I don't mind a little rain and yes, over the summer we definitely needed it. However, I can only stand about two consecutive days of rain before I just about scream. It wouldn't be so bad if things just got wet and could easily be dried off. It's the mud I can't stand, especially having to dry off my dogs every time they come in and out of the rain. They are good about it, but it wears on them as well. I noticed that parts of my yard are also becoming mud puddles. Hay and rocks only last for so long until they become impounded into the ground by my yours truly dogs who decide to create even more craters.
Heavy rain also disturbs my running outdoor schedule, although I have run in pouring down rain, usually, it's that I get caught in it more than I deliberately go out in it. You'd be amazed too at how many dogs are actually out in the heavy rain. I feel quite sorry for them.
Despite the rain, the rest of the weekend has been okay, kind of uneventful really. I joined a center here in town that is part of the parks and recreation. It's like a YMCA. There are a number of classes there, a weight/fitness room, a pool, basketball courts, a small walking track, etc. I figure I'd try 20 sessions and see what I thought before committing to anything else. Even though I'm into exercise, I have never been what I'd call a "gym junkie." I'm just not the type to drive somewhere to go workout (well, I think there are some other issues too), however, I figured that this might be a good alternative to when the weather is crappy. Plus, I got the okay from my physical therapist about aquatic therapy. Her face just lit up when I asked her about it. She essentially said that the amount I was running (even though I do not perceive this as a lot), was in her words "killing my hamstring." It was so obvious she wanted to say something to me, and I pointed this out to her. However, she understood telling a runner to stop was pretty difficult since she, herself, was a runner.
I'm hoping today to go into town and see about an aquatic belt. I'd really like to try this whole running in water thing. I'm still a little unsure about it and wish I had some kind of manual. It shouldn't take rocket science to figure out, right? I'll let you know how it goes.
This week, in general, is going to be a little longer for me. Although I don't mind working more and I agreed to it, I am just a little more limited in the evenings. Seeing that I am way behind on Christmas shopping, it's not helpful. I seem to be having a more difficult time in thinking of neat things to get people. Nothing that is major, but more unique. And there's only like what two weeks left! It's kind of scary to think about honestly.
Well better get off to start my day.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Friday, December 7, 2007
Off to a good start
Despite one of my dogs (he shall go unnamed) deciding to wake me up at 4 AM to go out, the morning has started off well. I was super happy to find a great deal on running shoes. My PT pointed out to me that I really needed a new pair yesterday. I already knew this but had been dragging my feet (pun intended) about it.
While I was going my online shopping, I hear lots of clang and bang. I knew one of my dogs (yes, the one who woke me up at 4 AM) was performing his daily job of retrieving the doggie bowls. Well, he brought one to the sliding glass door and just dropped it there. However, a few minutes later, he comes to come with two bowls! I was quite ecstatic over this, especially since I'd only worked with him the other day on getting two bowls at the same time. He got lots of praise and treats for that one. It's quite astonishing sometimes to think just what goes through our four-legged minds. I posted recently about cognitive abilities in dogs, so this is just another one to be impressed at in my book. Now, I'm just waiting for all three bowls! I'm sure he will get it though, he's a smart cookie.
While I was going my online shopping, I hear lots of clang and bang. I knew one of my dogs (yes, the one who woke me up at 4 AM) was performing his daily job of retrieving the doggie bowls. Well, he brought one to the sliding glass door and just dropped it there. However, a few minutes later, he comes to come with two bowls! I was quite ecstatic over this, especially since I'd only worked with him the other day on getting two bowls at the same time. He got lots of praise and treats for that one. It's quite astonishing sometimes to think just what goes through our four-legged minds. I posted recently about cognitive abilities in dogs, so this is just another one to be impressed at in my book. Now, I'm just waiting for all three bowls! I'm sure he will get it though, he's a smart cookie.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Designer dogs
So have you ever heard of a Cavachon? Or Chiweenie? Or what about a Labmaraner? Yep, these are all designer dogs. The Cavachon is a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel x Bischon Frise. The Chiweenie is a Chihuaha x Dachshuund. The Labmaraner is a Labrador Retriever x Weimeraner.
When I was at the bookstore yesterday, I ran across a book about designer dogs. In it, it listed all the different designer dog,s and oh my, there were a lot. Most of us are familiar with the influx of "poodle" crosses. There is the Labradoodle, the Goldendoodle, the Schnoodle, the Maltipoo, Cockapoo, etc. Recently, Puggles have become quite popular. Many of the dogs listed in this book, I've never even heard of.
I think the thing that gets to me most about designer dogs is that they are just crossbreeds or hybrids which people are willing to pay quite a lot of money for. As with anything, there is no guarantee the dog is going to have the best traits of each breed.
If anyone wants to take a look at the enormous list of designer dogs, it can be seen at ACHC
When I was at the bookstore yesterday, I ran across a book about designer dogs. In it, it listed all the different designer dog,s and oh my, there were a lot. Most of us are familiar with the influx of "poodle" crosses. There is the Labradoodle, the Goldendoodle, the Schnoodle, the Maltipoo, Cockapoo, etc. Recently, Puggles have become quite popular. Many of the dogs listed in this book, I've never even heard of.
I think the thing that gets to me most about designer dogs is that they are just crossbreeds or hybrids which people are willing to pay quite a lot of money for. As with anything, there is no guarantee the dog is going to have the best traits of each breed.
If anyone wants to take a look at the enormous list of designer dogs, it can be seen at ACHC
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Feeling productive
Well, yesterday and today, I've been feeling pretty productive. I got just about everything done on my list which does make me feel like I have accomplished things. I took a run in the afternoon. Yes, it was bitterly cold. I did see a bunch of wild turkey which was cool. A lot of dogs were out as well. I don't get how people leave out dachshunds and chihuahas in below freezing weather.
After that, I went by the computer store, dropped off the computer and prayed it wouldn't be too expensive to fix. This is my old computer which I'm giving to a friend of mine. I need some more desk space, so I really want to get rid of this computer. Then I went to the bank, stopped by the grocery store. I knew they were still having their $.99 deal on Luna bars, however, the selection was awful. And no peanut butter ones! I got six since I have coupons that will expire at the end of the year. Then I stopped by the bookstore and perused it for awhile. My intention was just to look for boxed Christmas cards. Somehow, I did not see them and wound up going around the entire store. The selection of cards were not very good. Actually, this year, hey haven't been. I was also expecting some discount but maybe it's too early for that or I'm shopping for them earlier that years past. I found one acceptable box. Then I stopped by the natural food store to yes get some more Luna bars. Their selection was much better than the other store, but again no peanut butter ones! I told the cashier this, and she said they would order some more. Literally, twice at both stores, there have been no peanut butter ones. For some reason, this just pisses me off.
After that ordeal, I headed home, however, I could not remember for the life of me where I parked. I must have gone around five or six times looking for my car. I eventually did find it and drove home.
I went home after that, fixed dinner for the dogs and me. I also made some cookies for my mother to send. Next week is her birthday, so U thought she might like some snickerdoodles and some coffee candies I picked up. When I woke up this morning, I packaged everything, then headed to physical therapy. the session was okay, although I got kind of a funny look when my PT asked me how today went (I was with the PTA today). I told her okay except I couldn't do one of the ball exercises which just hurt my leg too much. Somehow I just feel bad about it I guess.
I need to get going. I think the dog dremel is not broken after all. Yeah! I need to go do that, then head to work, then by the bank again, and may take a walk with one of the dogs this evening.
After that, I went by the computer store, dropped off the computer and prayed it wouldn't be too expensive to fix. This is my old computer which I'm giving to a friend of mine. I need some more desk space, so I really want to get rid of this computer. Then I went to the bank, stopped by the grocery store. I knew they were still having their $.99 deal on Luna bars, however, the selection was awful. And no peanut butter ones! I got six since I have coupons that will expire at the end of the year. Then I stopped by the bookstore and perused it for awhile. My intention was just to look for boxed Christmas cards. Somehow, I did not see them and wound up going around the entire store. The selection of cards were not very good. Actually, this year, hey haven't been. I was also expecting some discount but maybe it's too early for that or I'm shopping for them earlier that years past. I found one acceptable box. Then I stopped by the natural food store to yes get some more Luna bars. Their selection was much better than the other store, but again no peanut butter ones! I told the cashier this, and she said they would order some more. Literally, twice at both stores, there have been no peanut butter ones. For some reason, this just pisses me off.
After that ordeal, I headed home, however, I could not remember for the life of me where I parked. I must have gone around five or six times looking for my car. I eventually did find it and drove home.
I went home after that, fixed dinner for the dogs and me. I also made some cookies for my mother to send. Next week is her birthday, so U thought she might like some snickerdoodles and some coffee candies I picked up. When I woke up this morning, I packaged everything, then headed to physical therapy. the session was okay, although I got kind of a funny look when my PT asked me how today went (I was with the PTA today). I told her okay except I couldn't do one of the ball exercises which just hurt my leg too much. Somehow I just feel bad about it I guess.
I need to get going. I think the dog dremel is not broken after all. Yeah! I need to go do that, then head to work, then by the bank again, and may take a walk with one of the dogs this evening.
Intervention
I do not watch the A&E show "Intervention" on a daily basis, but I happened to be flipping through channels and saw it was on last night. I was watching something else, so I ended up staying up until 1:00 AM to catch the encore of it. It was about a severely anorectic young woman named Emily. I actually think for the most part, it was okay-- maybe a few too many shots of her body nude, like in a shower, dressing, etc. which I didn't think were necessary.
I could relate with some of her feelings like unworthiness, not feeling like you deserved pleasure, that you didn't measure up to everyone, etc. With this young woman, to me, there were a lot of factors stemming from the family. Not that they were intentional but as always were major contributors to the development of her eating disorder. Since she had an identical twin sister who seemed to have it all, she always felt in her shadow. As one twin grew more confident and self-assured with life, Emily stood by the sidelines and began shrinking. This whole set up reminds me of Shelly from the documentary "Thin." She had similar issues with being an identical twin. I can definitely see how the whole identity crisis can be difficult.
Also, another key factor into Emily's illness was being date raped. It was never said whether she received any counseling for this. I remember reading an article recently that said how trauma changes the way we view the world. Here's an excerpt from the trauma study at Cornell University:
Cornell researchers report that rapes, sudden deaths of loved ones, life-threatening accidents and other such traumas may result in enduring changes on how an individual views the world.
Since the show is called "Intervention," Emily had one with her family around. She eventually accepted treatment at Casa Palmera for 90 days. The last clip of her shows her being very motivated, saying she really wanted to give recovery a chance, that it was like a lightbulb went off. However, the last screen where they tell the progress of each participant said she had lost 7 pounds while there and was discharged to medical care. The remaining part of treatment, she was tube fed and went to Remuda Ranch.
The show ended up bitter sweet I guess. I still have a lot of issue with treatment and eating disorders. Maybe I am very biased, because I feel like I've never truly had an advocate or a professional say "I won't see you anymore unless you go IP," or something to that effect. The worst ultimatum I had was when my college therapist was about to ditch me, because I refused to get a physical for several months due to fear. She was willing to help me get through the door at least, and in the end, it wound up being one of the best moves I made.
It just seems so hard when you don't look the part and you fall under the radar. A part of you feels great that you go undetected, but another part of you screams out for someone to notice, to care, to say "this is not okay." I often wonder what my physical therapist thinks. The PT and PTA just keep asking me if I run everyday which I don't. I just run a minimum of X miles.
Then there is my father. He says I need to stop running for 2-3 months to give my hamstring a chance to heal. Okay, this may be true, but it's not what you say to someone with eating and exercising issues. He's just like "well walk then. You'll be fine, you look great, what's the problem." I just want to shout at him and say "Yeah, I may look great, but it's only due to being very active and probably not eating enough." Oh yeah, that's right, he thinks the average sedentary person really only needs 1200-1500 calories/day and that would solve the obesity problem.
Anyway, I'm going off tangent about this. As I said, it's great that these people on shows like Intervention are getting the help they need, it just feels like the rest of us are left in the dust. Any residential treatment facility is a fortune and most of us do not have that type of money to shell out. It's just a sad reality.
I could relate with some of her feelings like unworthiness, not feeling like you deserved pleasure, that you didn't measure up to everyone, etc. With this young woman, to me, there were a lot of factors stemming from the family. Not that they were intentional but as always were major contributors to the development of her eating disorder. Since she had an identical twin sister who seemed to have it all, she always felt in her shadow. As one twin grew more confident and self-assured with life, Emily stood by the sidelines and began shrinking. This whole set up reminds me of Shelly from the documentary "Thin." She had similar issues with being an identical twin. I can definitely see how the whole identity crisis can be difficult.
Also, another key factor into Emily's illness was being date raped. It was never said whether she received any counseling for this. I remember reading an article recently that said how trauma changes the way we view the world. Here's an excerpt from the trauma study at Cornell University:
Cornell researchers report that rapes, sudden deaths of loved ones, life-threatening accidents and other such traumas may result in enduring changes on how an individual views the world.
Since the show is called "Intervention," Emily had one with her family around. She eventually accepted treatment at Casa Palmera for 90 days. The last clip of her shows her being very motivated, saying she really wanted to give recovery a chance, that it was like a lightbulb went off. However, the last screen where they tell the progress of each participant said she had lost 7 pounds while there and was discharged to medical care. The remaining part of treatment, she was tube fed and went to Remuda Ranch.
The show ended up bitter sweet I guess. I still have a lot of issue with treatment and eating disorders. Maybe I am very biased, because I feel like I've never truly had an advocate or a professional say "I won't see you anymore unless you go IP," or something to that effect. The worst ultimatum I had was when my college therapist was about to ditch me, because I refused to get a physical for several months due to fear. She was willing to help me get through the door at least, and in the end, it wound up being one of the best moves I made.
It just seems so hard when you don't look the part and you fall under the radar. A part of you feels great that you go undetected, but another part of you screams out for someone to notice, to care, to say "this is not okay." I often wonder what my physical therapist thinks. The PT and PTA just keep asking me if I run everyday which I don't. I just run a minimum of X miles.
Then there is my father. He says I need to stop running for 2-3 months to give my hamstring a chance to heal. Okay, this may be true, but it's not what you say to someone with eating and exercising issues. He's just like "well walk then. You'll be fine, you look great, what's the problem." I just want to shout at him and say "Yeah, I may look great, but it's only due to being very active and probably not eating enough." Oh yeah, that's right, he thinks the average sedentary person really only needs 1200-1500 calories/day and that would solve the obesity problem.
Anyway, I'm going off tangent about this. As I said, it's great that these people on shows like Intervention are getting the help they need, it just feels like the rest of us are left in the dust. Any residential treatment facility is a fortune and most of us do not have that type of money to shell out. It's just a sad reality.
Monday, December 3, 2007
New Brain imaging and Anorexia
In recent years, researchers have been looking at brain images and activity of a variety of illnesses, including eating disorders. Dr. Walter Kaye from University of Pittsburgh and University of California at San Diego has been one of the forerunners in researching the genetics and brain functions of those with eating disorders. In a 2005 study, it was found there was an overactivity of dopamine in the brain in those who had recovered from anorexia. Another study published earlier this fall showed how there were links between starvation and ectasy. This latest one on brain imaging and recovered anorectics using fMRIs is the hot article of the week. What is interesting about this study is that researchers are able to see how anorexia works in the brain in "real time" with the use of fMRI.
Personally, I think this is really helpful in terms of how the brain works with those with eating disorders. Now, this is of course can't be a blank statement until more studies are done are a larger representation sample. Hopefully, more funding will be available for studies like this.
Personally, I think this is really helpful in terms of how the brain works with those with eating disorders. Now, this is of course can't be a blank statement until more studies are done are a larger representation sample. Hopefully, more funding will be available for studies like this.
Anxiety hanging by a thread
I had planned a whole "to do" list today. So far I've gotten one item done since 7 AM. Since Mondays are my full day off, I always feel a "need" to get a lot of stuff done. There are a few things I really have to get done today. That requires driving into town which isn't necessarily a bad thing, I just have a tendency to only want to go into when I have multiple things to do.
One thing I'd planned on doing today was dremeling the dogs' nails. I was in a good mood as opposed to yesterday, so I know I would have been more tolerable with them. Most of the time they are pretty good, but there are times when they truly hate that piece of machinery, especially Daphne. So I go to plug the dremel in, but nothing. Hmm, I thought maybe it needed to be charged, so I waited a few minutes. Again nothing. I moved it to another outlet thinking maybe it was the outlet which I know wasn't really the case but decided to humor myself. Nope, no little red light to signify it was on. Ugh! Their nails really need to be done as it's probably the one thing I neglect with them consistently. It's not on purpose, I just forget. If it doesn't work tonight, I'm going to have to buy a new one. That really wasn't what I wanted to spend some of my extra money from dog sitting on. I had planned on buying some new running shoes. It seems like one thing breaks, then just another. Within the two months, my coffee grinder broke, one of my noodle bowls broke, my cell phone got dunked in liquid and fried, several hair bands broke, and now this dremel. Maybe karma is out to get me or something with things I need.
Anyway, I sit here with this whole long laundry list of things to do, and yes that includes laundry too. If I'm right about my calculations, I really have until tomorrow too, I just hope to get the bulk of it done today. Running is on my to do list today. I did not run yesterday as it was pouring rain, and I didn't want to get my shoes wet again. Right now, I only have one pair, hence wanting to get a new pair, so it takes about a day in a half for them to dry out. Someone mentioned to me about some kind of fan or something you could get for your dryer to air shoes. Anyone know about this?
I'm contemplating the running today. The weather is a mere 28 degrees with 10mph wind. Part of me says you're nuts to go out in this weather, another part of me says, you'll feel better if you go out and run, and yet another part of me says, you ate too much this weekend mindlessly and need to go run. So which voice do I listen to? I hate when I get like this to a point. That's why I like when I'm running almost everyday, and I just don't have to think about it even if it's not that healthy. I think this is part of the reason for the anxiety which I felt this weekend. That and also irritability. I think the possible thought of having to stop running again all together is somehow causing fear once again. I didn't seem to have a problem with it a month ago, so why now? Maybe the motivation factor is up, or the sense of wanting to be on a "schedule," not have to think or feel too much.
I was talking to my dad about this hamstring injury asking him his opinion on how long it could take. He didn't give me a straight answer, just saying it all depended on the severity. Then he said, "you know don't have to run as far unless that is your goal." I just replied with I know. Part of my thinking is that it is stupid to get all bundled up to run in less than 40 degree weather and be out for only ten minutes. What's the use of that? Do I just not see the logic in that?
This is the time when I think i need to buy a treadmill, a bike, something for indoor, cold, rainy weather. Maybe that'll be on one of my future to do lists.
One thing I'd planned on doing today was dremeling the dogs' nails. I was in a good mood as opposed to yesterday, so I know I would have been more tolerable with them. Most of the time they are pretty good, but there are times when they truly hate that piece of machinery, especially Daphne. So I go to plug the dremel in, but nothing. Hmm, I thought maybe it needed to be charged, so I waited a few minutes. Again nothing. I moved it to another outlet thinking maybe it was the outlet which I know wasn't really the case but decided to humor myself. Nope, no little red light to signify it was on. Ugh! Their nails really need to be done as it's probably the one thing I neglect with them consistently. It's not on purpose, I just forget. If it doesn't work tonight, I'm going to have to buy a new one. That really wasn't what I wanted to spend some of my extra money from dog sitting on. I had planned on buying some new running shoes. It seems like one thing breaks, then just another. Within the two months, my coffee grinder broke, one of my noodle bowls broke, my cell phone got dunked in liquid and fried, several hair bands broke, and now this dremel. Maybe karma is out to get me or something with things I need.
Anyway, I sit here with this whole long laundry list of things to do, and yes that includes laundry too. If I'm right about my calculations, I really have until tomorrow too, I just hope to get the bulk of it done today. Running is on my to do list today. I did not run yesterday as it was pouring rain, and I didn't want to get my shoes wet again. Right now, I only have one pair, hence wanting to get a new pair, so it takes about a day in a half for them to dry out. Someone mentioned to me about some kind of fan or something you could get for your dryer to air shoes. Anyone know about this?
I'm contemplating the running today. The weather is a mere 28 degrees with 10mph wind. Part of me says you're nuts to go out in this weather, another part of me says, you'll feel better if you go out and run, and yet another part of me says, you ate too much this weekend mindlessly and need to go run. So which voice do I listen to? I hate when I get like this to a point. That's why I like when I'm running almost everyday, and I just don't have to think about it even if it's not that healthy. I think this is part of the reason for the anxiety which I felt this weekend. That and also irritability. I think the possible thought of having to stop running again all together is somehow causing fear once again. I didn't seem to have a problem with it a month ago, so why now? Maybe the motivation factor is up, or the sense of wanting to be on a "schedule," not have to think or feel too much.
I was talking to my dad about this hamstring injury asking him his opinion on how long it could take. He didn't give me a straight answer, just saying it all depended on the severity. Then he said, "you know don't have to run as far unless that is your goal." I just replied with I know. Part of my thinking is that it is stupid to get all bundled up to run in less than 40 degree weather and be out for only ten minutes. What's the use of that? Do I just not see the logic in that?
This is the time when I think i need to buy a treadmill, a bike, something for indoor, cold, rainy weather. Maybe that'll be on one of my future to do lists.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)