Post-Op Update

Just a quick post to let you all know that Lupe is doing okay. Her face is swollen, red and a little bruised, but she doesn't look nearly as horrible as I thought she would.

She's got a good appetite, is drinking well and has had no bathroom issues. She even pooped today!!! There is some whining, especially when its time to go to sleep or if she gets "lost" because of the cone of shame. She's not tolerating the cold compress on her face, so I've given up on that. She even just walked up and down a couple of stairs!

Keeping fingers crossed that her recovery keeps going well!

Sad day

Today is Lupe's surgery. I had to drop her off at 7 am at the vet. I've been pretty good about keeping it together about this whole thing. I did take lots of pictures of her the last few days and she got tons of belly rubs, butt scratches, etc. When the vet tech came to talk to me and take her, I just started to cry. Got one last good look at her face, hugged her and left. She should only be in surgery for about an hour and then they will give her about an hour and a half to come out of the drugs. At that point, they will call me with an update. Vet tech told me that she will feel so much better when this is all done and that she has 2 animals with only 1 eye. I'm just going to miss those expressive eyes. But I will have a dog that feels so much better and once the hair grows back in (they told me that will be the biggest shock, to see half of her face shaved) I think she'll look just fine.

Be strong my sweet Lupe-dog!!!

Drive by...

Just a quick post as I eat my breakfast and focus on how to tackle the day. I took Lupe to an opthomologist yesterday to have her further look into Lupe's left eye. The vet confirmed Lupe's primary vet's diagnosis, glaucoma. The pressure in her eye is quite high and causing a lot of pain. Was told she should have been on medication for the cataract all along to help prevent inflamation. Nothing I can do about that now though. The vet got all the medication ready and started to explain the disease. Basically, they can try to treat it medically, but the medicines on the market don't work well in animals and eventually they will stop working and Lupe will have to have the eye removed. The eye is blind and has been because of the advanced cataract and if it wasn't, it would be now because of the glaucoma. Vet said she was willing to try mediciation to see if it worked and we would know in a couple of weeks what was going on. So I asked what are we trying to save with a blind eye that is causing a lot of pain and the vet honestly answered me with "Nothing". The decision was made (actually I made this decision before I went in) that since there is no sight and Lupe is in pain, the eye has to come out.

Lupe won't notice the difference, except that once she recovers from surgery that she feel better. Me? I have some coping to do. I have the option of putting in a false eye which would move like a normal eye, but there are complications with that and if there were complications, that would mean a second surgery on a 14 year old dog. Still trying to convince myself that not putting in a false eye is the right decision, but the I either look at her, see a picture of her or think of her and I lose it. She's got such beautiful, expressive eyes and the change to her face is going to be drastic. I don't need to make the decision until the day of surgery (which is next Wednesday).

For now, Lu is on eye drops and pain meds to control things until surgery. I'm trying to remain calm and not over think this...but its hard.

Oh and I'm a couple of days late, but HAPPY 14th BIRTHDAY TO MY SWEET LUPE!!!

Happy Birthday Lupe-Dog!

So today is my sweet girl's 14th birthday! Can't believe it! Through thick and thin she and I have managed to keep moving forward. I'm just amazed at how lucky I have been to have her in my life. There are some concerning things going on with her health-wise, but I don't want to post about that now...will when I have more information. So for today, its all good!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUPE-DOG!!!

Memories...like the corner of my mind...

Spent a weekend with a walk down memory lane. Elisa (my college roommate) came to visit. She had her grandfather's unveiling so her family all congregated in the greater Boston area, Elisa stayed with me. We were asked by her uncle how long it took us to connect and act and feel like we were never apart...about 10 seconds.

Yesterday we spent a couple of hours walking around Brandeis. We walked up the Rabb steps (55 up, 3 down), went in the library (got to see the model of the Roman forum), took our picture with the Louie statue (which had a pair of panties on its head and a bra around its neck), got a free soda at the cafeteria (many more options than we were there) and even got into our Freshman dorm.

It was just absolutely amazing. I've been to Brandeis once since I've moved back, but never walked around and I'm glad I go to do that with Elisa. Feels like yesterday we were there, but also feels like a lifetime ago.

Can't wait until she comes to visit again in July!!!

One more day...

until I celebrate my last birthday of my 30's. I have some mixed emotions on this and not because I'm closer to 40. For the last 5 years I haven't heard the story about when my parents found out they were getting me not have I heard the most horrible and beautiful rendition of happy birthday. Every year, except the first year I was in Mexico (and that's because she was in Paris), my Mom would tell me the story of when she first held me and how my brother went up to everyone to thank them for his beautiful baby sister. She would also sing me happy birthday and those who knew my Mom also know that she could not carry a tune to save her life! I do have someone who is just about as tone-deaf as my Mom so she normally sings to me and she does a great job in recreating the horrible and wonderful version of the song. But if I could just hear those both one more time...

Happy Friday all!!!

The foot bone is connected to the ankle bone...

Had my first PT session this morning to try to come up with a plan of attack for my "runners knee". Therapist reiterated that a lot of my issues stem from poor body mechanics that can't be fixed but can be compensated for. It all starts with my feet and I have an appointment with a podiatrist on Wednesday to get fitted for orthotics. I had them back in high school but never followed up on them. I also need new running shoes, seems like the ones I have aren't stable enough. We are going to work on strengthening weak muscles and relaxing tight muscles in my leg and back. He seemed to think that I could be back on my running schedule within a few weeks. He taped my foot up (it feels strange) and wants me to try to run on it and see if it helps my knee. Had to do some squats for him, thank goodness I have been working with my trainer because they were a piece of cake, and we discussed my strecthing routine. I have to add "pigeon" to my stretches...Jodi would be telling me "I told you so" :) Hoping this all helps...its nothing really wrong, nothing broken...just the way I am :)

Fingers Crossed

So I ran a slow mile today at the gym...11:20. Felt great until the very end when I started to feel a little pain in my knee. I'm hoping it doesn't turn into the full blown pain I had a couple of weeks ago, but I'm not very hopeful. Grrr!

Back to the gym

After 2 weeks of resting my knee, today was my first day back at the gym. I forgot how hard it is to get a good night's sleep when you are getting up at 5:30. Going to take a few days to get used to that (and the fact that it is dark when I walk Lupe). Worked out with my trainer and it went really well. He took it easy on me and is going to work on strengthening the muscles that support my knee. I feel so much better though...not going to the gym really affected me. And I even get to try to run tomorrow...just a slow mile, but its a start!!!

Milestones...13 years

Yesterday was my cousin and her husband's 13th wedding anniversary. She was the first of the cousins to get married and the wedding was a blast. Unfortunately, the next day (actually only hours later), my grandfather passed away from pancreatic cancer. It was definitely a roller coaster weekend all those years ago. Jill and Larry are still married and doing well. I miss my Grandpa's quiet nature and advice.

I'm nursing a sore knee after my 9 mile run on Saturday. My foot is fine but my knee, not so much. I ran for 30 minutes today and I barely got through it. Going to try to roll it out tonight and ice it throughout the day. Not happy at all.

Finally got to see my new dentist and he's awesome! He was recommended to me by Adele and it turns out they used to be neighbors. He actually did the cleaning, never had the dentist do the cleaning and I'm thinking he does that for new patients. I have a "shadowy" spot on one of my teeth, so I have to go back for filing #3. Grrrr....

102 and holding

So I think I have my first "official" running injury...plantar faciitis. My left foot started hurting on Friday and by Friday night I could hardly put any weight on it. I cancelled my 9 mile run on Saturday. :( I've ordered a foot wheel to help work out the tension and will be getting inserts for my running shoes, if not all of my shoes. Grrr...

102 Down...398 to Go...

Tomorrow it will be 111 down and 389 to go! I'm talking about my running goal of 500 miles this year. I would have passed the 100 mark in February but I missed a couple of runs, sometimes life just doesn't allow for you to get that run in.

Speaking of running, I'm really starting to think about my first 1/2. There is one up in Rye, NH on May 1st that I would really like to do. Couple of reasons, course is pretty flat and its along the coast so some of the views should be spectacular. Another reason is that it is close to Randi's house and they could be there to watch me cross the finish line. This is going to be a huge undertaking and a accomplishment that I want someone to see me do it. Trainer said I would be ready mid to late May but I could be okay for the beginning of May. Think I need to talk to him about this some more...

Happy Friday! About 24 hours until I get to see Jay but he should be boarding his plane now! YEAH!!!

Can't think of one

Honestly, I'm drawing a blank on a title to the post...so this one won't have one :)

Been an interesting couple of days...

Let me start out with a belated birthday shout out to Bri and Alex. They both turned 6 on Tuesday. I'm lucky enough to be close to NH that I will be going to Bri's birthday party. I was at her first as Dad and I had found a ring that we knew Mom had bought for her before she passed away. I wanted to be there when Randi opened it. Beautiful and strong memory for me.

Yesterday I got a great compliment at work. I finished the first part of a multi-agreement project and my boss told me that it was great to see me growing in my role as a CS. WOW!!! I did a victory dance with Lupe last night :)

Speaking of Miss L, she and I spotted a coyote in the neighborhood yesterday morning. It was unnerving and a little tense, but I was able to pick her up and we headed straight home. Both the coyote and Lupe were totally fascinated by each other, but everyone kept their distance. I live in an area that has been developed for a LONG time and there really aren't any parks or overly wooded areas nearby. I'm also really close to the Mass Pike so to see a coyote in the area is strange. Hopefully it was just passing through and won't come back again. I worry about dogs and the bunny family (who lives in our backyard).

Training/working out is going really well. My trainer is really pushing me out of my comfort zone and I actually like it. I have another 13 miles to run this week (4 tomorrow and 9 Saturday) and I'm looking forward to both of them. Actually, I really am looking forward to my 10 mile run in a couple of weeks as that will be my longest run yet.

Weekend is going to be crazy and amazing. My brother is coming into town on Friday. He's going to see a college friend of his and will be picking me up on Saturday to head to NH for Bri's party. Sunday we have Jake's (cousin Brett's son) party and then Jay heads back to DC. I can't wait!!!

Happy Thursday all!!!

TGIF and ANOTHER birthday!

Happy birthday to Amie, my "Little Sister" is 18 today! We were matched when she was just 9 years old...crazy to think she's 18 already. I'm very proud of the person she has become. During my last trip back to Albany I got to see her very briefly. She looks fabulous and is a confident and happy young woman.

Somehow I managed to run 4 miles on very sore calves...stupid 1,000 lb. challenge yesterday. Even more impressive is that I ran it in 40:30. Don't know where I pulled that out of. I have to run 7 miles tomorrow and spin on Sunday...glad Monday is an off day!

Busy day in front of me so its time to focus and get motivated...HAPPY FRIDAY!!!

Happy Birthday!

Today my Mom would be 66! Happy Birthday Mom!!! Miss you every day, miss you even more today!

Yesterday I went to Philadelphia with my boss for a presentation and training session with one of our clients. It was a LONG day but it went REALLY well! It was nice to meet the people I have only emailed or spoken with on the phone in person and it was great to be able to interact with my boss outside of the office.

Since I was out of town, I missed my run yesterday and I definitely paid for it today. Chris (my trainer) made me try his 1,000 lbs challenge. The challenge is to carry a total of 1,000 pounds up and down 2 flights of stairs in 20 minutes. My goal was to go for the full 20 minutes and move 500 lbs. I achieved that goal and then some. I moved a total of 700 lbs. in 19:46. I think he should either modify it to be 5% of your body weight or give women an extra 2 1/2 to 5 minutes. I can't move 2 45 lb plates up and downstairs, but I can move 2 25 or 2 10 lb plates. I didn't even try the 35 lb plates...I stuck with what I knew I could do. Oh and this was after a 30 minute strength workout with him. I'm thrilled with what I did!

If I wasn't tired after my trip yesterday, I sure am now!

Happy Birthdays!

Couple of quick shout outs for birthdays...

Yesterday my cousin Randi turned 36! She is a fighter and a kind person. I don't know if she knows how much she means to me, but it I had to call someone my sister, she would be it (along with her sister Jill of course). When I am with her, I just feel at peace and such a strong connection with my family (both those who are still with us and those who have passed on). She just amazes me!

Today my Grandma would have turned 87. I truly would have loved to see how beautiful she would be at 87. Grams was intelligent and full of style, class and grace. They just don't make women like her anymore. I can still hear her Boston accent and smell her perfume and cigarettes. She was taken from us all too soon, but we never doubted her love and all the joy her grandchildren brought to her life.

Happy Birthday to 2 of my favorite women! I love you always!

That big dog park in the sky...

I found out yesterday that a friend of mine is putting her dog to sleep today and my heart is just broken. Sydney is a beautiful white shepard who has graced her family with love and affection for 14 1/2 years. I've spent a lot of time with Syd since I first met her a few years ago. I would often house and dog sit when the family was out of town. Lupe and Syd were fun together...big dog and little dog just hanging out together. Recently Syd has stopped eating, had issues with UTI's and bladder control and is really unable to support herself.

Its not an easy decision to make, but I am always amazed about the strength of the bond between animals and humans...they have a way of letting us know its their time and its okay to let them go.

So to my friend Miss Sydney, I thank you for all of the smiles and happiness you have brought. Lupe thanks you for introducing her to "doggy crack". Go find your friend Riley in that big dog park in the sky and play like you've never played before...

5 years

Can't believe its been 5 years!!! I think of you every day. Sometimes it makes me smile. Sometimes it makes me cry. Sometimes it makes me feel loved. And sometimes it makes me feel so alone. Things weren't always perfect, we definitely had our differences. You wanted the best for me and I wanted to be able to experience things. You were right, of course.

You loved me unconditionally from the moment you first held me. I never went a day without knowing how much you cared for me and for Jay. I keep that love with me always and I miss it so much. I learned so much from you, you were my mentor, my best friend, something and someone you can never replace. I am who I am because of all that you did for me and all that you taught me.

I bought a new necklace to remind me of you. Its a simply heart inlaid with diamonds. Wearing it for the first time today. Everyone tells me that you are always with me. I keep you in my heart and now I have a physical representation of that. Forever in my heart. How appropriate.

I love and miss you Mom.

I would have preferred snow!

So the snow has stopped, but its been sleeting or raining since mid-morning. YUCK!!! So the snow is melting and we are expecting a flash freeze tonight. Really not looking forward to trying to get to my car tomorrow morning and driving to the gym on wicked icy roads.

Still thinking about what was happening 5 years ago this week. I'm not one for living in the past, but there are key moments in your life that will always be with you. I can say that I'm glad the weather wasn't like this then. Jay and I wouldn't have been able to get back to see her nor would Steffi been able to be with us. Jill wouldn't have been able to come up for the funeral. The weather was cool, but not freezing, especially for February standards. Things just came together for us, as best as the could considering the circumstances. Crazy how things happen that way sometimes.

My horoscope the last few days has been really spot on...

"The Moon enters your eighth house of sex, death and power, turning your mind to deep thoughts. The nature of life and death may perplex you when you try to understand it intellectually, so let go of any neurotic desire to make sense of what is not meant to be logical. Open your mind and heart if you want to be let in on the mysteries of life."

And yes, I still use the traditional dates and look at Gemini...there is no WAY I'm a Taurus!!! :)

Yet another snow day...

Sitting at my dining room table watching the latest round of snow falling...this is the first of 3 potential storms that is supposed to hit in the next 5 days. As of this storm, we had over 60 inches of snow. So that would mean if it was all still on the ground, I would be almost buried. This storm would definitely bury me though :) My landlord had his wife call me to see if I needed to get out today so that they could arrange for me to be plowed out. I'm lucky to be able to work for home, but it was nice to be in the office yesterday...maybe I can go back in on Thursday.

Five years ago today we decided to let Mom go. She needed dialysis, oxygen and probably either a feeding tube or iv nutrition...but that's not what she wanted. It was a hard decision emotionally but we all knew it was the right decision, there was no deliberation...we all knew it was time.

I've been in a funk about things, pretty emotional and just beating myself up. Its to be expected but I also know that I need to keep going forward. She would want me to remember her but she would want me to live. Just hard when your biggest cheerleader, best friend and mentor is gone. I keep going to keep her memory and legacy alive. My brother and I are her legacy and I'm so proud to be that...

Must get some...

SLEEP!!! Haven't slept through the night since Friday. Lupe keeps waking me up. I'm thinking she may have another UTI. Debating on taking her to the vet today. We have a quarterly meeting at work (although nothing has really happened except an awesome dinner last night) and a snow storm (yet another one) is coming tonight. Last night I decided to take her out at 1 am and she had me up at 12, 1, 3 and 4 (not outside, she just woke me up). She right back to sleep, I couldn't.

I did make it to the gym this morning. 3 miles on the treadmill at 28:50 which is my fastest yet. I need to push these short runs because my long ones are getting longer and need to be run at a slower pace. Trying to figure out when my 1st road race of 2011 will be...will keep you posted.

Empty Tank

My physically spent. On top of that killer workout on Thursday, I ran 4 miles yesterday (41:43) and 6 miles today (63:01). 4 mile time was a little slower than my best (41:08) and 6 mile time was a little better than my best (63:16), but hey not every run ban be a PR...the point is to get off my butt and do it! I have spin tomorrow and Monday off. I'm also pretty dehydrated. When I'm at home, I don't drink enough water. Got a massage last night and didn't drink enough afterwards. Going to pump H2O into me as much as possible...must be near a bathroom!!!

I found out yesterday that my old boss is being let go from his job. He contacted me to ask if I would post a recommendation for him on LinkedIn. That's a no brainer! Mike is a great guy and was so wonderful to work with. He treated me like a human being and always was there if I needed support, both personally and professionally. You don't find many bosses like that...I've actually had 3, including my current one. I found out they hired a GC to take his place, she is starting within the next 2 weeks, but will not be located at headquarters. This should be very interesting. I worry about MB and others in the department and wonder if there is going to be turnover. I'm glad I moved on and am not personally affected by this, but its just shocking!

Well, I have some gift cards that are burining a hole in my wallet...time to bundle up and head to the mall.

Tabata

Today I did a tabata session with my trainer...WOW! For those of you who don't know what it is, you do 20 seconds of exercise of a large muscle group (lunges, squats, pushups, core, etc.) and then rest for 10 seconds...but you do this 8 times and as fast as you can!!! I honestly thought I wasn't going to make it a couple of times. You do get a 2 minute rest after you complete your 8th 20 second interval.

If I can move tomorrow, I have a 4 mile run. Working my way back up so my long runs for the next four weeks are 6, 7, 8, and then 9 miles. 9 miles?! That's over an hour and a half of running! Insanity, but man do I love it!

More snow on the way, this needs to end so I can get back to running outside!!!

TGIF!!!

So glad its Friday! This week was crazy with the snow storm on Tuesday/Wednesday...we got at least a foot and a half of snow. Spent most of the day digging out with my landlord and his wife. I know its not my responsibility, but his snowblower couldn't handle the snow, so the three of us did it all by hand. Plus I knew I wasn't going to make it to the gym, so I had to get some sort of workout in :)

Ran 3 miles today and I really pushed myself past my comfort zone pace wise. Ran it in 29:37, my last race time was 29:13 so I'm really happy about today's run. Trying to decide when to run my 1/2 marathon, guess I should corner my trainer and figure that out.

Tomorrow I'm heading down to my cousin Brett's house to see him, his wife and their kids. My cousin Randi and her family are coming down from NH as well. I think the last time I saw all of them together was in October for Dara's birthday party. Can't wait!!! Of course, I have a 4 mile run to get in before I go :)

2010 Recap

Just saw this on my comadre's blog and decided I had to do it (besitos Court)

1. What did you do in 2010 that you’d never done before? Moved to a different state for a new job.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I worked on them and will continue to work on them this year. This year's are in line with last years...so yes I made more.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? I know of a couple of people that had babies, but no one close to me. 2011 will be a different story.
4. Did anyone close to you die? College roommate's grandfather, not close to him, but close to the family and he was such an amazing person.
5. What countries did you visit? Sadly, none...
6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010? I don't think I "lack" anything.
7. What dates from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? June 28, 2010 which is the day I started my new job.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Landing my new job and having the courage and strength to give up all that I knew and move for it.
9. What was your biggest failure?Not getting myself completely out of debt as I had hoped to. Close, very close.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Not really...was a very healthy year for me. Oh, did have an issue with my achilles tendon for a couple of weeks, nothing major.
11. What was the best thing you bought? My new car!
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?My comadre for letting somethings go. My cousins for starting to run which got me hooked.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? Some family members but I let it go. Sometimes people do things that they think will help when in reality they don't.
14. Where did most of your money go? Move, debt, vet bills.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Moving and my 20th high school reunion.
16. What songs will always remind you of 2010? Dog Days are Over, Help I'm Alive, Diamond Eyes...to name a few
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? HAPPIER
b) thinner or fatter? Same but in better shape
c) richer or poorer? Hard to tell, make more money, paid off more debt.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of? Exploring my new city, visiting family in Florida.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of? Worrying about other's opinion, doubt myself
20. How did you spend Christmas?Not my holiday. Christmas Eve was my parents wedding anniversary so I got Chinese and watched movies. Christmas Day I had to go to my Dad's for Mary's family Christmas gathering. I did get to see my brother but he and I had to leave early b/c of the snowstorm that hit on the 26th.
21. Did you fall in love in 2010? With a man? No. With what I have done for myself? Yes!
22. What was your favorite TV program? I don't know...sometimes I watch too much TV and other times I don't really watch. Maybe Bones b/c she's a forensic anthropologist and its amazing that they made a show about one.
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? I don't hate anyone, I may dislike people, but not hate.
24. What was the best book you read? Lost City of Z
25. What was your greatest musical discovery? 101.7 WFNX (okay so its a rediscovery)
26. What did you want and get? A new job and life in my most favority city.
27. What did you want and not get? Tickets to a Sox game.
28. What was your favorite film of this year? Probably The Town. Gotta love a movie where they try to rob Fenway Park.
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I was 38. I worked that day and then went to the Maychacks for dinner, cake and "Just Dance" with Maria and Lisa. It could have been my last day at old job but I gave them 4 weeks notice and not 2.
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Not missing people from the 518.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010? Comfort, sporty and feeling good.
32. What kept you sane? Working out and good support network.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Ben Afflick (see #28).
34. What political issue stirred you the most? Massachusetts gubernatorial race. Glad to be voiting in MA again.
35. Who did you miss? Peeps from the 518, especially Courtney and her clan. Family in Florida and as always my Mom. Would have loved to been able to share my job search and move with her. Its what she always wanted for me. Hey Mom, I moved back to Boston!!!
36. Who was the most influential new person you met? Leigh and her kids. Okay, so I didn't meet them this year (I've known Leigh since kindergarten and met her kids in 2008), but I really got to know them this year. As for someone completely new, probably my co-workers and my trainer.
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010. If you want something, go out there and get it!!!
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year. Happiness hit her like a train on a track, coming towards her stuck still no turning back...or any line from the Dog Days are Over. It truly became the song of my year.

Happy 2011!!!

6 miles and 2 hours?!

6 miles running yesterday and 2 hours of spin today...I must be nuts. No if I can just conquer the eating part of living healthy...

Guess that's what makes me a work in progress!

2011 Fitness Goals

So my trainer asked me to provide him with my fitness goals for 2011. I came up with 5...in no particular order...

1. Complete 4 - 6 road races
2. Train and complete a 1/2 marathon (will be one of the races for #1)
3. Run a sub 50 minute 5 miler (can be on a treadmill, but at a 1% incline)
4. Improve my balance and flexibility
5. Be able to do 5 pushups with one hand on a medicine ball, from my toes

I think they are all achievable. My 5 mile runs are 52-54 minutes right now. My longest run is 6 miles, about 1/2 way to the 1/2 marathon.

Hopefully I will keep posting and update my progress...should I make that a goal? LOL

Happy 2011