It's been too long....

Howdy all:

It's been entirely too long since I've last blogged. A lot has happened lately so I'll give some summaries.

First of all, my Bonneville is at the mechanic again. My check engine light turned on last week. I went and got an oil change done the other day and they completed other maintenance on it. However, they aren't the kind of place that hooks your car up to the computer to see why the check engine light is on. I had intended to take my car to the mechanic on Monday but it didn't want to wait that long. I noticed a puddle under it last night (not sure if it's oil or coolant) and decided it better go in today. Unfortunately, I didn't have an appointment so they can't tell me when they'll get to it. I may not have a car until next Monday. I'm getting sick of putting money into that vehicle but I'm not prepared to get a different vehicle yet. I keep trying to save for a different car but it's difficult when I have to keep pulling money out of that account to make repairs.

Jon and I took a trip to Chicago over the weekend. We went to the "Taste of Chicago" and tried several foods. I had cheesy tator tots, cheddar & jalapeno pierogies, mac & cheese bites (surprisingly good), and a chocolate covered frozen banana on a stick. Jon had a good point...it was like walking around the food vendors at the State Fair. We also went on a river cruise in the afternoon and got a tour on the architecture in Chicago. It was a really cool 90 minute cruise up and down the river. I found out that the river actually flows backwards so crappy water doesn't go into Lake Michigan and impact the drinking water. We went to Harry Carey's for supper and were surprised by the atmosphere of the restaurant. We were under the impression that it was a burger joint since people go there to watch sports. It was actually a semi-fancy steakhouse. I had a wonderful pesto penne dish. I hadn't had pesto in a long time and it was fantastic. It incorporated sun-dried tomatoes and asparagus in the dish. Jon had a bison filet and it was delicious too. I don't remember the last time I spent that much on a meal. On Saturday, we went to The Museum of Science and Industry to see the Body World's exhibit. It was really cool to see the aging process and how poor health can affect the body and organs. They also explained how they preserve the bodies and create their exhibit. I'm actually considering the idea of donating my body to a project like that because I find it neat that a body can be used to educate others. We went to south Chicago later that day to have dinner with Jon's friend. We went to a nice local Italian place and I had mushroom ravioli. I was the only one without a huge portion and my food was delicious. We also got a tour of the homes in the area since they were older and very fancy. We headed to Waukon on Sunday after visiting Eli's Cheesecake. Sounds like we are going to Chicago again in October for a hockey game.

Prior to the Chicago trip, Jon and I had a nice discussion about my health. I have a hard time talking about my weight/health with him. I think it's due to embarrassment. I can't remember how the topic was brought up but it's helped with my motivation to make some changes. We all know that social support is critical for change. I've discovered that I'm the type of person that needs face-to-face support. I'm not knocking this blog or anything but I've not been accountable simply through blogging. If I involve Jon with my weight loss process, I feel I'll have more success. It's also a relief to know he's not judging me...he just wants me happy. I have to commend Nicole for making such wonderful progress while being so far from Iowa. I'm not sure I could stay on track in the same situation.

I'm feeling pulled toward Weight Watchers to start with some accountability reinforcement. It seems silly to pay an organization to weigh me but I think it would do me good to surround myself by others on the same mission. The meeting place is 2 blocks from my home too. I wish I was comfortable enough to have someone weigh me at work but alas I don't. I'm not comfortable hopping on a scale in front of Jon either. Hopefully that will change over time. I think my work schedule for the fall will help with my weight loss plan too. I am only scheduled to teach on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I do have a class on Friday but it will only meet once during the first week of the semester and takes place online for the rest of the fall. I will have to travel periodically on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday since I'm supervising 3 student teachers. It's my hope that I can workout on MWF. My hectic schedule on Tues and Thurs will actually keep me active too because my classes are back-to-back throughout the day.

The department hired a PE professor so my workload has changed (for the better in my opinion). I'm still the physical activity coordinator so I'll still be supervising graduate students that are teaching for the department. I'm still running Swim & Gym on Tues and Thurs afternoons too. I start my day at 9am on Tues/Thurs and will be teaching three classes throughout the day and ending things with Swim & Gym. I will probably get home around 6pm. It should be an interesting set-up. I'm teaching HS 110 for the first time too. It's essential the same thing I teach at DMACC but of course it has a different textbook. Grrr.

My main qualm about my health right now is my lower back. I've had periodic pain (usually when I wake up or sit for long periods of time). Sadly it's the type of pain that suddenly shoots up or down my body. It freaks me out at times because almost makes my knees give out. I have a sneaking suspicion my discs are degenerating further in my lower back. And yes, my weight isn't helping that. I wanted to get to the chiropractor this morning but my car took priority. I wanted to get it to the mechanic pronto so I had time to get to work and organize myself. Sigh.

I think that's enough rambling for now. I need to whip out some work before Summer Youth Fitness starts at 1pm. I'll be in the pool for most of the afternoon helping with swim lessons. Have a good one!