tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14503615724242408332024-03-13T01:38:03.763-07:00A Case of the Runsmy musings since 2006Julie Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05695544893811029409noreply@blogger.comBlogger979125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1450361572424240833.post-9008741439694033572019-12-16T14:43:00.004-08:002019-12-16T14:43:57.933-08:00Ten Lessons Learned in the 2010s"2010s" sounds very strange, by the way.<br />
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As 2019 is coming to a close, I am both amazed at how quickly this year has gone by and also how much life has changed in the past decade. Yes, I keep having to remind myself that we are, indeed, ending a <i>decade</i>!<br />
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I felt my spirit go back in time as I was re-reading my own <a href="http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/2009/12/last-entry-of-2009.html">2009 "wrap-up post"</a>. I was in school and still living at home at the time, and I guess I envisioned that "...come next decade... I will be in my mid-thirties, possibly 'married with children." And here we are. I have two beautiful children who have wholly amazed me, and I have been constantly working on maturing myself into the mother and partner that I want to be.<br />
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This is going to be one of those years where I won't be making lists of goals, because I'm very happy with most areas of my life and don't feel like I need to re-focus on them... for now. As I just said, I am working on managing myself within my life's roles and am content with the progress. Fitness-wise, I have settled into a moderate and regular routine that fits in with my current life. The past me would be dissatisfied that I'm not out there doing more, but now I feel that I don't have anything to prove to anyone. I'm happy with my current fitness level even if I have nothing to "show" for it. I'm pretty comfortable in my skin right now, so I also don't have any weight-loss goals. My career, on the other hand, is way behind where I wanted to be at this point, and while I hope that 2020 comes with more opportunities, I have competing priorities that make it difficult for me to make a plan to improve things. <br />
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So I thought I'd wrap things up with another type of list, one that I hope in another 10 years, will make me smile and feel transported back to when I was in the thick of the early parenthood years.<br />
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<b><u>Ten Lessons Learned in the 2010s</u></b><br />
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1. Speaking up doesn't mean people will dislike you, as long as you aren't being rude about it (and since this is 2019, <i>extremely </i>tactful, too.) Some people might get defensive, but that has nothing to do with you.<br />
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2. Things like sleeping, staying home, and having an empty calendar are treasures.<br />
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3. Bodies are amazing. As much as I used to berate mine for not running fast enough, not cramping mid-race, and for not being "thin enough," I have full respect for it now. It created and fed two humans, recovered from a <a href="http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/2014/11/our-baby-arrival.html">C-section</a> and the <a href="http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/2018/03/another-birth-story.html">second birth</a>, and went on with itself as the vessel through which I live life. Not everything is the same, but nonetheless, it carries me through the day, and I'm grateful for that. I'm not sure how many more decades I'll be able to say that.<br />
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4. Achievements are relative. I put myself fully into getting that doctorate, thinking it would "set" me for life. However, since then, I have realized that I probably should have spent my time focusing on other things that might have set me up better, or even things that would have made me happier, even if short-lived. Also, my greatest accomplishment was not that diploma -- it is my two babies. <br />
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5. Things that are touted to be "healthy" may not be healthy at all. At the beginning of the decade, I was all aboard the "oatmeal every morning" and "meat is bad for you" train. Since the science on this is always changing, I won't go into specifics, but back when I was doing all the "healthy living" stuff, I was probably not very healthy at all.<br />
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6. Live your own life, If you're not included in something, it might not mean anything, or if it means something, it just isn't worth the fuss.<br />
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7. Rats will chew almost anything.<br />
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8. Complaining does not make things go away. What makes things go away is a combination of actions and time. Complaining takes up valuable energy and mental space.<br />
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9. Things are not the same as they used to be, and that's completely fine/normal/good/expected.<br />
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10. Whatever you do for fun, enjoy it. When it no longer becomes enjoyable, stop. You can put so much energy into something you don't enjoy in order to garner a very disappointing amount of attention<br />
<br />Julie Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05695544893811029409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1450361572424240833.post-59250456393302529082019-09-06T09:56:00.001-07:002019-09-06T09:56:30.187-07:00The Return of My Favorite ThingsOver the years, I've learned a lot about website optimization, SEO, and all the things I should have been doing with my blog to increase its hits. Also during that time, I've encountered many blogs that are "well-optimized," and boy, do they feel impersonal. So that means, I'm just going to carry on however I want (it's not like I'm making any money here [anymore -- yet??])!<br />
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I'm going to review a few things, not because I was sent anything (though I'm still happy to do that -- <a href="https://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/p/about.html">contact me</a>!), but because these are things that I use, and if you are so inclined, so should you!<br />
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I will probably be adding more reviews here, since, let's be honest, they are what bring hits to the blog, and I want people to come and read so I don't feel like I'm writing to a cyber vortex!</div>
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<b>Invisibobble Hair Tie</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuURw4h4tXIvENVZO84B-faV3_tuEFNC5V7BBnzDAgI3haXb9oeOrAvTv0WTMZsE3g4CBbdLNZcqW8IEEbi70yvjW6py9y_yqNx_lnl9UBBNZAmJ0AQZ1QqYqhl9NoHd6WwaWB6HhU0V8/s1600/IMG_5443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuURw4h4tXIvENVZO84B-faV3_tuEFNC5V7BBnzDAgI3haXb9oeOrAvTv0WTMZsE3g4CBbdLNZcqW8IEEbi70yvjW6py9y_yqNx_lnl9UBBNZAmJ0AQZ1QqYqhl9NoHd6WwaWB6HhU0V8/s320/IMG_5443.JPG" width="240" /></a>I have been using this for close to two years now, first tipped-off by a video by one of my favorite YouTube creators, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCecyOxHZpL3yfNFaUz2W_Ow">FrmHeadtoToe</a>. This band supposedly decreases hair bumps that you get from tying your hair, and for someone who has to keep hair out of the way from a grabby baby who also tries to put her hair down at work, I can say this really does work. The only time I get bad bump-age is when I have it on too tightly or if I sleep in it, which are both examples of what I'm going to call user error.<br />
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Pro-Tip: It will stretch out over time. When this happens, I will either soak it in boiling water or leave it in a hot car (thanks, SoCal!). I have heard you can put the blow dryer to it, but I rarely ever have that thing out. In this picture, I have it wrapped around my Pokeball so it would stay round!</div>
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<b>Apple Watch</b> (Series 2) - previous review linked <a href="https://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/2016/11/preliminary-review-of-nike-apple-watch.html">here</a></div>
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I still have my gift to myself from 2016, though I have to say that it's laggggging. It probably does this on purpose so that I will upgrade. I have been considering this, but I'm trying to be financially responsible. I'll probably wait until I see a great promotion or it's my birthday/holiday/etc. Whar series it current -- 3? 4?</div>
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I mostly just use it as, well, a watch, and also to get pinged when messages or calls come through. I do appreciate the Activity Tracker, though I don't usually wear this during workouts anymore so it's not being accurate about my activity levels, which I'm fine with. It does give me a little reminder to keep up and walking! It would be nice to take calls on it without my phone around, though, which is something that the new ones claim to do...</div>
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<b>Bluephonic Wireless Headphones</b></div>
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I have gone through a couple of wireless headphones (one is reviewed here, the other was just so bad, I won't even go into it). I had trouble connecting the <a href="https://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/2017/06/review-jabra-elite-sport.html">Jabra </a>after a while, unfortunately. I didn't want to splurge on AirPods, so I spent $29.99 on this one from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/">Amazon</a>, and it's great! It doesn't come with a billion little ear pieces. It stays in my ears, was fairly easy to connect, and has great sound. I've had it for about a month, mostly using it for quiet indoor workouts when everyone is still asleep, but I've run with it quite a few times, too. I don't miss catching my cord with my arm and whacking my phone to the ground while running!<br />
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FTC Disclaimer: I purchased these items on my own and was not compensated to provide any particular opinion on them.</div>
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Julie Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05695544893811029409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1450361572424240833.post-7000377868632863382019-09-03T12:12:00.002-07:002019-09-03T12:12:40.542-07:00Things I Can't Believe I Used to DoWhen I started this blog, I was in my early 20s, and very often, it feels more recent in memory than it actually is. Sometimes, however, it feels like another lifetime ago, and I feel so much older nowadays.<br />
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I'm approaching my mid-30s now. I think I'm actually starting to <i>look </i>older, in my face, or maybe it's just that I am not nearly as well rested. I would post pictures, but I honestly haven't taken pictures of myself in a long time. The camera is always on others, and I'm not good about whipping it out in the first place. My clothing choices are far from what they probably should be, and self-photos take so much effort! Finally, I am admittedly body-conscious since I had my second child, which I alluded to in my last post. Although I am trying to take charge of this, there are some things I'm not sure more workouts or cleaner diets will address.<br />
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Anyway, as I am going back and cleaning up my old posts' broken links due to my past sloppiness, I find myself in awe of past me.<br />
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With no judgement whatsoever on anyone who does these things, I can't believe I used to...<br />
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<ul>
<li>...be able to run for hours and then go about my day</li>
<li>...be so hard on myself for not making a certain time in a race... so much so that I majorly discounted the pure achievement of getting out there and finishing in a decent amount of time</li>
<li>...pay who knows how much in race registration fees and associated accommodations (of course, this is like spending on any hobby one may have, so again, I am not placing morality on this, but it's a different lifestyle now for sure!)</li>
<li>...make desserts out of beans, thinking it was super healthy</li>
<li>...eat vegetarian/vegan and think it was super healthy (and it can be, but my version was pretty carb-y)</li>
<li>...ever feel unhappy about my body, because I'd be pretty stoked with what I had, now!</li>
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I love the fact that I've gone through so many journeys but am, in many ways, the same person that started this blog. I am glad that although I've lost some parts of my old life, I am building new ones -- besides the family, I am continually working on things like my crafting, creativity, and my self-control. Maybe in another decade or so, I'll look back at my "days with young kids" and be in disbelief and awe of my current state of things, too.</div>
Julie Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05695544893811029409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1450361572424240833.post-37999874192086365412019-08-29T11:23:00.001-07:002019-08-30T06:57:15.541-07:00August 2019 UpdateI was doing a little research on the differences between HTML4 and HTML5 for a potential gig and suddenly realized that I missed blogging, so here I am. Waaaay back in the day, I used to code my own blog, which isn't hard to do, but I got lazy -- thus, I moved to <a href="http://www.blogger.com/">Blogger</a>.<br />
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<b>Some housekeeping </b></div>
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I let my domain name (http://www.acaseoftheruns.com) lapse, though I think it's still on hold for me, so if you're here, you can see we are now at <a href="http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/">http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com</a>. I am not sure if I will restore it, or get a new one at some point... it's just that I didn't want to throw money into something I wasn't using.</div>
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I've given the blog a little refresh, so older posts may not appear correctly. I don't have any plans to take care of all of those at once, but if something is bothering you, you can contact me directly, and I'll try to address it.</div>
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<b>Some life updates</b></div>
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Kid 1 (previously known as Baby Tuesday) just started elementary school. He was born in November, so he has to go to "Transitional" Kindergarten, but it's still subject to all the new routines of the new school year. So far, he's enjoying the structure more than I expected, though on the downside, he's been waking up at night or too early in the morning. Parenting is exhausting.</div>
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Kid 2 is 18 months and is NOT waking up at night or early. If you told me this would happen 6 months ago, I would have thought you were pulling my chain, as I was up 3+ times a night before then. She is starting to say a lot and understands pretty much everything. She loves to do things that I think are not age-appropriate, like color and do puzzle after puzzle. She LOVES books, much like her older brother. </div>
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As for me, I'm finally starting to feel like a human again after having Kid 2, most likely because I'm not waking up as much at night and not growing/feeding another human with my own body. Therefore, I've been working out consistently again even though it's nothing to boast about -- 20-30 minutes a day. It's still painful for me to wake up early, so this is about as much as I'm willing to do right now, and the rest of the day isn't really an option for me.</div>
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Among my morning favorites are:</div>
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<li><a href="http://www.blogilates.com/" target="_blank">Blogilates</a> videos</li>
<li><a href="https://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/search/label/t25" target="_blank">T-25</a>: I currently do a mix of Alpha, Beta, and Gamma videos... maybe I'll elaborate on these</li>
<li><a href="http://www.fitnessblender.com/" target="_blank">FitnessBlender</a>: "The Ukrainian" and I just got <a href="http://www.powerblocks.com/" target="_blank">PowerBlocks</a>, and I'm SO excited to do more weight training, and FB is an excellent resource for that</li>
<li>Running: Yes, I have slowly been ramping up again, though in general I will only do 1-3 miles as time allows</li>
<li><a href="http://www.trx.com/" target="_blank">TRX</a>: I need to do more of this, but the only door I can use the suspend the thing is not in a convenient place</li>
<li>Walking/standing: I have a sit/stand desk at work, so I am up for much of the day, and I make it a point to walk during my breaks</li>
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I did the <a href="https://www.kaylaitsines.com/" target="_blank">Kayla Itsines BBG</a> program a few months back, which was 12 weeks long, and I'm surprised I held my end of the commitment (and surprised I didn't blog about it more). I feel that doing it helped me regain strength lost with pregnancy and not working out much after the baby, but I didn't have the "bikini body" results that are often advertised with the program. I attribute this to poor willpower and that I had just weaned. The workouts were pretty tough, and I couldn't do some of the moves very well, even after I got stronger.</div>
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So this leaves me in... somewhat okay shape right now, just lacking stamina to go for very long because I don't work out very long to begin with. My goal right now, honestly, is to get my "thicc" midsection down a bit. My stomach really took a beating with this second one, and although I feel like the rest of me is approaching normal, I am very self-conscious about that area because I was once the victim of someone congratulating me when I wasn't expecting. It was kind of mortifying, so although I know it's not "cool" these days to talk about <strike>anything </strike>your body, there it is.</div>
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I'd also like to run a half, but money and time are not infinite. So maybe I should restate that as, "I want to be ABLE to run (or run/walk) a half."</div>
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I'll leave it at for now! I'm hoping to drop in more and just blog about whatever comes to mind.</div>
Julie Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05695544893811029409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1450361572424240833.post-62644834308433899152019-05-24T13:17:00.000-07:002019-05-24T13:17:46.623-07:00Still BloggingHelloooo.<br />
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Does anyone read blogs anymore?<br />
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In an ideal world, I would refresh and revitalize this blog. I'm not exactly sure how that would go, as my life (and focus?) is so drastically different than it was 13 years ago when I first started publishing here. So I will start by trying to update more and go from there... might possibly try to clean up old posts as well.<br />
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While you wait (HAH), you can check out my latest hobby..... drumroll.... handlettering!! <i>What in the world is that</i>, you ask? It's basically word art. <br />
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It was a goal of mine to try to learn modern calligraphy this year, so at the end of December, I bought <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Modern-Calligraphy-Beginners-Pointed-Lettering/dp/0998906204" target="_blank">this lovely book</a>, a couple of pens, and started practicing. And once I started, I became interested in mixing fonts, mediums, etc. So it's been quite fun learning. The best part of this is that I can chip away a little at a time, so I can do something here and there, which is important because... well, two small kids occupy the majority of my life space right now. I'd eventually like to use these powers for good... erm, I mean... I'd like to make things and be useful in my kids' schooling adventures.<br />
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Check out my progress on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/julien4l/">https://www.instagram.com/julien4l/</a><br />
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I have a forthcoming post regarding my latest fitness endeavors. Nothing too crazy, but if you want to see this mom of two ride the strugglebus, stay tuned!<br />
<br />Julie Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05695544893811029409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1450361572424240833.post-27794180728681277292019-02-19T12:51:00.001-08:002019-08-29T11:38:33.475-07:00Los Angeles Chinatown Firecracker 5K<span style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">EVENT: </span><a href="http://firecracker10k.org/" style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #7d171d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #d52932;">Los Angeles Chinatown Firecracker 5K</span></a><br />
<span style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">DATE: Sunday, February 17, 2019</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">LOCATION: Los Angeles, CA</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">RACE BEGAN: 08:00 am </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">FINISH TIME: 0:29:45</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">This is my first race report in two years. This was not intentional. In March 2017, I was <a href="http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/2017/03/a-case-of-not-start.html" target="_blank">supposed</a> to run a half-marathon, which had been a postponement of a 2016 race. I guess it wasn't meant to be. In 2018, the day of the Firecracker run, I <a href="http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/2018/03/another-birth-story.html" target="_blank">had</a> my second child right on the morning of the race. Leading up to that, I was willing to participate if I had been able to, but alas, the Year of the Dog medal will allude me until she's 12.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-size: 12px;">I registered for this race late because I wasn't 100% sure I was going to attempt to make a comeback, but somehow I pulled the trigger. The kids would have normally come with us, but with an unusually cold (by Southern California standards... mid-30s) winter, we decided to drop them off instead. We grabbed our bibs, and I walked over to the start line just as things were starting, very casual. "The Ukrainian" did the 10k, so he waited while I ran, and after I was done, I collected post-race goodies and watched lion dancers. I decided long ago that the 10k on those hills was too much for me, especially now that even 5k is not easy.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-size: 12px;">I feel like this course changes every time I run it, although it's always hilly for the first 2+ miles. I also feel like it was less scenic than usual. And I was definitely more out-of-shape than usual. Since I had Baby #2, I ran a handful of miles in the summer and then only started gearing up for this race a few weeks ago. I'd run about 1.5 miles twice a week, then 2, and I did the full distance once and wanted to collapse. Luckily, I live in a hilly-ish area, so I was able to keep running during the entire race, though there were many bottlenecks where I was shuffling along. I probably could have avoided this by coming to the start line earlier and wiggling toward the front, but I was just glad to have made it out there instead of stressing out over stuff like that.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">If you have been following for a while, this was my sixth Firecracker run, so I'm over halfway to my goal of collecting all 12 Firecracker Run medals. This race is always so great -- casual, and great shirts!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #7d171d; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-size: 12px;"><a href="http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/2019/02/los-angeles-chinatown-firecracker-5k.html" target="_blank">201</a></span></span><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><a href="http://www.acaseoftheruns.com/2019/02/los-angeles-chinatown-firecracker-5k.html" target="_blank">9</a> - Pig</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">*2018 - Pending - Dog</span><br />
<a href="http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/2017/02/los-angeles-firecracker-run-5k-2017.html" style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #7d171d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">2017</a><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> - Rooster</span><br />
<a href="http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/2016/02/los-angeles-firecracker-run-5k-2016.html" style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #7d171d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">2016</a><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> - Monkey</span><br />
<a href="http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/2015/03/event-los-angeles-chinatown-firecracker.html" style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #7d171d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">2015</a><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> - Ram</span><br />
<a href="http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/2014/02/los-angeles-chinatown-firecracker-run.html" style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #7d171d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">2014</a><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> - Horse</span><br />
<a href="http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/2013/02/la-chinatown-firecracker-30-mi-bike-ride.html" style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #7d171d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">2013</a><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> - Snake (we did the bike ride that year!)</span><br />
<a href="http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/2012/02/la-chinatown-firecracker-5k-and-10k.html" style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #7d171d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">2012</a><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> - Dragon</span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-size: 12px;">Running this really made me miss my pre-kid life. "The Ukrainian" and I don't spend a lot of time on things we enjoy anymore, so it was fun to get out and do something together. There are some talks of more to come this year, so stay tuned! Also, I guess this means I'm going to run a little more consistently. I've wasted a perfectly cold winter not running because I've been sleep deprived and unmotivated until the weeks leading up to this race.</span></span>Julie Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05695544893811029409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1450361572424240833.post-65797367534522606912019-01-17T11:26:00.002-08:002019-01-17T11:26:42.640-08:00Rough JanuaryIt's been so long that we are already in a new year, and so far, it has been a survival game around here for various reasons, some of which I can't go into, but among them:<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>The heat went out at our house, during what is probably the coldest and rainiest month we've had in balmy Southern California in years, and we are weak and unconditioned (also need to keep the kiddos warm).<br /></li>
<li>One kid had the flu -- I didn't know it at the time, and even urgent care didn't diagnose, but when two other kids in the class are diagnosed at the same time, it is pretty much a given<br /></li>
<li>I've been touring elementary schools, and boy, is that a major time commitment. The schoolsin the district are very hit-or-miss around here, so I feel the need to be informed.<br /></li>
<li>"The Ukrainian" is working a ton, so I'm bearing the brunt of the kid duties, keeping their stuff in stock, meals made, etc.<br /></li>
<li>It's kind of the worst of all worlds with the baby feeding right now, who is 10 months old. So I have to pump, nurse, do formula, make table food, purees, sippy cups... so much work!</li>
</ul>
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So I haven't really been working out much, somewhat due to poor sleeping around here and also because I'm feeling run down from fighting off this flu(?) and a year of no sleep.</div>
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The good news is, I hit pre-pregnancy weight late last year without really trying, so any efforts from here on out will be focused on strength and stamina. And also, I've been eating a bit better without willing myself to, so that's all going to help me for when I do actually try to invest in my physical fitness again.</div>
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To be continued...</div>
Julie Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05695544893811029409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1450361572424240833.post-73097193505142818262018-10-12T12:23:00.000-07:002018-10-12T12:23:04.044-07:00Nail in the Coffin (minor announcement)This post title reminds me of a <a href="http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/2007/01/nailing-coffin-shut.html" target="_blank">very old post</a> that is... pretty embarrassing to come across now. I guess a decade ago, my biggest life concerns were my <a href="http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/2007/05/my-hair-tie.html" target="_blank">hair tie</a> and my toenails.<br />
<br /><br />
Now, I am absurdly sleep deprived and drowning under the obligations of work and kids... mostly kids. Heck, it's mostly the baby, because she's in that 7-9 months range where I thought I was going to die the last time I had a baby. Some people have babies that wake up twice or thrice in a night... and are understandably tired for that. But lately, it has been soooo much worse than that. I have read all the sleep resources and everything, but deep down, I know that this is just something to slog through. Even if I haven't slept a full night for probably at least a year now and am not sure when I will get to do it again. The words on this screen are blurred, to be honest.<br />
<br /><br />
Doctors, lawyers, students, etc. get a break once in a while... I, on the other hand, don't. Kudos to mothers. Seriously.<br />
<br /><br />
I've stopped following the running community. This started sometime after my first kid -- I just couldn't relate anymore. I'd be happy if I had the time/energy for a three-miler at my postpartum pace. I still do short workouts the majority of the week as a way to stay sane. Sometimes, I run a little. I miss some aspects of it... but I really just don't have the energy right now. I don't know how I ever had the energy ever.<br />
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When a major race comes up and I see it on TV, I feel twinges of sadness, since I was all about running and races at some point, as was my husband. It was a lot of what we bonded over when we were dating.<br />
<br /><br />
Regarding my fitness goals, I'm about 4-5 lb away from my goal weight, though of course, having two kids has changed more than just my lifestyle. I still have about 5 months until I plan on starting the weaning process, and maybe by then, I'll have energy! and willpower! to work on what I have left. Running might happen again... who knows? I often prefer other methods of exercise these days, ones that don't hurt my knees as much and leave me as hungry.<br />
<br /><br />
Onto the announcement -- it's really nothing, but I decided not to renew my domain registration. The blog will still be here, but I was hoarding <a href="http://www.acaseoftheruns.com/">www.acaseoftheruns.com</a> for the purposes of sales prospects, but heck, I think we are moving away from domains and such. So some links might break here... I will try to fix them, but it's going to take a while. Yes, I know the cost of a domain is minor, but I told myself from the beginning that I would only keep a domain name if it was advantageous for me to do so, and it no longer is. I could be better served by spending that money on the kiddos.<br />
<br /><br />
Here's the original and future URL to this blog:<br />
<a href="http://acasecoftheruns.blogspot.com/">http://acasecoftheruns.blogspot.com</a><br />
<br /><br />
Hopefully I'll post more often. I don't even have pictures of myself to append to this post. All in time, I guess. In the meantime, thank GOODNESS it finally feels like Fall now...Julie Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05695544893811029409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1450361572424240833.post-68625833274821976632018-06-22T10:50:00.001-07:002019-08-29T11:58:07.992-07:00A Letter: Way Behind and ExcusesDear Readers,<br />
<br />
It's the beginning of summer, and in spite of my best intentions, I am not doing so well with my "<a href="http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/2018/01/my-new-years-get-in-shape-plan.html" target="_blank">get-in-shape plan</a>" that I outlined at the beginning of the year.<br />
<br />
Granted, I was still <a href="http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/search/label/pregnancy2" target="_blank">pregnant</a> and highly optimistic, I guess?<br />
<br />
My postpartum fitness journey has had a bunch of ups and downs, mostly downs. When the baby was about 8 weeks old, I started tracking my intake again, but that didn't last very long. I was feeling pretty overwhelmed and just wanted to eat my carbs (my sleep replacement) in peace. <br />
<br />
I had been doing some light workouts in the house during the day. Luckily, this baby was pretty chill and would let me work out while she watched. I think I managed 4-5 sessions a week at one point. In April, I did my first run and ran a total of ONE mile that month. This was liberating since I was still having pelvic floor weakness that was finally starting to improve at that time. In May, I ran 12 miles in total, which is actually quite a feat considering they were roughly done in one-mile chunks. Time and energy constraints kept me from running further.<br />
<br />
Now it's June, and I've had a really bad month so far. I started a 100-squat per day challenge and lasted only a week because I developed a double ear infection, which is pretty much the worst thing ever. Having given birth recently, I'd say the pain is quite up there and comparable. Except this time, I still had full time baby duty as well and often had to wrangle two kids while it felt like someone was kicking me in the head every five seconds. I think I have so far managed to run once, and I haven't really been getting "other" exercise since I started kind of working again and haven't been taking the baby out for walks or anything like that. I haven't even been walking the older kid to school since I need to drive to work now and time constraints. <br />
<br />
Also, I've reached a point where all these 5/6 hour broken sleep nights are starting to take their toll. I try to nap everyday, but this hasn't helped. Sleep is just one of those things you cannot get back. Seemingly ever. Before my second pregnancy, although I had been sleeping through the night for over a year after the older kid did, I rarely ever woke up a minute earlier than I had to, which is one reason why running has never quite came back into my life the way I had imagined. <br />
<br />
I've pretty much made zero progress since the early postpartum days when it comes to weight loss, so I still have about 10 lbs to go and probably look as terrible as I feel. I know I should just lower my expectations, but it's hard. I can't help but feel sorry for myself when I'm wearing the same nursing outfits everyday, feeling trapped, and even as my beloved <a href="http://www.pokemongo.com/" target="_blank">Pokémon Go</a> game, one of my last remaining leisure activities, introduced a social aspect, I have been able to see how far I've fallen behind in the game as of late. <br />
<br />
Having been through this before, I know it isn't permanent, but it is just tough for me to drudge through. I know that the kids should be and remain my top priority, of course, but I'm still struggling here.<br />
<br />
Signed,<br />
Fat and Tired Millennial with Mild FOMOJulie Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05695544893811029409noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1450361572424240833.post-8426782690080253312018-03-13T16:27:00.002-07:002019-08-29T11:59:16.246-07:00Another Birth StoryEVENT: Baby #2's Arrival!<br />
DATE: Sunday, February 25, 2018<br />
LOCATION: Los Angeles, CA<br />
RACE BEGAN: 4:30 PM, Friday, February 23, 2018<br />
FINISH TIME: 42 hours, 15 minutes (approximately)<br />
<br />
Our second baby has finally arrived!<br />
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We are a bit more than two weeks out, and it's been a flurry trying to take care of her needs along with the needs of our first child (whose birth story is <a href="http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/2014/11/our-baby-arrival.html" target="_blank">here</a>). However, I wanted to get this written before too much time went by and I forget the details. <br />
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Beware -- this is a long one!<br />
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<strong>Background:</strong><br />
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This entire <a href="http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/search/label/pregnancy2" target="_blank">pregnancy</a>, I was pretty obsessed with having a better birth experience than last time when I had an unexpected C-section. However, I also had the mindset that it could end the same way, which was part of what made it particularly hard last time because I really thought it would go smoothly and so the unexpected surgery threw me for a loop. Not to mention, I still cannot remember much of the day my son was born from all the drugs and nausea, which still bothers me.<br />
<br />
I was seeing a chiropractor last pregnancy, and I started going again this time. They, in turn, recommended seeing a prenatal masseuse who helped me focus on alignment. She told me that an unevenness in my hips could have caused my water to break early last time and the baby was probably not engaged enough for the induction process to work. Over a few sessions, she worked on those things: alignment and baby's position. It was a leap of faith because there was some belly massaging involved, which freaked me out but as I said, I was obsessed and she was a trusted referral. The massages themselves were freaking painful during the hips/back/rib work (the belly part was pretty gentle), so sometimes I'd leave the sessions feeling like I was hit by a bus but then would feel a lot less achy for some days afterward. I was a lot more achy this pregnancy in general, so I did look forward to the sessions.<br />
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I also drank a lot of red raspberry leaf tea and ate a ton of dates in the last trimester. I kept reading about how these things can help tone/prepare the uterus, and I didn't consume enough of those things last time, so I hit them pretty hard in the last weeks.<br />
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<strong>The "Race":</strong><br />
<br />
Since I gave birth at exactly 39 weeks last time, I was convinced that I would have this baby early as well. I stopped working about a week before I thought it would be time, but 39 weeks came and went and I was getting super anxious because in my head, the longer I was pregnant, the less likely a normal delivery would be. At almost 39 weeks, I was only 1 cm along according to my OB. The following week, three days before my due date, I was pretty discouraged and still at 1 cm, knowing that I was at 3 cm the last time I gave birth with very few contractions as far as I could tell, and with this one, I was having quite a few. At this appointment, the OB offered to sweep my membranes, and I agreed. She told me to walk the rest of the day and hopefully she'd see me at the hospital the next day. <em>So optimistic</em>, I thought, especially since it's not like I had not been walking and sitting/bouncing on a yoga ball already.<br />
<br />
In frustration, I went to the store to buy some things and then went home to share the "I'm going to be pregnant forever" news with "The Ukrainian." While I was walking around shortly afterward, I had some contractions, but I had been having them randomly for weeks so I thought nothing of it. Later in the afternoon around 4:30, I was starting to notice they were becoming more frequent, so I started using an app (Full Term) to time them... and they were maybe 11-13 minutes apart for about 30 seconds. I still didn't think much of it but decided to keep timing them. Since I never went into labor with the first, I wasn't sure what to look for at all -- the contractions just felt like I was about to have diarrhea (sorry for the TMI, but this IS a birth story after all).<br />
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Overnight, the contractions started coming 8-10 minutes apart, and I was starting to think this could be something and worried we'd have to get up and go to the hospital. This is troublesome because Tuesday would need to be awoken and dropped off, and he's on a pretty strict routine so this would definitely bother him. I tried to sleep, but the contractions kept waking me up. Toward morning, they spaced out 11-13 minutes so I was drifting off in between, but that was pretty much a sleepless night.<br />
<br />
The next morning was normal. We took Tuesday to the library and then went to Panda Express for lunch. I barely ate because I was starting to feel nauseated by the contractions, but we did get this fortune:<br />
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For the rest of the afternoon, the contractions would range from 3 minutes apart to 13, so I really wasn't sure what to do and figured it could just be false labor. Around 5 PM, "The Ukrainian" told me that maybe I should call the hospital and let them know what's going on to see if they think I should go in. My biggest fear was getting sent home after having to wrangle the kiddo, but the doctor on the line did think I should at least check... and so we packed up and left. I only had a few contractions in the car, so I thought we were going to get sent home. After dropping off Tuesday, we arrived at the hospital around 8 PM, and by 9, we were told I was 4 cm and recommended admission. I was shocked since I was 1 cm the previous day and had stalled at 3 cm last time, so this was the most dilated I'd ever been.<br />
<br />
Around midnight, I was still dealing with the contractions fine, but I was getting tired after so much no sleep and decided an epidural would be the only way I could get rest, lest I end up exhausting myself and needing surgery if I couldn't push the baby out. Also, because I was labeled as high-risk due to my previous C-section, I had to be strapped to monitors and had to harass a nurse to unhook me to go to the bathroom. They let me free for 40 minutes, and it was a lot easier to deal with contractions when I could move around than in the bed.<br />
<br />
Getting the epidural was a lot more uncomfortable than last time, especially since I was actually having contractions this time. So by the time it went in, it was past 2 AM and they had given me the tiniest dose of Pitocin, so I'm glad I opted for the epidural at any rate.<br />
<br />
However, I did keep feeling some of the contractions, and at some point, I had to lay on my side and breathe through an oxygen mask because the baby was not liking me on my back. So I didn't really sleep anyway, and as morning came, the contractions were getting worse. I had prepared to get an epidural and feel nothing, so I didn't have that many coping techniques up my sleeve. There was this one recessed light ring on the ceiling that I kept using as a focal point as I would count in my head to 20 or 30 seconds or so before the contraction would start tapering off. I had created a playlist of stuff to listen to on my phone, but I didn't even want to touch it at that point.<br />
<br />
Around 7:30 AM, I was 6/7 cm, which gave me hope that this was actually happening! But I was struggling with more frequent contractions and pain in my back, so I had to lay on my other side. Not too long after, the pain got worse and I buzzed the nurses to ask if there was anything that could be done, as clearly the epidural wasn't working. <em> (Or maybe it was and without it, I'd totally be off the rails!)</em> The nurse told me my water had broken, which is probably why things got worse. I had no idea, so I guess the epidural WAS working since I was completely unaware of that happening. I think they checked me and I was about 8 cm by then.<br />
<br />
Around 10 AM, the contractions were pretty much coming with no break in between. I was tired and luckily was able to have some juice to keep me going. About half an hour later, I couldn't take it anymore and told "The Ukrainian" to call a nurse in because I wanted something done with my epidural and I felt like I was practically pooping in the bed. I did think that this could also mean I was getting close? I was told that I was progressing too quickly for the epidural to catch up, but in reality, I think I was having back labor because my masseuse had told me the baby was possibly sunny-side up and "The Ukrainian" later confirmed that's the way she came out. Anyway, she told me I was complete and to ride out the contractions for the next half hour or so because they would help bring the baby down and would save me some work.<br />
<br />
That wait was pretty agonizing, but "The Ukrainian" was getting pretty pumped and nervoud, and I just wanted it to be over. I admit I kind of pushed a little during this period because it just felt right. Finally, the nurse returned to guide me through actual pushing, and during this time, I pretty much vomited air, needed oxygen. All along, I was feeling the contractions, which were lasting longer than I could push, so when I was supposed to be resting in between, I was battling the tail end of them, which was still pretty painful. I was exhausted due to lack of sleep and food and wanted a break, but the nurse, bless her, was like, "You're not going to meet your baby like that." She lowered some bars for me to grip, which helped. I think I gripped them so hard that my biceps were sore for a few days afterward. Maybe about an hour since we started, she called in the doctors. For some reason, "The Ukrainian" decided he needed to pee right as they were starting with me, to which the male doctor said, "No more bathroom breaks, dad." I was so into being done that I didn't care... the whole birthing process was definitely not the time for me to rely on anyone, mostly because I had to stay focused.<br />
<br />
A few pushes later, I was told to only push softly, and I knew that meant something was up. The cord was wrapped around the baby's neck, but the doctor swiftly removed it, and I saw the baby get pulled up onto me. It was surreal, and definitely proof that the epidural at least numbed the important parts because I didn't know it was going to happen that quick. Overall, it was about an hour and 10 minutes which I was told was pretty normal for a first-time mom -- or for me, a first-time pushing mom.<br />
<br />
The baby weighed 7 lb 12 oz and was 20 inches long, which is an ounce heavier and half an inch shorter than her older brother. The doctors remarked that this was a considerable-sized baby (I'm guessing based on my size?), and I told them that I got the same comment on the operating table last time! I guess that's just my default size for babies...<br />
<br />
The doctors spent about half an hour fixing "the damage," which I'm still not exactly sure what it was since I wasn't really focused on it when they told me. I do know it was "minor" overall and not in an area that normally is assigned a degree. I did not have to push the placenta out... somehow the doctor was able to massage it out. She told me I could push the button for more medicine as they were doing all this stuff, so I happily obliged. Afterward, they congratulated me on the VBAC, as did a few other people during our stay. I'm not sure how common it is for VBACs to succeed, but on the consent form they made me sign when I was admitted said 75%. My OB had originally told me 60%.<br />
<br />
After the birth, which happened around 11:45 AM, I was happy that I could order lunch, and that I did -- a ham sandwich and anything else they'd let me have. The nurse (her name was Shari, by the way... she was amazing and I let her know that!) also brought me a turkey sandwich to tide me over while I waited.<br />
<br />
<strong>Reflection:</strong><br />
<br />
The baby arrived the day before her due date, and we were able to go home the next day! <br />
<br />
As I do with my races, I'm reflecting here. I feel immensely lucky that I was able to have a normal delivery that was pretty smooth as far as these things go. I felt like I was in good hands at the hospital, although I was fully aware that VBACs have risks (the one most people fear is uterine rupture). I had waffled back and forth during the pregnancy between trying for a normal delivery and scheduling a C-section. Part of me was nervous waiting for labor since I wasn't sure if my body would do it, or what would happen to my existing kid if it happened at an inopportune time. Also, I didn't want to end up trying and failing, though I knew that at least trying would have some rate of success, while not trying is obviously a 0% chance. In fact, I had scheduled a repeat C-section in the final weeks, well beyond my due date. I later canceled it in favor of an induction, but luckily that wasn't needed. Again, I feel really lucky that my leap of faith paid off -- regardless of whether it was because of the massages and dates or just chance.<br />
<br />
The recovery, although definitely not a cakewalk, is going better than last time. I'd say also that my overall mood this time around postpartum has been better, and I'm not sure if it was the birth experience, method of birth, being more mobile, or just experience of having a newborn that has helped. Hoping I stay on top of my needs so that I continue to feel all right through what I know is a tough time. I'm giving myself a few more weeks to recover before trying to do anything crazy and just lowering my expectations. Having two kids is definitely a juggling act! I feel guilt for not being able to do everything my son wants, but I know this is temporary and I try to make up for it when I can.<br />
<br />
As of this writing, I've lost about 15 of the 26 pounds that I gained this pregnancy. I gained over 30 lb last time and was within 6-7 lb of my start weight by four weeks out, so we will see. I haven't been eating the best, admittedly, but I'm trying to focus on having a successful nursing relationship with my new daughter first. That's going a lot better than last time so far, but it started off rocky again, even with the normal delivery. Luckily, I didn't let that get me down too much since I've been through it before. So the last 11 or so pounds will either hopefully come out as water weight or will start coming off as soon as I can leave the house and move around more again. I do feel a small itch to do more, but as I said, I'm lowering my expectations for sanity's sake right now. Main focus is rest. My plan of attack for later is <a href="http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/2018/01/my-new-years-get-in-shape-plan.html" target="_blank">linked here</a>.<br />
<br />
Also, this is kind of a small point, but I gave birth the day of the <a href="http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/2017/02/los-angeles-firecracker-run-5k-2017.html" target="_blank">Firecracker Run</a> that I do every year. Had we been sent home from the hospital the night before, this was still in my plans, but alas. I guess I'll have to come back with the kids when she's 12 years old.Julie Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05695544893811029409noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1450361572424240833.post-85894783881067283352018-01-04T16:16:00.004-08:002019-08-29T11:59:40.861-07:00My New-Year's-Get-in-Shape PlanI totally missed the ball on creating 2018 resolutions (see <a href="http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/2016/12/2k16-on-and-out.html" target="_blank">here</a> for my post on this last year), but I guess it's not too late, so here we go.<br />
<br />
My first focus this past year was to decrease negativity in the following areas:<br />
<ul>
<li>"Road/line rage": I think I've gotten a little bit better at letting things go here, as I can feel less tension when I am in these types of situations. I know that's not quite quantifiable, but I really can feel a small difference.</li>
<li>Work: I have been put under considerable pressure these last few months, but I think I handled it the best I could. Still, this is something I want to continue to focus on, though I'll be out of work for a few months. But I think that just makes it even more important!</li>
<li>Home life: I also feel like I've been doing better here, as well, but maybe because things have been less intense with the boy growing up a bit and becoming "easier." Of course, the home dynamic will change again!</li>
<li>Compliments: With me working from home mostly now and not in public very often, I don't think I've had this chance, but I think it's always in the back of my mind!</li>
</ul>
<div>
The second focus was my health:</div>
<div>
</div>
<ul>
<li>Don't skip vitamins: I definitely did better here, because of prenatals.<br /> </li>
<li>Protein: I did really well on this between March and June and got in really good shape because of this. Of course, pregnancy took over, so I tanked wayyyy down here, but back at it soon hopefully!<br /> </li>
<li>Try a new workout: My activities have been limited with pregnancy, but I spent much of the year with a weight training focus. And for the holidays, I bought myself a TRX set, so I'm excited to see what I do with it!<br /> </li>
<li>Don't exceed weight threshold: Haha, I did drop below my weight but gained 20 lbs due to pregnancy. Tabling this for now...</li>
</ul>
<br />
In 2018, I will continue to work on the goals above and not set any new ones, since, well, I'm just going to try to survive here! But I did want to outline my approach to post-partum fitness here, since fitness/health is a focal point of the blog.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>4 weeks "off" - this will depend on how the delivery goes, but this is how much I took last time</li>
<li>Once I'm back "on," gradually reintroduce activities and not beat self up if they are less frequent than desired</li>
<li>Walk more than I did last time</li>
<li>I have weights, TRX, Alexa (so I can do 7-minute workouts), portable DVD player, and stability ball in the house, and also a treadmill... this should help me squeeze in small workouts during the day</li>
<li>Nap > workouts, since I find sleep will help me more than anything else, so most activities should occur when baby is awake or if I've already napped</li>
<li>Focus on strength, not cardio - I've been doing this, and it seems to work; plus, I plan on nursing again, so hopefully this will help me get into shape without supply issues</li>
<li>To be added slowly later on: DVD workouts, running</li>
<li>Diet: Will focus on cutting out a lot of the junk I've been living on during this pregnancy... eventually want to get to low carb again, but I'll see how that goes since it requires more planning. At the very least, I want to focus on eating more fat/protein, which naturally reduces my reliance on processed carbs.</li>
</ul>
I don't have a timeline to "lose the weight" -- it took me nearly 2 years last time, so I'm not even going to go there. But I do hope to get within striking range (the very stubborn last 5 lbs that made up the majority of those two years) by 6 months postpartum.<br />
<br />
I will probably be posting on <a href="http://instagram.com/acaseoftherunsblog?ref=badge" target="_blank">Instagram</a> to keep myself motivated and accountable, though it may not look like much.Julie Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05695544893811029409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1450361572424240833.post-11125548110114242602017-11-15T14:06:00.001-08:002019-08-29T12:00:11.146-07:00Diabetes, part 3The <a href="http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/2017/05/diabetes-part-2.html" target="_blank">last time I blogged</a> about this topic, I was not pregnant, but this whole story <a href="http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/2015/08/diabetes.html" target="_blank">started</a> when I was pregnant the first time around.<br />
<br />
The short of it is that I didn't have any indication or family history of diabetes and was shocked when I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes with my first child. I passed the postpartum check, but my A1C values (average blood sugar over 3 months) were creeping up each year, so I decided to act because my chances of Type 2 diabetes is forever elevated.<br />
<br />
I had a lot of success, since in July after I got pregnant, my A1C dropped .3 units, which takes me out of pre-diabetic range. Still, I've spent most of this pregnancy worrying that it was only a matter of time, since again, my early tests last time did not register any issues, either. I was hard on myself because I was nauseated for about 18 weeks into the pregnancy, and I admit there were nights when I'd puke everything I ate and then walk to 7-11 to have some candy and Slurpee since they were the only things I could even consider eating.<br />
<br />
I randomly tested some meals with my old glucometer. I had been testing randomly prior to pregnancy, so I was on a pack of strips that were still fairly new. Most meals were fine, though one day, I had dim sum and spiked. Concerned, I told my OB, who suggested I take the three-hour glucose test at my next appointment at 24 weeks. I never did the three-hour test the first time, since my spike was THAT bad last time, but I was actually glad since I would have a definitive answer.<br />
<br />
Shortly after the 24 week mark (because life got in the way), I came in and did the test. It was pretty awful. The one-hour has you drinking 50g of glucose, and the 2 hour postpartum one I did was 75g. Never had an issue drinking those. This one was 100g, and for that first hour, I had to keep myself from throwing up, and for a while, I was a bit shaky. Having to have four blood draws in one morning was also not nice, but heck, I'm going to be giving birth again soon, so I should be prepared for all that.<br />
<br />
Anyway, my results rolled in that evening, and the next morning, the OB confirmed all of the values (fasting, 1 hr, 2 hr, and 3 hr) were well within the normal ranges, so she deemed me free from gestational diabetes. I could not believe it, since I was pretty much prepared for the worst and have been asking her questions related to this for the longest time. She had told me not to assume I'd have it again, though of course I did.<br />
<br />
I blamed myself a lot for having it the first go-around. Did I eat right? Exercise? I feel that while my overall eating was probably better due to habit and nausea, I had many moments of poor judgment and definitely have not been keeping up with my exercise as much as I'd like (working on that!). But now, the whole "every pregnancy is different" thing has come to fruition, and I have finally, finally let go of some of the blame that I put on myself in spite of being told it wasn't my fault.<br />
<br />
This leaves me with about another 15 weeks or so with no finger pricking, tracking, or worrying about extra tests at the hospital for me or the baby, which is a huge burden off. Of course I've been used to eating more balanced these days, so that will continue, and I know rice is still worse than sugar for me, so that will probably need to stay off my indulgence list. I'll take it, though!Julie Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05695544893811029409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1450361572424240833.post-16550406307440562932017-11-01T10:57:00.001-07:002019-08-29T12:00:36.621-07:00November!!The weather has finally stabilized after months and months of heat waves, and I couldn't be more excited to feel comfortable going about my life.<br />
<br />
It helps that this time of year is great in general, due to Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the other holidays. It is so awesome to see Baby Tuesday enjoy all of these things this year with a new awareness of what's going on. He trick-or-treated like a pro!<br />
<br />
Also, November is "The Ukrainian" and my <a href="http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/2012/11/legal-and-poll.html" target="_blank">anniversary</a> (5 years!) and Tuesday's birthday. We're going to have an active few months indeed!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.acaseoftheruns.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="www.acaseoftheruns.com" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZR8xEsYN7b7vAFiuZawxLHQe9pFvbtQu97hdUWN3yLczYc6fg35k6lTIt_aJB1ufPZNg2NWjrTDlSICW4TZC3czBMhdPoMaTzHMd91eN47DB_cp6r4MRQIhhYhQscQvUcutji9OBlxY/s320/pic.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Speaking of active, in the above picture, you can see I failed to be subtle about my 23-week baby bump in spite of my best intentions. I know I said this before, but I feel bigger than last time and will probably be a full-blown pumpkin soon enough.<br />
<br />
With all these holidays and such, "soon enough" is going to be pretty soon, I think. It is a bit surreal that this little one will be here not long after this end-of-year wave. We've made pretty good progress in our preparations, though there are a few more biggies, which I'll go over in another post.<br />
<br />
In my <a href="http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/2017/10/pretty-much-half.html" target="_blank">last post</a> (too long ago... sorry), I alluded to a reveal, and now that family has become aware... I can finally say that according to the ultrasound tech, it's a girl. I have another scan when I get further along due to low-lying placenta (the one of several complications I've had with this pregnancy), so I can get another opinion at that time.<br />
<br />
Since I didn't find out last time, I'm somewhat suspicious that this could be a wrong guess, but I'm fine with that, too, except for having to tell everyone again. Maybe this is why I mostly still call "it" and "it," and no, I don't feel bad about that at all. Did that with my son, and we have had no problem with bonding at all. However, finding out early made me feel like I opened a holiday gift too early, but I have been enjoying the different experience of knowing, especially with the opposite sex. In a way, it makes me feel less prepared in spite of this being the second go-around.<br />
<br />
More people are finding out about this baby just by looking at me, since we did not do any announcement anywhere beyond this blog. It's funny how long it has taken and how people are hesitant to mention it as much as I have been.Julie Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05695544893811029409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1450361572424240833.post-39054531079186341092017-10-04T11:05:00.001-07:002019-08-29T12:01:12.257-07:00Pretty Much Half<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdkF_lVf8UpucVH8HNOtfyA-0lhJ5t0UgMvLheY6WdpbaVHnglm3lsRdXQZTLhP8b9tijxBpuAJSkRdjshKfOVP7OOT_w38HAsD9V1eCUHuHOoQE-wCm1yIQx6IofdjS4VRTIZ16MarV8/s1600/pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="577" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdkF_lVf8UpucVH8HNOtfyA-0lhJ5t0UgMvLheY6WdpbaVHnglm3lsRdXQZTLhP8b9tijxBpuAJSkRdjshKfOVP7OOT_w38HAsD9V1eCUHuHOoQE-wCm1yIQx6IofdjS4VRTIZ16MarV8/s400/pic.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What's in this box? (Hint: Not a carseat!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Right around now (19 and a half-ish weeks), I am at the halfway point of <a href="http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/search/label/pregnancy2" target="_blank">this pregnancy</a>, based on my experience last time and the general medical plan right now. Of course, I was "given" a few weeks in the beginning due to the way these things are calculated, so this half will probably feel long...<br />
<br />
...Or maybe not. The first half was spent being very tired, very aversive to many things, and was nausea-ville. Not to mention, most of it was spent in triple-digit, mosquito crazy weather. So although I'm already feeling big, kind of tired, ache-y, and still not completely back on the food wagon yet, I think better weather and the upcoming holidays will help distract me as things progress. Cooler weather will also allow me to cover up more!!<br />
<br />
I know I haven't been very good about documenting this pregnancy, though I don't think I documented much the first time, either. I have some pictures, but I haven't done any direct comparisons with last time in terms of my size or anything. I DO feel like I got bigger more quickly, and I am fairly certain I will be much bigger at the end than I was last time, as if that wasn't already big enough!<br />
<br />
I finally was able to put on the weight expected for this point in the pregnancy after holding steady for pretty much the first 17 or 18 weeks. I blame that on the food aversions, but the baby is measuring a few days ahead just like my last and had the same estimated weight at the anatomy scan that my older one was (and he was close to 8 lb at birth). This just tells me that babies will suck up whatever they need, regardless of what I do or don't do. I was slow to gain last time, too, but I caught up... and then some!<br />
<br />
Workouts have been a challenge. Being a working parent is challenging, and now that I am trying to sleep a bit more (in preparation!) and am drained by the evening, my windows of exercise have shrunk. I don't have any more restrictions from a medical standpoint, but most forms of activity are off the table now because my chiropractor told me some of the things I was doing was going to undo the stuff they are trying to help me treat. Besides general hip alignment, I am having issues that I had my last pregnancy and trying to get on top of that before it limits my mobility even more than now. Also, I started going in hopes that it would set me up for a better birth experience. Yes, I know it didn't guarantee that <a href="http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/2014/11/our-baby-arrival.html" target="_blank">last time</a>, but every moment is another chance, right?<br />
<br />
For now, some <a href="http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/2014/09/my-youtube-prenatal-workout-playlist.html" target="_blank">prenatal workouts</a>, walking, raising an almost three-year-old, and cleaning/errands are probably my primary forms of exercise. I'm okay with this, mostly because all I can focus on are how busy and tired I am. I figure that when I finally hop back onto exercise, anything will feel like a challenge, and my body will benefit from things that I thought were "nothing" before in my fitter days. And since I'm nearly certain this is going to be my last pregnancy, I'll just enjoy it and then focus on my best self after it's all said and done.<br />
<br />
The baby's getting a workout, too -- I've felt distinct movement since Week 17, and sometimes they are STRONG. I don't think I got a head start feeling movement this time as I've heard can happen in a second pregnancy, so I did spend a week or two worrying. Now that I can feel the baby daily, I am a lot more relaxed.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.acaseoftheruns.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="www.acaseoftheruns.com" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoqAE7iiijPin0cfYdOTaYpx_YSMJnGP7qFhKlOuTN2LN7JCQCAQVvKxGwaEDOTTqc5XJMxipqWwjjaVSQceQEUK7jostdD79mNX7emUEmQOwzajivX5O9D3kbSUcEhgy1XqXt7-KMJYc/s320/pic.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was 18 weeks. Yes, shameful work bathroom <br />
selfie, but the main reason I took this picture<br />
was because this mirror was just put in out<br />
of seemingly nowhere.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I glazed over the fact that I've had the anatomy scan done already. We opted to find out the sex of the baby this time because with my anxieties about having two kids, I just wanted one less unknown. Of course, I was already relieved/elated that things were looking good with the baby so far. So finding out the sex was just icing on the cake, and if for some reason the baby did not cooperate, I would take it as a sign to wait to know like last time.<br />
<br />
I went to the scan alone since we didn't have child care arrangements for Baby Tuesday and kids aren't allowed in there for some reason. The technician was really great and printed way more pictures than I got last time, probably because she felt sorry for me. When she asked if I wanted to know, I said, "YES," and told me that she peeked a few times during the actual medical part of the scan. She zoomed to the area of interest and told me matter-of-factly what she was pretty sure it is and showed me as well. Given that I didn't have this experience last time, I am a touch paranoid about a wrong guess, but I guess would be a pretty interesting story to tell at some point!<br />
<br />
Since I was the only one who knew besides the technician at that point, I decided to do a little reveal for "The Ukrainian" and Tuesday when I got home. That is the picture you see at the top of this post, screen-shotted from a video I took of the moment. This is where I annoyingly have to stop, since we have kept the news to ourselves as a family unit for a couple of weeks now and will slowly be telling family over the next couple of weeks, pretty much on an "if they ask us" basis. I will definitely update once they know and talk about some of the preparations that are (and aren't) in the works for going from three to four.<br />
<br />
Any guesses before I post? ;)<br />
<br />
<br />
**Edited to add: I had to go back and edit this post a few times because "pregnancy brain" is real!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Julie Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05695544893811029409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1450361572424240833.post-50044038245373810542017-09-21T07:43:00.002-07:002019-08-29T12:01:31.482-07:00Baby's First Flight<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<a href="http://www.acaseoftheruns.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="www.acaseoftheruns.com" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha_SYrUkLOxPhk5SWatYt8ptjxGeygx2izzCDFksUalSMvqsbA5oJeRWbd7EPktUD3Q9m_e3vccq-9MO0pyAA8xM5A2GixcOC2mJge0Iy9rbF6DpI0yDyvKFsg123w8WwxkjZqZn9CLxQ/s320/blogger-image-1828158339.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
By "baby,"
I'm referring to the one that is already here, although technically, the other one got to fly, too.<br />
<br />
But that means that this was NOT the first flight for the big "baby." Hmmm.<br />
<br />
Anyway, we had wanted to go on a family trip for a while. For his age (at least compared to me when I was his age), Tuesday has been to many places. We've done road trips to San Diego several times, once to Solvang, and all the way up to Stanford more than a year ago. I think that last trip was so exhausting that we shied away from trying that again. However, I'm always glad in retrospect to make the effort.<br />
<br />
Traveling with Tuesday shouldn't be such a big deal. I remember his first trip down to San Diego was when he was five months old, with me still pumping in the back seat while he napped. That trip was easy, but as he got older, he started exhibiting motion sickness. It didn't matter if the ride was 20 minutes or longer, and it happened often, though not every time. This pretty much eliminated all possible forms of in-car entertainment. We tried snacks, Sea Bands, timing meals, naps, pacifiers, lollipops, and finally, we decided to flip his car seat forward after he turned two after asking his pediatrician who shrugged and said it might help. Nope.
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So when we finally decided to try a short flight (~50 min from LA to San Francisco), I knew we were essentially playing with fire, but oh well... easier with one kid than two while we can, right?<br />
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Right?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.acaseoftheruns.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="www.acaseoftheruns.com" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUW0yG3Zh293FoBsYJMMnvc6iDkPYMvN-nbGkaWvubn0xylmELcFaXvypg9A-O9ZpWFufWG9jBn9MiPvf_cLJ4xtc8L444nN3HVIguSQIUf-KpZYwQW8bIWzctzo8r_wMSE8mEa8JvG90/s320/blogger-image--551370127.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Botched selfie before takeoff.</td></tr>
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So we bought a fairly cheap car seat that would fit on a plane (Cosco Scenera for anyone interested) and held our breath. We decided to use a car seat because I'm a paranoid person and also because we had taken an Uber to the airport (which he threw a tantrum on.. sorry, Uber driver). I knew something was amiss when he started to cry mid-flight and wanted to get out of the seat. Unfortunately, they were saying there was turbulence and all had to remain seated. They even stopped drink service. Strangely, I didn't feel anything, and I'm very sensitive to that stuff, so who knows. I pretty much just undid all my precaution and picked him up onto my lap anyway since no attendants would be walking around to tell me otherwise.</div>
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A while later came my lapful of puke, all over my baby bump and down my pants. A young lady across the way was looking on with disgust, but all we could really do was just swiftly change him with the spare outfit I had in my backpack and then take off my shirt. Luckily, I had been wearing an open flannel that didn't get that dirty, so my wonderful husband held it up as a modesty shield while I quickly changed and then put it back on, buttoned. I would be walking around with half-puke through the train ride and walk to our hotel, which was like two hours later. Fun times.</div>
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Other than that, we did not have any more incidents like that on the trip. He fell asleep on the plane ride home, which was immensely helpful and made me believe that the extra trouble of bringing a car seat was worth it. We had a lot of fun taking our time to explore San Francisco like a tourist, since all the times before I had pretty much rushed in and out of there. All the forms of transit were so fun for him, and he did very well with regards to <a href="http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/2017/07/a-week-of-potty-training.html" target="_blank">using the bathroom</a> in many random places. </div>
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Some random pictures:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1VSCCTRr0oAA-G5aV6KDpdkXruJNAEpfi1HNX3j8AirbPcUWpNvpi6ncdrpbQlKTeDgrs70lKHX-iwFqqcQQj-mzJaoVwfv3U7B1jbPGTpPYDupI8box_1JeoxSlwDbLjfx8PfteTxg/s640/blogger-image--1355574717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1VSCCTRr0oAA-G5aV6KDpdkXruJNAEpfi1HNX3j8AirbPcUWpNvpi6ncdrpbQlKTeDgrs70lKHX-iwFqqcQQj-mzJaoVwfv3U7B1jbPGTpPYDupI8box_1JeoxSlwDbLjfx8PfteTxg/s640/blogger-image--1355574717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha_SYrUkLOxPhk5SWatYt8ptjxGeygx2izzCDFksUalSMvqsbA5oJeRWbd7EPktUD3Q9m_e3vccq-9MO0pyAA8xM5A2GixcOC2mJge0Iy9rbF6DpI0yDyvKFsg123w8WwxkjZqZn9CLxQ/s640/blogger-image-1828158339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.acaseoftheruns.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="www.acaseoftheruns.com" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFskhBKjdgfxh7eFFI5NZxa6AUehjuC4dEujqZwFF2CF3rV7yy9kWfNjBjYivI7AuNvQC-DpJxfschGHQgFlkuG5InnSzLt0jm83MYOlzpHtkemfzm7a4w1HG8ffzQstYptWGzVokAdrg/s320/blogger-image--460966394.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Every place where a train can be played with, it will be played with (Ghirardelli Square). </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.acaseoftheruns.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="www.acaseoftheruns.com" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXVK1l_PanyZ7npEx27wUNroonnXUjQhVioXBaWXdJ2wbkUEkC6BuZXL2YyONeq7i9QqeOoLYoCsEwGFAkEZgTmKhO5A7oZP5J5DpFYDkVRhoK-m1hM1QZJnxej6yGQFSUCrkfztyvF8E/s320/blogger-image--782278051.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tourist trap: cable car ride. He loved it, but I did not love the slow wait to get onboard.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.acaseoftheruns.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="www.acaseoftheruns.com" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1VSCCTRr0oAA-G5aV6KDpdkXruJNAEpfi1HNX3j8AirbPcUWpNvpi6ncdrpbQlKTeDgrs70lKHX-iwFqqcQQj-mzJaoVwfv3U7B1jbPGTpPYDupI8box_1JeoxSlwDbLjfx8PfteTxg/s320/blogger-image--1355574717.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast at the Embarcadero.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6MpnuJMvGqYMkE_O1NXQzny0t5OeiLtrfcsi1nd16-9D-0CV7c14a2o_BvaKY8WHDx2-itVSeMpojsZn08lJAwCJaKTXIfiNrayUous1Nx6NFcp7W4AfQs4wXU2RXma1c7GOuLlinDFU/s640/blogger-image--602637052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6MpnuJMvGqYMkE_O1NXQzny0t5OeiLtrfcsi1nd16-9D-0CV7c14a2o_BvaKY8WHDx2-itVSeMpojsZn08lJAwCJaKTXIfiNrayUous1Nx6NFcp7W4AfQs4wXU2RXma1c7GOuLlinDFU/s640/blogger-image--602637052.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boudin = bread, bread, and more bread. </td></tr>
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P.S. I love LA. Every time I visit another major city, I am reminded of how used to LA I am, but it's great to see other places. :)Julie Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05695544893811029409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1450361572424240833.post-91590873772962767612017-09-14T15:30:00.002-07:002019-08-29T12:01:53.848-07:00Taking it Easy on Yourself - Commercial Silk ReviewIt has been a tough
couple of months. Work has been very busy, we had a several-week long heat wave (with temps 100+), and I have not been feeling so well.<br />
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I am hoping that since it's almost Fall (late September), that things will get better. I'm definitely less nauseous, and today, the temperature was under 80 degrees!!<br />
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I've been pretty hard on myself recently because I would do things like not eat the healthiest, skip workouts because I'm too tired/it's too hot, or oversleep and then miss another workout opportunity. If I miss mornings, I'm pretty done for the day since I tire out from working and the day. However, I know I need to be kinder to myself and slow down sometimes.<br />
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We're finally taking a family trip soon, which is exciting!! I haven't been anywhere in a good while, and we get to take the boy on his first plane ride.<br />
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Another enjoyable thing is that I received a lovely addition to my home from <a href="http://www.commercialsilk.com/" target="_blank">Commercial Silk</a> (<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.commercialsilk.com/artificial-plants&source=gmail&ust=1505513659208000&usg=AFQjCNFDbMwmXp7EVPd8Tnk3GbfajtCiRA" href="http://www.commercialsilk.com/artificial-plants" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">http://www.commercialsilk.com/<wbr></wbr></span>artificial-plants</a>).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLSh54UUymPnzxXBejBXLRaHTjpsDKD_t2gz46tFvQKvmloI-fNfACMDcmQXbm1VDO9ubrVntLTHumWb_TgjYVavVnOhyfryTvsLCqsKE-fZP4WRYZlyT9fZXd1WWhmrAM3mjeK64mMyw/s640/blogger-image-1307359861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLSh54UUymPnzxXBejBXLRaHTjpsDKD_t2gz46tFvQKvmloI-fNfACMDcmQXbm1VDO9ubrVntLTHumWb_TgjYVavVnOhyfryTvsLCqsKE-fZP4WRYZlyT9fZXd1WWhmrAM3mjeK64mMyw/s640/blogger-image-1307359861.jpg" /></a></div>
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I was immediately drawn to this mini cherry blossom bonsai tree. I think it adds a nice touch to the mantle and reminds me of <a href="http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/2013/12/ten-lessons-learned-in-japan.html" target="_blank">my trip to Japan</a> almost four years ago.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2YxtuCnDhtqgXYXjqM0f9Zo7fHiVV770wYObSO04sCXegWSaDVCX-Vaa5JA3Q_TbLje7xnLOYDi7r5nj5WqaWqU-Cuhf6jTVwS_VaT88_cmpGgt2QBzoo1vx99wJYAtxP9xXxphbf8Bc/s640/blogger-image--410700329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQNBBcbnHN-zsF-N9ClmQ1ANKF5wJv6C8RCWeJJGuqT2EFWpqUSadWrH-3YPgnIo3VG0jP9IGoFJ7IAFSYJxVbH47SwQIHm7AjCiNB4873ivjkVp7qlhpyGxzor-97wTija8IAsKFMORY/s640/blogger-image-1739718728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQNBBcbnHN-zsF-N9ClmQ1ANKF5wJv6C8RCWeJJGuqT2EFWpqUSadWrH-3YPgnIo3VG0jP9IGoFJ7IAFSYJxVbH47SwQIHm7AjCiNB4873ivjkVp7qlhpyGxzor-97wTija8IAsKFMORY/s640/blogger-image-1739718728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiORz478lWghwXaWvOREkpKz7qxtTl4DDt7X1-YeMdmYmqAsSE_0qMBKnb5ajSeAoWjzwyUoh6LoNMRYTkUiYazXtsX53zR8-N3Wpu14UvjFB6xL86szZ4KmKIMTnfKsfgnyAugqoyV_Dc/s640/blogger-image--93667957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
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Since I'm fairly incompetent when it comes to gardening, I really appreciate having a silk-based, realistic-looking plant in the house that requires no care and brightens my day every time I see it. Even the dirt looks real... and no bugs!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQNBBcbnHN-zsF-N9ClmQ1ANKF5wJv6C8RCWeJJGuqT2EFWpqUSadWrH-3YPgnIo3VG0jP9IGoFJ7IAFSYJxVbH47SwQIHm7AjCiNB4873ivjkVp7qlhpyGxzor-97wTija8IAsKFMORY/s1600/blogger-image-1739718728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQNBBcbnHN-zsF-N9ClmQ1ANKF5wJv6C8RCWeJJGuqT2EFWpqUSadWrH-3YPgnIo3VG0jP9IGoFJ7IAFSYJxVbH47SwQIHm7AjCiNB4873ivjkVp7qlhpyGxzor-97wTija8IAsKFMORY/s640/blogger-image-1739718728.jpg" /></a></div>
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If you are looking for something like this for either yourself or as a gift, I definitely recommend checking out <a href="http://www.commercialsilk.com/" target="_blank">Commercial Silk</a>. They have larger and smaller trees and other topiaries for indoor and outdoor applications. With the need to conserve water here in California, it is nice to have this realistic and sturdy option.</div>
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FTC Disclaimer: I was provided a sample from <a href="http://www.commercialsilk.com/" target="_blank">Commercial Silk</a> but was not otherwise compensated to provide a positive opinion.<br />
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For more information:<br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.facebook.com/commercialsilkplantsandtrees/&source=gmail&ust=1505513659208000&usg=AFQjCNF9RNbbLtNir_fqJEMWBqJLxtHbDA" href="https://www.facebook.com/commercialsilkplantsandtrees/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">https://www.facebook.com/<wbr></wbr></span>commercialsilkplantsandtrees/</a><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://twitter.com/commercialsilk&source=gmail&ust=1505513659208000&usg=AFQjCNF0MFEzZUaY_ezXoydAb0-pO_jKDA" href="https://twitter.com/commercialsilk" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/<wbr></wbr>commercialsilk</a><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://plus.google.com/114344915777974160330/posts&source=gmail&ust=1505513659208000&usg=AFQjCNEdqHMmkYR9Wq3FTdZzzpbNyO8Bpw" href="https://plus.google.com/114344915777974160330/posts" target="_blank">https://plus.google.com/<wbr></wbr>114344915777974160330/posts</a><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.pinterest.com/artificialitems/artificial-trees-plants-installation/&source=gmail&ust=1505513659208000&usg=AFQjCNFOwvNAYSvXCB9Q6d_OvbxtYEl7GA" href="http://www.pinterest.com/artificialitems/artificial-trees-plants-installation/" target="_blank">http://www.pinterest.com/<wbr></wbr>artificialitems/artificial-<wbr></wbr>trees-plants-installation/</a><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v%3DxLt2stat4Oo&source=gmail&ust=1505513659208000&usg=AFQjCNGOBBp5Ot3de9FK_Yp5dA5a2cFvtw" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLt2stat4Oo" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?<wbr></wbr>v=xLt2stat4Oo</a>Julie Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05695544893811029409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1450361572424240833.post-76823323515110380102017-09-01T09:08:00.001-07:002019-08-29T12:02:38.071-07:00All About CarbsThanks to those who commented on my last post! It all seems pretty unreal right now, but I'm starting to get pretty impatient and excited!<br />
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I wanted to talk about one of everyone's favorite things -- yep, carbs. In my last pregnancy, I was shocked that I ended up developing <a href="http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/2015/08/diabetes.html" target="_blank">gestational diabetes</a>. After my son was born, I didn't exactly stay on top of watching my diet, and my yearly blood sugar tests kept inching toward pre-diabetes. <br />
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Earlier this year, I decided to <a href="http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/2017/05/diabetes-part-2.html" target="_blank">reign</a> it in and go back on a similar <a href="http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/2017/05/a-walking-science-experiment.html" target="_blank">diet</a> I did during pregnancy -- basically, low carb. I was eating a ton of fat, just trying to see what would happen. Well, by the time my next scheduled blood sugar check came along, I was pregnant. I had been tested early last pregnancy, and this time was no different. The results showed that my average blood sugar level was the lowest it's been in years, and I passed my glucose test with flying colors. (I also did a separate lipid panel, and all looks great there, so don't fear eating fat, people!!)<br />
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Now that I'm getting closer to the midway point of my pregnancy, I know I'm going to have to start spot-checking my blood sugar soon, as I don't know yet what this pregnancy is doing to me yet. Normally, the gestational diabetes test is given around weeks 25-28, which is when I found out last time, but some crude research has convinced me that the condition may roll in as early as 20 weeks. Thus, a have about a month left -- not to indulge in carbs, but you know what I mean.<br />
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I haven't exactly been the best eater this pregnancy so far. My "morning" sickness has been significantly worse than last time. Even now, at about 15 weeks, still feel nauseated, though mostly at night, and my aversions to smells and certain foods has lingered. Thus, I've been pecking away at carbs more than I should, but I've at least been trying to moderate how many I have at a time. As I am slowly, slowly starting to feel better, I have been trying to incorporate more fat and protein, but I still can't really stand chicken or avocado or some of my old low-carb staples. At least there's cheese, though even that had been iffy for me for a time period.<br />
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Anyway, I will be HIGHLY surprised if I don't get diagnosed again this pregnancy, but I guess you never know. I've seen stats like 57% chance of a repeat diagnosis, versus figures like 80%. My activity level has been about the same so far -- I want to step it up, but from my <a href="http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/2017/08/the-latest-addition.html" target="_blank">last post</a>, you'll remember I have some complicating factors, not to mention, it has been so, so, so hot around here (approaching 110 degrees), which makes it nearly impossible to function, let alone exercise. Come on, September and Fall!<br />
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If this does happen again, hopefully I will already be eating appropriately by then, so I won't experience the utter disappointment and adjustment of last time. The only thing, though, is that a diagnosis could affect whatever the birth plan I have. There's really no point, since nothing with birth is planned, as I have learned. Julie Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05695544893811029409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1450361572424240833.post-48292849339973281872017-08-28T09:29:00.000-07:002019-08-29T12:03:42.102-07:00The Latest AdditionPlease excuse my latest extended absence, but I am back for now.<br />
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In January of 2012, I wrote a post about "The Ukrainian" (my husband) was being <a href="http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/2012/01/ukrainian-upgrade.html" target="_blank">upgraded</a>.<br />
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If all goes well, another family member is getting an upgrade soon.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.acaseoftheruns.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="www.acaseoftheruns.com" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH46IiXI1BapN2RyNnUt9G2NQ-2uXXovvjhvlDEPZLFBDiQrNIY_bRnMMUk4J-ncAGdF-p40lQ0NjjUmA3OL_ZDHPhIPYdtNogvbKWPyCMPLD8hs0wUgtPwHqEGEqDNOug70ZB53geTHM/s320/IMG_1118.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Brother is watching you.</td></tr>
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Yes, I am pregnant <a href="http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/2014/06/week-18-case-of-growing-family.html" target="_blank">again</a>. This news came as a bit of a shock to some of the few we've told, who perhaps thought I was pretty much "one and done," and even myself, who considered selling off all the used baby stuff many times. I don't really plan on going "public" this time, so if you don't know and just happened to stumble upon this, now you do. ;) I have had a few complications that make me hesitant to broadcast, but things are far enough along now that regardless of how this goes, it's significant and worth blogging about.<br />
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This pregnancy is different in that I already know what to expect once the baby comes, moreso than I thought I did the first time around. For example, I KNEW sleep was going to be slim, but I did not know how much it would impact every fiber of my body. The sleep thing is actually creating the most anxiety for me right now, though it's not limited to that (for example, the birth ranks second), and I fully acknowledge that I'm going to have to face these things -- and more -- again in turn... and hopefully seek help if needed this time.<br />
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Putting that aside, I am curious how this baby will be similar or different than the child we already have. I have four siblings who defined much of my life, so I'm hoping Tuesday ultimately enjoys having one... if not now, then someday. I know I wasn't obligated to give him one, so the decision of having another really settled on a few personal factors that ultimately brought us here. I know things are going to be chaotic for the next few years. I might be outnumbered at times. The introvert in me is psyching myself up for that, though I guess at least Tuesday is older and is interactive, helpful when he wishes, and getting more independent <a href="http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/2017/07/a-week-of-potty-training.html" target="_blank">by the day</a>. <br />
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Second, onto vanity... I don't know what will become of my body, since I was already not the same after the first. My stomach never flattened no matter how much ab work I did, and whenever I'd get bloated, you could totally see where the weaknesses in my core lie and when I lay down, I could feel where my abs never quite came back together. I don't know if C-section or the fact that I don't spend as much time working out anymore contributed, though prior to this pregnancy, I was below my first pre-pregnancy weight and had a leaner mass overall. Finding time to work out is going to get even more challenging. At least my home gym is <a href="http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/2017/06/quitting-gym-again-again.html" target="_blank">poppin</a>' (I was not pregnant, nor planning to be, when this was set up or when I quit the gym).<br />
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I'm also worried about my career. After Tuesday was born, I landed the most amazing job and hope to continue on with it. It is so hard to be a working mom even with one, so I'm bracing myself here. We are planning on bringing in help... wish me luck there!!<br />
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I've spent a lot of time talking about worries and logistics, but don't get me wrong, this baby is already very much loved, and I am excited to experience the mother/baby bond again. By the way, I think it's totally okay to not be 100% excited about going through baby life again, and knowing that they grow to be cute little people puts everything into the bigger scheme of things. I am not the type of parent who'd paint motherhood into a perfect pretty picture, so there.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih01FSpMx8GRVmQFkMWuleumjRH6qggtj45w68ILmNuqeKytuZ222Fk2K4ffwvrQ5aUoJzPnckoIL7Bo1cs3FTImhRrteGPlV7YkpH6p4042QMQFEEz4eyHyQEdT1CNpw6D1I4uR9E1gc/s640/blogger-image--1663564042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih01FSpMx8GRVmQFkMWuleumjRH6qggtj45w68ILmNuqeKytuZ222Fk2K4ffwvrQ5aUoJzPnckoIL7Bo1cs3FTImhRrteGPlV7YkpH6p4042QMQFEEz4eyHyQEdT1CNpw6D1I4uR9E1gc/s200/blogger-image--1663564042.jpg" width="112" /></a>Anyway, I am 14 weeks along at this point (pic on right), so I'm putting this out there a bit earlier than last time. I found out super early, because I guess I recognized how it felt immediately and had two expired tests confirm. I have had a lot of the same aversions/cravings as last time (weird carb-y things, which does not jive with my blood sugar) and just random waves of nausea throughout the day. I have a lot more sensations of soreness and pain than last time, which worries me in terms of how I'll cope as I get bigger. I'm probably just slightly more tired this time, thanks to insomnia and a toddler to keep up with. But overall, the ickiness of the first trimester has been awfully persistent this time, and I keep hoping each time I feel bad will be the last time.<br />
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I've gained pretty much nothing so far, although I think much muscle has been replaced by fat. I'm not concerned since I gained about 35 lb last time and know it will catch up with me soon, especially once I feel better. I was hoping that more running would occur this pregnancy than my last, which would be easy since I barely ran at all last time after I completed <a href="http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/2014/04/big-sur-international-marathon-21-miler.html" target="_blank">Big Sur</a>. However, after spending the early weeks fairly active, I was thrown into a semi-high-risk category and put on limited activity for several weeks. The restrictions were later removed (even though the issues are technically still there!), but getting back into things isn't going well. I'm just trying to do anything to stay active at this point, and since I'm still feeling rather blah, it's touch and go around here. I should add that so far, the baby is perfectly fine, so in spite of everything, I am grateful for that fact and will hope that things stay on course.<br />
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Speaking of courses/races, I am afraid I will most likely have to break my streak of Lunar New Year <a href="http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/2017/02/los-angeles-firecracker-run-5k-2017.html" target="_blank">zodiac races</a>, since the next one is right up on my due date, and I am almost certain I won't make it because I am under recurrent C-section watch, and even if not, then I'd need a pre-due date labor/delivery. While I'm bummed about this, I'm so used to not having control of stuff by now that I will just roll with it.<br />
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We don't know the sex of the baby yet. We did not opt to find out until he was born last time, but now that I feel compelled to plan more this time due to anxiety, we are going to find out. Also, I just want to have the "other" experience. Of course, we'd be happy with either. <br />
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Sorry for the long post! I'll probably add updates as we go along. I think I should at least address my blood sugar issues and how that's going.Julie Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05695544893811029409noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1450361572424240833.post-30320802958707950852017-07-10T09:21:00.004-07:002017-07-10T09:21:57.873-07:00A Week of Potty TrainingI'm not going to put pictures in this post... just because of the subject matter. If you don't care for bodily functions (though think of the title of this blog!), please skip this post.<br />
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Part of what has made my transition to motherhood so difficult is my constant worry that I am not doing a good job of parenting my son. This is because my mother is pretty much the epitome of a great mother. She raised five children over a span of decades and continues this in her role as a grandparent with less spousal involvement than I currently expect from my own husband. <br />
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I realize there are some cultural and generational factors involved, but I do often feel bad that, in addition to holding down a job, I sometimes just want a break from the constant barrage of needs or I don't know how to handle things like fighting naps, not listening to me, etc.<br />
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The latest item is potty training. My husband and I had agreed to make an attempt this summer, since it's acceptable to walk around with minimal clothing. The boy is around 2 2/3 years old, which some would argue is too early, and some would say too late. Most of my fellow parents with similar-aged kids had started/completed the process and insisted that I could do it, so I was feeling bad that I had even waited until this point.<br />
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I read too many things about "signs of readiness," and I felt he was ready -- great communicator, fighting diaper changes, knows about the potty, minds cleanliness to an extent. We started a little more than a week ago, and from the get-go, I was doubting whether I was reading his readiness signs correctly and whether I had set him up for failure. We went cold turkey on the diapers and only do pull-ups at night. I know the nighttime thing is under debate, and whether he'd get confused wearing pull-ups at all, but he still sleeps comfortably in the crib and weren't prepared to make two big changes at once. Of course, my wonderful mother used to wake us up in the middle of the night to take us to the potty, which I can't imagine doing for the time being.<br />
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It was clear that those "train your kid in a weekend" stuff was not going to work on our son, and every time I came across a "she just trained herself" claim, I wanted to roll my eyes as I cleaned up yet another puddle that happened RIGHT after we took him from the potty. <br />
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After the first five days with pretty much no progress, I wanted to give up. I didn't want him to start feeling bad since he's not ready. It would just be easier to wait until he's old enough to tell me that he's done with diapers and is magically trained, right??? <br />
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We dialed the pressure down but kept going as to not confuse him. Some days later, the number of accidents went down. He still generally does not communicate in advance that he needs to go. However, I think he's slowly learning to use those (many) opportunities when we take him to the potty to actually use it, at least at home. That's actually pretty great progress to me... as I will take ANYTHING at this point. We're giving it another couple of weeks before I would let myself give up.<br />
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While we are nowhere near trained at all, I am starting to see some hope that this will someday be something I can look back on with humor and tell myself that while I'm not a perfect parent, I'll get the job done with minimal permanent issues (I mean, I don't remember much of being potty trained, do you???). All the while, I'm trying my best to not make this unpleasant for my son. After all, he loves underwear and not getting diaper rashes anymore. And I love that even if the poop sometimes doesn't end up in the right place, at least it's not sticking all over in a diaper.Julie Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05695544893811029409noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1450361572424240833.post-44122844030856462882017-06-27T08:50:00.002-07:002019-08-29T12:04:20.673-07:00Review: Jabra Elite Sport<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It has been a while since I've done a gear review here, but I am excited to write this one. The reason for my excitement is that I have had terrible luck with wireless Bluetooth headphones, and the product I'm reviewing not only fits that bill... it does so much more!<br />
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The <a href="http://www.jabra.com/sports-headphones/jabra-elite-sport" target="_blank">Jabra Elite Sport</a> headphones have good sound quality, stay in my ear well, and has a heart-rate monitoring function!! This means carrying one less device when working out.<br />
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Official description:<br />
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<em><a href="http://www.jabra.com/sports-headphones/jabra-elite-sport" target="_blank">Jabra Elite Sport</a> is the most technically advanced true wireless pair of sports earbuds available. The fully sweat proof and waterproof Elite Sport is the ultimate training aid that delivers freedom of movement on any terrain. When paired with the Jabra Sport Life app, the earbuds deliver the most comprehensive range of audio training tools, including an in-ear heart rate monitor, in-ear intelligent coaching, VO2 Max fitness testing, automatic repetition counting, a race-time predictor and a recovery advisor.</em><br />
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Upon opening the package, I was impressed with the slick charging apparatus/case, yet overwhelmed with a bunch of tiny ear plugs and wings. However, this was a one-time thing and allowed me to try out many different sizes so that the ear bud fits and stays in my ear, especially if I'm going to be jumping around. Admittedly, it took me a while to figure out how everything fits together and fit well in my ear, but once I got that, I could jump and run around with no issues.<br />
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Snug as a bug:<br />
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I downloaded the app and entered a few stats on myself. (age, weight, gender). There was then a test screen that asked me to run/jump for a few seconds to make sure the right ear bud was picking up a heart-rate. </div>
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The app has an Activity screen where you can select a workout such as running and walking, and it even includes built-in workouts! These built-in workouts talk to you through the headphones and provide music (though you can also play your own). There are also several coaching programs such as pace and heart-rate targeting that also guide you via in-ear instructions!</div>
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Speaking of music, the sound quality is great! Compared to other wireless Bluetooth headphones I've used, I feel like the sound is very clear. There are volume control and selection buttons on the buds, which you can use to answer your phone calls.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Ie4i6i0qwz2dz7CBvV6ptrm0DUoZLO99rt8unNtVVRAL_FVz5WGnDKM2BP6qMZLIAU-w5CspovFARdxV2PJXk_xBK_60r8QAShgUsVw8QYPFm6hwLe1AhDDpGwTaAcjyuoU1ghwKOIRC/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="180" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Ie4i6i0qwz2dz7CBvV6ptrm0DUoZLO99rt8unNtVVRAL_FVz5WGnDKM2BP6qMZLIAU-w5CspovFARdxV2PJXk_xBK_60r8QAShgUsVw8QYPFm6hwLe1AhDDpGwTaAcjyuoU1ghwKOIRC/s400/3.jpg" width="225" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV6XjeO_0F0Iz8YL2kWDe70zNpBm1WitjxteDtc-FsUnb3jEZcfgDeJR0Rmz7D1YyyZKtw_P8l1wZdTzmJ2yh74Pm294ycXRa2LA4eYTa14LaNxV0ue0FtzGpGsnw0qCgX-nIMNcb79hx6/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="180" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV6XjeO_0F0Iz8YL2kWDe70zNpBm1WitjxteDtc-FsUnb3jEZcfgDeJR0Rmz7D1YyyZKtw_P8l1wZdTzmJ2yh74Pm294ycXRa2LA4eYTa14LaNxV0ue0FtzGpGsnw0qCgX-nIMNcb79hx6/s400/4.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
As for the heart-rate sensor, I feel that it was pretty accurate, since I am used to seeing what my <a href="http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/2016/11/preliminary-review-of-nike-apple-watch.html">Apple Watch</a> registers. This is a great alternative to wearing a separate heart-rate monitor!<br />
<br />
I'm really looking forward to using these headphones more, as I do a lot of workouts off my cell phone in situations where I don't want sound to be coming out. Having the portable workouts is even better, and it will even sync up with some other apps such as <a href="http://www.runkeeper.com/" target="_blank">RunKeeper</a>.<br />
<br />
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FTC Disclaimer: I was sent a sample of <a href="http://www.jabra.com/sports-headphones/jabra-elite-sport" target="_blank">Jabra Elite Sport</a> headphones but was not otherwise compensated to provide a positive review.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1450361572424240833.post-37704698214277423672017-06-01T14:50:00.000-07:002019-08-29T12:05:19.009-07:00Quitting the Gym... Again AgainThat's not a typo: this is the <a href="http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/2013/07/goodbye-gym-again.html">second time</a> that I have voluntarily called it quits on my gym membership. Before I had my child, I didn't have a membership because I was commuting a lot and had discovered the wonders of home workout videos. Prior to that, I had access via work, though really, I was running outdoors a lot and didn't really need it, anyway.<br />
<br />
After I returned to work post-baby, I didn't work out for a while trying to balance everything, and I quickly started a new job. Once I got comfortable with that and was pumping fewer times at work than when I started, I joined the gym because I could use it during lunch hour -- my only break during those hectic days. By then, I was about six months postpartum and was only working out randomly at home sometimes. I think I went to the gym about three times a week after that point, which was gold.<br />
<br />
As time went on, I started working from home more because I was transferred to a different department, and I found that less commuting meant I could make more time for workouts. My son grew older, and now his care during the day went from very inconvenient to extremely convenient. Ironically, I only made it to the gym once or twice a week. I think it was because I had made significant progress in my little "<a href="http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/2015/12/my-lonely-home-gym.html">home gym</a>" project and started to use that out of convenience. However, around the same time, I got into heavy lifting more, so I justified keeping my gym membership just for that.<br />
<br />
The gym has been critical to me for two things besides weights. First, when I do come into the office, it's convenient for me to go very early to beat traffic and go to the nearby gym before work. I wouldn't be able to shower at home because that would wake everyone (yeah, ugh...). Second, since my kiddo is still very attached to me, sometimes going to the gym was the only way I'd get a workout and shower in without being noticed.<br />
<br />
After my first year of gym membership, I got an e-mail saying that my rate was going up, at which point I said I would get a squat rack and quit the gym. That didn't happen. Now, another year went by, and I recently got this:<br />
<br />
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<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="mso-cellspacing: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; width: 555px;">
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<span style="color: #575a5d; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">As your partner in
fitness we are proud to support your fitness goals, and we would like to
thank you for being a member of [GYM]. We work hard to provide you
with quality services, facilities and amenities that enable you to get the
most out of every workout. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 11.25pt; mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 11.25pt; padding: 0in;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 11.25pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><img border="0" src="http://img.delivery.net/cm50content/19972/55676/spacer.gif" height="15" id="_x0000_i1025" style="display: block;" width="8" /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #575a5d; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">To ensure we're able
to continue to meet your needs, your membership rate will be increasing by
$1.57 per month. Effective July 2017, your new monthly dues rate will be
$XX.XX plus applicable taxes. We do our best to keep your rate as low as
possible while delivering you the best fitness experience at a great value.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
Although I thought I was getting a good deal initially, this was the second raise in two years, and who knows how many will follow? The gym was not improving at all. Equipment was still down too often, showers mediocre, and it was still too crowded for me to do what I wanted all the time. So the next day after I got the message, I called and cancelled my membership.<br />
<br />
Where does this leave me? Well, I know I didn't mention it here, but several months ago, we finally took the plunge and got a treadmill for our garage gym. While I tend to run outdoors when I can, "The Ukrainian" often prefers the treadmill, and this opens up running during off-times. I've tripped too many times in the dark to trust myself from being that hardcore, plus, we live in an area where coyotes and other wildlife have been seen. Having an indoor treadmill also helps with cardio warm-ups for other workouts I might do.<br />
<br />
I won't be able to work out anymore on the days I come into the office. I'm still trying to figure out what I'm going to do about that. Maybe I will just do a lot of walking on those days, do some resistance training at my desk, or maybe even try working out at the home gym without showering?? Same for times when I need to get away -- I just need to work around my toddler's needs and maybe go without showering more often.<br />
<br />
I still don't have that squat rack, though I think that is in my near future. It would pay for itself in about three months of not paying gym dues and another three months for the barbell. We have a smaller barbell that I can use for training in the meantime. Money isn't exactly an issue, but it's the principle... the same one that got me to quit the gym in the first place. Plus, I primarily do workout videos, anyway.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I don't think this is going to be a huge deal, but if anyone in a similar position is thinking about quitting the gym, I thought I'd provide my perspective on making this kind of decision while still staying committed to regular exercise.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1450361572424240833.post-7503985672159844132017-05-11T11:37:00.000-07:002019-08-29T12:05:35.110-07:00A Walking Science ExperimentWhew.<br />
<br />
Since I'm all about controlling my <a href="http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/2017/05/diabetes-part-2.html">blood sugar</a> these days, I spend a lot of my time planning out my food, discovering new foods, and looking at the ways I react to certain foods. This post is a random list of what I've learned so far.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>As I mentioned in my last post, although my doctor told me that spot-checking my blood glucose levels wouldn't be useful at the level that I'm at, I have found that it has been a huge help. So thank you, Amazon, for selling affordable test strips.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>In my last post, I also said that rice is a no-no. I did a second test where I had just HALF a cup of brown rice, along with other things in a meal (protein, fat)... unlike last time when I had white rice in isolation. Yet still, it did seem to raise my levels, so now I'm pretty much avoiding rice altogether. This is useful information. I've read that basmati rice might be an option since it's lower glycemic, so that will be the next test I do. Yes, it sucks... being Asian-American... rice is huge. I've been eating riced cauliflower and quinoa instead for now. On that same thread, I suspect Japanese food will need to be limited since it contains a lot of "hidden" sugars.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Pasta seems to raise me a bit, but at a more manageable level. I don't eat pasta very often to begin with, so this isn't super useful information, but it's good to know I can pick at some without ill effects.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>I haven't done too much testing on sweets (baked goods in particular) yet, and the main reason for that is because a) I've found many alternatives to sweets (more on that later?), and b) I find that eating sweets begets cravings for them. The first month after my test, I was pretty strict about my sweet/carb intake, and although I had a rough period where I craved things, that passed, so I don't want to trigger them again. Now, there have been weak moments, mostly when we are at events, where sweets have not spiked me since I just nibble and eat other things with them. This is good news.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Finally, I ate a lot of yogurt, some of it sweetened, in the past year, so I wanted to see if this was what was contributing to my poor results. Well, I finally got the courage to test this (those Fage Crossovers are the BOMB), and nope... it's not that. Very good to know, but I'll be saving those for treats since again, the sugar within might beget cravings.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>I have switched to sprouted and einkorn (primitive wheat) bread, which I tolerate well, but I haven't really eaten other breads yet. I will be sure to test other breads as I try them, but honestly, the sprouted breads are so tasty. Bagels are a monster -- I'm not sure if I will test those or not, unless I get really desperate. I used to love bagels, but it was another one of those items I cut in recent years since I have long known how carb-y they are.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Back to the first bullet-point, my advice is to take charge of your health. My doctors have not addressed my test results and probably would not until I plunge into full-blown diabetes. They cared when I was pregnant and cared about my son when he was born, but otherwise, we are kind of on our own. I think this is typical of doctors as a whole and not just mine, likely because of costs and limited understanding of these types of things.</li>
</ul>
<br />
This is very preliminary, but aside from rice, I think that if I just spread my carb intake throughout the day, I might be all right. It does make me wonder why my official numbers have been high, but maybe it was more related to timing than anything else.<br />
<br />
I should add that a few months into moderating my carb intake, I've felt pretty good overall. Yes, there are rough days, but overall, I think I have a little more energy than before. It does kind of burn me out to put so much thought into tracking and timing and testing. For example, if I've eaten a smaller meal and get hungry shortly after, I can't eat again until it's time to test my glucose levels if I'm testing a good. Also, going out is more complicated, and I find that's where I'm making the most "mistakes." I'm hoping all these things get better with time, and this close tracking/monitoring period is going to be temporary until I knock the training wheels off.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I'm looking forward to seeing if I can move the dial back, but along the way, I'm doing something good for myself. Perhaps this is all just one of those veiled blessings.<br />
<br />
On the note of blessings, Happy (early) Mother's Day to those in the motherly roles in life! Mothers make the world go 'round! Although I typically don't really celebrate myself on this day because we're busy celebrating the older generations, I'm so lucky to have so many to celebrate with right now.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1450361572424240833.post-24726931296343460972017-05-05T10:26:00.000-07:002019-08-29T12:06:03.281-07:00Diabetes, part 2This is NOT a topic I had wanted to come upon <a href="http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/2015/08/diabetes.html">again</a>, yet here we are.<br />
<br />
In a post that I linked above, I talked about my unexpected run (hah) with gestational diabetes and how this is something that is now underlined in my medical history. Last year, I vaguely <a href="http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/2016/02/as-bad-as-i-feel.html">mentioned</a> that my yearly follow-up test didn't go in the direction I had wanted, but I figured that this was a function of a lack of sleep and its associated effects on my hormone (and carb consumption) level.<br />
<br />
Now, I had not been perfect throughout life, leading a high-ish-carb existence as many do. However, after pregnancy, I got used to eating a modified diet already. I pretty much quit eating candy because somewhere in my mind had an apprehension of that. After nursing, I stopped eating oatmeal and fruit in the morning in favor of Greek yogurt, eggs, and protein powders/bars. In this past year, I've had boba drinks (a cultural staple, ha ha!) maybe twice, and I always get them "half-sweet" or even unsweetened. My Starbucks orders were 1 pump or sugar-free, and I don't even go nearly as often as before. I tracked my intake for months as well. I don't get out as much as before and to top that off, work from home mostly now, so access to baked goods, sweets, and any of my other beloveds went way down. Physical activity hasn't really ever been a problem because I've prioritized exercise as my "me-time."<br />
<br />
So this is kind of how my test results have been over the years:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Pre-pregnancy: Unfortunately, was never formally tested, but all worksite biometric screenings (random blood sugar pricks) came out fine.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Very beginning of pregnancy: Normal A1C (average blood sugar over a 3-month period) result, which leads me to believe that I did not have blood sugar issues prior to this point.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Last third of pregnancy: Majorly failed glucose tolerance test and controlled diet for remainder of pregnancy -- from my glucometer, I did see I had a legitimate issue controlling blood sugar after eating certain foods/amounts.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Two months post-partum: No tests done on me until this point -- A1C went up by .1 from initial pregnancy number, 2-hour glucose tolerance test (the "gold standard" test) passed, worksite biometric screening was fine</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>One year post-partum: A1C went up by .1 again, now at "pre-diabetic level," although worksite biometric screening went fine</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Two years post-partum (present): A1C unchanged</li>
</ul>
<br />
Although there was no change from last year, I considered this present result a blow because I couldn't rationalize it (aka., blame it on lack of sleep) at all. But I guess rationalizing it doesn't matter. I could tell myself that A1C tests <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3912281/">can be off</a> (by as much as .5), but it doesn't change the fact that I had legitimate issues controlling my blood sugar for a period and have a huge elevated risk of diabetes in my future. I don't know if it's a matter of "when" instead of "if," but I don't want to go down that route. I got a taste of life with diabetes and know far too many who deal with it regularly.<br />
<br />
I'm back to micro-managing my intake. I'll track for a while until it becomes habit and take controlled breaks from tracking, but I think I will need to keep breaks to no more than a month just to be sure I don't veer off. I even started doing random blood glucose checks since I still have my meter and found cheap-ish strips on Amazon. My doctor would not write a prescription since she said my "prediabetes" (quoted) was minor. Uhhh..... One night recently, I decided to eat a measured cup of rice for dinner with nothing else, and... holy post-meal glucose! That, to me, justified everything I have been doing. I had lots of issues with rice and beans when I was pregnant, so it was no surprise... though still shocking... to see a number that high. Another hour later, it did go back down, so it does seem like whatever is going on is abnormal but not so abnormal that a doctor would jump -- though they should!<br />
<br />
Just as when I first faced this while pregnant, I was very "woe is me," but after these couple of months, I feel this is an opportunity for me to be healthier and address things like the endless cravings I am used to having. Back to the whole rationalization thing, I've accepted things and am not overly embarrassed anymore, because whether any of this is my fault or not, the end result is the same -- eating less of the things I shouldn't, anyway. While I can blame my old eating habits (since I have no family history), I know there are plenty of people who eat worse and have no issues. But regardless, again, blame won't change anything, so I can only just accept full responsibility for myself from this point on.<br />
<br />
Sorry for the wall of text and the TMI. I think this post is a backdrop for reviews I do here and on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRklICSeuaWsGkQ43lw51Qg">YouTube</a> going forward, and maybe there's another in-between person like me who might be able to relate to all of this. Stay tuned for some follow-up posts about what I've been doing and my progress. I will be formally tested again in the next couple of months, so let's see what happens.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1450361572424240833.post-31586645953215020392017-03-20T07:19:00.000-07:002019-08-29T12:06:44.220-07:00More Thoughts on Another Marathon GoneThe other day, I went with "The Ukrainian" to the <a href="http://www.lamarathon.com/">LA Marathon</a> Expo and recorded a little mash-up for YouTube.<br />
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I had not been to that expo in a couple of years, and since neither of us are doing much running these days, expos in general haven't been something I've seen a lot of since 2014 or so. I didn't go through all of my thoughts in the video. Yesterday was the race, and since I spent the day with Tuesday (our <a href="http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/p/about.html">son</a>), I had more time to think about what I was missing. I would have normally said "dwell" rather than "think," but it really was more of a "think" than "dwell."<br />
<br />
I used to be SO bothered when I couldn't do a race, for any reason. Standing on the sidelines felt like I was giving up, which seems so, so ridiculous to me now that I'm a month away from turning 32 and feeling like I'm 62. I wish I didn't spend all those active racing years beating myself up for not finishing races at goal, as it was just amazing to get out there in the first place. People used to tell me this all the time; I did not understand until now.<br />
<br />
This is not to say that I couldn't just pick up and start actively racing again. I'm pretty sure a couple of months of discipline could get me back in the saddle, at least for the most part. It's like riding a bike, right? I've been having more temperamental knees in the times I did try to run (I trained for a half last year) after pregnancy. The "a couple of months" thing seems daunting, but if I just say, I'm going to try to run a few times each week, I still ask myself, "I will?!"<br />
<br />
So then I tell myself that I will run a couple of times THIS week. Well, it's Monday, and I woke up feeling like I needed another cycle of sleep, and I pretty much resigned and did a <a href="http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/2012/03/review-of-xtend-barre-lean-and-chiseled.html">barre workout</a> instead.<br />
<br />
The bottom line is, I'm not there yet, and because I'm not there yet, I don't feel bad or sad that I wasn't out running one of my most sentimental races. LA Marathon was my first marathon and the only <a href="http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/2007/04/los-angeles-marathon-xxiii-2008.html">marathon</a> I did with siblings and appeared briefly on TV (reading that linked blog post again seeing that they used to start the race SO late in warm LA March made me raise an eyebrow). I will always feel a connection to this race, even if I'm not running it, in the same way that I feel a connection to living in the LA area in general.<br />
<br />
I don't know what the future holds for me when it comes to racing. I'm not sure if those people who did a bunch around the time that I was still feel that "magic" or not. I can see participation numbers are still high, so it is probably there, and I just need to get myself back out there to see it for myself.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1450361572424240833.post-28126710127092545892017-03-10T11:08:00.003-08:002019-08-29T12:07:42.483-07:00Xtend Barre Class Review: Pasadena Studio's Opening DayIf you have been reading my blog for a while, I do a lot of home video workouts, especially now that I have to work around all of our schedules with Tuesday's new school.<br />
<br />
Among my favorite home workouts are barre style, which basically incorporates small movements based on ballet that are done repetitively to really focus on them. I've reviewed some different types of barre videos in the past, most of which are linked in <a href="http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/2012/03/review-of-xtend-barre-lean-and-chiseled.html" target="_blank">this</a> post (linked as to not spam this post mentioning other "brands").<br />
<br />
One of my favorites is <a href="http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/2012/03/review-of-xtend-barre-lean-and-chiseled.html" target="_blank">Xtend Barre - Lean and Chiseled</a> -- I like it so much, in fact, that it's currently the video loaded in my laptop. Well, truthfully, it has been a while since I've been doing barre videos regularly since I've been trying to hammer away at some other programs and lifting more weights. But I did start doing it again recently knowing that the studio was opening soon, and according to my <a href="http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/2016/11/preliminary-review-of-nike-apple-watch.html" target="_blank">Apple Watch</a>, I'm burning about 200-ish calories for about 40 minutes of work (I don't have time to do the whole video usually, so upper + lower body segments come up to around 40 minutes). I feel like doing barre workouts at least somewhat regularly has helped me stay in shape even though I'm not putting in as much time into working out as I did before.<br />
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<br />
I was able to attend the Pasadena studio's first-ever public class and did a vlog about it. I mentioned in a previous <a href="http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/2017/03/some-news-and-xero-shoes-review-lena.html" target="_blank">post</a> that I started a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRklICSeuaWsGkQ43lw51Qg" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a> where I was going to start posting video reviews of things just because I find myself looking toward YouTube for reviews myself. The video is directly linked below.<br />
<br />
The <a href="https://www.xtendbarre.com/studio/xtend-barre-pasadena/" target="_blank">Pasadena Xtend Barre studio</a> features barre, yoga, circuit, and TRX classes. I tried one of their barre classes with instructor Monica. There was a group of about 10? people taking this inaugural class, and it was definitely everything I expected: plies, butt-burning, arm workouts with tiny weights that feel heavy after a while, and core work. I was concerned that my recent rib <a href="http://acaseoftheruns.blogspot.com/2017/03/some-news-and-xero-shoes-review-lena.html" target="_blank">injuries</a> would make things especially rough on me, but nothing that was done in that class aggravated it too much. I'm still figuring out what my limitations are as I recover, but thankfully, this wasn't a limiting factor for me. I did, however, tell the instructor prior to class, just in case. You should always do this if you feel like you may need to modify in any way!<br />
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The class started off with plié and squat variations, and then the arm work with 1-lb weights. There were 2- and 3-lb options, but everyone was taking the 1's, and I think they were the right choice. Though all the arm exercises did add up, I will say that these recent months of heavier upper body work at the gym made this a little less painful than I remember barre arm work to be.<br />
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The toughest parts of the class involved this <a href="https://www.xtendbarre.com/shop/product/props/xtend-barre-grey-resistance-band/" target="_blank">giant rubber band</a> wrapped around either your arms or legs that really brought on the burn. I've actually never used this before with any of my videos or in any other environment, so I learned something new for sure! The latter parts of the class focused on the core with pulses and planks.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_ivOHW17rp4gK5TAYckrzqpTHaQ3043x2ec_o_FBxLbmbZGxQsE5EezahCtRr8deiNjoyHRpp-XmaCyBCW77HTR5uSI0n5uFyKSb63nCButFfmZhnB-3HU9xmgkCn_HQNVeTxIF_3pc/s640/blogger-image--263402173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_ivOHW17rp4gK5TAYckrzqpTHaQ3043x2ec_o_FBxLbmbZGxQsE5EezahCtRr8deiNjoyHRpp-XmaCyBCW77HTR5uSI0n5uFyKSb63nCButFfmZhnB-3HU9xmgkCn_HQNVeTxIF_3pc/s320/blogger-image--263402173.jpg" width="179" /></a>I definitely sweated and felt my arms and legs a little weak afterward, which is a good thing. As I said in my video, I'm still trying to see how I can fit in time with this studio, which I won't know completely until they settle into a schedule. While I don't see myself going everyday because I still want to tackle other fitness pursuits (and don't know what to do about my current gym membership), I do want to exercise in a group once in a while. I don't "get out" very often or do group fitness anything, but it's a nice change and motivating!<br />
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The studio itself is obviously clean from being so new, and well-lit. The owner and instructors that I've seen so far are very friendly. There's a cool sign-in device in the front, which I can foresee being useful when you're rushing in to the class, lockers, and merchandise for sale. The big (BIG) plus is a kids' room -- I would totally bring Tuesday there, except I'd need to wait a bit because he's still upset when I leave the room abruptly. Surveillance cameras are up in the kid room and lobby.<br />
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This studio is a great addition to the area, and I hope to be able to take advantage of it however I see it fitting into my current lifestyle. The bottom line is, stuff like barre, although very different from running and such, is a good exercise that yields results.<br />
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Here's the video review:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/bdrGWsYk7DU/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bdrGWsYk7DU?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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(Not quitting my day job yet, LOL!!)<br />
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FTC Disclaimer: I came for a complimentary class and was not otherwise compensated to provide a particular opinion.</div>
<img height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_ivOHW17rp4gK5TAYckrzqpTHaQ3043x2ec_o_FBxLbmbZGxQsE5EezahCtRr8deiNjoyHRpp-XmaCyBCW77HTR5uSI0n5uFyKSb63nCButFfmZhnB-3HU9xmgkCn_HQNVeTxIF_3pc/s640/blogger-image--263402173.jpg" style="left: 581.33px; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 1412px;" width="54" />Julie Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05695544893811029409noreply@blogger.com0