Last Snow Day Ramblings

Interesting. Very interesting.

I've been trapped in the house for at least 2 days. Today is day 3 and it seems I could really get out if need be but I'm kind of comfortable. However, I do need to run an errand for Monday's all waited "smoothie day". 

I just signed up for a virtual race because I love the shirt. www.runwithjess.com has nice contest and races.  Her Valentine's proceeds benefit St. Jude. Admirable. I should set up a virtual race for YHOA. Seems easy. I'll look into it. Maybe set something up for September which is suicide awareness month. 

My first race for the year is coming up February 13. The Hot Chocolate race. I'll just use it for Jess' race credit as well. Perfect timing. 

My long runs for this year thus far are The RNR Nashville in April and the RNR Savannah in November. Savannah will be my first full marathon! EEEEK! Pretty ballsy of me! My goal is to lose 20 lbs by then and decrease my half time to 2:30. 

I haven't heard from Chris all day. Not sure what's going on with him. Not going to speculate. Just going to wait it out and keep myself busy. 

Started reading this book I obtained from a Kwanzaa event in Nashville this year. Job Instruction For Survival and Serendipity by C. BeAird-Gaines Its a quick pros and cons read. One page gives a negative case scenario you may be dealing with at work. The next page gives a positive spin on looking at the situation. And the third page gives you survival and serendipitous truth. Eye-opening, encouraging, and gut- checking read. I like it. Can't wait to finish it and pass it on. Wonder would my little girl appreciate such a gift? Not quit sure she's ready. Maybe a few years from now when she's done playing run and go get it with the kids. 

New Day New Start

This past weekend was spent in the house, under the covers, tossing and turning in front of the TV. My main objective was to make it to the bathroom in a timely fashion.  I had some sort of stomach virus.  Me and the bathroom became quite friendly over the 2 day weekend. Once I went to bed Friday night, I did not leave the house until work day Monday morning. This is not my idea of a typical weekend.  And heaven's to bid the weather was just BEAUTIFUL! Whoa is me! 

Eventually as I mustard enough strength to get out of bed and dressed for work, (blessing count 1)I made it to work with only 20 or so minutes of make of time.  They will get there 7.5 out of me no doubt at some point in time. My hours are always over the mundane 37.5 so I'm not worried and thankfully neither is my supervisors nor coworkers.  Blessed the Lord ( blessing count 2). 

I was very fortunate to have someone who cares enough to diagnose my symptoms and run home to care for me as soon as possible (blessing count 3). This new guy has met his match and certainly surpassed his time in the trail and error phase. I think he's definitely a keeper. Hope he feels the same way about me. 

Started the morning off filtering questions for my boss's boss's boss. Followed by a trace the rabbit and confront the confusion email assignment request. Read and signed a new Employee Code of Ethics, seems like someone is covering their butts in case anyone wants to join in the #BlackLivesMatter protest. (Blessing 4) is my ability to do what needs to be done and my skills to tackle tough issues and crisis management. I work well under pressure, so well that this seems to bother people because I seem so unfazed. I hold this characteristic in high regard no matter how it makes others feel. It should make them feel confident and secure that I will take care of what needs to be managed in any given circumstance. 

In reading today's blog by Marc and Angel I've come to realize that I am pretty spectacular and I have a lot to be thankful for and many more reasons to keep pushing on with who I am, where I'm going, and what I need to do. Today is a good day and I'm grateful for it. 

My Little Rant

Feeling a little beside myself today as usual and guess what, that gives me the urge to write. HA!. If only I could have that urge when I'm feeling perfect and everything is right the world. Those times come when I'm running without music and it's just me, my feet, and the Lord. Things seem to always come up so eloquently while I'm running. That's the best part of my running experience and why I like running with a group but running solo. It's not that I start out wanting to run solo, but I'm so slow, I seem to end up by myself most days, if not in the middle, I'm bringing up the rear. Once, I did have a most beautiful race and training session. It happened while running 12 miles!. I wish I knew for sure what I did that week to make that session so wonderful. I was full of energy. I wasn't tired, winded, or lollygagging around. I seem  to do so much better when I train with Fleet Feet, stick to their training calender, and do what I'm supposed to do mentally, physically, and nutritionally. It's only $89 and it's worth every penny. I have the  calenders and I should be able to rework them for any race I"m doing throughout the year, however, for some reason, I'm not as disciplined without Fleet Feet.

Just typing this random rant makes me feel a lot better. I can refocus and get back to work. Thanks for listening. I didn't really mean to talk about running, but as I started typing, that's what came out. Guess that's what's on the forefront or subconscious of my mind rather I want it to be or not.

Hell Cometh

Could you imagine being a child and your mother sent you and your siblings to a foreign country by yourself with no other familiar face on the other side? Your circumstances in your own country are so bad that they risk you being kidnapped, tortured, abused, etc. for the sake of the unknown in a place you do not speak the language. What goes through a child’s mind in that situation?
As a citizen never to have known the kinds of struggle my own ancestors went through to make it possible for me to do what I do, let alone fathom what these refugees/immigrants are going through just to get to a country that once tortured anyone unlike them just for the color of their skin is hard to grasp. The fact that so many people are trying to come to a country that was stolen from those who were already here, steal individuals from another country and enslave them to work the land  so that they in their selfish pity might live a better life is a little mesmerizing. Today we have a decedent of those slaves leading the “free” country yet as he leads all the ugliness that ruled and developed the country centuries ago slowly festers and grows to a boil daily. It’s so bad that the robbers, murderers, thieves, bigots, bastards, self-righteous cowards literally refuse to work with the one and only man who was legally and rightfully elected to do the job. They so busy coming up with reasons not to support him that they are ignoring reasons why they were put in office in the first place.
On that note, all hell is breaking lose all over the world. Ebola virus is rampant. Can you truly believe that? There is a strong possibility that this virus could spread across continents. Can you even fathom what the Word says in Deuteronomy actually coming to fruition? Our children are doing stupid tricks like setting themselves on fire, stopping oxygen to their brain, and videotaping fights for praise and wonderment.  The case of depression, mass murder, and suicide seem to be increasing. Our vets aren’t getting the help they need and seem to be continually punished for being a vet. No work, little income, no proper medical assistance, mental instability, disability, etc. Preachers and ministers are being accepted regardless of their escapades against or with children and same sex partners.  More Bible defined sins are becoming the acceptable norm. Truth is screwed and unknown.

Weight loss Journey Day 9

Today is hard because my job is boring. I’m doing repetitive mundane work. It’s hard because I didn’t prepare my food and I’m already bored with the meal plan. If I stick with it 3 more weeks I should be down almost 30 pounds! UGGGGH Keep pushing! 

Nightmare on No sleep Street

Last night was not a great night. I could not fall asleep. I’m sure part of the reason had to do with the un-watched videos I was trying to glance through before the clock stuck 12 but alas, it chimed and chimed and then died long before I came to my last film. In fact I did not finish the videos because I was too sleepy and I really wanted to get up the next morning and go to the gym. I slept off and on until about 7:30am before I decided to force myself out of bed/off the couch. 

I decided to skip the fat burning pills this morning because 1) I was too sleepy and there’s no way I was exerting too much energy. I hate mornings! I thought I loved them meaning I don’t mind speaking …after coffee J but now I know, I am NOT a morning person!

I also skipped the pills because I did not do a full-fledged workout this morning, I didn't really know the rules on taking a pill before and after a workout. All that really made since to me was to take one 5 hours after the first one. I think even though I didn't work out I was supposed to take one with breakfast. I didn't eat breakfast until 9 a.m. when I got to work. Yes, I was 30 min last like yesterday.  I’m only doing a twine class this evening so today could be considered a rest day, although I may stop by the gym to do a couple of weight machines.  I have to get my money’s worth out of this gym this month. I need to go at least no less than 21 days.  

There’s still time. I just re-read the instructions. I can take the 2^nd pill 5 hours before my evening work out and the 1^st for breakfast.  So maybe I’ll just do that one for today since I've skipped the gym this morning. That way I can cut down and still get the benefits.

I’m wondering if the pills had any effect on my sleeping last night. I was pretty wired. 

My weight loss journey part 1,001

Yep, 1,001, that’s about how many times and then some I have attempted to lose weight. I only have 60 pounds I’m trying to get rid of but my discipline is jacked! I have never been a very consistent and dedicated person. Not in my personal life, love life, social, career, anything. I constantly want something else. I’ll do something for a while and I’ll go until I complete it but I’m not really all there 100% after a while. This weight loss thing is no different. This time I’m paying for it. I purchased a meal plan, I signed up and paid for boot camp, and I have another booklet on how to lose weight, lift weights, and eat the right foods at the right times. In addition I also still have my regular gym membership and my run group. It’s do or die this go round. I am extremely tired of this belly, these thighs, and humongous bat wings.

The newest addition to my journey is purchasing a meal plan.  I paid over $200 last time for a trainer at my gym but there was no meal plan. The trainer pretty much sucked and I saw no progress. This time my boot camp 1 month membership was under $100. I’ve seen her results on others and I totally believe I can do it with her help. I attended her boot camp earlier this year and it was great. I lost weight because along with my evening running, I slimmed down. I just couldn’t afford to pay every month and getting up at 3:30 – 4am was not my cup of tea.  It was torcher. Morning workouts are what activate your metabolism and give you energy for the day. I could do the same with my gym and get my ace outta bed at 4:30 to get a 5-6am workout but that’s a lonely train ride and not very successful on my part. I have no problem keeping my evening running program and I could workout in the evening but so does everyone else, I have other things going on, and I don’t want to miss my run group.

My purpose of writing this entry is to talk about the supplements I am taking this go round.  I’ve never taken anything outside of a multivitamin before.  I hate taking pills or any kind of medicine/herbs and I don’t really believe in them. Unless you have a medical condition, I believe it’s an unnatural process to have to take something to help you lose weight, maintain energy, etc.  I really think eating the right foods is the best way to go but…I’m fat. I have a lot of body fat to loose so there for I need a little help, so it seems.  This is what I’m taking Cellucor Super HD 

 It’s supposed to accelerate the fat burning process. This is one of the 3 GNC items I’ve been recommended and I just want to document my reactions since I’m new to this whole supplement thing. 1. Clammy hands. My hands and feet are usually always cold but I just realized my hands haven’t been cold in a while. Today, my first day taking Cellucor I noticed my hands are clammy.

2. Extra salvia. My throat is normally dry from dehydration I guess so having extra lubrication is a weird change.

3. Runny nose. Not the point of needing to blow but there is slight mucus. I’ve been off dairy for a few months now, due to my plant-based detox experience I no longer even like yogurt or want cheese.

4. Slight burning sensation in the nose area. Not very noticeable but it’s a change.

5. Warm skin.

6. Jittery but only slightly. I noticed my hands are shacking a little.

7. Energy. Now this is great. Not sure if it’s a result of the workout or Cellucor.

This morning’s dosage was taken after my workout when it was suggested I take it before. Not sure if that makes a difference or not. My next dosage is to be taken 5 hours after the first. I’m kind of leery of taking It but I will and monitor my reactions. I have a 3 miler this evening with my girls. I’ll be praying, gulping water, and paying attention to my body.

Alright, it’s time for meal two. I’m kind of not hungry and it’s really almost time for lunch. I’ll have to eat earlier tomorrow so I can keep in light with my work lunch schedule plus I need to perfect my get timeliness with getting to the gym, showering, and getting to work.

2^nd Dosage:

Just when my body was back to normal I guess, it was time for the 2^nd pill. Hands immediately got back cold. However, the other reactions are not there, at least not yet. It’s only been about 30 min.  I like the energy I feel. I hope It maintains for my run this evening. Still haven’t taken my vitamin. I’ll do that tonight. The pill is helping my water intake because I’m afraid not to guzzle as suggested. I’m on 48 working my way to a gallon a day hopefully by Friday.  Gotta time it out and focus, be intentional with my drinking. 

It’s been 2 hours since my 2^nd pill. All those feelings I had with the first are back plus I’m sneezing. I guess its working. I’ll research and document later. I definitely feel energetic. My body wants to run but it normally does in the middle of the day. I’m ready for 6 O’clock!