My New Baby

I teased that my Saturday went to hell because I was shanghaied, this little minty baby is why.  I am now the proud owner of a 2011 Ford Focus!  Roomie Lori keeps calling it 'pistachio', which is technically accurate, but probably not the name I will ultimately choose - cars have to show a personality first. :)

My Mom and step-dad Bruce were the catalysts for this new purchase and were awesomely helpful - so yea to them!  We agreed with my brother Gordon on the precipice of going to medical school, he would have no time to keep nursing Bertha the Buick along to her inevitable end.  

I was hesitant, because it's a big purchase and a big decision and I had not done any research.  My parents just called and informed me, "We're car shopping."  Well, I couldn't very well let them go without me, since the vehicle would be mine.

We ended up at a dealership that will remain nameless, but the sales guy talked himself out of a sale by becoming more and more rude and belligerent.  The capper was when Bruce asked for a breakdown of the figures and the guy snatched the paper out of his hand and went, "Ugh, I guess I will HAVE TO DO THAT THEN!"  We stood up and walked out.  I was literally sick to my stomach after that and wasn't sure if I wanted to continue.

My parents pressed on and we went to Dewey Ford in Ankeny.  I wanted to be Ford for a number of reasons:  they didn't take Federal bailout money, the dependability is second to none - I have owned Ford and non-Ford and the former has been in the shop MUCH less and I believe if Ford can weather this economy so well, it will be around to maintain my car for its lifetime.

To say Dewey was much better was an understatement.  Their commercials say, "Do we treat you better?  We do, Dewey Ford" and yes, they do.  From the moment we met up with salesman Chris Leo to the after market rep to the finance lady to a sales manager, the experience was pleasant and best of all - above board. They showed us the invoice, we negotiated on a few fees and we had a deal.  They even searched for the best interest rate out there - not just Ford Motor Credit.  

Now I have a safe, reliable ride that can get me wherever I need to go!  Including, of course, the gym.  My new Focus has delivered me swiftly the last couple of days to the YMCA Healthy Living Center to meet with trainer Gwyn.  That's one of the best parts, I get to take care of me, while giving little thought to my car.  This is so refreshing.

Here's the picture:

Cute, huh?  So, thank you again to my brother Gordon for seeing me through to the end with the Buick.  Thank you to roomie Lori for lending me her car, often.  Thank you to my parents for helping me with a great deal.  And thank you to Chris Leo and the gang at Dewey Ford for an honest deal that helped me walk away with a smile, not a stomach ache!

Yours in Health,
Kate

Monday

I almost forgot to blog today. First day back to work, too busy. Promise update tomorrow including picture of my new baby. -Kate

Charley Horse - Ouch

I was planning a easy workout today, because I was a good girl and did some form of exercise every day on my vacation.  But now I will not be working out because I woke up this morning with a massive Charley horse.  (BTW- I looked that term up, no one can agree on its origin.)  But I know what it is - painful!  I hate waking up with one.

Poor Mischa the cat was like, "what did I did?" as I writhed in pain.  One of the biggest things I have found, and yes this is hard, is to relax as much of my body as possible and the cramp will start to subside.  Wait a few minutes before rubbing it or it may spasm again.

Further treatment includes ice and warm baths.  The latter can include Epsom salts, but be sure to that it won't interfere with medications you are on or an existing condition - examples: pregnancy, thyroid problems and heart conditions. 

Charley horses tend to happen when your muscles are overworked.  I have been working out a lot, but I think what I did yesterday was what set it off - I wore cheap flip-flops all day.  My feet demand arch support, but yesterday I was in a hurry and forgot to bring my real shoes with me.  I had my $2.50 flip-flops on because I was going to get a pedicure.  Well, my day went of the rails and I ended up being in the cheapies for more than 12 hours.  All of that squeezing by my toes, arches and calves, led to riding the Charley horse.

Oh, well, lesson learned. 

Today I am going to dinner at my mom's and run errands.  Tomorrow it's back to work and I will tell you why my day ran off the rails yesterday - and it's a good thing.

Yours in Health,
Kate

The Cats are on the Mend

No puking in 24 hours!  I know it seems strange to be that excited, but I'm telling you ick.  Now we just have to wait for the other end of things to firm up and we are good. 

I worked out hard in the pool this morning at the YMCA Healthy Living Center.  I do love the water.  Now I am going on an unexpected adventure with my parents.  I will tell you more next week.

Yours in Health,
Kate

Cat Puke is a Great Appetite Suppressant

My cats are sick.  Obi-Wan was the first to fall ill over the weekend.  Mischa was next and now Charlie is unbelievably ill, she can't stop throwing up.  I am waiting for a call back from the vet.  I am concerned she will become dehydrated.

As for me, no formal workout today.  But I have been going up and down stairs constantly to do laundry and clean up cat puke.  I am about to do a quick clean on the house and then finish laundry, shower and welcome over a friend I haven't seen in more than a month.  Then it will be back to editing Intuition and hopefully the vet will have answers for me by then.

Yours in Health,
Kate

I found my muscles

Worked out again with Gwyn today at the YMCA Healthy Living Center.  She really put me through my paces, as she knows she won't see me again untgil Monday.  It was a lot of bands and abs today.  I was so tired by the end I was struggling to do my push-ups.  Trainers love it when you are shaking by the end. ;)

Now I am working on the next issue of !ntuition Magazine.  We're VERY excited, it's something that has never been done before and it's overdue.  I'll tease you more as we get closer.

Yours in Health,
Kate

Walking a Cat is Harder Than You Think

I spent the weekend in Minneapolis. My first step out of the state in 9 months. I had fun at a family wedding and was able to spend Sunday with an a friend from another life. Did a lot of walking. Figured it out and I easily did 12 plus miles, not bad.
Yesterday I just rested. It was the official first day of my vacation. I am not used to having time off, so it was a little surreal to take a nap yesterday and sleep in today. What's that? LOL.

My workouts are in full gear. Met up with Gwyn at the YMCA Healthy Living Center yesterday and she put me through my paces. It was a weights, band and steps. Thanks to Kristi and all of the work we did before, I can do a 2 inch step now. I know that doesn't seem high, but when you are going up and down for a full minute, it could be bad. I survived well though.

Today Gwyn put me through a water workout. Lots of laps, jumping jacks, running and more, all in the water. I appreciated it because all the walking I did this weekend amassed in achy limbs this morning.

After working out with Gwyn I went to a meeting and then came home. My furry boys decided they wanted to go outside. So, I had bought a leash and harness a couple of weeks ago and decided to give them a try. Mischa was perplexed. He wanted to go for a walk, but the leash was not what he had in mind. When I was letting him run back in after he expressed distaste, Obi-Wan escaped, so I took that as a sign to try to walk him. He was a little more into it, but he kept stopping to eat grass and hiss at people, so it didn't last.

When we were all done, pushing and pulling to complete a quarter block walk, I was sweating and the boys were freaked out and considering not escaping again if it meant being on a leash. Naturally that won't keep them from trying.

Well, I better go to bed.

Yours in Health,

Kate