The 5K

Well, we completed our first 5K this past weekend. This is the "before" picture, where we haven't yet realized what we've gotten ourselves in to. I'm not gonna lie, it was difficult. It was much harder than I thought it was going to be. Out of the 4 of us, Ryan and I are the only ones who ran the entire way.

I was a little disappointed in myself. At the gym, the fastest I've run a 5K is 31:20. It took me 39 minutes to finish on Saturday. Ryan came in just 2 minutes behind me. I'm pretty sure the hills had something to do with it. I literally had to talk to myself to make myself keep going. Anyone running around me, I'm sure, thought I was crazy. At one point, I exclaimed, "Shit!" I couldn't help myself.

We are all planning on running another 5K in December, at the Trail of Lights. I guess I'll have to go back to running at an incline on the treadmill so I can adequately prepare and beat my time of 39 minutes. And since it's not so hot outside anymore, I'll have to make myself get outside and run. It's so much better in the AC though.

Here's our "after" picture, where each of us is wanting to strangle me for talking us all in to running

Ouch!

Yesterday afternoon, on my way home from work, I was rear-ended. I don't really like to use the term "rear-ended" cause it kinda sounds dirty, but he hit me from behind (not sure that's much better). I was sitting in traffic at a stop light and he smashed right into me. It took me a second to register what had happend. My sunglasses flew off my face and my cds, that I keep in my visors, were scattered throughout the vehicle. Thankfully I didn't pee myself, but I was pretty freaked out.

My truck died and wouldn't move. I got out and my first thought was, "oh dear God, he doesn't have insurance." I called the police and they were there within minutes. The officer had to push me into the nearest parking lot because my truck was useless. I was in tears, mascara running all over my face. The officer informed me the other driver did have insurance and not to worry. He issued him a citation and we were on our way. Mind you, I was driving down 183 with my back window flapping up and down because it won't latch anymore, nor will the door open.

I get home, call my insurance, file a claim and found out about seeing a doctor. My neck was already killing me. This morning I talked to the medical adjuster, the auto adjuster, my agent and the estimate guy who came by to check out the damage. My insurance was quick to respond, but the other insurance company had yet to contact me.

I decided to be pro-active and called the other insurance company myself. They hadn't even assigned the case to anyone yet. Great! Finally someone calls me, tells me they have sent me some forms to fill out and an adjuster will be contacting me to set up an appointment to check out the damage. The lady finishes the conversation with, "oh, and the other driver is not covered on the policy, so we've sent you a letter regarding that issue...don't be alarmed." When I inquired about what that meant for me and getting my truck fixed, she said, "oh, don't be alarmed when you get the letter." HUH? Don't be alarmed? Are you freaking kidding me?

So now I'm sitting here stewing, just waiting for my phone to ring so I can rip someone's butt. How did the officer not notice the name on the driver's license and the name on the insurance didn't match? Is the other insurance company going to cover the expenses? I will not be out my deductible to have my insurance cover this. And won't that mean my rate will go up? The system, well, it just plain sucks. The officer informed me that they can't even state who's at fault anymore. Yeah, they issued the guy a citation and yeah it was more than apparent that he hit me, but they can't say who's at fault. Again, are you kidding me?

My insurance did tell me the other driver admitted fault. But answer this: what idiot calls up an insurance company and files a claim for a policy he's not even on? I'm so confused and mad and all I can do is sit here and wait.

My Musical Genius

I've played the piano since I was about 10 or so. My parents bought me a piano for my 12th, maybe 13th, birthday...I can't remember which. My piano has made many moves and is still kicking. It's a digital piano, so it never needs tuning, thank goodness. I can't imagine how many times that thing would have needed tuning after the hell it's been through. I rarely play anymore, but find when I do sit down at it, I miss it. I've had to make several cheat sheets and sometimes have to reteach myself how to read music. It comes back quickly and I can still pound out several memorized songs.

Jake has taken an interest in the piano, if a 16 month old can really take an interest in something. When he wants to play, he pulls the bench out and waits. I have to lift the cover and turn it on for him, but he'll pound on it a few times and then he's finished. He waits for me to get him off the bench and then he politely pushes it back where it goes. He really just wants me to play so he can dance. I'm not sure if he's using his fingers to conduct or uses them as part of his dance moves, but it's pretty funny!

Where Have I Been?

I haven't blogged in FOR-EV-ER! Guess I haven't had anything really exciting to say.

I have a new stalker at work. It seems I find a way to get rid of one and another is just around the corner. I'm thinking my new stalker might be gay, but I can't be sure yet. I mean, after me telling him I saw a movie with my husband this weekend, he offered to go see the new Alice in Wonderland movie with me. He sends me random emails throughout the day, "what are your hours? Do you go out to eat or bring your lunch? What type of music do you listen to? Would you like to come to my honky tonk luau?" I must investigate further, I guess. I really would just like to be left alone though.

Last week I learned that even though I have yet to find a teaching job, there's no rush, as my time never really runs out. I had thought I only had two years to find a job and then I was screwed. That's not the case at all. I can take as long as I want. Yay! All I have to do is retake the tests. No biggie at all. My life goals have not been squashed, just put on hold. That was definitely good news, however, no one was really as thrilled about it as I was.

Jake spent the weekend at Nana Nee and Papa Frank's house. He hasn't done that since he was 5 months old. It was strange being at home without him. Bill and I had a wedding to attend Saturday evening but spending all weekend without Jake was definitely weird. It was like when I forget to wear my watch...I felt nekkid! Of course, when we picked him up yesterday, he was super excited to see Dad and pretended to be shy when I came around. He's going through this, "I want Dad" phase, I guess. I'm trying not to let my feelings get hurt, but it does kinda suck sometimes.

I've been super excited about the rain we've had. I hope that it continues, just to cool things off some more. I can't wait for it to be in the 60s and 70s. Seems like we've been scorching for way too long now. The summer IS over, I guess, just wish the weather would follow suit. We've been patiently waiting for my Dad's pool to be completed. Sucks we'll only get a few good weeks out of it this year. Jake loves the water, so next summer should be fun with all the swimming we'll be doing!

Well, I guess that about covers it. Like I said, nothing exciting. We've been so busy the past couple of months, even with work. Maybe something exciting will happen soon and I can post about that!