Day 141 = Walking + Girls' Weekend

I've written about my awesome friends. And because of them, I seem to have a lot of girls' weekends. Let me tell you, I'm going to have them even when I'm not single because it is important to sit in a pool all day and drink beer and laugh and play games like Catch Phrase with your friends, as well as come up with our own catch phrases.

This morning, we were all hungover. Well, except for Katherine who is expecting a bambino. So we all decided to go for a walk. Yes - on a vacation. We walked around the neighborhood to check out Lake LBJ. And walking for half an hour in the sun and away from beer definitely counts as a workout in my book.

I spent the better part of the day keeping my stitches dry. And floating in the pool. And drinking beer (sorry, dear personal trainer). Kristina's boyfriend made us 6 bottles of infused vodka, so I had to try all 6 flavors, too. After dinner at Russo's, we went to some place called Lorraine's and crashed the Marble Falls High School high school reunion. I walked up to my friends who were talking to a random woman, who proceeded to tell me that I should meet her brother because she is afraid of him. And the whole time she was telling me this, she kept pressing and rubbing her boobs up on me as if she was trying to be subtle. I kept stepping back and she kept pushing forward. Why can't some people take a hint? She may have not even realized what she was doing in her drunk stupor, but that didn't stop me from feeling the same level of cringing discomfort as when my toes brush up against the nail girl's breast during a pedicure.

Day 140 = Gym + Dreams

I was out of "get out of jail" free cards today. I had to go back to the gym. I love working out and love the gym, but 5:30 am was not a happy wake up call. Especially on a day when I'm working from home. My workout was good, and since I've seen some results, I bought more sessions. But let me tell you - now I'm really going to get serious! I think I'm even going to start incorporating the P90X DVDs.

This morning before I woke up, I was having a dream. This is the third time in the last week that I've dreamt of being chased. The first one was about a week ago (before I cut my eyebrow) and I can't remember the details now, but I do remember thinking that this was the first time I've ever had a dream about being chased. I realize this is a common theme, but not sure what it means for me.

I'm probably anxious and stressed. About what is the puzzle. The thing is, I never get a really good look at who or what is chasing me. I did some research on the ol' internets and found this at dreamworkguid.com:

BEING CHASED, whether by monsters, animals, or other menacing images suggests you may be feeling threatened in some area of your life. Rather than actual physical survival, they may be telling you your enemy now is anxiety, anger, fear or some such emotion that is making a positive resolution difficult if not impossible. As we confront and embrace these characters, they begin evolving from menacing to acquaintance, to friend, etc. It is also prudent to heed such dreams by exercising caution is waking life in the event there is an element of precognition in the dream. Another perspective indicates that aspects of your personality you may have denied in the past, are climbing their way up to your conscious mind to be integrated for better clarity and emotional health. By facing and accepting these aspects rather than suppressing them, transforms them from 'liability to asset.'

Then I found this: http://www.nowpublic.com/health/top-10-common-dreams-and-their-meanings

Being chased Description: Dreaming about being chased is also a commonly experienced nightmare. Most often the chaser in the dream is a monster or some person who is frightening; occasionally it may be an animal. Such dreams are not only horrifying and shocking, but often leave the dreamer with a lasting image of the dream. It is also worth noting that sometimes this dream is a replay of an actual event in your life. Atul Kulkerni, a student, says, "When I was young I used to have nightmares about being chased. Usually I was chased by two lions and I would be running away from them towards my house, but I could never reach the door no matter how hard I'd try." Interpretation: This type of dream often results from stress. In this type of dream you feel frightened, attacked and in danger. If you dream of being chased by someone you know, this person is somehow contributing to your anxiety. If you dream of being chased by a stranger, it's possible that the stranger represents some aspect of yourself. "Running is an instinctive response to physical threats in our environment, therefore 'chase dreams' represent your way of coping with fear or stress. Instead of confronting the situation, you are running away and avoiding it", explains Anuj.

I feel totally content, or so I thought. My subconscious has other ideas. Maybe my girls' weekend will bring me back to my senses.

Day 139 = Resistance Bands + Sushi

Back at work and an opportunity to show off my stitches and swollen face. There's nothing like a mid-day business lunch of sushi to break the monotony of emails and conference calls. Since I can't get sweat near my stitches for a while, I'm just going to hit the resistance bands tonight. I realized this accident was a real eye opener. (haha, pun intended) In other words, I got the message loud and clear to stop running in the dark.

I posted my face plant story and photo montage on Facebook (a suitable place) and have received so many comments. More comments on photos than my birthday. It's apparent that people I see daily as well as people I haven't seen in 25 years all find it necessary to comment on photos of me with blood on my face. One friend said she's going to go as "Faceplant Heather" for Halloween. Good idea!

You know, it takes a lot of hard work to be such an inspiration.

Day 138 = Resistance Bands + Hiatus

The doctor said I should "avoid sweating" for the next 24 hours. I can't get my stitches wet. And believe me, this shit is on my face, so I'm not taking any chances. Go ahead and judge and call me vain. I don't care. I am.

I spent most of the day in bed. Being up until 3 am last night combined with an adrenaline rush crash of the shakes - not to mention stitches on my face - has worn me out.

I did manage to make it out to Burger Club (July edition) tonight. We met at the Top Notch, which was a primary location in the movie "Dazed and Confused." I'm feelin' a whole lot better since my cheeseburger.

I debated on whether I should keep the streak going. This is day 138. Do I let a few stitches get in my way? Hell, no. I did a few exercises with resistance bands and ate a popcicle in bed. The resistance bands provided the workout.

Day 137 = Running + Face Plant!

Graceful is probably not one way I'd ever describe myself. I probably run the way Elaine (from Seinfeld) danced.

Tonight I met my friend Michelle for drinks and apps. Harmless, right? This isn't my first rodeo. I can do drinks and apps in my sleep. I had TWO glasses of wine at a neighborhood bar. That's it. Plus an appetizer. I went home around 9pm and changed to go workout. I remember thinking that I'd just walk for 30 minutes.

But about a block from my house, the song "Back that Ass Up" by Juvenile came on my iPod, and the mood struck me to pick up my speed. I was a little further away at this point. I have run this road many times. The sidewalk is uneven, but I can find my way through it normally, even at night. Next thing I know, I lost my footing and tripped and fell. It was in slow motion. I couldn't believe it was happening. I didn't think I was going too fast. I tried to brace myself with my arm and left side, but my speed propelled my body forward and into the concrete. I skinned the side of my hand and part of my arm and bruised my left hip. But it was my left eyebrow that bit it. It was my 10-year-old glasses that saved my face!

For a moment, I let my forehead rest on the concrete. I lifted my head and worked toward getting my bearings. First I needed to find my glasses; they'd fallen off when I sat up. I felt around for them on the ground, and when I put them on, I felt something on my face. It was streaming down my cheek. Blood. And a lot of it. I actually considered continuing my run, but since I couldn't see, I thought I'd head home.

When I got home, my face looked like this. I wasn't particularly happy, but when a camera is in my face, I've been groomed to smile. Meanwhile, I was figuring out what to do. My friend Kristina came over to drive me to the ER, where a photo shoot ensued. Four hours later, I had 7 stitches, a tetanus shot and a huge lump on my forehead and a surfacing shiner.

Things happen for a reason. I believe that. But what the reason is for this disaster is TBD.

Day 136 = Gym + Fly Catchin + Bonus Workout

Went to the gym today and realized it's been two weeks since my trainer took my measurements. Fortunately, I lost a few more pounds and another one percent of body fat. My upper body is sore. I need to make time for a massage. And I guess sign up for more training sessions.

I'm still having the critter problem. They sound louder and bigger everyday. Sometimes the noise startles me. And that's just in the ceiling between the first and second floor. However, up on the second floor in the attic, apparently something has been trapped. I can't smell it, and I didn't hear it happen, but the exterminator, who is coming out tomorrow, said that would explain the huge flies I've got infesting my house. I'm mortified. It's been over 100 degrees every day for four weeks, so how can I not smell something dead in my house? I guess I have pretty good insulation. I had to buy a fancy fly swatter at The Dollar Store tonight. People who park at The Dollar Store have lost their minds. Can't anyone park within the lines anymore?

My trainer suggested I do 50 minutes of cardio each day. Tonight I managed about 40 minutes. As I got undressed, I realized there was a nickel in the panties of my running shorts. WTF?

Day 132 = Running + Summer Hiatus

Without cable television, summertime makes me painfully aware that NOTHING IS ON TV. It's all re-runs or summer replacement shows, which I have no interest in watching. Who wants to watch a Japanese game show? Not me.

This dilemma is actually a great reason for me to continue with my workouts. Here it is - Day 132 - and I'm still going. It's been consistently over 100 degrees every day for like four weeks here in Austin, so I've been getting my runs in at night. I usually head out between 9-9:15 pm. I have a lighted route, but I shouldn't make it a habit to go so late. The deer are still out and scary at night. I saw two little Bambi deer tonight. Have no idea where the mother was.

Anyway, just like I'm used to working out everyday now, I'm also used to not having cable. And I prefer both of these habits.

Day 131 = Gym + KFC

I had my gym workout this morning. Yada, yada, yada. But all day, all I could think about was fried chicken, specifically KFC extra crispy. And the thing is I never eat fast food. But I was just craving fried chicken. Has it been 28 days already?

In the end, I went home at ate grilled chicken with McClard's BBQ sauce (from Hot Springs, AR) that I had leftover from the other night. I stayed true to my trainer's meal plan. And if I'm going to eat fried chicken, I should be more creative or at least explore my options.

Day 130 = Running + Costco

I can't believe I've gone so many days without giving props to Costco. I could easily fill up on breakfast, lunch and dinner on the samples there.

I visited the Big C tonight after work for some groceries. Well, that's not exactly realistic because you can't leave Costco with just groceries. I was first lured to buy a pound of Cilantro Lime Shrimp. This was followed by a box of 16 hummus snack packs, 3 pounds of raspberries, a bag of frozen mahi mahi and a bag of frozen chicken breasts... hmmm, what else did I buy.... beef jerky, peanut butter-filled pretzels, 2 dozen eggs, a box of 24 Morning Star Farms sausage patties, a dozen whole wheat English muffins, a huge bag of baby carrots....

Then I came home and ran for 50 minutes. I saw two tiny deer.

The critters in the attic are quiet tonight, but nothing's been caught in the trap outside. I guess I'll have to get the exterminator out here to check the traps in the attic. Good riddance, you loud-ass pests!

BONUS: I also ran last night for 50 minutes.

Day 129 = Gym + Critters in the Attic

So I have no idea what's in my attic, but there is a lot of noise going on. I don't know if it's rats, squirrels, possum, raccoons or what. But the guy came today and put traps (with peanut butter) in the attic and a cage with a slice of apple in my backyard. So we'll see what we catch!

I woke up at 5:30 am and went to the gym for a fantastic workout. I've been advised to go a whole week without drinking.

Now I'm mesmerized by the massage scene on "The Bachelorette." And I feel miserable for coming home and eating crackers. I'm tempted to go for a walk after the show is over and when it's cooler and, oh, 99 degrees or so.

Day 128 = Resistance Bands + Recovery

I'm working out with my resistance bands today. I had a long day yesterday, and I just needed time to sleep and recoup today. Tomorrow is an early gym morning.

I did manage to get out of bed and meet Elizabeth for lunch at El Arroyo. I love that place. It was nice to catch up with her and hear about her life in Houston. We went to the north location, but the downtown version has the best signage.

Day 127 = Walking + Rock Star Partying

Where to start... I would like to start off by saying that I am thankful for friends. I used to be the social director of my group when I lived in Houston. But for the past year or so, I've just tagged along with my friends and their plans. I generally like to plan stuff, but I'm also pretty flexible. However, this week and weekend was a perfect example of how things just unfold and workout for my social calendar.

On Tuesday, I met up with friends to hear a friend of ours play at the Saxon Pub, then we hit the Jackalope and Blind Pig downtown. Like a good girl, I was home and in bed before midnight. When I woke up that morning, I didn't know that would be the plan.

Last night, I was out watching Bruno and crashing weddings; those plans were finalized this week, too. Today, Hope invited me out on her and her husband's new boat on Lake Austin, so I obliged for more good times. And following lake time was party bus time with Zelina et al for a birthday bar crawl. Indescribable fun. Wonderful memories.

So I got up and walked this morning before the lake because I knew I would not be getting in another workout during the day.

Day 126 = Running + Bruno

I woke up early enough to get in a quick run because I knew I was heading straight to the Alamo Ritz downtown after work to watch Bruno. Go see it. Too funny. The movie was followed by a little wedding crashing at the Driskill. We had some cake and tried to get a drink, but they had a cash bar. Don't have a cash bar at your wedding - especially if it's at the Driskill!

I had my picture taken with the longhorn head in the Driskill bar. If I had that picture, then I'd post it here, but for now, enjoy Bruno.

Day 125 = Gym + Pests

This morning was another personal training appointment at the gym. I was running late. I hate to run late to these appointments. But I got there and stayed a little later to catch up on my morning news while on the elliptical.

This week has just been a straight up catch up week at work and at home. I have rats or critters in my attic and walls again. I guess that's the hazard of living behind a green belt. I know my pest guy will take care of them, but geez - they are annoying. What the heck are they doing in there? I don't want to know.

Day 124 = Running + More Results

Yesterday at the gym, I learned that I'd lost another 2 inches around my waist. That explains the loose fitting clothes. Tonight I ran for 50 minutes. That's really all I have to comment on today. I'm really tired from staying out so late last night and singing impromptu "Gin and Juice" at the Blind Pig. Good times.

Day 123 = Gym + Back to Work

My day started so early. It's back to work after vacation, but that also means back to working out with my personal trainer. It was a really great workout this morning.

Back at work, I was mesmerized by the Michael Jackson memorial service today around lunch time. I watched it on abc.com via live stream while reading the Twitter feed on the same page, which was just as entertaining. It wasn't MJ's daughter that broke my heart; it was his brothers as pallbearers who all wore the single white glove.

Day 122 = Running + "Keep Austin Weird"

I'm taking it easy at home today for a little while longer to recover from my vacation before diving into work and email tomorrow in "the penthouse." After sleeping late this morning, I went for a 3-mile run at Town Lake. About half-way around, a 75-year-old man passed me on a bicycle wearing only a tiny brown thong. He was tan, and his g-string and nugget sack complemented his skin tone. You know, it's stuff like this that happens every day that continues to keep Austin weird.

In order to find an appropriate photo for this blog, 545,000 Google Image search results for "old man in thong" came up. Yes. 545,000. This image of "The Frog of Innocence" mural is a little more G-rated.