Week One Almost Done!!!

I can't believe I am on day six already with the "diet" and don't feel all that deprived. Yesterday was actually a steller day as I did a really good job getting in lots of protein, which helped me stay full and satisfied all day! I am trying new things slowly to get away from the same old foods and to see what foods help me stay fuller longer. The past two days, I've done two eggs for breakfast (along with a carb of course, I just can't give up carbs). I know too that my body is probably adjusting to less calories being taken in and not so mad at me anymore. LOL.

I've stayed on track with exercise too, walking each day this week (my week started Tuesday, not good to start a diet on a Monday) except for Friday. I cleaned our house though Friday which I found burns a lot of calories, so I felt that was my workout for the day. I am excited as our local hospital is doing another fitness event this summer, which meets every Monday night for a 3 mile walk. Last year I didn't do so well with it, but the person I went with just wasn't motivating for me and I admit, I gave up. It was hard when the "friend" I went with would show up reeking of alcohol... I feel going it alone I will do better and stay more positive. And maybe even meet someone who is as movtiviated as me so we can accomplish goals together. Tomorrow night is the first meeting. Looking forward to that.

My only worry right now is probably one many people have, and that is the ability to stay on track. I don't know why I doubt myself. I have done this before and I know if I stick with it, every day will get better. I need to get myself back to the point where its ok to have ONE splurge every now and then. Speaking of which, my first "treat" for making 10 days is to participate in our city's Ribfest, which starts Wednesday. I don't plan on going overboard, but it will be a nice change to go out for a meal. And I know it already, the deep fried cheesecake will be sampled. Its the one time a year I can get it! We don't plan on going until Saturday, so that will make day 12 of the diet, but soon enough I think for a treat. After a month of behaving, I will be getting a pedi! Little goals, one step at a time. Hanging in there feels really good today.

The Office

I started in again on my lifestyle change this past Tuesday. For any of you not familiar with that, its called a diet for most. I don't like the word diet and I don't want to be on one the rest of my life. So instead, I change my lifestyle.

The first day was rough, but by last night, I was feeling pretty good about things. I was enjoying ice cream at 9 pm, only a half a cup and only because I hadn't consumed enough calories for the day. It was a good feeling. And then I came to work today.

I work in a department of almost all women, and yes, as I woman, I will easily admit, this isn't the best of office situations. There is constant talk about eating, recipes, etc. One particular lady brings in food at least once a week that she made at home - a new recipe that she tried. Another bunch order out almost every Friday. And then there are two individuals that not only stop at a drive thru for breakfast but will also hit another for lunch. And I am in no way stretching the truth. For one, I have no idea how they afford it. One paycheck a month has to go to the food budget.

I know, they have every right to order out or get food on break, but today it was tough. I wanted the Chinese they had delivered SOOOO bad. So instead, I heated up my Lean Cuisine and went for a walk on my lunch break. Its just hard being in an office where not many are really concerned about what passes through their mouths. I am strong though, and the walk did make me forget about the fried rice... at least for the time being.

The Puddle

About a week or so ago, I noticed a small puddle forming in our garage under my Jeep Liberty. Of course, spring is upon us in North Dakota, and I figured this puddle had simply formed from the melting of the snow and the Jeep bringing it into the garage. Shortly after discovering the puddle that wouldn’t dry, I decided to play it smart and check all my fluid levels under the hood. All checked out fine so once again, the puddle was put out of mind too.

Last evening, with Jason and his brother in Iowa for an TNA event, I decided to get a few errands done. While I was out and about, I heard a “clunk,” but since I was right behind a truck that looked like it could possibly use a tune-up, I wrote it off as coming from that. I finished my errands and headed home for the evening.

Of course, this is my weekend to work so I left the house around 7:30 this morning. Backing out of the garage, the puddle looked as if it had nearly tripled overnight. The liquid pooling on the garage floor looked practically clear so on my way I went. Weekends of work are my time for a coffee stop. The Fleet Farm convenience store also has the best caramel rolls. I stopped to pick up my monthly splurge and pulled out of the lot. As I pulled out, a cloud of dust or smoke, I wasn’t sure, plumed up around me. I pulled over to the side and the cloud seemed to disappear, so I thought it had just been dust from turning out of the lot.

I arrived at work, and as I took the Jeep out of gear, there was that cloud again. This time though, it kept circling. I realized then there was no way the wind was strong enough to be blowing that much dust around the parking lot. I turned off the ignition and got out to see steam pouring out of the grill of the Jeep. It was time to pop the hood and see what exactly was happening. A light amber colored liquid had sprayed everywhere.

Around 9:30, I used my morning break to call my dad. My guess is he was thinking I had gotten myself into yet another car accident. I explained what was going on, and one of the first things he tells me is to taste the fluid. I think he is crazy, but I do it. It’s sweet. I tell him it’s sweet. He tells me it’s the coolant. Great.

Next call, the service/dealership in which we had bought the Jeep from about 18 months ago. Much to my surprise, the manager tells me to bring it right on in and they’d look at it. I estimate that it will take me about 20-25 minutes to get there. I’ve never had a vehicle spraying coolant all over – how would I know? I follow my dad’s instructions and head off to fill the overflow tank with water so I can get where I need to go. Easy right? Not really when you are at work. The only think I could think of for water is a coffee pot. I make three trips before the level in that tank is full to the COLD mark. Oh, and did I mention that of course my gas gauge says E? Off to the gas station I go.

Jason meets me at the gas station, and he decides to follow me to the dealership. About ¾ of the way there, my battery light comes on. My temperature gauge is my main focus so I try to ignore it. Three blocks away, and I get stuck behind a Buick. If anyone has ever driven behind a Buick, you’ll know the speed usually doesn’t exceed 10 mph on city streets. Finally, it turns, and I am able to pull into dealership, steam flowing all around me. Its then my husband tells me that I have been “smoking” for at least two miles. Honestly, I am glad I didn’t know that.

So, why am I blogging about the puddle? Well, first, if you have a puddle, and it grows, don’t ignore it. Second, I love my Jeep and the service that comes with it. The puddle had been growing thanks to a bad seal on the water pump, which likely finally gave out when I heard that clunk last night. The pump needed to be replaced completely, and of course, a coolant flush and fill followed. The bill? Simply $100 for the deductible thanks to the generous power train warranty Jeep has. It totally made my day. And to top it off, the Jeep returned home on the same day as the calm of a winter storm is upon us.

Where has Crystal been?

I have been trying to get a post on here for several months... explaining just what it is I have been up to as I returned to NDSU last fall. Well, I still don't have time to share it all, but this weekend I completed a project as I recovered from bronchitis.

I decided to post this project as I feel it best highlights what it is I have been doing as it rolls it all into one. As some of you may remember, I self published my poems for my English Capstone project all those years back. Here, I give it to you again, in a shortened version but electronically!

A big thank you to my husband for all his help and support as well as our friend Jason Kuntz for borrowing us his voice for the audio. Enjoy!

Don't Do Doolittles

This past weekend, the first weekend I didn't have to hit the books in 17 weeks, Jason and I opted to have a nice evening out Saturday. We were celebrating my five year milestone of being at Swanson's. While this actually occurred in June, Saturday was the annual company holiday party in which service awards are presented. We had planned to eat at Prime, a new steakhouse in Fargo; however, it has not yet opened. So instead, I chose to go to Doolittles, one of our favorite spots to dine.

We arrived shortly before 5 pm, not having to wait for a table as the restaurant was barely at half capacity. We ordered drinks and then our food (I think its important to note we both chose PASTA dishes). And then we waited. And waited. And waited.

At about 5:15, a table next to us was sat. At 5:25, they got their food. Steak. Us? A table of empty drinks. At 5:30, I could see our server frantically putting an order into a micro station. I am guessing it was ours. A few minutes after that, my dinner salad arrived. I expressed that I did not want it after 40 minutes of waiting for it. We added that we would like to speak to a manager.

After a few more minutes, a manager finally showed up at our table. I'll admit, I wasn't too friendly, and the first thing out of my mouth was "Thank you for wrecking our evening." Now, one would think there would be a string of apologies and the situation corrected. Nope. The manager looked at me and basically stated something along the lines that they didn't ruin anything. Jason, the one who is always calm and doesn't let much get to him, let the guy have it. We then were presented with our bill for our two drinks, a bill of $12.15. I asked for the manager to check what time our order was actually entered. The manager again noted the bill and left our table. Thank goodness we had exact change or we'd likely still be there waiting for it.

Why did we pay it? I guess its just how we are. I do regret doing so, but I simply did not want any more issues in that place that evening. So, off to Stop-N-Go we went to dine over cold deli sandwiches, chips, and gummy worms for dessert... The point of this blog? We ask that you never consider Doolittles.

OK. This is ridiculous. All weekend I did absolutely nothing. No homework, nada. Lazy. I honestly tried last night, but I just couldn't figure out how to study! What on earth is up with that. I thought at first it was cuz Jason was home and it was noisy and I just couldn't concentrate, but tonight, same thing. It's like I don't want to study. OK, so most of the time people don't want to, but that has NOT been me this semester. I have been loving it. Seriously. Not kidding. I think I am just overwhelmed by this case book project. I am really considering just scraping the whole darn thing and starting over. It's frustrating. The house is completely quiet tonight, yet, I want to do a million other things. Email, read, take a bubble bath, NOT sit in front of a PC... hmmmm, maybe that is my issue. Walk away from the PC. Well, its worth a try. First, I have to get this letter written for another class then we'll try it...

Time

I wish I had more of it. I can't believe how I thought I could post on here regularly. Its ok though. School is more important. Why am I finding the time to write now? Once again, I am in my worthless digital media class and need something to do. I wish I could get into this class more. I like it, I just don't have the time to focus on it like I should be. I need to make that a goal this weekend. Anyways, rant for the day - WORK. I absolutely hate my job. I love what I do, but I hate the environment. My supervisor drives me crazy. She can't supervise. I guess this is why I am back in school. So I can close the chapter in the book about that place. I am trying to stay patient, knowing that I'll get out soon. And that all this is going to pay off A LOT. I just hate how that place drains me though. It zaps my creative energy. I let it go I think for the most part, but days like today are just a big struggle. OK, I wrote about absolutely nothing, but I feel I can work on these photos now...