On the road to my first triathlon

2011-12-28T16:02:00.000-06:00

New Years is just a few days away. I want to encourage people to really place realistic goals and not just "I am going to lose weight," or "I will quit smoking."

Here are a few tips for making your New Year's goals work:

1) Make your goals tangible. For instance, "I will lose weight," is so vague and doesn't give anything specific. Give me a number. A percentage. Anything. Something.

2) Set mini goals. This could mean making hourly, daily, weekly and monthly goals. For me, it means daily, weekly and monthly. Example: I will drink 64oz of water/day, run at least 2 miles 4x/week and lose 8 pounds this month, by Feb 1st.

3) Please, be realistic. Just because you saw the people on The Biggest Loser, lose 20 pounds their first week, does not mean you will. In fact, you probably won't. Remember, the people on TBL have personal trainers, nutritionists and doctors that oversee their weight loss. They wear body bugs that tell them how many calories go in and out on a daily basis. Most importantly, their WHOLE LIFE is TBL while they are on the ranch. That is their FT job! Our's is just to make a lifestyle change, no matter what your goal is (weight loss related or not).

4) Get a buddy to keep you accountable. I have 3. Maybe even 4. My mom is going to help keep me accountable by doing Weight watchers with me. My uncle is going to help keep me accountable by spending time in the gym (with me via distance) and, ah hem, I think a special someone may be willing to do a 5k with me this spring.

5) REWARD yourself. Set your rewards ahead of time to correlate with your goals. Let's say you have a goal to complete a 5k by April 1st. You complete that 5k and you marked down January 1st that your reward for doing that is a new pair of running shoes. Do it. Treat yourself. You deserve it!

6) Finally, don't give up just because you messed up one day! No one is perfect and everyone will falter at some point. Just pick right back up the next day and, Keep on Truckin!

2011-12-06T17:34:00.001-06:00

We all have set backs...I just didn't think I would have one so early. On Thanksgiving I had a bout of high blood pressure. Well, since then, I have had severe anxiety related to it.
Today, my doc said my EKG is normal (as it always has been). She doesn't want to put me on a holter monitor quite yet---just see how I respond to these meds. In the meantime, I am going to get an Echo done and a renal function test just to make sure my high blood pressure isn't being caused by something other than needing to lose a few pounds, or family history.
It is a good thing I have been diagnosed with it, though....that way I can control it until I can get it down (through exercise and diet). Man, that is enough to scare the crap outta ya.....still a bit scary since my body hasn't responded well to even knowing that I have high blood pressure (you know being in nursing school makes one a hypochondriac). Doc has now cleared me to exercise (just cardio, no weights, until BP is under control). So I can still get in a work out! Woop!

2011-11-26T11:58:00.001-06:00

Milk products, probably my favorite thing in the food world: cheese and wine, yogurt, pizza, cheese on sandwiches and burgers, parmesan cheese, whatever, I can go on. Well, I WAS allergic to all milk products when I was young. I would get ear infections, runny nose, etc. I finally outgrew it...at least for the last 15 years. But I am starting to wonder....is the allergy back?

I have, what I believe to be, a sinus infection/ear infection. I havent had one of these since I was a child. it made me start to think....what milk products have I eaten recently. Initially, I didn't think much. But the more i thought about it...the more I had eaten. I had quite a bit.

So for a while I am not going to have dairy products (going to try my best). Hopefully this will help the ear/nose/throat situation.

2011-11-24T21:21:00.001-06:00

Nothing quite scares the crap out of you like a trip to the Emergency Room. Only been there once before today (I broke my leg 2 years ago)...today I went for my run and got some funny feeling in my chest an hour or so later that continued. So once I got to work (i work at the hospital) I took my BP and it was REALLY HIGH (170/110) and my HR was 140. FREAK ME OUT! So, I went down to the ER and checked in. They gave me the complete work up-EKG (Normal Sinus Rhythm), Lab work (everything is normal from my white blood cell count to my troponin level (indicates if I am having a heart attack) to my clotting factors and D-Dimer (can indicate if i have a blood clot)). A chest X-Ray was also done- and clear.

So--- what is wrong with me? Well, I have a fever- so I am probably coming down with a viral infection. But...why the crazy heart rate and blood pressure? That has never happened to me before even with a viral infection. Now, if you know me at all, once i saw had a tinge of pain in my chest, i freaked out a bit and that could have contributed to the High BP.

So, I am home for the night, relaxing. My HR is still pretty high (for me) between 90-100....even when I lay down and just chill.

Bottom line...THIS IS EXACTLY WHY I AM SHEDDING THE WEIGHT AND GETTING IN SHAPE. PRAISE THE LORD FOR EVERYTHING.

2011-11-24T10:17:00.001-06:00

I will never go back. For the first time today, I did a Thanksgiving Day workout. Before, I would have probably never even considered a workout on Thanksgiving...for that is for preparing and eating food right? Well if you are gonna eat--gotta work it off! I won't lie, my run this morning was tough. But the feeling you get after makes it so worth it!

While I was running I was thinking about what I am thankful for. Yes, my salvation and my family/friends top the list---but i began thinking as I was running....I am so lucky I am able to run. Yes it it isnt super comfortable right now--but I could not be walking. Even though I have a rod and screws in my leg (which may eventually need to come out) I can still move! Praise the Lord.

So, hear it first hand...I will be participating in some sort of a work out every Thanksgiving from here on out. Whether it's a turkey trot, turkey bowl, or just a long walk with the family--it is going to happen!

Now you get on it too!!!!!!!!! HAPPY THANKSGIVING.

2011-11-23T16:49:00.001-06:00

So that time of the year begins where most people gain about 10 pounds. Well, that doesn't have to happen to you! It is still possible to enjoy all of the holidays, eat sensibly and maintain (or lose) weight! People, it is about moderation. I have been doing weight watchers, and I tell you what, this program is the definition of moderation. It has proven to me, and others, that yes, you can still have turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and pumpkin pie. But you just have small amount of each, and get a work out in!!!

I have to work this Thanksgiving, so that will help curb some temptation to eat massive amounts at the dinner table. In fact, more than likely I won't even have a traditional dinner tomorrow (I am not making it to my hometown to celebrate with family til Christmas). But I will be making these fun, yummy, small treats for my co-workers. Check it out!! Totally awesome! Happy Thanksgiving everyone :) Turkey Apple Tarts

2011-11-19T20:20:00.001-06:00

You must destroy any addiction that has your heart, otherwise it will destroy you. (THIS INCLUDES FOOD!)

2011-11-17T16:14:00.001-06:00

I think one of the biggest shocks that can come to someone who is 29 years old is having their blood pressure checked- and more often than not it has recently been in the "prehypertension stage." Good thing I am on the bandwagon with getting back in shape. YOU HAVE TO BE PROACTIVE AND ADVOCATE FOR YOURSELF! And if you are a parent, daughter, son, even granddaughter or grandson-sister or brother, husband or wife, advocate for your loved ones, especially if they are not very "medically inclined."

2011-11-16T23:07:00.001-06:00

We've all done it--planned to do something then failed to do so. Well, that happened to me this week. My plan was to begin my training on Sunday. Well it is Wednesday and I haven't started. I am not a fan of excuses, but I had 6 tests in 2 days plus my final clinical day today---sooooo I gave myself some slack in order to get the 4.0 I achieved. So, I feel this saying is completely appropriate for me....

Well, tomorrow indeed. I have about 4 days off of school and my workload is a bit lighter next term (which starts Monday)...with way less hours. So I will actually have TIME! Get it!!

2011-11-13T12:04:00.001-06:00

I just finished watching "Super Size Me." Wow, that is an eye opener. I have read books (like "Skinny Bitch") that have been a shock but this movie really exemplifies the health hazard that eating fast food (or just junk food period) does on your body! While watching the movie the guy who was eating the McDonalds for a month talked about feeling lethargic and craving the fast food, the more he ate it. That is SO TRUE. I find when I eat fast food- i tend to want it more often. That is just a reason to not eat it in the first place. His weight, cholesterol, triglycerides, Liver function tests, etc all WENT UP in just 30 days. The most astonishing to me, is that his liver tests skyrocketed (fatty liver!). Ewwwww

The whole latent effect is going to KILL our nation!! Like they say.....

GOALS: Short and Long Term

2011-11-12T13:26:00.001-06:00

Short Term Goals:

This week:

-Finish all 3 days of week 1 C25K training, take one body pump class

-Stay within my WW points parameters

-Get in at least 2 servings of veggies a day, and 2 fruits (I know I need more than this but I am horrible at it right now, so I am easing myself in)

-Lose 2lbs

I will be weighing in every Monday.

By the end of November:

-Lose 5 pounds

-Try a new class at the gym and get in the pool at least once (that means digging out my speedos)

-Find a buddy who will help hold me accountable. I thought my roommate was going to be a good workout/lifestyle change buddy but apparently- he isn't serious. I don't care if its even a blog buddy hundreds of miles away...just someone to share motivation with.

-Buy a HR monitor. I need these calorie burns to be more exact.

By Christmas:

-lose 10 pounds

-Be back into my fav pair of jeans (that I own- ha- don't get me wrong my FAVORITE pair of jeans I don't own yet...see pic below)

Ok now on to LONG TERM:

1.By my 30th (eeeeek) Birthday (Feb. 14th)

***Finish C25K and run my first 5k. There has to be some sort of Valentine's day run, right?

***Lose 20 Lbs (I know, i may need to modify my goals because I am setting them pretty easy/realistic right now)

2.By my LPN Graduation (Mid May)

***Sign up for 1st Sprint Triathlon

***Have run a second 5k (St. Patty's Day run anyone?)

***Have bought a road bike by now and been training (blog to come on training program for that)

***Have lost 40 pounds (that is 6 months from now- totally doable)

3. MY ULTIMATE GOAL:

COMPLETION DATE: SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2012

***Complete a sprint triathlon

***Be at my goal weight: 155lbs

SO here is it.....the dreaded before picture. Sorry it is a self-pic but I don't have anyone around to take one. Talk about scrubby! I will post monthly (1st of each month) compare photos to this one here. Take a moment to relish in the fact that you don't look like this. I will take a moment to rejoice in the fact that I will never look like this again!

Same blog...new topic

2011-11-12T11:14:00.000-06:00

I have decided that it is time to get back to blogging. Not just any blogging, though. This one is for my trials and successes in weight loss and training for my sprint triathlons next summer. I will be posting photos, recipes, exercise workouts...you name it, you will probably see it.

I plan on posting my short and long term goals, if i meet them...and if I don't! I hope my followers can kind of be a support tool. But mostly, this forum gives me a chance to evaluate myself to see what is working and what isn't.

For sometime I have dreamed about being a triathlete and *gasp* even a runner. I see people running and I long to be them...run with that light ease. After breaking my leg 2 years ago I still have a rod and screws in...and I have often wondered if this will hold me back. I have heard from many trainers..that it will. So, I found program (Couch 2 5K) to help me get on the road to running (races!). I started the program this summer and did a few weeks then fell off the bandwagon. It was amazing, i felt like I had been a runner before. I am going to start that program again here this week from week one. Unfortunately, I will have to start running indoors here soon once there is snow and ice on the ground. But, hey that is life right?

Lastly, I need to find a sprint triathlon to take part in next summer. I THINK i know which one I am going to do (Chelanman sprint tri)...but any suggestions would be helpful!
Thanks for everyone's support....it means a lot!

yoga helps!

2010-04-01T22:42:00.000-05:00

So I took a yoga class this morning. It turned out to be a POWER yoga class. Now, I am healing from a broke leg and cannot really do a lot of the moves quickly...so I just kinda toned it down on my own. Within a few hours...My back was feeling a lot better! I am going to keep going to yoga and hopefully that will be a great cureall!

Giving it up for Lent

2009-02-24T17:24:00.000-06:00

So, although I have never partaken in Lent....from what I understand it is more of a Cathloic tradition...I am going to partake this year.

I will be giving up Store bought coffee (ie, Starbucks, coffee stand coffee) and from the money I save NOT going to get coffee everyday, I will be giving it to my church, Changepoint.

So, those of you around me, please support me in this endevour.

I have to admit, I am addicted to coffee (and especially the caffiene in it). So I will be replacing my Starbucks with home made tea and sometimes half-caf home brewed coffee. If I don't...ill be cutting back on the caffiene for health reasons for Lent as well, but not completely or I think my head would explode.

Your Prayers are welcome!!! Thanks!

Shel

Skiing in Alaska

2008-11-24T02:22:00.000-06:00

Well today we went skiing at a small ski hill here in Anchorage today. I went with my friend LeeAnn and her friend HB who was up from Alabama. Annie and Ted also came!!

Well to start off I rode up with LeeAnn on the lift....to the top of the hill. I explained to her how to get on and off the lift. Getting on...no problem...getting off...well that was another story. LeeAnn got scared...and did not get off the lift. BUT then when she realized what she had done...thinking she was going to have to ride the lift down...she JUMPED OFF THE LIFT. hahahahah. A nice photo of her landing is above....

Then, like beginners...she had the trials of getting down the hill...falling..getting up...wiping out. It was quite humerous. Her and HB were not too amused. It took us about 2 hours to get down a 2 minute hill. By the last 1/4 of the hill, they were doing well though! They were taking corners, using their pie wedges to slow them down...

Unfortunately, it was NOT enough to get them back to the top of the hill for a second time. Oh well, we tried :)

So, Annie, Ted and I took a few more runs..

Ted and I decided to go down the expert run, while Annie took the beginners run. Ted and I were waiting for Annie at the bottom of the hill. We see her turning the corner down the hill towards the bottom....flying really fast. WELL, she COULD NOT stop OR turn. She flew right into the blue fence. Thank GOD that fence was there or she would have ended up over the edge in the woods. It did not seem to phase her, though. She seemed very happy and energetic still.

Well, that was my day of skiing. Fun Times :)

I am coming home (well, for about a week)

2008-11-19T19:54:00.001-06:00

Well, It is official!!! I get to come home for Christmas. Some wonderful reporters and anchors have pitched in together to work on X mas eve and the day after Christmas so I can come home to Wenatchee for Christmas.
This is such a relief! I was really worried I was not going to be able to be home for either Thanksgiving or Christmas...and I was getting really bummed out. But...God is good! And He provided!
Now...the challenge is...paying for the 750 dollar ticket home!
YIKES!!!!!

Election Craziness

2008-11-04T16:50:00.001-06:00

Well, today is election day. You might ask, how the heck do you have time to blog on Election Day, when you work at a TV News station???

Well, the answer is simple. We are pretty much going live all night long...and only have to do a few 7 minute cut ins throughout the night until then...and they are all preproduced...so I only had to write a few teases...

Anyway...It is quiet in the newsroom today..with almost everyone being out at the Egan Center (election headquarters here in Anchorage). It is kind of nice compared to yesterday...with everyone here....being all stressed out. Breathe People!!

I could go on forever about this historic election. Either way today, we will end up with a black president or a female VP.

I had a hard time choosing who to vote for...honestly I wanted to vote independent...but I struggled with the concept of "throwing away my vote." It will be a close election..and your vote is going to be important (although, I know in some states it is NOT important since the electoral votes are NOT based on popular votes...which i cannot comprehend.

So, tonight will be a long one. We have coverage until 11 (our time)...at least. My guess..it will go until midnight.

I am going to need a drink by the end of this day. Ahhh I am already dreaming of a White Russian!!!

I think it is going to be important to remember....no matter which way the vote goes today...that we are a Nation under God...no matter what people want to say.

Oh...yeah...here is a photo from our interview with Sarah Palin this morning when she was voting in her hometown of Wasilla.

Fireproof

2008-10-23T00:28:00.000-05:00

"Fireproof." I recommend this movie to any couple...who is considering getting a divorce. Oh my gosh..it is so touching...a little corny. But it has a great message.

I had to admit...it will appeal to many people. It shows that YOU cannot change your marriage...that your marriage is not dependent on YOU.

Christ must be the center of your relationship-and you have to work in your marriage FOR GOD. Do things THROUGH Christ.

Go see it, even if you are not married, even if you are happily married. It is a great one!

Tolerance

2008-10-19T22:58:00.000-05:00

I TOOK THIS FROM A FRIEND'S SERIES OF BLOGS...IT REALLY CONVICTED ME. IT IS SOOOO TRUE...WE ARE BECOMING A SOCIETY AS CHRISTIANS..AND EVEN THOSE WHO ARE NOT...TO BE ACCEPTING OF EVERYTHING...AND TOLERANT OF THOSE WHO MAKE DECISIONS WE DO NOT AGREE WITH...
WELL HONESTLY...SOMETIMES...THIS IS JUST REDICULOUS. WE SHOULD ALSO BE ABLE TO STAND UP FOR WHAT WE BELIEVE AND NOT HAVE TO CONFORM BECAUSE OF PEOPLES FEELINGS OR WHAT IS SOCIALLY ACCEPTABLE.
SO, FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO READ THIS BLOG..IT COULD REALLY MAKE YOU MAD! BUT JUST REMEMBER.....DON'T BE MAD AT ME...TOLERANCE..RIGHT?
So...if you've been paying attention to our country and the things that make headlines, you would know that "TOLERANCE" is making it's way to being the most widely accepted way to look at our nations differences in sexual orientation. People are being pressured to accept everyone for who and what they do in their lives--no questions asked, no judgement made.
This blog is almost a warning for christians...do you see what's coming?! It's coming fast and it's very obvious as people have already publically made comments referring to this....
As tolerance becomes more accepted, those of us who stand for what the bible truely says-- one man for one woman (and yet, hate the sin, love the sinner)-- are becoming the "intolerant" ones and people are starting to turn their backs on christians. We are the rude noise makers of society. We are the snotty people who are too good for anyone else, and we are the ones who should NOT BE TOLERATED. Becoming outcasts in our society is coming. I feel like I sound like one of those people who rants about the end times, but seriously...persecution is coming to America, and it's going to reach far more issues than just sexual orientation. Do you see it?

Below is an e-mail I received today and it reminded me of the forcasted post I blogged called "Tolerance". Please read what I wrote in that blog and then read this one:
This is a statement that was read over the PA system at the football game at Roane County High School, Kingston, Tennessee, by school Principal, Jody McLeod 'It has always been the custom at Roane County High School football games, to say a prayer and play the National Anthem, to honor God and Country.'Due to a recent ruling by the Supreme Court, I am told that saying a Prayer is a violation of Federal Case Law. As I understand the law at this time, I can use this public facility to approve of sexual perversion and call it 'an alternate lifestyle,' and if someone is offended, that's OK. I can use it to condone sexual promiscuity, by dispensing condoms and calling it, 'safe sex.' If someone is offended, that's OK. I can even use this public facility to present the merits of killing an unborn baby as a 'viable means of birth control.' If someone is offended, no problem... I can designate a school day as 'Earth Day' and involve students in activities to worship religiously and praise the goddess 'Mother Earth' and call it 'ecology.' I can use literature, videos and presentations in the classroom that depicts people with strong, traditional Christian convictions as 'simple minded' and 'ignorant' and call it 'enlightenment.' However, if anyone uses this facility to honor GOD and to ask HIM to Bless this event with safety and good sportsmanship, then Federal Case Law is violated.This appears to be inconsistent at best, and at worst, diabolical. Apparently, we are to be tolerant of everything and anyone, except GOD and HIS Commandments. Nevertheless, as a school principal, I frequently ask staff and students to abide by rules with which they do not necessarily agree. For me to do otherwise would be inconsistent at best, and at worst, hypocritical... I suffer from that affliction enough unintentionally. I certainly do not need to add an intentional transgression. For this reason, I shall 'Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's,' and refrain from praying at this time.'However, if you feel inspired to honor, praise and thank GOD and ask HIM, in the name of JESUS, to Bless this event, please feel free to do so. As far as I know, that's not against the law----yet.'
The conclusion of this e-mail stated that one by one, people in the stands began holding hands and praying...the team prayed in the huddles, and the announcers prayed in the announcing booth. But do you see it coming yet? The world is coming to a place where tolerance will be the way to go and the only thing not tolerated will be christians.

How our kids learn??

2008-10-13T18:28:00.001-05:00

So, recently I was subbing for a 7th grade math class. The teacher wanted me to show her class a video...about 1.25 hours long....
Throughout the movie I was in SHOCK about the things that were said in the movie.
1st thing...the "host" of the show was talking about "getting some" (in reference to math) but it implied about stuff in the sexual nature.
2nd...the adults on the show, when talking about math said..."what the hell?" 2 times!!!
3rd...well I cant remember the third one right now but when I do I will repost it.
What this comes down to for me...is....and we wonder where our kids get it????? This was in a supposedly educational video in a MATH class....
I was in shock...as were the students. I heard gasps...and giggles..and uproars of laughter..they looked at each other like "did I really just hear that?" Yup kids you did, now go hither and do good in the world...

Special Education shocker

2008-09-24T16:57:00.001-05:00

Well, today I went into my first classroom..believing I would be teaching....4th grade...well..I was teachign 4th graders..but in a special education "reading" classroom. At first, this totally caught me offguard..but I played it off like, oh yeah i knew that. But inside, I was a little disappointed. This may sound bad, but i guess i just wanted my first TEACHING experience to be with a "regular" class. Wow, i would like a jerk. At any rate, it ended up beign students with learning disabilities...and really it wasnt too bad. I was a little bored....but other than that...it was fine! One day down...many more to go. Go team! or go me? lol

I'm a teacher...a sub at least!

2008-09-23T20:24:00.001-05:00

So I start my first day of substitute teaching tomorrow. In addition to working at the TV station, I will be subbing in the mornings at any school in the Anchorage School District. So far, I will be doing 4th grade tomorrow, 6th grade Thursday, and 7th grade Social Studies on Monday. I am hoping for High School on Friday!

Wish me luck!

Fall is here

2008-09-23T00:00:00.001-05:00

Ahh fall. It is that time of year again. Cept, it seems to come earlier in AK. Which, I do not really mind since this "summer" has been more like spring. Only it has lasted for about 7 months. Regardless, the leaves are changing colors...and that nip is in the air...chanting in my brain...the snow is about to fall. You can see the snow creeping down on the mountains...

I love this time of the year...Halloween comes up..then Thanksgiving..and before you know it is Christmas...Ahh christmas..I cannot wait!!!

This time of year means fun party planning and outings...it will be interesting being in AK this year...hopefully I can do some sled dog rides...pumpkin carving...maybe even snowmachining (that would be snow mobiling to everyone else who doesn't live in AK).

I am sooo excited to start using pumpkin spices, apple cider, mulled spices...apple cinnamon...have the fun decorations out.
But no, I am going to restrict myself until October. I want to go out so badly right now and just shop my head off...but I will wait..for now!

And we win won....but it wasn't pretty

2008-09-20T22:01:00.001-05:00

The cougs played....of all colleges....Portland University??????????? I did not even KNOW they had a team...so from the beginning I knew we had a glimmer of hope...which turned into a win. Let me tell you though...it was ugly. Our defense is NOT good...but Portland sucked even worse! It was slop ball. Not even really fun to watch. BUT I do love the commentary by Jason Gesser...nice to see/hear him again on tv in the football realm, even if he wasn't playing. he has to relate to the team though..his first 2 years were horrible at WSU...the rest were fabulous pretty much. Not sure what else to say anymore....this coming weekend should be interesting against Oregon....

What is the point?

2008-09-19T20:24:00.000-05:00

What is the point in posting blogs if no one responds who reads them? I guess I can answer that myself...it is for people to know about what is going on in my life...but sometimes i feel like it is used by people as more of a spy kit rather than keeping in touch with me!

Get away with it?

2008-09-19T05:30:00.001-05:00

Today was an interesting day at work...I had a few revelations...

First...for those of you following the McCain/Palin Campaign....you know about "Troopergate..." or so we call it in news...well Todd Palin, Sarah's husband was subpoenaed with 12 other people to testify in Alaska state's investigation into whether or not Sarah Palin fired trooper Walt Monegan (for not firing another trooper...palin's sister's ex husband...)....so that was the short version...well Todd Palin and the other people who work for the state that were subpoenaed...have decided they are not going to honor the subpoenas...and will not show up to testify tomorrow. Their reasoning behind all of this is that the investigation is turning into a political show...

This begs the question...what the heck? Wouldn't someone in the "real world" get arrested for not honoring a subpoena?? What is going to happen to these people when they do not show up tomorrow? What is the frickin point of a subpoena...if you can make the choice not to honor it...just a question...you know...simple stuff.

Secondly....

I learned today...there are well developed areas in anchorage...with very nice houses....that are NOT in a fire protection district. Literally, if your house is on fire or if you are dying...your house will burn to the ground and/or you will die. Cuz ...crap...you don't pay taxes...so therefore the city of Anchorage does not serve you. Now, after talking to my dad who has worked in Fire for years....he says this is a common occurance...that people choose to live in an area with no fire protection (basically so they dont have to pay the taxes for the protection). This is absolutely insane!! I would never ever consider this option. But it is also crazy to me...that this could happen:

ex: Today a structure fire gets called out for smoke and flames showing from a house in an area of town called "hillside"...very rich and propering part of town...residential. So all the fire units start to head up there...half way through their response, one of the units asks dispatch...is this a fire response area.???...the dispatcher checks...and sure enough...it isn't. Now luckily today, fire decides to keep going in and put the fire out....but i was told the owners of the house will have a huge bill coming to them for the action of the fire department. I was ALSO told this is a RARE thing. Usually if fire finds out half way there that the place on fire is in a no response zone..they turn around and go back and let the house burn down!! Maybe I am just too much of a sensitive sympathetic soul but geez...

Ok well I have written too much...but I just thought I would add that tid bit in.

Good night loved ones

Some days are better than others...

2008-09-19T04:00:00.000-05:00

It truly is hard sometimes...even when living in the same town as my boyfriend....

I hate that I have seen my boyfriend for maybe 30minutes-1 hour everyday this week.... He has been working 12 hour days...and I have been working my new schedule of 130-1030. ...which will still be hard even when he goes back to his normal shift of 5-1030 (he likes to sleep in, as do i....so we don't usually see each other til noon those days...if we are lucky)....

I just cannot wait to have a fairly normal schedule. Once he goes to school he will be "working" an 8-5 or so....I hope to have a fairly similar schedule so we can have every night together...make dinner...just enjoy each other.

I suppose all of this is better than me living far away and only getting to talk on the phone here and there....but sometimes when you are so close in distance and you cant be around each other its aggravating!

I shouldn't complain and I should just thank the Lord that I have such an amazing boyfriend in the first place!

So, Thank you!