We’re back at Sheri’s apt after an hour of free booze and appetizers, and then several hours of more drinking.

I (Maida) am quite D-runk and happy. Terry (comic book dude) gave me a shout out at the party, which was cool. My brother came up from NJ, which was also quite cool. I’m happy after some booze and a slice.

Check out Terry’s blog for pictures and stuff…

We’re in NYC! Our flight was delayed an hour out of Denver, which isn’t half as bad when you are travelling child free. it’s almost relaxing.

After a turbulent landing and an even more turbulent cab ride, we’re at our friend Sheri’s apt – a 4th floor walk up! Sheesh!

See you when we are back!

Hugs,
Maida

I’m off the wagon. School is out. I still need a new sitter. I’m buried in work. I only ran 3 times last week and I’ve already missed a run day this week.

But I did climb tonight and we’re planning a long run tomorrow morning.

I had high hopes of losing weight before going to NYC on Thursday, but I don’t think that’s going to happen.

When I get back in June, I will buckle down again. I need to SERIOUSLY train for the Ascent! All the other aspects will have to wait until after the race.

I’ll need help with my motivation when I get back next week. First I’ll be detoxing from two parties this week, and then I’ll have to get back in the running game.

Meanwhile, I need to get back to work!

Yesterday I went to Barr Camp and back.     It took me 2:20 to get to Barr Camp where I was able to buy a bottle of Gatorade and have a couple of pancakes made by the wonderful woman who runs the cabin up there.  I hung out there for 20 minutes, signed the log book and rested.  It took me nearly as long (1:45) to get down because I was tired from the brisk hike up.  I met up with some guys on the way down, who were taking a photo, and they actually invited me into their picture.  Two were tourists, one local and another two training for the Pikes Peak Marathon.  It started to thunder, and I ran down the Ws – the two guys and I kept passing each other.  It was a good run down.  They complimented my pace, which was nice to hear.  May and Jeanne got up there in under 2 hours!

I can’t write anymore – my hand cramps up after attempting a letter!  I actually kind of do this while running.  I don’t write it down, but you wouldn’t believe the stream of consciousness thoughts that stream through my head on a one-two hour hike/run.  I wish I could record it somehow.

I’m not thrilled to read that decreased libido and anorgasmia are possible side effects    dizziness and fatigue is one thing, but c’mon! 

My body tends to metabolize medications in a way that seems to intensify their effects.  I’ve always been that way.  I might have to do a half dose for 4 -6 days and then the full dose.  I’ve done that before with other meds.

I have been taking it at night, with food, to lessen the effects.  But I have been constantly putting food in my mouth to keep the nausea at bay. 

Not drink alcohol?     I had a drink on Saturday night after the store signing.  And I had a drink last night with dinner.  I felt okay actually.  But I guess I won’t be getting drunk or dancing on any bars this month since I may lose my balance and fall off! 

Dr. Kania says you can get the same effects that you get from the medication with exercise and sunshine.  She says that she suspects I have been self-medicating for some time with my running training, and that it has been working for me, but has maybe started losing its effectiveness.  I believe that. 

I really appreciate the input and sharing your experience with this kind of medication.  It is wonderful to know that I am not alone.  And I would like to help dispel the idea that its something to be embarrassed about.  I’m okay sharing my experience, especially if it helps someone else.

So I’m on day 5 of Lexapro.   It’s making me tired and nauseated.  If I didn’t get my period yesterday and my boobs weren’t still small, I would swear I was pregnant.

Are these normal side effects of depression medication? 

I don’t know if I can tell a difference yet.  She started me on Lexapro, and I was supposed to move up to Zoloft, but I think I might stay with Lexapro until the symptoms even out a little better. 

I picked up Logan’s ashes today.  I went in, and found someone to ask, “Is this the right place to pick up remains?”

She asked my name and my pet’s name and said she’d be right back.

She came back with a nice white lucite/plastic box tied with blue ribbon.  The attached card had Logan’s name on it.  It was heavy for such a little box.  I can’t believe he fit in it!

As she handed me the box, she said, very sincerely, “I am so sorry.”   

I got to my car and cradled the white box.  I kept it on my lap while I drove home.  I have his collar on my rear view mirror and kept looking at it.

About 1/4 mile from home, I totally lost it.  Just cried so hard.  I pulled into the garage and put the van in Park.  And I sat in the car sobbing, clutching the box to my chest so hard it was digging into me.  I cried hard for a good 10 minutes.  total Boo-hoo shuddering crying, tears streaming down my face.

I so needed that.  What a release.  I’ve been trying to keep it together for the ZBoys, and I just needed to really have a good cry.

I feel better and more at peace about his passing now.