but I am glad to be staying more hydrated than I was. It also made running in the "hot" temperatures not so awful. Today, the heat index makes it 102 degress here and my DC sibling says it is ok to call it, "hot." After living for many years in DC and Missouri, I know how to handle heat but I don't like it. Given that "90" is a heat wave, which only occurs for a few days or maybe two weeks, where I currently live, I really try not to mutter about the weather.

Yesterday, I learned to "hug" my cello and I actually feel as if I am improving. After contacting a teacher and getting in touch with someone, who might know a teacher, I can likely avoid the disaster that was last Saturday.

My lawn is cut and the sky is blue with few clouds. The laundry is almost done and the dishes are clean and put away. Today is both a gorgeous and productive day. Not all days or weekends are like this, but oh do I appreciate the ones that are! And..of course...I have to share flower blooms. One is "a" transplant. Texting and Instagram captions are not my friends. Oh well...

Happy Saturday!

Wednesday, July 17, 2019

Hi all,

I saw this giant water bottle in February and, after giving it serious consideration, I decided to get one. My hydration has not been good, especially as I am not running much or consistently, and I figured this would fix the situation. Little did I know it would take 2 returns and a different company, before I got one that works. I love it! I am also realistically only drinking as much as I can. The hourly increments are nice, but I am not placing a high priority on following them.


I moderated a webinar last Friday, which went smoothly given the time of day and the topic. I predicted correctly that it would last about 30 minutes. No one panicked and the biggest complaint was not giving attendees enough time to formulate and type in questions. Oops!

Exactly one year after the research fellowship started, I submitted my write-up for publication on Monday. It is not the most exciting project, but it fit the requirements of the program. Now I just hope they accept it. If they do not, I will regroup and try submitting to a different journal.

Things at work are moving in a positive direction after several tough months. I have a new colleague and we are starting a collaborative project, which is promising as she started less than a week ago. We might be kindred spirits, which is an Anne of Green Gables reference, and I am excited to see how it will go.

Last Saturday, I had my first cello lesson. I am still excited about learning to play the cello but I will be looking for a teacher. My desire to practice is minimal and this is not how I usually approach learning anything new. In the meantime, I will see what I can learn online.

And I am really looking forward to a weekend of doing what I want without having to work on any presentations, articles, or edits. This will by my first such weekend in many months.

Happy Midweek, All!