Okay, don’t get too impressed. It was a fast walk, and an even faster swim, but at least I did it!
Let me start at the beginning of my day: When I got in the car with my ride, I was still deciding if I should tell her Eric was on his way back to NY. One of the first things she asked was what we did this weekend, and I couldn’t lie, so I told her. I really did want to tell her anyway, because I wanted to offer to drive some of the time, too, if she wanted.
She felt terrible and asked me a lot of questions (the same questions I’ve been answering and avoiding all weekend). I explained to her as best I could, without going into too much detail, and she seemed to understand. I offered to split the carpooling with her, but she said she’d rather just keep driving and said she didn’t mind at all. I am going to drive tomorrow, because she’s leaving early. I could leave early with her, but then I lose at least an hour’s pay, so I’d rather just drive and stay!
Work in KRM this morning wasn’t bad, but it’s definitely more complicated and stressful than HR. Everything in HR is basic admin stuff, but there’s a lot to learn and do in KRM and I don’t know how I’m ever going to pick it all up! The woman who is training me is very patient and realizes it takes time, but the boss wants me to be doing everything by myself already – after just a week! That kind of freaked me out, but she’s going on vacation for 3 weeks starting Thursday, so she’ll be gone and I’ll have plenty of time to adjust and learn before she comes back in August.
When I got to HR they were busy getting ready for the big picnic on Saturday. They had to put together packages for everyone with wrist bands (that gain you admission and get you on all the rides), drink tickets (every adult gets two tickets for free alcoholic drinks), parking passes (so you can park in the lot free of charge) and instructions on what to bring (sun screen, a jacket) and other details about the events that day. It’s really going to be great!
When I got home I decided to go for a walk. I put on my bathing suit, some shorts and a top and left with just my keys. When I got to the street I realized I should probably have taken my cell phone (especially since I was expecting Eric to call), but I figured I wouldn’t be that long.
I had an envelope to mail and figured I’d walk to drop it in the mailbox. There’s a mailbox I’ve been driving to on Clairemont Drive for the past 7 months. Eric told me about another mailbox on Clairemont, but it’s in the opposite direction – down hill towards Mission Bay. It’s the same walk that Eric and I took on July 4th, but I only went about ¼ of the way down the hill.
The walk down there was about 5 blocks, and wasn’t bad at all, but walking back, up the steep incline, was killer. My legs were really hurting me because I was walking as fast as I could. It’s a good thing I didn’t go further down the hill, or I would have had to stop and rest. At least I walked the whole way back without stopping.
When I got back to the apartment I immediately peeled off my clothes, grabbed a towel and went down to the pool. There’s a metal fence all the way around, so no kids can get into the pool, and there’s a gate to gain entry. I couldn’t open the gate and figured there must be a key, so I rang the manager’s bell. He explained that it’s “child proof” but you don’t need a key, and he showed me how to open it. He said, “Peppy! How long have you lived here?” I told him 7 months, but I think this was the first time I ever went into the pool! I guess it’s child proof AND Peppy Proof!
I was able to get into the enclosed area, and the water felt great! I did a few laps around the pool and really felt it in my arms. I was glad I had gotten a little exercise in the lower body by walking, and now got a little upper body by swimming mostly using my arms. I'm not a good swimmer, so I kind of doggie paddle around the perimeter. I was exhausted after 2 trips! I know, it’s pitiful. I was exhausted and out of breath!
I rested in the water, caught my breath and then came back up to the apartment. It was only about an hour since I had gotten home. I figure I’ll take it slow and walk a little more and swim a little more whenever I can. At least the water cooled me off and the apartment didn’t feel quite as stuffy.
When I got back upstairs I rinsed off my bathing suit and took a fast shower, so I could be sure I got the chlorine out of my hair (no good for blondes!). Then I had a snack of hummus, Triscuits and snap peas and watched DR. PHIL.
I’m starting my exercise routine very slowly, but I feel good that I did it at all. It’s a first step. I am so in the habit of immediately relaxing and watching TV (with a snack) when I get home, so pushing it back and getting in some much-needed exercise first made me feel great!
At 8:00pm I made a piece of salmon and had a small salad with it. Yesterday, when I made my lunch for today I made a big bowl of salad, so I could just have it ready for dinner, and for lunch tomorrow, too! I figure it saves me some time by doing all my cutting and chopping at once. It keeps just fine for a day or two.
So, last night Conrad was sleeping and he looked so cute I went and got my camera. I thought the flash would wake him, but he didn’t budge (and he’s a budgie!). Tell me he’s not adorable. I swear, that’s not even as far over as he leans sometimes. It really looks like he’s just going to fall right off the perch! His head is practically touching his feet!
They say birds need 12 hours of sleep a day. I don’t know if he sleeps while I’m out during the day, but he does go to bed much earlier than I do and the TV doesn’t seem to bother him at all!
I channel surfed for a few hours and then cut a piece of mango for dessert. Since I didn’t nap this afternoon I’m feeling tired, so I’ll go to bed early, which is a good thing. I’m hoping to start a new routine of walking and swimming a little after work a few days a week. Wish me luck and keep your fingers crossed that I can keep it up!