Too hot to trot

You know how I'm always saying weird stuff happens to me, and while it makes entertaining stories, it also embarrasses me?

That happened again over the weekend.

As you likely know I'm training for my second marathon (my first since stress fractures). I'm very excited b/c I love doing this stuff, and b/c it is something I can focus on that isn't work.

And it's fun!

So, I'm doing this one with friend Mike and another friend of his that I just met that seems very nice.

Saturday was my first run with them - 10 miles. Not a huge deal. I love that distance.


For those of you living in the Chicago area, you know it is freaking hot. Like record breaking.

That's cool though b/c we started at 6:30 a.m. and really, while annoying, the heat doesn't usually get to me.

So off we go.

After about six miles (a normal distance for me) I start to feel really weird and bad.

I had to walk.

At this point I'm thinking no big deal I'll walk for just a little bit and I'll be fine. I was drinking water, so I figured it will all work out.

Not so.

I felt worse and worse and worse.

Meanwhile, Mike has to stop and walk with me.

At this point, I actually sit down on the running path in this forest preserve. I felt really dizzy.

Things did not look good.

Now, I have to say that everyone running or biking by was so, so nice. A lot were part of Team in Training which is an awesome organization. People were offering me their gels (you eat this goo stuff while running to consume calories). They were genuinely worried about me. Just an example of the great camaraderie among runners.

Anyway, so a guy Mike has trained with and is some sort of leader in Team In Training runs up to us. He says he'll go get his car, drive it to the closest clearing/parking lot in the preserve and drive us back to our cars.

I am so grateful b/c the thought of walking six miles back to my car was not doable at this point.

He runs off and Mike and I walk to said location and sit down on a picnic bench.

I at one point realize there is a bathroom there and think oh I'll splash cold water on my face.

I get up..then I faint.

Those of you who know me know I sometimes randomly faint. In Jewel, in high school hallway,...in a forest preserve...

Luckily, I put my hand in front of me while falling so I didn't hit my head or anything. (that's what Mike said, I have no recollection). I did scrape my knee and it was bloody. I swear I've scraped my knees more in my 20s than I think I did when I was learning to ride a bike at age 6 or whatever. (I've tripped while running-oops.)

After fainting, I felt better actually. Weird. Could it be like throwing up? (still vomit free since June '98 by the way.)

I hypothesize that the fainting (should it be called fainting if I was only out for like two seconds?) was a result of the following:

1. I did not eat b4 run (but I wasn't hungry so early and 10 miles is a distance I've done before without eating as long as I have a reasonable dinner.)

2. Clearly, although I was hydrating, I did not do so enough.

3. It was in the 90s...plus the humidity, oh the humidity.

4. I've just gotten over being pretty sick.

While one or two of these things by themselves likely wouldn't have resulted in me passing out, the entire combination equaled disaster.

This was all very annoying and a little embarrassing. It's like I'd never run before or something.

Thank goodness I wasn't alone. (Thanks again Mike for being my personal paramedic! Again, sorry I ruined your run.)

It was not a good start to marathon training '06, but I'll make a come back next weekend.

Again, can you believe the crap that happens to me?

Doctor Look Good

So my friend Mike told me I haven't been updating my blog enough. Duh, I never do. I actually have a reason, sort of...I'm sick. Waaaaahhhh! Cough.

Who gets sick in July? Apparently me.

My illness got annoying enough that I actually....wait for it...WENT TO THE DOCTOR.

I have ran and walked around on three stress fractures for weeks before going to the doctor so you can see what a bold move this was for me.

The thing is, it is really hard for me to call in sick to work, and it is also really hard to do my job while feeling absolutely horrible. (I had a coughing fit in the middle of a phone conversation about a story that is kind of sad, involving death and crime and stuff. It sounded like I was about to cry b/c it was sad. I had to call the dude back after I finished coughing. He understood that I was sick and didn't suddenly grow a soul and am now emotional. Phew. Close one.)

Anyway, the best thing about going to the doctor...he was hot.

I just went to a group of doctors my family goes to and he's a new guy.

I've only had a good looking doctor once before, and he was in orthopedics. I was just injured, not sick and hacking up a lung.

For this appointment, I looked and felt awful.

It was kind of uncomfortable. I'm used to telling women or unattractive men about my symptoms, not some guy who looks less than a decade older than I am.

It went something like this:

Dr. Hot: Time to look up your nose!
Me: (giggle, giggle) Oh,...um, what?
Dr. Hot: Well, no one likes that! (then he smiled and I swear one of this teeth did that twinkle thing you see on TV)

Then he asked if I would like some drugs that would knock me out and help me sleep. I said, "oh, that would be fabulous." I think he got the impression I enjoy drug use.

Also, at this appointment, I came face-to-face with one of my biggest fears: The popsicle stick doctors stick in your mouth.

I hate those. Ever since I was a kid, I would try my hardest to open my mouth wide and stick out my tongue far and scream AHHHHHHHH!!!! all in an attempt to avoid the gagging object of my fear.

Dr. Hot went right for the stick. I felt embarrassed to say, "you know what, put that down I won't need it." (I actually will say that to doctors. I'm really afraid of it.)

So he stuck the wooden weapon on my tounge. Yuck. Luckily I didn't gag.

I'm tired now and must rest. Be well everyone.

Nomad Kate = So Mad Kate

It's happening again.

I can't believe it.

I have to move – AGAIN. After just one year in an apartment – AGAIN.

My landlord (and by landlord I don't mean a quirky old woman or a gruff, yet handy, old man. I mean a company. Very homey.) notified my roommate and me that the rent is going to go up – significantly. Very significantly.

So, I'm moving again. I'm sooo not pleased. You know who else won't be: My dad.

My poor father. He's carried my crap up more stairs than I (well, mainly he) can remember.

Although there was that one move when he had "knee surgery" and "couldn't walk" and therefore could not help. Whatever dad.

Actually, my entire family has shared in my moving fun. Being one of six children has its perks. Thanks to mom and sibs also!

I've found that moving is always better when it's tied to a new, exciting time. Like when you go to college, or get a new job, or go to grad school, or something.

This is just going to be a cheaper apartment that will be nearby. (Provided I find said apartment in the next two months.)

The last time I moved a short distance it was from a Chicago apartment to a different Chicago apartment. I think it was literally five blocks or something.

While that was the shortest move, the most horrific move was in college. I was going from one apartment to another in lovely Iowa City (without the help of anyone – just me and roommate) and the following occurred:

Our truck broke down

It was about 95 degrees and humid

We had to bring our stuff to a storage space (a 30 min drive away b/c there were none left in town)

We used the storage space b/c we were virtually homeless for a few days. New lease didn't start right when old lease up so stayed on couches.

I took summer classes and did this amidst final project and final paper and final test. (still got As, ya'll).

Classmates asked what happened when showed up to class next morning with visible bruises, scratches and dark circles from carrying all my crap, being trapped between walls and my furniture and getting little sleep.

I hate moving. A lot. Ugh.

Hopefully Move 2006 will be better.

I'm not a girl, not yet someone who is mature enough to realize not to wear this shirt on TV...

I know this is a few days late, but I had to say something.

I saw the Britney Spears interview with Matt Lauer on Dateline.

I'm almost embarrassed to say I taped it (for those of you who are confused when I say "tape" - I do not mean scotch tape/duct tape etc., I mean to use this machine called a VCR that people used to record programming prior to the invention of Tivo. Understand?)

Anyway, I was a working fool last week and Thursday was no exception. I saw a preview to the interview while preparing for work and had the Today Show on in the background. When I caught a glimpse of Britney snapping her gum as she said something like, "Waaaah. Leave me alone, paparazzi," I knew I had to see this thing.

So, I watched it.

Now, as a journalist my first thoughts were, how dumb does Matt Lauer feel doing this interview? You know he was like, "but this morning I was talking about al-Zarqawi and the consumer price index and oh then there was this summer fashion show after Al's weather...oh yeah I forgot I work for the Today Show and do crap like this. Damn."

I would like to first note that I'm not a total Britney basher. I actually feel slightly bad for her b/c people totally are gunning for her...but then I remember how much money she has and feel less bad. The following is kind of negative, so if you adore Britney, you're going to think I'm mean. I don't mean to be harsh, but this is just what I noticed.

First of all, I've never been pregnant but do you often continue to wear denim mini skirts? I'm honestly asking if that is normal.

Second of all, the gum, oh the gum. I felt like my disapproving mother the time I was a bridesmaid in my cousin's wedding and I forgot to spit out my gum before walking down the aisle. In my defense, I was in college and already a little tipsy from the limo ride. (I promise not to repeat this in October, Jen). But, at least I hid the gum and realized it wasn't a gum-friendly occasion.

Lastly, I would like to point out my favorite quote in the Britney interview.

It's not how she said "We're country" when explaining how putting a baby in your lap while driving a car isn't so bad.

It's not when she called her husband "simple" (multiple times) when asked what she likes about him.

It's when she referred to her son and her unborn child as her "boo-boos."

Awesome.

All about Kate!

Jamie did this recently...

1. What curse word do you use the most? Lately I've been saying dammit a lot...and Fuck. Overall, I say shit a lot (due to toe-stubbing and falling and stuff...I'm quite graceful.) I think I should start watching my mouth.

2. Do you own an iPod? No I have another kind of mp3...I'm debating getting one.

3. Who on your MySpace “Top 8” do you talk to the most? I'm not on MySpace. I've heard from the ridiculous amounts of news reports on it that it's bad.

4. What time is your alarm clock set for? It depends on the day...Sunday: usually around 9 a.m.; Mon-Thurs: anywhere from 5:30 to 7 a.m.; Fri/Sat: 9 a.m., if at all.

5. What color is your room? An off-white color on the walls. Multi-colored comforter.

6. Flip-flops or sneakers? I adore flip-flops.

7. Would you rather take the picture or be in the picture? Take it.

8. What's the last movie you watched? Zoolander. "Merman. MERMAN!!!" Love it.

9. Do any of your friends have children? One is in utero...the little guy comes in August:)

10. Has anyone ever called you lazy? Not that I recall.

11. Do you ever take medication to help you fall asleep faster? No.

12. What CD is currently in your CD player? A mix my roommate made me.

13. Do you prefer regular or chocolate milk? I'd say regular, but I don't drink it that much anymore. I keep trying to alter that.

14. Has anyone told you a secret this week? Yes.

15. Have you ever given someone a hickey? Not that I recall;)

16. Who was the last person to call you? My friend, Ben.

17. Do you think people talk about you behind your back? Why, what have you heard?

18. Did you watch cartoons as a child? A bit. I honestly didn't really love cartoons. I always wanted to watch "real people" on TV. I vaguely remember watching She-Ra.

19. How many siblings do you have? 5.

20. Are you shy around the opposite sex? Not really. I'm not shy that often...and if I am, I don't really discriminate. If I'm in a shy mood (usually means I'm tired or would rather be somewhere else), then I'll act shy - regardless of the gender of my company.

21. What movie do you know every line to? I used to know Forest Gump...as strange as that is. As indicated earlier, I know a lot of Zoolander lines. Mostly, I can quote Seinfeld.

22. Do you own any band t-shirts? I used to have a Dave Matthews Band T-Shirt. Dear God, I just realized I got it 10 years ago. I have no idea where it is now.

23. What is your favorite salad dressing? Balsamic vinaigrette or poppy seed.

24. Do you read for fun? When I can...mostly I enjoy reading all sorts of newspapers.

25. Do you cry a lot? No...in fact, the opposite of that.

26. Who was the last person to text message you? My editor. He is a texting machine.

27. Do you have a desktop computer or a laptop? Laptop...actually a notebook for you computer geeks.

28. Are you currently wanting any piercings or tattoo? No, I'm over that stage.

29. What is the weather like? Warm, but not insanely hot like it was earlier this week.

30. Would you ever date someone covered in tattoos? Depends on the definition of "covered."

31. Is sex before marriage wrong? In my opinion, no.

32. When was the last time you slept on the floor? I slept on an air mattress on the floor a few months ago. I can't remember the last time I actually slept right on the floor.

33. How many hours of sleep do you need to function? I would say if I get five or six hours, I can deal. For maximum performance, seven hours.

34. Are you in love or lust? Not at this second. I think I saw some hot guys earlier this week though, so maybe then:)

35. Are your days full and fast-paced? Yes. I wouldn't have it any other way.

36. Do you pay attention to calories on the back of packages? Unfortunatley, I've memorized most of that, so I always know.

37. How old will you be turning on your next birthday? 22....OK, 27.

38. Are you picky about spelling and grammar? My livelihood depends on it.

39. Have you ever been to Six Flags? Yes.

40. Do you get along better with the same or opposite sex? I'd say the same for both.

41. Do you like cottage cheese? Cottage cheese is an excellent source of calcium and protein, yet low in fat and calories. I have it often with a turkey sandwich or a chicken breast for dinner. Yes, I'm aware I don't know how to cook actual food, and that it sounds like I just wrote a Deans ad or something.

42. Do you sleep on your side, tummy, or back? Usually, I'll fall asleep on my back or side and always wake up on my side.

43. Have you ever bid for something on eBay? No. I have enough of my own crap and don't need others'.

44. Do you enjoy giving hugs? If the mood strikes me, I'll hug it out.

45. What song did you last sing out loud? One of the ads from the "Real Men of Genius" campaign for Bud Light. I really, really like those.

46. What is your favorite TV show? Seinfeld.

47. Which celebrity, dead or alive, would you want to have lunch with? Jerry Seinfeld.

48. Last time you had butterflies in your stomach? In a romantic, I love him way, it's been a while (sad but true), but the last time I've been so nervous I nearly puked was when I had to do live TV. I'm more a fan of watching the TV. Not being on it.

49. What one thing do you wish you had? Rock-hard abs.

50. Favorite lyrics? I can't think of a song, but I love this poem (and I'm not a poem person):

The path to a dream is paved with sacrifices and lined with determination.
And though it has many stumbling blocks along the way
and may go in more than one direction, it is marked with faith.
It is traveled by belief and courage, persistence and hard work.
It is conquered with a willingness to face challenges and
take chances, to fail and try again and again.
Along the way, you may have to confront doubts, setbacks, and unfairness.
But when the path comes to an end, you will find that there is
no greater joy than making your dream come true.
Barbara Cage

Sit Ubu sit...seriously, SIT!!!

Ever been chased by a dog?

Ever been chased by two?

I was.

While out on a usual morning run, listening to my usual tunes on my mp3 player, I saw a dog across the street. The dog was running around in circles, being dog-like, so I didn't really think anything of it.

Then, he started sprinting toward me.

I figured the dog was starting to chase me because I was running so I slowed to a fast walk, but this did not stop him.

Then, I heard barking from the other direction and turned to look.

There was ANOTHER GIANT DOG running at me.

I had them coming from both sides.

Now, most know that I am not what you would call an "animal lover." I do not hate animals, like many may believe. (OK, so maybe I hate cats and rodent type animals...oh, and birds, but I don't "hate" dogs.)

Due to my lack of animal expertise, I wasn't quite sure how to deal with this situation. Frankly, I was scared. I thought I heard somewhere you are supposed to stand still if a dog is charging at you, so that's what I did. I just stood there...and screamed. I didn't know what else to do.

When I stopped running, they did seem to stop too. They just kind of kept running around me, but I was still scared. These weren't drop-kickable, yippy, tiny dogs. These were big boys (or girls, or neutral).

I've actually encountered this on prior runs, but it's never been two dogs, and their owners were always nearby, and it hadn't happened in a while.

Luckily, two different neighbors (I believe one was one of the owners, but one was not) came outside and helped me. They secured the savage beasts and I resumed running. One even said, "I hate these dogs."

Phew.

I'm not sure I did the right thing, but obviously it went OK. Part of me wanted to run away, but someone told me - later, after hearing my story - that I could not outrun two dogs.

Hmrph.

This would only happen to me

Crap happens to me. It just does.

Seriously. Someone should follow me around with a video camera and air it and call it something like, "Life Sucks," or "Adventures in Tripping," or "Can You Believe This Just Happened? Kate Can Because This Stuff Always Happens To Her."

That last one isn't catchy. If I had a TV show, I would keep the title to one or two words. I heard research indicates shows with short, catchy titles do better, but I digress...

This afternoon (which was ridiculously HOT) I was doing something outside for work. I was walking back to the parking lot with my car in it and it happened.

I dropped my keys in the gutter. One of those manhole, sewer thingys.

I froze. I could see the keys. Luckily it wasn't a really deep sewer thingy.

I didn't know what to do. I was in a big hurry and really needed my keys. I didn't think I could get my hands through the slots of the gutter, and I don't have Inspector Gadget arms. What the hell am I going to do???

I'd like to point out here that my car key and my apt. keys, a key chain that doubles as my Chicago Marathon souvenir and my gym swipe card thing were all in the murky, leavy water below. I'd also like to point out my spare car key was in my apartment (not super far, but definitley NOT walking distance away), and my roommate is out of town, and the peeps of our apt. complex do not open doors. They make you call a locksmith.

Again, I had to leave, like, immediatley to go somewhere else.

I immediately grabbed my phone, but realized, there isn't really a service for this...and anyone I'd call would just make fun of me (my editor/dad/anyone else that knows me) and I needed to fix the situation fast.

So, I did what any American gal would do, I happen to see a police officer a few feet away and asked for help.

Me: What would one do if one dropped one's keys in a gutter type thing?
Officer Hero: Cry maybe...ha, ha, ha.
Me: OK...so what can YOU do to help with that, while I cry (I didn't for the record.)?
Officer Hero: I'll help you out.

Apparently, there is a device in squad cars that is really good for getting keys out of gutters. It's kind of low-tech version of those things on infomercials that allow people to reach objects on high shelves. It was a long, metal rod with a hook on the end.

This was not the officer's first time. The keys were out in minutes. Surprisingly not really, really gross. They still need a washing as soon as I get home though.

Crisis averted. At least this stuff makes good stories.

Pretty, pretty

This man drives me crazy.

I am ashamed to say, I've watched Dr. 90210 - several times. It's like the whole car-accident-can't-turn-away thing.

I also watch it because I can't believe what he says sometimes. He's always saying, "pretty, pretty" in his Portuguese accent during a breast augmentation surgery. I've also heard him say something like, "there should be legislation against looking this good."

Are you kidding me?

I think my favorite though, was when he was um...surgically refreshing a woman's private area and he said how it's his favorite surgery because that area is so...yep, you guessed it: "pretty."

He's also so obsessed with his martial arts that he puts it before his clearly exhausted and anorexic wife and their two small children.

He is good for a laugh though.