A lucky evening - I have come across A River Runs Through It on some three digit cable station. What a great movie and such a wonderful adaptation of the wonderful novella by Norman Maclean. I would highly recommend reading this and also his nonfiction book, Young Men and Fire that he wrote at the end of his life. I tried to get that philistine trailhoundz to read it but she blew it off in favor of some detective story featuring a dog or something like that. :-)LOL.
Anyways, my activity for the last week
Monday - 2.25 miles, easy and along the Lights on the Lake display
Tuesday - 2 back to back cycle classes
Wednesday - 2 miles (hills)
Thursday - no teaching! The gym was closed! It was nice not to have to ride.
Saturday - 3.5 miles
Tonight I met up with Bridg, Sherri, Shannon and Kris. Our goal is to run the Tipp Hill race in March. It is a four mile course and it is hilly. How hilly? Very. So, once a week we are going to run the loop across from the gym. It is .9 miles once around. Counterclockwise, it is a gradual incline with one short steep uphill and a longer steep downhill halfway through. Then it is a long downhill. When we get to our starting point, we turn around and run it the other way - the long incline leading to a long, fairly steep incline and the short steep downhill. We did it twice one way and ran it reversed the other way once. The third time around we picked up the pace going up the hill. I have a vague memory of saying something to Bridget, don't really remember what but her response (as she picked it up and blew by me) was something along the lines of, "Oh, you wanna fuck with me?" At least, I think that was what she said. I treated it as a rhetorical question as I was sucking wind so loud and so short of O2 I could have just been channeling The Big Lebowski ('This is what happens when you fuck a stranger in the ass!'). Cosmo actually broke his easy walk and tried to run after her but he was dragging ole lard ass me so he didn't get very far LOL. At any rate, the run felt good and even if she schooled me tonight, I will always have this (specifically paragraph 3). Us slow people have to take what little we can get.
I came home, laid on the bed with the pups, got up, hobbled to the shower and took a long, long, hot, hot shower. Yeah. I know. Not good but it did feel wonderful. I am going to need ibuprofen to just get out of bed tomorrow :-)
Monday, November 27, 2006
'Fronch toast' or C'mon People! Go Eggless!
There are a few things that I won't do. Yes, even I draw the line sometimes LOL. I try not to preach veg* nism. I can't always keep to this resolution ('cause ya know, sometimes people are just confrontational and defensive!) but frankly, I prefer to educate through example rather than lecture. Let me cook a vegan meal anyday over trying to 'convert' someone over from the dark side. Let me show you how easy it is. I also don't blog recipes that are only in cookbooks. Get your ass out there, buy it and support the vegan cookbook writers (or borrow it from the library and make copies)! I will, however, blog and link recipes with credit, that are already on the internet.
I believe that eating vegetarian/vegan isn't a whole lot harder than eating the SAD (standard American diet - kinda cool it spells out sad....because....well, it is SAD!). It just takes a little mental adjustment. You just have to start thinking different. Anyways, when I come across one of those super easy, this will convert every meat eater, 'it's easier to make the vegan version than the traditional version' recipes, I really, really want to spread it around. VwaV (Vegan with a Vengeance) has one of these recipes in their 'fronch toast' recipe. Unfortunately, it isn't on the website, The Post Punk Kitchen, so you will have to get off your ass and buy it if you haven't already (and if you haven't - what are you? Smokin' crack? Get this book! It is awesome!)
A while ago (probably years, but what do I know? The days all blur together) I heard a vegan educator/speaker (I think it was Erik Marcus, but it could have been Howard Lyman - nah, probably not Howard, more likely Erik but I am not definite,it could have been Gene Bauston or Harold Brown) say that if someone is going to give up only one animal based food, it should be eggs. The plight of the battery chicken is truly horrific even in a sea of inhumane, horrific, insensitive animal treatment.
I am getting to a point here folks - it is just taking me some time LOL. The point is, eggs are icky and no one should be eating them (just to gross you out I am asking trailhoundz to chime in in the comment section with her favorite disgusting descriptive phrase of chicken eggs). Another point is VwaV is an awesome book. And the last point is cooking and eating vegan isn't hard and sometimes can be easier than eating and cooking the SAD. My proof? Exhibit A: VwaV's fronch toast. The exact same as a regular recipe for french toast substituing 2 dry ingredients for the nasty eggs. Yep, from your pantry. No having to refrigerate, wondering if your eggs are fresh, no squishing your fingers through the shell and getting them all gunky, no dropping shells pieces into the bowl. Seriously, VwaV's 'fronch' toast is easier to make than traditional french toast. And it is seriously good. It is seriously even better than traditional SAD french toast. How do I know? Trailhoundz liked it and she never liked french toast as a kid. I fed it to a group of people while we were down at Dewey and they liked it. Those who didn't know me and my freakishly progressive eating habits, assumed it was 'regular' french toast.
The moral of this story? Go out, get VwaV, make the 'fronch toast' even if you aren't veg*n. Do it for the chickens :-)
I believe that eating vegetarian/vegan isn't a whole lot harder than eating the SAD (standard American diet - kinda cool it spells out sad....because....well, it is SAD!). It just takes a little mental adjustment. You just have to start thinking different. Anyways, when I come across one of those super easy, this will convert every meat eater, 'it's easier to make the vegan version than the traditional version' recipes, I really, really want to spread it around. VwaV (Vegan with a Vengeance) has one of these recipes in their 'fronch toast' recipe. Unfortunately, it isn't on the website, The Post Punk Kitchen, so you will have to get off your ass and buy it if you haven't already (and if you haven't - what are you? Smokin' crack? Get this book! It is awesome!)
A while ago (probably years, but what do I know? The days all blur together) I heard a vegan educator/speaker (I think it was Erik Marcus, but it could have been Howard Lyman - nah, probably not Howard, more likely Erik but I am not definite,it could have been Gene Bauston or Harold Brown) say that if someone is going to give up only one animal based food, it should be eggs. The plight of the battery chicken is truly horrific even in a sea of inhumane, horrific, insensitive animal treatment.
I am getting to a point here folks - it is just taking me some time LOL. The point is, eggs are icky and no one should be eating them (just to gross you out I am asking trailhoundz to chime in in the comment section with her favorite disgusting descriptive phrase of chicken eggs). Another point is VwaV is an awesome book. And the last point is cooking and eating vegan isn't hard and sometimes can be easier than eating and cooking the SAD. My proof? Exhibit A: VwaV's fronch toast. The exact same as a regular recipe for french toast substituing 2 dry ingredients for the nasty eggs. Yep, from your pantry. No having to refrigerate, wondering if your eggs are fresh, no squishing your fingers through the shell and getting them all gunky, no dropping shells pieces into the bowl. Seriously, VwaV's 'fronch' toast is easier to make than traditional french toast. And it is seriously good. It is seriously even better than traditional SAD french toast. How do I know? Trailhoundz liked it and she never liked french toast as a kid. I fed it to a group of people while we were down at Dewey and they liked it. Those who didn't know me and my freakishly progressive eating habits, assumed it was 'regular' french toast.
The moral of this story? Go out, get VwaV, make the 'fronch toast' even if you aren't veg*n. Do it for the chickens :-)
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Race Part II
I don't know who this dude was but he stood right there by the side of the road, hollering and high-fiving everyone in :-) 
Some pups also ran or watched the race:
I took this guy's picture just for Jen!
This is Sherri's dog:
This is Molly who was adopted only yesterday by her new family:
Tomorrow we are all meeting to do an easy, celebratory run at the park and check out the Lights on the Lake.
The official race times:
Melissa - 30:14
Sherri - 31:42
Sue - 32:21
Shannon - 35:29
Kris - 35:30
I might have to rethink my running with this group....I don't know if I can hang with them. These five women were also the third largest fundraising group of the race for the Arthritis Foundation. Congrats to all of you!
Some pups also ran or watched the race:
I took this guy's picture just for Jen!
This is Sherri's dog:
This is Molly who was adopted only yesterday by her new family:
Tomorrow we are all meeting to do an easy, celebratory run at the park and check out the Lights on the Lake.
The official race times:
Melissa - 30:14
Sherri - 31:42
Sue - 32:21
Shannon - 35:29
Kris - 35:30
I might have to rethink my running with this group....I don't know if I can hang with them. These five women were also the third largest fundraising group of the race for the Arthritis Foundation. Congrats to all of you!
Jingle Bell Run 2006
This race benefits the Arthritis Foundation. This was the race that the fall Y Run group did. Bridg and I headed out this morning to watch the group. It was a perfect day for running - at least I thought so. About 40 degrees, overcast, slight misty drizzle and NO wind (always a biggie by the lake). I just want to say that these women impress the hell out of me. They have formed such a cohesive, mutually supportive bond. Pre-Race
Pictures:
Everyone off to a good start:
Everyone finishing strong...5 runners and 5 personal bests:
Pictures:
Everyone off to a good start:
Everyone finishing strong...5 runners and 5 personal bests:
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Weekly Recap
Monday - 2.5 miles with Cos, Melissa, Kris and Shannon. Melissa is a faster runner than I (probably close to a flat 10 m/m) but I was determined to hang with her, if I was able. So we picked it up the last .5 mile - not easy but I kept with her, I was sucking wind. :-) She definitely set the pace but of course said she was just trying to stay with me - yeah right :-) Anyways, as we both said, you have to run faster to get faster.
Tuesday - back to back cycle classes.
Wednesday - 2.7, 31 minutes. 11:30 m/m. Not too bad considering the two breaks Mo took to answer the call of nature.
Post Run Pup Pics:
Thursday - back to back cycle classes. After a bit of a rough start, I am settling into teaching two classes in a row. Today was a great day. I had some great riders including another instructor (this always makes you pick up your game!) - Sue came in and joined us for my second class. I rode hard both classes.
Saturday - 3.25 with Bridget. No time, we just went out and tried to get a little distance under us. It took Cos the first .5 mile to settle in. I am definitely considering a hands free system for him.
After taking the summer off, I have been back running for 10 weeks now. After a real slow start, I feel like I am starting to get my groove back. I think I will be adding another running day in a couple of weeks. As our distances have picked up and he is now running all days with me, Cos's food had been up-ped a cup a day.
Tomorrow is the Jingle Bell run and I am looking forward to getting out and watching everyone run.
Tuesday - back to back cycle classes.
Wednesday - 2.7, 31 minutes. 11:30 m/m. Not too bad considering the two breaks Mo took to answer the call of nature.
Post Run Pup Pics:
Thursday - back to back cycle classes. After a bit of a rough start, I am settling into teaching two classes in a row. Today was a great day. I had some great riders including another instructor (this always makes you pick up your game!) - Sue came in and joined us for my second class. I rode hard both classes.
Saturday - 3.25 with Bridget. No time, we just went out and tried to get a little distance under us. It took Cos the first .5 mile to settle in. I am definitely considering a hands free system for him.
After taking the summer off, I have been back running for 10 weeks now. After a real slow start, I feel like I am starting to get my groove back. I think I will be adding another running day in a couple of weeks. As our distances have picked up and he is now running all days with me, Cos's food had been up-ped a cup a day.
Tomorrow is the Jingle Bell run and I am looking forward to getting out and watching everyone run.
Friday, November 17, 2006
Terminator feet
I have been running long enough and have talked to enough of them to know that most runners have a weakness that they have to manage as they get older, an 'achilles heel'. For some it *is* their achilles tendons, for others it can be their hamstrings, their shins, their IT band, etc. For me, it is my feet, in particular my plantar fascia - in both feet.
I tell people in my classes, that as you get older, it is all about managing these 'conditions' in order to be able to keep doing what you want to do. In my pursuit of managing my foot pain, I have done the podiatrist route (very carefully researched in order to find a dr. who would work with my running and not just tell me to stop - which is really the best way to treat PF), the physical therapist, cortisone, orthotics, etc. What I have found that works the best for me is night splints, stretching and icing after running.
Night splints are devices that keep your feet in a 90 angle position while you sleep so that the fascia does not contract while you sleep. In effect, it keeps your feet stretched all night. My first set weren't splints per se, but the Strassburg sock, recommended by a person at my local running store. My podiatrist was surprised that they worked for me. He said most people find them uncomfortable to sleep in. My reply: Hell yeah, they are uncomfortable but a lot more comfortable then the pain! My only gripe with the socks is that they kept your foot flexed by applying pressure at the toe (for lack of a better description). I found this really irritated my toes but I still wore them and was grateful that I was able to continue running. Eventually, though, they got nasty and worn so out they went.
I still need something though but wanted to go with a device that kept my foot flexed without irritating my toes. I went with a more traditional night splint:
I feel like the Terminator in these :-) Combine the night splints with the fact that I have carpel tunnel and wear wrist braces to bed every night, I am one hot mama.
My poor husband :-) I tell him all I need is a night retainer to complete my ensemble!
I tell people in my classes, that as you get older, it is all about managing these 'conditions' in order to be able to keep doing what you want to do. In my pursuit of managing my foot pain, I have done the podiatrist route (very carefully researched in order to find a dr. who would work with my running and not just tell me to stop - which is really the best way to treat PF), the physical therapist, cortisone, orthotics, etc. What I have found that works the best for me is night splints, stretching and icing after running.
Night splints are devices that keep your feet in a 90 angle position while you sleep so that the fascia does not contract while you sleep. In effect, it keeps your feet stretched all night. My first set weren't splints per se, but the Strassburg sock, recommended by a person at my local running store. My podiatrist was surprised that they worked for me. He said most people find them uncomfortable to sleep in. My reply: Hell yeah, they are uncomfortable but a lot more comfortable then the pain! My only gripe with the socks is that they kept your foot flexed by applying pressure at the toe (for lack of a better description). I found this really irritated my toes but I still wore them and was grateful that I was able to continue running. Eventually, though, they got nasty and worn so out they went.
I still need something though but wanted to go with a device that kept my foot flexed without irritating my toes. I went with a more traditional night splint:
I feel like the Terminator in these :-) Combine the night splints with the fact that I have carpel tunnel and wear wrist braces to bed every night, I am one hot mama.
My poor husband :-) I tell him all I need is a night retainer to complete my ensemble!
Thursday, November 16, 2006
It isn't cool...
to take someone's post to a board and send it on WITHOUT permission to a third party. Fallout can happen from doing that kind of crap, and in this case, it has been some employment fallout. It looks like everything might settle out ok, but still... This isn't pertaining to me but a friend, which makes it worse. I don't like getting panicky calls from upset and shaken friends. It makes me cranky and very offended on their behalf. Honestly, I just don't know what some people are about. You do this kind of shit and bad mojo is sure to haunt you. And if there isn't enough spare bad mojo (there is that Darfur situation which HAS to be a black hole sucking in all the spare bad mojo available in the world....) in the world to haunt you, I will do it myself. People need to not meddle and keep their traps shut. Oh, and don't crosspost or forward emails without permission!
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
damn....
I just spent an half hour watching warthogs cavort around the waterhole. Hakuna Matata y'all!
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
New Letterbox
B and I headed out Sunday afternoon to plant my new letterbox, Ciao Sicilia. The stamp is kind of creepy but it is authentic. The clues are a mystery and written in Italian. We shall see how many visitors it gets. Overall, I am pretty happy with the box and the location although it will be tricky to retrieve and replace. I am relying on the skill of all those boxers out there to keep my box secure! LOL
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Weekly recap
Monday - 30 minute run (with Cosmo), approx. 2.3 miles
Tuesday - two back-to-back cycle classes, 45 minutes each, total 1.5 hours
Wednesday - 2.4 miles, 28 minutes (with Cosmo)
Thursday - 2 back-to-back cycle classes, total 1.5 hours
Saturday - 3.1 miles, 36 minutes (with Cosmo)
Do ya think I need speedwork? :-) I do think I can go faster and that Cos slows me down. Not that he is slow (haha) but that I think that keeping him situated does slow me down slightly. I can never just lose myself in my run when I have him because I always have to be aware him. The trade off is I wouldn't be running without him. I would like to try to come up with some hand free apparatus to attach him to me. There is are a couple of commercial ones. Most seem to have a male/female plastic type of fastener like this:
http://www.buddysys.com/How_to_Use/How_to_use.htm
Hmmmm.......yeah, I don't think I am going to use that with my guy. Some of these companies use the selling point of an emergency quick release for these types of fasteners. The thing is, I don't want any quick release with my boy. I want him attached to me to the bitter end and I don't want anything that has the slightest chance of pulling apart. If I drop dead on a run, I want them to find my body with him attached. I have been at one end of a leash with a greyhound trying to take off after something. I do not trust the plastic attachments.
I am leaning towards this:
http://www.cardiocanine.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2&HS=1
But I am a little leary of the webbing material and the little oval thingy that attaches the leash to the belt. I suppose if I order it, I can always send it back.
I have also thought about heading out to EMS and asking them to rig me something up with climbing rope and carabiners that goes around my waist.
Tuesday - two back-to-back cycle classes, 45 minutes each, total 1.5 hours
Wednesday - 2.4 miles, 28 minutes (with Cosmo)
Thursday - 2 back-to-back cycle classes, total 1.5 hours
Saturday - 3.1 miles, 36 minutes (with Cosmo)
Do ya think I need speedwork? :-) I do think I can go faster and that Cos slows me down. Not that he is slow (haha) but that I think that keeping him situated does slow me down slightly. I can never just lose myself in my run when I have him because I always have to be aware him. The trade off is I wouldn't be running without him. I would like to try to come up with some hand free apparatus to attach him to me. There is are a couple of commercial ones. Most seem to have a male/female plastic type of fastener like this:
http://www.buddysys.com/How_to_Use/How_to_use.htm
Hmmmm.......yeah, I don't think I am going to use that with my guy. Some of these companies use the selling point of an emergency quick release for these types of fasteners. The thing is, I don't want any quick release with my boy. I want him attached to me to the bitter end and I don't want anything that has the slightest chance of pulling apart. If I drop dead on a run, I want them to find my body with him attached. I have been at one end of a leash with a greyhound trying to take off after something. I do not trust the plastic attachments.
I am leaning towards this:
http://www.cardiocanine.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2&HS=1
But I am a little leary of the webbing material and the little oval thingy that attaches the leash to the belt. I suppose if I order it, I can always send it back.
I have also thought about heading out to EMS and asking them to rig me something up with climbing rope and carabiners that goes around my waist.
Newest addiction
My newest timewaster:
Africam
I have to watch with the sound off because the bird noised drive Angus crazy.
Africam
I have to watch with the sound off because the bird noised drive Angus crazy.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Thursday goofiness
I came across this video from a few months ago, of Cosmo. It is sooooo 'Cosmo'.
This next video was taken a week or so ago. I met a friend at the ball park to run the dogs. Because of his feet issues, Mal isn't a very active dog so it is always great to see him run a little bit and be happy.
This next video was taken a week or so ago. I met a friend at the ball park to run the dogs. Because of his feet issues, Mal isn't a very active dog so it is always great to see him run a little bit and be happy.
Doggy dental health
I get so tired of all the maintenance that humans need. I was supposed to weight train yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon. I taught two cycle classes Tuesday night, came home and showered. Got up Wednesday morning, ran, came home and showered. The prospect of having to (yet again!) shower Wednesday afternoon was beyond me. 3 showers in less than 24 hours. I just couldn't be bothered so I didn't lift so I wouldn't have to shower. Lazy, I know.
So in addition to all my own hygiene, and although all my children are grown, I find myself responsible for the hygiene for three other creatures in this household. I will admit that I have been remiss at times. Nails have gotten long, teeth have gone unbrushed, etc.
The last six months, though, I have been trying to do better. The catalyst? I came across a statistic that dogs with maintained teeth can have a lifespan of up to two years longer than a dog with bad teeth. Damn. I want those two years so I decided to get off my lazy butt and start working for them. All three dogs get their teeth brushed probably 5 days out of 7. I use a beef or chicken flavored doggy toothpaste with enzymes. I brush with a battery powered Crest spinbrush. I pull the jowls out, stick the brush back there and turn it on. Easy-peezy. All three do really well and don't seem to mind.
Cos's teeth were never all that bad. Both Angus and Mal had layers of plaque, especially on their canines. After a few months with the enzymatic toothpaste, Bridget was able to pick and chip the plaque off their teeth. (Yeah, that is right. Bridget chipped the plaque off. I don't pick my dogs' teeth and I don't pop their zits. That is what Bridget and Jen are for.)
The end result:
Mal:
Cos:
Ang:
Six months of brushing has made a huge difference and I hope that their teeth continue improving because I WANT THOSE TWO YEARS. Next on our agenda? Raw feeding research.
So in addition to all my own hygiene, and although all my children are grown, I find myself responsible for the hygiene for three other creatures in this household. I will admit that I have been remiss at times. Nails have gotten long, teeth have gone unbrushed, etc.
The last six months, though, I have been trying to do better. The catalyst? I came across a statistic that dogs with maintained teeth can have a lifespan of up to two years longer than a dog with bad teeth. Damn. I want those two years so I decided to get off my lazy butt and start working for them. All three dogs get their teeth brushed probably 5 days out of 7. I use a beef or chicken flavored doggy toothpaste with enzymes. I brush with a battery powered Crest spinbrush. I pull the jowls out, stick the brush back there and turn it on. Easy-peezy. All three do really well and don't seem to mind.
Cos's teeth were never all that bad. Both Angus and Mal had layers of plaque, especially on their canines. After a few months with the enzymatic toothpaste, Bridget was able to pick and chip the plaque off their teeth. (Yeah, that is right. Bridget chipped the plaque off. I don't pick my dogs' teeth and I don't pop their zits. That is what Bridget and Jen are for.)
The end result:
Mal:
Cos:
Ang:
Six months of brushing has made a huge difference and I hope that their teeth continue improving because I WANT THOSE TWO YEARS. Next on our agenda? Raw feeding research.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Post run pup
This is Cosmo taking a well deserved rest after an almost 2.5 mile outing. Don't let the relaxed demeanor fool you, though. He would be up in a flash if he heard a leash jingle. Greyhounds are known to be low maintenance, low exercise dogs. Cosmo is the exception that proves the rule, I guess. It seems the more we run, the more he is up in my business wanting to go.
We keep increasing our distance and time out. Monday, we ran 30 minutes with a group. It was a great run and I felt wonderful. Today, we ran by ourselves and it wasn't easy. We did 2.4 miles in 28 minutes. Not a record pace there, folks. I felt slow and heavy. As usual though, we had a few stops - 2 pee and 1 poop (4 minutes into the run) break to be exact. And in shades of trailhoundz (see #6 of good Dewey things), we had a Cosmo poop malfunction. Must be something about his poop that doesn't want to be contained! 1 mile to go and I start smelling it. It got on my hand, my shirt (??), the leash. It was all pervasive.
The race that the group is planning to run is in a week and a half. We are upping our time to 35 minutes this Saturday. After the race, we will go to a regular distance based schedule. I am thinking Saturdays for long slow runs - 4 miles working up to an occasional 6 miler. Mondays will be a 2 miler and then there will be one or two midweek 3-4 milers. Hopefully this schedule will get everyone through the winter in decent shape and ready to race in the spring.
My 25th House District
It was very close, 105,050 to 101,107 but it looks as though my congressional representative for the next two years will continue to be Jim Walsh. AS HE HAS BEEN SINCE 1988! 18 YEARS!
My neighbors, New Yorkers.......our founding fathers never planned or expected that Congress be a career.
My neighbors, New Yorkers.......our founding fathers never planned or expected that Congress be a career.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Election coverage thoughts
I am sitting here, flipping channels, watching the early returns.
Crist (gov. race in FL) - guess it paid off in this case for a repub to diss Gee Dubya.
Harold Ford, Jr.** - would he really have been the first African-American elected to the Senate from the South in the last 100 years? Really? Wow. Now they are saying that we have never had more than one African-American in the Senate at one time.
Allen/Webb - Macaca anyone? How can that race even be close?
NY Senate Race - guess my man Howie Hawkins (Green Party) couldn't pull it off. We have Hillary for the next 6 years (or until she declares her presidency campaign.....)
**edited to change Harold Brown (wow....what a freudian slip!) to the correct Harold Ford. Sheesh....poor guy. He loses and I add insult to injury getting his name wrong.**
Crist (gov. race in FL) - guess it paid off in this case for a repub to diss Gee Dubya.
Harold Ford, Jr.** - would he really have been the first African-American elected to the Senate from the South in the last 100 years? Really? Wow. Now they are saying that we have never had more than one African-American in the Senate at one time.
Allen/Webb - Macaca anyone? How can that race even be close?
NY Senate Race - guess my man Howie Hawkins (Green Party) couldn't pull it off. We have Hillary for the next 6 years (or until she declares her presidency campaign.....)
**edited to change Harold Brown (wow....what a freudian slip!) to the correct Harold Ford. Sheesh....poor guy. He loses and I add insult to injury getting his name wrong.**
Pointed the way by fellow blogger AMT, I have signed up to last.fm. It is a pretty neat site. It tracks what music you listen to on your players and then recommends other music. It also allows you to interact with other listeners and listen to their music. That is my favorite part right now. Man, people are listening to some strange stuff - but I digress... For some reason, I haven't been able to figure it out yet as it is a genre I don't listen to, but I keep getting directed to a lot of german techno/electronica/club music. Who knows why? I have now listened to more Kraftwerk in two days than I have heard previously in my whole life.
Anyways, I have now discovered Nina Simone. Thank you lastfm. You can also 'love' or 'ban' music which is pretty neat. Prince? Oh, hit that little heart love button. Led Zeppelin? Sorry, you have been banned. Eagles, Nirvana, Ciara? Banned, banned, banned. It is very carthatic :-)For a laugh out loud, surreal moment, I did get to listen to The Sugar Hill Gang's 'Rapper's Delight'. You know that I hit the heart/love button for that. I just had to out of respect for the musical gods.
Anyways, I have now discovered Nina Simone. Thank you lastfm. You can also 'love' or 'ban' music which is pretty neat. Prince? Oh, hit that little heart love button. Led Zeppelin? Sorry, you have been banned. Eagles, Nirvana, Ciara? Banned, banned, banned. It is very carthatic :-)For a laugh out loud, surreal moment, I did get to listen to The Sugar Hill Gang's 'Rapper's Delight'. You know that I hit the heart/love button for that. I just had to out of respect for the musical gods.
11/7
'This isn't an election, it's an intervention.'
I read that the other day - I think it is a quote from Andrew Sullivan. It is very difficult to be reasonable about all this and not just want to go in and vote for anyone who isn't an incumbent. 'You've been in? Well, now you are out. Don't recognize your name? Flip that lever!'
I read that the other day - I think it is a quote from Andrew Sullivan. It is very difficult to be reasonable about all this and not just want to go in and vote for anyone who isn't an incumbent. 'You've been in? Well, now you are out. Don't recognize your name? Flip that lever!'
Monday, November 06, 2006
What I learned this week
There are a lot of people that like Buck Cherry's 'Crazy Bitch' but no one is proud of it :-)
New shoes
For me, new running shoes rate as one of life's greatest pleasures. Nothing beats getting a new pair - the way they smell, the way they feel, the way they look, the possibilities they offer, gonna run faster, gonna run longer. I buy probably 4 pairs a year and it never gets old, never gets blase. I *always* feel that purchasing new shoes is an event. I am a neutral runner, but a plodder (damn that 20 lbs I really, really want to lose!) so I run in Adidas Super Nova and have for years. They have discontinued my style in my width and I try not to hyperventilate or panic thinking about it. I don't know what I am going to do. 
So the story is......I bought new shoes at the beginning of the summer. Bridget also around the same time bought elastic laces for her cycle shoes that lace and her running shoes - all in preparation for her first (and last? I don't know - I hope not!) triathlon. I kept my face straight when she said she was going to use the speed laces on her cycle shoes and sure enough, she figured out pretty quickly that wasn't going to work. She gave me that pair and I put them in my running shoes. My new running shoes, or so I thought.
When I replace my shoes, I always keep the old pair around because there is still a lot of non-impact life in them. Unfortunately, I am not a sneaker wearer so you won't see me wearing my old shoes much.
You see where this is going. I put the laces in my old shoes, put the new shoes up on a shelf in the closet and I have been running in my old shoes all summer. I just figured this out last week.
So the story is......I bought new shoes at the beginning of the summer. Bridget also around the same time bought elastic laces for her cycle shoes that lace and her running shoes - all in preparation for her first (and last? I don't know - I hope not!) triathlon. I kept my face straight when she said she was going to use the speed laces on her cycle shoes and sure enough, she figured out pretty quickly that wasn't going to work. She gave me that pair and I put them in my running shoes. My new running shoes, or so I thought.
When I replace my shoes, I always keep the old pair around because there is still a lot of non-impact life in them. Unfortunately, I am not a sneaker wearer so you won't see me wearing my old shoes much.
You see where this is going. I put the laces in my old shoes, put the new shoes up on a shelf in the closet and I have been running in my old shoes all summer. I just figured this out last week.
Sunday, November 05, 2006
A Run, A Car and A Walk
Saturday started off with the last of the Y Running Class. The group was scheduled to run 30 minutes - with NO WALKING TIME. This is always a big mental leap for these beginner runners to make. I had a small group - as usual. I can usually keep more of the summer class which goes over 12 weeks - there is less of a drop out rate. The fall class, though, over only 8 weeks is so much harder and people drop out at a much higher rate. So they had to run 30 minutes. And they did it. It wasn't easy, I hung in the back of the pack, talking, trying to get their minds distracted and the front runners kept circling back to pick us up. Hey, we practice a 'leave no runner behind' policy in my classes. My theory (as a slow runner) is if you can run faster, you can run longer and come back and run us in :-) No one has ever had a problem with this and it seems to really make the group cohesive, self-motivated and bonded. Anyways, the running classes are done until next spring. We are now just going to try to run on our own Saturday mornings at the park. Most are signed up to run the Jingle Bell Run in two weeks time and are calling their team The Other Greyhounds! You can even sponsor them if you like. They are all getting Greyhound Walking Club of Central New York t-shirts to run in from Bridge, Jen and I.
After the run, Jen came into town, and we all (meaning J and Bridge and me) took off to test drive the Scion XB. It is pretty much the only car that met all of Jen's requirements - fit the dogs, economical gas mileage, not an SUV, not used, etc. I think she liked it because she bought it! Woohoo! The car drama might just be over. It is black, very urban and cool looking.
So, I am very excited for Jen. Her very first brand new car!
My parents and sister came over that evening. My sister is normal but my parents get stranger every time I see them. My dad is 73 and my mom will be 70 this spring. She made and brought over Texas Dump Stewp. No I mean Texas Dump Souw. It was Texas Dump Stew but she could never say it right :-) My mom used to be a great meat and potatoes, grease frying, southern cook. I mean, when I was a kid, we ate good but ate like crap if you know what I mean :-) Then my dad got sick and she had to completely change her cooking style. And I think she also got tired of cooking. I am a believer that most women have X amount of dinners in them. When they reach that number - they are done. I am almost there, especially in terms of big family dinners. Just don't want to cook or go through the hassle. So I can definitely understand where my mom is coming from when she says she is tired of cooking, especially when her cooking during my childhood, was so different and more labor intensive from what I do now. I cook in my kitchen with ingredients that are fairly easy to find in any store nowadays. When I was a kid, my mom's cooking consisted of gardening, preparing, canning and freezing, etc. all before even getting to any cooking part. I don't begrudge my mom not wanting to cook but honestly, that Texas Dump Stew she brought over was not good and there were no biscuits, cornbread because my dad can't eat them.....
Sunday was the monthly GWC walk. Weather cooperated, lots of people showed up, hounds and people comported themselves admirably. It was a very nice time :-)
After the run, Jen came into town, and we all (meaning J and Bridge and me) took off to test drive the Scion XB. It is pretty much the only car that met all of Jen's requirements - fit the dogs, economical gas mileage, not an SUV, not used, etc. I think she liked it because she bought it! Woohoo! The car drama might just be over. It is black, very urban and cool looking.
So, I am very excited for Jen. Her very first brand new car!My parents and sister came over that evening. My sister is normal but my parents get stranger every time I see them. My dad is 73 and my mom will be 70 this spring. She made and brought over Texas Dump Stewp. No I mean Texas Dump Souw. It was Texas Dump Stew but she could never say it right :-) My mom used to be a great meat and potatoes, grease frying, southern cook. I mean, when I was a kid, we ate good but ate like crap if you know what I mean :-) Then my dad got sick and she had to completely change her cooking style. And I think she also got tired of cooking. I am a believer that most women have X amount of dinners in them. When they reach that number - they are done. I am almost there, especially in terms of big family dinners. Just don't want to cook or go through the hassle. So I can definitely understand where my mom is coming from when she says she is tired of cooking, especially when her cooking during my childhood, was so different and more labor intensive from what I do now. I cook in my kitchen with ingredients that are fairly easy to find in any store nowadays. When I was a kid, my mom's cooking consisted of gardening, preparing, canning and freezing, etc. all before even getting to any cooking part. I don't begrudge my mom not wanting to cook but honestly, that Texas Dump Stew she brought over was not good and there were no biscuits, cornbread because my dad can't eat them.....
Sunday was the monthly GWC walk. Weather cooperated, lots of people showed up, hounds and people comported themselves admirably. It was a very nice time :-)
Friday, November 03, 2006
Thursday, November 02, 2006
How much longer until November 7?
My homepage is CNN. For the past few days, every time I clicked on it, I was updated on the current news relating to the scandal. Oh, c'mon....you know the scandal. Not the war, not 103 Americans dead in the month of October, not the deficit, not the economy, not the ever present corporate malfeasance. John Kerry's insult and disregard of our fighting forces....his botched joke. This morning the headline reads
White House: Kerry apology right but late
Okay. Enough all ready. It was a joke that was screwed up. As a challenged joke teller, I can sympathize. You should also be able to sympathize, George. Remember:
'Mission Accomplished'
'Bring 'em on!'
'I don't think anybody anticipated the breach of the levees'
'And Brownie, you're doing a heckuva job'
'Just so long as I'm the dictator'
'Those weapons of mass destruction gotta be around here somewhere' 'Major combat operations in Iraq have ended'
Freaking John Kerry mangling a joke isn't an issue. Even if he really meant what he said, it isn't an issue. What is an issue is an illegal war, based on lies, that is killing and maiming countless Iraqis and Americans and that has made a mockery of the principles our country is based upon. Who would have ever thought that the United States could go into a country ruled by someone like Saddam Hussein and make his rule look positively utopian by comparison?
To quote a friend, 'Go sell crazy somewhere else' Republicans. We aren't buying what you are selling. I can't wait for 11/7.
White House: Kerry apology right but late
Okay. Enough all ready. It was a joke that was screwed up. As a challenged joke teller, I can sympathize. You should also be able to sympathize, George. Remember:
'Mission Accomplished'
'Bring 'em on!'
'I don't think anybody anticipated the breach of the levees'
'And Brownie, you're doing a heckuva job'
'Just so long as I'm the dictator'
'Those weapons of mass destruction gotta be around here somewhere' 'Major combat operations in Iraq have ended'
Freaking John Kerry mangling a joke isn't an issue. Even if he really meant what he said, it isn't an issue. What is an issue is an illegal war, based on lies, that is killing and maiming countless Iraqis and Americans and that has made a mockery of the principles our country is based upon. Who would have ever thought that the United States could go into a country ruled by someone like Saddam Hussein and make his rule look positively utopian by comparison?
To quote a friend, 'Go sell crazy somewhere else' Republicans. We aren't buying what you are selling. I can't wait for 11/7.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Dangerous times and a new playlist
One of the hazards of reading/talking to people about their runs is sometimes they make things that you know are ridiculous sound reasonable. For instance, All My Tomorrows ran a half marathon last weekend. She had a great race, it sounded like fun and most dangerously of all.......it sounded 'do-able'.
The last time I fell victim to this syndrome, I found myself out in an open water, mass start swim for a triathlon, practically peeing in my wetsuit. I know better! I must resist! My Y co-worker Kelle is another dangerous person to talk to. She makes it all seem reasonable and fun.
Anyways, it really is a losing battle. As I showered this morning, I was mulling over a return to the Green Lakes Tri because this past year was really not a good race for me. I walked up the big hill because my cleat came loose. I have never walked up that hill. That did not make me happy and I know I can have a better race next year. Ah, the insanity.
I have been feeling very good about running lately, and that makes me nervous. This morning was an easy 2.2 mile run with Cos. We did it in 24.50 - a little bit over an 11 m/m pace. Yeah, not setting the world on fire here folks! But in my defense, we did have to stop for a poop break. We always have to stop for a poop break, without fail. I passed the next few minutes pondering the thought that maybe my race time would be a few seconds a mile faster. After all, it has to slow me down carrying that poop, right?
A new run playlist helped. I consider music to be the opiate of the running masses (with apologies to Lenin). Yeah, I know there are those who like to be alone with their thoughts and like to be 'present in the moment' when they run. Not me. I want music. Lots of it. Fast and hard. To keep my mind off what I am doing. I consider my iPod to be a gift from the gods (and the husband) and THE major advancement of the human race in the 21st century.
My main requirement for running music is it has to be fast and I have to be able to sing along with it (not that I ever can actually sing aloud while I am running but I sing along in my mind!)
My new playlist:
Volunteers - Jefferson Airplane
Are you Gonna Be My Girl - Jet - This song sets a nice little groove that makes it easy to settle in for a run.
Hung Up - Madonna - Love it, love it, love it.
Bring Me To Life - Evanescence - scarfed from a cycle cd someone loaned me. I just like the song.
The Jungle - Guns N Roses - Axel Rose.....my guilty pleasure, I even love him in a kilt.
Hey Jealousy - Gin Blossoms - pure pop. I love this song.
Whiskey in the Jar - Metallica - always nice to contemplate crime and murder on a run......
Sandstorm - Da Rude - this is a fav in cycle classes for nice rhythmic sprints. It is always great for a 'pick up the pace'. Of course, if it plays during a stretch when the 'tank is empty' and you just don't have any more to give, you might just feel suicidal.
The Reason - Sum 41 - This is one of my all-time fav bands to run to. Just love, love, love to run to them.
Hell Song - Sum 41
Crazy Bitch - Buckcherry - Yeah, I know. I will win no prize with this song. It is nasty and misogynist. I would never play it with my mother in the house. I will deny to my mother to my last day on earth that I ever even heard this song, much less ran and sang along to it. I mean, c'mon! The lyrics:
Hey you're crazy bitch
but you fuck so good
I’m on top of it
When I dream I’m doing you all night
scratches all down my back
to keep me right on
But you know what? It's only rock 'n' roll, folks. It is supposed to hard, nasty and fun. And this song is hard, nasty and fun. And I like running to it. No apologies.
Julie Ann - Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver - I harbor a deep and abiding love for 'old school', high-lonesome bluegrass. This particular version of the song I run to is kick ass live. Like bluegrass or not, listening to this, you would have to agree they are stellar, world class muscians without peers.
Lit Up - Buck Cherry - What can I say? Brash, energetic, raucous, visceral. I can usually gasp out, 'Are you fucking high?' at the appropriate time even while running.
Cold Hard Bitch - Jet - pure derivitive rock 'n' roll. Still great to run and sing along to.
I'll Melt With You - Modern English - Lots of fun. Great to run to.
Ride the Chariot to the Devil - Sum 41 - Only a minute long, I use this to try to pick up my pace.
New York, New York - Ryan Adams - This song makes me think of my daughter who is living and going to school in NYC. I end my runs thinking of her.
So that is what I am running to lately. I am open to suggestions :-)
The last time I fell victim to this syndrome, I found myself out in an open water, mass start swim for a triathlon, practically peeing in my wetsuit. I know better! I must resist! My Y co-worker Kelle is another dangerous person to talk to. She makes it all seem reasonable and fun.
Anyways, it really is a losing battle. As I showered this morning, I was mulling over a return to the Green Lakes Tri because this past year was really not a good race for me. I walked up the big hill because my cleat came loose. I have never walked up that hill. That did not make me happy and I know I can have a better race next year. Ah, the insanity.
I have been feeling very good about running lately, and that makes me nervous. This morning was an easy 2.2 mile run with Cos. We did it in 24.50 - a little bit over an 11 m/m pace. Yeah, not setting the world on fire here folks! But in my defense, we did have to stop for a poop break. We always have to stop for a poop break, without fail. I passed the next few minutes pondering the thought that maybe my race time would be a few seconds a mile faster. After all, it has to slow me down carrying that poop, right?
A new run playlist helped. I consider music to be the opiate of the running masses (with apologies to Lenin). Yeah, I know there are those who like to be alone with their thoughts and like to be 'present in the moment' when they run. Not me. I want music. Lots of it. Fast and hard. To keep my mind off what I am doing. I consider my iPod to be a gift from the gods (and the husband) and THE major advancement of the human race in the 21st century.
My main requirement for running music is it has to be fast and I have to be able to sing along with it (not that I ever can actually sing aloud while I am running but I sing along in my mind!)
My new playlist:
Volunteers - Jefferson Airplane
Are you Gonna Be My Girl - Jet - This song sets a nice little groove that makes it easy to settle in for a run.
Hung Up - Madonna - Love it, love it, love it.
Bring Me To Life - Evanescence - scarfed from a cycle cd someone loaned me. I just like the song.
The Jungle - Guns N Roses - Axel Rose.....my guilty pleasure, I even love him in a kilt.
Hey Jealousy - Gin Blossoms - pure pop. I love this song.
Whiskey in the Jar - Metallica - always nice to contemplate crime and murder on a run......
Sandstorm - Da Rude - this is a fav in cycle classes for nice rhythmic sprints. It is always great for a 'pick up the pace'. Of course, if it plays during a stretch when the 'tank is empty' and you just don't have any more to give, you might just feel suicidal.
The Reason - Sum 41 - This is one of my all-time fav bands to run to. Just love, love, love to run to them.
Hell Song - Sum 41
Crazy Bitch - Buckcherry - Yeah, I know. I will win no prize with this song. It is nasty and misogynist. I would never play it with my mother in the house. I will deny to my mother to my last day on earth that I ever even heard this song, much less ran and sang along to it. I mean, c'mon! The lyrics:
Hey you're crazy bitch
but you fuck so good
I’m on top of it
When I dream I’m doing you all night
scratches all down my back
to keep me right on
But you know what? It's only rock 'n' roll, folks. It is supposed to hard, nasty and fun. And this song is hard, nasty and fun. And I like running to it. No apologies.
Julie Ann - Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver - I harbor a deep and abiding love for 'old school', high-lonesome bluegrass. This particular version of the song I run to is kick ass live. Like bluegrass or not, listening to this, you would have to agree they are stellar, world class muscians without peers.
Lit Up - Buck Cherry - What can I say? Brash, energetic, raucous, visceral. I can usually gasp out, 'Are you fucking high?' at the appropriate time even while running.
Cold Hard Bitch - Jet - pure derivitive rock 'n' roll. Still great to run and sing along to.
I'll Melt With You - Modern English - Lots of fun. Great to run to.
Ride the Chariot to the Devil - Sum 41 - Only a minute long, I use this to try to pick up my pace.
New York, New York - Ryan Adams - This song makes me think of my daughter who is living and going to school in NYC. I end my runs thinking of her.
So that is what I am running to lately. I am open to suggestions :-)
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