Messing with the Econ Majors

I have a team competing in the Deloitte Case Competition going on at UW right now and we’ve been setting up fort in Savery Hall. The Econ Majors have class in the mornings first thing. We decided to put some “business tips” up on the whiteboard for them, as if they don’t already envy/ hate us enough.

4 Steps to Biz Success
1. Synergistic Solutions
2. Six Sigma Blackbelt
3. Business Casual
4. Peer to Peer Networking

Tomorrow’s board topic will be Seminar in Leadership.

We quite possibly are having too much fun.

“We can sit around during Christmas and use our 10-keys together”

I am strangely attracted to vintage 10-key calculators. When I become rich (by being an accountant) I will start collecting. People collect vintage typewriters, therefore collecting 10-keys cannot be that weird.

I am officially the biggest nerd that has ever existed in the UW Foster School of Business.

Savery

This is the most amazing song I have heard in a long time. Ben Folds and William Shatner may be the best pairing ever.

I’m chilling right now in Savery Hall. It’s been newly remodeled and the classroom I’m in is pretty cool. It is a nice break from the libraries here on campus. Plus, shared itunes is turning out quite a lot of gems (such as above).

Let’s hope I actually do well in Cost Accounting though. Only 5ish days until winter break!

Cross Post from LJ: The First 5K Race

I ran my first 5K race today. It will not be my last.

The run was over in West Seattle and was the Alki Beach 5K Fun Run for Breast Cancer or something along those lines. The race started at 9AM, registration at 8AM. I had to get up at 6 this morning and had to bus all the way out there. The bus ride was ridiculously long.

I got there and almost immediately I knew things were off. I forgot to bring a ponytail holder (though I had my jersey headband), my right contact was falling out (I luckily had solution in my bag) and my bloodsugars were running high. I failed in getting enough water in the morning and I hadn’t eaten anything.

I wasn’t expecting much. My previous fastest 5K practice run was 33:10. My initial goal when starting to run was to run it under 35:00. I realized I would pass this when the first time I actually ran 5K I ran it in 34:24. When I ran it in 33:10, my new goal was 33:00. I also really wanted to get underneath 31:00, though this was me dreaming and I didn’t think there was any way I’d be able to do it. Still, I had it in my mind.

The boyfriend ran a 31:something 5K back in July. This entire time I feel like he doesn’t find me that physically able to do anything. He is extremely athletic, I am not but I have always been active and regular in hitting the gym. He does tell me that he finds me inspirational for running because it isn’t easy for most people. I wanted to kick his 5K time in the ass.

The environment was so inspirational, a lot of people were super pumped to race. I warmed up, found my pace group (though I realized I was too fast for it about 3 minutes in). We started and I was excited. I ran the entire way though (except for about 20 seconds at the 2.75 mark. We had to cross a street and the guards stopped the runners to let the cars through). It was a good run. I knew my time was going to be good.

I saw the clock time of 32:35 and I was so thrilled. I had at least beat my previous fastest 5K time. I was towards the back of the pack so I was hoping my chip time would be great.

I looked it up and saw the chip time of 30:20 and absolutely could not believe it. I beat my previous time by almost three minutes and beat the boyfriend’s time. I ran at about a 9:30 pace the entire way through when my goal was an 11:00 pace.

This is coming from a girl who ran a 9:30 mile once in her life (in the 5th grade) and never ran more than a mile at any point of her life before C25K. I did it!

I am amazed and so thrilled with myself. Just wanted to share. :)

Final Results:
439/1018 finishers (57th percentile)
258/727 females (65th percentile)
4/10 age group (60th percentile)

Case of the Wednesdays (All Over the Place)

Wednesdays at work are notoriously known for me not doing anything during my shift. I have been here for 2.5 hours. I entered time cards (which don’t need to be entered immediately) and wrote one letter regarding the credit list at the local hardware store. Basically, I have done 10 minutes worth of work today. The phone hasn’t been ringing much and I feel like a zombie.

The only saving grace for me this morning was a non-fat, sugar-free vanilla latte. I went to the new coffee place near my work. No more Starbucks for me! It’s called Citizen. The coffee is great, the interior is nice and they make crepes. I think I found the new breakfast place for my Dad and I (if we ever start talking amicably to each other ever again).

But currently, I am bored with what is available to me online. The running communities aren’t updated every ten minutes, there’s nothing cool on Slog today, no one is on facebook at 9:30am, I spent a couple of hours on Reddit last night and I have been bored with fanfiction for the past year.

I want to run! The day is gorgeous. I really want to hit up the trail a couple more times before I move in (although I can’t wait to go running around Seattle). Last night I was all ready to go when I got hit with the triple whammy: a lost ipod, a low bloodsugar and the sunset. I couldn’t will myself to go running in the dark. I am scared enough walking out to my car after hours.

The insulin pump is still going well. It doesn’t like hanging off of my lower arm fat. I’ve had to tape it down twice now. I change it out tonight but it needs to survive my run without falling entirely off. I’m loving my jersey headbands. When I wear one in my hair, I don’t look entirely like a serial killer with my hair pulled up. Wrapping one around my arm can be a pain.

That’s about all I have for you guys. My 5K is on Sunday. If I can find a camera charger, maybe I’ll take some pictures, otherwise wish me luck! It’s obvious now I can finish it, lets see if I can get under an 11 minute mile (my goal pace).

Image via Amazon

Omnipod Day 2

It’s going well. I’ve had a couple lows and two high bloodsugars (but in the span of two days this is amazing). We’re adjusting my rates and everything right now. I’m still being conservative when guessing carbs and I don’t entirely trust the meter. I’m having a little bit of a hard time with it (I’m so frustrated that I’m not getting better numbers but I haven’t had numbers like these ever). I’ve been eating better considering I have to be so diligent when counting carbs. Hopefully this will continue. Since I’m also using less insulin, hopefully some weight will come off too (insulin tends to make people gain weight).

I can’t run with the thing though. I’m hoping we switch out pods tomorrow. Otherwise, I am going to do it anyways. I don’t know if its because it’s on my stomach or what but it feels like it is going to fall off. I can’t not run. I am so pissed off right now because I can’t run. I have run once in the past five days then. I miss it so much. I’m hoping it will stop once on my arm. Martha (my educator) says there are tricks to keep it in place. I really hope so. If not, I can probably get some sort of an elastic band to keep it in place. But I can’t run with it feeling like it is going to fall off. I made it .25 of a mile. It was a good .25 of a mile too. It would’ve been a good run.

I’m wondering all ready if I’ve made the right choice in selecting a pump. If I can’t someday run a marathon with this thing, I’ll be tempted to switch once I use up all my current supplies.

Hannah Is Officially Pumped!

 

This morning, after months of getting this damn thing sorted out, I officially switched over to the Omnipod insulin pump. I have to say, I love it so far (even though it has only been 3ish hours on it)!

Going In

I was pretty anxious about the whole thing from the get-go. I stayed away from the pump for years just because I hated the idea of having a little catheter/ needle stuck in my constantly. I was perfectly happy with shots. This changed last year. My bloodsugars were out of whack and even with tedious monitoring, I was either high or low and I hardly ever felt in range. The pump is suppose to help you gain better control. I knew it was time to switch. Last year, Omnipod failed in getting back to me so I put getting the pump off. This year, I was able to get everything set up.

How it Works

There’s this little pod thing. It’s about the size of half an egg (and has adhesive stuck to the back of it). The pod stores and delivers your insulin. You wear it constantly. Unlike every other pump, there is no tubing to deal with (in normal pods there is a little needle/ cannula device that you stick on your skin and the device is connected to the pod through tubing). The second component is a PDM. It’s a PDA device that controls how much insulin is given through the pod. You tell it what to do and it wirelessly transmits the signal to the pod.

The Appointment

The appointment went really well. I had the thing set up and on within the hour. I was out the door in an hour and a half. Its nothing too complicated yet and as a knowledgeable diabetic, everything seemed second nature to me. My first pod fails (apparently this rarely happens) but after that everything was like clockwork. I asked what I should be doing to get optimal bloodsugars while working out and my educator asked me if I would hate her for suggesting not to work out these next few days. I told her I was training for a 5K next Sunday and would be disappointed. She showed me how to correct for that.

What I Like

The PDM is also a bloodsugar meter. I wasn’t expecting it. When you test your bloodsugar or enter an amount of carbs, the PDM suggests how much insulin to give yourself. Its amazing. It takes all the guess work out of it. Also, insulin can be given in .05 units. Which means, when I eat an apple (15 carbs) it suggests .85 units. With my pen, 1 unit (the smallest amount I could give) would’ve been too much.

There are no needles! (well there is a tiny little one in the cannula but still). My injection sites should clear up and revert to somewhat normal within two years… The cannul also inserts itself with command from the PDM. It hurts less than a shot.

There isn’t going to be as much yo-yoing with eating and then given myself shots to get my bloodsugar as perfect as possible before running. It should make things a lot easier. I don’t have to worry about getting too low while working out either.

This is the most normal I have felt as a diabetic in years.

What I Dislike (a little)

Wearing the damn thing. It’s not that ideal. I have a pod attached to me. It feels a little foreign and I’m afraid it is going to fall off. It will be seen when I wear tight fitting clothing. Right now, I am required to wear it on my stomach. I’ll probably move it to my arm in a couple of days. The adhesive always feels like its going to come loose, even though it shouldn’t. I have a feeling my boyfriend isn’t going to like it all that much.

The pods are expensive and I have to change them every three days. It’d be great to have a pod wear you can change out only the needle and insulin. Someday possibly?

I can’t go into hot tubs unless I take off the pod. But unless its towards the end of three days I won’t due to the cost.

The PDM/ Pod beeps at me. This could be a problem in class but I need to leave it on in case its warning me about something.

Conclusion

I love it, despite what I don’t like about it. We’re going to see how things go for the next couple of days but it feels like a load has finally been lifted off of my shoulders. Hopefully, I can get the desired bloodsugars.

Running Update

The 2.75 mile run was amazing. I didn’t push too hard, finished in 33 minutes (5.0 pace) and for the first real time I know I will complete this 5k.

Busy Busy Busy

I haven’t had any motivation to run or read the past two days. I twisted my ankle pretty badly at the boyfriend’s (which involved tripping like a dumb ass, thank god no was around) and between standing and walking on it for a good chunk of time Saturday night, I was not feeling up to running Sunday. I am going to run tonight though. I’m a little hesitant because I’m upping my mileage to 2.75. I’m so close to the 5k. The 2.5 runs have been killing me though. I think I’ll take it easy on the treadmill (its raining outside) at go at a 5.0 pace the entire way. That should be good. I’m going to watch Episode 2 of True Blood while running. That’s the plan.

I’m getting excited for the 5K. I’ve made myself a training schedule for Fall Quarter (subject to change, of course). I’m worried about having time to work, run, go to class, study and have a social life. I suppose I managed to do it all last year but still. I’m only taking three classes this quarter (though I need to be taking four). I want to meet more people this year. I want to have a quarter that blows Spring and Summer out of the water. I want to run and run more and 4.0 the shit out of my classes. I want to start studying for the GMAT. I want to nail down some post-graduation plans. I want to be happy and healthy.

It’s a lot of take on.

In other plans, I’m making granola bars tomorrow! I’m going to do some adaption of this recipe. I think I’ll omit the sunflower seeds, add some fiber one cereal (or Kashi golean crunch), add some cashews or almonds instead of peanuts, and do a 1/2 a cup of craisins and a 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips. Delish. I want something easy to make that I can make in bulk to have something for breakfast during the school year. It’s always grab and go for me. I’ll be having dinner on campus every night but breakfast and lunch are never guaranteed. I ate way too many bagels and scones last year.

The other scary thing is: I want to stop my diet coke habit starting with the school year. I’ll carry around my tea mug and tea with me everywhere and my water bottle. I might try some yerba matte or suck it up and drink black coffee. Diet coke is just too easy to go to when I crave caffeine.

Also, more scary stuff: I’m switching to the insulin pump in eight days. I’m kinda mildly freaking out about it, I don’t know how I’m going to enjoy having the thing constantly on me. The boyfriend appears mildly concerned about it too, which is great but puts more pressure on me to find the correct spot on my body for it. I have one that came in a demo kit which I’ll carry around with me for the week to figure out the best place. I’ll also get the boyfriend’s take on it next weekend. I’m scared but excited for the change.

And more: School starts in like threeish weeks. I still haven’t cleaned my room or packed or anything.

And more: My dad’s second hip surgery is the 16th.

Yikes. September is going to be busy. It still hasn’t hit me yet.

Hello Seattle

Writing is very cathartic for me, like most people. It’s been way too long since I’ve wrote anything substantial here. Since acquiring the boyfriend, I’ve lost just about any motivation to write. Well since I’ve had a good couple of days without him (with a few more to come) my boredom and passion has finally taken over.

My life right now can be summed up by two things: reading and running (and I’m loving every damn minute of it!).

All I ever do in my free time to myself is read (or workout). Whether it’s online or offline, I’m usually reading something. I love finding out new things, submerging myself into fictional stories, or onlooking in someone else’s life. Since the last week of summer quarter (8/15) I’ve read four John Grisham books (The Appeal, The Runaway Jury, The Last Juror and The Partner) as well as Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood. I’ve also created an epic fall reading list (for the goodreads challenge). I renewed the library card and put a million books on hold. I’ll definitely be posting some reviews to come.

As far as running goes, it’s becoming my favorite part of the day. There’s something called “Runner’s High” and I’ve been feeling it during everyone of my runs now. It’s hard to explain to the non-runner but its this overwhelming sense of accomplishment and glee. I get this huge smile on my face before the last half mile or so. I’ve worked my way to up 2.5 miles (almost non-stop) at about an 11/min mile pace. I signed up for this 5K September 27th and I’m so going to kick ass.

I went from hating running to loving it in a few months. From about March to July I really tried to get into running. I set a goal to run a 5K at the end of the summer. End of July, I still hated running and was progressing way too slowly. I kicked my ass into shape and began running and kinda enjoying it. Everyday I tell myself that I don’t really need to run but I do anyway. I’ve been running for the past six days. God, I love it. I wasn’t expecting it.

I find culture is a huge part. For some reason, it’s easier to run yourself when you engage in online running communities or read about other people’s runs and races. I read about running and then I run. It’s inspiration at its finest.

I’ll most likely be posting more about both of these in time to come. Everyone near and dear to me is getting sick of me being so exuberant about the running. And my book quest is exciting too.