The Dog Ate My Homework and Other Excuses

So last night I finished up the last of my dossier documents. It was about 9 PM and I was feeling relieved that the work was done and I could turn the academic scrapbook in without embarrassment. The building was quiet, either my colleagues had finished their work or were putting the final touches on at home.

I had been saving my work all along with the intent to print at the very end of the project. So I brought up the first and hit "print." Suddenly an error box appeared on my screen. Now, I've seen these before, and never worried about them, so I hit "send report" (assuming somebody, probably in India, would get the message some day) expecting the box to go away and for me to try to print again successfully.

WRONG.

I hit "send report" and everything disappeared! I nearly fainted. I'm certain I said something . . . probably along the lines of "WTF?" Once I calmed myself, I opened Word up and, fortunately, my documents had been recovered and I could save them . . . just not print them.

So I typed a quick e-mail to my Department Head and his assistant explaining my situation. I had to laugh as I sent it along . . . I suddenly felt like a student using technology failure as an excuse for not getting a homework assignment done on time.

This morning I e-mailed all the documents that needed printing to the assistant and got my work done. And it appears the "error" with Word has magically been fixed today (maybe that somebody in India took care of it!). Whew!

Still, there was a time when I thought I was going to have to tell the Personnel Committee, "my dog ate it" (seriously, I've got four of them and one's a pit bull mix - who would doubt me?)!

Tenure, Merit & Review - Oh My!

It is finally here. The time to turn in our dossiers for merit and review . . . even though there is no money for merit pay or promotion. It is right now that I question my new career choice.

For those of you who don't know, putting together your dossier is like documenting your life for the past twelve months in every conceivable way that would apply to your teaching, service, and creative/scholarly work.

It's kind of like scrap-booking academia style.

I'm quite serious. You must save every scrap of evidence that you have been productive for the year. And then you get to write about it! So you explain your value and then prove it with all your scraps of stuff.

It's like having to reapply for the job your in again - only much harder.

Now, I like my job and want to keep it, but this process makes me want to run screaming for the hills. Since this is my first attempt at my dossier, I have asked advice of tenured and those ahead of me in the tenure process for advice. What I get from each is as different as the individual I ask! I'm so frustrated.

I feel I have done a pretty good job at keeping track of my work, and then I look at a colleague's dossier (who, granted, went up for tenure just this past semester) and about have a heart attack. I read others' letters of application (yes, like I said, reapplying for my freaking job) and want to cry.

I know I just need to bite the bullet and get it done. I'm wasting time and energy fretting about it. But in spite of me saying "I don't care what the committee thinks," I do. I want to put a strong first foot forward and I don't want them worrying about my contributions in any area. I just resent the process and consequently avoid it.

Time is running out. They are due tomorrow so at some point today I'm going to have to just deal with it.

OH MY!

Following Impulses

Okay, so in my more specific goal of running my 7th marathon this year, I also have a more general goal of getting back into shape. I have actually been doing a workout DVD at home on my non-run days, but I was getting bored and frankly wasn't having near enough fun. I had seen some ads on TV for other DVDs and was even debating a purchase, when my school Health & Wellness Program advertised a P90X CLASS.

Well, I had heard my students raving about P90X so I thought it would be worth checking out. On impulse, I contacted the H&W coordinator and she said before I could participate I had to take a fitness test. Really? Just to participate? Apparently.

That gave me pause.

But I decided to go for it anyway. I went for my fitness test and the first thing I had to do was a pull-up! WTF? I couldn't even do pull-ups in elementary, and I sure as hell can't do them now! From there I had to do wall sits, and a jump test, and push-ups (those I CAN do), and a bunch of those really hard "crunches" where you have to keep both legs up and your back up and BALANCE as you do them, and a load of jumping jacks.

By the time I finished the test, I wasn't sure I wanted to join a fitness program that required me to be fit in the first place! Still, I passed, and made the commitment to particpate (I had nothing to lose - it was free!).

So last night was our first workout. I arrived with a great deal of fear and trepidation after the fitness test. There were 18 of us, mostly men, and our instructor - I'll call him JJ - handed out these NOTEBOOKS full of information about the program and what to eat and when. This was NOT alleviating my fears, but I was kind of excited about having some plan on how to eat. Then we started with a cardio program. I really liked the beginning as it used a lot of yoga and I had been missing a regular yoga practice (I may try to find a Sunday morning class still). Then we progressed to more intense exercises. I was able to keep up most of the time, but they did this thing called a Dreya roll and that's when I just laughed. I'm hoping I'll eventually figure it out.

Now, I was very worried I wouldn't be able to move this morning, so later last night I took a whirlpool bath (love my tub!) in hopes that it would help. I'm happy to report that, though I do feel the major muscle groups today, I am not immobilized by pain. Whew!

Of course, the food thing is another issue. I managed to have some good choices for dinner last night - a vegetarian chicken replacement (considered ultra-lean) and some steamed veggies. And breakfast was all right as well with cereal and fruit. But when I took a good look at the breakdown in proteins, carbs, etc. I discovered my carb addiction cannot be fed on this plan. SIGH. At least, not for a few weeks. In fact, I'm going to have to figure out how to get all the protein suggested! Perhaps this weekend I'll spend some time looking for recipes that utilize the recommended protein sources. If I can remain enthusiastic about the program, perhaps I can break myself of my convenience food eating and start cooking more.

I only have a few complaints thus far. First, though JJ is enthusiastic, he just does the workout with us instead of helping us get the moves down or correct our form (in fact, based on a few moves I saw him do, his form isn't good). Also, I wish they had measured us so we could do a before/after comparison. Finally, though you do warm up quickly, the room is a little chilly and that's no so good at the start or finish of any workout.

Still, most things being positive right now, I'm going back. Tonight is our second night and we will be working out 3 nights a week. This fits in great with my running program, although I'll have to switch up one of my running days. I just need to get Stella on the band-wagon.

This is one impulse I hope to keep following!

The Year of Marathon Seven?

I cannot believe it has been FOUR MONTHS since my last post. SIGH. I think since I don't have a specific race, and a charity one at that, I just don't make the time like I used to.

Well, maybe things are about to change. My brother and sister-in-law are planning on running the Kentucky Derby 1/2 Marathon in April and have asked me to join them. I haven't committed to it yet since I'm not sure what my school schedule will be like (it's so close to the end of the semester - a NUTTY time for me). Still, I am looking ahead as if I'll run the race.

Now, I ran this race with my brother way back in . . . 2006 was it? Sheesh. I generally prefer to run NEW races, but at this point I need ANY race to get me back into shape.

Part of my training plan is to teach Stella, my pit/boxer mix, to be my running partner. So far, she is reluctant. This morning we managed 3 miles, but I had to work pretty hard to keep her going for the last mile. To be fair, she has no stamina built up and it's quite possible either breed is not good at distances. And frankly, all other dogs will pale somewhat to my beloved Zoe. She helped me train for all of my previous marathons and half-marathons. She's a trooper. We ran one 15 miler together in the DC heat, with her running in and out of the water, and she was eager to play when we finished. So Stella has some pretty amazing paws to fill.

But I'm so out of shape myself I can't complain. I'm hoping to keep the three mile route as our maintenance run for the time being and continue to build our mileage on the weekends. We'll see. I think if I take it one mile at a time I can get there.

What has me most motivated is the chance that another full marathon may be possible this year! I am not directing in the calendar year (having directed the cursed Macbeth last fall and looking forward to The Beaux Strategem in Spring 2011) so I can get a little more rest at night. A few friends have put in their two cents, but I am inclined to run Tucson in December of this year.

There are a lot of good reasons. My good friend PhD (one of the Hula Ladies) is down there and the weather is nearly guaranteed nice. It's my birthday weekend and the 4th Avenue Street Fair will be going on. There are lots of nice spas (in case I want to treat myself) and my semester will be nearly over by the time the race runs. These are all great things!

Yes, I dream of more exotic locales. Paris is still on my list. And Spain. Hell, pretty much anywhere I haven't been will do! But, thinking realistically, this could be the perfect race. And I might be able to convince the remaining Hula Ladies - or others! - to join the fun.

So I'm looking ahead, not behind. The past does not equal the future and certainly I can get back into marathon shape by December.

So here's to 2010. The year of marathon 7!

Home Cooking

True to my word, I went home the other night and cooked for myself. I made an amazingly easy and yummy pizza!

Sure, you're thinking, Pizza? When she's complaining about her relationship with her bathroom scale? Well, this is not your typical pizza. It's loaded with veggies and the only cheese on top is feta - a lower calorie/lower fat choice than some of your traditional pizza toppings.

Here is the recipe:

Veggie Pizza

10 oz. can refrigerated pizza dough
1 TBS olive oil
1 TBS minced garlic
1 TSP dried basil
14.5 oz. can pasta-style chunky tomatoes, drained
8 oz. artichoke hearts, quartered
4 oz. can mushrooms, drained
2.5 oz. can sliced olives, drained
1/2 cup thin sliced red or green pepper
blanched broccoli florets
8 oz. feta cheese

Spray 9 x 13 pan w/cooking spray. Pat dough into pan 1" up on sides. Brush w/olive oil. Sprinkle with garlic and basil. Cover with drained tomatoes, artichokes, etc. Sprinkle with feta.

Bake 20 minutes @ 425 degrees

SO EASY AND SO GOOD!!

And really, you could put whatever ingredients you like. I'm thinking next time I'm going to use a pesto sauce and try it with some breaded eggplant cutlets. We'll see. The possibilities are endless!

Tomorrow is a scheduled run day. It has gotten cooler of late (Tuesday morning was downright cold) so it's decent running weather. My problem is getting out of bed and making myself run in the dark with the dogs. But the bathroom scale says it must be done. And so it shall be.

The Bathroom Scale

I have found the best running motivator yet - my bathroom scale. Yes, I said it . . . and I mean it. When I posted this on my Facebook status I got quite a bit of flack.

I am not a big person. I am fortunate that I have good genes (thanks, Mom & Dad) and, with one exception, have never had a serious weight problem. But, because of that one exception, I do need to monitor my weight and because of my job, I need to stay under a certain weight.

Well, it appears in the time I spent in Massachusetts working with my ensemble theatre company and living with my parents, I put on more pounds than is good for my job. Or my clothes. No, I'm not suddenly obese or even close, but you can't tell me that you don't recognize when you're not longer as healthy as you were. I don't feel as good. My clothes don't fit right. And I don't like the number coming from the scale!

I'm not complaining, really. I'm happy for the added incentive to get out and run. It helped me get out the door and run three mornings last week and start off this week with a run as well. And the number on the scale is dropping. Slowly, yes, but it's going in the right direction now.

I learned a lot about my relationship with food in my visit back East. My mother did most of the cooking for those of us in the company living with her. And if you don't know my mom, you don't know just how amazing a cook she is. Seriously. I joke that my mother is Martha Stewart without the jail time (or the attitude), but I am awed by her abilities. I learned that I love to eat fresh, home-cooked food. I learned that I need to control my portions of fresh, home-cooked food. And I learned that I need to be more pro-active in preparing fresh, home-cooked food for myself!

So, I have been good since my return. And I'm even more inspired now that I've read Mark Bittman's article in this month's Runner's World. I'm an ovo-lacto-pesce-vegetarian, so the meat thing isn't that big of a deal for me, but it made me look more closely at ALL the foods I typically prepare. And it only reinforced my desire to get more fresh food in my diet. So I've been cooking! And I'm really excited about a number of his recipes; I can't wait to try his Shrimp and Tofu stir-fry.

Now, I'm not currently in rehearsal for anything, but that's about to change. In less than a week, I begin directing Macbeth and I will be on campus more or less every weeknight between October 5 and December 6. WHEW. Not a lot of extra cooking time. However, I have told myself that at least one weekend day each week I would do some cooking. As for my meals while teaching and directing, I will be able to eat some leftovers and the rest of the time I can prepare salads, steamed veggies (I ADORE the Green Giant health blends - i.e. Immunity Blend, Digestive Health, Healthy Weight, etc.), and probably Lean Cuisine or the like. The last one doesn't thrill me, but those meals are fast. If I can plan ahead enough, I can use my crock pot some, too, and that will keep me from using packaged food.

So lookout Bathroom Scale! Between my running and my eating - well, not exactly RIGHT but certainly better - that scale can replaced as a motivator by maybe a race! And I'm already looking at two short ones to start.

Run Parade

On Saturday, I ran for the first time in ages. And I ran with all four of my dogs.

Yes, perhaps I am certifiable.

But after over six months off, I am determined to find a way to get running back into my life. So on Saturday, I decided to try running with my dogs.

A friend of mine said I must look like a parade coming down the street. He's not far off. I surely must look like one person trying to hold onto a Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon on my own. Still, the dogs seemed mostly game so I decided to run again today.

It went better . . . and worse. We ran a longer distance which was good. And we didn't run any slower (frankly, I'm not sure that's even possible at this point and still call it a run and not a walk). But it's dark at 5:30/6:00 AM now and I hit a small rise going over a man hole cover and BAM! I hit the dirt. It was pretty ugly. I landed smack on the heels of my hand and a wound on my left hand, given by one stressed out Henry just yesterday, burst open. My knees are scraped and my wrists are sore. This was MOMENTS after we began our run. SIGH.

Well, I got back on the horse so-to-speak and off we went. My lab, Zoe, is a perfect running partner in that she understands where to run (just to one side and slightly in front of me) and generally keeps up with me (more on THAT in a second). But the others . . . oh, the others. Stella isn't half bad - she kinda understands to stay to the side, but she's easily distracted. Running with Bingley and Buster is like running with two leashed Tasmanian Devils. Seriously. They're ahead of me one moment, behind me the next, and criss-crossing constantly. It's funny, but I'm regularly having to untangle myself and their leashes.

Plus there's the stopping. Now Zoe is efficient and doesn't require a lot of stopping. Neither does Stella really, but of course she takes more time. Buster and Bingley have to hit every tree, stump, curb, signpost, streetlight, hydrant, bush, flowerbed, and other dog smell along the way. Something about that male need to mark the world. And it's ACORN season. Apparently that's a little dog's delicacy. Seriously. Bingley and Buster want to stop for EVERY ACORN on the route! And EAT every acorn. It's humorous, but annoying too. How am I supposed to get any real running done?

And then there's Zoe's motivation. Well, she's 12 so I can't blame her, but she really doesn't WANT to run much anymore.

So what's a girl to do?

Now that the new semester is into it's fourth week and I start directing in early October, there is just no other way to get a run in without running with the beasties. It's kind of opposite of running with the bulls.

At least I won't get gored to death. Maybe just bored to death.

New Digs

Today, I got checked out of my rental. So it's official: I am in my new digs! And looking forward to a full deposit refund.

And, I'm only one box away from being unpacked in my new house. All that is really left is putting away a few small things and hanging a few remaining items up. The movers (Two Men and a Truck) were wildly efficient on Monday and got me moved out in 4 hours. I have been either unpacking in my new house, or cleaning the old one since then.

Yesterday, after cleaning ALL DAY in 100 degree heat, I returned home, showered, and then poured myself a large margarita. I had seriously earned it. I sat outside on my new deck, dogs at my feet, and listened to my fountain and watched the wildlife in my new backyard.

The previous owner left a little Terracotta bird house in a tree, and I discovered yesterday a family of Chickadees have claimed it. I wasn't certain there were babies there until I walked over and saw one peep it's little head up. When I returned to my chair, I saw mama and papa busy collecting dinner and feeding the little ones. Their routine captivated me for the better part of an hour. I must now be watchful for the babies being pushed out of the home as I am quite certain my pack of five would be too interested in them for their own good.

The previous owner also left a bird feeder, which I need to clean out and perhaps find a new place for it, as nobody can enjoy it where it currently resides. The dogs continue to enjoy the yard and certainly our walks are prettier in this neighborhood.

However, I did get an interesting "welcome" from a man who lives near the park. Obviously, I'm quite a sight walking 5 dogs (and I grow more and more weary of the expression, "You've got your hands full!" I hear it at least once a walk. Enough already!). Well, this man pulled up in his car beside me and asked, "Are you an official dog walker?" I chuckled and replied that no, indeed, they were all mine. He then says, "I saw you walk by my house yesterday. You know, there is a city ordinance against having too many dogs." Excuse me? I had to bite my tongue to keep from saying something nasty. Instead, I just said that two were strays going to new homes in the future. Of course, only Taco is for certain going away . . . but I wanted the man to be on his way. What a welcome to the neighborhood, huh? I mean, I am actually doing this man and the rest of the city a huge service by taking in all these dogs, feeding them, walking them, socializing them, spaying/neutering/vaccinating them, and finding them new homes. So that man can just take his city ordinance and stick it where the sun don't shine.

On the opposite spectrum, there have been a number of very friendly folks who just marvel at the collection and enjoy saying hello. So, no complaints.

Now, if only Beatrice would adjust as well as the rest. I'm afraid she has made the master bath her home. Granted, it's bigger than my last bedroom where she stayed, but I am feeling badly. She appears content . . . so I guess the adjustment that needs to be made is mine.

So all is well here on Sunshine. More from my new digs soon.

First Night

Last night I spent my first night in my new house.

Perhaps I jumped the gun.

Yes, it has been over a month since I closed on the house. And, true, I have been dying to get in there. But the truth is, I didn't sleep well for a number of reasons.

First of all, all of the critters were spending their first night there, too, so they were getting adjusted to new sounds, smells, and spaces. The dogs did OKAY - woke me up at 3 AM wanting to go out, but otherwise managed pretty well.

The CATS are another story. I don't wish to enclose either cat in a small space . . . but giving them both full run of the house really meant Henry could be King of the Castle (appropriately named, he is) and Beatrice running scared into one of my closets most of the night. And most of today. There was a lot of growling, hissing, and spitting going on and I kept having to run interference so Beatrice wouldn't get attacked in the dark. Poor thing. I may have to rethink my plans. SIGH.

Also, I didn't have a real bed. I have ordered a new bed (which is to be delivered TODAY), but last night I slept on a blow-up mattress . . . which has a slow leak. I had to refill it twice through the night.

And, I appear to have contracted some sort of croup in Toronto because I cannot stop coughing. Seriously, that was the WORST part of my night. I just kept hacking away. I continue to try to remove a lung through my throat today as well and worry tonight, even on my new bed, will be a similar story.

And lastly, I forgot to bring my coffee maker over so my morning coffee was delayed by hours. NOT GOOD. Especially after a night of little sleep.

So I'm disappointed. Not because of the house - I am not experiencing a MOMENT of buyers remorse. I'm just plain exhausted.

Let's hope second night is better than first night.

News News and More News

Yes, I have been away nearly 4 months. I feel I have good reason:

I applied to, interviewed for, was offered, and have accepted, the tenure track position I was covering this past year.
I directed Oedipus.
I found yet ANOTHER dog.
I bought a house.
I went to Canada for two weeks.
I went to DC for one.

Yup. All that. Here are more details.

The job interview went very well. Come to find out, I had little to worry about in regards to my competition. Apparently, my competition looked good on paper, but was less than that in person. Of course, during the long process, I ended up being a finalist at two other schools. And that gave me some pause 'cause it would have gotten me out of the mid-west. But, in the end, I really like my job and the devil you know is often better than the devil you don't!

Once I made the decision to stay on, I decided to really commit to the idea that I was now a teaching artist and that maybe putting down some roots would be smart. Since I am one of the lucky ones to be gainfully employed in this crazy market, and since interest rates are low and housing costs low, I figured I would buy a house. Now, those that know me are probably surprised by this choice. I have spent my life being a gypsy and loving it. But with my pack growing and really committing to my new career, I decided this was the smart choice. I could build equity, get a great tax break, and finally stop renting places that were "fine" and live someplace I LOVED.

Well, I sure found it. I closed last month on a fabulous house built in 1934 with amazing updates. Here it is:










Of course, I haven't yet MOVED IN! SIGH. My life is just too damn busy.

But I am getting ahead of myself. I bought the house immediately after Oedipus closed. Oedipus was a good experience all in all. I directed it with a nod to the Greek traditions of masks and a strong chorus. It wasn't easy and it wasn't exactly what I had envisioned (I doubt much educational theatre is - not dissing educational theatre, it's just unlike a lot of professional work, the students are all working on different levels), but I thought it was a gorgeous show with a lot of good work in it. And it was fun. :) Here are is a link to a promo video - it gives you some small idea of the work: http://tadmedia.missouristate.edu/promo/oedipus.mov.

Of course, the revolving door animal house has continued since my last post. Annie was adopted by the Artist and Oliver went to an amazing home in Indiana thanks to American Brittany Rescue (after I took him through basic obedience - man I LOVE that sweet dog). Clementine, the kitty, is now Circe and living in DC with the Writer (who moved there due to a new job - awesome!). Taco, the chihuahua is moving to MD at the end of this month, but there is a "newcomer" to our pack: Mr. Bingley.











He's an adorable Pekingese and I am desperately looking for a good home for him. He arrived shortly before Oliver left for his new home so there was a time I had six dogs integrated into the pack. LOL. NUTTY! I am sure if I can't find a home for him I will work through a Pekingese rescue and he'll be placed quickly. I just like to find homes for these animals so I can keep track of them. Fortunately, Oliver's family is good about sending pictures and updates.

Now, what's left?

Oh yes, Canada. This trip actually fell in my lap when I was negotiating for the tenure track job. I needed to "re certify" my weapon skills and a group of our students were going to Fight Director's Canada for two weeks of intensive training and to test. So, as a "bonus", the University paid for me to go with them. All in all I'm very happy to have gone. I passed the certification tests (whew!) and that's all good for the tenure stuff. However, I am DONE with Hostels. Seriously. Never will be soon enough. UGH. But that's for another posting.

So, after my trip to Toronto, I got to see my nephew graduate as Valedictorian of his class in MD and then stayed a few extra days in DC. So that was a nice break. I enjoyed visiting with a few select friends and ate some great food. The best was for last when Boss Lady, her husband, the Hostess, and I all went to Brasserie Beck. Wow. GREAT beer (and I'm not generally a fan of beer), great food (awesome cheese plate), one of the best desserts I've ever had (a Belgian Waffle with blueberry compote and dark chocolate mousse - KILL ME), and fabulous company.

Now I am back in my little town; doing laundry and trying to figure out how I am going to move into my new home. SIGH. I'm sure I will figure it out, but I am impatient. I took the dogs over this morning to acclimate them and they were SO EXCITED. They romped all through the backyard and even explored the inside of the house. I will be keeping them out of most of the house for my own sanity, but it was good to let them check it out.

So that's it for now. I hope to keep up with the blog more regularly now that things are "slowing down."

It's good to be home.