1st 1/2

Well.....I've been dreaming about it. (Not literally, lol)
But yeah, it's been a "want to do" thing. A bucket list item since I started running. Ok, maybe not right when I started running, but sometime after I graduated to running 10k. Because when I started, I would have never imagined that I would have continued with it to even run a 10k let alone think about a Half Marathon.
I last said it here: Running Season Over
Now, it'll be reality....thanks to my friend Catie who is very convincing. hahaha

We have officially registered to do our 1st 1/2 Marathon!!!  Woo Hoo!! I am scared!! lol But, I did it.

2013 Island Girl Half Marathon - Toronto Island

Furman wont be able to run with me because it's a Woman's run. But the best person to be with other than Furman is definitely Catie. My partner in crime. We ran our very first 5k together in 2010! 

                                             

Then, we tried something different and ran our first Spartan Sprint together with Furman in 2012.
We Are Spartan and Becoming A Spartan. Oh, and lets not forget Mud Heros.

                                         

Now, we are going BIG, or going home! lol  

Ok....maybe not THAT big...but BIG for us!! 13.1miles=21.08kms. (Half Marathon)

Exciting and scary. 

Catie has got a busy summer with several runs and obstacle races planned. I haven't officially committed to as many since we weren't sure what kind of issues we might run into, with Furman now employed and having to work occasional Saturdays. But, we've got the Walk for Kids this coming weekend. Then, we've got The Chocolate Race next weekend for Mother's Day. Following that, I plan to join Catie in running her first 10k at the Running4Home 10k race. (I still haven't registered but will get right to it. I'll need the practice for the 1/2 that I've definitely registered for) So I find it funny that Catie hasn't officially ran her first 10k yet, but she has registered and is all gung ho to do the 1/2. Gotta love Catie! Smh Other than my husband, she is such an inspiration and promises that we will do this together, just like our first race. 

Yeah, our first 5k was kind of funny. I remember feeling tired and begging her to please go ahead without me because I didn't want to hold her back! Nope, not Catie....she stuck with me and we finished our first race together. It wasn't about the time, it was about the finish. Then, future races became about the time because you know the running didn't stop there. lol

So yeah....I know that I really have to kick my training into high gear. I was training for the 5k using my 10k program Personal Running Trainer and as of today I've started my Half Marathon program. It's ok if it's not till September...trust me, I will need all the training and conditioning I can get. Perhaps I will get in on some of the other races that Catie is doing with or without Furman. We'll see. One thing at a time. It'll cost me more for registration since I didn't take advantage of early bird prices. But oh well, if I can, I still just might do them and Furman will have to miss out.

Catie and I have shared many milestones together. In fact, this week is our 15 year anniversary with our employer. We started working for the company at the same time for the same office and then went our separate ways, but have always kept in touch on and off the job.

15! Damn...i'm feeling old! lol For an anniversary gift, the company is giving me a beautiful Guess watch. I chose it actually. Something a little different than the one I have already. lol

Anyways, thank goodness I have my husband to encourage me and kick me in the butt with my training. Hopefully we will be able to run the distance together soon, in training for my run. After all, he's already been at the Marathon level for years. lol An actual Marathon....26.2miles.....yeah, not even a thought! Trust me on that one. Ask me again after I conquer the half. hahaha

Thanks to my dear friend Catie for being such an inspiration and encouraging me to do something i'm not even sure i'll be ready for. hahaha Don't mind me...I'll be ready! I'll make sure of it.
And Thanks to my wonderful husband Furman for always being supportive of my adventures, even when i'm crazy!

Second Class

Monday night I attended my second class at Spinbuddies Pole Studio.
INSPIRED To Dance

This time, I learned how to do the Ballerina move.

Here is a YouTube clip of the owner, Rose Hen, demonstrating. She will be my Thursday evening teacher.

I was in great workout pain too. Whereas last Monday, it took a couple of days to feel sore after starting our first class learning these...

                                  

Not this time. Same night my calves were very sore and I had pole burn on the back of my thighs. Arms were sore too of course, because with all pole moves you want to raise yourself as high up as you can on the pole. I'm feeling ok today though. Oh, and we did review and practice the very first move we learned last week in our first class...The Firechic.

                                           

So yes, I am definitely getting a workout and getting a sweat. Thank goodness I had a few days after my Monday evening class to recover before I start my Thursday evening classes this week. lol I still went for my run on Tuesday though...have to stay on my mission. As I mentioned before, Thursday evenings will be at a different location, with a different teacher - the boss. It will basically cover much of the same stuff that I am already learning on Monday night, so i'll have more practice. But, with Rose knowing that I already attend Monday evenings, I am sure that she will monitor my progress and throw in some extra stuff when she sees fit. Looking forward to it.

I found this awesome Pole Dance Dictionary of Moves online (interesting stuff) that helps to demonstrate exactly what I am and will be learning (probably not all) as well, complete with a short video demonstration of how to do it. So, i'll make sure to use this as a reference when sharing also. Check out the links for the demo.

Fireman  (we called Firechic)

Spinner Variation (we called Ballerina)

Don't worry, one day soon i'll have photos or video of myself on the pole. Just let me get to the point worth sharing first. hahaha I'm not trying to do a what not to do video of me falling on my head. That being said, you should have seen my daughters reaction when she learned that my dance classes were actually pole dancing classes. Bahahahaha  Too funny! Now THAT would have been a moment worth capturing on film. Oh well.

Oh....and for those interested, Spinbuddies is also offering Zumba and Hip Hop Dance classes. Imagine that!
I'll have to leave any ideas of that alone for now,...my focus is on the pole!

Anyways, Happy Hump Day!

Moms Prize

Well, it's been several days since I've blogged. Think this is the longest I've gone without.
So, let me get you updated.

All has gone absolutely wonderful FINALLY in my war with those that be, to get what my mother deserves - A new kitchen. Above Some Heads For Mom

After Mission NOT Impossible, I received a response from the President of Housing (his assistant actually), that let me know they take my concerns seriously and will be investigating. lol They even gave me a reference number for follow up. In the meantime, I think I've won the battle without the President's help. I could be wrong, but I don't think the President had any influence in my win. Just sayin! Before receiving his response, I had already moved forward in the battle and had sent him an update on what I did, who I contacted. But then again, his letter back to me was dated two days after I sent it to him. So, who knows if he made some calls that helped. Either way, this war is almost over. Housing has thrown up the white flag. As a result, the mold that had been growing in moms kitchen had been properly remediated by Tuesday. You know I had to take some photos! This is what it looks like now while we await the installation of her new kitchen cupboards that are on order. Behind the tarp is obviously where the mold had been festering. Not anymore. Big Smile!

We are told that the new cupboards that were ordered should arrive within two weeks, which is perfectly fine. My mom doesn't cook a whole lot but that might change with a new kitchen. lol I'm looking forward to it. As you can see from the photos, they also tore up her kitchen floor. That means that with her new cupboards they will be installing new floor tiling also. Oh, and to top it off, they've supposedly thrown in an entire apartment paint job along with some other minor fixes. No lie! When it's done, we'll hang some new wall photos and get her apartment looking stellar. Exciting for mom indeed. After all, she said she wasn't moving into a new apartment but wanted hers fixed. I helped get that for her and I am soo happy. You have no clue how long I have been trying to make this happen. Many many years ago I had started this fight, but had to give up because of mom's health. This time, I had something to work with....results! Mom has been in good mental health for almost two years now. I just thank the team of people that we have been working with that have been helping mom stay on top. Of course, thank Mom for doing what she is supposed to do without as much fight as she used to. lol

Anyways, I'll save the before and after photos for when all is said and done. Now THAT will be a celebration!
                                                     

Well, now that the weekend is over it's time to get back to the grind.
And awe yes....it's Monday. For the next 5 weeks i'll be INSPIRED To Dance.
Looking forward to my class tonight and on Thursday. Not quite ready to show Furman my skills like this lady - obviously, I just started. hahahaha And when I am, I certainly wont be installing a pole in my living room. I'll let Furman do it. jk jk

I'm also still training for The Chocolate Race. Few more weeks away. My daughter hasn't been training although she promised she is going to run. lol This will be interesting. Banking on youth again? Maybe she didn't learn the first time. We'll see.

All is well with Furman and his new job. Actually, he took his co-workers cupcakes again this morning. He made a pineapple coconut - Pina Colada. Something like that. Boy oh boy, spoiled or what? lol You know they are loving him! I haven't tasted yet but I certainly got one in my lunch bag.

Oh....and Furman finally got his OHIP card this week too. Word On The Forum-OHIP It's all over!! It's official. My husband has Canadian Health Care. Now, to make him an appointment so that he can get a physical. After all, we aren't getting any younger ya know! Things are starting to creak. jk jk

Anyways....here's wishing everyone an awesome spring week. Thank God the weather is getting much warmer. Just can't wait for SUMMERTIME!

INSPIRED! To Dance

Pole Dance!
ROFLMAO.......Me!!

                                         

This girl is GOOOOOD!!

Seriously!.....ok, stop laughing! It wasn't that funny.

When I started blogging last year I came across another blog where a young lady in Australia was sharing about her experiences learning to Pole Dance. Lol Baybeetea-Pole Practice I read a few of her posts and browsed through some of her photos. I have to admit, I was interested. Curious to say the least. Lol Just figured I was too old to be doing something like pole dancing. Haha

Anyways, over the weekend when I was skimming through my Facebook newsfeed , I noticed that someone on my friends list had "liked" a place called Spinbuddies . Well, THAT caught my attention. So I looked into it further. Eventually, I sent an email for more information. It was close to home. Yup, I was that serious. I was actually considering this. In fact, when I mentioned my interest to Furman, he thought it was a great idea and was very supportive. Imagine that! Lol So now, I was even more interested. When I got a response to my email with pricing, I dug further for class times. I was getting excited. I'm going to do this! The website indicated that there were classes starting the first week of May. Hmmm? That might give me some time to work on some upper body strength? Yeah right! After all, I've been running to get ready for The Chocolate Race next month. Trying to get in shape. Think Spinbuddies might be another fun way to do it.

Well, yesterday I was offered a spot in a 7pm class. Oh, but one thing..... "Classes start tonight!" Bahaha I sent Furman a text message and after his response, it was a done deal! It didn't make sense to try out a class when I already knew that I was interested in doing it. After all, it's all about the experience, the stories, and the people you get to meet. Oh, and the workout! lol Sooo....I rushed home after work to get my shorts and a tank top and head over to the home studio.

Wow! What a beautiful place! A beautiful studio in the basement of her beautiful home. (Check out the website I listed above for photos and other info) It had about 10 poles in a room surrounded by mirrors. Absolutely beautiful. Class was an hour and the cost was $129 for 6 sessions. Seemed reasonable to me. Furman agreed. It was a good class too. I definitely busted a sweat. lol They say you lose about 400 calories doing this stuff. That's just fine with me. We learned some basics and were promised to be sore for the next fews days. Otherwise, we were told she didn't do a good job. Me...I bruise easy...so I'm confident that I will have those.
Class started with a warm up, then we learned a few pole moves with some practice, and then a cool down which included some stretches that Furman previously taught me. Clearly, i'll need to do much more of those. Will only help with my pole dancing. lol I was spinning around a pole. No lie! In my wildest dreams maybe (lol), but now, in reality. Of course, without dollars being thrown at me! It's all about the exercise! Have you not seen the things people can do on a pole? That's why I shared the video above. Crazy! Had such a great time, even though I got pole burn, that I decided to take a deal that was offered. Spinbuddies was opening another studio at another location that was kind of on the way home from work and only slightly out of the way. It was offered to those already registered....that if we wanted to also take the Thursday classes that will start next week (when the new studio opens), that we'd get them for half price. That's still not even close to all the money I used to spend on my daughters baton classes. lol I didn't even have to text Furman. I jumped at the opportunity to do something different for myself. So...I'm all set for the next 6 weeks or so with pole dancing classes twice a week. lol I'll be an expert in no time!! Ok...maybe not quite...but i'll certainly be better than when I started. haha Not that i'll need the skill for any employment opportunities!! I'm just sayin! But hopefully i'll start building some beautiful muscle tone while i'm having a bit of fun and making new friends. The people there are really nice. And no....it wasn't just young girls doing it! I fit in. lol

Anyways...I just thought I would share my new adventure. I thought you'd get a kick out of what I was upto. I know some people think I'm crazy already....so i'm rollin with it! lol Hey, I made sure not to book my Wednesday evenings. Even though Furman's new office hours interfere with his attendance, i'll still be going to our Marrieds Classes at church. lol I can just fill him in on what he misses. That's all. Borrow videos or something. No biggie! Besides, Furman threatened me that if I booked the Wednesday he'd be happy to tell them what I skipped class to do. hahahaha jk jk I WOULD NEVER!!

Thanks for inspiring me Baybeetea. I'm doin' it!
Thanks to my most awesome husband for being supportive and encouraging while I get my sexy on! lol
Love you Furman!

Mission NOT Impossible!

I've been waging a war for my mother AGAIN, over the last week.
I can write about it now because we are no longer in the middle of combat. lol
The white flag has been waved...by the other party.


In actual fact, the battle started a long time ago...Above Some Heads For Mom.......it's just been a slow one....till last week. As of last week, enough was enough.
What changed?
Well, my mother had a leak in her kitchen several weeks ago that was no fault of her own. This stuff happens in buildings sometimes, especially old ones. She reported the leak over a weekend a few weeks back, they brought her a mop......which left several days for the leak to do it's damage. And that, it did. Once the building repaired the problem, they didn't check with tenants affected to see if there was damage that needed to be repaired. Soooo....Mom ended up with a very serious issue....BLACK MOLD. Looked and smelled like it to me!

After going above some heads previously, my mother was promised further action to not just repair her kitchen cupboards, but to completely replace and give her a new kitchen. It was supposed to have been done by the end of the year. Called them in January because clearly nothing was done. They advised me that funding had been approved and that the work just needed to be scheduled. I was asked to wait patiently for 3 more months. Well here we are in month 4 with no word on her new kitchen. At least that is until shit hit the fan mold hit the cupboards! lol 

With my camera I went. I wasn't going to ask nicely anymore. I contacted the office last Monday, and was told I would get a call back for which I am still waiting for a week later. By Tuesday evening, I started my letter writing campaign! Oh, and put in a call to 3-1-1 again. By Wednesday I was on the phone with someone from the Municipal Licensing and Standards Committee. They agreed to pay a visit to inspect my mother's apartment..and had a camera too. By Thursday I was on the phone with a Public Health Inspector. She made a visit to do her own inspection on Friday, after getting the photos taken by the guy from Licensing and Standards via email. Hey...I have pictures too? I guess nobody wanted to see mine! lol I even took video. All (pictures and video), I included when I sent my letter off on Tuesday. So, Friday I was at Mom's apartment meeting with the Public Health Inspector and a few others during my lunch break. She shook her head as she took her photos and vowed to make several calls to get some action for my mother. She was going to ORDER resolution! Oh, and THAT she did. It helped that she was the same inspector that did the visit last year. lol By Friday afternoon, I had a call from somebody who was able to do something (a higher manager in housing)....with a plan and a meeting scheduled. Probably only because he was ORDERED. haha

                                     

Here we are....Monday, bright and early before work and I was at Mom's house to meet with some higher level Housing managers than what I had originally been dealing with. Oh...and they came with people from an Environmental Clean Up Company, Coast to Coast Environmental. Yeah...those guys knew my Mom's apartment was bad. Not sure who these housing people were trying to fool. They weren't fooling me! Several of the men this morning pulled out their own camera's and explained what they would need to do to remediate the mold issue. As they confirmed, it needed more work than the "mold spray" the building wanting to use. Smh.  My fight....if you have to remove the old cupboards in order to remediate the mold, then why put the old cupboards back up when her apartment has already been approved for new cupboards since last year? The two Housing managers duked it out, in a matter of speaking. Luckily, the one on our side won. "Let's install the new cabinetry!" Oh man, music to my ears!! I won!

So....as I left the apartment to get to work with a big smile, the workers started their remediation of the mold. Immediately! Hazmat suits and all. Yet....a lady in the office of my mothers building had the nerve to comment that my mother's house was "Liveable!" The nerve! I'm sure she wouldn't want her parent in there.

While this is a great news story for my mother...it's a sad news story because we have to realize that there are so many other people out there that don't even have advocates. I can't help but wonder about those seniors who have children that don't seem to give a damn. Those with no children. Others that are mentally ill and are unmanageable by their families. There are so many different situations in which it seems that people completely take advantage of others and show that they really just don't care. It's all about the money. Companies want to save a buck at the expense of the health and safety of others. Smh. I'm just happy that I've always done my best to be there for my mom, even when she wasn't well. Those were horrible days, but I got through it....and it just makes the fights of today that much more worth it. Never give up!

God is good all the time, and all the time God is good.

Mission NOT Impossible. Nothing is impossible for God!

Oh....and my ladies prayer group and I prayed about this meeting on Saturday, among other things. So, i'm not surprised that God again heard and answered prayers.

Now....to follow up on their work and the final completion of her new kitchen that should take a few weeks. They even offered her the option to move into a brand new apartment. Imagine that! Oh...but you know how seniors are comfortable with their surroundings. Mom wasn't having that. So...fixing up her apartment it is!