Miscellany

For those people who want to know what has and hasn't actually been going on in my life recently, here's an update on life buildup:

-- Last Monday (Happy Friggin' St. Patrick's Day!) I had my second oral surgery and root canal of the year. Completed after yet another jaw infection and abscessed tooth. Bone loss included. We are hopeful this one will take and a new porcelain crown will join the dregs of my slowly recovering eating disordered mouth in the next couple weeks. My mouth is a moneypit.

-- Travel to Argentina is scheduled for April 14. This is a 4-5 week trip. I'm hoping for five.

-- Since the travel to Argentina is occurring much later than anticipated, the Cleveland Half-Marathon is going to be a no-go this year. I will achieve my goal of running a half this year, just not in Cleveland. Right now we are looking to travel somewhere to run in July or August. My vote is for the Rock and Roll Marathon and Half in Virginia Beach over Labor Day weekend, but we shall see. But there is also the Roadrunner and USAF right here in Ohio, so who knows?

-- Also along the lines of switching up my 2008 goals, I think I am going to join CrossFit instead of starting a beginner Pilates class...at least for now. Since moving back up here, I've been itching to get myself into a hardcore fitness program to burnBURNburn as well as to meet likeminded people, but have been lacking in the "go get'em" attitude to do so. I'm tired of not getting the desired results from the solo workouts I do and after much research, I've officially decided CrossFit is the type of thing I'm looking for in regards to exercise regimens and muscle building. Check it: Cleveland CrossFit Now the question is, "Do I start ASAP or after I get back from Argentina?" Not sure yet.

-- I'm still seriously contemplating hair extensions.

-- I am scheduled to get more work done on my left forearm next Wednesday, April 2. I will be driving down to Pittsburgh to have Joe Bruce ink me up at Stay Gold Tattoo. He's awesome. A fantastic artist. I will post pictures after the session.

-- I've recently been in contact with one of my really great friends from my undergrad days at the U of A. He found me on LinkedIn and is actually featured in my x365 posts which have stalled yet again; But will have back up and running as soon as things settle down in my life. I should call it my x365 in x730 days. I think it is going to take that long for me to get it done. But you know what? Slow and steady wins the mystery race, right? Ha! Anyways, my buddy is a fellow writer and the correspondence has been nothing short of great. I'm stoked that he found me and that I can once again call him my friend.

-- I've been diligent in my learning the ins and outs of CSS for my personal website which will be: The Stubborn Swede, but I'm almost tempted to just plug my blogger into the site versus actuallly building. Temptation is hard to resist. For now, I am resisting. Largely because me having knowledge equals power over what I am doing in regards to current career change. But that's the future domain. FYIJSYK.

-- Speaking of tecchie things, I need to relearn PhotoShop. Last time I used it was like seven years ago maybe? Six? A long time ago. I also need to find the Sony DSC-H2 as it is boxed up from my last move. I would also like to learn the Nikon D80 that has been gathering dust in the hall closet...maybe I'll get a chance down in Bargentina. And spring is coming which means I can use the awesome list of places in ClevelandOH to go shoot photos Kill Basa sent me a few months ago. I'm looking forward to that.

-- Going on a ghosthunt to the West Virginia State Penitentiary with a paranormal group during July. Confirmation came via email yesterday, so it's a go. Supercool, eh? Moundsville is spoooooky.

Overall, life for me has been a series of far ups and far downs since coming back north. What I can say is that I am sticking to my plans and am asking for help when I need it. I have a wonderful support system and I am truly blessed to be able to lean on those people in my life.

Recovery is difficult. But worth it.

Something I Don't Like

Waking up super-early, like so early it's still dark outside early, so I can get adequate cardio-exercise before the workday.

Twelve weeks until the Cleveland Marathon, Half-Marathon, & 10K. Me and Hal Higdon's Half-Marathon training plan are fast becoming friends.

Similarities: Race & Derby Training

As I am still doing my best to stick to my goals and properly train (versus overtraining...which is my typical modus operandi...) for the half-marathon in May, and while I am cursing the powers that be for the lame-o aches and pains I am currently experiencing, I decided I would put together a short list of the similarities twixt race and derby training. I'm sure I forgot some, so if you have suggestions, let me know! Read on!

Some Similarities I Have Drawn Between Race Training And Roller Derby Training:

1. Muscles you never knew you had before suddenly (or slowly, over time) start to hurt.

2. An eight minute mile is simply not good enough. A nine minute mile will never be good enough. At least not in your head.

3. You are definitely still one sweaty beast.

4. Tights, knee socks, and short shorts ALWAYS make for warmer legs.

5. One can never have enough muscle rub. Rub those shin splints out of your head. Ben-Gay might be smelly, but it feels sooo good.

6. Proper stance equates to more efficient and effective use of your body to achieve its ultimate goal.

7. It is unwise to keep makeup on while working out. It stings when it runs into your eyes. After all, you are still one sweaty beast.

8. While training with others, you are still expected to be training on your own.

9. Having the right footwear almost guarantees less injuries.

10. PowerGels are important to access stores of energy you didn't know you had. Simple sugars work wonders.

11. Proper use of an Ace bandage might mean the difference between saving or losing that one jelly ankle you have…you know the one I'm talking about. Yeah, that one.

12. You thought you had knee problems before training, ha! Just look at you now.

13. A banana and a cup of oatmeal are the BEST pre-long-training-session foods.

14. Excellent tuneage still makes you push yourself harder.

15. Never underestimate the power of the bandana.

16. The fans and supporters are still OOC on game/race day.

17. Oh sure, that ciggie tastes and feels awesomely delicious right now, but you will undoubtedly regret it within the first ten minutes of your workout.

18. Sidewalks are dangerous at night.