Monday morning

Posted: June 17, 2013 in Uncategorized
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Hope everyone had  a decent Father’s Day yesterday… I spent some time with my father-in-law and did home repairs for my mom.

I also did some swimming.

And no one said anything about pushing me back in the water.

So, to summarize, I swam 400 yards and walked just under two miles yesterday. I followed that up with 3.19 miles this morning. The pace isn’t there yet, but I made the distance for the 5K. I think I need to vary my terrain, though. I should probably look for a walking trail near my house… something where I can be outside and feel something underfoot other than a rubber belt. That should be my next goal.

I also decided on what my next construction project will be. Supportive Partner Woman (Lego fan in her own right) and I have amassed a considerable quantity of collectable minifigures. That has proven to be a display nightmare. I was looking at repurposing a golf ball display rack, but that’s not going to cut the mustard… too much cash for too little space. So, I’m going to build my own. This will be interesting, as I’ve never done anything with dado cuts, but I think this can work and provide a nice display area for the varied figures.

I managed to take care of my mom’s downspout issues. The water was just landing right in her flowerbeds and washing away the mulch. I added some additional pieces of spouting and dragged out the pop rivet gun. I find that works much better than using the screws which corrode like crazy. The important things are 1) she seems happy, and 2) I got to use tools.

It’s funny… I’m usually at my happiest when I’m doing something that involves building or fixing. Maybe it’s just that I’m doing something tangible… that I can see results. That just tells me that I took the wrong career path and I should’ve been a mechanic or something like that. Maybe that explains my Lego fixation.

At any rate, going to call it a day.

Song of the Day: Sing Me Away – Night Ranger

A Father’s Day

Posted: June 16, 2013 in Bariatric surgery, family
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It’s that time of year. Father’s Day is usually pretty tough for me… I think about my dad a lot, but mostly when I’m doing something that I know he would enjoy doing with me.

I think about how he never met Supportive Partner Woman. I think about how things have changed. On Father’s Day, I think about how lucky I am to have had him in my life.

This one is different, though.

This is the first one since I made the decision to have my surgery.

I find myself asking what would Dad think of this decision? Would he be proud of me for taking the steps necessary to make myself healthy or would he be disappointed in me for “taking the easy way out”?

That’s a tough question… Dad was a pretty tough guy. I was in my late 20’s before I ever saw him shed a tear. Even when my grandfather passed away, he didn’t cry that I know of, but when we had to take the dog to be put down, well, we both sobbed like little kids. I learned a lot about the guy in that moment. He wasn’t emotionless, he just kept tight rein on his feelings.

I like to think he would be proud of me for doing what needed to be done.

I hope he would’ve been.

Regardless, I miss him every day. Today is just missing him a little more.

Rest in Peace Jack F. Thompson 8/19/1935 - 9/21/2002

Rest in Peace
Jack F. Thompson
8/19/1935 – 9/21/2002

It was brother versus brother…

Posted: June 13, 2013 in Exercise, Physical activity, Supportive Partner Woman, Walking, Weather
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So, I woke up this morning at 4:45. I noticed that the other side of the bed was empty, and it was still cool to the touch. I assumed that Supportive Partner Woman (night owl!) had simply just fallen asleep in the Nerd Lair. I got dressed for the gym and ambled downstairs only to see that she was very much awake and engrossed in watching North and South: Book II. Now, I understand a guilty pleasure as much as the next person, but I just looked askance at her and said, “I don’t know you any more.”

Her response?

“The power of Swayze’s mullet compelled me.”

Hard to argue with that level of logic.

So, the gym wasn’t particularly good. My legs felt very heavy today. Maybe they were feeling the lower barometric pressure, but I still managed to get 30 minutes of cardio in. It’s the days like this, where you generally feel lousy, that show a level of commitment. Plus, it feels good to be able to say that you managed to get your work in… even though you pretty much felt like crap. I’m hopeful that tomorrow will be better.

Hope everyone stays safe today with the biblical storms we’re having. And in honor of the rather damp U.S. Open, I give you the following:

Have a great day!

The streak is alive!

Posted: June 11, 2013 in Exercise, Footwear & socks, Lego, Physical activity, Supportive Partner Woman, Walking, Yard sale
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I am pleased to announce that I haven’t fallen off a treadmill in four days.

That’s not for lack of trying.

snap0082I should clarify and say that I am not, repeat NOT, actively trying to fall off a treadmill. It’s just that my legs have been awfully rubbery of late, so stepping off the treadmill can be an iffy proposition. The funny thing as that while my hip/posterior was where I thought I’d get a bruise, I actually did more damage to my arm.

It’s a good thing, though… if my legs feel rubbery, that means it was a decent workout. Plus, the more I get my work in, the less time the legs stay rubbery. One thing I do know for sure is that the Balega socks are wonderful. They feel good when you put them on, there’s no seam to rub against your toes, and your feet are wonderfully dry when you’re done. I’m in the process of converting to a mostly moisture-wicking sock collection and selling the old cotton socks at the next edition of The Dreaded Yard Sale®. I figure I can get a quarter a pair… after all, most have hardly been worn, and it’s all for charity!

I also am going to pick up a pair of Balegas for Supportive Partner Woman (She of the ouchy back!). While her feet are nowhere near as bad as mine, she would probably benefit from a nice, comfortable pair of socks.

photo (7)In other news, the Lego 10240 X-Wing is complete. It’s sizeable, especially when compared to the standard X-Wing that was released in 2012. The downside is that the new one is not scaled for minifigs… but I’m keeping Porkins, because, well, he’s Porkins. I’ll probably sell the other one… limited display space is a bad thing. This is why I never bought the Super Star Destroyer.

At any rate, that’s about all I have for today. Tomorrow and Friday bring sessions with the boys and hopefully my arm will continue to feel better. Oh, and I plan on continuing my streak of not falling off of treadmills or other objects.

Song of the Day: In Too Deep – Sum 41

Customer service? Yeah, about that…

Posted: June 10, 2013 in Customer service, Digestive issues, Exercise, friends, Lego, Supportive Partner Woman, Wegman's, Weight loss, Yard sale
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The lowlight of the weekend was getting the inevitable e-mail from AirTran saying that our flights had changed. I booked out of Reagan National in order to save a few bucks and because the times were perfect. Flights were nonstop and avoided the ninth circle of Hell that is Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta. Nothing against Atlanta, it’s probably a great city. I’d just never want to fly there because I’m sure my luggage would take a nice, scenic detour through the Kamchatka Peninsula on its way to Hotlanta.

So, the email stated that our new departing flight left DCA at 6:01 AM, then we had to change planes AND airlines in Atlanta on the way to MCO, getting in around 11:30 AM. That doubled the length of travel time, which was less than optimal. Same deal on the return flight… obligatory stop in Atlanta, leaving two hours earlier than desired, etc.

I cooled off for a day (otherwise Ensign Furious might’ve sailed up aboard his garbage scow and that’s never pretty) and opted to call them this morning. What a circus.

First of all, the menu. The Voice gives you precious few options, one of which is NOT “Speak to a live actual person”. God help you if you opt to press 0, because the Voice gets a bit testy almost snarling “Invalid Command!” and then restarting the menu as if to say, “Now, where was I before you interrupted me, you ignorant jackass?”

Eventually, if you say or press nothing, you get a real, live person. Maybe The Voice does not like to be ignored. Whatever the reason, I got a guy who was reasonably helpful. After a few minutes of phone wrangling, he was able to get us on a flight out of BWI (much closer to home) that is non-stop and while it leaves a little later than preferred, it beats the trip through Il Purgatorio.

The fun part was when he was surprised when I wanted to change both trips. Why wouldn’t I want to fly out of BWI and into DCA? I could have a car stashed in both places. Seriously? To make a long story short, they changed the flights and didn’t require a change fee. Gotta like that. See, it’s been my experience that when you actually get a live person, they are pretty eager to help.

In the good news department, I didn’t fall off the treadmill today. That’s always a plus. No real damage from Friday’s misadventures other than a sizable bruise. Could’ve been a lot worse.

The Ultimate Collector's Series X-Wing

The Ultimate Collector’s Series X-Wing

Other things accomplished this weekend was replacing the shocks on Mario the Honda. They were pretty well gone and once Jim and I got the new shocks on, well, it rode and handled like a new car. Had to road test it, so we headed off to King of Prussia and the Lego Store. Through a combination of VIP points, a timely 10% coupon and a few other discounts/credits we came home with the new Ultimate Collectors Series X-Wing. It’s shaping up to be a most excellent build. This was followed by a trip to Wegman’s. Saturday night, Supportive Partner Woman and I went to El Serrano for a charity margarita competition in which our favorite bartender, Frank, was a contestant. All told, I had about an ounce or two of real, actual booze for the first time since last year. I’m happy to report that it stayed down. Frank wound up winning and gets to go to Mexico, so kudos to Frank! After that, our friends came over to the Nerd Lair and a good time was had by all.

So, all in all, it’s a positive start to the week. Let’s hope it continues.

Song of the Day: Not the Same – Ben Folds Five

The Dreaded Yard Sale®? Not so bad, actually.

Posted: June 8, 2013 in Physical activity, Supportive Partner Woman, Team AllEars, Yard sale
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There.

I said it.

I actually didn’t mind the Dreaded Yard Sale® this year. I know somewhere in the great beyond, my father’s ashes are trying to recoalesce so he can give me a brain duster for even thinking the thought.

It’s when I stop to think of why it wasn’t so bad that I realize just how worth it the sale was. See, this is the first time I’ve done the sale where the proceeds are going to something more important to me. As I previously mentioned, all proceeds from today’s sale are going to Team AllEars,

418988_10201352629964288_113381515_nAfter all is said and done, Supportive Partner Woman and I raised $176.

That’s a pretty good chunk of my fundraising commitment. Of course, some people might question us selling baked goods to benefit a running team. All I can say to that is that the running part burns off the baked good calories. Hey… it sounded good in my head. Work with me, people!

I’ve been circling around the point, though, and that point is that I am so happy and pleased to work toward such a worthy goal with such amazing teammates and friends that even the Dreaded Yard Sale® doesn’t get me too down. So, now when anyone asks me if I run, or more to the point WHY I run, I can honestly say it’s because of something far bigger than myself.

That’s all anyone can ask for.

Now, of course, I’m looking forward to another yard sale so I can get rid of some more shit. You can never complain about that.

Song of the Day: Baby Got Back – Sir Mix-a-Lot (No, I’m not a huge fan of Mix-a-Lot, but it was playing on the 90s channel and it almost made me swerve off the road.)

The word of the day is “Whoops”

Posted: June 7, 2013 in 5K, Cooking, Exercise, Physical activity, Supportive Partner Woman, Walking
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Anyone remember that time I was at the gym?

That time when I fell off the treadmill?

Didn’t think so, unless you were there this morning.

See, I was actually done with my workout. I had grabbed a cloth to wipe it down because that’s how I roll. I went to step off the treadmill (and you must know that I am always scared I’ll lose my balance, so I grab the rail to steady myself) and I managed to have my steadying hand slip and I collapsed in a heap. It wasn’t as “graceful” as in in the following video, but it was pretty embarrassing.

Ouch.

I’m going to have a pretty colorful bruise on my right hip, I should think… that’s pretty much the extent of my injury, other than the wounded pride.

So, yes… the word of the day is “whoops”.

In the good news, I managed to do my walk (before my tumble) at a 15:45 pace. Now if I could maintain that for 13.1 miles, I could do a Disney half-marathon, staying barely ahead of the sweep van. I’m not seeing that happen any time soon, though. I still have a long way to go yo just worry about the 5K.

I also managed to mix four batches of chocolate chip cookie dough. I’m now praying the weather holds out so the dreaded yard sale goes off as planned. I have cookies, brownies, water and Supportive Partner Woman (Excellent baker in her own right!) is planning on baking cupcakes. All we need is good weather and hungry customers. I would love to raise a nice chunk of change for Team All Ears, so keep your fingers crossed.

Doing work

Posted: June 6, 2013 in Exercise, Foot issues, Footwear & socks, Physical activity, Walking, Weight loss
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So, after the Boot of Shame came off, I took it easy for a week. I walked a little, did elliptical and arc trainer to get used to moving again.

After a week, I started back to the gym. I’ve been there 9 straight days. It’s my new streak, ya know? I’m trying to get used to the changes in my body… I can actually get the treadmill up to almost 4 mph. It’s a big deal. Used to be that 3.2 was pushing it for me. I also find that the combination of the new shoes, socks and reduced weight has eased the stress on my ankles. Now I’m just a little achy after a good workout instead of not wanting to do anything.

It’s an improvement.

I’ve been trying to get at least two miles a day n my workouts… unless I’m doing something else. For example, on Sunday when I was swimming laps, I didn’t walk two miles. But I got the work in. That’s what it all comes down to. If you don’t do the work, you’re not going to get anything out of it.

I’m going to try to keep this pace up. I know I’ll have some conflicts, but I feel better when I’ve gone to the gym and gotten it done. Will I get there this weekend? I certainly hope so. There are days I just don’t really feel like doing anything, though, and those are the tough days.

Take this morning. The alarm went off at 4:45 and I just really didn’t feel like going to the gym. I just wanted to go back to sleep. That’s when I remember the words of Ryan who told us in an early class that if we don’t feel like doing a full workout, then just do ten minutes, because chances are you’ll change your mind after you get started.

I know I did.

That’s all I have for today.

Song of the Day: The Metal – Tenacious D

The aftermath…

Posted: June 5, 2013 in Mickey Miles podcast
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So my podcast debut dropped yesterday. If you missed it, check it out at the MickeyMiles Podcast.

The response has been amazing and very humbling.

To have people I barely know sending words of encouragement is incredibly touching. To hear it from your friends is simply amazing.

I’m going to keep on doing what I’m doing… you folks make it possible.

I thank you.

Song of the Day: Word Up – Cameo

I’m ready for my close-up, Mr. Scopa & Ms. Scribner-MacLean

Posted: June 4, 2013 in 5K, Bariatric surgery, diabetes, Exercise, Foot issues, Goals, Mickey Miles podcast, Physical activity, Supportive Partner Woman, Team AllEars, Walking, Weight loss
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I’ve mentioned before that I am lucky enough to call some members of the podcast community my friends. These are fine folks who invest a lot of their time and themselves into doing something they love and something that benefits the community as a whole. I feel blessed to know them and treasure their friendship immensely.

All that being said, I was totally flabbergasted when I was contacted by Michelle Scribner-MacLean, co-host of the Mickey Miles Podcast and a dear friend, who said they wanted to have me on the show as a guest so I could talk about my journey toward that 5K in January.

I was stunned.

Flattered.

Deeply honored.

See, I never thought I’d ever be a guest on a show that was listened to by fit people, unless it was a lesson in what NOT to do. I talked it over with Supportive Partner Woman (Still the best wife EVER!) and agreed… after all, while I might not think my story is that special, Michelle and her co-host, Mike Scopa, obviously thought there was something there worth telling.

Who am I to argue?

So, arrangements were made, Skype was downloaded, times were set, and at the appointed time, the “phone” rang. I had plugged in the old Skype headset, which apparently wasn’t working too well, so after we ironed out a few difficulties, Michelle and Mike laid out the plan.

Say what?!?!?!?

Say what?!?!?!?

Seems I wasn’t just a guest, I was THE guest and the entire show was about my journey.

That was a little bit of a shock. (For an idea of my internal response, picture Kyle’s mom on South Park saying, “Wha-wha-what?”)

I have yet to actually listen to the episode… it’s just been posted, or so I see on Facebook. Give it a listen here.

I hope that hearing my story can inspire some folks on the fence to make a positive change in their lives. It’s never too late to start. If I can think about completing a 5K at age 42, having never run much of anything in my life, with my pronated feet and blisters and missing toe, then, by God, anyone can. You just have to want to.

I want to do this. I want to complete that race. I want to be healthier and live a long time, because I have a reason to.

In short, I’d like to thank Mike & Michelle for the opportunity and for taking the time to create such a wonderful podcast. I’d also like to thank them for their unwavering support and friendship. They are two of the finest people I have the pleasure of knowing and I know that with their support, the support of my Team AllEars gang, the support of my family and especially the support of my lovely wife, I can keep moving forward.

Because retreat is not an option.

Song of the Day: Without Me – Eminem

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