Why run--well jog

I really enjoy being myself during long slow jogs and getting that "feel good" after a good jog.

 

My knees and joints sometimes bother me afterwards, but tightening the muscles and knowing I have worked my heart and lung muscles make me feel like I have done my body as well.

 

Dr. Bob Keith at Auburn University describes how research shows running can increase life span -- "...run for your life". 

 

The article gives us more reasons to exercise regardless of our age.

 

del.icio.us Tags: running,exercise,aging,cario

Twit2fit updates

I gave the details of this week's exercises on the twit2fit Ning page.

 

Sunday jogged slowly 5 miles and walked 2.5 miles

 

Monday upper body weight lifting.

 

Tuesday jogged very slowly 2.5 miles.

 

Friday lower body and mostly leg weight lifting.

 

Saturday another test day with Operation Boot Camp.

Blueberry and Peach Crisp

Flour Topping

1 c. flour

1 egg

1/2 c. sugar

1/2 c. light brown sugar

1 tsp. cinnamon

Fruit Filling

3 c. peeled, sliced peaches

2 c. fresh blueberries

1 Tbs butter

Pecan Topping

1 c. chopped pecans

1/4 c. flour

1/4 c. sugar

1/4 c. brown sugar

1/4 c. melted butter

 

Preheat oven 350.

For the flour topping: Combine flour, 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup brown sugar, and cinnamon. Beat egg with a fork. Mix egg into flour with fork until crumbly.

For fruit filling: Melt 1 Tbs butter in a sauce pan. Place blueberries and peaches in the sauce pan. Warm slowly on low heat. Stir frequently. After the juices form, Stir in 1 Tbs of Flour. Stir frequently and cook until the juices thicken. Pour fruit and juices into a 2 to 2 1/2 quart buttered baking dish.

Sprinkle flour topping over fruit filling.

For pecan topping: Combine chopped pecan, sugar, flour, brown sugar and  melted butter. Crumble over flour topping.

Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes. Serve with ice cream. Serves 6 to 7.

Softball and the media

Many of my 300 Twitter followers do not live in Auburn and do not personally know me so they maybe getting tired of the Dixie Youth softball tournament updates. An example:

In district softball tourney, Auburn beat E Montgomery 10-4. Will play Montgomery Gray at 6 pm Tues at Felton Little.Must win 2 games to adv

One reason that I use Twitter to update about softball is to keep my friends who are interested in-the-know. Also, it is also sort of a record.

 

A third reason is that girls' sports do not get the same publicity and recognition from the press. Observing both girls' and boys' recreation and high school sports for several years, I have noticed that boys' sports are reported more often and in more detail than girls' sports. If you doubt me, count the number of articles written in local papers on girls' high school basketball and boys' high school basketball during the regular seasons. Then, do the same for boys' high school baseball and girls' high school softball; and the same for girls' golf and boys' golf. Also, if you don't believe me, pick up your local paper--particularly if you live in a small town--and read the articles on the current Little League and Dixie Youth regional ball games.

 

While I can give numerous examples, I will point out today's issue of the Opelika-Auburn News. The picture is taken of an Auburn boys (from the 11-12 league) at the District tournament in Opelika.

 

The Dixie Youth Ponytail District (11-12 league) tournament in Auburn has been played since Thursday of last week. Two games went into 10 innings (6 innings make the game). Dadeville and Montgomery Gray played consistently good ball for 10 innings with Montgomery Gray pulling out the win in the 10th inning. Auburn and Montgomery Gray went 9 innings with no score, until Montgomery Gray scored 2 runs in the top of the 10th inning. Two of Auburn's pitchers struck 16 batters out in 8 innings. The game was nail biting in that Auburn could never capitalize on the hits. I think Auburn left 12 runners on base throughout the game, but could never get a run around the field.

 

Scoring Auburn's 4th run of the 1st inning of last night's game, the delayed steal home was perfectly executed--classic and exciting. Most all of this tournament's games have been exciting, great ball playing and solid strategy. Yet, we have not seen a reporter or a staff photographer at any of these games. But, they have been available for the boys' games.

 

It's not all about equality. Also, I really want to know. I want to know how the Opelika Dixie Belles (13-15 year olds) play in their upcoming district tournament. I not only want to know if they win or lose, I also want to know who pitched, who hit, and who scored.

 

One advantage of living in a small town is that we get to know most everyone. I watched several girls on the Opelika team grow into good athletes and accomplished pitchers and batter. I want to know about their playing and their successes.

 

Another advantage of living in a small town is that we expect that our local paper report local events. We buy the local paper for the local news--we get state, national and international news from other sources.

 

We are glad that Opelika-Auburn News printed an article on the Auburn and East Montgomery Dixie Youth Ponytail game, even if we had to write it ourselves. If we must, we will write an article for each our games.

 

As far as for my Twitter followers, there are more Twitter messages to come. If the paper will not give credit where credit is due, then we must do it ourselves.

Pizza Soup Recipe

I cooked pizza soup today and one of my daughter's friends wanted the recipe. I might as well share it this way. Pizza soup may not sound very appetizing, but I must admit all three kids really like it.

 

This is my recipe I created after having pizza soup that was on the food bar at a Shoney's restaurant in Orlando, FL years ago. We stayed at the Disney parks all day. Exhausted, we ate late at night at the Shoney's.

 

Every time I make it, it is a little different because I often change the ingredients. I also often cook pasta and pour the soup over the pasta for those who don't like spicy foods.

 

Pizza Soup

 

1 pound ground beef or ground sausage

1 onion, chopped

1 green pepper, chopped

3 potatoes, chopped

1 carrot, sliced

3 to 4 cups of water

1 large can of tomatoes

1 can of garbanzo beans.

1 can of kernel corn

Pepperoni slices (1/2 to 1 bag)

1 jar of Pizza Sauce

Salt

Black Pepper

Crushed red pepper

Garlic salt

Oregano

Brown ground meat with onions and peppers. Meanwhile, in a large pot, boil on medium heat, potatoes and carrots in water for at least 30 minutes. Make sure water is maintained to an acceptable level during boiling time. Potatoes should be almost cooked (almost soft when you insert a fork). Add to potatoes and carrots, tomatoes, and garbanzo beans, cook at least another 15 minutes. Add to the vegetables, the ground meat, pepperoni, and pizza sauce. Add spices to taste.

I often make pizza soup with left over spaghetti sauce.

Jog at the ball park

Sometimes we have to take advantage of the time we have to exercise. I am speaking mostly to women who have school age children who are busy with various activities, like playing ball at different ball parks or practicing dance and piano on a regular basis.

 

Four years ago, when I became committed to losing weight and getting in better shape, I would walk around the ball field during warm-ups, rather than setting camp in my folding chair. I also decided to stand during the games. Standing is helpful because it uses more calories than sitting. Also, it becomes a stress-relieving activity. I get nervous when my kids pitch or bat or swim races. I want them to:

• play or swim or bowl well.
• play the game as it was meant to be played. 
• swim her race or bowl his game.
• use the skills that they learned.

 

The more important the game or meet, the more nervous I get for them. I guess because using their skills become even more important during the games where something is at a stake--whether it is pride or a championship.

 

Anyway, I use the ball park as a great place to expend calories.

 

Today, when we first arrived in Millbrook for a tournament, I took a 50 minute jog. I know I can take time to walk or jog during the 1 hour before the game because my girl is busy warming up, she has the essentials, and she is being taken care of because my husband is the coach.

 

This morning I jogged down a street that turned into a county road. It made for an interesting jog. As I jogged "out" of town a bit, the shoulder at times had grass taller than me and patches of briars. Oncoming traffic required me to jump to the shoulder and sometimes straddle the briars.

 

It is always interesting to jog a new route, particular in a town I am unfamiliar. When I do this I learn something about the area. I also find myself not concerned with my speed or the distance, I just jog.

 

The most interesting part of this jog was in the outskirts of town, I found the smell of the country to bring back memories of the smells at home near the creek. Hot, humid , but fresh. It is hard to describe. I am not sure what is blooming that has a fresh and sweet smell that is not overbearing. The moisture in the air near the creek and today in Millbrook because the Alabama River is nearby has feel about that is beyond humid, but an almost refreshing feel.

This morning workout included: 

• I stretched my legs a little.
• I jogged variable speed for 50 minutes.
• I walked about .1 mile.
• I stretched 20 seconds toe-touch hold with feet together.
• I stretched 20 seconds each with one leg crossed over.
• I stretched 20 seconds each for a hamstring stretch.
• I stretched 20 seconds for calf stretch.
• I stood or walked for most of the game.

 

The advantages of this kind of activity during warm-ups are:

• expending calories
• using muscles
• getting a cardio workout
• not using my time with the kids to get my exercise done.

 

The disadvantages are:

• I not available is something were to happen (like my ballplayer getting hurt) which is one reason I take my phone with me.
• Even though I bring an extra set of clothes, I look bad for the rest of the tournament.
• I smell bad for the rest of the tournament.
• I have to drink more water than normal.
• I am usually a little tired (but isn't everybody at an all day tournament?)

More on Operation Boot Camp

I forgot to mention two things about Operation Boot Camp.

The instructors were concerned with everyone doing the exercises, particularly squats and lunges, correctly. There were few exercises, like squatting to touch a plastic cone, this little jump step thing that George had to explain to me twice , and the plank that I had not done before so the explanations were good.

The other thing is that the workouts take place at the grass lot behind the Duck Samford football stadium. The field has patches of bald ground. My shoes were filthy when we were done. I am okay with getting dirty, but if I had known, I would not have worn my best and newest tennis shoes.

Trying something new

Since November, I have been struggling with being motivated to exercise. I have essentially decreased my exercise regiment from 5 or 6 days a week to 3 or 4 days a week. Interestingly, I have been able to not only to maintain my upper body strength but increase my strength. Though I am increasing the length that I jog, I am jogging less frequently. One difference is that I feel like I am not as toned and I can tell a difference in my abdomen.

 

I feel like I need to do something different, but I have not figured out what. I know for sure I need more motivation, and possibly a change in my routine.

 

When a friend invited me for a trial workout with Operation Boot Camp, I thought this would be great. Maybe I could get some motivation and direction in how I can change my workouts. The trial workout was fun--well as fun as a workout can be at 5:30 in the morning. There were lots of people there since it was bring a friend day. I knew several people including two of the instructors. They were friendly and encouraging, but not in the over-enthusiastic cheerleader kind of way. The beginning of the workout was tough--that may have been because it was so early in the morning.

 

We started out with a short jog to our first "station" where we did a few calisthenics and stretched. We jogged to each station. I cannot remember all of the exercises we did, but the hardest was the plank. We held this position for minutes at least twice. We also did one set of sit-ups, squats, tire kick-ups, and several side shuffles. I thought my legs, particularly my inner thighs would be sore, but it was my abs and obliques that were the sorest.

 

I got a great workout and I was able to do the entire workout without resting and it was very effective.

 

In this program, participation is expected – and monitored – for every single session. Instructors are with you the entire time. Although there were lots of people, the instructors were able to watch and gauge our abilities.

 

It seems that the program is a total fitness program that includes nutrition information and log book, as well as intense workouts. This may be the reason that it is so expensive--because of the individual attention.

 

I am going to participate in one of their workouts that is open to the public. But, I don't think I will be able to join this group anytime soon. Expensive is an issue. An even more important reason is that I will be traveling over the next few months that will prevent me from fully participating in the program. In each of the summer months,  I would miss at least 8 days.

 

Overall, Operation Boot Camp is a good program, but someone would have to convince me why what I would get out of it that would warrant the expense. Of course, my travel schedule will be probably be an issue.

 

Thanks Dana for the invite! I really did enjoy it and wonder what the next workout would be like.

Jogging strategy

I often joke at how slow I am at jogging, well,  because I am slow. I also enjoy longer jogs over shorter runs. During some of my slowest jogs I begin to think about the happenings in my home and work life and begin to think about alternative solutions to whatever has my attention.

 

Though I have begun to jog at times longer than 3 miles, I want to jog faster and longer because 1) I need to expend more calories, 2) I feel like the faster pace will help work my legs better, 3) the longer length will give me time to think, 4) I want to prove to myself I can improve, 5) I want to become even more fit (the older I get the more this seems important).

 

A few weeks ago on a Saturday, I jogged a new route. I had no idea how long or how much time I took--I was just jogging. I later learned I jogged between 5.2 and 5.4 miles.

 

Also, I have noticed some differences in how much I jog and I have fast.  Some of things I am beginning to realize. I have a lot of trouble jogging fast early at in the morning (5 AM). I also have trouble jogging past the 4 mile marker, though at times I jog longer.

 

While on a jog at North Carolina William B. Umstead State Park  during the NETC08 Conference, Ray Kimsey told me that if I jog past the 5 and 6 mile marker, then the jog becomes easier--routine like. Floyd Davenport agreed.

 

On two different occasions, I tried Ray's suggestion. It seems at the 4.5 mile point, I want to stop, so instead I forced myself to jog through the mile marker and kept jogging--regardless that it was slow.

 

This worked. By the time I got to the 5 mile marker, I knew I could make it all the home--6 miles. Wow. Did I feel like I accomplished something!

 

On my third attempt, I did not make it to the 4 mile marker. I am not trying to make excuses, but I want to understand the differences when I can stretch myself and when I cant' seem to do it. This time, I seemed to be just tired.

 

This past, Sunday, I jogged 5.8 miles. I was surprised, based on my attempt a few days earlier when I did not make 4 miles. Through observing my abilities and how far I can take my efforts, I have learned that I can break through that tough bump. I will try more often to jog at least 6 miles. Rather than 6 miles being the exception, I want it to be normal cardio workout. I also learned that rest is important.

Saturday morning jog

I started this morning's jog in a faster pace than I have done in a long time. I decided that I would try to jog 3 miles faster than normal. I would not worry about going longer.

I was doing well with the pace. About 2.1 miles, I was a the bottom of a hill, ready to tackle it when a car stopped. After giving a man directions to Pizza Hut, I started up the hill.

Oh, that was hard. I went very slow up that hill. By the time, I got to the plateau, I decided that with my adjusted speed, I would go ahead and try to make it home. With a slower pace, I finished close to 5 miles. It felt great!

Unfortunately, the jog made me more concerned about safety. When the car stopped and the man asked me for directions, I stood back from the car and described where Pizza Hut is. It struck me that it was weird someone would be asking how to get to Pizza Hut at 8:30 in the morning. Also, he did not go in the direction I told.

Then on my way home, I kept seeing police cars. The first and second police car did not worry me because I was jogging near the police station. One particular car circle me a couple of times.  By the time, I was about 1 mile from my house, I decided to stop one of them and ask what they were looking for.

Giving me a description, he said they were looking for a man on a bicycle, I told him about the man in the car. I let it go and he did not seem concerned. These two incidents and last week's slaying of Lauren Burk has made my favorite jogging route less enjoyable.

Technorati Tags: carido,jogging,safety

Trying to get back into exercising

Since Thanksgiving, my exercise regiment has slowed down. I have been very unmotivated to wake up in the mornings to jog and since being sick and having knee problems and eye surgery, I have not had much desired to go back to the regiment I was exercising in the early fall.

This week I have done better, not perfect but better.

My exercise this week:

• Monday morning: benchpress, tricep kickbacks, military press. I lifted heavy Monday---the most I have in a very long time.
• Tuesday morning: I slept in
• Wednesday morning: leg (fairly heavy leg lifts and squat machines) and ab workout. After getting the kids ready for school, and I jogged 2.5 miles at a moderate pace (for me). The temperature was below 32 degrees and the wind was brutal. Maybe that was the reason the pace was decent. Then, I traveled out of town for a meeting.
• Thursday morning (while out of town): I slept in. My apologies to a friend who worked out and I just did not want to get out in the cold weather (I am such a wimp).
• Thursday night (back home): I jogged 2.5 miles at a moderate pace (for me) in 52 degree weather. It was very nice jog.
• Friday (we'll see)
• Saturday morning: I hope to jog
• Sunday morning: I hope to jog

If I jog on Saturday and Sunday, I will have exercised a consistent amount this week. Consistency is key for me. Although I am not suffering in a major way from cutting back on my exercise, I can tell a difference.

I also feel a difference in how my body feels and what I want to eat. It seems that when I exercise consistently and I push myself to lift heavier or go faster or longer when jogging, I eat better.

The weights give my body a tight feeling, while the cardio makes me feel good. Maybe those physical changes and feelings are what I need to remember when I start to lose motivation.

Tornado hit my hometown

A tornado this afternoon hit Prattville, AL.

29 people are injured, 2 severely, 20 to 30 homes destroyed according to this story.

The update from my family is:

• My brother's and sister's homes were not damaged and they did not lose electricity.
• My parent's home is fine, as well, but at the moment they are without electricity.
• Dad is concerned about the damage in town, but is very proud that it rained 2 1/2 inches.
• My other sister will have a very busy day tomorrow because her pharmacy will be taking the orders of the damaged store.

I am thankful all is well with them.

Fast Food Options

The other day I was in Arby's. My son ordered his usual Arby's melt. I was short on time and knew I possibly had to eat mine in the car. So, I was looking for an option that:

• I could hold in one hand
• did not contain a lot of white bread
• was not fried
• was not choked full of calories
• had some taste to it.

I chose the new pecan chicken salad in a wrap. It was made with chicken, grapes, lettuce, and pecans. It could have been quite tasty. The problem was that the chicken salad was soaked in a mayonnaise based sauce. I found it disgusting.

In trying to choose healthier foods, I avoid eating much mayonnaise and fatty salad dressing. The next time, I will order this wrap without the mayonnaise (if I can).

In my disappointment in trying to find a decent alternative to fast food lunch, I started thinking about the business opportunities and how a fast food establishment could offer healthy alternatives to existing products.

Examples:

• A pecan-grape chicken salad made with low-fat version mayonnaise using half as much as the Arby's pecan-grape chicken salad. This could be sold on a bed of lettuce, whole wheat bread, whole wheat wrap, and other breads.
• A grilled chicken biscuit made like Chick-fil-a's chicken and biscuit, except the chicken is grilled.
• A grilled chicken, egg and cheese breakfast burrito made like Chick-fil-a burrito, except the chicken is grilled.
• A grilled chicken wrap on a whole wheat wrap with low-fat ranch, low-fat southwest ranch, or low-fat honey-mustard dressing--available on the side.
• An egg McMuffin with low-fat cheese.
• Instead of fried chicken fingers, like Zappy's, grilled chicken fingers.
• McAllisters and Panera Bread have some great dishes, but would much better if they would offer half sizes (even if I paid more than half).
• Half portions of any fast food choices. Even if they are not healthy, less will mean fewer calories.

My favorite casual dining food options currently are:

• Sonic Southwestern salad at Sonic.
• Black and bleau grilled chicken salad at Zappys with no dressing.
• Grilled steak (or chicken) Sammies at Quiznos. Each for $2. I order only 1.
• Locally, I eat Breezeway and order grilled chicken salad with no dressing or Salisto turkey sandwich made with no mayonnaise on wheat bread, but I don't eat all the bread.
• Applebees Southwest Salad--half size. Applebees has some other dishes that are low calories that I like as well.

There are many other options that dining establishments could offer. I am wondering if a restaurant took the approach that they would offer healthy meals as their brand. They could even have a few unhealthy choices, but the mainstay would be healthy offerings. I am thinking this would make for a great business. Am I the only one who thinks a restaurant could make it with a healthy offering?

Gray hair and Lasik

When I told the doctor that I have been wearing hard or gas permeable lens since I was 13, he said "That is a really long time."

What! Was he telling me I was getting old? Well, I guess he was saying more than 30 years in hard lens is a long time.

Anyway, during the 3 months in my glasses prior to Lasik, my eyes seem to worsen. Last night—5 days after surgery, I looked into the bathroom mirror and realized how gray my hair is getting around the face.

Yikes...Where did all that gray hair come from!

So the downside of Lasik, I see better and I can see all that gray poking through. I guess I would rather not know that!

Batting Cage

cage
Originally uploaded by aafromaa

After a storm, the batting cage was in disrepair and I was not sure when we would have time to repair it and if we needed to put a good bit of money in rebuilding it.

On Saturday, my husband cut the limbs with a chain saw. On Sunday, my daughter's friend and my son moved all of the debris and repaired the cage.

It took them all Sunday afternoon. We are so very proud of the work they did and what a relief that it is repaired. The boys cleaned and repaired it on their own.

We still have to replace one pole because they could not repair it. That can easily be done!

Teenagers can surprise you sometimes. I am very thankful for their wonderful work!

Second day after surgery

goggledshields
Originally uploaded by aafromaa

This morning I woke up to dry eyes and my eyesight was not as good as it was yesterday. I started the morning with the regiment of eye drops. I am down to 3 different types of drops--antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and lubricant.

A few minutes later, I felt much better. And, I could see much better. According to the information sheet from the doctor, vision fluctuation is normal.

The sun is brighter today so I really need sunglasses. I am still using the cheap plastic pair the doctor provided. They are not very stylish, but they cover even the corner of my eyes. It is beginning to sink in that I am not ever going to have poor eye sight again. I have been wearing glasses or corrective lens for 36 years. It's just taking me time to get used to the fact that these are my eyes and not something foreign in them.

Late yesterday, I looked over the sheet of instructions again and I thought I would share those:

• Securely tape shields over eyes before going to bed.
• Wear the protective shields at night for the 1st week.
• Do not rub your eyes for the 1st month.
• Do not wear eye makeup for at least 1 week.
• Avoid gardening or any outdoor activity that could introduce dirt or pollen particles into the eyes for 1 week. (I guess I cannot help clean up the broken tree limbs.)
• Avoid swimming, hot tubs, saunas or any other contact with possibly contaminated water for 2 weeks. (That's not a problem for me.)
• Avoid contact or racquet sports for 2 weeks. After this time, it is strongly suggested that you wear protective eyewear while playing contact sports. (This is not a problem, although I would like to learn to play racquetball and tennis.)
• You may resume jogging, weightlifting and aerobics 1 week following surgery. Again, wear protective eyeglasses when necessary.

I can use lubricant eye drops as often as I need. I think I will try using them more today and hopefully reduce dry eye feelings in the morning.

The warning at the bottom of the information sheet said ."..if you experience progressive increase in redness, a decrease in vision or increase in pain, call the eye corneal surgeon..."

Thankfully, that is not a problem for me.

The day after Lasik

I can see. I can see. I can see!

I see almost 20/20. Though I am told not everyone can see this good this fast, the surgery has definitely worked well for me.

The only drawback at the moment is that my vision is still a little cloudy, particularly in my right eye. If I were wearing my contacts I would take the right one out and clean it.

It hasn't sunk into my head or my routine that this vision is my eyes...no contacts, no glasses.

As part of the complete package of the surgery, 1 day, 1 week, and other checkups are included. Fortunately, I am able to see Dr. Fields for the checkups. Dr. Steve Fields has been my eye doctor for years and years. He has solved some problems with my contacts that other doctors could not solve. I trust his professional knowledge and expertise. He was the one who recommended Dr. John Swann with Montgomery Eye Physicians.

The advantages seeing Dr Fields, instead of Dr. Swann, for the checkups are:
1. his office is nearby--only minutes from my house.
2. seeing him is like having a built in second opinion.

Today was my 1st day check up after the surgery.

All went well. He explained that the cloudiness would eventually go away and that my vision was very good for being only one day after the surgery. He told me to follow regiment of eye drops given to me. (I was going to that anyway.)

Dr. Fields also told me was that for the next year or so, I will not need reading glasses, though I had been wearing them with my contacts. I knew the surgery did not correct my near vision, so I am really excited about prolonging the use of reading glasses.

He also told me no jarring, lifting heavy objects, and sweating for 1 week. In other words, no running, no weight lifting.

All is well with my surgery and I am looking forward to more improvements.

Lasik surgery: 6 hours later, several hours later

We left the house at 9 o'clock. I hated that my husband had to drive me today because he is sick. He drove. We talked little. I tried to doze but couldn't.

15 miles from the doctor's office, I toke my very first ever Valium. It did ease my nerves. Going into the office, there was a sign clearly stated no cell phones turned on because of surgeries scheduled. I made sure I left my phone in the car.

The receptionist said I did not have to sign in. Soon, I was called to make my payment for the surgery and within a few minutes I was called to come to a room.

A technician asked me some questions, gave me a few eye drops, and 600 mg Ibuprofen. She went over my care when I got home. I was then evaluated by the doctor who also put a few drops in my eyes. I was then directed to the operating room.

The room was substantially colder. I shoved my hands in my jacket pockets because of the cold. I consciously kept my hands open and not clinched, but in my pockets.

The doctor told me to watch the red light. It will move but sometimes it will not be visible. He covered my left eye, then he put a suction on my right eye. The suction was the only part of the procedure that was slightly uncomfortable. I think because the pressure around the eye felt weird--not that it was really uncomfortable.

The doctor said I would hear a click. I heard it, but it was meaningless to me. This part of the procedure eventually led to my sight going dark. I must admit this was at least a little disconcerting. I could hear a woman say 15 seconds left. I started counting with 1, 2, 3, etc. I was trying to keep myself calm and my hands unclenched. Then, the same was done to the left eye was done.

The second part of the procedure took a little longer. The suctions were removed from my eye and my bottom and top of my eyelids was taped so I could not close them. Again I looked at the red light. The machine engine started and I heard a clicking. I found this noise somewhat irritating. But, it reminded me that the machine with its programmed technology was making the procedure. I was doing what I could to make myself take my mind off of the situation. I thought that if the machine had made the noise like a dentist drill, I would have freaked. :)

The clicking and the motor were not so bad, just unexpected.Again I heard a woman give us the time left. 45 seconds, 35 seconds, 15 seconds. I again counted starting with 1, 2, etc. Amazing how accurate my counting was. When I reached 44 the machine was at zero.

Between concentrating on the red light and keeping my mind occupied, I forgot that I was cold and the procedure was amazing fast. The left eye was then done.

After the procedure, another doctor evaluated me. He noticed a small bubble on the right eye, but said that was normal and would go away. The left eye was just fine.

Walking out into the lobby I could see much better than I had without my glasses. My eyesight then was a long way from what it needed to be, but was much improved. I was really surprised how good my eyes felt and how well I could see.

I think the drive home made my husband tired. His sickness and the drive were taking a toll on him. I wore the sunglasses gave me. At first, light did not bother me. Thankfully, today was mostly cloudy, but as we drove, the sensitivity to light worsened and my right eye itched. The feeling was if I had scratched my eye.

I was really glad to get home because by then (about 1 hour after we left the doctor’s office), both eyes itched and the sensitivity to light was almost unbearable. I put the eye drops in my eye, taped the funny hole-filled goggles over my eyes, took my second ever Valium, and went to bed. It took me a few minutes to go to sleep, but when I did slept deep. (That Valium is some good stuff.) I slept almost four hours.

When I awoke the sensitivity to light was very mild. I could see even better than before-amazingly better. My vision seemed and still seems cloudy. It has been 12 hours since the surgery and I call see really well. Though my vision is not perfect it is certainly good enough to function. The street and car lights are definitely halos. Hopefully, this will go away...we'll see.

My eyes have a slight itchy feeling and are cloudy. If I were wearing contacts I would take them out clean them and possibly wear my glasses because my eyes . I am now getting ready for bed. I will go through regiment of eyes drops and taping the holey goggles on and going to sleep. I expect to be able to take the kids to school and go to my local eye doctor for a checkup just fine. AND I expect my vision to be better. We’ll see.

Lasik Today

In a bit, I will go to my Lasik surgery. I am a little nervous. I slept better last night than I thought I would. Once I fell asleep, I thankfully slept the night through.

In preparing for surgery, I put 4 different types of eye drops in my eyes four times a day for two days. The drops were mostly antibiotics and moistening drops.

The weird thing is that every time I put the series of drops in my eyes, a few minutes later I had a metal taste in my mouth. I did not understand that.

Fifteen minutes prior to my arrival, I will take a Valium. Though on the surface I look calm, I can feel my nerves kicking in. So the Valium (I have never taken Valium before) will probably relax me a little (hopefully).

Before I leave I am going to wipe my eyes with a moistening cloth. I am wearing no makeup, a couple of loose-fitting tops so I can take them off without rubbing my eyes (when I get home). The technician told me that the room is set for 67 degrees and because I will be a little nervous that I will fell very cool so dress accordingly.

I used no moisturizers or lotions this morning.

I will not take my cell phone into the building because cell phones can be problematic with the equipment.

Tuesday, I told the doctor that I feared not being able to stay still. He explained how the machine maps the eye and some movement is accounted for. (This is my layman's interpretation.), I cannot possibly explain the surgery, but it is absolutely amazing technology.

We'll see how it goes. At the moment I wish I could go back to sleep.

Storm damage

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Originally uploaded by aafromaa

This morning, I awoke to the phone ringing. The power company's automated service told me that the power has been restored. Slowly waking up, I thought "I did not know we were without power."

In the dark across the room, I could barely make out the blurry red flashing lights on the alarm clock. My next thought was "Uh, oh, I guess I missed my workout."

It was 6 o'clock, normally I get up around 4:45, sometimes a little earlier.

Then, I was thankful that Alabama Power repaired our lines (even if I did not know that they were not working). I am also thankfull that they called me. They were definitely my alarm this morning.

Often, I wake up before the alarm. But, it was not surprising I slept through my normal wake up time. My husband woke me up when his body shook with the chills last night. He caught the same nasty bug that everyone else has had. Between going to bed later than normal and his waking me up, I was zonked. The storm obviously had not awaken me.

I took my shower and started breakfast. Walking through the house I glanced out back and saw the tangled mess of the batting cage.

The top of a tree broke. The limbs shattered into pieces after hitting the metal of the batting cage. I am not sure what we will do about fixing the mess.

The youngest was concerned about the cost and how we would fix the cage. Every summer we have enjoyed hosting batting practice for ball teams, particularly the Dixie Youth teams.

Since my husband is sick, we have not talked about what we will do. Watching my youngest face this morning, I am convinced we should repair the damage. She does not want to lose the opportunities and the fun we have enjoyed. And, neither do I.

Exercising after being sick

My last month of exercising has been:
December 22 through Dec 28, I jogged almost every day 3 to 6 miles each day. I did not lift any weights during this time.

December 29 I stopped jogging because the pain in my left leg above my ankle began to ache during my jogging and afterwards. The pain was much like the pain in my right ankle 3 years ago when I developed a stress fracture. I thought it was best to stop jogging for awhile.

January 7, I started back lifting weights and jogging, but I missed a few days for a couple weeks.

January 14, I got sick (stomach kind of thing) that wiped my out. I bench pressed once that week and tried to jog only once. It was slow.

January 20, I felt a little better so I jogged only 2 miles and it was very slow.

January 21, I managed to go to gym and did a variety of weights. During the week, I was so tired, I did not go to the gym, I just did not have the energy to get up early.

January 25, I jogged 2.5 miles at a decent (not great) time.

January 27, I jogged a very slow 3 miles. That is today. I have felt very tired every since.
This morning before getting started, I really did not want to go. I forced myself to get out of the house. It was colder than it looked. The sky was a clear blue and there was no wind. The air was crisp.

I walked for .3 miles and was not sure I had the energy to jog. When I first started jogging, I was in slow motion. My feet felt heavy.

I jogged for more than .5 miles before the stride felt easy. The jogging was similar to when I first starting jogging. Each step seem to be a struggle. I had to talk myself into continuing. I did not think I could even finish the 1st mile. But, I kept my slow pace and set up mini-goals. I kept telling myself, just make it to the 1 mile marker, then make it to the 1.5 mile marker. In my early days of jogging, I would tell myself that the .5 mile in the hardest. the next .5 miles is next to the hardest, and the next 1 mile in the third hardest. I would tell myself, "Go to the next marker, get to it before you stop".

Even at the 2 mile marker, I was not sure I could finish 3 miles. If I could get into a rhythm I could finish. My body was so tired, I just could not keep going.

One marker passed led to the next marker. I finished the jog with 3.1 miles and walked a total 1.2 miles.

I am still tired, but I think I am tired because of lacking of eating. I have lost 4 pounds in the last weeks and I am determined to keep it off so I have reduced the number of calories. What I need to do is to even my eating out throughout the day. I am eating too little before lunch and too much after lunch.

Hopefully, I can get back into the groove and even out my eating habits and get back into lifting weights and jogging.

I want to keep the weight off, but I also want to keep muscle. I have to keep working at it.

Positives List #4

Even though I have felt ill for several days, I am thankful that I have been in good fitness shape. Recovering from this bug I think is easier because I am fit.

Today was one of those extremely busy days, jumping from one responsibility to another. I am glad that our staff are independent and professional staff and they don't need close supervision.

I am thankful for the influence I seem to have at times. I have to admit there are times when I get frustrated with not being able to convince and influence decisions. Then when someone specifically gives me credit that makes my day. I know that this particular individual had been thinking of ways to express herself, to provide her opinions, to write a journal (but not a paper journal), but it was after hearing about blogging that she knew that is what she wanted to do.

She thanked me for bringing knowledge of this opportunity to her. You see I think she knew she had a problem/need, but she did not know the solution. After hearing of blogging, she knew she found a solution. Though she gave me much credit, I think that the knowledge of the solution had much to do about timing as anything. She could have very well learned about blogging from someone else.

Anyway, I am thankful for the situation and having the ability to make a difference. This I cannot overestimate. The relationships with the professional colleagues make an incredible difference.

Positives List #3

Today, I took my daughter to her 4th gymnastics meet. I am very proud of how she has progressed and how she handles herself in competition. When she does not perform or score as well as she thinks she should, she continues the meet, handling the next part of the competition.

I am also thankful she asked questions. Hopefully, she will continue to ask questions as she grows up.

I am also thankful that my older daughter is helping a friend tonight. Her friend has been very sick, and my daughter and other friends have been helping all day.

I am thankful I was able to walk 30 + minutes today while waiting on warm ups at the gymnastics meet. Next time, I will walk more.

I am ready for Monday.

Is there a definition of a workout?

What is a workout? JB defines a workout as:

Brief periods of self induced physical and mental anguish followed by a couple days of muscle soreness.

Well, that is definitely one way to define a workout. I think of a workout as an incremental step in building muscles, building strength, developing endurance, strengthening the heart, and expending calories. (I probably should add becoming more flexible and creating an ability to have balance. I don't work on those aspects too much for the exception of stretching after a workout).

A buddy of mine is exercising in functional ways--using an ax, toting limbs, clearing rubbish is his way of expending calories and building muscles.

When the workout causes the muscles to be sore, I know I have stretched the muscles so that they will tighten and strengthen. Let's admit it. After a leg workout or a run, the tightness in the legs feels great! Don't you think?

It really doesn't matter how you exercise or what your workout is. Expending calories and building endurance can happen almost at anytime. It does not have to be at gym or on the track. Stand instead of sit; walk instead of ride, jog instead of walk, run instead of jog. Do crunches on the couch while watching TV, dance with kids. Move, move move.

Saturday morning jogs

My Saturday morning jogs are never the same. Jogging different routes make the jogging interesting. The only problem is that I never really know how long I jog.

I am thinking that I jogged less than 3 miles (wanting go a little further). Maybe next time I can go further.

Of course, during my week morning jogs, I will go at least 3 miles. Next weekend maybe I can go 5 miles. We'll see.

Positives List #2

I thankful for the time when I find inspiration in blog topics to be discussed. The most important thoughts about these inspiration times is the topics, not how I think of presented them.

Thankful that my daughter is able to contribute to the team that served her all these years.

Thankful she is the responsible type.

Thankful my job gives me interesting things to work on and interesting people to work with.

Positive Thinking

A friend of mine Mitch Owen talks often about thinking positives during times of stress and disasters. He has found Alex Pattakos' book, Prisoners of Our Thoughts guide these thoughts.

I decided to start a positive list. On a regular basis, I will list positives as they happen. By practicing listing the positives during non stressful times, I will become better at thinking of the positives during the stressful times.

1) Today, we have a marvelously fun time talking among my husband's family today during our Christmas gathering.

2) In emails referring to three different meetings.

...your presentation was informative and very helpful, as always. If only the rest had been as upbeat and helpful!

Your meeting with Charles and me was inspiring, to say the least. ... I really would like for us to start working on some of your creative ideas.

This is a great idea (from 4 individuals).

I would not use the adjectives, upbeat, inspiring or creative to describe myself. Nevertheless, I am very much appreciative of these emails and they serve as encouragement to keep working on these "new areas".

3) My youngest helped me for hours yesterday, preparing food for today's family gathering. It was great to see her endurance and great fun to be with her.

4) My oldest and I had a "conversation" yesterday that we needed to.

5) I was reminded as long as I am doing the right thing, then I can't worry about things that go on around me.

6) My husband's family in 2007 had 4 decade birthday's: 80, 60, 50, 40. So very grateful that they all came to our house today.