Fern-tastic

I feel much better today, which convinces me further that my crappy attitude Sunday and Monday were caused by horrible nutrition. I also went to PiYo yesterday at Refinery, and that did wonders for my mood (unfortunately not my knee). But best of all - I worked in the yard.

Since buying a house in Champaign over 4 years ago, I've worked pretty much nonstop inside and out. That's okay most of the time, because it gives me a sense of satisfaction and makes me really happy. The rest of the time it makes me manic and aggravating. The weather was beautiful yesterday and I didn't feel like painting the bathroom trim - and I needed to plant the ferns my cousin gave me over the weekend. Those 8 little shoots should multiply and spread, filling two beds that desperately needed help. They look pretty great already! Everything was wonderful except for the weeding, which as usual was excessive and neverending. I've realized that even if I do my very best, the creeping charley and clover will ALWAYS win.

People were everywhere and as always, neighbors smiled and waved and actually SPOKE. I love our street. I've battled weeds and roots, rocks and _______ (insert inclement weather of your choice here) and NOTHING has been easy. But it's great therapy and exercise, and when a stranger walked by and said how great my hostas were I beamed with pride. lol

Now I have to get my act together and plant a garden. The bed of knee-high weeds has to go.

Imbalanced

Rode my scooter today! Rain - stay away!

OMG, I'm a big crab lately. I had a really great weekend with my parents but I ate so much sugar and salt that I think I'm off kilter and it's messing with my head. I'm not trying to be all foodie-preachy, but it was really ridiculous. KFC extra-crispy chicken, Taco Bell, rocky road ice cream, popcorn, jelly beans, chocolate, soda, corned beef hash, biscuits - the salmon I had Friday night (in an attempt to start off right) seems laughable now. I can't be around bad stuff - I'm unable to stay away. A fast 40-minute walk Saturday morning was great but really didn't help much.

Life has really slowed down around here, though, thank God! My goal this week is to get back into my gym routine (sciatic issues permitting) with PiYo today and maybe spinning tomorrow. That'll do a world of good for my bad attitude and blood sugar. I'm walking the Kirby Derby 5K Saturday in Monticello. : ) Can I get another PR for this one? I can walk pretty damned fast.
Sadly, I can walk faster than I run....if you've ever played our team in softball, you know exactly which one I am. I joked the other night that I'll be playing at 80, and the walker will help me move faster than I do right now.

OMG, where am I?

Can I say that I HATE how difficult Blogger can be sometimes? This entry is done and spaced all stupid, no matter what I do. Sorry if I end up giving up and it looks terrible...

I've been so stinking busy that I have totally abandoned some things, like writing in this blog. The past month or so has been just crazy - the Keyword to Cash contest has me occupied on two of our four stations, we pulled off another successful Working Women's Expo, and the 3rd annual Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon has come and gone, What else? (these were supposed to have bullets, but it wouldn't work correctly)

I've started physical therapy for a degenerated disc causing sciatica, blah blah blah.

We did a complete bathroom remodel that was wonderful but not without its complications and stresses.

My parents visited Easter weekend and I ate everything that wasn't nailed down (with the grand finale chowfest at the Holiday Inn brunch).

Parkland Concert Band ended with a great concert Sunday, and softball is in full swing two nights a week.

The weather sucks and I've barely done anything outside except mow a couple times. My garden (currently fantastically healthy weeds) is waiting to be planed...after Mother's Day. Of course I'm going home for that this weekend. Because I can't slow down, I checked out three book tapes for the occasion (have to decide en route). There's no such thing as down time with me, really.

Despite all the chaos, things are good. I walked a personal best in the half marathon Saturday - 3 hours, 10 minutes even. That beats my time last fall in Indianapolis by 4 minutes, and my time at last year's C/U race by 12!! Considering my hip/back issues with this disc, I'm thrilled. I love the Illinois Marathon so much....what a tremendous event. If you were a volunteer or enthusiastic spectator, THANK YOU. If you're the guy who was pissed on WCIA because he sat in traffic for so long, you might want to check the race guide (or listen to our pre-race broadcast) for traffic info before you drive right into the mess.

This is a pic of me and my great friend, Bettina, after we crossed the finish line together.