This is who I am

Remember me?

Posted on May 24, 2008 by Terri | Comments Off

Wow, a whole month since my last post. Very few things from the past month stick out in my mind. There’s been a triathlon that Kahuna competed in and I volunteered for. I’ve had my car detailed again (see, exciting stuff!). There’s been a bit of training going on. A tiny bit of weight loss. The puppies are still their same precious selves. I’ve spent some money on my October trip to Hawaii. I’ve also paid $4.15gal. for gas! I’m still loving my job (I wish I could tell you about some of the characters I deal with!!!). I guess my main excuse for not posting is that I spend so much time on the computer at work, that I really don’t feel like sitting down in front of it when I’m home. I’m super-behind on reading my email and bloglines and am taking this 3-day weekend to catch up.

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Posted in Life

I love weekends like the one I just had!

Posted on April 20, 2008 by Terri | Comments Off

Nothing special happened, it just was.

Kahuna was supposed to compete in a duathlon on Saturday morning but changed his mind on Friday (His quads are still tight from playing soccer and rocking his 3 mile PFT [19:46]) so this left all day Saturday to do what ever. And guess what we did!!!! Nothing! Woohoo! Okay I did some laundry and he finished building my bike, but we never left the house and it was fantastic.

Today I grocery shopped then we went to get my car detailed, made a return at WalMart (and proceeded to spend $50 on very important “stuff), made an Ulta stop (that place is dangerous to my checking account) and to the bike shop where we bought handlebar tape and I found the perfect helmet to match my bike and tri-“uniform.” I’m going to be one color coordinated “triathlete” when I come across that finish line. I even have matching sunglasses that Kahuna bought me this past Christmas, in pink of course! 😆

I have a chicken baking in the oven and am waiting on Kahuna to finishing putting on the tape so I can show you my new toy. I have no idea if I’m going to name it. Guess I’ll see how it makes me feel riding. One thing you will notice is that I’m not using clip in pedals just yet. I need to get used to riding it and then I’ll switch over.

Tada!

Up close and personal – but not so focused.

Tomorrow is my first day at work by myself. “A” is having surgery tomorrow morning and will be out from between 6 weeks and 6 months depending on what the surgeons find when they “get in there.” She has been very patient training me and I’m nervous about being on my own, but also looking forward to it. I have been feeling very satisfied in my work since I started. It’s so nice to be putting to use what I’ve learned. I have no time for the computer, barely time to go to the bathroom, and so far I’m loving every minute of it. Here’s hoping it continues that way.

And every time the camera comes out, so do the hams 🙂

Did somebody say cookie?

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Posted in Puppies, Training, Work

Ketchup!

Posted on April 14, 2008 by Terri | Comments Off

So it’s been so long since I blogged – 12 days – that the “new post” section looks completely new! 😆

Since my last post the information overload continues, but it is slacking off. A couple of new cases have come in and starting from the beginning is a heck of a lot easier to understand than jumping into the middle and not knowing much of the history behind the case. This is my last week of training, though, since A will be going out for surgery and not returning until sometime in the beginning part of June. I’ve been out walking a couple of times during lunch, and am getting to know what’s in the area. I’ve got to stay away from the food places though, since there’s a little bit of everything tempting available.

I participated in the 5K a week ago (that I mentioned in my last post), and it kicked my butt. The temperature was 15 degrees warmer than what I was used to, I had not been on anything but a treadmill (just following Dr.’s orders), and I probably really had no business out there in the first place, but I’m stubborn. I did finish. It wasn’t pretty – I walked the whole thing. I was in pain for 3 days afterward, but not my heel! Since my heel didn’t bother me, I’m back out to training on the road this week. I’m thinking of signing up for a duathlon that is (I think) in mid-June. Gotta run, twice…gotta bike!

Speaking of ‘gotta bike.’ Kahuna finally got all the parts in for my bike. It needs the peddles attached, and handlebar tape and air in the tires, and I’m set to go.

Still no stitching to report. I was planning on doing some tonight, but Kahuna waited until this past weekend to finish our taxes (since we have to pay Federal) and procrastination of something this big freaks me out and I can’t sit and stitch when my mindset is like it is tonight. The frogs would have a field day.

Thank you for your condolences to Kahuna about his Marine friend – I shared them with him. The memorial service was this past week and it was sort of an eye opener for him. It was almost like he just realized how bad things are for those of us who stay behind while they’re over there. The Marine was actually buried Saturday, week ago, but his wife came back here for the memorial service. Kahuna made mention of the other wives who were there, and how stoic their faces were. I reminded him that they were trying to be brave for her and were trying not to show how thankful they were that the memorial service wasn’t for their husbands. He did have a moment that pissed him off, and that was when someone was extolling the virtues of this fine Marine…he said he could imagine her wanting to scream how unimportant all the words were, and I told him he had no idea.

One thing this has allowed between the two of us is to talk to him how I feel about his wanting to return. I reminded him that this Marine was moved to a unit that he wanted to be a part of. He was given a job he didn’t particularly want, and then was told he was to remain behind to be in charge while everyone else went off to “war.” He wasn’t happy about that so volunteered to go and train the border guards of Afghanistan/Iraq, and was killed 3 days before his unit (who was in the Horn of Africa) returned to the US. So now Kahuna’s at a new unit that he wanted to be part of and they deployed to Iraq almost immediately after he attached himself. He was told he was remaining behind and is currently the acting Sergeant Major of his unit. He’s not completely happy about this and had mentioned not too long after the deployment took place that he could always volunteer to go and train the border guards if they didn’t let him deploy with the second waive. Did he see where I was headed with this? I told him I would be very angry with him for a very long time if he went off like that and got himself killed. I also asked him if he thought that was fair to me, considering he was supposed to have retired this year, on 9/11

So here I am blogging again after almost 2 weeks and leaving this post on a downer too. Sorry 🙁

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Posted in Life, Racing, Stitching, Work

Mental overload

Posted on April 2, 2008 by Terri | Comments Off

Started the new job yesterday. So far the pros are J.E.A.N.S.!, great free parking, 10 minute drive, like everyone (including boss’ wife), staying busy, jumped straight into the fray by firing off some letters re evidence. Cons, no direct deposit of pay, staying busy, feel so lost, information overload! 😀

I registered for my first tri – a Subaru race in October. Bike still not built since Kahuna can’t find some of the parts he put aside, so new ones are being ordered. I haven’t had the energy to take a picture of what has been put together, but I will remedy that shortly. I promise. Heel doing so-so and am hopeful of participating in 5K this coming weekend, even if I have to walk the whole thing.

No stitching to report. I was supposed to work on Hannah Beeby and Ann Holewll, but no energy left to spare during March. I’m getting my act together this week with the new work routine and will deal with stitching best I can when I can think in the evenings. I have an hour and 15 minutes for lunch everyday where the office is completely locked up and phones turned down. I read and caught up on my email today. I’m trying to figure out a routine. I want to walk 3x a week, plus there’s a Farmer’s Market 2 blocks away that I’d like to browse. I also have several books that have been waiting so I may just read at lunch and stitch in the evenings. I know the mental overload I’m feeling right now will dissipate as time goes on; however, I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed since I have until the 17th to find my niche since Paralegal is going out on extended leave of absence for surgery.

And while I hate to end this post on a downer, Kahuna lost a friend in Iraq on Sunday. Please keep that Marine’s wife and 3 young children in your prayers, and Kahuna in your thoughts as he deals with this.

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Posted in Races, Stitching, Work

And then it was over

Posted on March 30, 2008 by Terri | Comments Off

I’m super sunburned from working yesterday’s California Ironman, my heel is killing me, and I’ve never been more motivated after watching people from all walks of life, in all shapes and forms, compete in that race. Kahuna rocked his 1.2 mile swim (41:58), his quads were aching after 56 miles on the bike (3:16:28) and by the time he had 4 miles left on his 13.1 mile run (2:02:21), he was hurting, but he’s the proud owner of a finisher medal, hat, and tShirt. He finished 12 minutes slower (6:12:55) that what he was hoping, losing 12 minutes combined times in the transition. He move up in his rankings with each event and has already said he knows he can finish at 5 1/2 hrs next time. The slate is now clean and it’s time to start training for the next event.

I was so lucky in my “jobs” yesterday. I worked what is commonly known as the “Hot Corner” where every athlete cycles and runs into and out of and was standing directly across from the swim start so knew exactly when Kahuna’s wave started. I got to see him head out on the bike and both loops of his run. I was also at the finish line when they shouted out his name and got a sweaty hug after the medal, tShirt and hat gauntlet.

It was so cool standing there watching Andi Potts and Craig Alexander come cycling and running by and I even recognized Miranda Carfrae, Michellie Jones, and Samantha McGlone by their faces (2nd, 4th, and 5th respectively). They were some very determined looking ladies. Andi Potts beat Craig Alexander by 3 seconds and the crowds were deafening as they ran toward the finish line. There were some gorgeous bikes to drool over and it was one huge party from beginning to end.

As mentioned earlier I’m sunburned. The day started out chilly and overcast and the sun waited until almost the end to completely come through. It was a perfect day for a race. Today the wind is up and cold. Perfect timing.

I met some wonderful women while working registration on Thursday evening and all day Friday. I have a new cycling training partner just about lined up, and got myself talked into registering for the Women’s Subaru event in October. My bike frame arrived while I was working on Friday and Kahuna couldn’t wait to call and tell me he was jealous and was thinking of keeping it for himself. It is a beautiful brushed-aluminum finish and will be so sexy looking with black tape and tires. He even started building it on Friday while I was working on Friday.

After standing all day yesterday, I’m really doubting my heel is ready for next week’s race, but I want to do it soooo badly.

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Posted in Racing

I have a new toy!

Posted on March 25, 2008 by Terri | Comments Off

Any minute now I’m expecting the postman to arrive with my new Cannondale CAAD9 frameset! I already have the seat and Kahuna has ordered shifters. I’m being patient until after his HIM this weekend and then the nagging will begin! 😆 Looks like I’m about to learn how to build a bike! Woohoo! New hobby!

Oh, and just so the “girl” in me doesn’t get jealous…I want to learn to make lace.

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Posted in Life

Budgeting

Posted on March 23, 2008 by Terri | Comments Off

Budgeting – we all do it, in all aspects of our lives. Some of us are better than others, some succeed in one area of their life and fail miserably in the others, some of us have it down to a science. I don’t know that I’ll ever get to the “science” part, but I am trying! 😆

Money – I thought since I’m starting a new job on April 1, I would use that as a jumping off point to faithfully budget in one area of my life. I have mentioned (over and over) how ready I am for Kahuna to retire. While I want to get myself out of college debt, I want to have a life too, so I’m looking into budget programs. My goal is to be personally debt free by 10/10/10. 😀

I would greatly appreciate comments from you if you budget. What do you use to budget your finances (pencil or computer)? What do you like about it? What don’t you like about it? Where can more information be found about it?

Work – I’ve been very busy at work this past week while we’ve been getting ready for a federal trial, plus I’ve been trying to wrap up some loose ends so New Girl can start fresh in those areas. Naturally, on Friday, the Judge continued the case until mid-April. 🙄

I expect to be super busy at the new job for at least the next two months. The paralegal in the office is going out on a leave of absence in May to have surgery and recuperate, so I feel a bit under the gun to get everything down in April. Nervous, you betcha. This is where the “I’m not good enough” demons come out to play havoc with my self-esteem psychy.

Fitness – I’m focusing on fitness, just not my own. I’m to the point where I just mentally roll my eyes while he tells me something that’s going on with his training. The same something he told me about yesterday morning, last night, and will talk to me about this afternoon. I do care about his fitness, it’s the repeating that’s getting to me but I know he needs to get it out and we’ve always been sounding boards for each other. He hasn’t even started this race and he’s already told me he’s taking his checkbook hoping to get a roll-down slot at the AZ IM in November.

Weight – Goes hand in hand with Fitness, but I’m doing okay in this area. I have continued to go to WW (not today because they’re closed for Easter). I love the support of my group. I’m even in contact with several members outside of the meetings.

Stitching – Haven’t touched a needle in 2 weeks. I’m going to try to sit down with it today though. I need it.

Downtime has been at a premium for me this past week. Kahuna and I have been on the go a lot. It’s mostly focused on his getting ready for next weekend’s race and I am really looking forward to it. I know this coming week I’ll be super busy again getting everything turned over to New Girl at work, I’m working race registration Thursday and Friday evening and Saturday morning will find Melissa and I standing on a street corner at 4 a.m. waiting on the first cyclists to exit T1. I.am.so.excited. for Kahuna it brings tears to my eyes. I have my fingers crossed that I’ll be able to find him out of T1, in and out of T2 and be there as he crosses the finish line.

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Posted in Finances, Fitness, Life, Stitching, Weight

Career Clothing

Posted on March 15, 2008 by Terri | Comments Off

Oh my, thank you everyone for your comments and emails! They were so nice to wake up to this morning.

I’m so excited about the 11 minute commute I’m going to face every work day. I’ve decided to start going back to my fave coffee shop in the morning and maybe even skip the freeway and take the PCH to work instead. I’m also looking forward to my little bumble-z not looking like I haven’t washed it in months from all the road crap that gets on it everyday. My new office is in a “village,” right across from the main post office for that city. I was happy to see that too since I often have packages to mail.

I’m sitting here so relaxed enjoying a great cup of coffee while I catch up on emails and blogs. I’m about to head out the door for my nail appoint and to start shopping for new work clothes. I don’t have any proper clothes for this particular position!

I normally wear suits and sweater sets to work. For this interview I made sure my best suit was in perfect condition, polished my shoes, had my hair done the night before, and I even redid my makeup before I went since I had been working all day. Imagine my surprise when the person interviewing me walks in wearing a t-shirt, bluejeans and cowboy boots and proceeds to tell me that that’s how she dresses up for work when there are not going to be clients. On the days she doesn’t dress up she wears sweats…and so does the attorney I’ll be working for. So you see…I don’t have anything to wear! Oh, except for the boots. I have 3 pair. I wonder what goes best with cowboy boots….Coach or D&B?

For all of you out there looking for new jobs, I now pass on my job hunting vibes to you ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

😀

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Posted in Life

I got the job!

Posted on March 14, 2008 by Terri | Comments Off

Thank you all who wrote, commented, prayed, crossed fingers, jabbed a pin in something…it worked! I was offered a job I interviewed for yesterday. They are meeting my salary demand, plus I will NOT have to commute an hour each way everyday. I am excited about the prospects the position holds. I’ll start on the 1st and will have just under a month to get acclimated before a co-worker goes out on a 1-month leave of absence, which I’ll also be covering.

Now maybe I can settle down and get back into a good rhythm.

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Posted in Life

A plea to Blogger peeps

Posted on March 11, 2008 by Terri | Comments Off

Please, please, please, PLEASE set your comments to “open ID.” There have been several times I have wanted to leave comments in so many blogs but because you don’t have your options set to “open ID” I cannot, since I no longer use my blogger account.

I’d like to think there are others who have this problem as well, but if you have yours set this way because I’m the only one, and you don’t care to have a comment from me, I understand.

Thank you. That is all