I've recently been flying to and from a location in one day lately.
Last week, I flew to central Oregon for a job interview. I had to get up way before dawn, but I had a few hours in the airport to grade. I waited around, toured, presented, and interviewed for several hours, then went back to the airport. By then, I was pretty tired and didn't get much grading done. I got back to southern California at midnight that night. And went to work the next day! Okay, okay, I went to work a few hours late so that I could sleep in.
Today, I'm flying up to central California for a union meeting. Again, I was up before dawn. I was also up before dawn yesterday to grade. This is not a happy pattern. :(
I'll be at the meeting through the evening, then get back to SoCal by 8pm.
What really sucks about this trip is that I have to miss a great Halloween party. The RPG that I play a strong woman in Victorian England (but with monsters) is having a ball, in character, and playing the game. Essentially, it's a LARP. It sounds so fun, a one-time LARP with a character that I've play for year! But, alas, getting to LAX at 8pm doesn't give me much time to get there, and get in a Victorian costume. :( I'm pretty irritated that the committee chair set up a meeting so close to Halloween. It's my first meeting of this committee, though, so I pretty much need to be there.
With al of these one-day trips, I'm starting to get a little nervous about flying. Flying 6-8 times a year (each way) seems reasonable, but flying twice in a day seems like I'm asking for an accident. With any luck, one of these job interviews will take, and I'll be lots close to my family and not need to fly so much!
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Friday, October 21, 2011
10k
After I completed a regular 5k (not a trail run, or at midnight on ice, and able to wear headphones), I've been wondering about stepping it up to a 10k. Either that, or try to improve my 5k time.
Last month, my work had a team for a charity 10k walk. I joined it because walking a 10k seemed like a great way to figure out if jogging it was do-able. The walk was fun and not at all challenging. A few weeks ago I also bought new running shoes and new anti-blister socks. So last night, I jogged and walked for 6 miles on the treadmill. I did my usual routine for the first 3 miles, although I pushed myself a little to get those miles past sorta quickly. My usual routine is jogging the first mile (or 10 minutes, whichever is longer), then alternating between jogging and walking for every other song.
For the second 3 miles, my routine was pretty similar but involved more resting. I jogged for a song, walked at a fast pace for a song, then walked casually for a song. Repeat. By the last mile, I was pretty tired! I had to concentrate on keeping my legs going, making good strides. May be it was cheating, but when super-short songs (like interludes or short pieces from Joss Whedon musicals) came on during my jogging phase, I didn't jog during the next song, too. I ran for just that short song! Overall, it took me 70 minutes, with an average of about 11 minutes per mile. Since I finish 5k's in 32-45 minutes, usually 11-12 minutes per mile, I think my 10k time is excellent!
I was tired, but felt good afterwards. By the time that I got home, I was hungry, too. I also realized that my hips were sore. I wasn't expecting that, but it's not terribly surprising, either. Now I know that I need to get to yoga more often to improve my running!
For some reason, I decided that I should wake up before dawn to grade papers today, though. After a big workout like that, I probably should have slept longer. Oh well, may be this weekend? I graded at a diner, so I got a protein-rich meal and lots of coffee!
My next step will be to run a 10k route on the streets around my house. I'll probably get to the beach, even! But then need to just turn around and run back. That'll be the real test; jogging on the streets will probably take 2 hours or more! Wish me luck!
So, I guess I chose the 10k over speeding up my 5k! Good; speed work doesn't sound fun at all. Lots of sprints. Yuck.
Last month, my work had a team for a charity 10k walk. I joined it because walking a 10k seemed like a great way to figure out if jogging it was do-able. The walk was fun and not at all challenging. A few weeks ago I also bought new running shoes and new anti-blister socks. So last night, I jogged and walked for 6 miles on the treadmill. I did my usual routine for the first 3 miles, although I pushed myself a little to get those miles past sorta quickly. My usual routine is jogging the first mile (or 10 minutes, whichever is longer), then alternating between jogging and walking for every other song.
For the second 3 miles, my routine was pretty similar but involved more resting. I jogged for a song, walked at a fast pace for a song, then walked casually for a song. Repeat. By the last mile, I was pretty tired! I had to concentrate on keeping my legs going, making good strides. May be it was cheating, but when super-short songs (like interludes or short pieces from Joss Whedon musicals) came on during my jogging phase, I didn't jog during the next song, too. I ran for just that short song! Overall, it took me 70 minutes, with an average of about 11 minutes per mile. Since I finish 5k's in 32-45 minutes, usually 11-12 minutes per mile, I think my 10k time is excellent!
I was tired, but felt good afterwards. By the time that I got home, I was hungry, too. I also realized that my hips were sore. I wasn't expecting that, but it's not terribly surprising, either. Now I know that I need to get to yoga more often to improve my running!
For some reason, I decided that I should wake up before dawn to grade papers today, though. After a big workout like that, I probably should have slept longer. Oh well, may be this weekend? I graded at a diner, so I got a protein-rich meal and lots of coffee!
My next step will be to run a 10k route on the streets around my house. I'll probably get to the beach, even! But then need to just turn around and run back. That'll be the real test; jogging on the streets will probably take 2 hours or more! Wish me luck!
So, I guess I chose the 10k over speeding up my 5k! Good; speed work doesn't sound fun at all. Lots of sprints. Yuck.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Catalina
I haven't had time to recollect my awesome time on Catalina Island with my friend Mary because I've been having a great time since then! Well, until I got back to work and my laptop won't talk to Verizon...
Anyway, back to Catalina. I was a little nervous about going with Mary because we've only hung out once with just the two of us. We've spent most of our time together with our (ex-)boyfriends, or just in groups. And, honestly, other than being doctors and interested in sci-fi, I'm not sure that we have much in common. It turns out that some people with doctorates, especially those who like sci-fi, are smart and interesting to talk to! Even more, she's a woman who's had much experience in the straight bar scene. This is a scene that I'm just barely stepping in to, so I was eager to learn from one so wise in the ways of Drunk Boys. Plus, Mary LOVES Catalina and has spent loads of time there, so I knew that she'd be a great tour guide. We met a few weeks prior to the trip to figure out our plans, and it was clear that she totally knew her way around the island, knew all of the good spots and great spots. I took notes.
I'm not joking. I took notes on my phone.
Our trip started early to get the ferry, which Mary was expert at getting us to and finding us free parking. We talked easily for the hour trip, and neither of us were seasick. After checking in, we went to a delicious Mexican restaurant for lunch. I had ceviche! She also told me the history of the restaurant's owners.
Next, we went kayaking. That was fun, and we didn't tip over! Even when confronted by boat wakes. Unfortunately, I didn't put enough sunblock on my legs, so they got burned. After kayaking, we laid on the beach. Mary was worried about getting burned, so she went back to the room for a nap and shower. I rested more on the beach, then went back, too.
We went to a tiny bar/restaurant for dinner. I think that I got ceviche again! She also knew the history of that restaurant! For our nightlife activity, we went to her regular bar. There, she taught me how to get free drinks from men. And told me that I didn't have to feel beholden to the guys, or worry about leading them on. She said that the guys bought us drinks so that we'd talk to them; cool, I can live with that. Mostly older guys bought me drinks, but that's fine. Since Mary knew the bartenders, I kept asking them what they were making. They'd pour any extra into a glass for me, and give it to me for free! I was very, very giggly by the end of the night. There was some sort of milkshake type drink (that I kept calling Mudders' Milk) that was super-tasty! I also liked the Washington Apple drink.
The next morning, we went to a pancake place for breakfast and people-watched. I didn't have a hangover, but was exhausted. It was hard to keep up conversation, I was so tired. We went on an easy hike to an empty mausoleum (again, Mary knew the story behind that) after breakfast, then got in line for the ferry back home. Mary slept on the way back, and I read. And I wasn't sick of her; it'd be easy to get irritated with someone after such a busy 36 hours of traveling!
I slept hard that night, but then flew to Vegas the next day! The trip to Catalina was so fun, though. Mary was the perfect person to take me through Catalina, and to teach me about straight bars and free drinks.
Anyway, back to Catalina. I was a little nervous about going with Mary because we've only hung out once with just the two of us. We've spent most of our time together with our (ex-)boyfriends, or just in groups. And, honestly, other than being doctors and interested in sci-fi, I'm not sure that we have much in common. It turns out that some people with doctorates, especially those who like sci-fi, are smart and interesting to talk to! Even more, she's a woman who's had much experience in the straight bar scene. This is a scene that I'm just barely stepping in to, so I was eager to learn from one so wise in the ways of Drunk Boys. Plus, Mary LOVES Catalina and has spent loads of time there, so I knew that she'd be a great tour guide. We met a few weeks prior to the trip to figure out our plans, and it was clear that she totally knew her way around the island, knew all of the good spots and great spots. I took notes.
I'm not joking. I took notes on my phone.
Our trip started early to get the ferry, which Mary was expert at getting us to and finding us free parking. We talked easily for the hour trip, and neither of us were seasick. After checking in, we went to a delicious Mexican restaurant for lunch. I had ceviche! She also told me the history of the restaurant's owners.
Next, we went kayaking. That was fun, and we didn't tip over! Even when confronted by boat wakes. Unfortunately, I didn't put enough sunblock on my legs, so they got burned. After kayaking, we laid on the beach. Mary was worried about getting burned, so she went back to the room for a nap and shower. I rested more on the beach, then went back, too.
We went to a tiny bar/restaurant for dinner. I think that I got ceviche again! She also knew the history of that restaurant! For our nightlife activity, we went to her regular bar. There, she taught me how to get free drinks from men. And told me that I didn't have to feel beholden to the guys, or worry about leading them on. She said that the guys bought us drinks so that we'd talk to them; cool, I can live with that. Mostly older guys bought me drinks, but that's fine. Since Mary knew the bartenders, I kept asking them what they were making. They'd pour any extra into a glass for me, and give it to me for free! I was very, very giggly by the end of the night. There was some sort of milkshake type drink (that I kept calling Mudders' Milk) that was super-tasty! I also liked the Washington Apple drink.
The next morning, we went to a pancake place for breakfast and people-watched. I didn't have a hangover, but was exhausted. It was hard to keep up conversation, I was so tired. We went on an easy hike to an empty mausoleum (again, Mary knew the story behind that) after breakfast, then got in line for the ferry back home. Mary slept on the way back, and I read. And I wasn't sick of her; it'd be easy to get irritated with someone after such a busy 36 hours of traveling!
I slept hard that night, but then flew to Vegas the next day! The trip to Catalina was so fun, though. Mary was the perfect person to take me through Catalina, and to teach me about straight bars and free drinks.
My Quest for Veggies
For lunch at work every day, I eat meat/protein, fruit, and veggies. Some days I splurge with a carb, like rice or pasta. Today, I brought chicken (cooked with cream of mushroom soup), a tangerine, and homemade corn soup. My splurge for the day was an avocado; I love those things! After one taste of my soup, I realized that something was... not right. So, I tossed it and went on a search for a veggie. My quest had begun.
The cafeteria was closed because school's not in session. The bookstore had sandwiches, but no fruit or veggies. I walked to a taco shop across the street, and they didn't have any vegetables (except for toppings for their tacos). So I came back, having failed at my quest. As I was giving up hope, a coworker's boss said that he was going to Del Taco. Ah ha! Please get me a small salad, with their house dressing. Yes, my quest will be fulfilled!
He calls later and says they only have a taco salad. Uh, no, not what I was looking for. My quest was lost again. Then I talked to someone from IT about my computer, which has had a non-functioning program, and he couldn't help me. This is after calling Dell for 3 weeks, spending HOURS on each call, and getting disconnected almost every time that I try to get to a supervisor.
Needless to say, with Shiny still having her software problems and my lack of veggies, I fell to the dark temptress of chocolate. My supervisor said that it's almost like a vegetable, since cocoa and sugar cane are both plants. Hmm. I like his kind of logic.
In the end, my quest was fruitless, and Dell has infuriated me, but I got chocolate so I'm good for now.
The cafeteria was closed because school's not in session. The bookstore had sandwiches, but no fruit or veggies. I walked to a taco shop across the street, and they didn't have any vegetables (except for toppings for their tacos). So I came back, having failed at my quest. As I was giving up hope, a coworker's boss said that he was going to Del Taco. Ah ha! Please get me a small salad, with their house dressing. Yes, my quest will be fulfilled!
He calls later and says they only have a taco salad. Uh, no, not what I was looking for. My quest was lost again. Then I talked to someone from IT about my computer, which has had a non-functioning program, and he couldn't help me. This is after calling Dell for 3 weeks, spending HOURS on each call, and getting disconnected almost every time that I try to get to a supervisor.
Needless to say, with Shiny still having her software problems and my lack of veggies, I fell to the dark temptress of chocolate. My supervisor said that it's almost like a vegetable, since cocoa and sugar cane are both plants. Hmm. I like his kind of logic.
In the end, my quest was fruitless, and Dell has infuriated me, but I got chocolate so I'm good for now.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Time Spent
Sunday: Breakfast with friend, jog 3 miles, fight with computer, make tapenade, coffee with friend
Monday: work, union meeting
Tuesday: work, pack, hot yoga
Wednesday: work, capoeira
Thursday: work, date
Friday & Saturday: Catalina Island!!!
Sunday through Friday: Las Vegas! For a union conference...
How will I ever fit a second job of teaching Intro Psych this fall?
Monday: work, union meeting
Tuesday: work, pack, hot yoga
Wednesday: work, capoeira
Thursday: work, date
Friday & Saturday: Catalina Island!!!
Sunday through Friday: Las Vegas! For a union conference...
How will I ever fit a second job of teaching Intro Psych this fall?
Monday, July 4, 2011
Good & Bad of Today's 5k
I ran another 5k today (then took a nap!). Here are the high points and low points:
Good:
I ran my best time on a competitive race. And without music! I only walked twice, and both were sorta mental health breaks; I expected the course to turn sooner than it did, so I walked off my disappointment.
Bad:
I chose this race because of the pancake breakfast after the race, but lost my money (a twenty dollar bill!!) from my sock sometime in the race, so I didn't get any.
I realized that I had to go pee soon after the race started.
Luckily, the bad stuff worked itself out. Since I had to pee, I wasn't running to get to the pancakes, but to get to the bathroom! And when I got home, my roommate had saved me a plate of eggs, sausage, and a biscuit!
Good:
I ran my best time on a competitive race. And without music! I only walked twice, and both were sorta mental health breaks; I expected the course to turn sooner than it did, so I walked off my disappointment.
Bad:
I chose this race because of the pancake breakfast after the race, but lost my money (a twenty dollar bill!!) from my sock sometime in the race, so I didn't get any.
I realized that I had to go pee soon after the race started.
Luckily, the bad stuff worked itself out. Since I had to pee, I wasn't running to get to the pancakes, but to get to the bathroom! And when I got home, my roommate had saved me a plate of eggs, sausage, and a biscuit!
Body Image
I attended a really interesting Women's Circle at my congregation on the topic of body image. Not that the discussion was that interesting, but what wasn't being said was interesting.
May be I should start by saying that I was the youngest women in the group. Someone else in her 30's showed up late, and the rest of them were 60-80.
I was hoping to hear women who have similar issues that I have: women who like parts of their bodies, but don't like others; women who have problems with body parts that others don't view as problems, or the women themselves don't see positives. I didn't even expect that there would be anyone else who exercised as much as I do to change their bodies.
But instead of actually talking about body image, the women mostly talked about two things: health issues or how they value their brains. Yeah, I get that these are UU's, so intelligence is a big. And may be because they're older they are worried about losing their memory or other mental issues of the elderly. But the topic was body image! When you say that you're best feature is your brain, you're basically not talking about body image. Health issues make a little more sense, but none of these women had any physical ailments that appeared to affect their body image. It's great to be grateful for your health, that you're body still works, but it's not really related to the image you hold of your body. It was like they were completely focused on the functionality of their bodies, not their appearance or how what they looked like made them feel.
A few women did briefly touch on what they liked about their bodies (other than their brains), but the most related comment was usually about sagging. That's finally on topic, but not something that I can relate to yet. As I was leaving, the other young adult commented that she was glad that there was someone else who was younger. She then said that at least we now know what to expect when we get older! Sure, I know about some health problems, and how grateful I'll feel when my body is working, but I actually learned nothing about what older women feel about their bodies.
Unless I can intuit that older women basically only see their bodies as functional shells to let them continue in their lives.
May be I should start by saying that I was the youngest women in the group. Someone else in her 30's showed up late, and the rest of them were 60-80.
I was hoping to hear women who have similar issues that I have: women who like parts of their bodies, but don't like others; women who have problems with body parts that others don't view as problems, or the women themselves don't see positives. I didn't even expect that there would be anyone else who exercised as much as I do to change their bodies.
But instead of actually talking about body image, the women mostly talked about two things: health issues or how they value their brains. Yeah, I get that these are UU's, so intelligence is a big. And may be because they're older they are worried about losing their memory or other mental issues of the elderly. But the topic was body image! When you say that you're best feature is your brain, you're basically not talking about body image. Health issues make a little more sense, but none of these women had any physical ailments that appeared to affect their body image. It's great to be grateful for your health, that you're body still works, but it's not really related to the image you hold of your body. It was like they were completely focused on the functionality of their bodies, not their appearance or how what they looked like made them feel.
A few women did briefly touch on what they liked about their bodies (other than their brains), but the most related comment was usually about sagging. That's finally on topic, but not something that I can relate to yet. As I was leaving, the other young adult commented that she was glad that there was someone else who was younger. She then said that at least we now know what to expect when we get older! Sure, I know about some health problems, and how grateful I'll feel when my body is working, but I actually learned nothing about what older women feel about their bodies.
Unless I can intuit that older women basically only see their bodies as functional shells to let them continue in their lives.
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