Playing Catch-Up

It’s now October…….where has the year gone?  I’ve spent most of this year unemployed and am now very happily back to work.  Unfortunately, since then I haven’t had much time to blog.  I actually have missed it but have been so very exhausted.  I have today and tomorrow off, then go back on Wednesday and then don’t have to be back until Sunday so I think it’s time I catch up on posting and finally figure out what I want this blog to really be about.  It’s just been so random, and for that I am very sorry!!

At the beginning of this year I made a list of things I wanted to accomplish by the end of 2010.  As usual many haven’t yet been started, some were semi-started and one I actually followed through with!!  I am very proud of the fact that I ran a 5K back in May.  It’s something that I’ve wanted to do for a long time and finally was able accomplish.  I have been wanting to run another and made lots of plans but several things have happened to not make it a reality as of yet.

First, as I stated earlier, I have been out of work until August so money has been tight.  I wasn’t sure how long I would be out of the workforce so I didn’t want to spend unnecessarily.  Running in races cost money not only in entering the race, but good shoes, gas money to get there, etc….  It wasn’t a necessity so I didn’t pursue it like I wanted.

Also, my many foot injuries.  I have run off and on since 2005 without incident.  2010 has been a series of injuries that I finally figured out were my shoes.  Unfortunately, good running shoes for me are about $100.00 which I haven’t been able to afford, so…….

However, since I’ve been back to work I have continued to be plagued by foot injuries.  I have been in constant pain in both feet on a daily basis since my first day of work (I went back to being a server).  That’s 6 weeks of foot pain.  After trying different things I finally figured out it was my shoes (again with the shoes).  After doing research I found a great pair and about a week ago I ran (well, actually, hobbled) over to Famous Footwear to get them.

And, yes, my feet thanked me!!!  My ankles and feet no longer swell up and I am able to get through my whole shift without wanting to cry or scream out in pain.  However, I think because it took me over a month to figure it out, I did damage which may take a long time to actually heal.

The inside of both feet right above the arch are painful to the touch.  But my left foot is in the worst shape.  The top part of my foot hurts and I have a hard time flexing or walking properly.  I can’t really bend the foot when I’m walking.  I do stretching exercises daily and that helps for a while.  Also–you know that little knot on the inside of your ankle??  Right below it is a little swollen area where the muscle is super tight and I have to massage it to make it go away and feel better.

I have had to give up my beloved flip flops and wear my athletic (non-running) shoes when I’m not at work. I’ve tried wearing my regular shoes but there isn’t much arch support without inserts.  Unfortunately, there has recently been a heatwave here where it’s been in the 90′s and 100′s!!  Luckily this week fall has finally arrived and I don’t look totally ridiculous in heavy closed in shoes!

So, I am overall just trying to baby my feet until they heal.  When I’m at home I am staying off of my feet as much as I can.  I’ve done lot’s of research and I believe I have plantar faciitis (I’ve had it before many many years ago–although NOT this bad) and a tight achilles, along with other things I’m still researching out.  Yes it’s all self-diagnosed.  I told my mom that after doing so much research every time something happens, I’ll be able to call myself “Dr” soon!! LOL

In August I didn’t really feel like running so I didn’t.  This is a yearly thing with me in August.  I don’t worry because I know that come September I am always ready to get back out there.  And, like clockwork, when September came I was ready and willing, but just not able.  I am hoping by the end of the month to start again.  Right now I couldn’t even WALK a mile let alone run.  I am more than disappointed, but what can I do??  That’s how life goes sometimes.

So, there is a little over 2 1/2 months left of 2010.  I have that amount of time to see how much I can accomplish from my to do list.  Last night I was asked to be in my cousins wedding next summer.  I was both touched and honored to be thought of and I happily said yes.  I was given a general idea of what the bridesmaid dress will be like and am excited but at the same time apprehensive because I am definitely NOT in bridesmaid dress shape of any kind.  Happily I have indeed lost 7 lbs since I started this new job–going from 174.5 lbs to, as of this morning, 167.5.  This is all from eating less and drinking a lot more water!  It has been NO problem drinking at least 8 cups of water a day now.  And, because I’m on my feet working all day, I am not sitting around eating or grazing.  So, I haven’t changed what I eat, just how much.  Go figure?!

My cousin told me the dresses will be ordered by the end of January so I have until then to see how much weight I can lose.  I am thinking 10-20 lbs is all I can safely lose in 3 months.  And that’s fine.  It’ll put me in the 140′s-150′s.  Not ideal, but tolerable.  Then I will still have until July to lose some more weight.  Hopefully that won’t create a whole new set of problems for the alterations of the dress?!?!

That’s all for now.  Here’s wishing everyone a Happy Monday and a great week!!

Happy Hump Day Wednesday…it’s been awhile!

I know….it’s been 2 weeks since I’ve blogged.  I have been working 8 hour days at the restaurant 5-6 days a week.  Quite frankly, I am exhausted…..but LOVE it!  Eventually my body will adapt, but for now I am just working and sleeping.  In between I am doing housework and paying bills!!

I can’t believe it’s football season again.  My Oakland Raiders won Sunday   Too bad I was working and missed the game!  This year I want to go to a football game.  Yes I am a fan, but I have NEVER actually been to a game.  I’m going to check with my cousin to see if she goes to Raider games (she’s a fan too) and if so, maybe we can meet and go to one together?!  Fingers crossed!!  I’ll even go to a San Francisco 49er game!!  haha

In my last post I mentioned that my little Cuatro passed away.  Strange that the next time I post is the day I picked up his ashes.  I’m still saddened by his loss and miss him every single day!!

Well, today I was supposed to work at 4pm and had my day planned.  However, one of my co-workers couldn’t work a 2pm shift due to school so I was asked if I could switch.  It’s fine since that means I won’t have to close, but I didn’t get all of my errands done…..oh well

I have been trying to find Jackie Warners book Thintervention but it is sold out at my local Borders store, even though when I looked online it said it was “likely in store”.  So, I went to Barnes and Noble website and ordered it online.  And it only cost me $14.61!!  I should be getting it today or tomorrow! I can’t wait to read it!!

I’m still having issues with my arches in both feet.  I’m also having pain on the top of my left foot.  It’s all pointing to fallen arches and calf tightness.  I have new inserts which is starting to alleviate the arch pain, but I’m trying all kinds of stretches, etc for the other pain.  Until I can get rid of all of this pain, I cannot start walking or running or any other aerobic exercise that includes jumping as that makes for PAIN!!

At some point soon, I will start doing yoga more regularly than I have been.  And I have been contemplating going back to the gym and riding on the recumbent bike for aerobic exercise without the foot impact!  Yes, I have a gym membership which I haven’t used since 2006.  What a waste of money right??  Well, I may be using it soon!!

Okay, well, I have to get to work.  I will try to be a better blogger in future! And get caught up on everyone else’s blog soon!!  Have a great day and week!!

Yes, I’ve been M.I.A. but I’m back!

I can’t believe it’s been almost a month since I’ve blogged!  I’ve actually been very busy these past few weeks what with finally getting a job and thus far working my butt off since!  I made the decision to go back to waitressing and so far am happy with the choice.  It’s a new restaurant in town.  It’s a small chain from here in California.  I like the concept as well as my co-workers and management.

I’ve been out of the restaurant business for 3 1/2 years and I can feel it.  Also, I am quite a bit heavier than last time I waitressed and my feet are paying the price!  I have been in total foot pain since the first day the restaurant opened (2 weeks ago Monday) and now my right arch is slightly swollen.  Last week my left arch was in worse shape, but it is actually feeling better, so I am hoping the same for my right arch.  But that does mean that besides working, I am not putting a lot of pressure on the arches for the time being.

As you’ve guessed, running and walking are out of the question.  I tried to do Jillian Michaels 30 day Shred, but the pain from trying to do the jumping jacks was just too much, so I gave it up.  I know I have to get myself into what I call “Server Shape” so for the time being I have to mostly work on my upper body and do low/no-impact lower body exercises.

I’ve been doing stretches morning and night stretching out everything from my hips down to my feet and achilles.  I’m just not going to take any more chances.  I truly understand that I need to be serious about dropping the extra weight that I’ve gained.  If I don’t, I’m not sure how long I can keep waitressing…..and, honestly, I really am enjoying it!!  Sometimes, bad things need to happen before you get serious and do what you’ve always known you need to do!

On another note, a tragedy has struck my household.  One of my cats, Cuatro, passed away 1 1/2 weeks ago.  It happened suddenly and I am still in a little shock.  I got hired on Sunday, August 15th and the very next day, Cuatro stopped eating.  He has always been a voracious eater and it was noticeable.  Well, after a couple of days he started eating again so I thought he was going to be okay.  Then he refused to eat the dry food and would only eat the wet food so I let him….just to get him to eat.  Even though he ate a lot he was always very thin!  Of course I was now working and not home all day but I tried to watch him as much as I can.  Well, last Monday, I came home from running errands to get ready for work and noticed he looked absolutely terrible.  The day before he was walking around and eating and drinking a lot and I was hopeful.  The look in his eyes reminded me of my other cat, Maddie, who passed away 2 years ago when she was “ready”.  I started to cry and knew what I needed to do.  I called my parents and told them.  They called the vet and came by to pick him up and took him to see the vet.  I had to close that night at work and come back the next morning.  My mom didn’t tell me until I got off of work Tuesday afternoon that Cuatro had passed away Monday  at the vet.  She said she knew if she told me Monday night after work I would have never been able to go to work the next day…..so she waited.

I am still sad at Cuatro’s passing.  He was an AWESOME cat and I am so incredibly grateful for the time I had with him.  He was a feral cat I took in back in 2001 and tried to make his life as nice and comfortable as I could.   He brought me so much happiness and joy. He was a special little guy and I will always miss him.

That’s all for now.  It’s time to get ready for work. I will try to be better at posting.  Once a month just won’t cut it.  Happy Wednesday to all!!

Thursday Reality TV and The Shred day 3

I’m sitting here blogging while watching Project Runway. My cousin got me started (aka addicted) to this show 2 summers ago.

Today has been pretty uneventful except for paying some bills.  Yeah, I know, exciting, right?!  Sorry about that.  I’m hoping that things will pick up soon, but until then……..

There is no baseball for me tonight….the San Francisco Giants played a day game.  Thank goodness because there is just too much on TV on Thursdays.  And, yes, they won!! But barely…..they are in contention to be in the playoffs but they just barely beat the Chicago Cubs, a team who is over 16 games behind.

I watched about an hour of the Oakland Raiders pre-season game.  I never, and I mean never, watch pre-season anything, but there was nothing on and I was just making dinner, so…..

Started my night watching Big Brother.  It is my secret (well not so much so anymore!) summer guilty pleasure.  I am so happy that Rachel is gone.  But at the same time the 2 women left are ridiculous and don’t deserve to be there (especially Kathy).  I think this will be a guys year on this show.  Brendon is a moron and a wuss whom I lost ALL respect for with his whimpering girly talk the past few days.  How embarrassing and unmanly!  I don’t care about his looks if he’s gonna go all girly-man on me.  Geez, get a grip guy!!  Who will be the next to go??  Hopefully Ragan, Britney or Kathy.  I dislike all 3 of them.  And this whole Saboteur is bleh, in my opinion.

SYTYCD finale is on tonight.  C’mon FOX enough with the 2 hour finales!  Just tell me who won and move on.  So, I watched part of the first hour and moved on.  I’m sure I’ll read about it later.  All 3 of the finalists were excellent.  I will be happy whichever one wins it.

At 10pm Bethenny Getting Married? Outtakes will be on and I will watch that and the last half hour of Project Runway.  Then I will watch the re-air of Real Housewives of DC.  So, what does everyone think of this newest franchise of the Real Housewives?  I actually don’t like it–bordering on hating it.  Actually it’s the ladies I can’t stand–starting with Michaele and almost tied at the top with her is Stacie and Lynda (she’s a rude, arrogant snob!).  Followed a little farther behind is Catherine (Cat).  Honestly, the ONLY housewife I like is Mary!!  Wish the show could be about just her and her family! haha  I will give this show a chance, but so far I’m not sold on it.

So, what did everyone think about Kenny being the one to go home this week on Top Chef??  I am shocked!!  Amanda should have been the one to go home.  She actually should have gone home a while back.  What the hell??  I am not liking most of the contestants this year.  Kenny was my favorite since the first episode.  So, my new fave is Kevin……and, grudgingly, perhaps Angelo.  But it really kills me to say that because he’s so arrogant.  But that’s a chef for you!!

I got up this morning and exercised–The Shred Day 3.  I felt great afterward and can’t understand why I keep taking time off from exercising because I always feel so good when I’m done.

As for what I ate today:

breakfast: shredded wheat and 1% milk with a whole wheat english muffin and 2 pats of butter

snack: Venti sugar-free Cinnamon Dolce Latte

lunch: tuna sandwich on rye bread.  and grilled eggplant and crookneck squash with a diet Snapple (Trop-i-Rocka–thanks again, Bret Michaels)

dinner: 1 turkey burger (2.25 oz), grilled eggplant and squash, and whole grain pasta w/ fresh grated Parmesan Cheese.

Yesterday I only ended up drinking 1 cup of that 2 cups of water at the end of the night….so I was a little short of my goal.  For today I’ve had had 7 cups of water, so I think it’s safe to say I’ll meet my 8 cups today!! (fingers crossed).

Well, that’s it for now.  It’s almost TGIF….

A time to reflect

Another month has passed.  It’s unbelievable to me that half of 2010 is almost over! With the start of a new month I was thinking about what I have (and have not) accomplished so far this year.

The highlight for me has been running in my first 5K last month.  This is something I’ve wanted to do for years but kept putting off until now!  It was an incredible experience and I cannot wait to run another race.  I was planning on running in another 5K this upcoming Saturday, but due to lack of funds I have had to forgo any extracurricular activities until things change.  So, I will continue to train and when the money situation changes I will be ready for  my next race!!

Another accomplishment is spring cleaning.  I have been able to go through each room, clean it thoroughly, and dump a lot of stuff!!  I have reorganized and cleaned all of the nooks & crannies that I normally don’t have time for.  It is a great feeling!

I have been able to read.  One of my favorite pastimes has always been reading and throughout my life I have always made time for this hobby.  However, in the past few years I haven’t had time to read much of anything due to work.   So, I am playing catch-up.  Besides the stack of books at home calling my name, the library has become my second home.

I have started to blog.  This is all still new to me…I’ve only been doing it for a month.  I’m not used to putting myself out there, so this is truly a learning experience that anyone reading my posts can see.  So far I am enjoying the whole process and will get the hang of it soon.

I have a re-found love of cooking.  I have always been fascinated with cooking and enjoyed it growing up.  When I was in college I met my now ex-husband, who is a chef, so as an adult I never had to cook.  No, he rarely cooked at home but either he would bring something home from the restaurant or we would just go out.  The few times I tried to cook during our many years of marriage would be ridiculed so I finally just gave up.

But, thanks to Suzanne Somers and her books, I am enjoying the whole cooking process as well as understanding food.

One of  my biggest failings this year is not losing weight.  I started exercising again this year and have tried changed my eating habits but so far I am only down to 168 lbs (as of this morning).  It’s difficult to do this alone without any support, and I have to be realistic…I am alone in this.  My friends and family have not been supportive.  They say they are…but in practice, uh, not so much.

They all say they need to exercise, but when I try to engage them…they are “too busy” & want me to blow off my workouts to hang with them.  And, when it comes to eating my family and friends eat the worst possible foods and in massive proportions.  Honestly, it makes my life easier to just be by myself for now.

There are many other things I haven’t yet accomplished this year but that is because of one thing I haven’t been able, and need, to accomplish….getting a job.  I know many many people/friends who are unemployed like myself.  A few of them have recently gotten jobs so I know things are starting to look up.  Hopefully it’s just a matter of time before, I too, am an employed member of society again!!

So…..here’s to the start of a new month.  I hope it’s successful for us all……..

The Shred–Day 2

I decided to blog about my workouts in a public forum because writing it in a journal for “my eyes only” hasn’t really been enough of a motivation to stay committed.  I figured that if I put it out there for anyone & everyone to read it would make me stay on track because the alternative, quitting in public, is too darn embarrassing!!  Whatever works, right?!

So, I did do my second day of Jillian Michael’s 30 Day Shred–Level 1.  I wasn’t sore from yesterday which is a good thing!  I am finding that each time I do this workout parts of it get a little easier so I am doing part of the routine following the “beginners” trainer and part of the routine following the “advanced” trainer.  Hopefully, by day 10 of this level I will be following the advanced trainer throughout.  Fingers crossed!!

The push-ups are still nearly impossible–but I keep trying!  The only part that seemed harder was the dreaded arm raises using the 5 lb weights while doing side lunges.  My arms were burning so bad I could barely stand it!  But Jillian is right there motivating me on……

I again finished this workout with a smile on my face…….very sweaty, but with a smile.  Now, that’s what counts!! If I’m smiling, it means I can’t wait to do it again…..burning arms and all!!!