-- I had another appointment with my doctor last week, and again, everything was normal. My next appointment is during the first week of November. I'll be getting the dreaded diabetes test then. MMMmmm...glucola. I only dread the test because I can't stand supersugary things that leave a nasty residue in my mouth, but mostly because of the fact that I will have more blood drawn then. Mere thoughts of veins, needles, and blood makes me lightheaded, so just imagine how it is when blood is actually taken. I'm just hoping to not pass out from the combination of my low blood pressure and anxiety about bloodwork...it's been known to happen. You would think I would be okay with bloodwork and all that comes with it by this point in my life, considering how many stays I've had in hospitals, but I'm not. Well, I will cross that bridge when I come to it.
-- The horrorfest was a pretty good time, although I was displeased with the fact that you weren't allowed to have food or drinks in the theatre. The horrorfest changed venues to the restored Warner Theatre this year, and apparently you aren't allowed to have any noshies in there. Zero. Zilch. Nothing. No popcorn. No licorice. No soda pop. Not even water. Being a pregnant waterfiend, I was displeased. On the positive tip, I did get to see some interesting long and short films, spend time with a couple of my sisters and a nephew, and I got to meet some new people.
-- While I was away in Erie, J altered the cleaning and painting plans a bit. He ended up priming and painting the baby room, and priming about half of the basement room. While it wasn't everything he intended to get done, it was a good chunk. This weekend we ideally be finishing the cleanout of the basement room, moving the office furniture from the baby room to the basement, and possibly getting 2/3 of the painting done down there. It seems like somewhat of a lofty goal considering we both have work to do this weekend, but I am hopeful we can get a chunk of the HI stuff done.
-- Next weekend we are taking a trip south to West Virginia to visit J's mom. On the way back we are stopping off at the IKEA in Pittsburgh to purchase essentials for the baby room and other items for the changes we are making. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't overwhelmed with all of this. I'd also be lying if I said I wasn't excited though, too.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Eerie Horror Film Festival
I'm being kicked out of the house over the weekend so that, in theory, J can prime and maybe paint the basement bonus room, move the heavy office furniture downstairs, and more or less make that space functional.
What am I going to do? Leave ClevelandOH on Thursday, head to EriePA, and watch scary movies with sisters Kat and Becky, and my nephew, Jacob.
How thrilled am I?
What am I going to do? Leave ClevelandOH on Thursday, head to EriePA, and watch scary movies with sisters Kat and Becky, and my nephew, Jacob.
How thrilled am I?
Saturday, October 4, 2008
I Should Set Up Camp At The Home Depot
This weekend marked the beginning of major interior house changes J and I will be making over the next year plus. Since it has been decided we will be staying in Cleveland for at least the next 4-5 years (unless a South America move for all of us becomes a reality), we are finally going to invest the buckage into the house to modernize, increase longer-term value, and generally make it more of our own vs. investing minimal money to make minor changes in order to sell the house. I will be taking pictures along the way.
The master list of home improvement projects includes five relatively large undertakings:
1. (Re)finish the half-finished basement bonus room. Make functional for home office and family/play room
2. Baby Room. Painting, furniture, organization.
3. Living room. Reposition room for traffic flow, install new lighting, paint, move and reinstall home theatre system. We need a new couch since our current one is way too large for the space, but I know the new couch dream won't likely happen for at least a year.
4. Demo and gutting of the upstairs. Build a master suite and one additional upstairs bedroom vs. the two strangely small walk-in closet sized "bedrooms" and master.
5. Demo of the kitchen. Install a modern, functional kitchen space.
This weekend we purchased a new flat screen television and started cleaning out the bonus room in the basement. J and our friend Chris moved the old 60 inch projection tv that was in the living room down to the basement since I'm unable to do heavy lifting, then unloaded the new tv, and put it together in a temporary, makeshift set-up since J and I will be getting the living room completed within the next month.
We have a pretty hefty undertaking ahead of us, but I'm thrilled to be doing it. I suppose since finding out I was pregnant, I've become more mindful of the home I want for my family instead of my typical modus operandi: the highly nomadic, bachelor(ette)-pad-minded Karoline. Does that make sense? And while Cleveland, OH isn't my ideal location to live, I do want a livable, comforting, secure, warm environment for the baby.
The master list of home improvement projects includes five relatively large undertakings:
1. (Re)finish the half-finished basement bonus room. Make functional for home office and family/play room
2. Baby Room. Painting, furniture, organization.
3. Living room. Reposition room for traffic flow, install new lighting, paint, move and reinstall home theatre system. We need a new couch since our current one is way too large for the space, but I know the new couch dream won't likely happen for at least a year.
4. Demo and gutting of the upstairs. Build a master suite and one additional upstairs bedroom vs. the two strangely small walk-in closet sized "bedrooms" and master.
5. Demo of the kitchen. Install a modern, functional kitchen space.
This weekend we purchased a new flat screen television and started cleaning out the bonus room in the basement. J and our friend Chris moved the old 60 inch projection tv that was in the living room down to the basement since I'm unable to do heavy lifting, then unloaded the new tv, and put it together in a temporary, makeshift set-up since J and I will be getting the living room completed within the next month.
We have a pretty hefty undertaking ahead of us, but I'm thrilled to be doing it. I suppose since finding out I was pregnant, I've become more mindful of the home I want for my family instead of my typical modus operandi: the highly nomadic, bachelor(ette)-pad-minded Karoline. Does that make sense? And while Cleveland, OH isn't my ideal location to live, I do want a livable, comforting, secure, warm environment for the baby.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
It's A Girl
That's right, people! On Friday, September 26, I found out I am having a girl who will be joining the world in February 2009. According to the doctor everything looked good, and we received a dvd of the ultrasound as well as these loverly 3D pictures you see here on the side of this post. The baby was again veeery active and moving around during the majority of the appointment and is still moving around like an Olympic gymnast on a daily basis.
I have been slowly gaining girth and a more rotund stomach with no extra thanks to the baby's latest obsession with Amy Joy Doughnuts and ongoing penchant for Mexican food, but as long as I am remaining active and positive, I'm really not obsessing about my size too much. I posted a couple 20 week Karoline Is Spawning Baby pictures on my flickr account, so you can see what I'm talking about.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Slacker Uprising
As I think it is important to be aware of what is said, written, filmed, drawn, and any other form of artistic rendering from left- and right-wing political commentarists out there, I'm excited about this: Slacker Uprising. Tomorrow, or tonight at midnight depending on how you look at it, Michael Moore will be releasing his film on his 62 city tour leading up to the 2004 election for free to the masses.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
I'll Miss You, DFW
I don't know what rock I've been living under for the past week, but today I found out that one of my favorite authors, David Foster Wallace, committed suicide on September 12.
Introduced to his work during my first year of undergrad in Arizona through a conversation I had with one of my TAs, I didn't give much thought to Wallace's writing until a year after this conversation even though I did read one of DFWs books before then. It all started one day while my TA and I were going through one of my essays which was going to be entered into the freshman composition publication contest for the following year's textbooks, and my teacher made mention of how he had noticed my writing style more or less rejected typical norms (whatever that meant...I think he was just trying impress me) and my thought process adhered to a more post-modernistic perspective - much like David Foster Wallace. Who was Wallace? Why had I not heard of this author before? Post-modernistic? Really?
I come to find out that David Foster Wallace was a UA alum. Small world, eh? And while I kind of disagreed with my TA about my personal style of writing, I thought I should read some of DFWs work, so I picked up The Broom of the System and read it over the course of a couple days. I thought it was good, but I had no deep thoughts regarding the essays. At the time I was a nineteen year old who, in her free time, was more concerned with caloric intake and how to burn off mysterious fat that wasn't really there, so my deeper thoughts were mostly limited to the several credit hours I was taking combined with my psychotic exercise regimen.
Fast forward to late fall 1997, sophomore year. I was unwillingly pushed into recovery for the first time during my adult life. And with this particular stint at recovery came less exercise, and less exercise meant more free time to do things I wouldn't normally do in years previous, so I bought DFWs book, Infinite Jest. I read it over the course of two weeks, and then had to read it a second time. I'm not going to go into the story line(s), but this one thousand plus page book changed my life. Literally. It changed my perspective on the writing craft - the many different possibilities on how to tackle subject matter, creating characters while injecting my spin and narrative, ensuring inclusion of theoretical concepts, how attempting to write philosophically did not have to equate to pretension, and among other things, introducing me to my love of metaphysics.
Many people claim that DFW wrote an esoteric, elitist tract in Infinite Jest, but I would have to disagree. Yes, the book is lengthy and filled with parody and theory, but that doesn't necessarily make it esoteric. You should give it a read and see what you think. In fact I still have my battered copy of Infinite Jest. Complete with highlighted passages, notes in the margins, and its dog-eared, yellowed pages. I've had the book for over ten years and I've probably read it about ten times. Every time I read it, I get some new insight out of it.
DFW was one of the most talented contempory writers of the twentieth century. And while it saddens me to think he committed suicide, I cannot say it surprised me based upon what I know of his life and his works. He showed glimmers of his depression in some of his writings and he certainly analyzed everything. I mean, he could turn something seemingly fun and possibly trivial into a complete existential crisis - as an example, read his article on the Maine Lobster Festival, "Consider the Lobster." I guess I just think that someone who thinks that much, is bound to do something drastic. And while I am no great theorist or writer, I understand how thinking too much takes its toll on one, thus leading to drastic measures taken. News of his death also forces me reflect on my own writing and life.
Will I ever be able to get back to my own constantly morphing style of pomo writing? Will I ever get be able to get around the roadblocks in my brain? Will I ever write again as writer versus mere thought thrower outer? I feel I have become "dumbed down" over the past several years working the grind in the business world as HR champion and writer of the technical. Is it true? Am I dumber? Or is it just self-sabotage? This is all a mystery to me, but something for me to ponder.
Thank you David Foster Wallace for the gifts you bestowed upon the world. Your presence will be missed.
Introduced to his work during my first year of undergrad in Arizona through a conversation I had with one of my TAs, I didn't give much thought to Wallace's writing until a year after this conversation even though I did read one of DFWs books before then. It all started one day while my TA and I were going through one of my essays which was going to be entered into the freshman composition publication contest for the following year's textbooks, and my teacher made mention of how he had noticed my writing style more or less rejected typical norms (whatever that meant...I think he was just trying impress me) and my thought process adhered to a more post-modernistic perspective - much like David Foster Wallace. Who was Wallace? Why had I not heard of this author before? Post-modernistic? Really?
I come to find out that David Foster Wallace was a UA alum. Small world, eh? And while I kind of disagreed with my TA about my personal style of writing, I thought I should read some of DFWs work, so I picked up The Broom of the System and read it over the course of a couple days. I thought it was good, but I had no deep thoughts regarding the essays. At the time I was a nineteen year old who, in her free time, was more concerned with caloric intake and how to burn off mysterious fat that wasn't really there, so my deeper thoughts were mostly limited to the several credit hours I was taking combined with my psychotic exercise regimen.
Fast forward to late fall 1997, sophomore year. I was unwillingly pushed into recovery for the first time during my adult life. And with this particular stint at recovery came less exercise, and less exercise meant more free time to do things I wouldn't normally do in years previous, so I bought DFWs book, Infinite Jest. I read it over the course of two weeks, and then had to read it a second time. I'm not going to go into the story line(s), but this one thousand plus page book changed my life. Literally. It changed my perspective on the writing craft - the many different possibilities on how to tackle subject matter, creating characters while injecting my spin and narrative, ensuring inclusion of theoretical concepts, how attempting to write philosophically did not have to equate to pretension, and among other things, introducing me to my love of metaphysics.
Many people claim that DFW wrote an esoteric, elitist tract in Infinite Jest, but I would have to disagree. Yes, the book is lengthy and filled with parody and theory, but that doesn't necessarily make it esoteric. You should give it a read and see what you think. In fact I still have my battered copy of Infinite Jest. Complete with highlighted passages, notes in the margins, and its dog-eared, yellowed pages. I've had the book for over ten years and I've probably read it about ten times. Every time I read it, I get some new insight out of it.
DFW was one of the most talented contempory writers of the twentieth century. And while it saddens me to think he committed suicide, I cannot say it surprised me based upon what I know of his life and his works. He showed glimmers of his depression in some of his writings and he certainly analyzed everything. I mean, he could turn something seemingly fun and possibly trivial into a complete existential crisis - as an example, read his article on the Maine Lobster Festival, "Consider the Lobster." I guess I just think that someone who thinks that much, is bound to do something drastic. And while I am no great theorist or writer, I understand how thinking too much takes its toll on one, thus leading to drastic measures taken. News of his death also forces me reflect on my own writing and life.
Will I ever be able to get back to my own constantly morphing style of pomo writing? Will I ever get be able to get around the roadblocks in my brain? Will I ever write again as writer versus mere thought thrower outer? I feel I have become "dumbed down" over the past several years working the grind in the business world as HR champion and writer of the technical. Is it true? Am I dumber? Or is it just self-sabotage? This is all a mystery to me, but something for me to ponder.
Thank you David Foster Wallace for the gifts you bestowed upon the world. Your presence will be missed.
Friday, September 12, 2008
18 Weeks
I never thought I would be one of those gals whose blog would start to revolve around her pregnancy babies galore once she made the offish announcement. But I am. I feel kind of embarassed and my face flushes when I think about this, but it has happened, so why not revel in it? I spare my readers the details they probably don't want to hear about such as my bowel movements and vomitaciousness, yet I am also sure I overshare to an extent as well. I cannot make everyone happy, but I try to respect the fact that not everyone is interested in hearing about such things as my body functions.
Today marks the beginning of week 18. I had my second doctor's appointment on Wednesday, and everything looked and sounded normal. My vitals were still a-okay with my blood pressure remaining quite low (looow = normal to me), which was both a relief and a surprise since I wasn't the most active person the first four months of the baby incubating. I still need to improve on my eating habits, which is an ongoing process and I'm trying to make it work. I want to do everything I can to make the last 4.5 months as smooth and comfortable as possible for both me and the Flash.
Speaking of the Flash, I started to feel it moving around a couple weeks ago - the Saturday of Labor Day weekend to be exact. You know, after the mysterious virus I had that kept me laid up for a week. J and I decided to go out to eat that Saturday night, and let me tell you the Flash was thoroughly excited I was up and moving and out of the house. I just had to have Italian food that night, and since Mama Santa's was still closed due to the Feast, J and I decided to chain it and go to Olive Garden. On the drive to the OG (the first time I had been to one in Cleveland), J and I were talking and then suddenly I felt as though butterflies were trying to release themselves from my belly push themselves up through my throat. It was the strangest, most surreal, yet most natural sensation I have ever had. It continued throughout the evening and I had to box up my meal after a few bites.
Since then the Flash has been quite active. In fact, at my appointment this week the Flash was moving around so much while my doctor was checking the heart rate, it took several minutes to get the reading. She finally got the heart rate - which was 145-155 (normal), but it was rather funny. I'm going to have a very busy baby methinks. Now I just have to wait two more weeks for the ultrasound that will tell me what the Flash's sex is. I have a feeling this is going to be a veeery long two weeks. September 26 can't get here fast enough!
Today marks the beginning of week 18. I had my second doctor's appointment on Wednesday, and everything looked and sounded normal. My vitals were still a-okay with my blood pressure remaining quite low (looow = normal to me), which was both a relief and a surprise since I wasn't the most active person the first four months of the baby incubating. I still need to improve on my eating habits, which is an ongoing process and I'm trying to make it work. I want to do everything I can to make the last 4.5 months as smooth and comfortable as possible for both me and the Flash.
Speaking of the Flash, I started to feel it moving around a couple weeks ago - the Saturday of Labor Day weekend to be exact. You know, after the mysterious virus I had that kept me laid up for a week. J and I decided to go out to eat that Saturday night, and let me tell you the Flash was thoroughly excited I was up and moving and out of the house. I just had to have Italian food that night, and since Mama Santa's was still closed due to the Feast, J and I decided to chain it and go to Olive Garden. On the drive to the OG (the first time I had been to one in Cleveland), J and I were talking and then suddenly I felt as though butterflies were trying to release themselves from my belly push themselves up through my throat. It was the strangest, most surreal, yet most natural sensation I have ever had. It continued throughout the evening and I had to box up my meal after a few bites.
Since then the Flash has been quite active. In fact, at my appointment this week the Flash was moving around so much while my doctor was checking the heart rate, it took several minutes to get the reading. She finally got the heart rate - which was 145-155 (normal), but it was rather funny. I'm going to have a very busy baby methinks. Now I just have to wait two more weeks for the ultrasound that will tell me what the Flash's sex is. I have a feeling this is going to be a veeery long two weeks. September 26 can't get here fast enough!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Zoo Day
Instead of going to the Falls or Canadialand over Labor Day weekend, we decided to stay in Cleveland. We headed to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo on Monday and had a really good time looking at the animals. I didn't get around to the camel ride, but J did agree to ride the train with me since I was unable to go to Cedar Point this summer due to impending baby. It was supercheesy, but a good time was had. Check out the pictures: Cleveland Zoo.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
I Have A Confession To Make...
I totally watched the series premiere of the revamped 90210 last night. And I enjoyed it.
Back In The Saddle
I'm beginning to feel less like a barf machine and more like a human again. I'm going to knock on some wood now. I didn't know morning sickness would be so volatile and last for such a long time, but I guess the reality is I really didn't know a whole lot about the potential pregnancy woes coming into this. You would think with six sisters and thirteen nieces and nephews I might have some idea. I did not. Regardless, I found out firsthand, am reading enough books, and talk(ed) with some of my sisters about all this pregnancy stuff.
Now that I am beginng to feel human again, I'm trying to ramp up to more billable work hours and I decided to take up my regular or a slightly modified exercise regimen. For the past four months I haven't really been able to exercise regularly and now I feel like I can without retching every 20 minutes. My goal is to workout 4-5 times a week by walking and jogging 3-5 miles a day inside or outside when weather permits, biking 20-30 miles on a stationary, doing light weights, or dancercising to my trusty Core Rhythms dvds. Oh yes, I got those dvds when I was feeling like death warmed over and thinking I would probably not be able to leave my house for months because of The Flash. And the dvds are surprisingly not bad. Now it's just a bonus that I can leave the house ;) So I've exercised the past three days and my body hurts. I can't believe how much it does hurt. The pain is similar to what I've experienced a day or two after running a marathon. Can a sister ever win?
J has encouraged me to get into a pregnancy yoga class, too, which I'm becoming more receptive to doing; Although, I still have my reservations since I have two things going against me when it comes to yoga: 1. I am one of the least flexible people I know, and, 2. It is almost impossible for me to relax. It's been challenging enough to get my body to move correctly to aerobic dance moves since I am also lacking in the graceful coordination department (which I still find humorous because I was great at derby which requires a good amount of coordination and grace), and my balance has been completely off for the past couple months, so yoga could be funny...or frustrating. I guess I'll just wait to make the yoga decision after I find out more details from J after he gets information from his boss' wife who is a yoga instructor here.
That's the long and short of it.
Now that I am beginng to feel human again, I'm trying to ramp up to more billable work hours and I decided to take up my regular or a slightly modified exercise regimen. For the past four months I haven't really been able to exercise regularly and now I feel like I can without retching every 20 minutes. My goal is to workout 4-5 times a week by walking and jogging 3-5 miles a day inside or outside when weather permits, biking 20-30 miles on a stationary, doing light weights, or dancercising to my trusty Core Rhythms dvds. Oh yes, I got those dvds when I was feeling like death warmed over and thinking I would probably not be able to leave my house for months because of The Flash. And the dvds are surprisingly not bad. Now it's just a bonus that I can leave the house ;) So I've exercised the past three days and my body hurts. I can't believe how much it does hurt. The pain is similar to what I've experienced a day or two after running a marathon. Can a sister ever win?
J has encouraged me to get into a pregnancy yoga class, too, which I'm becoming more receptive to doing; Although, I still have my reservations since I have two things going against me when it comes to yoga: 1. I am one of the least flexible people I know, and, 2. It is almost impossible for me to relax. It's been challenging enough to get my body to move correctly to aerobic dance moves since I am also lacking in the graceful coordination department (which I still find humorous because I was great at derby which requires a good amount of coordination and grace), and my balance has been completely off for the past couple months, so yoga could be funny...or frustrating. I guess I'll just wait to make the yoga decision after I find out more details from J after he gets information from his boss' wife who is a yoga instructor here.
That's the long and short of it.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Books Read - August 2008
Caroline Cooney, The Face on the Milk Carton
Joe Hill, 20th Century Ghosts
E.L. Konigsburg, The View from Saturday
Dean Koontz, Brother Odd
Flannery O’Connor, Everything That Rises Must Converge
Joyce Carol Oates, Expensive People
Philip Pullman, The Golden Compass
Joe Hill, 20th Century Ghosts
E.L. Konigsburg, The View from Saturday
Dean Koontz, Brother Odd
Flannery O’Connor, Everything That Rises Must Converge
Joyce Carol Oates, Expensive People
Philip Pullman, The Golden Compass
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Wanderlust
I've been laid up with some sort of virus the past few days and haven't been able to leave the house. And while I typically don't mind being a shut-in to an extent, absolutely not being able to leave my house for fear of the sudden tossing of cookies, has made me a bit cagey and lusting for some wandering. I started feeling better last night and feel about the same today, so I'm hoping tomorrow I'll be up and ready to face the outside world.
After being shut inside all week, I decided that I really want to go on a short trip this weekend. It is a three-day weekend after all. But I wonder if I can persuade J into this...probably not, since he'll be leaving the country in about ten days. Blargh. I feel like this is the best time to do something fun and just for us since everything is going to drastically change in five short months. And my morning sickness (read: I've had the worst possible type of it you can imagine - twenty-four/seven, all day and night sickness) has abated to no more than a few times a week, so I feel now is the time for something fun. Nothing major like a flight west or anything, but maybe a roadtrip to Niagara Falls or somewhere in Canada.
We had talked about taking a trip about a month and a half ago, but ultimately decided against it because of home improvement projects and landscaping we could better spend the money on, but I've got some seriously itchy feet and I don't think my plans to visit Erie next weekend are going to quell the travelchitch. But who knows? If the weather here actually cooperates for once, maybe it will be a good productive landscaping weekend.
After being shut inside all week, I decided that I really want to go on a short trip this weekend. It is a three-day weekend after all. But I wonder if I can persuade J into this...probably not, since he'll be leaving the country in about ten days. Blargh. I feel like this is the best time to do something fun and just for us since everything is going to drastically change in five short months. And my morning sickness (read: I've had the worst possible type of it you can imagine - twenty-four/seven, all day and night sickness) has abated to no more than a few times a week, so I feel now is the time for something fun. Nothing major like a flight west or anything, but maybe a roadtrip to Niagara Falls or somewhere in Canada.
We had talked about taking a trip about a month and a half ago, but ultimately decided against it because of home improvement projects and landscaping we could better spend the money on, but I've got some seriously itchy feet and I don't think my plans to visit Erie next weekend are going to quell the travelchitch. But who knows? If the weather here actually cooperates for once, maybe it will be a good productive landscaping weekend.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Just Call Me Karoline Fat Pants
May I speak openly?
One thing no one ever tells you when you are becoming full of baby is that you will wake up one day and your pants simply don't fit you anymore. This happened to me this past week. I popped. In a weird, I look like I've been eating too many Twinkies and Ho-hos kind of way. I have an interesting little, hard babybump belt below my bellybutton. I knew I was likely going to start showing in the fourth month, but I didn't know how suddenly my pants wouldn't fit right anymore. I've had a hard enough time adjusting to the new size of my chest - hello, two cup size increase already and they're supposedly going to get bigger! - and now, suddenly, I have to get used to being a completely new size by buying bigger pants for my new spare tire, wear yoga pants all the time, or take a deep breath and pony up and wear the very strange stretchtop pants.
This is new territory. I can't control my expanding belly and chest and not having control over it is kind of a frightening concept to me. And while I've been in recovery for well over a year and a half, I've been obsessing a bit about my size and other stuff that goes with the ever-familiar unhealthy territory that consumed over half my life. This is the territory I am proactively trying to steer relatively clear of presently and futurewise, and it is proving to be quite a challenge to steer clear of it while coping with the rapid body changes I am experiencing - some of which seem to happen overnight.
Sooo I thought I'd air my insanity out here, just to at least try to get my thoughts out in the open (a forum where my partner in crime doesn't look at me as though I am utterly ridiculous...and even if said partner is raising eyebrows at me right now, I, at least, can't see him); Because yes, I've been thinking about trying to control my size, weight, space, but then my wisemind kicks in and tells me that I know that I need to nourish myself not just for me anymore. It's a two party nutritionfest. And thus far I think I've been pretty great about everything considering this huge life-changing factor - and I hate to say it but I'm going to anyways - it probably helped that I lost weight the first two months and then balanced/plateaued for almost the past two months. How sick does that last statement sound? My doctor would probably have a heyday with that one.
Sometimes it's just hard to breathe when I start to think about the massive body changes I am going through and will be going through. I know as long as I keep myself in check, everything will work out okay. Keep my eyes on the prize - a happy, healthy baby. Some days are just better than others.
One thing no one ever tells you when you are becoming full of baby is that you will wake up one day and your pants simply don't fit you anymore. This happened to me this past week. I popped. In a weird, I look like I've been eating too many Twinkies and Ho-hos kind of way. I have an interesting little, hard babybump belt below my bellybutton. I knew I was likely going to start showing in the fourth month, but I didn't know how suddenly my pants wouldn't fit right anymore. I've had a hard enough time adjusting to the new size of my chest - hello, two cup size increase already and they're supposedly going to get bigger! - and now, suddenly, I have to get used to being a completely new size by buying bigger pants for my new spare tire, wear yoga pants all the time, or take a deep breath and pony up and wear the very strange stretchtop pants.
This is new territory. I can't control my expanding belly and chest and not having control over it is kind of a frightening concept to me. And while I've been in recovery for well over a year and a half, I've been obsessing a bit about my size and other stuff that goes with the ever-familiar unhealthy territory that consumed over half my life. This is the territory I am proactively trying to steer relatively clear of presently and futurewise, and it is proving to be quite a challenge to steer clear of it while coping with the rapid body changes I am experiencing - some of which seem to happen overnight.
Sooo I thought I'd air my insanity out here, just to at least try to get my thoughts out in the open (a forum where my partner in crime doesn't look at me as though I am utterly ridiculous...and even if said partner is raising eyebrows at me right now, I, at least, can't see him); Because yes, I've been thinking about trying to control my size, weight, space, but then my wisemind kicks in and tells me that I know that I need to nourish myself not just for me anymore. It's a two party nutritionfest. And thus far I think I've been pretty great about everything considering this huge life-changing factor - and I hate to say it but I'm going to anyways - it probably helped that I lost weight the first two months and then balanced/plateaued for almost the past two months. How sick does that last statement sound? My doctor would probably have a heyday with that one.
Sometimes it's just hard to breathe when I start to think about the massive body changes I am going through and will be going through. I know as long as I keep myself in check, everything will work out okay. Keep my eyes on the prize - a happy, healthy baby. Some days are just better than others.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Soup's Up
Today I was searching the webernets for a good soup recipe. And what did I come across? A recipe for Panera Bread's Broccoli Cheddar Soup. I'm a little surprised at how excited I am about this. Especially considering what a food queer I am. Just a few months ago, this find would probably be considered small potatoes. But today it's not. The Flash is definitely telling me it wants soup NOW. Even though it is almost ninety degrees outside. I'll let you know how it tastes after I test-drive the recipe.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
The Official News
Remember that life-altering thing I wrote about awhile back?
Here goes:
I am pregnant. So guess what? I'm having a baby.
I've named it The Flash for now since we don't know what sex it is, and because of another reason which I am not going to delve into right now. But if you think reeeeeally hard about it, you might figure it out. J reeeally wanted to name it The Brain after we saw the ultrasound on Monday, but I had to put the kibosh on that one.
Where am I at right now? Well, I successfully made it through my first trimester, and am 13 weeks and a few days along. My due date is on Valentine's Day. The baby is normal and healthy, and the heart rate is good. I think that's about all I have for right now.
I will be finding out what the sex of the baby is on September 26. (Hopefully!)
While this was unexpected, I am terribly excited and hopeful.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Books Read - July 2008
Brock Cole, The Goats
Caroline Cooney, The Terrorist
Lois Duncan, Killing Mr. Griffin
Katherine Dunn, Geek Love
Dave Eggers, You Shall Know Our Velocity
Nora Ephron, I Feel Bad About My Neck
E.L. Konigsburg, The Outcasts of 19 Schuyler Place
Dean Koontz, Odd Thomas
Dean Koontz, Forever Odd
I highly recommend Geek Love to anyone who loves a challenging read. I'm not going to write about how it might challenge you, as I think you need to discover that for yourself. I will tell you this book is possibly the Karoline favorite of the year. At least thus far. But it will be hard to top.
Caroline Cooney, The Terrorist
Lois Duncan, Killing Mr. Griffin
Katherine Dunn, Geek Love
Dave Eggers, You Shall Know Our Velocity
Nora Ephron, I Feel Bad About My Neck
E.L. Konigsburg, The Outcasts of 19 Schuyler Place
Dean Koontz, Odd Thomas
Dean Koontz, Forever Odd
I highly recommend Geek Love to anyone who loves a challenging read. I'm not going to write about how it might challenge you, as I think you need to discover that for yourself. I will tell you this book is possibly the Karoline favorite of the year. At least thus far. But it will be hard to top.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Give Me a K-N-O-X
The seven hour trip turned into an eleven hour trip, but I finally made it to Knoxville around 1230AM last night. I have a special word of advice to ColumbusOH commuters or people roadtripping through Columbus - if you would stop driving like total a*holes (read: cutting people off, not using your turn signals, neglecting to use your rear and sideview mirrors, talking on your phone instead of paying attention to the road, ETC.) in the midst of construction and with it being late afternoon on a Friday, maybe, just maybe, there wouldn't be several accidents within the span of a few miles.
Now that I am done with my rant, let me just say I am thankful to have not happened to be on the receiving end of one of the accidents and I am happy I made it to my destination safely. I want to also say there is absolutely no fun to be had when you are stuck in a car for 2.5 hours and only move forward approximately five miles during that timeframe. And it is not safe for one's kidneys either. I almost peed my pants. Thend.
Now that I am done with my rant, let me just say I am thankful to have not happened to be on the receiving end of one of the accidents and I am happy I made it to my destination safely. I want to also say there is absolutely no fun to be had when you are stuck in a car for 2.5 hours and only move forward approximately five miles during that timeframe. And it is not safe for one's kidneys either. I almost peed my pants. Thend.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Friday, July 11, 2008
Homeslices II
I watch as you carelessly slosh the spiced rum with lime around in your glass. Your body moves with such familiarity and ease, I feel like crying. If you only knew how the smell of patchouli had always sickened me until you. Now I can't seem to get enough. Of you. Entwined on your beat-down brown and orange plaid couch, we breathe each other in and speak of climbing mountains - taking on the world! Relentless rpms, spinning circles around us and between us. We listen to the sounds of the earth - life pounding in our ears, pressing us to move. Writhing, panting, sweating. We are tired of this dance, yet we cannot seem to stop.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Happy 4th!
Happy 4th of July, to my United States readers.
I thought I'd post some of the more colorful k-klassic youtube and atom faves for your viewing pleasure. You know, in case you aren't watching fireworks this evening. And even if you are going to watch skyfires, you should watch these vids anyways; Because they are AWESOME.
"Look At Me" Trachtenburg Family Slideshow Players (performed live on Conan)
"Jan Pehechaan Ho" from the Bollywood film, Gumnaam
"Gem Sweater" Leslie and the Lys
"Konichiwa Bitches" Robyn
"Security Anthem" Kent Lambert
There is one more veeery colorful video I wanted to post, but didn't. You may remember I made a pair of spankies in homage to the song, but thought I should refrain in posting this particular video. Maybe another time.
I thought I'd post some of the more colorful k-klassic youtube and atom faves for your viewing pleasure. You know, in case you aren't watching fireworks this evening. And even if you are going to watch skyfires, you should watch these vids anyways; Because they are AWESOME.
"Look At Me" Trachtenburg Family Slideshow Players (performed live on Conan)
"Jan Pehechaan Ho" from the Bollywood film, Gumnaam
"Gem Sweater" Leslie and the Lys
"Konichiwa Bitches" Robyn
"Security Anthem" Kent Lambert
There is one more veeery colorful video I wanted to post, but didn't. You may remember I made a pair of spankies in homage to the song, but thought I should refrain in posting this particular video. Maybe another time.
I'm Going To Blame It On The Boogie
I've been in a Michael Jackson maniacal music phase for a little over two months. Most of the music of his I can't seem to stop listening to ranges from MJs time with the Jackson 5 to his album, Bad. And while I listened to Michael Jackson a bit while growing up...hello, THRILLER!!!...I can't say I ever displayed an OCD tendency to listen to his music in much the way I have over the past two months. It's really beginning to annoy me, but I know I won't stop 'til I get enough.
Just a random thought on my mind right now.
Just a random thought on my mind right now.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
iTuneage A Go-Go
I snaked this meme from my friend, Shannon, whose bloglink is conveniently located to the right on your screen. I've seen this particular meme a few times here and there, but after reading Shannon's, I was compelled to do one as well. And since I do always say that getting to know another's musical tastes/interests/etc. is one of the top five ways to really get to know someone, I thought I'd give y'all a glimpse of what's on my iPod/iTunes. So. Enjoy.
Total Length:
5078 songs, 19.28gb
First & Last Songs (sorted by title):
- A-Team Theme (John Swihart)
- 90% of My Mind Is With You (Prefuse 73)
Shortest & Longest Songs:
- For the shortest, it's a tie with a bunch of Napoleon Dynamite intros, but the first one is: Pull In Town (Dialog)
- Decline (NOFX)
First & Last Albums (by title):
- Abbey Road (The Beatles)
- '80s Gold (Compilation)
First & Last Artist:
- a-ha
- 50 Cent
Top 5 Most Played Songs:
1. Fake Palindromes (Andrew Bird)
2. Very Loud (Shout Out Louds)
3. Discotraxx (Ladytron)
4. Little Lover's So Polite (Silversun Pickups)
5. Coma Girl (Joe Strummer)
Search for the following words. How many songs show up?
~Sex: 15
~Death: 21
~Love: 340
~You: 631
~Home: 18
~Boy: 93
~Girl: 124
First 5 songs that come up on Party Shuffle:
1. Supernova (Liz Phair)
2. And I'm Gone (Prefuse 73)
3. Danger! High Voltage (Electric Six)
4. Meat and Potatoes [bonus track] (Belle & Sebastian)
5. One Of Us (Leonard Cohen)
Now for the questions. The Rules:
1. Put your music player on shuffle
2. Press forward for each question
3. Use the song title as the answer to your question
4. NO CHEATING
Q: What does the next year have in store for you?
A: Commissioning a Symphony in C (Cake)
Q: What does your love life look like next year?
A: Pump It Up (Elvis Costello)
Aaaahahahahahahaha!
Q: What do you say when life gets hard?
A: Cloud On My Tongue (Tori Amos)
Q: Song that reminds you of the good times?
A: Bukowski (Modest Mouse)
I'm not sure if cross-references and religion and debating and life meaning and death would necessarily remind me of "good times," but it does appeal to my cerebral side.
Q: What do you think of when you get up in the morning?
A: Little Red Light (Fountains of Wayne)
Whatta randomata choice by the computer.
Q: What song will you dance to at your wedding?
A: After Hours (Velvet Underground)
Interesting.
Q: Song that reminds you of your first kiss?
A: Sound (James)
Q: Your favorite saying?
A: Anorexic Beauty (Pulp)
Not so much anymore. Although it is quite catchy.
Q: Favorite place?
A: Radio Free Europe (R.E.M.)
Q: Most missed memory?
A: Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go (Wham!)
Say whaaat?
Q: What song describes your best friend?
A: The Ballad of Jimmy & Johnny (Rancid)
Q: What song describes your ex?
A: Dilate (Ani Difranco)
Wow Bob Wow. Not just one ex. And perhaps something to do with me.
Q: Where would you go on your first date?
A: Tony the Beat (The Sounds)
Oh man, according to this, I'm a total slut! Yeah, well, I suppose we all have our days.
Q: Drug of choice?
A: Baby, I Need Your Lovin' (Four Tops)
Hey, lovin isn't such a bad drug of choice. :) But is this a trend being set by my music player?
Q: What song best describes you?
A: Everest (Ani Difranco)
Q: What is the thing you like doing most?
A: Cream Soda (Supercar)
Q: What song best describes the president?
A: Measuring Cups (Andrew Bird)
Q: Where will you be in ten years?
A: The Color Of Tempo (Prefuse 73)
How interpretive.
Q: Your love life right now?
A: All My Friends (LCD Soundsystem)
Q: What is your state of mind at the moment?
A: My Generation (The Who)
Q: How will you die?
A: Walking On Sunshine (Katrina and the Waves)
That's what I'm talkin' about.
***Several Hours Later***
So after going back and reading this, I am surprised I had no special appearances from Pink Floyd, Belle & Sebastian, Stevie Wonder, Liz Phair, Beatles, Harry Chapin, Rolling Stones, Radiohead, Ben Folds, Springsteen (who is in my opinion one of the best poets from Jersey), Ladytron...I could go on and on. I guess I'm just a bit shocked there weren't more cameos from artists I have multiple upon multiple tracks and albums from over the years. And after doing this, it kind of makes me want to actually follow through with putting my tuneage onto another hard drive and then finally finish importing the approximately 1200 cds I have hidden from public view in the bottom drawer of my filing cabinet in the home office as well as the boxes under my bed.
What is that saying where a man is worth his weight in...? I'm so bad with euphemisms. Anyways, I suppose you could say Karoline is worth her weight in music and books. I'm not even sure if I am using that correctly or not, but when I think about the material items of which I probably have more than a ton, the items are likely music and books. Clothes might come in third, but I did recently clean out my closets and give away all the clothes I wore during my suprema-extrema eating disordered days. I have no need to be that tiny anymore. I still, to this day, really can't believe I was actually that small. Kind of gross. But that's a whole different post for another time and date. Word.
Total Length:
5078 songs, 19.28gb
First & Last Songs (sorted by title):
- A-Team Theme (John Swihart)
- 90% of My Mind Is With You (Prefuse 73)
Shortest & Longest Songs:
- For the shortest, it's a tie with a bunch of Napoleon Dynamite intros, but the first one is: Pull In Town (Dialog)
- Decline (NOFX)
First & Last Albums (by title):
- Abbey Road (The Beatles)
- '80s Gold (Compilation)
First & Last Artist:
- a-ha
- 50 Cent
Top 5 Most Played Songs:
1. Fake Palindromes (Andrew Bird)
2. Very Loud (Shout Out Louds)
3. Discotraxx (Ladytron)
4. Little Lover's So Polite (Silversun Pickups)
5. Coma Girl (Joe Strummer)
Search for the following words. How many songs show up?
~Sex: 15
~Death: 21
~Love: 340
~You: 631
~Home: 18
~Boy: 93
~Girl: 124
First 5 songs that come up on Party Shuffle:
1. Supernova (Liz Phair)
2. And I'm Gone (Prefuse 73)
3. Danger! High Voltage (Electric Six)
4. Meat and Potatoes [bonus track] (Belle & Sebastian)
5. One Of Us (Leonard Cohen)
Now for the questions. The Rules:
1. Put your music player on shuffle
2. Press forward for each question
3. Use the song title as the answer to your question
4. NO CHEATING
Q: What does the next year have in store for you?
A: Commissioning a Symphony in C (Cake)
Q: What does your love life look like next year?
A: Pump It Up (Elvis Costello)
Aaaahahahahahahaha!
Q: What do you say when life gets hard?
A: Cloud On My Tongue (Tori Amos)
Q: Song that reminds you of the good times?
A: Bukowski (Modest Mouse)
I'm not sure if cross-references and religion and debating and life meaning and death would necessarily remind me of "good times," but it does appeal to my cerebral side.
Q: What do you think of when you get up in the morning?
A: Little Red Light (Fountains of Wayne)
Whatta randomata choice by the computer.
Q: What song will you dance to at your wedding?
A: After Hours (Velvet Underground)
Interesting.
Q: Song that reminds you of your first kiss?
A: Sound (James)
Q: Your favorite saying?
A: Anorexic Beauty (Pulp)
Not so much anymore. Although it is quite catchy.
Q: Favorite place?
A: Radio Free Europe (R.E.M.)
Q: Most missed memory?
A: Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go (Wham!)
Say whaaat?
Q: What song describes your best friend?
A: The Ballad of Jimmy & Johnny (Rancid)
Q: What song describes your ex?
A: Dilate (Ani Difranco)
Wow Bob Wow. Not just one ex. And perhaps something to do with me.
Q: Where would you go on your first date?
A: Tony the Beat (The Sounds)
Oh man, according to this, I'm a total slut! Yeah, well, I suppose we all have our days.
Q: Drug of choice?
A: Baby, I Need Your Lovin' (Four Tops)
Hey, lovin isn't such a bad drug of choice. :) But is this a trend being set by my music player?
Q: What song best describes you?
A: Everest (Ani Difranco)
Q: What is the thing you like doing most?
A: Cream Soda (Supercar)
Q: What song best describes the president?
A: Measuring Cups (Andrew Bird)
Q: Where will you be in ten years?
A: The Color Of Tempo (Prefuse 73)
How interpretive.
Q: Your love life right now?
A: All My Friends (LCD Soundsystem)
Q: What is your state of mind at the moment?
A: My Generation (The Who)
Q: How will you die?
A: Walking On Sunshine (Katrina and the Waves)
That's what I'm talkin' about.
***Several Hours Later***
So after going back and reading this, I am surprised I had no special appearances from Pink Floyd, Belle & Sebastian, Stevie Wonder, Liz Phair, Beatles, Harry Chapin, Rolling Stones, Radiohead, Ben Folds, Springsteen (who is in my opinion one of the best poets from Jersey), Ladytron...I could go on and on. I guess I'm just a bit shocked there weren't more cameos from artists I have multiple upon multiple tracks and albums from over the years. And after doing this, it kind of makes me want to actually follow through with putting my tuneage onto another hard drive and then finally finish importing the approximately 1200 cds I have hidden from public view in the bottom drawer of my filing cabinet in the home office as well as the boxes under my bed.
What is that saying where a man is worth his weight in...? I'm so bad with euphemisms. Anyways, I suppose you could say Karoline is worth her weight in music and books. I'm not even sure if I am using that correctly or not, but when I think about the material items of which I probably have more than a ton, the items are likely music and books. Clothes might come in third, but I did recently clean out my closets and give away all the clothes I wore during my suprema-extrema eating disordered days. I have no need to be that tiny anymore. I still, to this day, really can't believe I was actually that small. Kind of gross. But that's a whole different post for another time and date. Word.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Homeslices I
You whispered the meaning of clouds to me. I murmured the meaning of stars. We played endless games of tag that summer. Our silly childgames often resulting in the rolling down of hills. My uncontrollable laughter bubbling between mouthfuls of grass you implored me to chew and spit. Then describe to you. Just so you knew how it would taste. Exhausted. We lay on the grass splaying our bodies "just so" there would be imprinted lawnangels. In our stillness the grass pricked our bodies in that insatiably delicious way you just know you are alive and onto something. Something.
Books Read - May/June 2008
Kate Atkinson, Case Histories: A Novel
Candace Bushnell, 4 Blondes
Candace Bushnell, Trading Up
Jacques Derrida, Dissemination
Jacques Derrida, Margins of Philosophy
Joe Hill, Heart-Shaped Box
John Irving, A Widow for One Year
Karen Kingsbury, Missy's Murder
Dennis Lehane, Gone, Baby, Gone
Marti Leimbach, Daniel Isn't Talking
Pam Lewis, Speak Softly, She Can Hear
Jodi Picoult, My Sister's Keeper
Jennifer Weiner, Goodnight Nobody
Candace Bushnell, 4 Blondes
Candace Bushnell, Trading Up
Jacques Derrida, Dissemination
Jacques Derrida, Margins of Philosophy
Joe Hill, Heart-Shaped Box
John Irving, A Widow for One Year
Karen Kingsbury, Missy's Murder
Dennis Lehane, Gone, Baby, Gone
Marti Leimbach, Daniel Isn't Talking
Pam Lewis, Speak Softly, She Can Hear
Jodi Picoult, My Sister's Keeper
Jennifer Weiner, Goodnight Nobody
Monday, June 23, 2008
The Chocolate War
I was talking with my friend Adam over gtalk earlier today, and the conversation turned to books - which isn't altogether unusual considering. He had emailed me over the weekend regarding A Confederacy of Dunces, which I have not yet read, so of course I added it to my book bucket; Then over our IMs he mentioned The Chocolate War - which I have not yet read either. Also added to bucket.
So while we were IMing, I was being my supernerdy self and wikiing the authors, and then somehow I came across the American Library Association's (ALA) web page on banned books...Probably because The Chocolate War is a frequently challenged book. This year banned book week is September 27 - October 4, 2008.
I think I am going to challenge myself to read 25 of the ALAs 100 most frequently challenged books of 1990-2000 as well as the the books on the 2007 list which I haven't yet read. I've only read 39 out of the 100 challenged books from the former list, and I have not read 3 or 4 out of the 10 on the latter list, so I have a decent pool working in my favor. Goodness knows I don't read enough already. Ha ha ha ha.
I'm going to further my challenge by restricting myself to buying only half of the books, and the other half needs to be checked out of the Greater Cleveland Area Library System. Yes, I usually purchase used books at Half-Price or Amazon Used or McKay's if I'm in Knoxville, but today Adam pointed out that I should use my library more often. And I agree.
I used to spend hours upon hours in the library - whether it was in Arizona, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, or Tennessee. Why, just 7-8 months ago, the Maryville library in Knoxville was my regular after work haunt for a few hours a day. There is always something to learn and discover at the library.
And just in case you missed it, I am a supernerd.
Game on.
So while we were IMing, I was being my supernerdy self and wikiing the authors, and then somehow I came across the American Library Association's (ALA) web page on banned books...Probably because The Chocolate War is a frequently challenged book. This year banned book week is September 27 - October 4, 2008.
I think I am going to challenge myself to read 25 of the ALAs 100 most frequently challenged books of 1990-2000 as well as the the books on the 2007 list which I haven't yet read. I've only read 39 out of the 100 challenged books from the former list, and I have not read 3 or 4 out of the 10 on the latter list, so I have a decent pool working in my favor. Goodness knows I don't read enough already. Ha ha ha ha.
I'm going to further my challenge by restricting myself to buying only half of the books, and the other half needs to be checked out of the Greater Cleveland Area Library System. Yes, I usually purchase used books at Half-Price or Amazon Used or McKay's if I'm in Knoxville, but today Adam pointed out that I should use my library more often. And I agree.
I used to spend hours upon hours in the library - whether it was in Arizona, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, or Tennessee. Why, just 7-8 months ago, the Maryville library in Knoxville was my regular after work haunt for a few hours a day. There is always something to learn and discover at the library.
And just in case you missed it, I am a supernerd.
Game on.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Okay, Okay
Dear Blog,
I have not forgotten about you. And no, I do not want to write you a Dear John letter either. Just things have been kind of OOC since coming back from Argentina. Yes, I realize I have not even updated my book list for May yet, but please rest assured because I will be posting my book list from May AND June together in a couple weeks. So shake out those ants in your pants. Please and thank you.
So much has been going on with work and my personal life, but I am still here, trucking through each day, refining the art of deep breathing and trying to take life one day at a time. There have been some recent ups and downs, and I may have some pretty big news to post here soon, so hold still and get prepared. I have a feeling I am going to be in for the roller coaster ride of a lifetime.
Sincerely,
Karoline
I have not forgotten about you. And no, I do not want to write you a Dear John letter either. Just things have been kind of OOC since coming back from Argentina. Yes, I realize I have not even updated my book list for May yet, but please rest assured because I will be posting my book list from May AND June together in a couple weeks. So shake out those ants in your pants. Please and thank you.
So much has been going on with work and my personal life, but I am still here, trucking through each day, refining the art of deep breathing and trying to take life one day at a time. There have been some recent ups and downs, and I may have some pretty big news to post here soon, so hold still and get prepared. I have a feeling I am going to be in for the roller coaster ride of a lifetime.
Sincerely,
Karoline
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Back In The U.S.A.
I've been back since May 19.
In a funk. More or less the funk has to do with work. I'm trying to work it out and get myself back up and running soon...hopefully.
More posts will be forthcoming, but I just wanted to post something for some of my people who read this here blog.
In a funk. More or less the funk has to do with work. I'm trying to work it out and get myself back up and running soon...hopefully.
More posts will be forthcoming, but I just wanted to post something for some of my people who read this here blog.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Books Read - April 2008
Candace Bushnell, Lipstick Jungle
Caprice Cane, Forget About It
John Irving, The 158-Pound Marriage
Cormac McCarthy, No Country For Old Men
Emma McLaughlin, The Nanny Diaries
James Patterson, Maximum Ride: School's Out Forever
Jodi Picoult, Salem Falls
Joyce Carol Oates, The Falls
Lauren Weisberger, Everyone Worth Knowing
Caprice Cane, Forget About It
John Irving, The 158-Pound Marriage
Cormac McCarthy, No Country For Old Men
Emma McLaughlin, The Nanny Diaries
James Patterson, Maximum Ride: School's Out Forever
Jodi Picoult, Salem Falls
Joyce Carol Oates, The Falls
Lauren Weisberger, Everyone Worth Knowing
I'm Alive
I'm still in Buenos Aires. Alive and doing pretty well.
Worked for a few weeks. Vacation was approximately one point five weeks. And now I am back at work down here for the next few weeks.
I'll be posting some pics and a travel redux after I get back to the U.S., since the only time I am on the computer is at work...and my time in the office doesn't really allow me to do adequate posting unless I stay here very late, and while I love being in the office for 12-14 hours, I really don't love it THAT much.
Worked for a few weeks. Vacation was approximately one point five weeks. And now I am back at work down here for the next few weeks.
I'll be posting some pics and a travel redux after I get back to the U.S., since the only time I am on the computer is at work...and my time in the office doesn't really allow me to do adequate posting unless I stay here very late, and while I love being in the office for 12-14 hours, I really don't love it THAT much.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Books Read - March 2008
Eric Freeman & Elisabeth Freeman, Head First Design Patterns (ongoing; reference)
Stephen King, Duma Key
Stephen King, On Writing
Erika Krouse, Come Up And See Me Sometime
David Sawyer Mcfarland, CSS - The Missing Manual (ongoing, reference)
David Mitchell, Number9Dream
Joyce Carol Oates, Foxfire
Stephen King, Duma Key
Stephen King, On Writing
Erika Krouse, Come Up And See Me Sometime
David Sawyer Mcfarland, CSS - The Missing Manual (ongoing, reference)
David Mitchell, Number9Dream
Joyce Carol Oates, Foxfire
Friday, March 28, 2008
Can I get a side of Billy Ray Cyrus with that?
J: Wow. Your hair is at the bottom of your neck.
Me: Way to rub in the fact that I'm slowly sprouting the sweetest mullet this side of the Mississipp.
J: I didn't mean it that way, but now that you mention it...
Me: Shaddup. I've heard enough out of you.
Me: Way to rub in the fact that I'm slowly sprouting the sweetest mullet this side of the Mississipp.
J: I didn't mean it that way, but now that you mention it...
Me: Shaddup. I've heard enough out of you.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
"Under my umbrella..."
Damn you Rihanna. Damn you and that damned Umbrella song of yours. Damn this earworm in my head. Damn it if I not-so-secretly secretly like it.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Anti
I am anti-Facebook. Don't ask me why. I certainly couldn't give you a concrete answer. I've been contemplating my aversion to this particular social networking site to no avail. Is it because I am too lazy to set up an account? No. Is it because I don't want people to find me? No. If that were the case, I wouldn't blog under my real name. Is it because of the very few horror stories I've heard and read about regarding the site? Possibly. I'm thinking it is more along the lines of me fearing that if I do sign up, I will succumb to yet another time sucking vortex. These time sucking vortices are what I am trying to minimize in my life. So maybe I am subconsciously telling myself that I cannot sign up because the addictive aspect of Facebook would be far too great for me to "just say no" to in the reality of my life. And that would be bad.
I am sure there are more thoughts to come regarding this avoidant behavior I have regarding this site. You know, after I mull it over all ciderlike in my head. Thend.
I am sure there are more thoughts to come regarding this avoidant behavior I have regarding this site. You know, after I mull it over all ciderlike in my head. Thend.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
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.
-- 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.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Zapped
I am not sure what's worse: Having things to actually write about but no inspiration to compose, or, Having nothing to write about with oodles of inspiration. After writing it out, I think the worse of the two would be the former. Yes. The former. Yes. I am still going through my malaise. I blame it on the weather.
And while I hate placing blame on something as banal as the weather, I have to say that Mother Nature has certainly played a fair role in my mindset. I mean, it obviously hasn't been enough for her to dump multiple feet of snow, ice, sleet, and the goshdarned wintry mix down for months now, then decide to warm-up to say FIFTY degrees where all the snow is melting quite nicely, turning into slushy piles of Maybe Spring Really Is On Its Way. No, all this hasn't been enough because last night, you took it upon yourself to dump another four or five inches of snow on us?!?!
Talk about a kick in the nads. Mother Nature, you are STILL on notice.
-- Oh and don't let me forget to write about the Great Wal-Mart Spill of 2008 over the next few days. --
And while I hate placing blame on something as banal as the weather, I have to say that Mother Nature has certainly played a fair role in my mindset. I mean, it obviously hasn't been enough for her to dump multiple feet of snow, ice, sleet, and the goshdarned wintry mix down for months now, then decide to warm-up to say FIFTY degrees where all the snow is melting quite nicely, turning into slushy piles of Maybe Spring Really Is On Its Way. No, all this hasn't been enough because last night, you took it upon yourself to dump another four or five inches of snow on us?!?!
Talk about a kick in the nads. Mother Nature, you are STILL on notice.
-- Oh and don't let me forget to write about the Great Wal-Mart Spill of 2008 over the next few days. --
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Funktronic
I am so over the weather up here. I am melting down to a funktronic state unlike any other funk-state I've experienced in the past. This is not good. This would account for my recent silence. I'll be back soon. But for now silence is okay, and I've put the weather gods on notice. ;)
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Oh The Dramz
Did you hear? I'm sure you have seeing as how it's been all-over the entertainment news since this morning, but being that I haven't posted about my ultimate favorite reality show recently, I thought I would post this little tidbit.
David Hernandez, a current contestant on American Idol, was a stripper in Phoenix, AZ. He danced for three years in an all-male revue at a club with a largely gay male clientele. An all-naked, all-male revue at that. Suh-weet.
What good is another season of American Idol without a scandal?
David Hernandez, a current contestant on American Idol, was a stripper in Phoenix, AZ. He danced for three years in an all-male revue at a club with a largely gay male clientele. An all-naked, all-male revue at that. Suh-weet.
What good is another season of American Idol without a scandal?
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.
Twelve weeks until the Cleveland Marathon, Half-Marathon, & 10K. Me and Hal Higdon's Half-Marathon training plan are fast becoming friends.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Books Read - February 2008
February was a month of new reads, with the exception of Wasted which I have read so many times I stopped counting at a billionty times twenty. This time I managed to read it during an exceptionally awesome workout session on the bike and elliptical.
Cynthia Buchanan, Maiden
Ken Follett, The Pillars of the Earth
Marya Hornbacher, Wasted
Fred Leebron, Six Figures
Elizabeth McCracken, The Giant's House
Joyce Carol Oates, Black Water
Joyce Carol Oates, Man Crazy
Ruth Rendell, Adam and Eve and Pinch Me
Elisabeth Robinson, The True and Outstanding Adventures of the Hunt Sisters
Cynthia Buchanan, Maiden
Ken Follett, The Pillars of the Earth
Marya Hornbacher, Wasted
Fred Leebron, Six Figures
Elizabeth McCracken, The Giant's House
Joyce Carol Oates, Black Water
Joyce Carol Oates, Man Crazy
Ruth Rendell, Adam and Eve and Pinch Me
Elisabeth Robinson, The True and Outstanding Adventures of the Hunt Sisters
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
I Have A Confession To Make
On Sunday night I watched the Oscars just so I could write down all the movies I missed in the theatres during 2007 and still want to see; Because I could then add them to my Netflix queue.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
The Millness
It looks as though I am recovering, albeit sloooowly recovering from the millness. Millness = mystery + illness for any uninformed readers. This word is yet another word made up by yours truly. One of my karolineisms. Use it, enjoy it.
I'll be back to regular postings next week.
I'll be back to regular postings next week.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
You TOTALLY Want To Know
Since the post about my detox of sorts, I know you have been plagued with thoughts regarding what exactly is in the Green Lemonade concoction. Well, I'll tell you.
Ingredients are as follows: Kale, Celery, Apples, Lemons, Ginger Root (optional). It's even more delicious than it sounds. The way to my heart is through this delicious libation. No, not really, but I figure if I keep telling myself this, then maybe, just maybe, I'll convince myself that this beverage is truly delicious.
I'm drinking it out of a wine glass because it makes me feel regal. Just like my cat.
Green Lemonade is my Very Fancy Feast.
Ingredients are as follows: Kale, Celery, Apples, Lemons, Ginger Root (optional). It's even more delicious than it sounds. The way to my heart is through this delicious libation. No, not really, but I figure if I keep telling myself this, then maybe, just maybe, I'll convince myself that this beverage is truly delicious.
I'm drinking it out of a wine glass because it makes me feel regal. Just like my cat.
Green Lemonade is my Very Fancy Feast.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Detox
I'm doing a 3-5 day green lemonade and water fast beginning Tuesday. I decided to do this seeing as how my energy levels have been all over the map and I'd like to help myself get those in check before heading down to South America at mystery dates still needing to be declared.
Have I ever mentioned how much I hate not knowing solid dates of impending long trips/longer-ranging plans? Well, I do. I hatehatehate it. Being stuck in a state of flux. Trying to figure out where exactly I put my favorite linen pants and sundresses that I may or may not need depending on the dates of the trip. Not being able to commit to any other plans as the waiting continues for a trip with no dates declared yet. I'm so angstified about it that my OCD picking tendencies have reared their ugly head. I've had these in check for awhile, but not so much now. Argh!
Well at least I know where my passport is.
Back to the detox. While I've been eating more normally over the past few weeks and I've been cooking versus eating out as often, I've noticed some not so wonderful physical changes to my body. Of course these changes could be imagined and purely symptomatic of my eating disorder, or they could be reality. I am not sure I want to know, but I did decide to do a modified raw fast next week. I went raw a few years ago, and while it absolutely sucked the first two days, I noticed a significant positive change in my physical health. But maybe it was too good...and raw wasn't to be a long-term diet change for me - especially with my ED history. So it was tried for awhile and then I reverted to more normalized eating. I mean, who REALLY sits down and eats 1/2 a watermelon for lunch? Really.
I am convinced it is going to help me get a lot of crap (no pun intended) out of my body and hopefully help regulate my sleeping schedule a little better. I am also hoping it will help me to slow down a little and stop the OCD behviors I am currently experiencing. I'm sure the fast will be interesting regardless.
Have I ever mentioned how much I hate not knowing solid dates of impending long trips/longer-ranging plans? Well, I do. I hatehatehate it. Being stuck in a state of flux. Trying to figure out where exactly I put my favorite linen pants and sundresses that I may or may not need depending on the dates of the trip. Not being able to commit to any other plans as the waiting continues for a trip with no dates declared yet. I'm so angstified about it that my OCD picking tendencies have reared their ugly head. I've had these in check for awhile, but not so much now. Argh!
Well at least I know where my passport is.
Back to the detox. While I've been eating more normally over the past few weeks and I've been cooking versus eating out as often, I've noticed some not so wonderful physical changes to my body. Of course these changes could be imagined and purely symptomatic of my eating disorder, or they could be reality. I am not sure I want to know, but I did decide to do a modified raw fast next week. I went raw a few years ago, and while it absolutely sucked the first two days, I noticed a significant positive change in my physical health. But maybe it was too good...and raw wasn't to be a long-term diet change for me - especially with my ED history. So it was tried for awhile and then I reverted to more normalized eating. I mean, who REALLY sits down and eats 1/2 a watermelon for lunch? Really.
I am convinced it is going to help me get a lot of crap (no pun intended) out of my body and hopefully help regulate my sleeping schedule a little better. I am also hoping it will help me to slow down a little and stop the OCD behviors I am currently experiencing. I'm sure the fast will be interesting regardless.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Mantra
I will successfully grow my hair out past this helmethead 'do, I will successfully grow my hair out past this helmethead 'do, I will successfully grow my hair out past this helmethead 'do.
Shampoo.
Rinse.
Rewash.
Rinse.
Rewash.
Rinse.
Condition.
Rinse.
Repeat.
Shampoo.
Rinse.
Rewash.
Rinse.
Rewash.
Rinse.
Condition.
Rinse.
Repeat.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Feel The Power
Tower of Power is coming to the ClevelandOH House of Blues on April 3. I am so there. You know, if I am in the country.
If you haven't heard of this amazing funk and soul band, take an auditory and visual gander: What is Hip?
They are an unbelievable group of musicians. Seriously. Check them out if you can.
If you haven't heard of this amazing funk and soul band, take an auditory and visual gander: What is Hip?
They are an unbelievable group of musicians. Seriously. Check them out if you can.
Zombie Cycle
For the past three months or so I've been having this recurring dream where zombies are traipsing through my backyard. Maybe traipse isn't the best word to describe it, but the zombies are moving in that aimless stumble that is so well depicted in Night of the Living Dead. The zombies aren't doing anything awful like trying to eat my brains or anything, they're just stumbling around walking into trees and just more or less looking like stupefied idiots.
In every dream, I see them while I am looking out the window in my bathroom. And I just stare. I don't move, I don't scream, just stare. I inflict the Gaze on these zombies and nothing else. So after having yet another dream of the zombies last night, I am really beginning to wonder why I keep dreaming of them. Seriously, I wish they would just go away.
In every dream, I see them while I am looking out the window in my bathroom. And I just stare. I don't move, I don't scream, just stare. I inflict the Gaze on these zombies and nothing else. So after having yet another dream of the zombies last night, I am really beginning to wonder why I keep dreaming of them. Seriously, I wish they would just go away.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
First Encounter
My friend Adam recently sent me this: half fart and half yellow horse piss
Prior to this I had not encountered the poetics of Al Purdy, which is kind of interesting and humorous to me seeing as how I've had that multi-year-not-so-secret-secret-love affair with the works of Charles Bukowski. Interesting, indeed.
Prior to this I had not encountered the poetics of Al Purdy, which is kind of interesting and humorous to me seeing as how I've had that multi-year-not-so-secret-secret-love affair with the works of Charles Bukowski. Interesting, indeed.
On another note, Adam also sent me this:
Sagittarius: Have you been thinging about making a change in your life? Well stop thinking and start doing! Regardless of whether it's a major or a minor change you have in mind, make it fast! Gradual transitions are not going to cut it now, because they give you way too much time to change your mind. Use your energy to its maximum effect and get things going in the right direction as quickly as you can. That way you will start to see the rewards of these changes faster, too.
I don't usually put much stock in the astrological aspects of life, but this one particularly rang true to some things I am going through right now. Astrology is all about the interpretation, so I guess I decided to correlate it closely to my life today. Thend.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
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.
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.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Super Skinny Me
While most people were watching the Super Bowl yesterday, I was watching this: Super Skinny Me
Thank you for making this short documentary, BBC. Thank you.
It's a pretty insightful piece. Especially considering that the two journalists involved were of "sound mind" when they opted to participate in the experiment.
Overall, I found it bittersweet and think it is a pretty enlightening piece for the general public/audiences.
Many people I know and talk with regularly think this ED stuff primarily happens to younger women - adolescents in their teenage years.
And they find it to be a hard pill to swallow when they learn that women my age struggle with ED - or that it never went away from previous years of abuse.
And harder still to swallow when people discover women older than myself struggle with it.
The ignorance makes me want to scream sometimes.
Thank you for making this short documentary, BBC. Thank you.
It's a pretty insightful piece. Especially considering that the two journalists involved were of "sound mind" when they opted to participate in the experiment.
Overall, I found it bittersweet and think it is a pretty enlightening piece for the general public/audiences.
Many people I know and talk with regularly think this ED stuff primarily happens to younger women - adolescents in their teenage years.
And they find it to be a hard pill to swallow when they learn that women my age struggle with ED - or that it never went away from previous years of abuse.
And harder still to swallow when people discover women older than myself struggle with it.
The ignorance makes me want to scream sometimes.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Idol Thoughts
I did in fact watch American Idol this past week and my thoughts are, "Ehhh." I could take it or leave it. But you know me, for now, I will take it.
The judges put some people through who I think shouldn't have been put through - namely a sixteen year-old cheerleader overachiever - her voice really wasn't all that. But I am not a music industry expert nor am I paid to judge this show, so my opinion is irrelevant.
Maybe this week will be better.
The judges put some people through who I think shouldn't have been put through - namely a sixteen year-old cheerleader overachiever - her voice really wasn't all that. But I am not a music industry expert nor am I paid to judge this show, so my opinion is irrelevant.
Maybe this week will be better.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Books Read - January 2008
For those who might be interested in what I read, I am going to post my bookreads on a per month basis. Or you can also always find me on good reads. Last year I read one hundred thirty-seven books.
Not that I am bragging, but I just think that it is absolutely wild. The fact that I read that many books. And it kind of is. It kind of is absolutely wild. Really.
It is. Absolutely wild. One hundred thirty-seven books. Wowsers, Gadgetry.
January has been a month of decent reads. Fluffy fiction, serious fiction, non-fiction, fantasy, and history.
Alpha, by author:
David Allen, Getting Things Done
Felix Luna, A Short History Of The Argentinians
Joyce Carol Oates, The Tattooed Girl
Joyce Carol Oates, Missing Mom
James Patterson, 1st To Die
James Patterson, 2nd Chance
JK Rowling, Order Of The Phoenix
JK Rowling, Half-Blood Prince
Not that I am bragging, but I just think that it is absolutely wild. The fact that I read that many books. And it kind of is. It kind of is absolutely wild. Really.
It is. Absolutely wild. One hundred thirty-seven books. Wowsers, Gadgetry.
January has been a month of decent reads. Fluffy fiction, serious fiction, non-fiction, fantasy, and history.
Alpha, by author:
David Allen, Getting Things Done
Felix Luna, A Short History Of The Argentinians
Joyce Carol Oates, The Tattooed Girl
Joyce Carol Oates, Missing Mom
James Patterson, 1st To Die
James Patterson, 2nd Chance
JK Rowling, Order Of The Phoenix
JK Rowling, Half-Blood Prince
Monday, January 21, 2008
Another Go
I am en route to growing a shagtastic pseudo-mullet.
Why do I do this to myself? You see, I am trying really hard to grow my hair out again. My patience with my hair ranges from little to none, but being the stubborn gal that I am, I am compelled to give it one more try. What I want to know is HOW ON EARTH DID I GROW IT BACK OUT AFTER HAVING SHAVED IT ALL OFF YEARS AGO? What kind of patience did I invest in at that point? I need some of it now.
Sidenote - I should do a post showcasing my varied looks over the years. Yes. I will do that as soon as I get a sweet new scanner.
Why do I do this to myself? You see, I am trying really hard to grow my hair out again. My patience with my hair ranges from little to none, but being the stubborn gal that I am, I am compelled to give it one more try. What I want to know is HOW ON EARTH DID I GROW IT BACK OUT AFTER HAVING SHAVED IT ALL OFF YEARS AGO? What kind of patience did I invest in at that point? I need some of it now.
Sidenote - I should do a post showcasing my varied looks over the years. Yes. I will do that as soon as I get a sweet new scanner.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Hot Water
Say hello to my hot water.
What? It looks like a mere drizzle? Well, it is.
A drizzle that with the help of one hour hard labor - boiling pots of water, electric teakettles full of water - and a jolly laugh by me, I was able to bathe today.
Added to my list of things to do:
Monday - call a plumber?
*And yes, I know, I know, I need to clean the tub.*
What? It looks like a mere drizzle? Well, it is.
A drizzle that with the help of one hour hard labor - boiling pots of water, electric teakettles full of water - and a jolly laugh by me, I was able to bathe today.
Added to my list of things to do:
Monday - call a plumber?
*And yes, I know, I know, I need to clean the tub.*
S-Naked
Last night I had a dream that I was prancing around St. Louis, MO wearing nothing but a pair of the new Ivory Python Christian Louboutin heels.
This is quite atypical of me.
1. St. Louis?!
2. Louboutin heels?!
3. Naked?!
What does it mean?
This is quite atypical of me.
1. St. Louis?!
2. Louboutin heels?!
3. Naked?!
What does it mean?
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Russian Blues
I have a nine year old cat named Lucifer. Inherited from my mom last year, Lucifer has been living the good life with me. She has an electric litterbox, eats the best dry food for older kitties, also chows down on a small can of Fancy Feast a few times a week, and is showered with love and affection. Over the past year she has morphed from superiorly skittish kitty to regal, nonchalant, spoiled kitty.
Here is proof:
Look how regal!!!
I think she needs a friend. I've had this notion for awhile now, but I've been on a mysterious three-month-no-purchase-a-new-pet-unless-the-thought-is-stillthereafterthreemonths-time-limit. This is due to the great Matilda debacle. Ahhhh, Matilda. I do not miss her.
So the next new pet will be a Russian Blue cat. This is what a full-grown Russian Blue looks like:
Equally regal to Luciferface!
But I would hope to grow my Russian Blue into looking more like this:
The three month waiting period is coming to an end, and I think all things will be a go, although if it is decided to move forward with the purchase, it will be officially postponed until late spring due to the impending Argentina trip, but let's not allow me to get ahead of myself here.
After the cat...maybe another dog. Woof! It wouldn't quite be Wild Kingdom, but it would be darn close!
Here is proof:
Look how regal!!!
I think she needs a friend. I've had this notion for awhile now, but I've been on a mysterious three-month-no-purchase-a-new-pet-unless-the-thought-is-stillthereafterthreemonths-time-limit. This is due to the great Matilda debacle. Ahhhh, Matilda. I do not miss her.
So the next new pet will be a Russian Blue cat. This is what a full-grown Russian Blue looks like:
Equally regal to Luciferface!
But I would hope to grow my Russian Blue into looking more like this:
The three month waiting period is coming to an end, and I think all things will be a go, although if it is decided to move forward with the purchase, it will be officially postponed until late spring due to the impending Argentina trip, but let's not allow me to get ahead of myself here.
After the cat...maybe another dog. Woof! It wouldn't quite be Wild Kingdom, but it would be darn close!
Friday, January 18, 2008
Bad TV Gene
Last night one of my buddies told me that I have what he calls the Bad TV Gene. The BTVG is part of your genetic makeup. This gene compels you to shamelessly watch reeeally bad television.
What can I say? Guilty as charged.
Here are the top five current shows shamelessly viewed by yours truly. These shows might make others cringe, but by golly, they roxor my soxors if you know what I mean. Anywho:
1. Degrassi: The Next Generation
2. Desperate Housewives
3. Grey's Anatomy
4. Intervention
5. American Idol
I am willing to bet I am not alone in my viewings. I'm just more willing to admit it than a lot of people.
What can I say? Guilty as charged.
Here are the top five current shows shamelessly viewed by yours truly. These shows might make others cringe, but by golly, they roxor my soxors if you know what I mean. Anywho:
1. Degrassi: The Next Generation
2. Desperate Housewives
3. Grey's Anatomy
4. Intervention
5. American Idol
I am willing to bet I am not alone in my viewings. I'm just more willing to admit it than a lot of people.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
I Am Your Brother, Forever...
The premiere episodes of American Idol are now finished and I have to seriously question why I was so excited to watch them. Both episodes kind of left me with a bad taste in my mouth.
While a few individuals sang with fantastical talent, most of the auditions were forgettable. This is not to mention that the judges were lacking that certain je ne sais quoi that we, as an audience, grew to adore in the days of yore.
Don't get me wrong. I'll continue to watch this eyesore as I am compulsed to do so, but I have to agree the show has been on the decline for a few years now. Maybe it will get better as the season progresses. Probably not.
While a few individuals sang with fantastical talent, most of the auditions were forgettable. This is not to mention that the judges were lacking that certain je ne sais quoi that we, as an audience, grew to adore in the days of yore.
Don't get me wrong. I'll continue to watch this eyesore as I am compulsed to do so, but I have to agree the show has been on the decline for a few years now. Maybe it will get better as the season progresses. Probably not.
About Those Trips...
Well. Harumph.
Yesterday I thought I had finally solidified my spring 2008 travel plans, only to discover today that the plans, well, they-are-a-changing. Reader, you may have noticed that I took down my previous post due to the somewhat drastic change in plans.
I'll likely have a much clearer picture of what my spring and summer will look like within the next few weeks, so I shall post planned adventures when certain travel plans coagulate. You know, for those of you who might be interested in hearing about the Ws and the H of my travels.
I'm just sayin'.
Yesterday I thought I had finally solidified my spring 2008 travel plans, only to discover today that the plans, well, they-are-a-changing. Reader, you may have noticed that I took down my previous post due to the somewhat drastic change in plans.
I'll likely have a much clearer picture of what my spring and summer will look like within the next few weeks, so I shall post planned adventures when certain travel plans coagulate. You know, for those of you who might be interested in hearing about the Ws and the H of my travels.
I'm just sayin'.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Ooo Whoa Ooo Whoa Ooo
Tonight I will be watching the second episode of this season's American Idol. I have a not-so-secret secret love affair with this show. I should probably be ashamed to watch, because the after effects of the show leave you with that "not so clean feeling." But I am so NOT ashamed. I am unabashedly unashamed. Oh man, I can't wait!
Adventures In Teeth: One
I've had approximately $2700-$3000 worth of work done on my teeth between June 2007 and January 2008. Three. Thousand. Dollars. And I still have two more appointments to keep in February.
My new partials are apparently made from the horn of unicorns.
My new partials are apparently made from the horn of unicorns.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Harry Potter Number Five & Six
If you know me well, you know I read compulsively. If you do not know me well, you will learn that I read compulsively. My latest journies taken were of the Harry Potter sort.
The last Potter book I read was back in 2004. I started to read, and then proceeded to opt out halfway through Flight Of The Phoenix (#5) because I was bored. Yes, bored. So I put the book down and didn't look back until 2008. Four years later.
I felt I should reread the first half and finish the book since I do want to see the film now that it is out on DVD; Yes, even though all the HP films have disappointed me in varying degrees. (And oh man, I sound so pretentious!) So I used one of the lucky gift cards I received for Christmas and purchased another copy of HP 5 seeing as how I lost my last one in one of the many geographic moves I've made over the past four years. And I plowed through it.
HP 5 was a practice of patience for me. I wasn't entirely enthused about the book, but I figured it had to be good or maybe something reeeeeally interesting would come along seeing as how the book is over 800 pages long, but sadly, no. At least not to me. It was all stick and no carrot for me. Read: contrived.
At any rate, I had to forge ahead with HP 6 seeing as how I already had that book in my personal stockpile - thanks to my wonderful mom! So I picked it up and read it in a few hours, and was left feeling similarly as I had upon finishing HP 5. I felt a little empty, papery, and let down.
Maybe it is just me, but I feel like JK Rowling lost something somewhere between HP 4 and HP 5. Like she lost her inspiration, her vigor for the extraordinary. The pages just didn't glitter to me. I am not altogether sure yet, as I am still fleshing out how I feel about the books.
As a Harry Potter fan, I am glad I finally read and finished books 5 and 6 even if I am a bit letdown. I will read HP 7 soon, and maybe that will restore my Harry Potter adoration, maybe not.
Am I heretical for blaspheming Rowling's books?
The last Potter book I read was back in 2004. I started to read, and then proceeded to opt out halfway through Flight Of The Phoenix (#5) because I was bored. Yes, bored. So I put the book down and didn't look back until 2008. Four years later.
I felt I should reread the first half and finish the book since I do want to see the film now that it is out on DVD; Yes, even though all the HP films have disappointed me in varying degrees. (And oh man, I sound so pretentious!) So I used one of the lucky gift cards I received for Christmas and purchased another copy of HP 5 seeing as how I lost my last one in one of the many geographic moves I've made over the past four years. And I plowed through it.
HP 5 was a practice of patience for me. I wasn't entirely enthused about the book, but I figured it had to be good or maybe something reeeeeally interesting would come along seeing as how the book is over 800 pages long, but sadly, no. At least not to me. It was all stick and no carrot for me. Read: contrived.
At any rate, I had to forge ahead with HP 6 seeing as how I already had that book in my personal stockpile - thanks to my wonderful mom! So I picked it up and read it in a few hours, and was left feeling similarly as I had upon finishing HP 5. I felt a little empty, papery, and let down.
Maybe it is just me, but I feel like JK Rowling lost something somewhere between HP 4 and HP 5. Like she lost her inspiration, her vigor for the extraordinary. The pages just didn't glitter to me. I am not altogether sure yet, as I am still fleshing out how I feel about the books.
As a Harry Potter fan, I am glad I finally read and finished books 5 and 6 even if I am a bit letdown. I will read HP 7 soon, and maybe that will restore my Harry Potter adoration, maybe not.
Am I heretical for blaspheming Rowling's books?
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Goals 2008
1. Train, run, and complete the Cleveland Half-Marathon.
2. Begin development on my first book; Write at least thirty minutes a day, five times a week.
3. Broaden freelance network base; Forge ahead with career change; Do rewarding work.
4. Learn all the ins and outs of CSS; Finish website; Develop and launch two new websites; Become more well-versed in the tech world.
5. Continue to circularly practice proactivity in my recovery.
6. Learn how to better manage finances and stick to budget.
7. Travel to at least three new places this year; Continue to save money for trip to Sweden.
8. Train, workout five-six times a week as long as it does not adversely affect my recovery; Begin regular pilates classes.
9. Locate, research, and visit various geographic areas where relocation would be possible in the next three years, so there is a geo-pool from which to choose.
10. Maintain current healthy relationships, purge the unhealthy relationships, improve relationships I want to keep but are currently suffering, and develop and grow healthy new relationships.
2. Begin development on my first book; Write at least thirty minutes a day, five times a week.
3. Broaden freelance network base; Forge ahead with career change; Do rewarding work.
4. Learn all the ins and outs of CSS; Finish website; Develop and launch two new websites; Become more well-versed in the tech world.
5. Continue to circularly practice proactivity in my recovery.
6. Learn how to better manage finances and stick to budget.
7. Travel to at least three new places this year; Continue to save money for trip to Sweden.
8. Train, workout five-six times a week as long as it does not adversely affect my recovery; Begin regular pilates classes.
9. Locate, research, and visit various geographic areas where relocation would be possible in the next three years, so there is a geo-pool from which to choose.
10. Maintain current healthy relationships, purge the unhealthy relationships, improve relationships I want to keep but are currently suffering, and develop and grow healthy new relationships.
Slight Reflection
Every year since I left Arizona, I've written a wellness goal list. This is not to be confused with stereotypical resolutions for the New Year such as: "I resolve to lose weight, quit smoking, etc.," but rather, a list of ways to improve my life and continue to strive to achieve a better balance of wellness in my mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional states. I call(ed) it my "well-list."
I would post previous years in here; However, largely due to the Great Karoline Meltdown of 2007, I deleted all of them off my hard drive. Awesome, right? No.
That seemingly small yet significant action I performed in June of last year, gives you an insight into my state of mind for a large part of last year - not to mention a few years previous to that.
I felt I wasn't worth having goals and dreams to achieve. I simply didn't want to be around anymore. And it surely wasn't worth having a list of five years of small successes and what I perceived to be huge failures for others to view and make commentary on regarding my life when I was busy checking out on everyone - including myself. So I purged those goals and dreams. Just like I intended to purge myself.
I again believe it is important for me to have goals and dreams to achieve, so I am starting over with my list this year. This is yet another small significant action on my part. By doing this, I am showing to myself and others that I am worth existing and having successes as well as failures, no matter how small or large.
Right now, I'm in the race of life for the long haul, and I am hoping to prove to myself and others that I am proactively changing for the better and trying to do the "next best thing" in all aspects of my life.
It was a long way down, and I'm trying to find my way back upUpup. I think the challenge is worth it.
I would post previous years in here; However, largely due to the Great Karoline Meltdown of 2007, I deleted all of them off my hard drive. Awesome, right? No.
That seemingly small yet significant action I performed in June of last year, gives you an insight into my state of mind for a large part of last year - not to mention a few years previous to that.
I felt I wasn't worth having goals and dreams to achieve. I simply didn't want to be around anymore. And it surely wasn't worth having a list of five years of small successes and what I perceived to be huge failures for others to view and make commentary on regarding my life when I was busy checking out on everyone - including myself. So I purged those goals and dreams. Just like I intended to purge myself.
I again believe it is important for me to have goals and dreams to achieve, so I am starting over with my list this year. This is yet another small significant action on my part. By doing this, I am showing to myself and others that I am worth existing and having successes as well as failures, no matter how small or large.
Right now, I'm in the race of life for the long haul, and I am hoping to prove to myself and others that I am proactively changing for the better and trying to do the "next best thing" in all aspects of my life.
It was a long way down, and I'm trying to find my way back upUpup. I think the challenge is worth it.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Disjointedness
One week into the new year. I typically make a list of goals to achieve on an annual basis, so I'll post that soon.
I have been experiencing a somewhat unmanageable malaise regarding work and writing and exercise and lifeingeneral, so I am hoping that will pass as soon as I get more endorphins pumping through my body with the help of Operation GymRat.
I have been experiencing a somewhat unmanageable malaise regarding work and writing and exercise and lifeingeneral, so I am hoping that will pass as soon as I get more endorphins pumping through my body with the help of Operation GymRat.
Friday, January 4, 2008
Back To The Gym
After taking a weeklong break, it's high time I got back to the gym. I'm certainly not going to run the half in two hours or less by not training and being lumpy. I know, I know. The marathon isn't until May, but better to get safe, adequate training in so that I will achieve my goal. Not very interesting, is it?
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