Thursday, October 13, 2011

5K Walk Results

Last Saturday JA and I participated in a 5k Walk/Run local event.  Of course my intention was to begin exercising for the two weeks before the event, when I asked JA if she wanted company.  I can honestly admit that I did walk on several occasions leading up to the event, but not nearly as much as I wanted, hoped or desired.  I just struggled finding the motivation. 

My largest issue seems to be the 0-15 minute phase of any physical activity.  The inner battles and demons always seem to prevail and I manage to not exercise.  Once I have managed to struggle through the first 15 minutes, I am usually fine and then an endurance switch flips and I usually don't want to stop.  While I had to be at the locale at 7:30a.m. to pick up my t-shirt, I remotely considered walking before the event started to warm up.  I did have some fear that I couldn't keep up with JA as she walks on her treadmill four miles uphill many times a week. 

Needless to say, we completed the walk and I survived.  I wouldn't say that I had an adrenaline rush which motivated me.  Shame motivated me.  Motivated me to want to do better.  Motivated me to want to jog.  Something about watching a 70 year old man shuffle jog past as we walked.  When we started the "race" the peer pressure of everyone jogging/running by had us jog on the track out of the stadium and onto the course.  Despite taking my inhaler, I couldn't jog long so we stopped and walked.  Quickly I had some intense shin splints but I knew that I could press on for a measly three miles, I didn't have much choice.  Although I constantly felt like JA's dead weight and it wasn't a good feeling.

We weren't the last ones to finish, but clearly I think we may have been only a few to set out to complete the event by walking it's entirety.  Two high school girls would pass us walking and then we would pass them.  Both JA and I felt like we were walking faster but their walk looked so nonchalant and relaxed compared to ours.  When we reached the track of the stadium we again jogged to the finish line. 

JA sent me a link to our results a few days later.  I hadn't bothered to look at what time we started or finished so I really had no idea.  I know when I trained for the 3 day I could endurance walk a 13.5 minute mile but tried to slow down to a 15 minute mile for the sanity of my feet, knees and body.  Needless to say, I was shocked when I opened up the results and saw that we completed the 5k in 36 minutes. 

It almost makes me want to actually train and see if I can push myself to jog a 5k and see if I can physically complete.  Then my rational side takes over as I laugh at myself and taunt myself to start with baby steps and see if a mile is even obtainable. 

Why is it that fear and ourselves can be our worst demon?  What is it that truly holds me back?

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Customer Service/Online Ordering

I can readily admit that I pay too much for services.  I wish that I was a better advocate for keeping my costs down, but change keeps me stagnant.  Weekly I receive advertisements in the mail on how to lower my auto insurance, my cable, my phone service, my credit card interests, you name it, I'm sure you and I both receive them.

Change and choice keeps me content.  Or does it?  I know that I pay too much in combination of my home phone, internet and television, but I haven't done anything about it.  I would love to get more for less.  Who wouldn't?  I finally decided to take matters into my own hands, well one matter at a time.

We are having issues with our DVR.  Two recent shows that we have recorded have had interference, of course during critical times, that have allowed us to miss some of the show.  Clearly not life threatening.  As we have Dish, the first time I thought it may have been due to weather, but after the second time I'm afraid that isn't the case.  So I called Dish to ask for assistance and was advised to unplug the receiver.  When I followed up to see if I was under any contractual obligations if I chose to cancel I was told I wasn't.  There was no conversation or discussion as to my desire to cancel or if services could be offered to keep me as a customer.  Based on that, I decided to look into AT&T U-Verse.

I have been receiving sales advertisements for U-Verse for sometime.  The bundle sounds like a good deal, but most deals usually do.  I already have AT&T for phone and internet, so the television addition wouldn't be a bad idea.  I looked online and ended up ordering it today - thinking I got a good deal - which will be installed at the end of the month with a savings of about $30 per month.  Not too bad, right?

Then I started thinking about the deal and what television stations we would be getting, especially since we have been watching many shows on the CW (LOVE, LOVE RINGER).  I was beginning to think I would be going on a similar t.v. hiatus with the switch as I did when I lost the WB years prior.  Frustrated with the online site (as my computer at work has an outdated web browser) I called customer service.  This is where I became...confused. 

The woman on the other end of the phone was FABULOUS.  She didn't say that she could save me more money but advised that I might like what she had to offer over what I just ordered.  I thought I had ordered the U-100 but received the U-Family so 30+ less channels as I ordered the DVR and it isn't available with the 100.  So here is what I ordered and what I was offered by calling Customer Service:

Online Offer: 70 channels, Basic Internet & Home Phone; $250 Visa Credits for ordering online; 12 months for $110/month

Customer Service: 200 channels, Pro Internet, Home Phone, Free HBO/Cinemax 3 months, $250 Visa; 6 months for $95/month and 6 months for $105/month

So which is the better deal?  I was actually a little confused by how I was being offered a better deal by calling and I wondered if there was a "catch". 

Oh and one more thing...She was AMERICAN and spoke ENGLISH.  Who says that Customer Service doesn't exist by phone anymore?  Did I mention I didn't even yell or call to complain?

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Popped Circuits

Popped Circuits or blown fuses...I can only imagine what is next on the horizon, and dare I say it?  But bring it on.  If this is my challenge, I can get through it!

I can't believe how long it has been since my last post, although a little more recent than any consistent exercise!  Things have been busy, but nothing too terribly crazy.

Little League World Series was a great time.  T and I survived our last jaunt before school starting.  Even "Tropical Storm Irene" didn't interfere too much: one consolation game cancellation and a rain delay.  Two of my tires were low at one truck stop and fortunately I noticed and T used his tire knowledge to get us back on the road without issue.

School is in full swing.  I have to say that I am glad T is out of the house and back into a routine.  I think we function best with structure, even though I would love it if I didn't have to go into work five days a week and still received a pay check!  His classes are uber difficult but he is managing, so far.  Not so sure that Advanced Placement was the best option, but I am glad he is being challenged.

On the home front, my washing machine crashed last week.  I am sure it was just a belt, but after 14 years it seemed due time to upgrade to a new set.  I haven't managed to read the manuals yet - but the thought of a washer washing FOURTEEN pairs of jeans at a time?  OMG  I tore out the rest of the back fence and had a couple awesome bonfires at MS'.  I managed to brand my toe with the poker and learned that fire tending in sandals isn't the smartest idea.  I priced out new fencing and decided, maybe I don't need a fence right now.  I purchased a few privacy trees to plant instead.  After coming home on Monday, my dehumidifier was no longer working.  I realized while the washer and dryer were being installed that a circuit had popped. 

As the basement is pretty damp, I figured I was due for a new dehumidifier too.  I purchased a new one on Monday night and am amazed at the power!  I moved the dehumidifier into the den area last night and this morning I was astonished that the bucket was almost half full!  I emptied it out in the wash basin and noticed the water wasn't draining well.  Then I noticed that the floor drain wasn't working and all of the water went right to the floor and the carpet.  Sigh...I checked the circuits and a different circuit was popped.  So I turned it back on and the sump worked.  Cleaned up the free standing water and now have a fan and the dehumidifier running to dry everything out.  Two circuits popped in less than a week?  What is going on?

I volunteered to keep JA company and join her in a 5k walk this Saturday.  I thought it would motivate me to start exercising and make a dent in the extra 15 pounds I would LOVE to lose.  Unfortunately it is mind over matter.  I have walked a couple times and even rode the stationary bike while playing Galaga.  I just am not exercising as much as I should.  I am saddened that four years ago I was training for the 3 Day (60 miles in 3 days) and now I can't even get motivated to walk 3 Miles!  I am looking forward to spending some time with JA and bringing back the memories of our walking days!

MS and I are doing well.  Hard to imagine that we will have been dating ONE year this month.  Our anniversary will be celebrated together at his brother's wedding, where he is the best man.  Of course I have less than 1.5 weeks and I have absolutely no idea what to wear!  The ceremony will be "brief" and outside in a park.  As of last weekend, there are 213 people confirmed.  TWO HUNDRED AND THIRTEEN! What in the world do I wear?  Beyond an outfit (and that famous week before of the month) I am trying not to assess what MS and I are doing.  Where are we headed?  While walking to the store on Sunday, MS pointed out a vacant lot on his street and suggested I could build a house on it and we could be neighbors.  Maybe that got me thinking...

Work is work.  There has been much drama lately and many people leaving the office due to the new "Acting Director".  I don't recall ever blogging about it, but much of my personal angst began after the passing of my father when I received an anonymous typed note in my mailbox of an excerpt from an article about angry co-workers and borderline personality.  I brought the issue to the attention of my Union Rep as I didn't want anymore harassment, although I couldn't say for sure who.  Then I had several discussions with Supervisors. Things continued on a short downward spiral briefly thereafter.  I was asked if I would move offices and now I feel like I am in a "timeout" as I sit in the corner and face the corner.  I also received a note in my office of a dress code violation.  This too shall pass and things are getting a little better.  I would love to have a more appreciative and rewarding job - personally, professionally and financially. I am thankful for the employment and the ability to pay my bills and afford the extras that I choose and that choose for me (washer, dryer, dehumidifier...). I love the fact that I only work three miles from home.  I know I hold myself back from wanting more, but what is it that I want? 

It is hard to believe that tomorrow will be two months since my father passed.  I am so glad that he is no longer suffering.  It amazes me how much stress his health, his relationship with his wife and our relationships really affected me. 

All in all, there isn't anything to complain about.  A few bumps along the way, but life has been good.  Two popped circuits so far.  Whatever is next, I can handle it!