training

I've never been a runner, but running is the cheapest way to do consistent exercise without needing a group, a ball, and a court. So I run. Sometimes more, sometimes less.

But I've now decided to train. I'm going to run a 5K (I know, I know--it's only 3.1 miles) with the catch that I'll run the whole time. Now, for some of you marathoners, this is not a big deal. But for me, it is a good motivational goal.

You can check on my progress on the sidebar gadget named "Tricia's training." (As a note, a "cycle run" is a run where I alternate walking, jogging, and running.)

Here's to running 3.1 miles straight (and maybe losing some pounds in the process)!

Bessie

Let me introduce you to Bessie. But first, let me explain a bit about my work situation. As an adjunct professor, I work in my home and my home is a split-level duplex. My office is on the bottom floor, with a big window that looks out over the carport and street (in the picture below).

During the winter months, our carport is empty after Matt leaves for work. And as the days get warmer, our duplex neighbor girls (ages 8, 6, and 4) start playing outside. And they seem to find our carport an especially interesting place for riding bikes, scooters, and such.

Bessie, the youngest (pictured below), rode her scooter in the carport today, and we had various 10-second conversations through the window about babysitters and rain and flowers and coats. Sometimes, when I'm especially busy, I don't welcome these conversations as much. But today I welcomed the child-like simplicity of our thoughts and ideas.

Nothing like being reminded of life's simplicity.

bless BYU

You might have noticed that I have been missing in action for the last week (or so). I have a good reason: a computer virus. (I will try to not mention that I invited the virus onto my computer by clicking "OK" on a video-install button off a website that was supposed to be helping me understand the front differential of a car.)

Since I am currently working part-time for BYU (well, actually, I teach three classes, so I am working full time), the computer became a paramount problem. The information on my computer, aside from personal worth, was of great professional worth for me to finish off the semester! After the virus maintained signs it was not giving up without a good fight (i.e., its symptoms increased after I'd installed three anti-virus programs), I called BYU to see if their IT people could help me. I wasn't sure they'd be able to since I'm a part-time employee using a personal computer, but they agreed to help me. I left my laptop at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday in the Marriott School's IT Support office and got a call at 4:00 p.m. that said the virus was of the trojan horse variety and was unlike any virus that had been seen by the office: it mutated upon being found by anti-virus software! (Joy, oh joy.)

So, my computer was wiped clean and I was left in doubt as to whether my files would be saved. I will save you the suspense: my files were saved, but each step of the re-install of Windows ran into increasing problems, so I didn't have a computer until Monday afternoon.

I have learned a few lessons from this little experience:

1. I like BYU, but now I'd like to hug and kiss BYU. Since "BYU" isn't a strictly tangible item that can be hugged and kissed, I will settle for unashamed praising of BYU (and its IT support!).
2. I will not download stuff from the internet unless I'm ABSOLUTELY sure I trust the source.
3. I will back up my files responsibly. (Responsibly = once every two weeks)

I hope this new-found wisdom will carry me through the end of the semester--a mere 12 days from today. Wish me luck...