For the past, oh, I don't know, long time, my right hip has been hurting me. I've been doing every stretch imaginable for my IT band, hip flexors, and glutes, all to no avail. So, finally, today, I went to see one of my favorite people in LaPorte for a massage. Teresa is AWESOME. She can find every single knot and make it go away. In general, I love massages, but specifically, I like to get them because they make my body feel better. I find my arthritic joints and sore muscles do much better when they get to relax every now and again. 


Anyway, off I went today to see Teresa. I was explaining to her how my hip has almost felt gravelly lately... like I can feel it grinding when I walk, let alone do other things. I asked what she thought I could do. Our conversation went something like this:


Angela: Is there anything I can do to help my hip feel back to normal?
Teresa: Are you running a lot? 
Angela: Define a lot. 
Teresa: You could rest. 
Angela: Define rest. 
Teresa: Rest. Like, no running for a bit. 
Angela: Define a bit. 
Teresa: Maybe a week? Just to see if it gets better. 


Sigh. 


This is NOT what I wanted to do during my last weeks of summer, when it's much easier to get in runs at cooler temperatures (like, you know, 70s in the morning instead of 90s in the afternoons). For about half of my drive home, I honestly contemplated pushing through two more weeks and THEN taking a week off to rest. But I'm honestly afraid if I push it, my hip will feel worse. Plus, there are a few fall races I want to get in on and I don't want to be sidelined then when the weather is cooler.


Sigh again. 


So, I'm attempting to come up with a back up plan. I teach Jazzercise for an hour and a half tomorrow (hey, Teresa said no RUNNING, not no exercise). I'm also wondering how some pool running might make it feel. Maybe running in the water would be okay? Thoughts? Teresa also recommended Epsom salt baths to help with inflammation. Think I could kill two birds with one stone and just make a giant Epsom salt swimming pool to run in? 

Where have I been?

Apologies, all, for not writing sooner! I have no good excuse other than being insanely busy. :) Last week, I went up to Silver Lake for three days with Dan and his friends to ride dune buggies and 4-wheelers. Who knew I would actually like it? While I remained a passenger in the dune buggy, when it came time to try out the 4-wheelers, I drove and managed to do decently well! I'm not sure that I know how to brake and only went over one dune (approximately the size of a speed bump), but, whatever, I drove it! I also got in some great runs at the lake. On Wednesday, I went by myself and ran six miles. It felt SO good to get a long run in... and I even made some wildlife friends when a deer and two doe ran across the road about 100 feet in front of me. Mostly, though, it was encouraging to see that I can still run for a solid distance. Phew!

There I go! 

I came back on Thursday and went into wedding mode for Shannon and Ben's big day. Thursday night had Shannon and me ironing pocket squares and printing seating arrangements on doilies. And Friday resulted in three hours of turning the red barn at Saint Pat's park into an absolutely AMAZING wedding venue. I have to hand it to Shannon... everything was perfect! Almost everything was done completely by her -- the pole covers and sashes, the bouquets, the centerpiece design, the backdrops, the decorations, everything. It was amazing to see the transformation. 


Saturday was an entire day of primping: manicures, pedicures, hair appointments, make-up, and then, wedding time. I've literally been looking forward to Shannon's wedding since I was 13-years-old, so seeing it actually happen was incredible. Shannon made the most beautiful bride... and her vision was completely perfect. 

Why, hello, Mrs. Rooney!

My favorite guy and me :)

So, that's where I've been! I apologize for not writing so much. I'll do better... especially since there are only TWO more weeks of summer vacation! It's go time! 

Simplicity, simplicity, simplicity

I have to be honest. I think Henry David Thoreau was on to something with this whole idea of simplicity. Lately, I've felt like I've been running around non-stop. There have been lots of celebrations this summer (graduations, weddings, trips, etc.). There have been lots of opportunities to see friends (lunches, dinners, coffees, shopping). And, of course, there's been a ton of other things to do (home repairs (tons of them right now, unfortunately), yard work, running, teaching Jazzercise classes, etc.). And then, there's the driving. OH the driving. Since early June, I've put almost 4,000 miles on my car. And I'm not driving to and from work every day, so, that's a lot of other miles! 


What this all boils down to is I think I need to try to simplify. Some days, I feel like I'm just cramming things in, filling every minute so I can cross things off the proverbial list. It makes for a very go-go-go lifestyle. Therefore, I'm looking for simplicity. 


I'm not necessarily sure how to go about simplifying. I've started simplifying stuff, namely, my closet. I have a TON of clothes. Why? Because I essentially wear the same sizes I wore in high school (not complaining!), which means I rarely get rid of things because they don't fit. But, if I wore it when I was 16, chances are, I shouldn't be wearing it now. So, I've started there. When one new item comes in, two old items go out. For now, it's making me feel like I'm at least partially simplifying (and, you know, I like that I can drop off goodies at Goodwill). 


Other than that, I'm totally open to simplifying suggestions! What do you do to simplify when things are going haywire? School starts in just a few weeks, and I'd like to feel a little simpler by then. :) 

Runner's guilt

guilt (noun) 

1. the fact or state of having committed an offense, crime, violation, or wrong, especially against moral or penal law.

2. a feeling of responsibility or remorse for some offense, crime, wrong, etc. 

3. conduct involving the commission of such crimes, wrongs, etc. 

This morning I woke up and planned to run five miles. Much to my delight, it was pouring rain, so I didn't get to run. And now, I'm suffering from serious runner's guilt. WHY!? The above definitions describe really terrible things -- crimes, violations, wrongs against moral and penal laws! Me not running five miles is... ZERO of those things. And yet, I feel guilty. Part of me wants to try to rush to Jazzercise before my class tonight to run those five miles. Because why not be a nut? 

What's the guilt about? I'm not training for anything, therefore, I'm not in danger of falling behind on a regimen. I'm still working out today, even if I'm not running. I'm eating healthy (ish) and getting enough sleep (sort of). Where's the guilt from? 

Okay, enough writing. I'm taking my guilty self to the couch for some sitting. And guilt, guilt, guilt. 

When one door closes...

This has been a weird week. I've been reminded how wonderful my life is and how I really have so little to complain about. I'm also reminded (and, perhaps clinging to the idea) when one door closes, another one opens. This has been so true in my own life. When I got laid off from my first teaching job, the Journalism position at LPHS opened up. When I fell out of touch with a friend, something came along to restore our communication. When I lost a sour relationship, a huge and wonderful window opened, allowing Dan to come in to my life. And when my long running freelance gig went away, another one came onto the horizon (I mean, that's pending... stay tuned!!!). 


I hate to be trite, but life works in mysterious ways. I think there are so many times when a door closes and it takes years to understand why. Sometimes, I don't know if we ever fully understand. 


If you're the praying kind, I ask you to pray for my friend Michelle and her husband Josh. They are going through a terrible time right now after losing their baby 16 weeks into her pregnancy. I can't get them off my mind and know many people have been sending up prayers for strength, peace, and healing for them. But, the more prayers, the better! 

Clean eats

After a wonderful weekend, I'm feeling the adverse effects of FAR too much fun. Let me take you through the weekend in eats. Friday, my mom made a giant dinner for some of our friends. There were two main dishes, about a hundred side dishes, and three desserts. THREE. Naturally, I had all three. On Saturday, the day started off with normal eats, but then I went to grad parties and there was so much to choose from! Naturally, I had small tastes of everything. AND cake. Saturday night, I went out with my friend Krissi where I made the stupid decision to purchase TWO 32 ounce Summer Shandies (they were only $3 each!) and consume 1.5 of them. I thought Sunday would be better, but after lunch at my parents' (oh, hi more pie!), a birthday party, and an outing with the coworkers, I can safely say while what I ate was delicious, it wasn't all that healthy. 


So, this morning, I taught Jazzercise and then I did personal training with Janet for 30 minutes. Let me tell you, that woman doesn't mess around. I think my arms have finally stopped shaking. But while I was sitting in a wall squat lifting a heavy medicine ball above my head, I started thinking how one weekend of eating way too much junk is SO not worth it. 


My dear friend Annie is getting married on Friday in Indy and my best friend Shannon is getting married on Saturday the 28th. I'd like to look my very best in my dresses, so the next two weeks = clean eating weeks. 


Clean eating, you ask? It's simple. Nothing artificial. Nothing super processed. If it's fake, I don't get to eat it. I like clean eating because of it's simplicity. Is it real food? You get to eat it! Is it total fake crap? You do not get to eat it. It's just a way to focus on healthy foods for a few weeks instead of figuring out how many times I can have ice cream every day. 


A few years ago, I did clean eating for the month of November. It was tough, especially since most grab and go things are NOT clean. It was also tough because I like things like Diet Coke, sugar, and more sugar. But, in that month, I lost weight, I lost bloat, and I felt like a million bucks. 


If you've never heard of it, check it out and see what you think: 
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/livestrongcom/clean-eating-5-simple-ste_b_632545.html
http://www.cleaneatingmag.com/
http://www.eatcleandiet.com/

Hippy hippy ache

Greetings on this lovely (read: HOT) Friday the 13th. I've never been one for superstitions (we had a black cat growing up, for crying out loud). But, my last checks from Northern Indiana Lakes Magazine arrived today... it seems somewhat poetic that the magazines last communication came on a day so many consider to be unlucky. 


In other unlucky news, my hip still hurts. A bunch. I can't tell if it's muscle or joint or both or neither. I'm on a steady regiment of stretching, strengthening, and icing. I'm hoping one of those three things will help the ache factor come down. 


Today's summer bucket list item was to take a look at my finances. Upon using a retirement calculator, I've found out I'm $16,000 behind on where I should be. Well. Crap. So, the rest of the afternoon will be spent with Suze Orman's "The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous, and Broke". I know, I know, I lead an exciting life in the summer. :) 

End of some eras

This morning, I got an email from my editor at Northern Indiana LAKES Magazine. As of the June 2012 issue, the magazine ceases to exist as our publishing company has pulled the plug on our publication. It's sad, on many levels, but perhaps most sad because this has been a freelance job I've held almost since college graduation, and since the very first issue of the magazine debuted. It truly is the end an era. I've written pieces on everything from restaurants to town profiles to clearing homes of clutter. I've written about unique colleges, triathlons, and the best farmer's market stands in Northern Indiana. I've written features on summer camps, landscaping, and what college freshmen need to take with them to school. It's been an entertaining ride... one in which I've learned so much about freelancing, writing, and the Indiana/Michigan/Illinois life. I'm sad to see the magazine go. I'm sad that I can no longer call myself a freelance writer. And I'm left wondering if finding a new freelance gig is the right move for me or not. I'm not sure where to look, but I don't think I want my published work to cease... not yet, anyway. 


Ironically, the way I got hooked up with the magazine was through my dear friend and former Arthritis Foundation director Beth. Beth was friends with the inaugural editor-in-chief of the magazine and got us in touch. We hit it off and I started work on the magazine immediately, day one, issue one. And this brings me to yet another era that has ended for me in 2012. 


Since my diagnosis with Systemic Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis in 2000, I've been active with the Arthritis Foundation. I loved working with the Foundation to plan events like the annual Notre Dame Tailgate and Silent Auction fundraiser, raise funds for the walk, help educate others, and, especially, work with other youths who had been diagnosed. But earlier this year, Beth was pushed out, the annual Arthritis Walk which has become a staple in my month of May was canceled, and not a peep has been heard from the Indianapolis office since. It's sad to see an organization that is so necessary go by the wayside due to politicking, but, for now, it has in South Bend. To be honest, I'm not sure I would want to work with the organization again as the way others still involved with the organization have handled things have been poor, at best (and, it's not the same without Beth -- her support and love for those she worked with is immeasurable). But, it feels like another end of an era. 


And now for a moment of contemplation... 


...I haven't decided yet if the proverbial death of two of my activities is necessarily a bad thing. I have forever tried to cram in all sorts of activities -- teaching, Jazzercise, seeing friends, being a good daughter, volunteering with a couple of different organizations, seeing my fantastic boyfriend, advising our student newspaper, going to school events, and, of course, training and running various races. In a strange way, this might actually be a blessing in disguise, as it might allow me a little down time (or, more than likely, allows me more time to do more of those other activities I already do). 


Hmph. Further contemplation required, methinks. 

Listen to your heart... err, body

After a lovely five miler yesterday, I figured I would wake up this morning to only 66 degrees, and head out for a few miles of speed work. WRONG. I woke up this morning to a pain in my @$$... literally. 


Okay, okay, to be fair, it's more of a pain in my right hip. But it's close enough, and I liked the wordplay. A few days ago, my right hip started talking to me. It said, "Angela, I'm mad at you, and therefore will hurt and pop at will." Just walking around the house this morning, it was clear that while I was eager to go, my hip needed a rest day. 


Instead, I followed my gut, called my mom, and went to her house for a 40 minute walk. It was nice to get in a little bit of exercise with one of my favorite ladies, and was a great way to kick off our girls' day together. Other things we did today? Got mini makeovers at Camellia Cosmestics, had lunch, went to see "What to Expect When You're Expecting", ran errands, and, of course, stopped at Ritter's from some frozen custard. 


Today was a good reminder that it really is best to listen to what my body is saying. Yes, I wanted to work out. I wanted to push myself today so I could feel really accomplished and strong (especially since the heat and humidity the past few weeks has been such a butt kicker). But rest is important too, and sometimes it really is the best thing we can do for our bodies. 

Another one bites the dust

Happy Monday! I woke up today to 63 degrees outside and was THRILLED that the massive heat wave we've been having has broken a bit. By the time I got done running my five miles, it was 73, but I'll still take it! Today is the first time in almost a month that I've run more than 4 miles. Maybe it was finally feeling like I could breathe again while running. Maybe it was a vain attempt to work off the massive amount of cake/treats/bbq foods I've been eating lately. Maybe it was my delicious packet of peanut butter GU. Regardless, I got in five good miles and feel pretty great! 


In other news... yesterday, I lost another toenail. This is odd to me on many levels. For one, I'm now getting used to these things randomly happening to my toes. For two, I ran my last half over two months ago. I got out of the shower yesterday and noticed it was wiggling a bit. Upon further inspection, it became clear that it was not going to stick around. Miraculously, upon clipping it off, there was a brand new fully grown nail waiting for me! Hooray! Furthermore, the thick disgusting nail is gone, leaving me with only 1.5 more odd toenails. I have semi-normal feet again! 


I think I may be hitting that "boring" point of summer... mostly because I have just composed an entire paragraph about a toenail falling off. :)  

July 4th

I love, love, love the 4th of July. It's another one of those holidays that focuses on family, friends, and food, three of my favorite things! 


Because of the insanely intense heat, I haven't gotten in as much running as I'd hoped lately. I'm lacking motivation and the heat only contributes to that. So, I was excited yesterday to Jazzercise in the LaPorte County Parade. When I woke up yesterday, it was 79 degrees. Like it or not, I knew it was going to be a hot and sweaty work out. 


The parade always provides fun. After I get over my initial fear of Jazzercising down Lincolnway in front of students and coworkers in spandex, I really enjoy getting to see friends, and this year, family! My parents came to the parade for the first time this year (poor parents! so hot!)! I got to see them as we rounded the corner, which was awesome! Dan came with me to be one of our water boys. God love him, the man had a smile on his face the whole time. Lucky, lucky girl. Thankfully, because of great water boys and girls and a lot of enthusiasm from the crowd, we all safely made it to the end of the route. 


Afterward, I felt tired/drunk. Do you know this feeling? You haven't been drinking, but you're SO hot and tired you feel like you're a train wreck. I started chugging water while Dan drove us to showers and food. We cleaned up, put food in our bellies, and headed up to Michigan to visit Dan's friends and their new pool. It felt AWESOME to get in the water after a hot, hot morning and it's always nice to spend time with friends. 


Then came the BEST part of the day! We met up with my parents and drove to the marina to go out on Dan's parents' boat. It was parents meet parents day! It was awesome to see four of the most important people in our lives get to know one another. As expected, they hit it off, calming Dan's fear of what-if-they-hate-each-other-and-they're-stuck-on-a-boat-together. I'm pretty sure our parents are incapable of hating anyone, but what do I know? :) Anyway, the boat ride was fantastic as we were finally able to cool off a little and watching the St. Joe fireworks from Lake Michigan was amazing. It was an all around really wonderful day. 


I'm paying for yesterday today, as I'm exhausted and sore. But, it was totally worth it to be able to do all we did. So excited for the rest of the summer! :) 

Summer sads - MIA

My first few (okay six) summers of teaching, I always went through a lull I lovingly referred to as The Summer Sads. What, you ask, are The Summer Sads? I'll tell you. 


Something happens to me the first week of August. I go into total teaching mode. My brain, which has taken a hiatus most of the summer, goes in to super hyperactive overdrive insanity. I start thinking of new lesson plans, supplementary materials, seating arrangements, and how to calm and educate energetic teenagers. This pace is fervent, and continues for approximately ten straight months. Even in down time, there are papers to be graded, plans to be created, and general school stuff to catch up on. 


Then summer comes. Suddenly, the pace stops dead in its tracks. The proverbial weight is lifted from my shoulders. I don't have hours upon hours of grading. I don't have to worry about if my lesson today connects to my lesson tomorrow. Heck, let's be honest, I don't have to worry about coming up with something off the cuff since the lesson I was on didn't last as long as I thought it would. It's just... quiet. 


Enter The Summer Sads. The Summer Sads typically happen when the first few weeks of summer glow have worn off and I try to figure out what to do with life. I know it sounds melodramatic, but sometimes I really do question who I am when I'm not a teacher. Teaching is such a large part of my identity. And then it goes missing and sometimes I feel like a part of me goes missing with it. 


This summer, however, I can safely say The Summer Sads have escaped me. Not only have I not had even a hint of Summer Sads, I've still yet to question if I'm even on summer vacation. I've been spending a lot of time at school to finish up a newspaper for the Door Village Festival in early fall. I've been filling my days with running around doing all of the things I don't have time to do during the school year (you know, oil change, dentist, and the occasional outing with friends). It's a double edged sword, I suppose. I don't sense The Summer Sads, but it might be because it's been too busy to even see them. 


Anyway, lots of summer left. But I have a feeling even though the pace is slowing, the Sads won't be coming behind it.