Not so bad

Yesterday I was awash with emotions about being lonely, not having friends, and being a loser in general because I didn't have anything planned to do with my three day vacation. There was a while that I was so anxious that I considered seeing a doc to get back on some anti-anxiety drugs. But, Um... I think I am over it. I am starting to like not having a schedule planned out by necessity (and I HATE that word).

I got an interesting email today from a guy named alexander. Right off the bat, a hint of where he is writing from. Yes, Russia. This is what he said:

Dear Jennifer,

Thank you for applying to work for English First in Russia.

We have read your details with interest and would like to take the process further.

We currently have vacancies in our schools located in Moscow.

Could you please send us your CV and scanned copies of your qualifications?

Could also complete the Teacher Candidate Details form?

Find attached the FAQ document which will hopefully answer any questions you may have.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Regards,

Alexander.

The double spacing makes me think that it got all scrambled on its journey half way around the world, and those extra spaces got thrown in when it was put back together. Also...what the hell!? They want me? Russia wants me. I don't have a CV written, I don't know what papers I would have detailing my qualifications, but I did fill out the attached Teacher Candidate Details form. The other stuff with give me something to do on Tuesday and Wednesday when 'it all becomes too much for me to handle'. I am sure I will think that exact quote sometime soon.

I got my very expensive hair done today too. I am not sure if anyone will be able to tell that it is 'different'. But I really like it. Pic!
I really have no excuse for the sexpot face. Live with it. Tell me what you think, though.

I have had a few questions about what 'Diva Dash' means. It's a 5K race on July 13th that I will be participating in here in Madison. You, and everyone you know is welcome to attend, but you must cheer for me, and not point and laugh. Those are my requirements. Here's the official info: Diva Dash

A running saga

Running was my ultimate least favorite thing to do when I was younger. I would have rather lost an arm than run the mile in gym class. That whole day (the 'mile' day) was completely ruined. I ended up with a headache from over-exertion, I was completely sweaty for the rest of the day (hey, nobody showered), but I was overjoyed that, because it was over, it meant one less time that I would ever have to run it again.

Turn the clock ahead 4 years. I became friends with someone I shall name.....Rita. Rita used to run in cross country and track in high school and loved it. The thought of such a thing just made me wince when she would talk about it. When I first started to hang out with her, she was preparing herself for an impending knee surgery (the cause of which was incredibly shocking) but didn't want to quit running for enjoyment. Shudder. A while after the surgery, we started running together, she played the role of invalid, whilst I made a splendid lardass. We started out at running 2 minutes, walking 8 for thirty minutes total. Each week we added a minute to the run for each segment, until we finally ran for a full thirty minutes. Granted, we only did the thirty minute run once. But still. It was like 2.4 miles.

Today I pretend to like running. I believe myself wholeheartedly after I am done running, or while I am telling people how far I ran today. I am not sure if I actually like it while I am doing it though. It's like.... cleaning your really dirty bathroom. Or donating to a charity. You really don't want to do it at the time, but you know it is the 'right' thing to do and you will feel better afterwards. It's pretty much exactly as the saying, 'Like pulling teeth'.

Hopefully I can change this sentiment. Motivation for post-running euphoria doesn't last too much while actually running.

Bubbles: The great equalizer

Can you imagine being paid $8.40 an hour to play with bubbles? In sunshiny, 70 degree weather with elementary school kids? That's what I got to do today. Bubbles are great. I had forgotten that truth until today. They are iridescent, clear, flying orbs that tingle on your face when you pop them with your nose. ahhh. They also taste like poo. horrible. Anyway, for the hour or so I was outside, everyone and their grandma spent time remarking about the bubbles, or running around popping them, or crying cause I wouldn't let them play with them. (HEY! It's not my rule. If they got hurt....somehow.... blowing bubbles....yeah. Well, we could be sued if the impossible happened)

I ran tonight as well. It felt very very good today. And! I beat my last recorded mile and half time by a minute and thirty seconds! Ok, so I just looked it up and it was only a mile and a third. BUT, I still beat my best by that much, cause it was the same route I was one before. Woo.

I think I am going to cave and make the 'speech' on Sunday. After thinking about it for 24 hours, I think I could handle it. Sigh. Why can't i just wait to make big deals out of things? Guess I just need a day to think things through.

Run Log

For my own sake more than yours, I am going to keep a running log on here, to track my progress through my "First Steps to 5K" class. I understand that I am out of shape, and that all of you could probably run further, faster and with more grace. I know this, but I am working on it.

Week 1:
Wednesday 4/23 - first group run, warm and sunny outside, ran 1 mile in 11:30
Thursday 4/24 - Ran alone, raining, cold. 1 mile in 11:50
Saturday 4/25 - Missed am group run, ran alone, sunny and cool, windy. 1.5 miles in 17:39