Fuzzy Fitness & The Shoe Cow

2008-06-28T11:31:00.000-07:00

Well, hello there. I might actually be back. I've suddendly found myself with some extra time, so I'm tossing around the idea of starting a new BFL challenge - no promises - we all know I'm no good at those :) Stay tuned!

1 minute 40 seconds...

2008-02-03T18:47:00.000-08:00

...will the Giants win?!?

2007-11-25T16:34:00.000-08:00

Apparently, this is the "Fuzzyelf Is Still Alive" Blog. Been real busy.
Lotta changes. Sorta lost a lot of real good friends to the call of the
big cities. And I gots me a new boyfriend. New place. New Job. New Life. Ya know, if you type "new" enuff times, it starts looking kinda funny. Yeah so, that's all for now. Perhaps I will get back to my shoes and my workin' out again soon, but for this moment, I'm just sittin' back enjoying all this clean Fresno air :)

No...

2007-09-22T12:26:00.000-07:00

....I'm not dead. Lots of you have written to ask if I'm ok. I am. For the most part. Life just gets busy sometimes. Thanks for askin', fo sho! In shoe-related news, I went to Hollywood last weekend and got to wear my Taryn Rose pumps. Borat voice: Great success! *wink* I have also picked up my knitting again...so...yay. And I'm trying to gear up for another Body for Life Challenge - I'm getting too soft - feel free to send inspiring words! Um...I wanna leave you with a song to make your day really nice or if it's nice already,this'll be gravy: And btw...HELLO IN THERE! :)

I Can't...

2007-09-08T17:08:00.000-07:00

...believe I've neglected ye ole blog here for so long. I've been busy getting moved and various other "whatnot". But the biggest news we've missed together, dear readers, is that 3 days ago was the 1 year mark for me NOT smoking cigarettes! Confetti, please. I'll be back in the swing here soon, I hope. But I wanted to stop and say Thank you for all the support!

Here she is....

2007-08-23T20:00:00.001-07:00

that's right, folks, no central heat and air....look out!

MAYBE>>>>

2007-08-21T17:26:00.000-07:00

I won't need that month after all!!!!! *Clouds parting music, please* I got my pink apartment!! Yay for me. It's a long and boring story, but the apartment I wanted and didn't think i could get is all mine. I breathe in, and I am aware of my heart. I breathe out, and I smile.

Okaaaay...

2007-08-12T16:56:00.000-07:00

Im finding I'm too busy to get more than a very few things done SOOOOO despite losing a ton of readers the last time I did this, I'm gonna have to force myself to take a month (give or take) from dis here ye ole blog. I hope you'll come back. and thanks!!

Oh Snap!

2007-08-06T19:01:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I've been sooo busy! The big to-do this past week was my flat tire. And the big rescue by C! (Thanks, again!!!) But I'm afraid not much exercise :( unless you count disc golf...So now the big adventure will be finding a new apartment, and I'm afraid I'll be consumed with that so keep checking in. If I don't write, fear not. I have not fallen into a well or a stinky bog. Yet.

Fresno Eyebrow Index

2007-07-30T19:35:00.000-07:00

Full and bushy. YAY!!!!!!!

Fitness Heaven

2007-07-22T23:09:00.000-07:00

Yes, I went camping again. And since I have agreed to do another relay half-marathon, I jogged this morning. The picture is where I got to work out. Awesome.

Kickow!

2007-07-16T17:23:00.000-07:00

Today I am reminded of the unpleasant experience of going through a divorce. I guess it's been about 6 yrs (?) or so since "signing the papers", and I really don't think about it much. But the law offices that possess the files are doing some purging and it seems I have to jump through some hoops to get copies before they erase my file forever. Should I let them burn it? Maybe it would be like getting an annulment...like it never happened (the entire debacle)- and that would be cool. But knowing my fortunes, it would just look like I never got divorced and whoa-whoa-we-wow, that could be bad. Ranging on a scale anywhere from Seinfeld funny big-salad bad or JFK bad. I don't think i want to find out. My ex is from Bangladesh....and couldn't you just see it? - "Ma'am, it says here you got married to this here man, and sez also you ain't been divorced, so you gonna have ta suck it up and get on that there plane..." AAAAAGHGHHGAAA!!!!!! :)

I promise more shoes are coming. I have been soooo busy, I don't even have time to answer all my myspace messages! plus, I'm going camping again next weekend, so hang in there - shoes are coming!

Oh no, you di'int...

2007-07-14T17:44:00.000-07:00

...oh yes, I did :)

Yes, it was me...

2007-07-11T19:17:00.000-07:00

...that didn't smoke for the last 300 days - i could really use one too. grrr...anyway I thought this was a good enuff reason to break internet silence, no?

See ya next week!

2007-07-07T17:47:00.000-07:00

I'll be away from my blog for about a week. At the tone, leave a message, and I'll call you back, love. kisses!

My New Living Room!!! Part II

2007-07-01T13:58:00.000-07:00

Not the best picture but it shows all my new free furniture. sweet. wish i had a "before" to show...anyway...have a great day!

Shoe of the Week - Issue # 33...More Nine West!

2007-06-29T12:51:00.000-07:00

Here's the Rosebud from Nine West. These shoes are just crazy, and I've never worn them out and about. They are hard to get on. The heels are too high (despite how they may look in this photo). And they reek of street walking. But like many things in life I had to have them, and later went.."what was I thinking?" But I'm feeling a bit randy today, so I'll give them 5 stars anyway. Did I mention there's a Nine West Outlet near here?
Happy shoe-hunting!

Continued Tales from my Paul Simon phase (or Menopause, The Prequel)

2007-06-28T20:06:00.000-07:00

It occurs to me that it takes a special kind of individual to be able to play the drums. I made an executive decision today while driving home from errands. I said: "I am going to learn the bongos. And I will be spectacular at it." Then I let my mind drift about in the ether trying to determine the best method of procuring a "starter set" of my little drums as well as lessons of some kind, ...."if I even need lessons." And then, "Maybe there's a book...", I thought to myself, "Is bongos spelled bongos or bongoes?" I was planning bongo parties. You should have seen it. And then, then, then I got home. I thought it might be a good idea to try drumming on the table, ya know, just to see how much raw talent was lying in wait. I put on some Paul Simon (of course). I thought, "This is gonna be sooo good." Was I woefully overconfident? Oh man! Boy howdy, it was sooo not-good. I thought, "Really? You gotta be kidding me here. I mean, anybody can do this, right?" Wrong. You *have to* be able to laugh at yourself, right?

I guess...

2007-06-28T16:00:00.000-07:00

...I'm all about the blog today. I'm back from my apartment search.
After only a couple of hours, it is clear that I need help. I don't
know that area of town well at all...but I did get a couple of good
leads...like there's this one building I'm gonna apply to - it's pink. Pepto pink. That. Would. So. Rock. There's also a 2bdrm I've made an appointment to see. Watson, the game is afoot!

Craftings of the Week

2007-06-28T13:31:00.000-07:00

Here's my latest "peace of resistance". I call it "Knitted White Hat." It's my first pattern with cables & picked-up stitches. If anybody is interested in the pattern, drop me a note and I'll send you info for where you can get it. okay, now I'm off to hunt for a new apartment in "the tower" - wish me luck!

"...Clearly, my dear."

2007-06-28T12:32:00.000-07:00

Yeah, so that last post was a bit dark..."and now for something completely different"...I've been looking for this video, and I finally found it. It's the perfect cure for a sad, late-night movie. Enjoy.

3 a.m.

2007-06-28T03:00:00.000-07:00

Ok, so just file this away for later, people. If you have ever EVER had any manner of heartbreak, do not watch The Fountain. Trust me.

2007-06-25T18:14:00.000-07:00

kids of reasons? sounds like a band to me...

My New Living Room!!!

2007-06-24T18:10:00.000-07:00

....ain't that the truth? In my head, the title for this blog entry sounds better when you're thinking "my left foot", but that's just me. Yeah, so I got a ton of sweet, new, free IKEA furniture this weekend which is good (will post a pic later), but all in all I'm a grouchy puss...for all kids of reasons, and one is that "they" are turning off my electricity today for repairs, and so, I have to run away from home for a while. And so it goes...but I promise I'll return e mails and and answer questions when I get back! That is, if I can overcome the crushing sadness I'm feeling over the announcement that "they" are cancelling Battlestar Galactica. Weeeelllshiiiiiieee!!!

Craftings of the Week

2007-06-18T18:22:00.000-07:00

...still not sure what I was shooting for here....

Grumble Grumble

2007-06-14T19:10:00.000-07:00

Apparently, it was 105 degrees here in Fresno, California today. It is 102 right now. Someone shoot me. Baby can't exercise in this heat! I'm going to have to start getting up early in the morning again, aren't I? I think I can, I think I can....

Shoe of the Week - Issue # 32

2007-06-07T16:09:00.000-07:00

Here's another Nine West - it's called the Liliano. I got these shoes
February 5, 2005, and I have worn them exactly twice. One of the heel
straps refuses to stay in place, and that's probably why they were on
sale and why I can only give them 2 & 1/2 stars....they go with
everything and they'resooo pretty....ah. happy shoe-hunting!

2007-06-01T19:39:00.000-07:00

I played my first full game of disc golf yesterday. 18 holes. My abs and right arm are all jacked-up. Can't wait to do it again. OH! and I just realized I didn't do a single Shoe of the Week all last month, so the goal for the next 2 months is to wrap it up and show you all the rest of my shoes...exciting...

I Went Camping/Ode to a Wastrel

2007-05-30T22:14:00.000-07:00

It was awesome. I climbed and I hiked and I slept in a tent. I played disc golf and Rummikub.I drank river water, and I ate meat cooked in a pit. I escaped the clutches of a scorpion sleeping under my head. I watched a dog learn to swim, and I saw a few of my friends get naked in freezing water. I listened to Paul Simon and The Cure. I packed too much, drank too much, and talked too much. I saw the exact center of California. I never smelled so bad in my life. I hated leaving.

gone camping...

2007-05-25T08:26:00.000-07:00

...i may go on a camping trip here this weekend, if I do, I'll talk to ya'll next week...have a safe Memorial Day holiday weekend!

Smoking Update & Stuff

2007-05-18T17:39:00.000-07:00

It's been a little over 8 months since I quit smoking. The worst thing I ever did was to start smoking, but the 2nd worst thing I ever did was to quit. It's been an absolute nightmare. The always feeling like I'm missing something. The depression. And, no, I'm not OK. It's enough to make you want to start again...

Anyway,on a side note, someone sent me an email the other day asking that I put up some "personal" type info about myself (as if falling eyebrows isn't enough) and generally I don't like to do that sort of thing, but I read an article somewhere about how you can tell alot about people by their "stuff", so read into it what you will...but here goes... On a recent trip to Barnes and Noble, I bought: Running & knitting & science magazines, several books about physics and mathematics and an algebra book (thought it looked like good brain exercise), and a glass of passion tea on ice with a spinach and feta pretzel - yum. A friend of mine recently gave me a William Shatner album - which is awesome in it's hilarity and extreme darkness (thanks, J!). I have a fake tree and a fan in my bedroom, 35 different kinds of perfume in my bathroom, a slightly dusty blender in my kitchen, a papasan chair in my living room, and art on every wall. Things I have recently borrowed from people: lunch money (thanks, D), Steven Hawking books (again, thanks, J!), 2 Dumas novels (which I have yet to start) & several other various books from C-MoB (thank you!), power drill (thanks to C'sworth!). Things I would save while running out of the house if it were on fire: my computer tower, iPod, knitting case, several paintings and all the shoes I could carry...my fridge has in it: crunchy all natural peanut butter, canola mayo, ginger tea, Japanese ice cream and alot of frozen broccoli. I currently own and use 4 pairs of sunglasses, 3 alarm clocks, and not enough book shelves. And I can't find my DVD of AVP grrr....I'm tired - that's enough for now. Oh but wait...there's more. I own exactly zero cigarettes. There you go.

Fainting Goats

2007-05-11T18:11:00.000-07:00

I am dumb.

2007-05-06T22:26:00.000-07:00

The things I finally learned today:
1. Katherine and Audrey Hepburn were not related. At all. In any way. Mind blowing...
2. Australia is bigger than it looks on maps and is actually almost the size of the U.S. For reals?
3. And here's the kicker: Capers are vegetables and are *not* from the sea. Wow.
I am dumb.

2007-05-03T16:46:00.000-07:00

It's been 231 days since I've had a cigarette. It doesn't get any easier...

I've been sooo busy...

2007-05-02T19:00:00.000-07:00

...playing with my hair. Clearly. (see below for inspirations) But that's not the point. The point is I'm announcing that I should be posting AT LEAST once a week now as I am having a schedule change and therefore I will have a little more time to get back on track. Some updates: My weight is back where it was before I started Body for Life (so just shoot me), the pain in my arm(s) is NOT from knitting, but is a nasty by-product of some meds I've been taking (bye bye pillios), this week's Heroes RAWKED, my eyebrows are pretty much intact right now, and guess who needs new shoes...

I love youtube.

2007-04-28T00:05:00.001-07:00

2007-04-26T16:20:00.000-07:00

yes. i've been sick again. maybe i should just rename my ole blog here to, say, something like "Fuzzy Illness and Sometimes We Look at Shoes"...grrr....

a little fitness...

2007-04-16T18:32:00.000-07:00

...I guess my couch potato-ey days are over...I climbed a mountain yesterday. And now I can't walk. Hopefully the extreme pain of soreness will motivate me to get back in the gym. Or on the pavement. Did I mention? Ouch....

Speaking of good causes...

2007-04-11T23:23:00.000-07:00

go here!

I See alot of Naked People

2007-04-11T22:55:00.000-07:00

...that is to say that I see people naked alot in my line 'o work (occupational therapy). I'm telling you right now: when we are born and when we get old, we all look the same. Some may have more padding and/or more fur than others, but it's all the same in the end. So to speak. I teach people how to get on and off the toilet, how to shower, how to get dressed, etc, etc. The other day I went to my new dentist and it turns out that his office manager is a family member of a former patient. Long story short: I'm the "lady that found us the toilet." It's nice to be remembered....

Awesome Shoe Stuff

2007-04-10T17:55:00.000-07:00

click here for a really cool shoe-related site...and it's all for a good cause! happy shoe hunting!

Craftings of the Week

2007-04-08T12:34:00.000-07:00

So here's the first in a new regular feature "Craftings of the Week"...I didn't realize I'd finish this little hat so fast, but here she is...please don't write in asking for an exact pattern, b/c I didn't use one, and I doubt seriously I could ever duplicate it accurately, but any other questions are welcome...I don't wanna give it away...it looks awfully cute on my munny doll...

Oh, and Happy Easter and Happy Eating, and No exercise for me today!

Charity knitting

2007-04-07T14:08:00.000-07:00

For now, I think I'll hold off on that 2nd blog as it seems I barely have time to keep this one going, so we'll just have a fitness/shoe/crafty blog and see what happens. I thought I'd show you a work in progress. It's my first baby hat as well as my first knitting for charity thing. I decided not to get bogged down in a pattern and well, maybe that was not the best idea. But all in all I think it's actually kinda neat so far (even with the mistakes) When it's completed, I'll post a final pic. I haven't really learned my new camera or it's software so this pic is actually a "panorama" shot of the start of the project and where it is now...

So....

2007-04-04T17:53:00.000-07:00

...one thing I did while I was on vacation was quilting. Or rather learning to quilt. And knitting. Lots and lots of knitting. So much sewing and knitting has apparently given me some very carpal tunnel syndrome-like symptoms. It's very disheartening. Even more so than the fact that neither the knitting nor the quilting burns any significant amount of calories. SO...anyway, I'm thinking of starting up a separate blog for the crafty stuff - would love some comments!

2007-04-02T18:03:00.000-07:00

by the by, I got a new digital camera (which I haven't quite mastered yet) as a gift - thanks again you-know-who! Anyway...if you click on the last 2 pics i've posted, you'll get really big, nice screen shots. sweet. me singing: "I love technology, but not as much as you, you see, but I still love technology...now and forever..." Yes, geeks, feel free to correct any quoting mistakes...

Shoe of the Week - Issue #31

2007-04-02T17:57:00.000-07:00

Here's the Diesel Anza. Really neeto moskito hard leather upper. Very comfy for short nights like dinner and a movie, but for say..hiking? Lordy no. So...factor in the very cool red laces and the major marked down clearance price, and I give them 4 stars.

Happy April Fool's Day

2007-04-01T22:41:00.000-07:00

Yes, I'm back...said I would be...were you worried? I was. Haven't been feeling well or working out in quite a while, but today I actually felt a little better and decided to get some fresh air at Yosemite National Park. That's me up there in the pic. So...we have a lot more shoes to cover and alot of catching up to do, but now the hour is getting late so I'll be seein' ya later in the week. And may I just say to my geek friends re the Season 3 finale of BSG - "Oh my..."

But one more thing before I go...

2007-02-25T15:39:00.000-08:00

2007-02-23T12:14:00.000-08:00

Speaking of vacation...oops - it's sneaking up faster than I thought SO I'm gonna go ahead and sign off and let ya'll know that I'll be back on the blog at the very latest April 1st - with possible vacation entries before that- we'll see. Wish me luck trying to get my knitting gear on the plane!

A Public Apology

2007-02-22T00:04:00.000-08:00

I just want to say I'm sorry to loads of folks out there whose phone calls I haven't returned as well as e-mails and phone texts. I have been scrambling to get ready for my upcoming vacation, and I promise I will try to do better! So stay with me!

I'm so gross...

2007-02-19T20:02:00.000-08:00

...he's only 17, but you can't deny little Harry Potter is a hotty - po - totty!

Shoe of the Week - Issue #30

2007-02-19T19:48:00.000-08:00

Wow! We're up to 30. huh. So...I thought I'd put up a "special". Here's a shot of several pairs of Nine Wests. The first 2 are the same shoe (the Jana) in different fabrics. The last pair has more of a heel but it's also a wrap (the Sisio). I'm rather fond of them all but the first 2 are waaay comfy - 5 stars. The last pair - 3 stars. I'm calling this shot special since you can see my Cows' on Parade hooves as well as my Harry Potter collection. Oh...that reminds me...

Happy shoe-hunting!

Dear readers,

2007-02-12T16:58:00.000-08:00

...still not 100% but hanging in there...will be back on next week!

Kaiser Permanente Rocks

2007-02-06T03:02:00.000-08:00

it's 3 am. i have not slept in 2 days. fever started 3 days ago. still comes and goes. tried emergency room - 4 hour wait in an emergency room chair? too sick. but now i wish i'd stayed. doctors wouldn't see me until I called 6 times and BEGGED for an appt. which isn't for another several hours. and what's the big problem? sore throat. they keep telling me "gargle with salt water". i could shoot them all. i have gargled with chloraseptic, cepacol, lidocaine, saltwater, hot tea & ice cubes. i wrapped an ice pack around my throat. i have tried codiene, darvocet, tylenol and advil (not all at once). and NOTHING is helping at all. it's not normal. just desperate and venting. i want my mommy.

A good day.

2007-01-30T23:31:00.000-08:00

Yes. It was a good day. The lump in my foot from the O2 tank is going away. I got all my work done at, well, work. My hair looked fabulous, dahling. And I got to knit while sitting around watching Battlestar Galactica with my friends. What more could you ask for? Perhaps the ability to run a marathon...but I'm working on that one...

Powered Paragliding by Rob Part 3 of 3

2007-01-29T19:06:00.000-08:00

continued from last time...

Health benefits: you have strong legs, you have reasonably strong arms, and you are fairly well coordinated. You burn more than you tan. You look good in a flight suit and helmet though (especially to little leaguers, coaches, and soccer moms/dads). You look for flying shoes. You now take time to see the little things. You pay attention to the weather. You wonder why in the heck cows always get to have all the good fields. You’re slightly more spiritual. You have been awakened. Red pill, or blue pill? Red! Drink Me, Eat me? Okay, let’s not get carried away… (We’ll leave that to Alice)…lol.
You know things. You know things you didn’t think you’d ever know before, but you really don’t know how to say you know them. You think a little bit ahead.
You don’t wonder what it would be like if you were flying a kite and a particularly strong gust came along and pulled you and the kite away. You’re willing to take risks, just little ones; really this sport is safe. The rewards far outweigh any risk. But just like any other “extreme sport”, accidents can happen. Of course, accidents can happen just walking down the street. We’re all going to die and it’s not our death that defines us, but our life. I say live.

Crudelius est quam mori semper timere mortem - It is more cruel to always fear death than to die. (Seneca)

It all starts right now.

So thanks to Rob for the great article! Maybe when winter is over I will look around for a powered paragliding club and check it out myself. If you have questions or want to know more about this sport, contact Rob at
ValkingWinger@aol.com.

Wow! It just keeps getting better and better...

2007-01-28T14:14:00.000-08:00

...now that I've dropped an oxygen tank on my - you guessed it - right foot. Sweet biscuits!

Poop-poop

2007-01-26T18:15:00.000-08:00

Alls I can do with this stinking foot is arm exercises, and I can't say I'm giving that my all. My sweet sweet Garmin is just waiting patiently. Over there. On the table. Maybe just a short jog...So I've gotten several e-mail requests for my iPod playlists (specifically for running). I have many lists, but there are several songs that stay in heavy rotation that are great for the road, so here they are: "Mama Said Knock You Out" - L.L.Cool J, "Elevation, Beautiful Day & Discotheque" - U2, "Honey" - Moby, "Mortal Kombat" - Utah Saints, "Where's Your Head At" - Basement Jaxx, "Butterfly" - Crazy Town, "Gonna Breakthrough" - Mary J. Blige, "Be Good To Yourself" - Journey, "Rainy Monday & You Are The One" - Shiny Toy Guns, "Galvanize" - Chemical Brothers...etc, etc...If you know of some good ones for running, drop me a line. And if you think people shouldn't run with headphones - tell someone else, I'm not in the mood to argue right now.

PS: Here's my TV run down for the week -
Grey's Anatomy - I really don't know if I can stand a weekly cry fest anymore.
The Office - I need new episodes, people!
Frisky Dingo - Season finale rawks. And they signed on for a 2nd season!
BSG - Oh snap!

Just Shoot Me

2007-01-24T17:26:00.000-08:00

I've gone and hurt my leg again. It's ice packs and pain meds for me this week. I'm pretty bummed about it, so send me jokes and funny things, please. I need a laugh...
...and by laugh I mean shoes...

More holiday pics

2007-01-21T20:07:00.000-08:00

These are some shots from Christmas night. In the first one, you can see I've just been given some Battlestar Galactica DVD's for my birthday. Clearly the gift reduced me to silly faces. It was beyond awesome - thanks again, guys. And in the shot on the right I'm converting the non-believers (hi C & A!) with my new U2 iPod and a little Frisky Dingo. My buddy, A (the photographer) was amused to see that I don't need the sound anymore to be entertained- I've been assimilated by the Borg - we don't use headphones. Nothing says Christmas like a little sci-fi and technology.

Today's workout: 2.25 miles on the treadmill with a little HIIT up front.

2007-01-20T20:02:00.000-08:00

Battlestar Galactica starts up again tomorrow, people!!!!

Today's workout: Sleeping until there ain't much sunlight left. I'm not getting off on the best foot, but at least my abs are really really sore, so I guess my slow start isn't so bad after all.

2007-01-18T23:15:00.000-08:00

Today's workout: um....guess I'm startin' off with every other day and buildin' up from there. Tomorrow, I run!

Powered Paragliding by Rob Part 2 of 3

2007-01-17T19:46:00.000-08:00

Sorry this is coming so late, but here you go...
Previously on Part 1: “Powered paragliding isn’t each of these; it’s a piece from each of these. […and next week I’ll explain how]”
And here’s how: First let’s take the roller-coaster. Take off in a powered paraglider is just like that first giant climb on a roller-coaster, heading up above the trees and reaching the very top of the coaster before that first huge drop that is the beginning of most really good coasters. You have a moment to look around as you slowly gain height and take in the wonder of it all. Once above the trees, it’s more like a cable car (you know, the one that takes you from one side of the amusement park to the other over the top of everything), just puttering along, letting you see the sights pass below as you float over, only slightly detached from the reality of it all. This is the real magic of this kind of flying. The feeling that you can turn the world into a model train set that you can explore from all sorts of angles, ( yes you occasionally do get that giggly feeling that you get in a cable car when it crosses the towers that the wires run on). Keep in mind the whole time you’re doing this you’re only going 26 miles an hour, about the same as riding around on a moped or scooter. Now take that giant swing set and think of the swinging motion as you make a turn. The harder you turn, the more you swing out. This is because you are acting as a pendulum under the wing. If you turn gently and slowly you’ll feel almost no swing at all, if you turn quickly and aggressively the swinging motion will be the same. It’s possible under some circumstances to get yourself completely sideways in a really good turn. This can be considered “yanking and cranking”.
So you get the basic idea. You’re busy puttering and around the sky under a parachute with a motor strapped to your back, happily burning about a gallon an hour when you decide that ice cream place you just flew over his calling your name. Conveniently enough it’s located next to a park with a large field as well as having a reasonably sized parking lot. You decide both are plenty large enough to land in, and to head back to see about putting this puppy down. Think of that escalator at the mall now, as you shut off the engine and glide gently down, ending your flight in only five or ten steps, much to the amazement of the little league baseball team that also heard the ice cream place calling its name and arrived only a minute or two before you did. You are now a superhero and world domination is within your grasp, many cool points are awarded... As you land and slow to a stop, you turn, look up, and watching your wing as it collapses, backing away, allowing it to stack neatly in a pile nearby where you’ll collect it in a moment. (Note: nothing ruins superhero status faster than having a parachute fall from the sky draping over you and your equipment making you look like a jellyfish on the beach or THE BLOB from the 1950’s)
Unhook your wing and mushroom it ( pull all the lines together to make a parachute ball), take off your motor, set the two together where you can see them, and go get a peanut buster parfait.

Keep an eye out for Part 3 coming soon!

Today's workout: Arms 'n Abs + 20 minute uphill walk. Not bad.

Shoe of the Week - Issue #29

2007-01-17T08:08:00.000-08:00

I decided to put these up for the first shoe of the week of the year since these boots are pretty much a staple of my winter wardrobe. I call them my Hitler boots. It's a crappy pic and the angle makes them look really short - then again *I'm* really short... BUT anyway here you have the "Wonderful" black, knee-high boot by Naturalizer circa somewhere around 5 years ago. They get 5 stars...love them, love them, love them. Great winter look: wear your knee high boots with long shorts and leggings (to keep your knees warm), awesome. Happy new year shoe-hunting!

2007-01-16T17:28:00.000-08:00

I admit I stole this from a friend's site, but everyone must watch this video:
Charlie the Unicorn

Today's workout: "...best of intentions, really..."

Game Day Photo

2007-01-15T17:46:00.000-08:00

This is the post race pic from that half-marathon relay I mentioned a while back. Realized I never put it up, and pictures are just fun, no?

Today's workout: None. I'm sooooo sore. Upper body tomorrow (maybe :)

Someone finally smiled...

2007-01-14T15:52:00.000-08:00

So I started up with the running again yesterday, and all in all, it was good. Except people on the trail weren't very friendly. I try to wave to my fellow runners as we pass, as if we're in some kind of secret club, but mostly they just ignore me, or they snarl. And there was alot of that yesterday. So I went out again today, and I tried really hard to be crusty, but I couldn't stand it and started waving again. This time I had several people nod and/or wave back. Felt like I was back in the south again. I'm either going to start a trend, or I'm gonna be the weird girl in the park that waves to strangers. Either way, I got to try out my Garmin GPS. Here's a tip for anyone thinking of buying or using one: you must hit the stop button when you are finished running and NOT after you have gotten back in your car and driven several miles. Your results are somehow inaccurate that way. It is because of this that I can't say really how I did yesterday and I'm calling it a warm-up. That means today I'm officially back in the business of working out and trying to get rid of the pesky pounds. And I'm going to start posting the day's workouts at the bottom of the posts. We'll see how long that lasts.

Today's Workout: ~4 miles in 45 minutes (obviously walking/running) There is much work to do. "...Cap'n, there be whales here!"

Material Girl

2007-01-10T20:22:00.000-08:00

I'm so bad. Where do I even start? In some ways that was the absolute worst birthday/Christmas/New Year's, whatever, that I have EVER had. But in some ways it was pretty good. Like I realized what good friends I have. They even gave me BSG DVD's...(That's Battlestar Galactica, for those not in the "know") Thanks, again, guys! SO...what else did I rack-up for gifties? Well, I got that U2 iPod I wanted. In fact, I got three of them - Be careful what you ask for! I traded one in for the Garmin GPS I wanted. SO, now my life is complete, because I can go running anywhere, anytime and find my way home all the while listening to any and all episodes of BSG. Sweet. So, far in this new year I have yet to work out. (How's the grammar there? anyway...) But when I do, you'll hear all about it. Also, like I said, we have new shoes coming up, and I will also be posting Parts 2 & 3 of Rob's Paragliding article. If you have any ideas or thoughts you want me to run with, as always, leave a comment or send me an e-mail.

2007-01-07T23:03:00.000-08:00

OK, everyone has been getting on to me about not posting, so I'm back! Happy New Year to everyone! Hopefully we'll get back on track with a routine here sometime this week...and yes, the new year brings with it new shoes and plentiful pounds.

2006-12-14T00:27:00.000-08:00

A series of unfortunate events has befallen me here at year's end, so methinks I'll take some time off. I don't want my lovely shoe & fitness blog to become a constant stream of bitch sessions. I'll be back at the start of January. Next week is my birthday (and that REALLY doesn't help), so wish me Happy B-day, and I'll see ya next year!

Speaking of dogs....

2006-12-07T22:06:00.000-08:00

...one of mine died yesterday. From extremely old age. Very, very sad...

Until my foot is all healed...

2006-12-05T22:08:00.000-08:00

...I figure I should do some cross training. I tried this dog-back riding, but it wasn't all it's cracked up to be. Maybe I'll just wait until I can run again.

Disclaimer: No animals were harmed in the making of this photograph.

Bad Blogger

2006-12-01T18:26:00.000-08:00

I realize I've been a very bad blogger. But really I have great excuses. How's this?: PMS + broken washing machine (resulting in my 3rd house flood) + sprained ankle (and resulting in extreme laziness) + nicotine withdrawal (forgot my patches for 4 days) + no new shoes in a very long time = __________ (you fill in the blank, I haven't the words) But all is not lost, I haven' t killed anyone. yet. Anyway, I'm a-gonna take a few days off to get my house in order and create a new work-out schedule SO...I'll be back next week, hopefully to bring some order back to the chaos that has become this most piteous blog :) Thanks for sticking with me!

Curses!

2006-11-28T07:29:00.000-08:00

I'm pretty sure I've sprained my ankle running. So, I'm going to take a week off and try some other forms of exercise. (grrr) For example, I've already reloaded Deus Ex onto my computer, and I suppose I'll try something like a bike at the gym. Woe is me...In other news: Milo Ventimiglia (Peter Petrelli from Heroes) just keeps gettin' hotter, drinking enough sake will make you laugh all night, and hockey is very complicated. "Details at eleven..."

Where does the time go?

2006-11-24T17:09:00.000-08:00

Happy Late Thanksgiving to everyone!It's been a busy week here. But I know, I know, all you want to hear about is my most excellent 5K Turkey Trot. I beat my time! And this is saying alot as much of the race was uphill and all of it out of doors. Drumroll please....30 1/2 minutes! Yeah! I was hoping for better, but I'll take it! It was pretty depressing getting passed up by small children with balloons tied to their backs, people pushing strollers and a man dressed like a giant banana, but how many people can say they got up early on Thanksgiving Day to go run a race? Feels pretty good, I must say. The banana - I have no explanation for that one.

Sorry...

2006-11-21T17:55:00.000-08:00

...I wasn't back sooner, I'm still tired from my weekend in L.A. Disneyland was wonderful. A good time was had by all. (Hi R & X!) And I even bought new sound and video cards while I was down, so my puter is talking to me again. It's kinda weird actually. I think I'm gonna play Half-Life all over again (for the 12th time). But for now I'm going out for a training run. Turkey Trot is coming up! Gobble gobble. (Oh, and I did hurt myself last week, but it's all better now - just tried to do too much too soon - thanks for all the concerned e mails!)

2006-11-16T20:13:00.000-08:00

It is entirely possible that I may have fractured my foot in a record-breaking run Tues night, but the jury is still out. More on that later...I'll be back on Monday, Nov 20th.

Today, I was a Warrior

2006-11-13T20:08:00.000-08:00

Today, I was a warrior. I didn't wake up meaning to do all the things I did this day, but somehow, here I am. First I got up really early and went to the gym with my new shoes. It was fabulous. I ran 2.1 miles at my slowest time BUT I did it without stopping to walk. Neat. And I'm sure I could have gone farther, but I was already late for work. Then, of course, I went to work. After that, I went to Target and bought a snazzy orange yoga mat. THEN, I went to the gym AGAIN and did a very intense 50 minute upper body workout despite the fact that I have discovered my weightlifting gloves MISSING! (sadness and tears abound) THEN, get this, I went to my first yoga class ever. I rolled out my orange mat and prepared for a gentle, soothing session of stretching. It was neither gentle nor soothing. And I'm pretty sure that was because of the following reasons: 1) there was a giganta fan blowing on me which was freezing my pah-toot-tee off and 2) my arms were/are complete jelly (reference the upper body work-out) and 3) yoga is hard. At the midpoint I just gave up and decided to nap, and I could have done it if it hadn't been for the chemical smell of my el cheapo orange mat. I finally put my shoes back on and crawled out of the place. Perhaps tomorrow or this weekend or (hopefully never), I'll regret trying to do too much in one day, but right now, it feels pretty good. And I'll forge on because I have to clean house, cook dinner, and watch Heroes before falling asleep while reading a marathon training book. One guy laughed as I was walking out of the yoga class. As if I was a complete wuss for bailing. Smarmy fellow that he was, he couldn't have known that today I was a warrior.

Shoe of the Week - Issue #28

2006-11-12T11:26:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned yesterday, I got new running shoes. I tried on tons of different brands, and I honestly disregarded my strong desire for a good-looking shoe. After all, who cares what your shoes look like when you're in the middle of a race? But I got lucky because I think these look kinda cool. These are the Ladie's, Trance 5 by Brooks. Apparently, they've come out with a Trance 6 already, but I didn't know that. So I'll be sporting last season's shoe. Oh the shame :) Anyway, I can't wait until my right shin and right Achilles stop hurting so I can take them out. Perhaps then, I'll give you an update and a rating. Keep a look-out for my old running shoes in the future. Happy shoe-hunting!

Quick & Dirty Update

2006-11-11T17:53:00.000-08:00

So, it's been 68 days (and counting) without a smoke. Pretty crazy. And I've been remiss in my blogging because I've gotten all swept up in this running "thing" since the Half-Marathon - it was the Trail of Two Cities in Fresno by the way (Irene). My running partner in crime, Mrs. Z and I have already signed up for the upcoming Turkey Trot and are probably going to sign up for a 2-mile midnight run New Year's Eve in Sacramento. I was so proud of myself because I beat my best time on the treadmill the other night - 31 minutes for 5k BUT THEN this morning we went out-of-doors again and somehow I ended up on the side of the trail with horrible abdominal pain and sissy tears. After the pain subsided, I was able to keep going, but I was pretty mad at myself nonetheless. After all that (and a hearty breakfast) I decided to go shoe shopping. Don't get too excited, it wasn't THAT kind of shoe shopping. It was for some super awesome running shoes (more on those later). While I was at the running store, I signed up for the local running club. So I'm pretty excited, because I have NO idea how to train for running at all or how to work it in with the weightlifting stuff, so I think the club will be pretty helpful. And I think that for the rest of what's left of this year, I'll remain somewhat unorganized about reporting the work-outs/training stuff, but in 2007, I'm gonna log everything and hopefully report back here with # of miles run per week, # of weight days, etc....And maybe we'll see what it all does to the body fat. Also, today I broke a nail and am sooooo mad. So I'd like to add 2 more items to my Christmas wish list:
1. My missing nail
2. The Garmin Forerunner 305 (pictured)...I neeeeed it!

So Sore

2006-11-07T22:40:00.000-08:00

My shins!!!! And...MY SHINS!!!!!

Game Day!

2006-11-05T11:02:00.000-08:00

Yeah! I just finished my first ever race. Just to re-cap: It was a half marathon, but I did it with a relay team. I took the 1st 3.1 miles, T-mack took the middle 5, and Mrs. Z took the final 5. Even though I was completely thrown by my lack of outdoor running experience, the cold, dark air, the violent headache I got half-way through that made me think I was stroking out, the fact that sooo many people were passing me up, and my complete ineptitude at running while drinking water from a paper cup, I'm hooked. I mean, they gave us bags of swag, several buddies were there, and I beat my own time! It's not impressive at all, but it was around 32 minutes. Oh, and I got a medal. Sweet. So thank goodness I haven't suffered a stroke, although all my friends are specialists in stroke rehab and I'm sure I'd recover quickly...and thank goodness no one kidnapped me off the trail and the nice people with the paper cups didn't poison me. Where else would you accept such an offering? Think about it. I know I do.
On another note! P is back! We missed you. Glad to know you're alright. I'll respond to your riddle one way or another soon, I need another crack at it, I'm afraid. As P says, "...toodles for now..."

E-mail Q & A

2006-10-31T18:59:00.000-08:00

Q: What happened to "Recipe of the Week"? It was my favorite.
A: I've not been trying alot of new things lately. I've been a lazy eater, but I'll try harder. It helps when you guys send new material too :)

Q: Are you going to post more fitness pictures of yourself soon?
A: Prolly not till after the holidays. Yowch!

Q: What's the deal with P McCready?
A: I get this question alot. The answer is: I wish I knew.

Achtung Baby!

2006-10-28T17:44:00.000-07:00

Apparently, running 3 miles once is no guarantee that you can do it again, but in my defense, I did stay up too late and had a wee bit of sauce last night. Then, of course, there was my not-so-healthy breakfast...Tomorrow is another day though! At least I went to the gym right?

Powered Paragliding by Rob Part 1 of 3

2006-10-26T23:05:00.000-07:00

As promised, here's my good buddy Rob on the topic of Powered Paragliding...

The health benefits of powered paragliding:
When one takes a moment to look at the topic for discussion today one would have to think that powered paragliding is the end all, be all when it comes to fitness and enjoyment of extreme sports. After all, where else can one parachute from the ground up, instead of the air down, yank and crank with the best of them, all while wearing a 40-70 pound motor and associated gear? True, there is a level of fitness needed, but it’s no where near the level one might think when seeing the sport in action. Speaking of seeing the sport in action, you should take a moment and look here to do just that: http://valkingvideoblog5.blogspot.com/
What you’ll find is a short film I shot at the 2005 National Powered Paragliding Convention in Polk City Florida. It shows a fair bit of taking off and landing and how the weekend of the convention, everywhere you looked; you saw a paraglider and pilot.
But really though, don’t let me go on and on and on about how wonderful the powered paraglider is, how it is the most enjoyable, best handling, absolute coolest way in the world to fly. We all know that already. Don’t get me started about how affordable they are, how they cost less than your average performance street bike (motorcycle), drink gas like a moped, or any of the dozens of other reasons why you should own one immediately. Instead, let’s talk about flying one. Not the nuts and bolts of how to fly one, but the “what does it compare to” of flying one.
We’ll have to start with the assumption that everyone knows what amusement parks are. If you don’t, go right now and Google “Six Flags” We’ll have to assume that everyone knows what a roller-coaster is, a cable car is, and what that giant round swing set looking thing (http://www.huvipuisto.net/huvipuis/tampere/big_swing.jpg ), you know, hat swing that lets one or two dozen people start off sitting one behind another hanging from chains like a swing set and then slowly but surely rotates them until they’re spinning around like a record player (another item we’ll assume you know what it is) with centrifugal force pushing each rider out as if they were the tips of an umbrella extended to the open position, that one. One last addition, a shopping mall escalator (one that lets you see the mall as you go up and down)…
Powered paragliding isn’t each of these; it’s a piece from each of these. […and next week I’ll explain how]

Thanks to Rob! I love a story with pictures. Although I did ride one of those swing things at the fair just before the "stomach flu incident" and find I'm having flashbacks. Stay tuned for Part 2 next week!

On a personal note...

2006-10-26T17:41:00.000-07:00

...I ran 3 miles in 37 minutes yesterday! Doesn't sound like much, but it's a huge deal for me, and I wasn't being chased by geriatric wolves or anything. Still smoke free (52 days or 7 weeks) - the real fun hasn't begun yet - I still have another week or so before I give up the patches. Keep your fingers crossed! I'm still reading physics books I don't understand. And while I didn't get too many comments on the high-speed Internet query, I think I've decided to go with DSL - apparently it's cheaper than the dial-up I'm using. Curses! Foiled again!

Shoe of the Week - Issue #27

2006-10-26T17:13:00.000-07:00

This is the "Gyano" by Nine West. I'd love to know how they name some of these shoes. Anyway, I'm afraid I have quite alot of Nine West coming up soon. Why? I have more Nine West shoes than any other label. They fit me well and they are relatively cheap. Especially when you live really close to the outlet store! Sad to say I have never worn these out and about, and I've had them since January 2005. I just haven't had the ball bearings to wear them yet. But I will, have no fear. So for now, they remain unrated. Happy shoe-hunting!

Taking off for a few days...

2006-10-22T20:01:00.000-07:00

...Fuzzy Fitness will be back Thursday, October 26th!

Feeling better...

2006-10-19T17:49:00.000-07:00

Today I finally feel normal. I guess this means I'm going to have to start working out again! So anyway....I'm contemplating a high speed Internet connection. What kind should I get? Leave a comment with your thoughts, readers. Any opinions are greatly appreciated. And more shoes next week, I promise!

Team Fuzzy Update

2006-10-16T22:49:00.000-07:00

6 weeks without a smoke. I only thought I was crazy before. You'd think it would get easier, and it does, but every now and then it slaps you in the face. Like when you're stuck at home sick and bored. Anyway, just lettin' ya know I'm still hangin' in there.

My Christmas Wish List/Things That Make Me Vomit

2006-10-13T22:25:00.000-07:00

As is my custom when lying about the house in a sick, feverish haze, I watched Oprah today. If you didn't see it or hear about it, let me tell you. The show featured the bee's knees himself, Bono (yum yum), and they were promoting this "Red" campaign to end AIDS in Africa. It's all about buying stuff that has some proceeds going to pay for meds in Africa. Pretty cool, if you ask me. Check out the above links (and the following ones) for more cool info. SOOO, one of the cool things is this red iPod nano, which I intend to purchase very shortly with all my quit smoking money. I can justify the purchase because of all the people it will help AND I need it for all my running/cardio. Then again, I may give it as a gift....who knows. It's a win-win situation either way. ANYWAY, all this leads me to my Christmas wish list:
1. World peace. Or at least an end to the stupid war that Bush has gotten us into.
2. More time with the folks.
3. The OTHER most AWESOME, super-cool, want-it-so-bad-I-could-puke, NEW, encore edition of the U2 iPod!!! I haven't the words...
4. Christian Dior sunglasses that I can't afford and would never buy 'cause they cost too much but look soooo good on me :) (brown/pink, please or the gold/brown or both!) (more puking)
5. Tickle Me Elmo TMX - it's your fault for telling me about it, Dad
6. More Shoes!!!
7. A new sound card...
8. ...a new video card...
9. ...basically, a complete computer overhaul and high speed connect.
10. (left blank for later addition of stuff I want so bad I could puke)
11.The Sex and the City DVD box set, sorry Mom and Dad (hanging head in shame)
12. And, oh, yeah, an end to my endless health issues.

Yes, it's mostly a selfish list. But I'm sick. And it's only wishes! Please send all wish-list items through my email contact. Except for my folks - they like to make their own travel plans.

By the way, for those of you considering the getting the stomach flu, I must advise against it. But I should tell you that if you go ahead with your crazy scheme, DO NOT under any circumstances think that - if you have IV morphine, compazine, Immodium AD, and Darvacet over the course of 2-3 days - you will ever "go" again. If you don't know what I mean by "go", I can't help you.

oh! and happy friday the 13th.

WOW!

2006-10-12T22:53:00.000-07:00

Stomach flu does not rock. Been in the hospital, etc...will be back on-line in a couple of days.

Team Fuzzy Update

2006-10-08T14:26:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow will be 35 days (5 weeks) since quitting smoking. I *think* it's getting easier. Sometimes I still feel like I'm going bonkers from the whole thing, but all in all, I guess it's better. So, yeah for me. One thing...I haven't really felt that my lung capacity was any better, however, yesterday I noticed that I can run a heckuva lot longer without slowing down during cardio. Neat. Thanks to everyone for the continued support! Sometime next week I intend to sit down and write my review on the various pharmaceuticals that I used/am using for the smoking cessation. Should be interesting. Now I'm off to the "Big, big, big, big, biiiig Fresno Fair!"

Shoe of the Week - Issue #26

2006-10-07T15:45:00.000-07:00

I luv luv luuuuv these shoes. I give you the "Christa" by Naturalizer. I was out looking to replace some work shoes in 2004, when I found these babies waiting for me in the clearance section of Macy's. I call them my lounge-lizard shoes. Unfortunately, I have never gotten on well with flat shoes because of my high arches, SO...despite my affections I can only give them 4 stars 'cause (for me) "these shoes ain't made for walkin."
Happy shoe-hunting!

Jury duty

2006-10-05T18:41:00.000-07:00

So...I guess I'm allowed to spill the beans now that it's over, but I was about 1 inch away from being put on this jury for a major news story cop-killin'. I was sweatin' - I've never been called to service before and here I get a murder trail, one that the judge said could last 'til way past Christmas. I was like, WHAT?!?! The whole process was fascinating, and I would love to do my civic duty and all, but my job only pays for 3 days worth of jury duty....makes me wonder what kind of folk end up on these type of juries. Anyway, after jerking me around several times, they finally called and said they didn't need me. Apparently right in the middle of the selection process, his smooth-talkin' lawyers got him declared unfit for trail. The worst part of the whole experience? The damn smokers (again - sorry for the expletive) that were hanging around outside the courthouse and other federal buildings that were involved in my big adventure. I don't know anyone that smokes, I don't go anywhere that people smoke, etc. You get the idea. So in my smoking class, when they said "Don't go where people smoke," I was like, "No problemo!" And where do I find myself? Forced by law to be in the presence of smokers. Apparently it's illegal to smoke anywhere (and I mean ANYWHERE) in California EXCEPT outside the buildings where such laws are made. Grrrr, to say the least. I'm rambling now....Sorry for the bad grammar and typos. I'm tired. And lazy. And very tired. Did I say tired?

Guest Reader Shoes #2

2006-10-03T19:23:00.000-07:00

Hey, here's proof that some men read my blog. Or maybe it's just further proof that men are crazy - but in a good way. But not as crazy as women are - in a whacked way. Um...insert chirping cricket sound... anyway.... here's a great bunch of shoe pics sent in by my buddy, Rob. Notice his shoes are way, way up in the air? Well, be on the look out, because I'll be running a 3 part series from him - it's all about the health benefits of paragliding! Neat. How's that for "mixin' it up" in your work-out routine?

Team Fuzzy Update

2006-10-02T17:14:00.000-07:00

1. Haven't smoked in 4 weeks, people!
2. Haven't eaten real healthy either. Seems there's alot of chocolate wrappers lazing about the house.
3. Haven't worked out much.
4. 2 + 3= weight gain. argggh.

SO, it's time for me to stop the pity party and get on with it. Gotta start a new work-out program tomorrow and say goodbye to the Hershey's. After all, I still have the pull-up contest and the marathon thing coming up. But for tonight, I think I'll have one last chocolate blow-out while I watch Heroes. And speaking of TV shows...where the heck is Gillian from the Biggest Loser?!?

Going on a Break

2006-09-26T21:34:00.000-07:00

I'll be off until October 1st - so check back then, mateys. Arrgh...and btw - 22 days smoke free!

Shoe of the Week - Issue #25

2006-09-22T19:08:00.000-07:00

Sorry...I didn't realize I hadn't checked in all week. I don't like to mix business with pleasure here (the business being my shoes, and the pleasure being my complaining) BUT, I must say it's been one of the worst weeks EVER. But I'm gonna save that story for another day....Remember I said I got new boots? Well, here they are...it's the Victory by Report. So yummy. I totally wouldn't look at a boot like this and think it's for me, but I tried them on for fun and fell in love. Just like men, no? Anyway, I did wear them once already and can safely confirm a 5-star rating. They are cute, comfy (even for lots o walking)....AND...notice the cargo pocket on the side? No purse, ladies! I.D. in one boot, lip gloss in the other. Love it! Happy shoe-hunting!

2006-09-18T17:49:00.000-07:00

2 weeks smoke free....somebody shoot me, already.