Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Butthole?

You've seen them, you know who I'm talking about...those people who don't heed the "RIGHT LANE CLOSED AHEAD" signage that's plastered for miles and miles before it actually occurs. They insist on attempting to cut you off, no turn signal, and all but nudge you out of your lane, THE CORRECT LANE by the way, in efforts to get a car length or two ahead of you. Now, I don't know about you, but a turn signal goes a long way with this girl, so if you use one, I'll usually let you in, but if you try to muscle in without it - good luck. The problem is, why do you, the Butthole driver who is clearly inconsiderate of your traffic mates, insist on blowing your horn and flipping me the bird, when you're the dork in the clearly marked WRONG lane? I'm sorry, I don't believe in the "No car left behind" program. As far as I'm concerned, you can sit on the side of the road until you learn the kindergarten rule, "NO CUTTING IN LINE". So as my mother would say, "Stick that horn!". (Thanks Mom.)

Butthole move number two? I tell you the truth. It doesn't even matter the subject, but if it's personal, and the truth, and you just happen not to like it, you get mad at me. Why? I understand people's versions of the truth can be subjective, but if you happen to agree with me, and you know what I speak is true, why do you get mad at me? Dork. Ever heard of, "Don't shoot the messenger?". Live it, learn it, love it.

You all might not know this Buttholer move, but what about the Hinter? Let me explain. The Hinter is that person who hints about things, places they want to go or even how they FEEL but they never ask, follow through or discuss what's on their mind. I may or may not indulge the hinting, but if I don't, don't get pissed at me for not spoiling you and humoring you like your parents obviously did. I assume that if you aren't brave enough to ask for what you want, then you don't want it (whatever IT is) all that badly. I was taught at a young age to ask for what you want, and while you might not get the answer you want, you still at least have an answer. As for your feelings, if you choose not to discuss them with me given all the current technological opportunities (text, e-mail, instant messenger, phone, fax, etc) then sit on it. Yep, I said it. Sit on it. And don't think that bringing up your issues 6 months after the fact will be appreciated either. I can't do anything about it 6 months after the fact and more so, I shouldn't be considered the Butthole when I wasn't given the opportunity to adjust my behavior that offended you in the first place.

Additionally, if you're one of those "Open Ended" Buttholes, I don't like you either. You're similar to the Hinter Butthole above, but you basically trick your counterpart into inviting you to do something like brunch, dinner, or a movie because you drone on about how lonely you are. But once the invite is cast, you pretend that you're too busy to partake in the suggested activities! You know, you've heard it, the Open Ended Rear End says something like, "Oh, we should hang out for dinner some time", and when it's followed up with multiple invites with specific dates, the Butthole's response is, "Oh, let me check and get back to you". And they NEVER get back to you! Don't waste my time and efforts in planning something if you're going to just leave me hanging. And, even better, don't consider ME the Butthole when I never, ever invite you to ANYTHING ever again.

So there you have it, various ways on how to be a Butthole. You can choose to give Buttholes the benefit of the doubt in any given situation, and of course there are always exceptions to the rule, but most of all, just don't be a Butthole. Everyone already has one, no one needs an extra.

Monday, September 24, 2012

Change

Nothing is constant but change, right? Since I want to get back to my blogging without having to re-invent the proverbial blog wheel, I decided to update and change the intent of this blog versus starting over. Isn't recycling great? Basically, I've changed the name of my blog, and opened up the time frame so it's non specific. With that said, let the blogging begin!

To update you about some of my 12 x 12 original intentions, I am happy to report that I've been maintaining my "one event per month" (or more) commitment, have gotten myself back into a size 12 pant/dress, and speaking of dresses, have worn one twice to work so far (hey, don't judge - baby steps!). I've been maintaining my chiropractic care on a regular basis, and have tried some new adventures and places (although I'm not sure if my adventure seeking has hit a total of 12 new places yet!).

Most of my time these days is sadly spent at work. With that said however, life isn't all work and no play. I still consider my part time dog training the "fun" job, and wouldn't call volunteering with the Lincoln Park Zoo "work" at all. I have to admit, I've become addicted to my Zoo Crew and the inside scoops I attain every Sunday about the "goings on" at the LP Zoo. And, I am proud to say, that volunteering was one of my original 12 x 12 intentions! I think (while it's not necessarily in different capacities) I've got the "volunteer 12 times" thing in the bag for this year, and have even made plans to continue on next year. Of course, I'm hoping to change my role from Education, to Farm in the Zoo next year, which will give me hands on experience with the zoo's farmyard animals!


Other changes? Too many to list, and probably some I've forgotten about but... I've very recently gone gluten-free. While I can't say it is the answer to my "stomach" problems, I can definitely say I have a LOT more focus and energy when eating this way, and I love it. I've had some great foods so far, but one of my favorites has been berry filled, buckwheat waffles with peanut butter - yum! (Thank goodness one of my favorite drinks, Woodchuck and Magners Cider has ALWAYS been gluten-free - YAY!)

In addition to diet changes, I've had to consider changing my exercise routine, which would mean excluding running from my regime. I love to run, and have so many goals I want to obtain with it, but am not sure if it is good for my back due to degenerative disc disease. So, while my tailbone heals from a big fall at the Tough Mudder event (see, told you I was keeping up with my monthly events!) I have time to think, and seek other opinions as to whether or not I should keep running. (Insert your thoughts here, please.)
 

I'll wrap this up here, as I think this is enough blogging for the moment. I mean, I wouldn't want to burn myself out the same day I come back to it, right? Looking forward to sharing more, as life unveils itself. Hope you continue to read and follow along the way.

- "Each of us has the opportunity to change and grow until our very last breath. Happy creating." - M.F. Ryan

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Dress 1 of 12


I challenged myself to wear a skirt/dress 12 times this year as wearing them is totally out of my comfort zone! This is dress event #1 of 12.
Not a great picture, but not bad for my first run!

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Tri Like A Girl

Today I completed my first sprint distance triathlon and while I am happy to have achieved this goal, I am reminded that good friends make the difference when pursuing life's journeys! That said, here are some triathlon observations and lessons for next time.

If you are going to maneuver a tandem kayak, practice with your partner (more then once) before the actual event.

If your partner insists on paddling like a doofus the day of said event, sit back and just steer. It's pretty much all you can do anyway.

While I appreciated the breeze during the 95* weather, it really didn't have to blow AGAINST me as I was trying to ride up the last HILL to get to the finish line.

When other bikers on the pathway (on their return trip) pass you and say, "You're almost there!" - they're lying! Complete lies, all of it! Just figure you still have a million more miles to go, and then you won't be disappointed. (Longest 4.5 mile ride ever to get to the turn around point!)

Medals and event t-shirts are addictive!

Thank you to the gentleman cutting the field/savanna grass along the bike path with your industrial tractor size mower. I enjoyed having dust, debris and grass clippings strewn about my face, body, and bike. I felt like "one" with nature - bring it on!

You can't pedal worth a damn on a sandy trail.

If you "hydrate, hydrate, hydrate" you WILL have to "pee, pee, pee".

Starting a triathlon is pretty cool, but finishing a triathlon is even better! Finish lines are a beautiful thing!



Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Circus!

I can't help it. I love this. It's annoying.
I don't know why I even find it funny, but I do!

Monday, June 11, 2012

T2

T is for Tired.

I'm tired, and seem to always be tired. Ok, well just tired as of the last week or so, despite eating relatively well and taking vitamins. I exercise and get...well, some sleep. But I really am tired of fighting the Tired Monster who seems to have taken up resident in my body. Some people tell me to slow down, and don't be so active - but I don't feel like I'm that active. Or am I? And I just don't realize it anymore?
 
T is also for Thankful.

I was bored in a meeting today and was near falling asleep when I decided to pull out my pen and paper in efforts to keep my brain occupied, and well, let's face it, AWAKE. Now typically I would doodle in my notebook, but I've realized that the people sitting around me can quite clearly and easily see big happy faces, horses, or whatever silliness finds my paper so I decided to (hopefully) make it look like I was taking notes by writing down things I am thankful for. NO - I am not the eternal optimistic (ok, well maybe I am) but I just highly believe that thoughts become actions and there's no sense in dwelling on the negative. Instead of counting my woes, I do my best to count my blessings. My list included the items below, which don't necessarily have to make sense to you:

Cubs baseball games
Free workouts in the gym
Amy
Melissa
Debbie
Barney
Commissions
A healing foot - low to no foot pain!
Mural
Santana
Madagascar
Quietness
Compliments

Sunday, June 3, 2012

May?

I started this draft the 15th of May, and am just now returning to finish it or, really, start it I guess. I don't have a set topic versus a lot of randomness, so here goes.

It's June, not May... My right foot is really buggin' me, I've self diagnosed the dorsal pain as tendinitis but will be following up with a professional as soon as I can. In the mean time, it pretty much stinks and prevents me from running... I RAN (ok, jogged) non-stop, my first 5K last month to promote the Cancer Wellness Centers of America. It was an amazing mental victory for me and I loved it. Up until now, I've been jog/walking my 5Ks... Chili Lime and Jalapeno Pop Chips are NOT good, BBQ really is the only way to go... Today (against better foot judgement) I walked a 5K for the Lincoln Park Zoo with friends and again, loved it. This was our 4th annual "United Run For the Zoo" walk and the weather was beautiful. We rode our bikes to the zoo, and then commenced the walk. Great day to be outside, period... Liquid, drinkable yogurt is just not my thing - gross... I have completed all educational training for the zoo and will be officially volunteering for the first time next week, I can't wait! I have learned so much about the zoo and it's conservation efforts and am excited to be a part of something so amazing...  As of this morning, I am/was down a total of 41 pounds for the year. I am so excited to be getting healthy and active again... Yesterday I had a great day at Grant Park and participated in the SELF Workout and got to workout and meet, "The Biggest Loser" trainer, Dolvett Quince... I love my friends and am thankful for them (I just had to mention that, as I appreciate their support in all my endeavors!)... I enjoyed the BEST flat bread Margherita pizza ever on Navy Pier at The City Porch - wow is all I can say, most flavorful food item I've had in a long time... I've been working on achieving 10,000 steps per day, and more often then not, I hit and exceed that goal. I've even had 20K+ days and love it... I'm excited that it's only June and feel like I've already taken advantage of the great weather, knowing there's still 2+ months of great, great weather to come... I really LOVED the movie Men In Black 3, but have to admit I had to see it twice since I fell asleep in the theater the first time... I am not enjoying my ASL class at the moment due to a sweet, but ineffective teacher. I am really struggling to stick out the last 3 sessions in efforts to move on to the next level class.  I am hoping that the next teacher will be more interactive, and most importantly not late to every class... So I mentioned it's June and I am still pop/soda free! But have to admit, I still want it EVERY day! Does anyone struggle with this? When does it get better? The one great thing about no pop is that since I feel that certain foods (think McDonald's Quarter Pounder and fries) just CAN'T be enjoyed without a Coke makes me eliminate them all together. Just can't fathom a greasy burger, fries and a water, gross... I am STOKED that the season premier of Drop Dead Diva is airing tonight, in just under an hour! I don't follow much TV, but Sunday seems to be my "guilty pleasure hour". While DDD has been on hiatus, I found myself in love with the new program, "Once Upon a Time" and can't wait for the next season!  You should check it out, both of them... My first triathlon is in 17 days, REALLY hoping my foot is better by then... I think I'm out of things to type here except, some people find it odd that I love the Blues (music) but hate Jazz - I don't really think it's that hard to understand?  Do you?

Monday

Yesterday I got up early and went for a 40 minute walk. Outside. It was 8 degrees. Sadly, this is just the start of the brutal Chicago winte...