Starting Strides

Tuesday I was scheduled to run 4 miles easy and then run 4-20 second strides with 2 minutes of complete recovery.  I was at the park by 7:15 AM!  

It felt great!  Keeping my HR down and my speed coming up.  Slow and steady.  

7/28

4 miles in 43 min

10:45 min/miles with average HR 131

Strides

8:52 min/miles

8:08 min/miles

8:04 min/miles

7:35 min/miles

I came home to the neighbors having a tree removed from their backyard.  They needed my driveway to do it and I knew it was going to happen, but it was pretty amazing!

Pretty epic!

Tuesday is Core day and I have to plan on getting to bed early so I can do my run in the morning before a 7:45 am shift!  GAH!  This will definitely be a test!

What's the earliest you've been up for to run?

Blog on........

A most productive week!

It's been a little over a year since my life became sorta topsy turvy when my ex moved out.  For a lot of reasons but this post isn't about him. But there is sure to be more about it...it's just too...odd. This post is about a week that I finally feel like I'm getting my shit together.  It's not completely together but who are we kidding, that will never happen.  It keeps life spicy!!

To start out, I took THREE full days off of any work.  THREE!!! In a row! 

I sure made them productive too!

Monday started out at noon with a long run with this girl!

This is Jill.  I've known her forever at the hospital and we started seeing each other at races.  We started talking about running in Park City and finally were able to get the schedules to sync and the planets aligned and it was a great 11 mile run.  A little slow because we talked talked talked, but it was awesome! Hanging out with Jill is like hanging out with the really smart cool kid that makes you laugh.  A lot.

Running anywhere but in the SLC valley is pretty much what is happening now. Between storms we get an inversion that is a soupy yucky mess of air.  Although I don't have any asthma or health problems I'm not going to chance it by running in basically poisonous air.

Inversion as per freedictionary.com

 Meteorology An atmospheric condition in which the air temperature rises with increasing altitude, holding surface air down and preventing dispersion of pollutants.

I took this picture from our helipad at the UofU Hospital a while ago. I'm taking a picture of downtown, which you can't see because of the inversion.  The hospital sits on the hill so sometimes it's clear of the inversion but the longer we go without a storm the bigger it gets.  The inversion, not the hospital.

Tuesday I took my car in for a good go though.  Like an annual doctor exam my car needed it's "pap and grope".  Over the weekend it did this.

BAM!

No one was harmed in the taking of these pictures but I was going 60 mph.  I don't recommend it.  I'm a skilled iPhone pic taker.

Of course my car situation isn't a subject I like to keep you abreast of.  (teehee - I said breast)  But to recap quickly.

Three years ago I leased an awesome Subaru Legacy.

18 months ago I bought my daughter a Nissan Sentra

14 months ago my ex moved out

12 months ago my daughter was then kicked out (breaking rules!) and I kept the car.

ONE month ago I returned the Subaru. 

I loved that Subaru but with the ex moving out of my house I needed to free up the money for, ya know....a house payment.  

Kapish?

Quiz later.

I took my car into a dealership, which I hate doing, but I had bought an extended warranty on it and I still had 10,000 miles left on the warranty.  Best purchase ever!  I spent 200.00 on 1000.00 worth of repairs.  Now the Nissan is smoothly running the road like it owns it!  I'm hoping for another 100,000 miles out of her!  

While we were down to one car (LaShonda the Honda) I put Daniel to work and did something my daughter thought would never happen.

  The office!  

I gave up the idea of pulling the carpet and painting all the trim to just get shit together.  After I spent a while cleaning out the room with all the crap in it then with Daniels help (thank you son!) we moved the furniture up from downstairs. I didn't have to buy anything new and the bookcase behind the desk is a gift from Austin, my oldest. LOVE!

The next day I cleaned and organized and cleaned the house.

After almost 6 years I have a desk and office that is MINE!  I'm so excited! I'm at the desk right now typing this post.  For years I've been typing on my laptop while sitting on the couch or in bed, but now I can sit at a desk and it's amazing!

 I still have some work to do but it's so much easier with a desk.  As soon as I get my file cabinet in here then I'll be able to file receipts instead of using the old, "throw it in the box" style.  

Here is a picture that was circulating Facebook by AirMed and the University of Utah hospital.

For very strict HIPPA laws I can't talk about the details.

A nurse on one of our other teams took the picture.

I'm in the trauma bay at the U.

It will stand out as one of the most tender moments of my career.  I'm not much of a toucher when it comes to patients.  Because I've seen so much tragedy, death, dismemberment and sadness I have a different view of life that some may construe as a hard heart.  I say a lot of, "Buck up buckaroo, life could be worse".  

This day my patient just wanted to be held, by me.

It was an honor.

All in all an awesome week!  I didn't blog, obviously.  But I still have a few half written posts that I hope will get posted soon.  I mean...I have a desk and everything!

Blog on.............

Dryer dryer, light on fire

I really don't want it to light on fire but I really want it to work.  Last Wednesday, just before I left for a three day work stint in Rock Springs my dryer decided not to heat.  I spent three days looking at used dryers, refurbished dryers and new dryers.  I just really don't want to spend any money on that right now.  I've made huge headway into my debt crisis and even though I have money in savings I really didn't want to invest in a new washer/dryer or even just a dryer right now.  

I decided to look at my best friend You Tube and see if maybe I could at least find out how much it would cost to get fixed.  After I was done I decided that this would be a cinch to fix!

After watching many videos about Kenmore dryers that don't heat I saw this one.

So I decided to clean it out, because how much could that hurt?

  

Clean!  You can see the vacuum attachment marks.

This little gem was the key to getting things cleaned up.

Kinda gross.  Not as gross as I thought it would be but that dirt pile was pretty solid.  That's a lot of pocket sand.

I also unplugged the dryer first and reset the breakers.

After I cleaned it, I plugged it in to see if that fixed the heat problem.  No go.

I wanted to test all the thermostat stuff plus the heating element so I knew exactly what part I was working on.  I had to go buy an ohm tester, or a multimeter.  

Home depot run!

10 dollars!

With the smallest instruction booklet ever...

I watched this You Tube.

I liked her the best.  She reminds me of me when I had young kids.  She actually leaves the video to get one of her kidlets out of the road.  You can't beat that kind of smart.

I tested everything and it is the heating element.  I am just waiting for the morning to go get the part and see how it works.  If successful I will have not only fixed the dryer for the price of the part (approx. 65 dollars) but I cleaned it up good to give it a few more years....hopefully.  Getting the lint out also decreases the odds of a dryer fire.  It happens, my Aunt and Uncle lost their house to one. 

************

I couldn't post this without an ending.

Of course you can't buy dryer parts on a Sunday.  So Monday I got up at around 10 (it's been a busy week) and picked up the part. I took in the old heating element to make sure I didn't have to make 2 trips.  

Spot for the heating element and the new heating element in the box.

Goes HERE.

Really easy to slide in.  I had to make sure I placed the thermostat on the new part correctly and hooked it up. (Red wires on the bottom)

After that..........

BOOM CHAKA!

We have heat!  We have heat!

I did it.  I can hardly believe it myself.  It was the same feeling I had when I fixed the Honda and it actually started.  I have no idea how much I saved but the dryer runs like a dream.  She's clean and ready party.  It dries a lot faster then it use to.  I'm thinking that cleaning it out every year may be the ticket to a longer life.  Of course now the washer is jealous and the dishwasher has heard the rumors.  I don't have a lot of time, but I have more time then money so maybe between the two jobs and trying to finish my office I can do a deep clean/service on the washer and dishwasher.

Shut up Furnace and get back in the basement!!!

This blog post is dedicated to my dad.  In his wise words, "If you can't fix it with duct tape it ain't worth fixin".

My dad has always fixed things around the house.  

Still does.

Last Christmas

When I was little I followed my dad around to see what he was up to.  Guess that genetic ability to watch YouTube and figure out how to fix the dryer came straight from my dad.  My thrifty nature...my mom. 

Other updates.

Work.

Yes and lots.

A couple of scene calls that makes it all worth doing!

Running.

Awesome 12 miler with my buddy Tera (no pics!  GASP) last week. I felt amazing at one point.  I am signed up to run the Park City Trail half on Saturday.  I also tried putting together a better running plan because lets face it, the last few months I have sucked at it.  At a lot of things, but especially the running.  Which I LOVE!

Fix your own stuff?  

Your favorite basic running schedule when your not training?

Blog on...............

Hot Mess

Looked up "hot mess" so there would be no confusion as to what I am referring to.  

Thanks Urban Dictionary.

hot mess  Share on twitter Share on facebook Share on mo
	A state of disarray so chaotic that it's dizzying to look at. A mess that is beyond the normal range of disarray. Visual clutter that draws attention to itself. When the Project Runway contestant showed a garment made out of multicolored plush animals tied together with yarn, Heide Klum declared, "It's a hot mess!"

It seems that I have over scheduled myself like a boss.  My home, car and myself have officially become a "Hot Mess".  I'm spending most ....ok ALL of the day in bed getting some much needed rest after 2 night shifts and little sleep.  Why after surgery I was so hateful of laying around I don't know.  But I really do know because if I wasn't this exhausted I would be OUT.  It's beautiful outside.  

hehehe

I don't regret being this busy and my job(s) have provided me the opportunity to have fun, laugh, learn, get pissed, frustrated and still provide for my family!  I run in and out of the house, packing and re-packing my bags according to what job I'm running too, changing clothes and throwing them on the bed.  I did get laundry done!  

My shift this week in Rock Springs had me flying for the most part of 24 hours and I was up for 28 hours.  Then a night shift at St. Marks, where the girl that I trained at the U, trained me.  Last night was a night shift here in SLC.  It was so much fun.  We did a medical standby at the Raceway with the Helicopter then flew in the fixed wing to Idaho.  Throughout the night I helped to off load a few patients that flew into our facility by other flight programs and hung out in the ER with a fellow flight nurse that was working there, Deb.  

Last night I saw way too many people transported to the hospital because of booze.  I can't throw any stones but it does make for some hilarious situations.  So nice to hang out with some friends (who don't think I'm an idiot - thanks surgeon at new job) laugh and also be able to help some people.  

So life is great! There has been so many changes in the last 6 months that it's been a little hard to feel comfortable in one certain roll.  I have my breakdowns which are more like "pissyfests" that I get over and actually learn from them.  I learn to treat people with more respect, be grateful for the people that are my friends and colleages and to be especially THRILLED with the fact that I can work this hard. My flight nurse job has it's challenges and frustrations but when I'm doing the actual work it is amazing!  Every patient comes with it's challenges and every experience still has me thrilled.  Some of the things I do just make me giggle.....because I'm getting paid!  Working at another ICU is so far so good.  There is always growing pains at a new job.  Nurses tend to want others to prove themselves by actions and not resumes.  I'm pretty sure I can do that! 

Although I really need to commit to a few days of rearranging and painting, my house is really a warm place for me to recharge and relax.  Some days it's not for very long, but I love it!  

My kids have been supportive and are busy learning about what being an adult is like.  I miss them being young and dependent sometimes, but I love seeing them EVERY time and get a smooch on their faces.  

My foot is doing great, except my flight boots are really bothering my Peroneal nerve/tendon.  I am going to shop for some new ones this week.  I have rested my foot since my 5K.  I do get a little discouraged, but the PF is basically pain free and it's just going to take time.  I miss running with my friends, but hey, it gives me time to work.  A lot! 

Blog on............

Just things, running and stuff

It's been a really odd month.  Ever had one of those?  Nothing really to explain just blah.

This month did include some serious bread.  The off duty nurse, Jen, went on a bread making kick and I woke up from my safety nap to this.  I had one of the little pretzels and it was amazing.  She made some sort of sweet bread.  The next morning when my medic and I got back from a call she had french toast ready for us.  So delicious, I couldn't say no. 

When I had my braces I found these gems.  I haven't been able to wean myself off them.  Excellent dental health is important!

I taped my foot.  After pilates one night I had this pain above the bone on the outside of my ankle.  I know that I overdid it on a couple of moves and I wanted to support the ankle a little while it strenthens.  All my pain and soreness is associated with the peroneal nerve and tendons, which were not associated with the surgery.  I am just more aware of the soreness without the extreme pain from my other foot problems.  I taped it for peroneal tendonitis and it seems to be helping a lot.  That and ice/rest.

I watch a Nova show called "Marathon Challenge".  It you can find it, watch it.  It's especially moving after all the Boston stuff.  One of the tests they did on the runners included a V02max test.  Now I want one.  I think it would be fun and interesting.  In the show all the runners showed improvement within just a few weeks of starting their running plan.  The UofU Pulmonary Services will test for 80 bucks.  I'm going to start saving my pennies!

A couple of awesome runs at the park.  I was getting ready for the Idaho Famous Potato 5K (which I already blogged about).  Beautiful weather and lots of people out enjoying the spring.  I love it!

My son and I have decided we have a problem.  30 bucks a week in nuts (Dry roasted/salted) and we go through them worse then candy.  Guess I'm going to have to wean myself off of them a little.  They are just so delicious!  Dang you Whole Foods!

I spent last week in orientation for my part-time job in an ICU at a hospital close to my house.  (St. Marks)  Unfortunately I don't do well in classroom situations and ended up eating too much dark chocolate Dove bars.  At least they had some life lessons inside.

Or just plain creepy information!

So as you can see, pretty lame.  I spend a lot of time in bed reading, studying or watching TV.  Jammies at 6pm?  Yes please! 

Do you have days when you can only think about when you can get in your jammies?

Blog on............

The one week painting plan

When I haven't been working and going to meetings I have been working on my bedroom. The plan was to paint the walls and trim, get the carpets clean and then get a bed. The plan NOW (it's not just a job, it's an adventure) is to finish the closet trim when I can and my carpets will be cleaned on the 7th of February.  I have my sisters old piano and I want to get rid of it before I clean the carpets.  

Back to the bedroom:

First I took the cover off of this.  

I have no idea what it is.  Guess I'll buy a white cover and cover it again.

After I was done painting I decided that the chair rail needed another coat of paint.  There were some splatters from the roller on it.  I did a lot of research on the best way to paint the trim without removing and I'm finding that some of the advice is good and some is sketchy.  Next time I'll paint the walls first and then the trim.

I had to re-tape EVERYTHING. I waited for 24 hours after I painted the walls to put the tape on.  Then I removed it as soon as I painted it.

Best advice EVER!!  Use packing tape on carpet by the baseboards and tuck it in and under with a butter knife.  It works FABULOUSLY!!  

Yeah.  I didn't notice this little oopsie so I painted over it.

After the chair rail and before I finished the baseboards.

After the painting was done.  I took the blue tape off pretty fast but left the packing tape until the next morning.   The next day I ran the edge with a spackle knife to prevent pulling any fresh paint off.

This is today, after I put on the new vent.  Not bad eh? 

The bump in my carpet is from a dresser that was there for a long time. When I get the carpets cleaned in a couple weeks and it should help that.

In the meantime I've been sleeping in the office on this:

Although I was grateful for the 3 inch foam topper on top of the air mattress it was depressing.  Getting out of bed was awful.  Maybe it's because I love reading, lounging and watching movies in bed.  I won't miss this, because today they delivered my mattress set!

BOOM!

I cleaned the wood blinds and re-hung them and made the bed but that's about all I could muster today.  My "biff da slam" on the ice yesterday has me pretty sore.  I'm suppose to go into the ER to just have it checked out since it is work related, but I'm waiting until it slows down.  That means I'll be rolling into the ER around 4am.  Hahaha.  

I'm pretty sure I just have some whiplash or soft tissue injury.

But back to my "new" bedroom.  I plan on some new bedding, hopefully an actual bed to put the mattress set in (I do have a frame), and lots of little things I still need to do.  I would like to get a curtain above the window behind the bed and a few things to hang on the wall. I still have to paint the trim around the closets and change out the plugs.   It's a work in process and with my schedule and now my sore old body it could be a month before it's all put together.  I can live with that.  It's better then stressing over getting it done.  THEN....the office!!!

If anyone is interested in running the Del Sol Ragnar Relay Race with my team we have an opening in the shaggin wagon.  17 miles, runner 10.  Let me know if your interested!  We aren't fast but we have a blast!

Blog on...........

Buying my time....

I've been busy. And unmotivated. I think it's the cold but when I actually see how much that I do get done I don't feel too bad.

Running: pretty much cleared to take it easy and let it heal. My willingness to NOT run will speed my healing process. After Florida I don't feel like it worsened, but I'm going to take about 3 weeks off and continue the taping, icing, elevation, rest and essential oils for good measure. I like to think of it as my first "marathon".

In the meantime......

I started the house project. Since Matt moved out I decided to finally paint the office and master bedroom. He took most of the stuff out of the office and also our king size bed. He wasn't being a dick, I offered it to him. I wasn't really fond of it so he took the bed but I kept the bedding and I got the 1000.00 we had saved for the new dining table that I never found. I'm going to use my classic 50's style dining table that I found in my duplex when I bought it in 1998. Matt left his folding chairs for us to use. I'm the queen of design, I know.

With a tight budget and trying to work lots of overtime I've planned the re-do quite carefully. Even though we all know that painting a room is a lot more expensive and time consuming then HGTV tells us.

Last night I cleared everything up and covered the dressers. Thank goodness I have tons of old sheets and an old plastic tablecloth over the dressers for extra protection

I'm type A, even with prepping the room for paint. It's the most time consuming for sure.

After wiping the walls down THREE times I came to the realization that you should really paint a room every 5-7 years. When I moved in almost 10 years ago the house was painted all white and completely move in ready. That's why I loved it. Since then almost every room has been painted but the last two. I can actually see in some spots the dark turquoise that it was painted who knows how many years ago.

The room has a chair rail and I considered taking it off and painting it or putting on a new one. No. Not going to happen. It's pretty much glued to the wall with multiple coats of paint. Plus I don't have the money or talent to replace right now. I'd love to learn to put up crown molding but that is for another day.

I bragged to my friend Tera about how I don't have to tape, that I kick ass at cutting in paint edges. Even with my self announced talent, the tedium of painting such a small strip made my hand cramp up and go into seizures. So I humbly taped.

I'm painting the chair rail a shiny white.
Speaking of hand cramping. Not the best idea to do two nights of TRX before starting a paint job. I'm sore everywhere, but super happy to be doing something. Tonight I'm taking a core class. Why? Why? Oh I know, peer pressure. Haha. No, I am just a sucker for a great workout even if it means I'm grunting and moaning as I paint.

Thanks to Trader Joe's for their no nitrate bacon pieces I was able to make my delicious Italian Chili and for their cut up veggies for an easy salad. Big lunch for me and the kids. They both work evenings so we rarely eat together, so we had lunch and there are leftovers for after they come home from work.

I also ate fried eggs on the way to a meeting. Didn't want to miss breakfast, didn't want a smoothie, didn't have time to sit down. Problem solved!!

I might not be able to run like I want to, but I'm getting something done!

Blog on........