The Doctor is in

Well, after seeing my orthopedist today, who sent me to a podiatrist down the road, we have come to the conclusion that I have a Morton's Neuroma, or at least that is their clinical opinion at this point. It's a clinical opinion because I don't have all the classic symptoms of this neuroma, just some. But it has a very easy fix...othodics. I'm walking around for 2 weeks with a pad in my shoe to see if that fixes the problem. I also got a shot of cortisone in my foot, which I told was going to be somewhat painful. In comparison to the eye incident, not at all.

So I have an appointment with the podiatrist in 2 weeks. So 2 weeks of a sponge in my shoe as an experiment. If it works, then I get orthodics, if not, then I get an MRI of my foot. I'm just glad at this point there is no bootie involved as of yet.

Brief update

I'm at my library job and I just checked out a millions books and checked in about million and five, the place has emptied out, my pages are on break, so I've got a little time for myself and my wonderful blog....so I thought I'd give a little list of updates:

1. The new library is almost done, so this library will be a pile of dust and parking spaces in about 2 months. Very interesting. I will have to take picture of this library so I can post comparison pics when the new library is up and running. The nice thing is that we won't be losing our spectacular view of the Hudson River.
2. I have my orthopedic appointment for my foot tomorrow, and I am glad. I don't like waking up to use the bathroom and have foot pain for no apparent reason. It comes and goes with no provocation. I do know some of the things I do that ensure pain, like sitting with the outside of my foot lying on the floor. I don't even realize I'm doing it sometimes until it's too late. My foot is preventing me from starting up running, which is totally cheesing me off.
3. I get to watch Darth Bruce's ferret, Millie this week. Yay! I miss having ferrets. :(
4. I still want to learn how to write HTML so I can be super cool with all the blogging. I bet my local BOCES has a course.....

I think that's all I have at this point. I'm hanging in there, and that's all I can ask for.

It's the little things...

that drive me to drink. I can take a big blow and I'm fine, but pile on a bunch of little things, and I want a beer. My nutty co-worker is definitely going to turn me into an alcoholic before this year is over.

We had a department meeting yesterday and all she did was talk about her doctoral program and how great it is, and how she's so excited and how it's preparing her to do this and that. Meanwhile, there are 2 other people also in doctoral programs, including the supervisor who is trying to get her to talk about other stuff.

Also, for every one thing I did, she had to jump in and say that she did the same, plus 2 extra things. I should have jumped up and shook her saying, "When it's your time to report, then you can one up me...it's my turn to talk now" The worst part is that she totally exaggerated the duties she has taken on.

My only consolation is that our supervisors know what is going on. They totally have her number. And that number is: crazy.

Back again

I'd like to send out a big fat thank you to Newbie Body Builder for showing me how to put charts into the blog..... I had to edit this because I need to learn how to refine the ETL data. I'm going to have to have a long talk with computer brother...as opposed to college brother or cop brother.

National Pirate Day

Aaarrrr, read this me maties:


You are The Cap'n!

Some men are born great, some achieve greatness and some slit the throats of any man that stands between them and the mantle of power. You never met a man you couldn't eviscerate. Not that mindless violence is the only avenue open to you - but why take an avenue when you have complete freeway access? You are the definitive Man of Action. You are James Bond in a blousy shirt and drawstring-fly pants. Your swash was buckled long ago and you have never been so sure of anything in your life as in your ability to bend everyone to your will. You will call anyone out and cut off their head if they show any sign of taking you on or backing down. You cannot be saddled with tedious underlings, but if one of your lieutenants shows an overly developed sense of ambition he may find more suitable accommodations in Davy Jones' locker. That is, of course, IF you notice him. You tend to be self absorbed - a weakness that may keep you from seeing enemies where they are and imagining them where they are not.

What's Yer Inner Pirate?
brought to you by The Official Talk Like A Pirate Web Site. Arrrrr!

My stupid foot

I don't think I've talked about it here, but my left foot has been bothering me lately. Unlike the character in the movie with the same name, my left foot is useless. It hurts when I wake up. The pain wears off, unless I sit with the outer ridge of my foot sitting on the floor, then it hurts again when I set it flat on the floor. It's been going on for a few weeks.

Needless to say, after an evening (hours, folks) of pain-free dancing at CAs wedding Saturday, I couldn't walk on it on Sunday. I'm glad I had no pain at the wedding, and maybe I should have been kinder to my foot...like when the song "Jump" by House of Pain was played, maybe I shouldn't have jumped when they told me to jump....couldn't help it. I felt a need to pack it out, pack it in and then at some point, let him begin....

It feels much better now, but as a result of that tremendous pain, I have an appointment with my orthopedist this coming Monday. I'm hoping for something that is quick and easy to fix, but it's probably something gross like a stress fracture or some kind of tendon issue. Only time, and the doctor, will tell.

A second attempt

I tried posting pictures of CA's crazy wedding reception, but blogger is being a dork, so I'll have to see. CA's wedding reception can only be described with words such as: fabulous, boisterous, lively, merry, and riotous. She comes from a very fun family of 7 kids. There was much revelry to be had.



Beautiful bride CA, and the ever loverly Darth Bruce.










The groom, MD.... doesn't he clean up nice?












Darth and her date.....













Darth and her date, again....













I couldn't leave this photo out...these are my parents.....

I've got more photos coming, and I will be sharing.....

Just a quick post

I'm having an interesting week. It started with the death of my cat, whom I've loved for 16 years. He was struck by a car in front of my parent's home. It had to have been instant because my dad heard him on the porch doing his cat thang, and 20 minutes later their neighbor was knocking at the door. His only injury was to his head, so I keep telling myself that he didn't know what happened. It was that quick.

On a lighter note, my principal knows my looney co-worker is crazy. That bodes well for me.

And on an Amazon note, I did go to the gym yesterday to workout. I did chest, shoulders, and triceps...what my husband calls a "push" day.

I've got to go to bed now, as I am exhausted from all the things that have gone on, and the stuff that is yet to come...but more on that later.

And the Mighty Amazon Returns!

Exercise Weight Set/reps

Hammer Strength
Front Lat Pull down 80 lbs 3x6

Lat Pull 62.5 lbs 3x6

Seated Row 60 lbs 3x6

21s 30 lbs 3x6

Alternating curls 10 lbs 3x6

Hammer curls 10 lbs 3x6


If I could remember the place where I could actually make a chart that worked in here, I would have used that....but this is what you're getting for now until I figure that out.....anyway....

Mom and I did get to the gym for the first time since the middle of June and I'm very happy about it. I feel great. We didn't over extend ourselves. We did three sets of six reps for each exercise and we'll build up from there. I am now exhausted and I think I might go to bed!

Huh?

I can not believe that I haven't posted since Wednesday. I find that to be astounding. I love to write, I love to blather on about nothing...especially when it's mostly anonymous. (Hi Darth Bruce, you and BK, when she see the pics over your shoulders are the ones who make this only mostly anonymous!)

I am trying to pull my butt back into a routine. I am going to Weight Watchers tomorrow. That is all good. I think I gained. That is not so good. I have to work my first Sunday of the school year. Not so good. The crazy librarian isn't working. That is awesome. I have an appointment with my mom to lift weights and maybe do a little cardio. Awesome. Then we might have Sushi. Awesome. Or, we might have Mexican with crack margaritas. Awesome fun, but deadly at the same time.

I am happy to get back to the gym. I bought weight lifting gloves recently in anticipation of going back to the gym. Last time we were lifting weights, I developed a callus on the pad at the bottom of my left middle finger. Then it peeled off and hurt, well, like a bitch. I think the gloves will prevent that this time around. At least I hope so. Nothing like meeting your student parents and having the hands of a fisherman from "The Deadliest Catch".

S.M.A.R.T.

I am joining the 16 week "Burn Calories Burn" challenge at the Fat Fighters blog. This was our fist homework assignment (taken from Renee's site):

S = Specific - When setting your goals, don't be too general. Decide exactly what you want to achieve. That will be the starting point of your goals.
M = Measurable - Choose goals that can be monitored so you can watch your progress.
A = Attainable - Set goals you think you will be able to achieve in a reasonable amount of time. Then plan the specific steps you'll use to establish your goals.
R = Realistic - Goals are realistic if they are ones you truly believe you can achieve. Set goals for yourself, and not for anyone else. Choosing goals that are unrealistic for you and that are based on someone else’s wishes, you will just be setting yourself up for failure.
T = Timely - To be more focused, choose dates or occasions as target times for achieving your goals. Saying you want to lose all the weight you’ve put on since you broke up with your boyfriend is not very specific, measurable, realistic, or time-centered.

My S.M.A.R.T. goals are:


S= I will lose 15 pounds by January first as well as be in a 4 day a week exercise routine.
M= If I lose just under a pound a week, I can lose 15 pounds in 16 weeks.
A= By keeping to the WeightWatchers Core program and restarting my exercise routine, I will be able to accomplish these goals
R= This is a realistic goal for me because now that school is in session, it's easier to stay in my classroom and eat my core lunches and snacks, than leave campus in search of "naughty" foods.
T= I will be exercising a minimum of twice a week for 30 minutes, and have lost 7 pounds.

Should be fairly interesting, don't you think?

Finally, some birthday fun....

I'm ready to post about Darth Bruce's birthday shenanigans. I have to admit, good times were had by all involved....here are the pics to prove it!

Here is Bruce's birthday toast... notice my giant crack margarita in my hand.




BK and CA side sippin' their ultra cold, super yummy, and very cracked laced margaritas....








Who knew that two women, who grew up on different sides of this continental United States could both do Rerun dances from the classic show "What's Happening!" Who duh thunk it?






Darth and BK doing tequila shots....they were on the house because I'm pretty sure the owner has a crush on Bruce....hachi-machi.








Nothing like a lime smile.....

So much to do....

Today was my first day back to school and things are busy, busy, busy. I'm going to a birthday dinner in less than 2 hours. I have yet to post about Darth Bruce's fabu birthday party at the one and only SOBs...I don't know where the time is going. Hopefully later I'll have time to download those photos.

This week the diet is going well. I have a plan for the dinner tonight at PF Chang's, as most everything is 25 points or more, with the exception of about 5 vegetatian items which are 5 points or less. I'm thinking 5 points or less is the way to go. Call me crazy.....

I had a great day at work. I got to see my reading buddies, and my campus buddies and because there were no students today we were pretty rowdy. My classroom is looking good, plus I santized it today, so I'm liking that. My nutty neighbor set up her room, too. I don't know how this is going to go, but I'm keeping her at arm's length. Professional, yet distant. I like that idea.

I think this is all for now. I am beat and I have some things to do so that I'm ready for work tomorrow in case I come home from dinner and just want to go right to bed. It could happen!

Phase 1

Before I talk about phase 1, I'd like to tell Jessifer, that yes, you roll the pigs and depending on their positions you get points. My version does not have a "makin' bacon" bit, but I think I'm going to add that......sounds like a good time.

I've decided that Friday through today was/is phase one of my new plan. I am going to follow all those goals and ideas that I had in that earlier post. The past could of days was merely a planning phase. I had to wrap my head around what I actually want to do and figure out a way to get it all done with my busy schedule. It was a problem and I have it all planned out.

As you can see, I even spent time figuring out what I am making for dinner for this week. I'm feeling organized. I'm going to the fresh fruit market tomorrow with my mom and Darth Bruce so we can get, as I'm sure you've figure out, fresh fruit.

If you're curious, on the pad (which I purchased at a Target in the dollar spot a few months back) the "Ultimate F&C" refers to the WW cookbook Ultimate Flex & Core Cookbook. I like it a ton, and my husband likes most of the dishes that have come out of it.

Chris and I are going on a bike ride tomorrow since we both have the day off. A great way to start off my big plans, don't you think?

*Later*
I realized sometime this afternoon that on Tuesday, I'm going to another birthday dinner for another friend at PF Chang's. I did a little research, cut and paste a list of "safe" foods (ie, less than 5 points each) so I can walk in their with a plan....pretty good thinking...at least I think so.

Reu-Boots, Kombucha Korner, and a definite failure to launch

That you all for your support last night!

Okay, I've got a few things to talk about today. I'll do the fun stuff, then go to the cool stuff, and then I'll get to the "spill my guts" stuff.

Today is Reuben's whelp-day. My fuzzy, gray dog celebrated his seventh birthday today. Although, he is posing in these pictures with one of my socks, he did get a tug snake made by the guys at Fat Cat, and he loves it. He's been carrying it around and shaking it on and off for a few days now.


Just look at how handsome he is! I can't get over it. You've gotta look past the glowing demon eyes, though.


Now for the cool stuff. My father in law came by today and set us up with our own Kombucha mushroom, which isn't really a mushroom, but I'll attach a link if you're interested. It's been used for centuries by eastern cultures to boost the immune system. So we have a corner of our kitchen dedicated to the big bugger.



It's an ugly bastard, but hey, if it helps me keep my lungs clear this winter with side-effects such as weight loss, increased energy and lowered cholesterol, then I'm on it.

And lastly, my declaration from last night still seems to be in the planning phases, as I stated boldy that I was going to start all this today. I didn't completely happen. I did go to the grocery store and buy some good WW Core supplies. I'm set for school lunches next week in that vein. I did eat well for the most part, but it still needs some tightening, but that's easy to work on. I could not find the time to get the run in. I had a date with my mom to go to Ikea, and it was supposed to be about 2-3 hours, try 5 in total with traffic and my mom taking the wrong way for 20 minutes....not her fault, we don't often drive around in New Jersey and they did a lot of construction in that area since the last time we went, When I got home, it was a matter of minutes before my father in law was coming for dinner and the Kombucha tutorial. so the time I had allotted for a short run was up in smoke just like that.

Tomorrow is another day. A day filled with torrential rain and the possibility of our road and highways flooding. Maybe I'll clear enough space in my computer room to set up my bike trainer.....