Jun

14

What a Weekend!

By MJ

Where do I start? I guess the beginning is as good as anywhere -

FRIDAY

My Friday began with an interview that I am hoping went well. I spent the rest of the day visiting Walmart.  No really- 3 times! I went hiking in Towner’s Woods. It was a pretty nice little park between Streetsboro and Kent.  From their website:

Comprised of 175 acres of forest, wetlands, and meadows in Franklin Township, the park is the site of a 2000 year-old Hopewell Indian mound that overlooks Lake Pippen. In addition, Towner’s Woods boasts what many regard as one of the best cross-country skiing trails in Northeast Ohio and is adjacent to the PORTAGE Hike and Bike Trail.

I had a hard time finding all the trails that I wanted, so I didn’t quite get my 6 miles in like I had planned. It was incredibly hot out there, though. I did see several really neat animals, including an entire butterfly trail, a heron, a few squirrels, woodpeckers, and geese. I took several pictures that I will upload to sqpear.com as soon as I can. I also met a gentleman that told me about some other trails that I should check out.

After returning to the hotel, eating dinner, and getting cleaned up, I did some last minute studying for my Praxis exam that was on Saturday. (It was during this last minute relaxing study session that I realized the batteries were dead in my calculator and necessitated my THIRD trip to Walmart).

SATURDAY

The Praxis setup was a bit ridiculous. We met in one building for about 20 minutes then they escorted us to yet another building to the room where we were taking the test. The test itself wasn’t too bad (but I feel bad saying that — especially since I haven’t seen my results yet! – I’ve talked to many people who have take it several times) I’m pretty confident that I did ok, but I won’t know for sure on July 13 – or July 9 if I want to pay an additional $30.  (I have to score 139 to pass – I think 200 is the highest)

After the test I headed to the Golf Course for the Brown Jug Tournament. This is essentially 20 women getting together for some friendly competition. This time it was Red vs Blue. I was on the Red team. I shot decently well Saturday, considering I’ve only played once this year (in April). I shot 42-43.

Our first nine was Best Ball (a team of two, you take the best score for the hole)
Our second nine was straight up match play.

We continued this tournament on Sunday. Sunday we played the first nine as alternate shot and the fourth as a two person scramble. I was on the winning team — we won by ONE!

Sunday morning, before heading out on the course, I walked down in the park for 3 miles. I was tired. It was humid. But 3 is better than 0. :)

The best news of the weekend is of course my weight total! I’m DOWN 1.6 LBS.!!!

Feb

23

Oh yeah.. Now I Remember

By MJ

I had forgotten why I loved walking (jogging) outside. Today’s walk reminded me. It was a very brisk 36 degrees when I left the house. My goal was to walk my “easy 3 miles” that was the training for today. Well when it’s only 36 it’s kinda tough to take a light stroll, so I’m sure I pushed myself a little more than I was supposed to. But the views were gorgeous. Mill Creek ParkI have a park right by my house and I hiked down to the walking trail. The exhilaration that comes from walking in the cold makes me understand why the Winter Olympians might be willing to deal with the crazy weather to compete. The cold wakes you up- it makes you feel alive- it gives you energy — it makes you want to move! (and it’s always great to get the benefit of sweating without being hot!) Of course I was also listening to my favorite band, Great Big Sea- and my favorite songs of theirs. The park was near empty so it was very quiet. In fact so quiet that I almost missed the 6 deer that were munching near by. That’s right – SIX. Can you see them all?Deer

More Deer

Yes, I know it's blurry - I was moving...

I was pleased with my first day of official training – 50.05 mins, 3 miles.
Food wise – today was ok. I didn’t eat anything I wasn’t supposed to, however I didn’t eat everything that I WAS supposed to. My stomach is kinda feeling weird right now.. but I’m hoping a good night’s sleep will cure whatever it is. My feet are a bit tender. I injured the soles of my feet on Dec 26. This is the first time since Jan 2 that I’ve tested them out. I think I’ll be doubling my socks from now on.
I think I’m long overdue for an “early to bed” night. So goodnight.
p.s. I’m so excited – I’m up to 39 fans on Facebook for my PinkPear Page!