INAH: Maybe Dizzy

Maybe it's the still-sick-after-a-week-of-being-sick, maybe it's the news that I'm going back to 1st shift tomorrow after a day of being on 2nd (again), maybe it's the 10 hours in front of the computer while wearing polarized sunglasses, maybe it's the entire pot of coffee I drank today, maybe it's the poorly lit and poorly coned 192-to-I95 ramp-that-almost-resulted-in-a-wreck-with-a-construction-truck-tonight, maybe it's the haven't-exercised-in-three-weeks, maybe it's the too-much-to-do-before-bed-to-go-to-bed, but I'm feeling dizzy. INAH.

WORK: 2nd Shift

(I know that I've been sucking with the updating the blog. I guess it's because it's easier to post on Facebook, and there, people actually read and leave comments... oh well.)



This post is just to say that this week, I've been working 2nd shift (approx 1pm-10pm). This was supposed to be the case for the month of June, but because the equipment and software baseline aren't ready, I'll be switching back to 1st next week... and then back to 2nd until mid-July... or at least that's the plan for now.


My mind and body are confused as they try to navigate the change. I've gone to bed anywhere between 3am & 6am. I also wake up between 10am & 11am. I eat breakfast, and by the time I'm at the office, it's time for lunch, then I constantly snacking until the time I'd normally leave, and by then I've already eaten my dinner...


...so working 2nd shift, I have one huge meal... breakfast-lunch-dinner, or as I'm now calling it -- brunner. And the amazing thing is that once I get home at 11pm+, I'm just not hungry. And I know already that next week's going to be a mess.  :P

RUN: 5.16 miles @??:??, Home<-LL->Water Treatment Plant, Melbourne, FL

(reused map!)
Okay, so I know that I haven't posted in a long time. Sounds cliché, but I've really been busy... at least no real break over the weekends and during the week after work I've either got lots to do or am really tired. I won't be able to catch up with all the events, but I can say that I've been doing well in keeping my photo album site up-to-date.

Anyways, tonight...

I ran from home, up to the gym, then over to the water treatment plant, and back. There was actually light outside when I headed out - a little bright, a little windy. There were also a couple people along with sidewalk walking/jogging. It's been a peaceful after-work today.

Lately, work's been uneven (trying figure a way to handle distractions), plus I'm losing a bit of momentum with the Toastmasters -- an acquaintance sent me a spam-ish email/chain-letter railing against immigrants. The information was un-sourced and clearly propaganda. If it was cute, encouraging quotes with pictures of puppies and kittens, I would've had a problem with it. When it begins with the now-customary "no matter if you're a democrat or a republican" before proceeding to spurt bigotry and then tells you to forward it to everyone you know, then I have a problem and keep my mouth shut. May that be a warning to all. :P

So this evening's going to be a calm, easy, relaxing one -- going to cook some pasta and tomato-meat sauce, prepare a simple salad, and pop open a Bud Light Wheat while finally watching The Blind Side. I'll also wash some dishes and sort some coupons, then maybe play some new Wii games before getting to bed before midnight. That's be my ideal evening. So, I'll get to it now and may come back to post this run's sweaty ceddy pics.

G'night.

Here is the beginning of my post. And here is the rest of it.

MUSIC: "Til Summer Comes Around" by Keith Urban

I've been on a Country music kick this week -- most likely an influence of the cowboys who are still in The Amazing Race. I'm totally crushing on Cord McCoy, more so after reading an article [PDF] about his near-death incident back in 2004. He seems like a great encouragement and a really really nice guy (beyond my league), and I really wish him much well. Reading his CBS bio, it astounds me that Cord and I are the same age, and I ask myself "What have I done?" -- a bit of a somber question as I'm not really pursuing my passion, and perhaps the reason I gravitated to this somber song by Keith Urban. I find myself day-dreaming of a second chance somewhere else or maybe it's another interest to explore.

"Til Summer Comes Around"
by Keith Urban
Lyrics:

Another long summer's come and gone
I don't know why it always ends this way
The boardwalk's quiet and the carnival rides
Are as empty as my broken heart tonight

But I close my eyes and one more time
We're spinning around and you're holdin' on tightly
The words came out, I kissed your mouth
No Fourth of July has ever burned so brightly
You had to go I understand,
But you promised you'd be back again
And so I wander around this town
'Til the summer comes around

I got a job working at the old park pier
And every summer now for five long years
I grease the gears, fix the lights, tighten bolts, straighten the tracks
And I count the days 'til you just might come back

Then I close my eyes and one more time
We're spinning around and you're holdin' on tightly
The words came out, I kissed your mouth
No 4th of July has ever burned so brightly
You had to go I understand,
But you swore that you'd be back again
And so I'm frozen in this town
'Til the summer comes around
'Til it comes around

And I close my eyes and you and I
Are stuck on the Ferris wheel riding with the motion
And hand in hand we cried and laughed
Knowing that love belonged to us girl, if only for a moment
And "Baby I'll be back again," you whispered in my ear
But now the winter wind is the only sound
Yeah and everything is closing down
'Til summer comes around
'Til summer comes around, yeah
'Til it comes around and it comes around

Ooo ooo ooo ooo ooo...

And I miss you baby,
Ooo and I miss you baby

RUN: Wildlife Run (~2 miles) & CR...

When I got home form work, I started back with the sorting of pictures from last weekend. Whilst so, I watched every clip of the cowboys on CBS's TAR video page (I'm definitely rooting for Jet & Cord). And I finally made it to the gym at 9:48pm...

Anyways, looked & sounded like a good evening of vball, but I was there just to see Brad and Susan and see if they were up for anything afterwards. Both had to call it an early night, and I was prepared to go for a little run if that was the case.

I planned to run to the waste water treatment plant and back (~3 miles), but about a mile down Wickham, I came towards a car parked off to the side with its headlights on and pointed directly at something laying in the middle of the road. I ran closer, and my first thought was that it was a hit and run and that the driver was going to come after me next!... but it wasn't.

It was a friggin' Huge ALLIGATOR!!! It was on its back and still intact. When I realized this, I quickly abandoned any urge to complete the run (towards the wetlands/alligator nesting grounds) and ran back towards my car.

By the time I picked up the camera from my house and was back on Wickham, there flashing lights of police cars at the scene, and I decided to just turn back.

Now, for record, I ran with music (Savage Love) and with a Clif Shot between my teeth. I breathed hard through my nose and really opened up the air-passageways. I didn't sprint, but maintaining a steady, deliberate pace... starting slowly and ending with an "in-the-groove" feeling. Not as far as I'd prefer but felt good and was exciting.

When I got home, I decided to try out the whole "Chat Roulette" thing, and sure enough, the first video I saw was of... yeah. Next. I didn't spend much time on there because the whole thing just felt really weird. I felt instantly vulnerable and shallow at the same time -- the quick succession of images on the partner screen, evidence of the superficiality of the times. It was creepy.

Anyways, I have to get to bed. Here's tonight's sweaty Ceddy pics:

 

RUN: 7.56 miles@~1:00:00, Gym<-->Viera Blvd/I-95, Viera, FL

So many choices tonight: 1) a Toastmasters meeting, 2) a PFLAG meeting, 3) volleyball, 4) run. I had to stay late(r) tonight because I got to work late and had a TM meeting over lunch; that did help rule out the first two options. And I did get myself to the gym in time for volleyball, but decided that I needed to run since I didn't yesterday (I got my taxes done instead! Woo!).

I was first thinking about running the Stadium loop a couple of times, but I figured I'd have a hard time going back for 2nds there, plus the stretch on Lake Andrew was too familiar. I needed something more remote and... exotic, so I ran up Stadium and ended up at Viera Blvd. I wanted to get back to the gym at a good time and knew I wouldn't/shouldn't run all the way to Murrell but instead compromised and ran to I-95. I ran all the entire way with a 10-second break on the bridge to take in the scenery.

I ran in shorts and took off my tech shirt after the second mile. I didn't feel great but was persistent and managed a pretty good breathing rhythm. I got back to the Pro-Health just about one hour after I left and figured 7 1/2 miles (I'm pretty good with estimating distances). I got to gym and did some stretching as some friends were finishing up volleyball. I was just enjoying the endorphins.

Tonight, we didn't head over to Uno's but ended up talking for a while under the carport. It was nice to see Kirk and Susan again, and I'll see Brad soon enough -- this Sunday for a semi-planned venture to Florida's other coast.

Anyways, sweaty Ceddy jumping pics to follow. I'm needing a haircut tonight, then maybe some food then bed. Today was a mildly-productive but good day.

TOASTMASTERS: ACC Tall Tales Contest / RUN: 1.09+2.50 miles @??:??, Home<-sL->Gym+, Melbourne, FL

Tonight, the Advance Communicators [TM] Club held a Tall Tales Contest, the first of its kind that I've attended (or even heard of). There were eleven (11!) contestants!... nearly all of the District 84 and Division B officers. It was a great great showing and a hoot. All through the contest, I was imagining myself having to be up there giving a humorous speech. And in all honesty, I'm still intimidated getting in front of others to give a no-notes speech. Anyways, all did a good job. There were four or five who were pretty outstanding. And it was nice that I agreed with all of the placings (though, among friends, it almost seemed like the awards didn't matter). It was a nice experience, and I'm glad to have attended.

Well, the contest had started late and as mentioned, there were eleven contestants. The Tall Tales ran 3-5 minutes each, so the meeting ran just under two hours. Piccadilly Cafeteria typically closes at 8:30pm, and it was near nine when we quickly herded out. I was going to be really late for volleyball the gym, but I didn't worry so much. A nice drive home, I quickly got changed and ran out the door, shortcut to the Pro-Health.

Oh, forgot to mention that I had an entire Little Caesar's cheese pizza for lunch today. I was probably able to finish the pie because I stretched my stomach from all the sushi this past weekend (thanks Joy!). It was good though. Oh, and I also had a large Tropical Smoothie. Yeah, so I'm not remotely hungry tonight and will probably just have a small scoop of strawberry-banana frozen yogurt (and yes, the fake LC cheese did affect me tonight... *blurg/oh well*).

Getting back to the Pro-Health, I walked to the gym, saw the young kids goofing, waved to Brad, and signaled to him that I'd be upstairs running. And Good karma today. This morning I found out that I was put on a list for a Hospitality Pass (I'm staying vague on this one *wink/nod*), and tonight at the gym, I passed by the guy from work that I just light up from seeing. Small moments of happiness that's holding back the D&T urge. Don't get me wrong, I felt like I made progress at work today, which is fantastic, but I've been expecting a fall from Saturday morning's ContestMastering high. It's a short and busy week, so I may be able to fend it off... oh gosh, I veered off on another tangent. Ramble.

Again, getting back to the Pro-Health. I got in a ten laps (1 mile) -- I don't like the corners -- then spotted Brad on the 2nd floor... the kids were too much. I totally understand. So he did some weights as I put in some extra laps to hopefully accumulate my 3+ miles (I want my sticker!). The gym was closing, and we talked some more about this Sunday and Busch Gardens. I'm looking forward to a new park! (I will have to control myself). And then we just called it a night. I took the long way home. 1.09 miles on the road, 2.5 on the track. Woo!

At this moment it's just about 11:00pm. It's going to be a little longer before I select and add photos from, especially since I'll be combining posts *shrug*. Anyways, it feels good to blog. Here's tonight's sweaty Ceddy pics:

RUN: 3.95 miles @??:??, Home<-LL->Avenue+Lexus, Melbourne, FL

I know I said I'd rest today, but I just Had to run. Inspired by many a scholarship essay and the need of an escape, I'm reacquainting myself with how much of a wonderful stress-relief running is.

This morning, I was again late at work, but having stayed at work til 8:45pm last night, I was an hour ahead, so I was fine with leaving normal-time. I attended a TM club contest, and it was a mix of familiar and the unfamiliar. Feeling a bit over-whelmed, I realized that there were others there for whom such ambassador trips were more a common occasion. I needed to be out more anyway.

It was late coming home, with meeting minutes still needing to be done and sent out. But I figured if I was efficient with my run, photos, and this blogging, I could sneak another 3+ miles in (I want my sticker!). So I changed clothes and headed out equipped.

I ran with music (ipod: Top 25 Most Played [incl. "Nothing But a Miracle", "Walking On Snow", "1901", "Float On", "Need You Now", "Telephone", "Lazy Eye", and "Us"), and my attire (as will be shown below) reminded me of something a fellow SCR board member said to me at a race one time... "You'll never find a boyfriend dressed like that."

...

But I'm owning it. Plus, I'd like to find someone who'd like me despite. :)

Anyways, the run started off brisk and didn't have the benefit of a built-in break after the first 1/2 mile. I ran a little above my means but didn't stop lest a 10-second stretch after I reached The Avenue. I ran consisted throughout and even had a large-stride kick final stretch. Different from the past couple nights, I didn't really ever get my breathing down... music I was listening to was odd tempo and my pattern was off-the-beat but still somewhat regular which sustained me.

It was a good run though. Not many cars on the road, I ran down towards the Lexus as Brad suggested for last night. Plus I saw a raccoon on the sidewalk -- he gently cleared the way as I approached. If it had attacked me, that would've also been pretty cool. But he didn't.

Anyways, work was work, and I am going to miss a personal work milestone with pressures still on. Actually, this morning I was "The Calm One" in the midst of debugging a test issue. And when dealing with "to-do's" I felt like I was quite direct and able to get stuff resolved. I was a train that didn't like obstacles or distractions,... and that's probably why I was short-fused with NCAA bracket talk. (this here was my Aha moment).

One more day before the weekend. Still unknown are plans for after Saturday morning's Area Toastmasters Contest (and I need to review the script a few more times). I'd rather be able to say that I could support the afternoon contest then participate in Sunday's SCR social then go easy park-hopping with friends I haven't hung out with for over a month. I realize that I need any semblance of structure or plans in order not to go [temporarily] insane. And I know that I'm going to end up being Kid Hostage... and a somewhat willing one at that. :|

I'm sure all will turn out with an optimistic and open mind. Though I've abandoned any chance of cleaning up my house (a wreck more than usual) given no real notice. I will have it clean in a week for my little sister's visit (Baloo!).

Alright, I can't ramble too much. I have a shower to take and some minutes to knock down. Here are tonight's sweaty Ceddy pics. Enjoy.

RUN: 5.06 miles @~43:00, Home<-LL->WM 1/2+&CVS, Melbourne, FL

Good run tonight. It was chilly but I dressed warm. I ran with music -- Lady Gaga's "Telephone", Lady Antebellum's "Need You Now", and songs from Res's "Black.Girls.Rock!" album.

I haven't run much lately and only planned to run two miles, but after I got to WM, I figured that I was already out and dressed, and that the first mile was only warm-up. I hadn't run across I-95 in a long time, so I cut a new path over and went as far as CVS (Publix would've been too impersonal of a course). Turns out, I made a path just a hair over five miles.

I ran very consistently, not stopping to walk, only for traffic. I wore my older blue Asics

This Saturday, instead of the ESPN the Weekend 5K, I signed up for the Tail of the Lizard 2-Mile SCR race -- I'm supporting my club.

I'm hitting the parks tomorrow/Friday -- starting with a live taping of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" (yeah, I don't know who this is, but it seemed like a special event), followed by a visit to DHS to take a few pictures of/with [*fingers crossed*] John Anderson. Next, I'm going to visit Epcot to check out some of their Flower & Garden Festival displays (officially starts on March 3rd), see what Vancouver Olympics merchandise is offered at the Canada Pavilion, and take some more pictures of the world showcase construction projects (Mexico, China, Italy).

Saturday is the race, followed by some time at home. Then perhaps there'll be dinner and a movie at a co-worker-friend's house -- our office certainly needs the morale boost. Sunday is pretty much free. I need to pack for next weekend's D23 1-yr Celebration at WDW, which will then lead into a week-long business trip, which will be a much-needed change of pace.

Anyways, I'm glad that the weekend is started and that there seems to be more breathing room. Club-level Toastmasters contests are done (and successfully so). I could've handled a number of situations at work better, and I realize that each week is a new opportunity (life is cyclic).

As for the volleyball-ing, I opted not to go yesterday -- it has been more frustration than fun lately. By 10pm last night, I felt like I had listened to what I really needed, and that made me happy. I'll probably be taking the next couple weeks off to get back into the running. Anywho, below is my first me-pics in quite a while. Enjoy!

MUSIC: "Need You Now" by Lady Antebellum

[I love this song. The song is very structured, and the chorus is quite catching. Both lead singers do fantastic, but I find the guy's voice particularly sexy. I had to look him up, and he honestly didn't disappoint -- he looks like Ryan Reynolds and Ryan Gosling's love child. Seriously. Add to that all the longing and vulnerability in the song, and I'm recruited to Team Lady A.

Speaking of ladies... I bought this song on iTunes along with Lady Gaga's "Telephone" feat. Beyonce, and I do have to mention that I've been playing the two songs on a loop in the car, and though one's country and the other is dance, they're quite complementary (each with their intros and outros). Anyways, enjoy!]

"Need You Now"
by Lady Antebellum
Lyrics:

Picture perfect memories scattered all around the floor.
Reaching for the phone 'cuz I can't fight it anymore.
And I wonder if I ever cross your mind.
For me it happens all the time.
It's a quarter after one, I'm all alone and I need you now.
Said I wouldn't call but I lost all control and I need you now.
And I don't know how I can do without.
I just need you now.

Another shot of whiskey, can't stopping looking at the door.
Wishing you'd come sweeping in the way you did before.
And I wonder if I ever cross your mind.
For me it happens all the time.
It's a quarter after one, I'm a little drunk and I need you now.
Said I wouldn't call but I lost all control and I need you now.
And I don't know how I can do without.
I just need you now.

Oh whoa
Yes I'd rather hurt than feel nothing at all.
It's a quarter after one, I'm all alone and I need you now.
And I said I wouldn't call but I'm a little drunk
and I need you now.
Well I don't know how I can do without.
I just need you now
I just need you now.
Oh baby I need you now.

Official Music Video:

JOURNAL: Off the course.

It's 4:45pm, and I'm already home. This week at work hasn't worked out very well. And it's only Tuesday.

The week started with a confrontation with a drama princess co-worker. It was too early in the week and too early in the day to have to put up with something like that. I confronted her back. And it has been awkward since. She gets over things quickly, but I feel like a dog peed on my leg and just walked away.

And today, my goal was to implement some changes to all our systems, but there were seemingly constant resource conflicts, and my screws were coming loose, so I bailed. I left work early with the intent to go in later tonight to put in what would be half a third shift. This really is kind of ridiculous since tomorrow is one of our TM club's speech contests.

In some vent-letting yesterday, I learned of a TM member's reluctance to help the club with a simple task. I already kinda sensed waning interest in the club, but the fact that this person put up such a "I'll be helpful" front to me... makes me feel unappreciated and like the Little Red Hen.

I'm realizing more and more how difficult it is to read people, and perhaps I should just prepare myself and allow myself the mistakes I'm going to make with them. I'm just afraid that prolonged exposure to this kind of environment will turn me into a greater cynic than I already am, and that's not the type of person I want to be.

Hence, that's the reason I had to bail today. I knew that I could get more done without anyone else around. I knew that my current assignment didn't really require working with anyone else (lots of waiting for people though). And I should have acted earlier and decided earlier to adjust my schedule. Also, my days have been too busy lately, and I need some time to myself -- perhaps sometime this weekend. But right now, I need to start a Boston Butt slow-cooking, finish some minutes, and get some dinner and a couple hours sleep.

Good luck everybody.

RUN: Night around Wickham Park, Melbourne, FL

Tonight, I ran the roads around Wickham Park. I ran in sweatpants and a sweatshirt, the older Asics shoes, and with music (This American Life "Middle of the Night").

I ran slow but managed not to stop. I made a bad step with my left foot while running on the grassy side of Croton. It was cold but not too bad. I had trouble catching my breath at first; as the run went along, my breathing caught up.

The route is supposed to be 4 miles, but I figured that I ran somewhere around 25 minutes, and I totally didn't run 6-minute miles... weird. I'll have to measure and post the route another time (I'm skimping on routes and photos in order to just get entries up).
-----
This week has been National Engineering Week. I've had activities during lunchtime every day of this week (three of them being Toastmasters related). Today, I traveled down to Palm Bay for a presentation about Engineering at Disney. It was pretty fantastic. If I find my notes, I'll try to post more about it (I've got plenty of other things to catch up on).

Work has been a lot more consistent this week. I've been taking a "Bode Miller" approach to life and am "sacrificing some heart" for "more time on the podium". Also, all of the free leftover food was a big comfort.
-----
Anyways, tomorrow, I'm off to Orlando to help build ramps for the Center for Independent Living in Central Florida -- Rampage 2010! This is for my "Give a Day, Get a Disney Day" hat & pin set -- then Sunday is a Disney Day! I'm glad it's the weekend.

JOURNAL: Busy week...

...so I'll have to be lame with my blog entries. But I'm going to try anyway.

Today was unseasonably calm as compared to last week. I watched a video of an interview NBC Olympics had with US Alpine Skier Bode Miller, and it was "inspiring" (I put the word in quotes because his shared advice was more instructional than motivating). I could go into it here, but I think I need another couple days to digest.

Tonight was this month's SCR Board meeting. I had almost forgotten. It ran the entire length but did feel productive. I'm not sure where I'm going to find the time to write up the minutes. We had a couple of guests this time around looking for some suggestions for their first-time 5K event -- they left me hopeful because they seemed to be confident without being the least bit cocky; they were attentive and respectful; and I'll just say that they were charismatic. It was just nice to know that there's people like that out there.

In contrast... I got to the gym an hour past time, and I could already feel how the rest of the session would go. My team of regulars were getting frustrated with the team of goofballs that show up and constantly act the fool. I like the regulars too much to stop going to the gym. I just probably need to give up volleyball for a while and focus on getting back into running because I need that way of getting rid of frustration.

Anyways, the rest of the week is jammed-packed with lunch obligations and plans for after work... every single day. Then this Saturday is my Disney VoluntEar opportunity -- Winter Park Rampage 2010! -- which will be fun but it's still a commitment. Sunday, I'm taking off for myself -- a MUCH needed Disney Day.

And that's about it for now. Pictures are a bit too much work for my level of sanity.

G'night.

RUN: ?.? miles @??:??, MOM's<-->AnMed & Neighborhood, Anderson, SC

This weekend, I'm at my parents' house in SC, and I decided to go for my first run since the HFMC 5K three weeks ago. I ran with running tights and sweatshirt, and that was just about right. I didn't run very hard... I jogged some, walked some, and took a few pictures. And I just enjoyed being outside and healthy. I took the opportunity as the start of my getting back in shape -- I've been out of practice -- and perhaps I'll start P90X once I get back next week.

Anyways, halfway through the outing, it began to snow. How wonderful! Plus it meant that we'd skip tonight's Asian Valentine's Party and instead stay at home and catch the Opening Ceremonies of the Vancouver Winter Olympics!

I hope that everyone has a Happy Valentine's Day!

[I'll post the Sweaty Ceddy Kitchen pics when I get back home.]

JOURNAL: Tonight, I Pack

Endorphins coursing through my veins. I haven't run since the HFMC 5K (which I've been too busy to post about), but I finished my second night back of volleyball, and it was a pretty good night. I like my team, and we worked better together as the evening went along.

I know it's only Wednesday, but it's my virtual Friday, although I've been wishing for it for a couple days now -- this week at work has not been nice to me. I'm trying to re-adjust to 1st shift, to any sort of sleep schedule, and I'm still getting used to my new mattress... I can't seen to get accustomed to "proper furniture". I may just sleep on the couch tonight.

If I've learned anything these past few days is that perhaps a faulty memory is a good thing, and that if things are bothering me, perhaps I should just call it a bad day and leave it at that -- don't elaborate, don't vent, don't give it more than its due. Bad memory leads for a healthy mind.

I'm caught up on this years photos (on my fotki page) except for the first weekend at the parks and WDW Marathon weekend. I'll probably get one of those done before I leave tomorrow.

Anyways, I'm glad to be able to spend some time with MOM, playing Rummikub and watching TV (the Winter Olympics start on Friday). This should be relaxing.

JOURNAL: Fourth Day.

It's Day 4 of 2nd shift, and I'm already seeing some patterns emerging.

The most obvious thing is that I'm waking up later and later... 8:00am, 8:15am, 8:30am, and this morning 9:00am. And with early commitments (e.g. Toastmaster meetings), I have even less time to get awake and prepped. My new mattress is being delivered tomorrow, so with this morning's slim time, I went out and got a bed frame -- hoping it's the right one.

I hope to start exercising again tomorrow, then next week start making arrangements with friends to meet for lunch.

We'll see how things progress.

JOURNAL: Day 3

It's the morning before day 3 of 2nd shift. Today, I have a visit to the Beachside Broadcasters before I head into work. I then have an evening Volunteering Stand-Up [not comedy] event (also beach-side) for this weekend's Melbourne & Beaches Music Marathon, then I'll probably head back into work. Tomorrow should be a "more-typical" day.

I'd like to start back up with some exercise soon. I'm thinking that I'll start the P90X maybe this Friday. I need to do something. Sleep and other efforts seem to be alright. Contact with friends has been a bit off kilter, but this is just adjustments.

JOURNAL: 2nd Shift

Howdy All,
I know... it's been another while since I've posted. Sorry. Been busy. Will try to do better next time.

Anyways, for the month of February, I'm working the second shift during our program's software integration and testing. I'm kind of excited about this change in schedule -- partly because of the sheer novelty of it and partly because I figure that I'll get a lot more blogging done in the morning when I'm the most creative. Still, this arrangement is going to take some adjustment.

I stayed up late last night, and I did like being able to sleep in (woke up at 8:30am). I can go run errands while all of the stores are open (kinda feel like an old person or a housewife in this aspect). But I have do have to give up evening volleyball at the gym this month as well as visits to some TM clubs I'll be supporting next TM year as Area Governor.

Weekends are filling up quickly with opportunities piling up. I'm having to make choices, and I've found that it's not as simple as "first to reserve" -- I have to assign priorities and think of the future. I'm feeling a bit grown up in this aspect.

Back when 2nd shift was only an prospect, I only had trepidation over my sleep schedule... was I suppose to go directly to bed after coming home from work circa midnight? Chances were that I'd be up til at least 3am, waking up late the next morning, and cutting into my housework time.

I'm just going to see how things manage and make the necessary adjustments.

But overall, I'm excited.

:)
~Cedric

JOURNAL: Hi8us

Howdy All,
Just wanted to post that I'm going on Hi8us while other things settle down a bit. I have a lot of posts to make up for, and I do feel the pressure of that. I just need to concentrate on some other efforts. Then I'll be back.

Til then, there's plenty of words and pics in the archives. Just choose a category from the right side panel and enjoy. Thanks.
:)
~Cedric

RUN/WOG: 3.27 miles @28:05, Viera Wetlands, Viera, FL

Today, I went out for my first run since the Goofy last weekend. I figured, I was in town today, and I should run. It was very windy outside (couldn't listen to the iPod). It was also mildly chilly, so I was coughing, otherwise nice weather. I basically ran an outer loop and an inner loop. I was just dehydrated from drinking so much coffee this morning. I visited a friend who was in town. We had breakfunch at Grills Seafood Restaurant in Port/Cape Canaveral.

Yesterday, I had Toastmasters Training in Orlando, then went to the teahouse for dinner, visited the pugs at Pom's, then drove back up to the Enzian to catch the mid-showing of A Single Man.

Friday, I had a park day -- primarily to use up a DisneyQuest ticket. I went to DHS beforehand -- busy at first then crowds Really lightened up. Afterwards, I visited MK to take pictures of the drained moat around Cinderella's Castle. I also rode Carousel of Progress with the guy who was riding it for 11hrs that day to celebrate its 35th anniversary (got my picture taken with him!). Asides, I rode the WDW Railroad and Big Thunder... that's it. I did watch fireworks from the Joe Potter, and again my camera batteries retracted just as the final burst of fireworks were being shot off.

Anyways, the run today was fine. I stopped by Target afterwards to pick up some water and oranges... then ended up buying lunch/dinner (summer salad and potato wedges) and a lot of frozen foods (mostly some variation of french fries). Now, I'm going to take a shower then perhaps head into the office for a few hours. In addition, I have a couple emails to send out and a speech to prepare... canned... fun... (not sure if that's sarcasm). Busy busy busy.

I'll put up pics at some other point in the future. I don't want to procrastinate this post.