Thursday, November 19, 2009

Failing History

I'm a little confused by my subconscious right now. I've never been a consistent dreamer. Sometimes I'm in a dead sleep and if I am dreaming I can't remember a bit of it. Other times I have very vivid dreams that are incredibly difficult to get out of my head (those tend to be the less pleasant ones unfortunately). Then sometimes I have what I call ghost dreams, I desperately try to remember and figure out what the dream was about but I just can seem to put it together.

So, a couple weeks ago, I had a dream that I was back in high school (nightmare-ish for some, but not really for me). There was nothing out of the ordinary, it was the beginning of the school year (about 2 weeks in) and I went to history class and it suddenly hit me that I hadn't done ANYTHING for the class. I hadn't been reading, doing home work and of course we had a quiz. So I pull myself together and decide I can recover, I just really have to buckle down in this class. End of dream.

About a week ago, I'm back in high school again, and it strikes me that I have still done NOTHING for history class. I start to panic as I realize the grading period is coming to an end my parents are likely going to kill me. End of dream.

Last night... for some reason my parents allowed me to miss two weeks of school to go stay with my grandmother (I think I was going to help her recover from lung surgery. For the record, she had lung surgery this summer... not while I was in high school). I get back home and it hits me that I've never said anything to my parents about my history class. At some crazy hour of the morning (before I got up to get ready for school) the phone rings. When I answer, a woman's explains that she is calling from some company that helps students who are struggling with their classes. She says they will send me a packet of information, but that basically they contact the teacher and get them to work with the student to be able to make up the missed work. Having two teachers as parents, I immediately ask, "does that actually work?" She tells me it does, over 80% of the time. I tell her to please send me the informational packet.

Of course, then the hard part, Dad gets up and asks "What was that all about?" I start to explain that it was a woman calling from a company that helps students and then I painfully explain that I'm probably going to fail history because for some unexplained reason I literally have just been forgetting about the class. His response, "That doesn't really surprise me. Maybe this company can help you. I'm sure everything will be fine." And that's when I officially entered the Twilight Zone, because if you know my dad, you know that is SOOOOO not his reaction.

This whole thing is weird to me. 1. because it's just so random but 2. I've had recurring dreams before, but I'm pretty sure this is the first time I've had dream sequences. It's like a TV show of my life, but my high school life, but not what actually happened in high school. I mean, true I hated history, but ... just weird.

Tuesday, September 08, 2009

The Tri

So it just occurred to me that I never really wrote anything about the Triathlon, which seems tragic. So.. I did a triathlon!!! It was a sprint. 500 meter swim, 10 mile bike and 3 mile run. I, of course, prepped for the event with my traditional pre-race tequila shot the night before.




August 22nd at fAAAAAr too early in the morning I got up and threw on the uniform of a high school swimmer... swimsuit, sweatpants, sweatshirt, and flip-flops. I started the trek over to Eagle Creek, stopping at my traditional pre-race breakfast location, Big Apple Bagels, only to discover that they were closed!!! YIKES!!

I head on toward Eagle Creek desperately hoping to pass a Panera or SOMETHING. No such luck. UGH! I get there, park and haul all my gear the 1/2 mile from the parking lot to transition. I get all set up and start searching for some kind of sustenance. I end up finding some sort of gummy snack thing that has caffeine in it.... sure... we'll call that food! The Reverend FINALLY shows up with his girl in tow. Girl comes to the rescue with a cliff bar she happened to have in her bag. AWESOME.

The Reverend and I make sure we are set up and stretched and head over to where the swim starts. Mom and Bange show up a few minutes before I get in the water and I get the chance to say hi, explain to them where to watch for me and see the signs that Bange made me.... AWESOME! (Photo by Mom)



The Reverend lined up with his swim group and I snagged a high five before he jumped in. (not sure how long the links will be good, but here's a pic)

Not far behind, I headed for the water. On the plus side the water was warm that day. Actually, it was warmer in the water than it was out of the water. It was super murky and impossible to see more than about 6 inches. Apparently it's not uncommon for the most seasoned of swimmers to freak out at their first tri swim. Factors being 1) open water 2) group starts - lots of splashing, other peoples' arms and legs flailing about and occasionally hitting you. I had been warned of these factors and was mostly prepared. I had done some open water swimming and we didn't exactly have a group start. They sent one person about every other second. Still lots of people and plenty of accidental foot grabbing etc. The murky water became a frightening factor when a foot suddenly appeared incredibly close to my face. I avoided being kicked in the face and finished the swim in 13 minutes 23.5 seconds and 335th out of 600. The Reverend came out of the water just a few seconds before me, but I actually beat his time (tiny victories... it's the only thing I'll EVER beat him in) of 13 minutes 38.5 seconds 364th overall.

In the transition I did a full outfit change (NEVER AGAIN!) which took 3 minutes 51.3 seconds while the Reverend zipped in and out under 2 minutes! As I took forever changing Mom, Bange and the Reverend's girl stood nearby cheering me on. Mom even asked if there was anything she could do to help me. I explained that would be a one way ticket to disqualification... but thanks mom! I did direct her to my camera so she could get some pics (as seen below).



Finally heading out on the bike, I felt pretty good. Right as I was pulling out I noticed Will and Smutty standing on the sidelines yelling for me. (Thanks Will for this pic!)


It was kind of sprinkling by that point which made me a little nervous as I haven't really done much (read: any) riding in the rain. While still inside the park there were a couple hills that I wasn't exactly prepared for, but I pulled through in one piece and made it to the nice, flat, straight portion of the ride. The route was out and back, so I made the turn around, got back into the park and was about 2/3rds of the way up one of the hills when I went to shift and my chain slipped. NOOOOO!!! Luckily, the Reverend had taught me change a flat a few weeks before so I was able to hop off and throw the chain back on with minimal effort. Unfortunately I had little choice but to run my bike the rest of the way up the hill as I never could have made it up from a dead stop. The Reverend finished his ride in a speedy 31:53.5 averaging 18.8 mph and placing 127th overall. Several minutes later I pulled in with a time of 37:37.2 averaging 15.9 mph and placing 372nd overall. (Photo credits... again to Will)



My second transition was almost as hideous as the first. I once again almost completely changed clothes taking 3:05.9... only 53 people took longer... OUCH! Once again, the Reverend scooted through in a minute and 9 seconds... the 31st FASTEST transition. (It's easier for boys!!!!!!!)



Heading out for the run I felt the familiar (from the couple times I'd done it during training) cramping in my calves. Something about the change in muscle motion from bike to run... it's not fun! Kinda feels like a concrete ball right in the middle of my calf. As I had during training... I just kept running, knowing it would eventually go away. About 3/4 of a mile in my legs started feeling ok..... well ... the concrete ball feeling went away anyway. I was pretty wiped. I felt like I'd been running for about 6 miles instead of one. Breathing was hard and per USTA (United States Triathlon Association) rules, I didn't have my iPod to help pace my running OR my breathing. WORST RULE EVER!!!!!!! At one point there was a woman running to my left and about half a step behind me. We stayed together for about a quarter mile, but didn't have the same rhythm. I finally couldn't take it anymore, she was screwing up my already erratic breathing and slowed down to let her get ahead of me. I honestly was beginning to wonder if I would actually make it all the way to the finish..... I was hurtin'!!! I came around the last curve and saw the finish line (God bless Tuxbro and their big blue inflatable finish line) and knew I could do it. (Photo by Will)



As a bonus, the last 100 yards or so was a slight decline. I kicked it up a notch and heard Smutty yell "Go mama!!" as I went flying across the finish line. (The Reverend said I "came across the finish line like a raging bull" I'm not sure how to take that).


The guy who crossed right behind me said, "Nice sprint 451" (that was my number). Little did he know I was just trying to keep my feet under me. My run time was 31:48.2. Average 10:36.1/mile (a full minute slower than my normal run time - BOO!) and 484th overall. Total time was 1:29:46.1 placing 407th overall. For my division I placed 4th out of 9, just missing (by 13 seconds... blaming the bike chain) a prize! (It was a super fly plastic cup from Noodles and Company - I guess I'll live).

The Reverend's run (best picture ever!!!) time 24:46.7, averaging 8:15.6/mile and placing 198. His total time was 1:13:28.0 placing him 146th overall.

After hugs (yes... The Reverend, Mom, Bange, and Smutty all loved me enough to hug me even though I was sweaty.... Notice I did NOT mention Will in the group that actually loves me - love you too Will). and horrid pics.....

.... I was quickly off to find liquid and banana. Liquid was a success. Banana was a success in finding them and getting the traditional banana shot (courtesy of Will)...


.... eating the banana was a different story. I peeled it, and tried to break a piece off... it bent! Never actually broke... just bent. I don't know what that means, but it didn't seem good. The Reverend's girl brought her dog, an adorable golden named Bella.... Bella wouldn't even eat the banana.... NOT GOOD!

After some dry clothes I met the Reverend and his girl at Bub's for some well deserved breakfast! Breakfast was quickly followed by a lovely 3 hour nap.... again... well deserved!

So there you have it... We came, we swam, we biked, we ran, we conquered... yay us!

Labels: banana, Bange, Eagle Creek, Mom, Smutty, Sprint, The Reverend, Tri, Triathlon, Will

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Playlist

I just realized that I didn't post my playlist for the Carmel Freedom Run, which is tragic as it might be my favorite yet.

1. Every Time We Touch - Cascada
2. Let It Rock - Kevin Rudolf featuring Lil Wayne
3. Just Dance - Lady Gaga featuring Colby O'donis
4. Right Round - Flo Rida
5. Take Me On The Floor - The Veronicas
6. Crank Dat - Soulja Boy
7. Girlfriend - Avril Lavigne
8. Fire Burning - Sean Kingston
9. Pain - Jimmy Eat World
10. I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho) - Pitbull
11. Boom Boom Pow - Black Eyed Peas (sadly something went wrong during download or something so I only got about a minute and half of this 4+ minute song)
12. Toy Soldier - Britney Spears
13. Beat It - Fall Out Boy featuring John Mayer (This was my finish line song)
14. Jai Ho (from the Slumdog Millionaire soundtrack) featuring Sukhwinder Singh, Tanvi Shah, Mahalakshmi Iyer (Didn't actually get to this one)
15. Forca - Nelly Furtado (Didn't get to this one either which is probably a good thing. I love the song but it takes a little while to get going).

Labels: 4th of July, Carmel Freedom Run, playlist, race

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

N.I.T.E. Ride, Freedom Run, and other random stuff I want to ramble about.

The last few weeks have been rather eventful. Let's start with June 27th. Elvis convinced me that I had to do this awesome event that he participated in last year. It's call the Indy N.I.T.E. (Navigate Indy This Evening) Ride. The event begins at 11pm and and consists of a 20 mile bike around the greater downtown Indianapolis area. It begins at the Major Taylor Velodrome (which you can sort of make out in the background of the picture below) on Marion College campus.









June 28th I went to see New Kids on the Block with my best friend since first grade, Jonesy, and some of her other friends who were big fans back in the day. We had an amazing time, though sadly I don't have pictures. We were surrounded by a bunch of other 20-30 year old women, some with their daughters, who were just there to have a good time. This certainly wasn't the BEST concert I've ever been to, but it ranks really high on the most fun list. Rock on NKOTB!

July 1st was the Reverand's bday, most of which he spent in the lab... BOO! And the 3rd was Elvis' bday. We had a little family function and rolled the bridal shower for him and his fiancee and the bday celebrations all together. Fun was had by all and I totally dominated the guess that spice game. I know my spices baby!

Which brings us to the Fourth of July and the Carmel Freedom Run. This time it was just Simmonds and me because Will's foot had been bothering him again. Lucky for us, he graciously agreed to be our driver/photographer so that I could share the event with you now. Thanks Will!

Labels: bikes, Bub's Cafe, Butler University, Carmel Freedom Run, flat tire, Fourth of July, Indy N.I.T.E. Ride, Marion College, New Kids On the Block, tequila

Tuesday, July 07, 2009

Customer Service in a Bad Economy

When I was about 15 years old a friend of the family hired me to work as a part time seasonal cashier in the luggage store he was managing. Because I totally rock, it eventually turned it into a full time gig. I paid my way through college working retail, starting in high school as that Christmas season cashier and moving on to everything from sales to stock to eventually Assistant Manager. During this time I developed a strong sense of what good customer service is. As a result, I tend to have pretty high standards.

I'm that person who asks to speak to the manager when the customer service rep at the cable company is being rude. I'm also the person who asks to see the manager when a waitress does and amazing job and should be recognized for it.

Recently I've had two customer service experiences that have been really great. My Polar Heart rate monitor was dead. As in, no display. I was fairly certain it just needed a new battery but because I need it to be water proof, I had to send it into a Polar repair center to be fixed. I printed out the repair form from their website and was just about ready to send it in. Then I noticed that they recommend authorizing $75 for the repair. I quickly called the repair center and explained that I only spent $100 on it in the first place and frankly if I was going to spend $75 to repair it, I'd rather spend a little more and upgrade to get a couple extra features. The woman explained that I could just have them call me before they do the repair and that if it was going to be more expensive they actually offered a trade in program that would save me about 30% on my upgrade. AWESOME! I sent it and luckily it was just a simply battery replacement. All said and done a little over $20.

Just a couple weeks ago tragedy occurred when after a run I removed my Maui Jim sunglasses and one of the titanium ear pieces snapped in two. I nearly passed out when I looked at repair instructions on their website and found NOTHING about replacement ear pieces (only the bridge) for my model of glasses. Again, I called preparing myself for the worst. The lovely woman at the repair center informed me that there was no pricing listed for the ear pieces... because they replace those for FREE!!! I should just include the $10 processing fee. I boxed them up, sent them off and about a week and half later opened a box to find my Maui Jim's in a new case, with BOTH ear pieces replaced. AWESOME!

I've also recently heard many stories of people calling to cancel or change services such as cable or satellite radio and the customer service reps bending over backwards to keep them as customers. So my question is, do you think good customer service and a bad economy are correlated? A few years ago I had a tragic thing happen with a Coach purse. Now, Coach is one of those places that I can pretty much ALWAYS count on EXCELLENT customer service. But, I sent my purse in for repair and got back my unfixed purse and a letter for 40% off my next Coach purchase. Talk about disappointment! Coach has a lifetime warranty but wouldn't fix it. Maui Jim has a two-year warranty that had long expired and they fixed it and sent me a new case.

Are companies fighting to keep their customers now? Hoping maybe if they fix the broken item they own today the customer will be more likely to purchase a new one from them when times turn around? I have to say my experience with Maui Jim and Polar certainly gives me more confidence in making purchases from them in the future. Now, I'm not saying I won't buy from Coach again... but it's been a few years and I'm still carrying the 40% letter around waiting for the PERFECT bag.

Labels: Coach, customer service, economy, heart rate monitor, Maui Jim, Polar, sunglasses

Wednesday, June 03, 2009

Costco and Me: A Lover's Quarrel

For the last couple years I have had a wonderful love affair with Costco. I mean really, what's not to love? Not only can I buy 5 tubes of Crest Whitening plus Scope toothpaste, but frequently, Costco supplies me with a coupon to make my purchase. Because of Costco, I only have to buy Q-tips once/year. And while others settle for the fridge packs or perhaps even 24 packs of diet coke, I buy mine in a case of 32. At the grocery store I buy tiny cream cheese size tubs of feta or blue cheese and it costs about $5. At Costco, I get ice cream size tubs for only a dollar more. Then of there's the cake. I mean first off, why would you ever want to buy a cake that weighs less the 9.75 pounds anyway? That's just crazy. Add to that the wonderful butter cream icing and the cheesecake mousse filling... what better way to celebrate than with a diabetic coma?!?

About a year or so ago I was purusing my darling Costco and came across a 2 pack of Champion brand sports bras for like $20. Awesome deal, so I bought them. Now, I tend to be very picky about my athletic wear. It has to work. There's nothing worse than being uncomfortable during your daily run in 90 degree weather. Turns out the sports bras were perfect. I loved them and bought at least 2 more packs. Then, one day I decided I needed more. I went to Costco only to find they had replaced my beloved Champion sports bras with Adidas sports bras. Still a good deal, I decided to try them out. I thought, Costco wouldn't replace a product with an inferior product. That's just not who they are. I was wrong. The Adidas sports bras suck! I now have to order my sports bras from Champion online. Costco let down #1.

Another wonderful product I discovered is what I call my workout pants. Again, sold in a two pack, these mostly cotton, drawstring pants are great for working out. I run in them, I go to classes at the gym in them, they also make great pj bottoms too. I own at least 8 pair. With the weather getting warmer I've decided I need some shorts to run in. Knowing that Costco doesn't carry the style of shorts I wanted, I headed to Target. I found a couple pair that I thought would work (though they didn't seem great) and I left Target thinking, I wish they just made a short version of my Costco workout pants. Then it occurred to me that I have a fabulous Aunt with a fabulous sewing machine (that I gave her for Christmas YEARS ago) and she could probably turn my beloved workout pants into the perfect workout shorts for me. Off to Costco I go!!! I trot happliy down the aisle where my workout pants belong (same aisle that used to be home to my Champion sports bras!)... back and forth.... around to the other side.... NO PANTS!!!! My workout pants are gone.

I can't take it anymore Costco!! If you are going to get me addicted to your wonderful products, you have to keep carrying them! You're like a drug dealer who gets me hooked on coke and then moves! It's mean!!! I mean really, what's next? My Champion brand socks? perhaps the tooth paste? Or are you gonna go straight for the jugular and stop selling cake?!?! Why must you hurt me? Why?

P.S. I really like the new Calvin Klein 3 pack of ribbed tank tops!

Monday, April 20, 2009

Race for the Cure 2009 - A Photo Essay

This past Saturday was 2009 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Simmonds, Will, and I all participated and had a great time. As usual, there were some pre-race preparations and post-race photos to be taken. It's all explained below...

This is Simmonds and me in the race tshirts the way they were given to us. I didn't much like them, and felt we could do better. We ventured to good ol' Target to buy some new shirts, and then over to Bange's house to make use of her sewing machine and mad creative skills.


Measuring, cutting and pinning - DONE! (With Bange's help of course) I took this picture and the next one with the pins still in before I started sewing. I figured that way if I destroyed the shirt while attempting to sew for the first time since 8th grade, I could still show you what my original design plan was. So here's the front...And the back... and yes, I came up with the design layout all on my own! way cooler than the original tee I was given, don't you think?







Race number 2 down for all three of us! Next up... Relay for Life (at least I think that's the next one).

Oh yeah... and for anyone who is interested, here was my official race playlist (not necessarily played in this order, because I forgot to take it off shuffle)...

1. One & Only - Timbaland featuring Fall Out Boy
2. Pain - Jimmy Eat World
3. I Don't Care - Fall Out Boy (Cobra Starship Suave Suarez Remix)
4. Just Dance - Lady GaGa featuring Colby O'donis
5. Emergency - Paramore
6. Boba Nina Nice - Belinda
7. Toy Soldier - Britney Spears
8. Beat It - Fall Out Boy featuring John Mayer
9. I Turn to You - Melanie C (Hex Hector Radio Mix)
10. Piece of Me - Britney Spears (Bimbo Jones Edit)

I am taking suggestions for my playlist for the next race. I need upbeat! Doesn't have to be dance music (Pain by Jimmy Eat World was actually really great on this list) just really upbeat. I feel like I'm dwindling on good running music. Help dear readers HELP!!