tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61349072672223478522023-12-12T07:26:12.886-08:00The Skinny on ShawndaShawnda Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03796957505434673401noreply@blogger.comBlogger130125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134907267222347852.post-3385379983752041632011-03-04T08:47:00.000-08:002011-03-04T08:59:38.346-08:00My Dearest NikiAs I write this blog today it has been a little over a week since my dearest sweetest Niki has passed. She was the light of my life and I loved her more than life itself. She was there to greet me everyday when I came home from work and was there every morning before I even woke up. She was my best friend and has been there for me when no others could.<br /><br />She lost her battle with seizures. We helped her with these as much as we could and she finally couldn't fight it anymore. They got the best of her and they did <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">alot</span> of damage. The brain damage was so bad that she wasn't herself anymore. She couldn't see or walk. Poor Rex wanted her so badly to see him she just couldn't. I cried that Tuesday and Wednesday. I was not ready to let her go. But just as I wasn't ready to let go she was ready to let go of the battle she had fought for so long. <br /><br />She was the best thing that had ever happened to us. She made the house fill full when it was empty and gave Rex the best friend he never had.<br /><br />Funny story about her, we got her because Collin really wanted her and wanted a big dog and was hell bent on have a shepherd. I just went along with it and was like <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">ok</span>, hopefully she won't eat my baby Rex. We <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">rescued</span> her from people who didn't love her. We have her shelter, food and love. And wouldn't you know, she became my dog! She was mine and we laugh about it to this day. I was the one who showed her what real love was when there wasn't anyone around.<br /><br />She has been laid to rest and is now rest in the living room watching over us and protecting us. Collin swears he heard someone creepy around the other night at 2:30am but I really think it was <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">niki</span> wondering around making sure we were <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">ok</span> and protecting us. I know that sounds crazy but I really think she is. I do find comfort knowing she is at home with me now and knowing that one day we will all meet again at the rainbow bridge. I hope she is healthy and running free and making new friends in heaven. <br /><br />Here's to you Niki, the best dog that has ever entered our lives! We love and miss you and will never forget you miss beautiful!Shawnda Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03796957505434673401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134907267222347852.post-79635822878908499052011-01-25T17:21:00.000-08:002011-01-25T17:25:37.985-08:00Just happenings...So I don't get <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">alot</span> of things going on right now. Maybe I'm not suppose to. Maybe it is my time to sit back, shut up and just lay low and that is what I'm doing now.<br /><br />Seems there are some hawk eyes watching my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">facebook</span> these days. If people actually believe anything on there is true for one minute, then you need to check yourself before you wreck yourself. So I've started cleaning house on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">facebook</span>, really setting privacy settings and deleting those hawk eyes that are bothering me so much. I do <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">facebook</span> for fun and once the fun is taken out of it, well I'm done with it.<br /><br />I'm trying to get back to the fun things in life. Trying out new fitness classes. Trying to get back in better shape and just lose some pounds. As much as it is killing me, it is good for me.<br /><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ok</span>, here is to hoping and praying that other things in my life start improving and things start moving in a more positive direction.Shawnda Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03796957505434673401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134907267222347852.post-23600764889579742422011-01-04T12:45:00.000-08:002011-01-04T12:48:49.757-08:00No desire...at least right nowI just have no desire to do a triathlon. Over the last month I've said I would enter Galveston Half <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ironman</span> and as the new year rolls around and I have to face getting on the bike and doing spin class in the evenings, I'm really not liking it all that much. <br /><br />I kinda feel that I'm almost done with triathlons. I want to ride my bike, but I want to do it outdoors and the weather right now is not allowing me to do that.<br /><br />If I do a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">tri</span>, I just want to to keep it short and simple. I want to have something to train for but nothing long. <br /><br />I really enjoy my life right now of going home and doing P90x or running a few miles in the hood and that is about it.Shawnda Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03796957505434673401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134907267222347852.post-78677810929639494072011-01-03T10:44:00.000-08:002011-01-03T10:54:32.388-08:00Lets see what 2011 will bring.....Wow...2010 was a was a great year. Of course, just like everything else it had its ups and downs, but overall it was a great year. Collin and I made new friends, caught up with old friends, found out that we love "camping" on the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Frio</span> and that I don't have to train for a triathlon or be a part of a group do exercise all the time.<br /><br />So now that 2011 has started I'm going to see if I can better a few things in my life. I need to eat better a few times a week. I'm always complaining about my weight...well I need to drink less vodka and eat less burgers and fries and eat more fruits and veggies. This mean that Collin and I will have to cook more at home. But I'm going to make an attempt at this a few times a week and on the weekends.<br /><br />Encourage Collin more to workout. He complains just like I do about weight, being out of shape and whatever else, so I'm going to start encouraging him to workout out with me. Doing the workouts together will also help both of us. <br /><br />I've already signed up for a few events just so I will somewhat train. I'm doing the Tough <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mudder</span> on January 29<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>. 10 miles, 16 obstacles, I think I can manage this. On February 20<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> I'm doing a half marathon. Even if I have to walk part of it, I'm doing it. It is about having fun and doing my first half marathon that isn't tied to a swim and a bike before hand. On April 10<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> I'm saying I'm doing Herman <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Memorial</span> Half <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ironman</span>. I haven't signed up, don't know why maybe I'm trying to fight that inner demon that says why do this when you don't have to and fighting the other one saying go ahead you will already be trained for the running portion.<br /><br />I'm hoping we will get to make it to San Francisco in May for Bay to Breakers. With the way gas prices and airline tickets are going up, who knows if we will be able to. <br /><br />For now, these are just some of the things that I have in mind for 2011. I'm not making them a resolution, goals, or whatever they are suppose to be, but something I'm just hoping I can do and if not, well I did my best and I have to forget the rest.Shawnda Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03796957505434673401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134907267222347852.post-92115657676922237382010-11-08T19:25:00.001-08:002010-11-08T19:35:52.697-08:00WowwzzzzaaaaaWell what can I say. I haven't been on here in a while. I haven't really had much to blog about these days. Kinda crazy for me.<br /><br />Well since July, I really haven't accomplished much. I've manged to pick up shooting a shot gun which I LOVE! I love trap and skeet shooting. I have my own gun and I have all the gear to look the part I'm just not that great. Better than the boys I go with but hey, that's a woman with a gun for you. We are just better :)<br /><br />I've managed to go camping at Garner State Park twice. And when I say camping, I mean, staying in a full air conditioned cabin with full kitchen and bath rooms and beds. So I'm not roughing it.<br /><br />We have started hanging out with some of the best people ever. Cliff and Jessica mean the world to us and I'm very grateful for their friends.<br /><br />After much though over the last month and watching everyone finish <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ironman</span> Florida, Arizona and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kona</span>, I'm committed to signing up for another half <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">ironman</span> in Galveston! That's right, and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">actual</span> official <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">MDOT</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">sanctioned</span> race! I've completed two halves before just not the official <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">ironman</span> backing it. So it will be fun to do. It isn't until the end of April, so I have lots of time.<br /><br />I've also committed to running the Austin Half Marathon. I figure what the heck, I can do 13 miles in my sleep, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">ok</span> I used to could do 13 miles in my sleep. But I think it won't be much of a problem. I'm just out there to complete it and have a good time. <br /><br />As for everything else, I'm getting ready to put of the Christmas Tree (pictures to come), help with Christmas Affair in Austin with Hillary, travel to Tempe, Arizona for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">IMAZ</span>, do the Turkey Trot and Thanksgiving, enjoy lots of food with the in-laws, shop, go to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Christmas</span> parties, travel home for the holidays, camping at Garner State Park for the New Year, travel to New York for my first ever Jewish Wedding for my dear <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">penpal</span>, Austin Half Marathon, Hermann Memorial Half <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ironman</span>, Bay to Breakers in Cali. <br /><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">WOOWWWZZZZAAAAA</span>...that is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">alot</span> to do in the next 6-7 months but hey, it will keep me on my toes and hopefully help me lose my weight and get to enjoy some of the best friends in my entire life.Shawnda Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03796957505434673401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134907267222347852.post-22471076069317353362010-07-13T06:36:00.000-07:002010-07-13T06:51:15.359-07:00Been a while...but here it goesSo back in May I did two races...I did the Rookie <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tri</span> once again. I completely surprised myself with my time! 1 hour and 8 minutes! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">WHOOO</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">HOOOO</span>! I beat my time from the last two times I did this race. I had a good race and a good run.<br /><br />Then came Bay to Breakers in California. This was the best race, funniest race I've ever done. I am going back out next year just to do it again! Plus I just love Cali.<br /><br />In June I did <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pflugerville</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tri</span>. I did good. The swim and bike were great for me and the run, well, it could have been better. It was hot and humid and I was just hurting. I had dehydration that week so I was going into this not feeling 100%. But I finish in 1 hour and 33 minutes. Not bad, That was my best overall sprint distance time.<br /><br />July 5<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>, well, not such a good day. I was hit by a car on my bike. She was turning into <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">whataburger</span> and nailed me. Still nursing the scrapes and bruises, need to get the bike fixed but other than that I'm fine. Thank God she wasn't moving any faster than what she was. Stupid woman. <br /><br />So I sit here now and say "Now What"? Well I'm <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">for sure</span> doing the Austin Half Marathon on Feb 20<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>. I'm also going to do Austin <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tri</span> to finish the season up. I can't decide if I want to do a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">tri</span> in August or not. We will see what happens.Shawnda Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03796957505434673401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134907267222347852.post-2948941537738029432010-04-27T07:43:00.000-07:002010-04-27T07:51:35.915-07:00LoneStar Sprint TriathlonWow, what a weekend. Thursday night, my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">pen pal</span> Leslie came into town for a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">bachelorette</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">weekend</span> with other friends. We were able to spend some time together which was great. Friday we dropped her off downtown and we headed to Galveston. <br /><br />We get down there and of course the wind is blowing. Go figure. I have yet to be down there and it not blow it's butt off. Friday night I went to bed to wake up sweating at about 2am. The electricity had gone out. They were having 75mph winds that night. So 5am came early and quickly after that point.<br /><br />I get up get dressed, eat and we make our way down to the race site. I set up my transition and meet up with Collin and we make our way down to the swim start. I did my warm up swim and get out and think well, it's only 500 meters I have to swim in this rough water, I can do this. <br /><br />We wait around and it starts raining a little. Then the wind just gets worse and wave are rolling in now in the bay. They delay the start 15 minutes. Before I know it they cancel the swim and we all head back to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">transition</span> to get on our bikes to do a bike and a run. <br /><br />At this point, I'm mentally over this race. I pack up all my gear and hand it to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Collin</span> and get my bike and head out and make it back to the motel. <br /><br />I came in FIRST...first one back to the hotel from the race I think as I just bailed. I didn't want to ride in the wind with those rookies and have my race wheels and the wind yank me all over the road.<br /><br />So there it is. The no race race report.Shawnda Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03796957505434673401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134907267222347852.post-29765722071001970392010-03-31T07:18:00.000-07:002010-03-31T07:20:48.665-07:00Decisions...Well I decided that I will be doing the sprint in Galveston. I want it to be over with quicker so I can enjoy my weekend :)Shawnda Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03796957505434673401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134907267222347852.post-70293426339900746752010-03-26T11:35:00.000-07:002010-03-26T11:40:44.135-07:00Finally some spring weather in the ATX!<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cVmXIvfqCDs/S6z_oq5ppPI/AAAAAAAAFqM/_fmwKOFIbhg/s1600/springtime4.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453014323014771954" border="0" alt="" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cVmXIvfqCDs/S6z_oq5ppPI/AAAAAAAAFqM/_fmwKOFIbhg/s320/springtime4.jpg" /></a><br /><div>I love this time of year. The time has changed, the trees and flowers are starting to bloom and it is starting to get warmer! I'm ready for some much needed warmer weather. This cold crap has lasted long enough here in Austin.<br /><br />I'm ready to start racing some small triathlons. I think more than anything, I'm ready to get out there and have some fun and do some traveling.<br /><br />I'm ready to spend sometime in my yard. I need to get out there and get some flowers planted and make it look better. I'm going to go with native stuff this year so it last.</div>Shawnda Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03796957505434673401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134907267222347852.post-7496710287404440382010-03-04T08:25:00.000-08:002010-03-04T08:31:07.826-08:00Where has the time gone....The last month and a half has just been flat out crazy for me. Work has been super busy with all kinds of fun stuff. I'm trying to get back into triathlon training mode. My teeth are finally feeling somewhat better. I finally recovered from a chest cold. My dogs are still a mess with medical <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">issues</span>. We had to Boston on Friday. I go home the first part of April for a wedding. The end of April not only brings my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">PenPal</span> back to Texas but I also do my first triathlon of the season in Galveston. <br /><br />I sit back and wonder what have I even accomplished. It sure hasn't been weight loss. I have managed to get work back under control. But everything else is still kinda lacking. I feel I should be working out more. I ask myself if that is the crazy <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">ironman</span> talk I still have inside me.<br /><br />I swear...I don't know how I managed to do this all while <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">ironman</span> training.Shawnda Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03796957505434673401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134907267222347852.post-59543240824405069382010-02-19T08:39:00.000-08:002010-02-19T08:48:13.116-08:002010 Winter Olympics<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cVmXIvfqCDs/S37ATMaYX7I/AAAAAAAAFqE/yAOeT6r3uzo/s1600-h/2010winterolympics.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439996835892060082" border="0" alt="" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cVmXIvfqCDs/S37ATMaYX7I/AAAAAAAAFqE/yAOeT6r3uzo/s320/2010winterolympics.jpg" /></a><br /><div><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">OMG</span>! This has to be some the best winter Olympics I've watched. I'm a huge sports fan to begin with but give me some downhill skiing and some speed skating and I can be entertained for hours and wishing that my parents would have pushed me harder as a child and lived somewhere that had lots of snow for me to train for something like that. But since that didn't happen, I will sit back on my couch and cheer on the US Teams! </div><div></div><br /><div>From the start, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Apolo</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ohno</span> and JR <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Celski</span> rocked the speed skating to win sliver and bronze. Shani Davis rocked the long track to take the gold. Lindsey <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Vonn</span> was lighting fast on the downhill to take the gold and Julie <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mancuso</span> with the silver. Bode Miller took charge in the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">men's</span> downhill to win the bronze and Shaun White, well he is the rock of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Olympics</span>! You can't even come close to snowboarding against this guy. He tears it up <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">every time</span> he straps that snowboard to his feet. The women snowboarders showed they are strong also and walked away with sliver and bronze last night.</div><div></div><br /><div>I can't seem to get enough of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Olympics</span>. I wish they came around every year.</div><div> </div><div>The US is standing strong with a medal count of 18 as of this morning. Congrats to TEAM USA!</div><br /><div></div>Shawnda Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03796957505434673401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134907267222347852.post-4764287462792629802010-02-19T08:31:00.000-08:002010-02-19T08:38:56.363-08:00Craziness in ATX!So about 10am yesterday, a small single engine plane flew into a building here in North Austin. Of course these days, our first thought are well, and act of terrorism and someone wanting to do this intentionally. Well, we are all right. Some loon from Austin, decided to be pissed off at the IRS and fly his plane into a building. Why can't people just kill themselves without involving others? Really, we are still trying to fly planes into buildings for being angry? Those people in those buildings didn't do anything to you. How about you take responsibility for your actions? Try that for starters and suck it up and put your big girl panties on and just deal with it. I don't feel that anyone other than myself and God has the right to choose how and when I die. Call me crazy, but I prefer to leave that up to the big guy in the sky for that.Shawnda Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03796957505434673401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134907267222347852.post-21941706399488519132010-02-16T07:01:00.000-08:002010-02-16T07:20:11.665-08:00More tooth dramaSo for the past 2 weeks, I've still been having headaches. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">WTF</span>? Will it ever go away? So I call the oral <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">surgeon</span> and asked if this was normal. Well I guess not, as they wanted me to come back in. They determined there wasn't any infection. So they needed/wanted to take some x-rays to see what was going on. It looked like there still might be a small portion of my tooth that was in there. So they reopened the sockets and went to scrapping on my jaw bone and pulled something small out. Really, you didn't get it all out the first time? So they packed me for dry sockets and I was on my way.<br /><br />Thursday I decided to work from home to make sure I could take my pain <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">meds</span>. Thank goodness I did. I was so sick. I was fighting off a cold or something and had some <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">antibiotics</span> for it. I took one and was sicker than a dog. My back and lower body was just in horrible pain. I took more pain <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">meds</span> and slept the day away.<br /><br />Friday was a little better. And the weekend was <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">ok</span>. Monday night brought on some throbbing. Glad I still have my pain <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">meds</span> to take.Shawnda Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03796957505434673401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134907267222347852.post-28187218893922290382010-02-08T08:08:00.000-08:002010-02-08T08:14:55.744-08:00New outlook...After sitting around and thinking about what I was doing a year ago, I have to say I'm very thankful that I'm not training for an <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ironman</span>. This weather right now, is terrible for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ironman</span> training. I said that last year for about 18 weeks of non-stop wind and cold and well I was out there every weekend putting in the miles.<br /><br />This year, I have a new outlook. I'm training for shorter races. My quality of life just means so much to me right now. I've missed out on my family, dogs, friends and God knows what else. I'm keeping it short. I will probably not be happy with my times that I will post but I'm bound and determined to have some fun this year. <br /><br />I've started a new <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">boot camp</span> here at work with a gal pal, Mallory. She is kicking my butt every Tuesday and Thursday but I have to say I'm having fun and it is the best workout I've ever had. Regardless what anyone tells me, this is has to be the best <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">strength</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">building</span> workout I've done to date. Mallory is great at was she does. <br /><br />I'm looking forward to this season of triathlons. I feel like I'm blowing my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">wad</span> all in May, but oh well. It'll be worth it.Shawnda Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03796957505434673401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134907267222347852.post-70670497880443437632010-01-29T09:21:00.000-08:002010-01-29T09:23:32.703-08:00On the up and up...I went for my final packing of dry socket today. It taste awful and my tongue is numb. I feel like I could puke from whatever they put in those stupid holes. I still say that was the worst and most painful experience of my life I've had to go through. Thank goodness it only comes once in your life or I would never do this again.<br /><br />I finally get to start working out again. A week of doing nothing has been long enough. I need to get my fat butt moving again.Shawnda Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03796957505434673401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134907267222347852.post-18064547636731326432010-01-27T08:25:00.000-08:002010-01-27T08:41:05.557-08:00Oh my aching tooth!For about the last 2 weeks I've been battling some bad headaches due to my wisdom teeth still being in my head. Yep, 30 years old and I still have them. So I finally arrived at that point where I couldn't handle it anymore and I just wanted them out. I went in on a Thursday afternoon for x-rays and on Friday morning I was having them cut out. <br /><br />Believe it or not, I was not one bit nervous for this. I'm usually a basket case when it comes to going to the dentist. We arrive and start the waiting game. Alison shows up so Collin can leave to head to work. We take a few pics and then head back to get me prepped. <br /><br />They stick me with the IV twice, ask me a few questions and before I know it, I'm out. I guess they continued to ask questions and I answered with, "I only eat BEEF, and is this what heroin feels like?" <br /><br />I wake up and don't remember how I got from the lethal injection chair to the recovery chair. All I know is I wanted my teeth and wanted to see them NOW! So they showed me. And I looked at Alison and said lets go, I'm hungry. I grabbed a ton of latex gloves(remember I'm out of it)and we head out.<br /><br />On our way out of the building walking through some construction, I was trying to find Alison a boyfriend. And then once at the car, I tapped on the window of a truck and asked if he needed a girlfriend. She puts my drunk butt in the car and I start drunk dialing people. I have to say, it was <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">freakin</span> funny to hear the voicemail that Hillary saved.<br /><br />We went for yogurt and I had it running all down my face, blood coming out of my mouth and God knows what else was going on. We make it home and we both crash in bed and take a really good nap. <br /><br />Pain is still not bad, I'm still numb and kinda out of it. I continue on about my day and taking my pain <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">meds</span>. All I wanted for dinner was pasta from whole foods. So we left for some pasta and come back home to walk in the door to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">niki</span> having another <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">seizure</span>. I didn't freak out. Poor thing. I'm just glad we were there when she had it. <br /><br />Saturday the pain wasn't bad. I slept <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">alot</span>. Sunday, well, the pain was kinda worse. Monday I worked from home and slept and it was a good thing I did. I felt great on Monday. Tuesday was the worst day of pain. I made my way into work, took my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">meds</span> and slept on the couch for over 2 hours until I was sober to drive. Made my way back to the dentist to find out I had dry sockets. So they start packing them and holy crap was that the most painful experience of my life. I needed an injection for that. And they offered it to me after the fact, hello, I'm done now, no need to do that. I cried and left. Finally some relief.<br /><br />I walk in the door to find Niki had an upset tummy and had pooped everywhere! The smell was terrible. So I'm crying and cleaning. I finally finish and just lay on my couch hoping that the pain will go away.<br /><br />Hillary came over and we went to do some retail therapy and I was home and in bed by 9pm. I woke up this morning feeling better. The pain is creeping back on my I'm taking my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">meds</span>.Shawnda Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03796957505434673401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134907267222347852.post-27869417591589800562010-01-04T07:49:00.000-08:002010-01-04T08:00:15.349-08:00My Plans For 2010I can't believe that a year ago I was seating here freaking out about training for an <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ironman</span>. I sit here here in this same spot at my desk and have a sense of calmness about not doing another one ever again. <br /><br />So I've planned out most of 2010 for myself. I'm such a planner that I typically do this to begin with.<br /><br />April 24<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> and 25<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> - <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lonestar</span> Olympic Triathlon<br />May 9<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> - The Rookie Triathlon<br />May 16<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> - Bay to Breakers in San Francisco with Kelsey<br />May 31st - Cap Tex <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tri</span><br />June 6<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> - <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Danskin</span> Triathlon with Hillary and Rachael<br />October - Nike Women's HALF <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Marathon</span><br />November - I'm going to AZ to with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ironman</span> Arizona<br /><br />I'm also hoping that I can score US Open tickets at Pebble Beach for June. I'm hoping to fly home Amarillo on April 10<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> to see a wedding and spend time with my family.<br /><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Tentative</span> Plans:<br />June 20<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> - <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pflugerville</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tri</span><br />August 1st - Jack's Generic<br />Sweet and TwistedShawnda Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03796957505434673401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134907267222347852.post-18516044642164704402009-12-30T09:00:00.000-08:002009-12-30T09:21:46.230-08:002009 in review<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cVmXIvfqCDs/SzuMHtZyNXI/AAAAAAAAFpk/t3aBfTF1iBg/s1600-h/new_years_2009.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 226px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421080640545240434" border="0" alt="" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cVmXIvfqCDs/SzuMHtZyNXI/AAAAAAAAFpk/t3aBfTF1iBg/s320/new_years_2009.jpg" /></a><br /><div>I sit here at my desk and think about what a year 2009 was and where it went so quickly. 2009 started off with a bang and a swift kick in the butt. I threw myself right into training for an <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">ironman</span>. For 6 months, I left behind a husband and 2 adorable dogs to do what...train for an <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">ironman</span> that I didn't finish. That's right, I DIDN'T FINISH. I feel that even though I didn't finish I walked away discovering so much more about myself. I've learned to control most of my anxiety with the help of a great doctor or two. I've learned that no matter who much I worked for something and wanted it so badly, that in reality not finishing was the best thing that probably happened to me.<br /><br />I can't thank my loving husband enough for being there for me when I was never home but to eat and sleep and probably complain about something.<br /><br />In April, we headed down to Galveston so I could participate in the Galveston half <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">ironman</span>. I was mentally and physically ready for this day until I cut my feet on some oyster beds. I dropped out at mile 7 on the run. I was pissed. But oh well, it happens.<br /><br />In June, not only did we travel to Idaho for me to participate in my first <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ironman</span>, but e had an awesome vacation in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">CDA</span> and Montana. We spent time with some of our dearest friends ever.<br /><br />July came and I was just so happy to finally get back to being normal and hanging out with my friends I ditched for 6 months. If your friends don't train with you, well kiss them goodbye during <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">ironman</span> training.<br /><br />August...on word...HOT!<br /><br />September came and I started to just ease into things. I started playing tennis which I loved! I reconnected with an old friend that is now my best friend. I never knew we had so much in common.<br /><br />On to October. Wow, I had the best 30<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> surprise birthday party of my life. Never saw it coming. I also went home and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">surprised</span> my family for a weekend that they had no clue that I was doing.<br /><br />November started the craziness for the holidays. My <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">in laws</span> showed up for Thanksgiving. We spent Thanksgiving in San Marcos again. I just love that tradition now.<br /><br />Now to December. This has been the craziest month of all. We had our first Christmas party at our house. My sales guys gave me cash once again this year..<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">WOOO</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">HOOO</span>! We took both dogs home for Christmas this year. We have decided that we need a much bigger car for the 4 of us. The dune buggy(Nissan Rogue)just isn't big enough for road trips.</div>Shawnda Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03796957505434673401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134907267222347852.post-48117068258587264182009-12-15T07:37:00.001-08:002009-12-15T07:43:05.500-08:00Fatty Fat Fatso...Well here I am once again complaining about my weight. I feel like I weigh and look like I did before I started triathlons...so not the case but that is what I feel like. I got on the scale last night and about had a breakdown right there. I didn't want to see those numbers but I did. I sent a text message to Ali complaining about it. <br /><br />I know I can't keep the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">ironman</span> training for the rest of my life, but things have to change! I can't keep gaining weight. I'm putting my self back on my no bread diet and going to make sure I work out more often without killing myself. I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">for sure</span> have to get off my ass on Saturday's and Sunday's and do something. Whether I ride my bike or go run, I have to do something. <br /><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ehh</span>...<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">I'm</span> just so frustrated with myself. How did I let this happen?Shawnda Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03796957505434673401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134907267222347852.post-77311805507643511782009-12-09T06:46:00.000-08:002009-12-09T06:59:18.874-08:00It's COLD in ATX!So we are at that time of year were it is COLD here and I don't want to work out because of it! But I'm come to the conclusion that I just can't sit around anymore and I have to get my fat butt up and do something or it is going to keep getting fatter.<br /><br />I wanted to work out on Monday night and well, I forgot my shoes. By the time I got home, it was late, the rain was coming down and I was tired from the weekend and was asleep on the couch at 7pm.<br /><br />Tuesday night I decided to do a double header. I went to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">corefit</span> and got my but kicked once again. Then I went to spin class and my legs just didn't want to turn those pedals over. It got a little better but not much.<br /><br />Today I'm suppose to run in the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">freakin</span> cold. Don't know how I feel about that but I guess we will give it a go.Shawnda Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03796957505434673401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134907267222347852.post-40368984846548578112009-12-01T08:56:00.000-08:002009-12-01T09:07:12.170-08:00December 2009<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cVmXIvfqCDs/SxVNL8zFRmI/AAAAAAAAE7U/cc2RTTv66Yk/s1600/christmas+tree.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 249px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410315395049801314" border="0" alt="" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cVmXIvfqCDs/SxVNL8zFRmI/AAAAAAAAE7U/cc2RTTv66Yk/s320/christmas+tree.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Wow...here we are at month 12 of 2009! Where has the time gone? Seems like this month is going to be crazy. We have parties after parties and several houses to go to at Christmas. When will the chaos end!<br /><br />This Christmas we are traveling with both dogs. This is just going to down right hilarious and miserable at the same time. Since both of them seems to keep having medical problems, I just can't subject anyone else to dealing with all the medications and problems.<br /><br />Once in the Texas Panhandle...we will be either at Motel <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">del</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Stinnett</span>(yeah, I named it this) or in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Guymon</span> with both of them. We can't have them at my parents house as my sisters dog is to aggressive and then Niki in turn will eat her and then Ozzie the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Weiner</span> Dog is to scared and will hide the whole time. And they can stay in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Guymon</span> only if we are there since there are so many pills they need and well Rex has to sleep with a human. Don't think my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">inlaws</span> want a dog in bed with them.<br /><br />What a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Christmas</span> this is going to be. It might turn out to be the best Christmas we have ever had or the worst. Who knows. We will have to wait and see.</div>Shawnda Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03796957505434673401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134907267222347852.post-67404001047664204822009-11-27T21:03:00.000-08:002009-12-01T09:10:29.402-08:00Thanksgiving 2009<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cVmXIvfqCDs/SxVN4idifAI/AAAAAAAAE7c/yUGrN_9GtIY/s1600/0511-0703-1314-4458_Happy_Thanksgiving_Cornucopia_with_Fruits_Pumpkin_and_a_Bow_clipart_image.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 199px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 178px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410316161074232322" border="0" alt="" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cVmXIvfqCDs/SxVN4idifAI/AAAAAAAAE7c/yUGrN_9GtIY/s320/0511-0703-1314-4458_Happy_Thanksgiving_Cornucopia_with_Fruits_Pumpkin_and_a_Bow_clipart_image.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Wow..what a year up to this point. Training for half <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">ironman's</span> and full <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">ironman's</span>...going on vacation and getting to see old friends. It has been great. I sure do have <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">alot</span> of things to be thankful for. My health, family, dogs, and friends.<br /><br />My in-laws showed up on Tuesday night where we ventured out to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mandola's</span>. I love that place. We came home and watched TV and went to bed as Thanksgiving Day is always crazy.<br /><br />We get up and make our dishes for that day and make our way down to San Marcos to spend it with some of our closest friends.<br /><br />After we ate and visited we came back to Austin so Ali and I could do our post Turkey/Ham ride. Well lets just say we didn't make it very far. We started off and it wasn't to bad. My legs were having a hard time. As we make it to Southwest Parkway Ali is having some problems breathing, but she wants to keep going. So we push ahead and we almost make it to HWY 71. We take a turnaround and head back on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">SWPKWY</span>. Not a few miles later she ends up having a flat. 4 tubes and 4 co2 cartridges later and about 30 minutes later we are back on our bikes heading to our cars.<br /><br />We get back to our cars and head home to rest. What a day.</div>Shawnda Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03796957505434673401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134907267222347852.post-57880529851614897732009-11-20T21:55:00.000-08:002009-11-20T21:59:34.202-08:00Rumors have it....So word on the street is that there could possibly be an <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">IRONMAN</span> in TEXAS! Just when I said I would never do another one, something like this breaks through the rumor mill. It would probably be held in Galveston on the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">flattest</span> course known to man. I would totally be in for this one as it would not cost near as much money as the first one I did. I think I could mentally prepare my self for a 2011 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ironman</span>.Shawnda Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03796957505434673401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134907267222347852.post-19019861540689990942009-11-20T21:48:00.000-08:002009-11-20T21:55:36.865-08:00What a week...This week was crazy. With emergency vet visit, another vet visit, two close friends getting lap band surgery on the same day and work just being crazy busy...I'm about ready to put myself in the funny farm.<br /><br />I took the day off on Friday to clean my house...how sick is that. And I was doing work and cleaning! Hello...I TOOK THE DAY OFF! GET IT DAY OFF!<br /><br />I finally sent out an email and said I'm out the rest of the day and that was at about 2:30.<br /><br />I went over to Hillary's and pretty much laid on the bed and vegged out with her. I should have laid there and napped but of course we have the gift of gab.<br /><br />The rest of the weekend is going to be pretty crazy. I have to FINISH cleaning house since I couldn't get to most of it today, go see New Moon, and take Hillary and Rachael to Christmas Affair.Shawnda Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03796957505434673401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6134907267222347852.post-36805615641252274172009-11-20T21:31:00.000-08:002009-11-20T21:48:29.026-08:00If it's not one dog its the other...<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cVmXIvfqCDs/Swd_EuKLntI/AAAAAAAAE6c/-4_Db7zJ8lc/s1600/142.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406429596768509650" border="0" alt="" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cVmXIvfqCDs/Swd_EuKLntI/AAAAAAAAE6c/-4_Db7zJ8lc/s320/142.JPG" /></a><br />So about 3 weeks ago, I noticed Rex was kinda hurting if you picked him up wrong. So right away, I rushed him to the vet as any over protect mommy would do. The vet game him some anti-inflammatory and some pain meds and sent us on our way. I asked from shots but he didn't think it was necessary. I swore to him that about 3 years ago(read the records)we were in here for the exact same thing.<br /><br />So we head home and I do the whole med thing and well...he seemed to be getting better. So I stopped the meds after about a week. The next week he seemed fine and then well week 3 came along. He was kinda not being himself and we just kinda went on about it. I started the meds back up again. We got home on Friday and I noticed he was super uncomfortable. I was going to try and get him out to the vet that day and I just couldn't get away from work. So I begged collin to let me take him to the 24 hour vet and he said, "I'm not paying $85 for them to see him, he can wait until 8am to go to our vet for cheaper." So I had to go along with it. We left for a while came home and went to bed. At about 4:15am he just started screaming like someone had run over him. We rush him to the vet to get muscle spasm medicine. We finally got home at 6:15 am to take a nap and baby him the rest of the day and night.<br /><br />On Monday, we take him back to our vet to have x-rays run as he was still in bad pain. Even barking was hurting him. The vet gives more meds, x-rays, and steroid shots and we are finally home and feeling like a dog again.<br /><br />I take him to work on Tuesday and he was fine. Collin was with him Wednesday and Thursday and I was home all day on Friday. But today he started to cry out again when he was barking so we are back on pain meds.<br /><br />I just want to stay out of the vet for 2 weeks at a time!Shawnda Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03796957505434673401noreply@blogger.com