Day #90

Short and sweet....I walked to school this morning(15 minutes), and I walked to Debbie's house tonight (39 minutes).

I'm tired! :o) Good Night!

Day #89

Today was a rough day....my friend's mom died late last night. He called me around midnight and I talked to him for a long, long time. After we hung up, I had a really hard time falling back to sleep, so of course I was exhausted at work today, in fact, I was on the verge of tears all day long.

I ran a bunch of errands after work, called Tom to check on him, and then finally headed out for my walk at 6:30 and I walked for 40 minutes. I really needed it...walking is a great stress reliever!

Day #87 & #88

Sunday 3/28/2010:
I was too tired to write my post last night, so I'm going to let you know about it right now. The rain was messing up my day, because I really wanted to walk outside. When it appeared that there might be a break in the weather we drove over to the Yankauer Nature Preserve. It was drizzling when we got there, but we decided that getting exercise was far more important than a few rain drops. I loved the feeling of walking the woods--everything was wet, gray, and damp, reminding me of Hanzel and Gretel or some other similar fairy tale that takes place in the "deep, dark, woods". We walked for about 30 minutes before it started to pour. We were dressed for the weather, but the rain was making the rocks slippery below or feet. We picked up the pace and walked for another 15 minutes, making our rainy day total 45 minutes.

Monday 3/29/2010:
After running several errands after work, I finally made it over to PHF by 5:15. I got my trekking poles out of the car and hit the trail. Lots of people were there enjoying the day and I walked for 1 hour.

Day #86

This morning I headed out the door at 7:00 because I wanted to get my walk in before the chaos of the day set in. It was pretty chilly when I stepped out the door, and I immediately felt my sinuses having problems. I had so much drainage that it started to choke me (I know, pleasant subject) but it was actually making me gag. Then my eyes started watering, and I kept thinking, oh please stop gagging, because I will die of embarrassment if I throw up! As I continued to gag and cry, I walked toward 7-11 thinking that I would go in, find the rest room and blow my nose. I walked in and looked around for a restroom.

The lady behind the counter asked if she could help me and I told her I was looking for the restroom. She informed me that they didn't have one, and it was then that I noticed that she was really staring at me. I quickly said, "Oh, okay,but do you have tissues behind the counter because I'm out walking and I really need to blow my nose." I have no clue why I blurted that out, but I did. She looked me up and down, and it was then that I became acutely aware of the fact that I probably looked like a homeless person.

I had rolled out of bed and changed into my walking clothes, which happened to be the first things I laid my hands on. I didn't shower and instead plopped a baseball cap on my head, which of course didn't fully cover my straw-like hair that was sticking out at awkward angles. I was wearing an over sized sweatshirt from the Post Office that advertised Christmas package delivery, sweatpants, and hiking boots. I know my face was puffy from all of the gagging and crying that I had just been doing, so I am quite sure I had that homeless air about me. I imagined her thinking, You expect me to believe that you want to use 7-11 paper products to blow your nose when I am quite sure you are just going to poop in the woods with it. You can see that my imagination was in overdrive, but I'm sure you've heard the expression, if looks could kill....well her stares were hell bent on killing me!

She finally said, "I can give you a napkin." I thanked her and practically bolted out of the store clutching my 7-11 napkin--I would love to know the fiber count of that bad boy, because I'm here to tell you it was thinner than Polish toilet paper. I made a big show out of blowing my nose outside and throwing it into the trash can that sat right in front of the window. When I glanced back into the store, she was still watching me! Long story short...the nose blowing worked, my sinuses settled down and I walked for an hour.

Day #85

Wow, I was busy after work today! I came home, immediately changed into walking clothes, and headed out the door. I walked for an hour and it was great because I talked on the cellphone for almost my entire walk...first Debbie and then my sister. It was like having a built-in walking partner!

After my walk, I met Debbie at the mall for a little shopping and then we both had pedicures. While I was having my pedicure, I noticed that my toe was swollen. It's the same toe that was in such pain the other night. It doesn't hurt now but it's definitely swollen...weird!

After our tootsies were done, we headed to the Mexican restaurant for dinner. All in all, it was a fun day!

Day #84

My toe feels fine today, so I officially have no clue as to why I woke up the other night with pain shooting through my toe...I guess I have to chalk it up to one of life's odd moments.

Odd Moment #695,321: Mysterious Toe Pain

I'm still in a funk...people are just ticking me off left and right, and so much so that it's starting to distract me. Note to self... being distracted is NOT GOOD! I walked at the mall tonight for 45 minutes.

Day #83

If a toe could have a heart attack, mine had one at about 3 a.m. this morning. I woke up to a stabbing pain in my...hmmm, what do you even call it? Ring toe? It was the toe next to the pinky toe of my right foot. It was pounding and pulsating so hard, that I broke into a cold sweat. Just one toe. Bizarre, huh? It didn't hurt when I went to bed, and it really didn't hurt when I woke up this morning. I even thought that I had possibly been bitten by a spider, but I seriously doubt that happened. There was no discoloration, swelling....nothing! I did feel a bit of discomfort when I slid my shoe on this morning. Just a slight twang, that said, "Hey...remember how much your toe hurt last night--go easy!"

So go easy I did. I walked to school this morning (15 minutes), and I didn't take an afternoon walk, instead taking a 9-mile bike ride on the C&O Canal. So....I'm not really sure how to characterize my exercise efforts. Technically, I had a wimpy walk day, but it wasn't because of laziness or making excuses.

Day #82

I was in such a fantastic mood today, that is, until about an hour ago. I'm in a royal funk. Why? You might ask. Well, basically it's because people are lazy and stupid...yes, that's it in a nutshell. They are lazy and stupid. Grrr! For those of you that lean towards being overly curious, I'll help you out. I'm not talking about my family or my close friends. :o)

I walked to school this morning (15 minutes) and I had to run a load of errands after school today, so I was stuck taking my walk at the mall. I walked for 45 dull minutes.

Day #81

I walked to work this morning (15 minutes) in the rain, but was all geared up with my rain pants, jacket, and umbrella. It was dreary for a good part of the day, but cleared up by the time I was ready to take my afternoon walk. Keegan went to PHF with me and we walked for 40 minutes. I just love the smell of spring!

Day #80

Pierre, Tyler, Tom, and I went to the C&O Canal today and cleaned our assigned section of the towpath-Sideling Hill Aqueduct to 15 Mile Creek Aqueduct (Little Orleans, MD.). We started from the Pearre Station parking lot, and walked 10 miles round-trip. Since we were picking up trash and taking pictures, it took us 2 hours and 45 minutes one way. On the way back, we walked straight through, with no stops, and it took us 1 1/2 hours. What a great walk!

Day #79

Wow--today was absolutely beautiful! It was the perfect weather to be outside. I headed out the door this morning at 8:30 and walked for an hour. Tomorrow we are heading to the C&O Canal to do the trash pick up for "our section" of the towpath--from the Sideling Hill Creek Aqueduct to Little Orleans. It's almost a 5 mile walk, and of course we have to walk back, so I'll definitely be getting my walking time in tomorrow!

Day #78

Wow, today was a busy day! I walked to work this morning(15 minutes) and immediately after school, I hit the ground running, so to speak, because I had a lot to accomplish in a very short amount of time. I had loads of errands to run, and I of course wanted to get a walk in. Well, to make a long story short, the errands got the best of me and the time kept creeping towards sunset. I had two choices...walk at the mall (yuck) and walk as long as I wanted, or walk outside for a half hour before the sun set--I opted for the second. I walked for 31 minutes, to be exact. A wimpy walk day, for sure, but I'm glad I got out there!

Day #77

I woke up late this morning, and that put me seriously behind schedule in my morning routine. Long story, short--I didn't walk to work this morning. I headed back to BHE earlier tonight and walked the track for an hour. It was pretty boring. I'm definitely not a "circle walker", as I much prefer being a "destination walker". My walks always seem so much more interesting when I'm on a trail, road, or path to somewhere, anywhere, because there is so much to see. Track walking is more of the same--around, and around, and around! BORING!

Day #76

Next time I will go to the meeting sweaty! Okay, maybe I should explain that statement. Yesterday I had a meeting at 6:00. I kept debating with myself if I should walk outside before the meeting, or wait until after the meeting and walk at the mall. Even though, as you know, I don't like mall walking, I opted for this choice because I didn't want to show up at the meeting hot and sweaty. Next time, I'll show up hot and sweaty...I swear it! The meeting was great and I learned a lot, but it didn't finish until almost 8:00, and much later than I expected. I headed straight over to the mall and only walked for 30 minutes. I was tired, hungry, and definitely not in the mood to be there. I need to plan better next time! The meeting was about health, weight loss, toxins, etc. It seems that the only thing I am doing well is exercising every day! :o)

Day #75

Pierre, Tom, and I went to Yankauer Nature Preserve for our walk today. Yankauer sits high above the Potomac river and has several rugged paths that weave through the woods. Pierre led the pack and walked like his a$$ was on fire--I could barely keep up with him! We walked for an hour, and let me tell you, it was quite a work out! I also walked to school this morning(15 minutes), as usual! On an interesting note, we saw several wild turkeys on our adventure today.

Day #74

Today was probably the best work out I've had in a few days. I really pushed myself hard! I headed over to PHF right after I dropped my son off to work. I pulled into the parking lot at 5:15. There was one other car in the parking lot, and everything looked deserted. I headed for the soccer field and walked up and down the middle of it. Right about the third time I told myself that it probably wasn't a good idea to be there without anyone else in sight, another car pulled into the parking lot. I watched with interest as a man and two kids got out and he was toting the tell-tale sign I was looking for--a large mesh bag loaded with soccer balls! That could only mean one thing--soccer practice would be starting soon. Sure enough, car after car pulled into the parking lot. I told myself that I would walk until soccer practice was over, which turned out to be 1 hour and 45 minutes later.

The coach was a very motivational guy. He must have read a book entitled, "Things to Yell at Your Team While they're Practicing!" I enjoyed listening to him and my favorite line was, "NEVER QUIT!" I hope it motivated his team, because it sure motivated me!

I walked with a purposeful stride today, but even more importantly, I walked the mini-hill countless times. I walked up and down it, 10x's in a row, and did a big figure-8 at least ten times, walking up the mini-hill each time I looped around. After that, I lost track of how many times I went up that hill.

Part way through my walk, my phone rang and it was my friend Tom calling. He wanted to see If my husband Pierre and I wanted to join him for dinner at Bob Evans. I've not a big Bobby E fan, as Tom calls it, but the thought of not cooking and cleaning up prompted me to immediately accept his invitation! I ordered a crepe, fruit, and yogurt meal, which was pretty good!

And now it's time for me to head off to bed....Night! Oh, I almost forgot...I walked to school this morning (15 minutes) in the rain. Ah, rain doesn't bother me, now that I have my new rain pants! ;o)

Day #73

It was pouring for most of the day, but my friend Tom and I decided to brave the weather. We wanted to check out the C&O Canal to see how badly the rains had damaged the canal towpath.

We named our adventure, "The Tour de Flood". Our first stop was at the Cushwa Basin in Williamsport, Maryland. We walked there for 20 minutes. Next we walked for 30 minutes in Hancock, Maryland and got a close up look at the swollen banks of the Potomac River, and finally, we walked for 35 minutes at Pearre Station, heading towards the Sideling Hill Creek Aqueduct. (Maryland) Check out our pictures if you want to see more.... The Tour de Flood

Day #72

I dropped my son off at work at 9 a.m. this morning and then headed to the mall to meet Debbie for a walk. There were already people at the mall for the Home Show, but nothing like the crowd that was there last night. I drove by the mall later in the day, and I couldn't see a single empty parking space on the Post Office side of the lot. I'm sure glad we didn't wait until later in the day to head over there!

Anyway, back to our walk...we walked for an hour and 15 minutes. We got a lot accomplished on our walk today--picked up some business cards and had a great brainstorming session. Brill! :o)

Day #71

I didn't walk to school today because it was pouring...Excuse!
I have ordered rain pants but they haven't arrived yes...Excuse!
I didn't walk immediately after work today because I was waiting for my friend to call...Excuse!
I finally went to the mall after dinner and it was packed because they are hosting the Home show. I wanted to go home because of the crowd....Excuse
Because there was to many people at the mall, it was hot and it was hard to walk at a decent pace...Excuse!

Well, I finally put all of my excuses aside and walked for 40 minutes. It wasn't the best walk I've taken lately, but it wasn't the worst either!

Night!!

Day #70

It's late and I'm tired, so I'm not going to write much...I walked to school this morning (15 minutes) and I walked after school for 1 hour.

Good Night! :o)

Day #69

I got a really late start on my walk today, since I needed to stay after school to get some work done. I knew that I wouldn't make it home before dark, so Pierre and I set up a meeting point over at the mall. I walked for 1 hour and 40 minutes. I thought I would end up walking inside, but the mall area is very well lit, so I was able to stay outside the whole time. Yeah...you know how much I can't stand walking inside the mall! Nothing much to report, other than the never ending fact that drivers here in Martinsburg are so rude! I can stand in a crosswalk waiting to cross the street and car after car will drive by without even slowing down. Watching the cars whiz past turns me into a wild woman! I ALWAYS stop when I see someone in a crosswalk waiting to cross the street...it's just rude not too! Is it a state law? If not, it should be! Can you tell this is one of my pet peeves?

After Pierre picked me up, we went out to dinner at Texas Steakhouse....we had a nice time!

I walked to school this morning (15 minutes).

Day #68

Quacking ducks, unlucky fishermen, a woman walking a dog, a teenager kicking a soccer ball, and even an obnoxious little kid whining about wanting a snack shared the park with me today...and I loved it! PHF was the perfect backdrop for trekking, and I was out there for an hour and thirty minutes this afternoon. Debbie walked with me for an hour, and then I walked for another thirty minutes after she had to head home. I talked Debbie's ear off and it seemed like no matter what subject she picked, I was able to weave and twist the conversation back to "the giant pain in my @$$"! Thanks Deb for a good laugh and a really good time this afternoon!

I walked to work this morning (15 minutes)...I can't think of a better way to start the day!

Day #67

I picked up Debbie after school and we went over to PHF for our daily walk, actually it was a trek, because we used our trekking poles! We walked and talked for an hour and 7 minutes....the weather was beautiful and lots of people were at the park enjoying the day. I almost forgot...I walked to work this morning (15 minutes) and it's such a great way to start the day!

Day #66

The weather today was perfect and I couldn't wait to get outside. Pierre and I drove over to the Antietam National Battlefield and walked together for an hour....it was so nice! Of course we took Polly along and took lots of pictures....check it out! Polly #3 Visits Antietam National Battlefield

Day #65

Today was the kind of day you think about all winter long...blue skies, bright sun, and a light breeze. It's definitely starting to feel like spring! Debbie originally told me that she couldn't walk today, but when I called her and told her I was about to start my trek, she decided to come over to PHF to join me. Thanks Deb, I enjoyed our walk...time sure flies when we talk the whole time!

10 minutes on my own+60 minutes with Debbie=70 minutes! :o)

Day #64

I feel so relaxed right now! I just got back from a spa party with some of the ladies from work. We were able to pick from a facial, a spa pedicure, or a massage, and I opted for having a facial done. It was 60 minutes of pure bliss...when she was finished, I felt like I was drugged out, only without the drugs!

I originally wasn't going to go because I didn't think I would be able to get in my daily walk....after giving it some thought, I decided to get a bit creative, and I walked to the spa! I know it's selfish, but I wanted both! A walk and a spa treatment! I guess you call that getting the best of both worlds! I walked 2x today....15 minutes to work...and 50 minutes to the spa!

I feel good! :o)

Day #63

I was finally able to walk to school today(15 minutes)...yeah! I really missed my morning walks, but I had something planned immediately following school (Mon-Wed), so I needed to drive on those days. I'm planning to walk again tomorrow.

I walked for thirty-five minutes this afternoon. I got a late start on my walk, so I was raced against the sun, and the sun won! I know I could have gone over to the mall, but I just wasn't in the mood...I wanted to be outside! The temperature was perfect and it felt Spring-like, so even though it was a short walk, it was a good one.

I know my walking goal really isn't based on weight loss, but that would have been a nice side-effect. I've now walked for 63 days and I haven't lost a single pound. Of course that puts me in a foul mood, so I really need to put Part B of my plan into action...healthy eating!

Part B...coming soon!

Day #62

This is probably going to be my shortest post yet....I walked for 58 minutes at the mall earlier tonight...enough said! :o) Night!

Day #61

Another busy day...and let me tell you, it's wearing me out! My cold is still lingering and I just keep powering through each day...I'm waiting for things to let up. Where is the light at the end of the tunnel?

"Calgon...take me away!" A bubble bath would feel so good right now, but I'm even too tired to run the bath...pathetic! LOL

I met Debbie after work and we walked at the mall for an hour, I then met Rose for dinner, and then I hustled back to the school for Dr. Seuss Night. I had fun with the kids...but enough is enough! I didn't get home until around 8:30 tonight!

Good Night!

Day #60

Day #60...doesn't that sound just grand? Okay, I admit it, I'm pretty proud of myself for sticking with my plan for 60 days so far. I know myself very well, however, and I have to be damn sure that I don't start making excuses! You know how those sound..."Oh, I can't take my walk today because I'm tired, crampy, grumpy, achy, sick, sore, happy, sad, bored, forgetful, busy, blah, blah, blah, and blah!"

Today was a BUSY day! Yes, I meant to yell it! In fact I was so busy, that I didn't get a chance to go to the post office like I had planned, nor did I eat lunch. I worked straight through my lunch break, and I already know what you're thinking....don't skip meals! Trust me, I usually don't, but today got away from me. Tomorrow is going to be more of the same, then things should start to settle down by the time "hump day" rolls around.

Since Debbie wasn't able to walk with me tonight, I asked Pierre to walk at the mall with me thinking that he would say no. He surprised me by saying yes, but quickly asked, "How long do you want to walk?" Sensing that he really didn't want to go, I inwardly bargained with myself and responded, "45 minutes!" I actually wanted to walk an hour, but I really wanted him to walk with me. The thought of walking the mall alone was weighing heavily on my mind for some reason. He agreed and we headed out the door with him saying, "It's a good thing you didn't say an hour because I probably would have passed." I smiled into the night sky and didn't say a word!

Once there, I could tell that he was extremely bored and I caught him glancing up at the clock every time we rounded the bend by Subway. He exhaled heavily at one point and I asked him what was wrong, even though I already knew the answer. His reply, "I feel like a trained monkey walking around in circles with no sense of purpose...no goal. Walking in the mall is horrible." I asked, "Don't you like just talking to me?" To which he replied, "I don't need to be at the mall to talk to you!" Good point! I guess we both need Spring to arrive.... for me so I can walk outside again on a regular basis, and for him so he doesn't feel compelled to take "sympathy walks" around the mall with me.

I appreciated his "sacrifice" and I enjoyed our time together, I think he did too, although he would probably never admit it! :o) All in all, as promised, he walked with me for 45 minutes (exactly). I didn't walk to school this morning because I had a meeting that I had to get to immediately following work.

On a side note...I'm reading the book "Eat, Pray, Love" and I really like it. She, the author, is a whacko quacko, but aren't we all? I actually turned off the lights and tried to meditate after reading a particular chapter. I thought...blue...water....floating on the waves...peaceful.......BRRRRING! The damn phone rang and it practically gave me a heart attack, and to make it even worse, it was a wrong number! Grrrr! I was able to relax for 19 minutes...it's very hard to let go of all of your thoughts and relax peacefully....try it sometime, it's incredibly rewarding when you are able to achieve it! I will definitely try again! Yup, I'm a whacko quacko too, and damn proud of it!

P.S. Debbie, I don't think I mentioned you enough by name today. The cheesecake was great...thanks, and I'm looking forward to our walk tomorrow! :o)