Do I have anything to say?: Running for the Arches

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Running for the Arches

Golden ones.

And for cheese quesadillas, chips, and salsa too.

I actually got up at a "fairly decent" hour this morning. The sun was shining, the sky was blue, and it looked like it was going to be another great day. While it would have been fun to spend the entire day watching basketball again today (I actually still kind of did that since I got an "early" start), I decided I shouldn't waste this beautiful day.

Plus, I wanted a Shamrock Shake ...

Until about three weeks ago, I had never heard of a "Shamrock Shake". Apparently, they are a "Golden Arches Special" around St. Patrick's Day. However, from my Google search this evening, it sounds like they are not sold at all locations or in all states which has people VERY upset. Anyway, I DID stop by the McDonald's by the hospital after my blood donation March 12. I DID enjoy my "Shamrock Shake" just like Kristy said I would. :o) After this week (you know, sick to my stomach one day, missing meals another day...), I figured I "deserved" another one (especially since there are only 9 days left of March)...

However, I also thought I should spend some time outside considering how much I complained about the cold and snow this winter. So, I headed to one of the bike trails (same one I went to on Monday...I park in the Kohl's parking lot which is another incentive to go...ha ha!) I decided that I wanted to run 2 miles today, since I ran about 1 on Monday. Now, I am not a "runner", but I am MUCH better on my own two feet than on any kind of wheels. Thinking about getting on a bike is a scary thought for me. My sister won't let me forget the time I ~~nearly killed her~~ ran her over when I tested out her roller blades in junior high. During my run, I decided to go 2 1/2 miles, and averaged about 11 minute miles...some longer-legged folks could probably WALK that fast...and was happy with that, especially since my last half mile was into the wind (so much for "may the wind be always at my back...") I really have no clue how those contestants on The Biggest Loser ran over 13 miles last week...CRAZY!

Anyway, after I "walked it out" and stretched, I did a "little" shopping at Kohl's before heading to the "Featured Destination" (mind you, I ran past it TWICE!). There was a LONG line at the drive-thru even though it was about 1:30. I was tempted for a moment to park and go in, but only for a split second. When I got to the window, I checked the menu and did NOT see "Shamrock Shake" listed...so, I asked. The guy acted like he didn't know what I was talking about...but said "no", they didn't have any...so, I had to "settle" for an Oreo McFlurry...I KNOW "poor me" =o(

It was only a three mile drive home, but my McFlurry was gone before I got into the garage...boy was that good...although, not exactly the taste I was looking forward to (plus, I'm thinking the oreos added a few additional calories...but, I suppose, if you are going to have a dessert from McDonald's, you must not be TOO worried about things like that!)

So far, my bracket is holding up pretty well, and I am currently in third place (any help cheering on the Pittsburgh Panthers would be appreciated...ha ha!) :o) I didn't miss out on TOO much basketball during my "outing"!

I actually watched some other shows from my DVR during "dinner" which consisted of some of my other favorite foods that are not consistent with "healthy eating" (you know, chips, cheese, tortillas, salsa)...but, that's why I exercised, right?! (And, I DEFINITELY had oatmeal for breakfast so it all balances out!)

Back to work tomorrow...hopefully I'll be able to get "my" patient back from yesterday. Hopefully more progress has been made and we can work on some ways to help with communication...I really think that some sign language would work and make things less stressful for the patient and the family (and the nurses!)

Maybe I should check the OTHER location tomorrow when I get off work...just in case...2 1/2 miles (plus a mile of walking!) is enough for TWO desserts, and a dinner of carbs, cheese, and salsa, right?! (Well, when I put it that way, carbohydrates, dairy, and vegetables sounds pretty well-rounded...plus, it was MANGO salsa, so a bit of fruit as well...ha ha!)

Good night.

1 comment:

Furry Bottoms said...: I am impressed with ANYONE who can run or jog. I CANNOT. I don't know why that is, but I just CANNOT even do a briskier than brisk walk. Weak ankles, I think. But I do very well on a bike... except I haven't been on one in over 20 years! Stationary bikes don't count. I had a shamrock shake once and I LOVED IT! It somehow reminded me of those mint thin girl scout cookies! I didn't get one this year :(; 22 March, 2009 17:00

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This blog purposefully is left full name and location free out of respect to my family and to my patients/families. Due to the nature of my work, and having foster children in my home, it is important to maintain privacy and confidentiality. All photographs of patients were either given to me by the families or taken with family permission. Thank you for your understanding and support in helping me protect myself and "my people" =) If you have any questions, or want to know more about me, feel free to email me at iloveblogs44 {at} gmail {dot} com.

Who's Who

Updated September 2013

I have one sister who is married and has two boys. "A" was born June 2009 and "I" was born March 2012. We are both really close to my parents and have lots of "family dinners".

I wrote a lot about my patients when I first started this blog. Some patients are still growing and thriving, and others have lost their battles.

My first foster placements lived with me from June 2010-September 2011. They were sisters who were 15 and almost 3 when they were placed with me and are now 18 and 5. I called M "the teen" and L "the little one". They live with their mom who still has many issues, but are doing well (ok) and I still have (not enough) contact with them.

My second foster placement came to me September 6, 2012. I call her Zoe and she turned 5 in April. She has cystic fibrosis and has been a patient on my floor at the hospital. The plan is still reunification.

Ivy is a 17-year-old whose mom died just before Thanksgiving. She has a Guardian, but is unable to live with him due to some family issues. She has no other family who is willing/able to take her. She moved in with me the beginning of February. She moved to a group home at the beginning of August as her needs were too great for me with my schedule and having another child with special needs.