Carli's Latest Blog Entry
Okay, I’m totally aware that the holidays are so “last year,” but I thought it was a fitting name for today’s post. Last night, I promised myself I would get in some activity. I’ve done such an incredibly good job keeping Weight Watcher points. I’ve tracked every single thing I put in my mouth this week. I tracked the Garrett’s popcorn from Chicago, I tracked the bite of pastry that I pinched off in the kitchen at work, I even tracked last night’s midnight Cocoa Puffs n Peanuts snack. (gee thanks a lot Special Friend for introducing me to the salty sweet chocolaty goodness) It’s not the healthiest choice, but I guess it better than late night chocolate chip cookies. But, I also tracked the good things like fruit and yogurt for breakfast and grilled chicken and veggies for dinner. I decided that today, I was ready to add the activity back in. Although I’m training for a half marathon and shouldn’t have taken a break, I didn’t want jinx anything, I wanted to make sure I had to the food together. I’m working hard on pacing myself, and not trying to be Miss Everything. I have not been this successful with food in a long time, and it feels good to be in control. I feels good not to be on some outrageous restricting diet. I can tell you guys are rooting for me, and I appreciate it.
Anyway, I figured since St. Louis had record high weather nearly 70 degrees in the middle of winter that I would walk at lunch with my co-worker friend while it was still daylight. I called his desk at the other firm downstairs and a woman answered saying he was “no longer with the firm.” I was so upset that my friend was no longer there, we’ve grown close like siblings over the past few years. We still talk daily even though we work at different firms in the same building, so I was totally caught off guard. Instantly, my brain told me to feed my emotions. Then I realized I needed a plan…quick. I called to make sure he was okay, he hated it there anyway, we both miss our old firm. The legal field can be pretty cut throat. Thankfully, he was fine, so I stuck with the original plan. I walked around, probably less than a mile, and walked to get a salad. It was gorgeous outside, it made me think, now this is a winter wonderland! I was able to walk back to work, with my head held high. I did it…eating healthy and activity in the same day, even with the stress of missing one of my best friends. I’m taking baby steps y’all. Like I always say in my podcasts, if I can do it, anybody can!
I am proud to say that since my half marathon training started on Friday, I have not missed a single day of training. On Friday, I went to the gym and did a quick, but hilly mile on the treadmill and showered before heading to church to see my little sister praise dance in honor of the church’s 53rd anniversary. Saturday morning I went to my first group training session in Forest Park. Because the group is much smaller than last year, there was only one other walker. Last year there were at least 15 of us walkers. Even though my ultimate goal is to do a light jog during the race, I’m not quite ready to run with the “real” runners.
The new training schedule distances vary according to your current level of ability. I’m between a level I and the level II. Level I required one mile and level II required two miles. Me and the other walker completed a brisk 1.87 miles together. It was fun to train with the team again and have the support of the staff and the coaches. My Big little sister invited me to attend a boot camp-like class called Butts n Guts also on Saturday morning. After group training, I cleaned out my car to keep myself busy before class, because I knew if I went home I would get back in bed. I met my sister at the community center and we had our first Butts N Guts class with the ex-military man named Omega. He worked us out! I was especially tired since I had already walked nearly 2 miles before 8AM. The class was an interesting interval mixed workout. We did the stair step, jumping jacks, leg lifts, bicycles, and even ran a couple laps around the gym. My sister and my niece and I went to Soulard Market after class to get some fresh veggies and new spices. I was exhausted and slept well when I got home.
Monday was a beautiful day, 70 degrees in November. Unfortunately though, we had 25 pleadings to be filed in court that day, so there was hardly time to breathe. I wanted to walk outside so badly, that I walked a couple quick loops (about one mile) around Kiener Plaza downtown. Only a few of the occupy protestors were still there since the police put them out. By the time I got back to my desk my attorneys were hunting me down. It was risky for me to leave, but in hindsight I’m glad that I did since I stayed at work until 9:30 PM and would not have had time to go to the gym.
Today however, felt more like November typically feels, a cool 50 degrees. It was dark and cold by the time I got off work, and I just wanted to go home. I couldn’t find my Walk at Home DVD, so I turned on my new show “Ringer” with Sarah Michelle Gellar, and walked circles around the living room. I fast forwarded through the commercials, but walked the entire time. I guess I walked about 45 minutes. I certainly wasn’t sweating, because you can only build up so much momentum and speed while avoiding the glass coffee table and fighting the dog that thinks it’s all a game. But, I still felt good about being active. I felt dizzy, but good. Maybe I should invest in a treadmill? Duh! …Anyway, I’m so happy to have fitness as a priority again.
I knew that I had plans this evening, so I decided to walk during my lunch break. It was pretty hot outside, but I walked around near the arch grounds.
Then my old coworker friend met me for salad. It was pretty good. I threw a little bit of everything in my salad including corn and black beans. 
I keep a copy of my training calendar on my desk at work, as well as my refrigerator at home. I proudly marked off my second day of 10 K training. Then I got an e-mail about Vibram Five Finger shoes. I had never worn them, but the article title was so catchy that I decided to use it as the title for my post today. I can’t imagine that I would like to wear them because I hate the glove-like socks that separate your toes. However, barefoot style shoes with separate compartments for each toe are the hottest new trend. They claim that there is an advantage for runners because you run more lightly, thus causing fewer injuries. Some people even commented that it helped relieve knee pain while running. That idea that actually intrigues me, since I do suffer from knee pain occasionally. Have you run in these shoes? What are your thoughts?
What Did Carli Eat Today?
B- Slim Fast Shake
S- 2 Sandwich Cookies (Lord, why did I buy them???)
L- Salad
D- Fried Chicken Breast, Rice, and Brocolli
Usually, people say they are going to “run” some errands. Today, I walked my errands. Before lunch, I mapped out how far the post office was from my office. It was almost exactly 1 mile each way. It was very hot and humid outside (mid 80’s), so I didn’t really want to walk. But, I put on my tennis shoes and my extra deodorant and did it anyway. I had happy hour plans with my old coworker friend, and I knew I would not feel like going to the gym late on a Friday night. The closer I got to the post office, the more I regretted it. I was really starting to sweat. My little sister warned me before I left that it was too warm, and that I would probably smell like a wet dog by the time I got back to the office. She also didn’t hesitate to remind me how unprofessional that would be for me to return to the law firm sweaty and funky. So, all I could think about while I walked, was the fact that I was going to run everybody out of the office with my sweaty odor. I returned a phone call to my Shopping Cousin who told me that she was so happy that I found my niche (writing). And she told me how much reading my blog brightened her day. That gave me a little boost of motivation. I pushed through the thick St. Louis heat, and made it to the post office where I took a few minutes to enjoy the cool air-conditioning. I left the post office, and power-walked down the street to the bank while I was on the phone catching up with my Big Little Sister. I’m so addicted to my phone. But, it was a good distraction. Anyway, the best part about walking outside is that regardless of how tired you are, you still have to get back to your starting point. Finally, I made it back to my office with time to spare. I was sweating like I had been to the gym. I was so glad that my shirt was black and you couldn’t see the sweat spots on my back. Two miles isn’t a challenging distance for me, but it was just so sticky outside. I went to the bathroom and brushed my windblown hair and freshen up a little. It was a really great workout and a very productive lunch. I ran two errands and power walked two miles. I was also proud of myself for avoiding the cookie cake at the office baby shower. Instead, I opted for four small crackers and hummus, and fresh veggies. That’s about all folks! Have a Great Weekend!
My summer writing class is over, and I loved every minute of it. This is the first time that I ever wished a class was longer. That’s probably because I didn’t have to worry about getting a grade.
Since I knew I had class right after work, I walked just over a mile with my coworker friend during lunch. Yesterday I walked 2 miles during my lunch break with my other co-worker friend. I guess technically neither one of them are my co-workers anymore, but I call them that for simplicity sake. Every little bit of activity I can squeeze in counts. However, I have to be honest and say I ate a coney hot dog and cheese sticks from Sonic for dinner. Anyway, I wrote a fiction short story that I had a lot of fun with. Check it out, and let me know what you think. All input, good and bad is welcomed…but be nice, I’m still new at this!
“Strange” by Carli Fierce
Until I met Seth, I thought all of the good guys were either gay or already married. Spending time with him these past few months has convinced me that there might still be hope for us single girls over 30. If things work out between us, I may not have to die old and alone. If I died an old maid, what would my pathetic tombstone say? “Here lies Tiffani Dearborn, professional dater, unable to keep a good man.” I shook my head, trying to shake the disturbing thoughts from my mind. I hope Seth really is the one, and I won’t have to succumb to such an awful lonely fate. “Tiffani Kenwood” I said aloud to myself, I liked the sound of that. I would definitely take his last name if we got married. Just the thought of marriage excited me and caused my mind to wander. I wonder if he wants kids, I’ll bet we would have cute kids as long they don’t get his big nose… The phone rang loudly and startled me out of my ridiculous fantasy world.
“Hey Mom” I answered after seeing her number on the caller ID.
“Tiff, I was calling to remind you that your Dad and I are going to Dallas for the weekend, and we need you to keep the dog.”
“I didn’t forget.” I said annoyed, because she’d only reminded me a few hundred times.
“Good, I was just calling to make sure you didn’t forget.”
“Okay, Mom I gotta go, Seth is on his way over for movie night.”
“Oh…Seth.” she sighed disappointedly.
“Oh, Seth? What does that mean?” I tried not to sound too irritated as put away the last of the clean dishes.
“Well Sweetie, I just think…well never mind.”
“What?” I asked even more agitated.
She replied, “I just think he’s kind of strange.”
“Mom, that’s not even a good way to describe somebody, you only met him once, I like Seth, and he’s really sweet.”
“Okay, okay, I’ll stay out of it, but just be careful.” She probably forgot that Seth is a police officer. I don’t think I can get any safer than that. I dismissed her non-sense as I lit candles around the house to finish setting the mood.
“Mom, I gotta go, he’ll be here in a few minutes, have a safe trip.” I said, trying to quickly end the conversation.
“Okay, don’t forget the dog”
“Bye, Mom.” I said as I hung up the phone before she could give me anymore unsolicited advice. Why couldn’t she just be happy that I was happy?
Everything was spotless, and I could see the neat lines in the freshly vacuumed carpet. I wanted everything to be perfect for movie night with Seth, although I had no clue what to wear for our first house date. I didn’t want to wear real date clothes just to sit on my couch, but somehow flannel PJ’s seemed too casual. I settled with fitted jeans that hugged all the right places, and a low cut purple tank top. I wanted to look and feel sexy, so I put on my matching bra and panties just in case we decided to take it to the next level. Seth rang the bell just as I finished applying my lip gloss. He always had perfect timing.
I could see his firm physique through his fitted T-Shirt as he greeted me with a fresh pizza. “I picked up a pizza on my way over, I got beef and veggies, since I know you don’t eat pork.” He said thoughtfully.
“Aww, Seth that’s so sweet thanks!” Any man that gives up pepperoni for me was a star in my book. I wish my Mom could see what a great guy he really is.
I fluffed the couch pillow, and motioned for Seth to sit down while I dug through the mail to get the movie. I assumed the new Denzel movie from Netflix was probably mixed in with the sales papers since I didn’t see it earlier. But, it was nowhere to be found. How could this be? Tonight is supposed to be perfect. I probably accidently threw it away during my frantic cleaning earlier. How were we going to have movie night with no movie? I eventually had to stop looking and remorsefully told Seth, I lost the movie.
“Seth, I’ve searched everywhere, and I can’t find the movie, I must have thrown it out with the junk mail. I’m so sorry; I wanted everything to be perfect tonight.”
“Babe, everything is perfect because we are here together.” My heart melted, it was almost as if he read the Good Guy Handbook. We cuddled on the couch for hours talking and watching TV. He was the perfect gentlemen and offered to take my trash out to the main apartment dumpster across the parking lot so I wouldn’t have to go out in the rain. I was sold on Seth. I couldn’t believe that didn’t even have to ask him to take my trash out. I chuckled, and said to myself, “just call me Mrs. Seth Kenwood.”
The next day, when I checked the mailbox, I found the missing red envelope. I immediately called Seth to let him know that I finally found the movie. “Where was it?” he asked. “Still at the post office I guess, they hadn’t even delivered it yet.”
“I figured, since I looked through the trash for you Babe.”
“You did what?!” I exclaimed. “When could you have gone through my trash, you didn’t leave until after one in the morning, and it was pitch black and pouring down rain.”
He explained “I put the trash bag in my car and took it home with me, so I could look for your movie.”
I was stunned and I felt violated. “You really went through my trash? You actually took my trash home with you?” I began to wonder if he was actually a caring thoughtful man or just plain creepy.
“I didn’t want you to get late fees.” He tried to explain.
“There are no late fees with Netflix!” I angrily screamed into the phone louder that I actually anticipated. I don’t know if I was more upset that my fairytale prince charming was turning into weirdo, or I bothered by the invasion of privacy with him digging through my trash. My harsh tone caught him off guard. “I’m sorry.” He mumbled confused by my anger. “I was just trying to help; I didn’t want you to worry about the movie.” He tried to find the right words to make all of this seem normal. “Umm, I put on gloves.” He acted as if the fact that he wore gloves made the already awkward situation better. In my opinion that actually made things worse …Maybe Mom was right.
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