The past few months I have gone running every so often. Maybe once or twice a week. And I am hardly able to go a mile which was frustrating to me, but I figured it was because I wasn’t going often enough. A few weeks ago, some friends of mine mentioned that they ran down to a nearby high school, a distance of about three miles there and back. I thought about that for nearly a week–what an excellent idea!, thought I, I should run to that high school! Then a week ago Saturday was a gorgeously warm day and my husband and I saw people running everywhere, all day long. It made me want to run as well. So Saturday night, I ran (“I just felt like running”). I ran towards the high school. I didn’t make it there, but I did run TWO miles. Just like that! It was even pleasant! Then, two nights later, I decided that night was the night, and I ran all the way to the high school and back. I did it! I was pretty sore the next day which was exciting to me because my sorry little mile runs made my lungs tired more than my legs. It was seriously a very awesome moment when I finished that run. I felt so happy and grateful. And I am telling you, it was because I had a goal. It was so motivating and empowering to have a goal, and to envision myself making the goal. So set a goal. Even if you don’t make it right away, the effort will be rewarding and the attainment will be unbelievable. I tripled the distance of my running and I hadn’t even done any running in at least three weeks. Although, I should add that I had been biking to work and that was a pretty good workout. But anyway, get a goal. It works.
NPR No Longer March 28, 2009
I have always had a love-hate relationship with NPR. I think they have really interesting and informing stories, but I feel like it’s generally pretty one sided. I let that slide for a long time though because I still thought it was interesting and informative. A few weeks ago, this came to a screeching halt. Since starting my new job, I figured I could listen to the radio online. One day I listened to the Diane Ream show which I have not done often. That particular’s story was about John Cheever. In particular, it was about a new biography of John Cheever. His life sounds like it was really sad and twisted and I felt sorry for him. But listening to Diane Ream and her guest (the bio author) was just nauseating because they discussed his very inappropriate relationship with his brother so breezily, almost bemusedly. I simply cannot express my abhorrance to that story and to their conversation and to their attitudes. It’s not funny or cute or amusing that a famous writer had a sexual relationship with his brother. I don’t even like writing about it because it is so perverse. That kind of behavior should never be construed as normal and probably not even discussed. It was disturbing to me and I don’t ever want to have those thoughts put in my head again. So, with that huge explanation, I have decided to stop listening to NPR. Forever. My husband listens to it which is fine. But until they shape up, get some morals and standards and wisdom, I will not patronize NPR’s radiowaves.
This is for real March 28, 2009
I looked on my online Capital One account this week and saw that I had been charged a $15 late fee! Not to brag, but maybe I will just a little, I have an amazing credit score, and part of that is because I NEVER MISS A PAYMENT. So I was dismayed, to say the least. I tried to figure out how I had done it. I know I hadn’t looked at my account in weeks, but I also knew I had paid in February so why was I being accessed a late fee? Long story short, the nice foreign Capital One customer service guy explained to me that I had paid too early so it looked like I paid two payments for one statement. Whatever. The very nice CSR took off the $15 late fee for me! I was so pleased and I am now very, very pleased with Capital One. I’ve always liked it, but now, I love it. Capital One far outshines Bank of America.
I got a job! March 21, 2009
Hi, it’s been awhile and that’s because I finally found a new job. And I love it. I’m a receptionist at an insurance company and it’s only TWO miles from where I live. So naturally, I’ve started biking to work. I’m a serious conservative, but you’d think I was an environmentalist! (Just jokes) But seriously, I care about the environment. And I care about my health and my budget. It’s such a good work out, and when it’s not 20-something degrees in the morning, it’s really quite lovely. Utah mornings are gorgeous with the sun coming up behind the snowy mountains. It’s fantastic. So I am really grateful to have work and earn a check and work with really cool people. I am grateful I found a job even in these hard times.
