What I Did on My Summer Vacation...

Wow. It's been almost a year since I wrote my last post on this blog. Pretty sad. In my defense, it has been a crazy year. Not that that is unusual, but still.  I'd like to say that I've been swimming regularly, and writing non-stop, but well...not so much. 
Summing up the last few months...I took a class to be a notary public, passed the state test, and am in the process of becoming an official notary for the State of California. That's pretty cool (if I do say so myself). I also took a publishing/marketing class which has inspired me to get busy on a new book.  Finding time to focus on stuff like that has always been difficult, but I'm working on it...little by little. Lately I've been working as a cake baker/decorator's assistant, which is way fun, but unfortunately not very consistent. I'm also trying to get to the pool more, which is, and always will be a struggle, but one worth the effort. Once in a while, I've even taken some time to enjoy the summer. (Imagine that!)
So there you have it: the past few months in a very compact nutshell. Of course many other important events and experiences filled that time, but this here, is not my next novel, so I should probably stop before you doze off, if you haven't already.
Sometimes I think my whole life is a "one step forward, two steps back" story, but I suppose as long as I keep trying, eventually I'll get an extra step or two in, maybe even take the lead at some point. Who knows? It could happen.
Meanwhile...here I go....


Caren E. Salas

See? I really did take a  few moments to enjoy the summer.

No Happy Medium

I can't sleep. my husband and I decided to spend Labor Day weekend in Palm Springs, and we do love it here. but dang. It's HOT. Even at nine, ten o'clock at night it's about a hundred degrees! Then, the room is air conditioned to below freezing...okay, not really, but it's cold! So here I am at 5:35 a.m. because I can't sleep. I tossed and turned for hours feeling the blast of cold air on one side of my body or another; I tried to turn down the AC; I even wrapped the decorative throw blanket they put on the edge of the bed for color over me, but I can't sleep!  Added to that, the AC hitting me gave me a stiff neck, or maybe it was the tossing and turning, so I took some Ibuprofen and now my stomach hurts. Of course.
On the upside, in about an hour, the pool will be open, and being that yes, at 7 a.m. it will be hot enough to melt glass, I may just go down and swim a few laps. I will have to adjust my workout however in light of the pool only being about 15 feet across. Three strokes and I'm on the other side. I may have to resort to...I can't believe I'm saying this...water aerobics,. (shudder)

One Lap Forward...

This week started off really well.  On Monday I went to the gym, determined that this would be the week I went EVERY day. As usual, my week never seems to go as planned. Especially during the summer. I have learned, as the years have gone by, that I am a schedule person. I deal with life so much better if I am (basically) forced to get up and get out of the house at a certain time. During the school year. I get up at about the same time every morning, get dressed and take my kids to school. Since I'm getting dressed anyway, it's easy to put my bathing suit and sweats on instead of jeans and a t-shirt, and then, since I'm already out and about, go to the gym. With no place that I have to go first thing in the morning, it's much easier to get distracted with other things. There's always laundry to be done, dishes to be washed, items to be checked on ebay: selling, not buying, believe it or not.
But I digress. Wow. If I had a dollar for every time I was distrac- hey, is it okay to have pizza for breakfast?

So this year, unlike my kids, I'm actually looking forward to them having to go back to school. Meanwhile I try and push myself to go swim as often as I can. especially on Tuesdays and Thursdays, when I don't have such a small window of time. You see, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays there is a water aerobics class at 10:30 and people start piling in around 9:00-9:30 so they can stake out their spot. And don't tell me I should take that class.  I don't, for three reasons: a.) I get claustrophobic with 80 other people in the same pool, especially since if I get pushed to the deep end, I can't touch the bottom. b.) It's not my thing. I just want to swim, back and forth, at my own pace. And c.) The idea of some little perky 20-something girl shouting out "encouragements" makes me want to vomit. Sorry, it's probably wrong. I can't help it. I've never been one for that whole "no pain! no gain!" and "push yourself! you can do it!" cheerleading tactic. I'm an adult. Please don't tell me what I am capable of doing. In all likeliness you have NO idea what I've gone through to get this far. I'm fully aware of what I need to do, to get to where I want to be. Give me a little credit. I understand, some people need that, and work better because of it, and hey, more power to them. Everyone is different. If my friends tell me "hey, go for it, that's awesome" that's really enough for me. If my kids ask me if I'm going swimming and say "cool," when I say that I am, that's good too.  For me, it all comes down to the fact that we all have to find what works. Some people respond well to having that voice over their shoulder saying "yeah! keep going!" Some people encourage themselves and fight their inner wimp one day at a time. That's what I do. Honestly, I don't always come out on top...but I refuse to ever admit defeat. I just gather what strength I have, go back to the pool, take a deep breath, and dive back in.

I'm going to try to go a little later on today, wish me luck.


Caren E. Salas

Anger Management

The other night I was trying to figure out how to connect my wireless printer to our network and after trying various "trouble-shooting" tactics, I contacted the company who made the printer thinking, this can't be too big of a deal. When we first got the printer I think my son and I installed in with no real problems. Unfortunately we recently had to replace our modem/router and that caused some problems.  So I go online to the "live chat" and the person "helping" me, after close to three hours not only did NOT solve the problem, but managed to completely mess up my wireless network. She tried to tell me that she was only working on the things that affected the printer. Hmmm. I think not. I don't know a lot about computers, but I thought it was an amazing coincidence that before she started doing things everything (except the printer) was working fine. Afterwards nothing worked except the PC I was actually working on. None of the kids devices or laptops could connect and even my ROKU was shut down. Someone was supposed to call me within 24 to 48 hours....a week ago. Needless to say, I will not be purchasing anything from that company again if I can help it, and they WILL be hearing from me. (It won't be pretty, but at least it will be somewhat more reserved compared to what it would have been a week ago.)

Anyway, to make a long story short (I know, too late), At about midnight when I finished chatting with this substandard computer technician, I was fuming. Knowing that sleep was not going to happen anytime soon, and feeling like I might possibly commit a felony, I decided to work off some pent up energy by swimming. Luckily, my gym is 24 Fitness. I got dressed and zipped over, thinking a half mile ought to do it. After a half mile I realized I was still angry, so I went on for a few more laps. When I got out, I was thinking, Wow, I should do a mad swim at least once a week!  I'm kidding of course, but I did get a really good workout, and I was able to go to sleep when I got home. It was much more productive than breaking or throwing things (like the printer).  The next morning I called AT&T and in under an hour our wireless was up and running and so was our printer. Shocker.

Usually I get my frustrations out with writing, but sometimes, there is not enough paper, writing instruments, or even internet space to get the monster out of me. More dramatic strategies are needed. I know not everyone can swim, but most of us can at least get out and walk or run or do something physical. In the long run, at least for me, not only do I feel better emotionally, but I can smile knowing that I am a little bit healthier as a result. 

We all do what we have to, to stay sane in this crazy life. I write. I swim. I hug my family. Whatever works.


Caren E, Salas

For the Safety of Those Around Me

I have found that swimming for me is a necessity. Not merely for my health, but for the health (and safety) of those who deal with me on a regular basis. Seriously, I feel so much better when I swim on a regular basis, physically, mentally and emotionally. It has a way of calming me, taking the stress of the day away, and adds a little patience to my personality. For about 45 minutes I really don't/can't think of anything else. Well, I could, technically, but I tend to forget to breathe. Hmmm. It's funny when I think of it, because when I don't swim, sometimes it feels like I'm forgetting to breathe then, too. I mean, really breathe. Breathe in. Breathe out. Don't freak out. Don't sweat the small stuff...which I do. The moral of this story? I've got to keep swimming. It will keep me in shape, keep me calm, keep me happy and hopefully keep me out of jail (haha).  It's been a rough week. I'm hoping tomorrow will be better. Until then...I'll just keep breathing.


Caren E. Salas

Now this is serenity: a pool with a view.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Can it Be??

Wow! Twice in one week! I think I'm on a roll here. I didn't quite make my goal of swimming every day. Wednesday and Thursday proved to not only be busier than usual for me, but for some reason I was unusually fatigued. However, I did go three times, and and technically the week is not over yet. If I can get to four by, well...tomorrow, I'll have gone at least one more time than I did last week. Baby steps.
Now if I can just figure out a way to push myself to write more, that would be great.  One good thing: we finally fixed our internet issues...I think anyway. So far so good. That makes it at least easier to write.

You know I was just looking over my posts and realized I had 3 unpublished drafts. The sad thing is that when I looked at them, none of them had gotten past the title. I had started a post, had an idea for it but let it fizzle. Three times! Sad sad sad.  Time to be inspired!!

But before I bore you all to tears, I'm going to say good-bye for now. Hopefully I'll have something more interesting, inspired, or at least a little inspirational to write about tomorrow. Until then...


Caren E. Salas

Basking in my own Awesomeness...

 Well, I know it's been a while, but not because I've been slacking. I actually added another 6 laps since my last post. I'm at 36. My goal is to work up to a mile before the end of the year. This morning I felt so good swimming, and I even walked to the gym. When I got out and took a shower, got dressed and did all my usual getting ready for the day stuff, I was feeling pretty good about myself. I've been getting my whole workout done in about 30 minutes. I was confident that the mile swim I was working toward was attainable. I was only mildly irritated at myself for forgetting to bring my contact lenses to put on after. Then I realized, that I had at some point locked the key to my locker...inside my locker.
Dang it.
Well, apparently awesomeness is fleeting. We all can't have it all, right? Maybe I should think about a combination lock...but then I'd have to remember the combination. I have a hard time remembering my kids' names some days. Don't even ask me what I had for breakfast.

Caren E. Salas










photo: securitymusings.com

Almost There...

I am officially up to 30 laps. Next week I'll push that to 32 which will be....
drum roll please....a half mile!
I would love to say that it's getting easier, but I'd be lying. Sometimes my arms drag though the water and I feel like I can barely pull them out for each stroke. My leg muscles start to burn after, like...a half a lap. It takes all my powers of self persuasion to continue. This morning I was thinking to myself as I struggled through the laps. How is it I can love this so much when it's so hard to get through? Why do I look forward to this torture morning after morning? I still am not sure how to answer that really, but I think part of it is the way I feel the rest of the day. It almost feels like, after that workout, dang, I can do anything! I was talking to this man who comes to the pool about the same time as I do. He was saying that on the days that he swims, for the rest of the day he feels "lighter". That makes sense to me. Being out of the water seems easier after I've done my laps. Who knew?
Well, better get to the rest of my day. Feeling better helps me get more done. Unfortunately, it doesn't add any more hours to the day, because that would really be helpful.


Caren E. Salas




photo: myfitdecision.wordpress.com

Pushing it...

Today, I swam 28 laps. I pushed it up by 2 laps from yesterday. My original plan was to try and go every day adding two laps every week. Well, considering I lost a week because of well, life getting in the way, I felt a little discouraged. When I started up again, I kept thinking, I could do a few less laps. It would be understandable if I back-tracked a little. The thing is I just couldn't bring myself to, once again, backslide into that world of "Well, maybe tomorrow; maybe next week...maybe...next year..."  So despite not having a car (long story) and having to walk what I'm guessing is about 1/2 mile to the gym and then back after, I have continued to stick with my goals. This week I should have been to 28 laps. Next week I go to 30 and then 32 which, by the way, is a 1/2 mile. Really. Believe me, I did the math. Oh, okay, I used the converter on my cell phone, but I figured it out anyway.  You know, part of me just wants to be able to say "Yeeeaaah, I swim a half a mile every morning. No big deal..." Of course, I pray no one I know actually sees me swimming  as I gasp for breath every time I get to one end of the pool or another, haha.  I'm telling you, the breathing thing has been the hardest part. My arms and legs know exactly what to do. my lungs and heart...maybe not so much. I'm getting there though. I find that I get more laps done in less time. I'm not trying to race or anything; I guess I'm just getting more at ease with it. Each day I feel a little bit better, or at least closer to where I was before things got crazy (last week). So I just have to keep going. Two laps forward - NO laps back!! That's what I'm talkin' about.

Caren E. Salas






photo: William Salas

Circumstances Beyond My Control..

For those of you who don't know me personally, you may be thinking "What's your excuse this time?" I can hardly blame you. I've been off again, on again, so many times it's embarrassing. This time however, I think I can safely say, is justified. I had to take my daughter to the emergency room last week and it turned out that she had appendicitis. We went in late at night, and I spent the whole first night in a chair, literally. To give you the "Reader's Digest" version, she went to surgery the next day, spent the night in the hospital room (sleep wasn't part of the deal that night either) and then was released late the next evening. Such a fun week! I can't even begin to tell you.
Needless to say this did affect my workout routine. Even if I had had the time or the energy, leaving my daughter was not an option. I am happy to say that she is feeling much better (just don't ask her, haha) and over the weekend we went away and stayed at a hotel. This was a trip we had planned a while back and the doctors said it would be okay to take her. While there, I did go in the pool and get at least a little workout. It felt amazing. I can honestly say I missed my morning swim! (As in, I was disappointed I couldn't go.) Tomorrow things should be going back to normal(ish) so I'm hoping to get my laps in. I refuse to let this "break" to deter me from continuing. I'm still a little tired from everything, but that I know will pass.  Wish me  luck, wish my daughter a speedy recovery and wish yourself a great day!


Caren E. Salas


photo: William Salas

My Inner Wimp

Formerly known as well...me, I have managed to suppress my normally wimpy self, until it has become but a shadow of what it was only weeks ago. Granted, I often have to fight with it, because, like an over-stuffed suitcase, it just wants to spew all over the floor, while I grunt and groan and jump up and down on it, until I get the latch locked once again. Every morning I think "Cool, I get to go swimming," and I zip over to the gym after dropping the kids off at school. I've already had breakfast, put on my bathing suit, grabbed my goggles, and packed my gym bag. I walk confidently into the gym, check in, smiling at the staff and march through the doors leading to the pool area. Still smiling, I stash my stuff in a locker, grab a towel, grab a kick-board and walk to the edge of the pool. Now this is where it gets sketchy. I put one foot in, and cringe.  The cold water mocks me. Yeah, it's saying, come on in, it's not so bad once you get in. The operative phrase being "once you get in". I take a deep breath, bracing myself for the shock that will hit my torso, making me gasp. One...two...th...can't do it. One more step down. Okay, gonna' do it this time...maybe not. After a few minutes I finally swoosh into the water (remember? not allowed to dive).  Okay, okay, if I get swimming I'll warm up fast. This turns out to be true...every time. Duh. First hurdle accomplished. I swim two laps and I want to die. By the fourth or fifth lap, my muscles are burning and I feel like there's no way in hell I will get across. Luckily for me, I'm not in hell...but maybe I could cut it short...just today, my inner wimp tempts me. It's just like in those old cartoons where the little angel sits on one shoulder and the little devil is on the other. No, I can do this. I can. Another few laps and I'm halfway done. Only half? Really? Actually, not even that, but I can do this. Before I know it, I've done twenty laps in the 25 meter pool. I started with twenty and have added two more each week. Now I'm up to twenty-four. Just four more to go. Just four. I can do this.

Can't be a cry baby!

So far my inner wimp hasn't gotten the upper hand. I don't plan on letting it. Wish me luck.
                               

Caren E. Salas




photo:  mamapop.com

Side Effects

Normally those words make me cringe a little. Considering that half the meds I take are to counteract the side effects from the other meds I'm taking, can you blame me? In this case however I'm talking about another kind of side effect: the good kind. You know, when you do something and expect a certain result and hey...you get a bonus! That's how I've been feeling. Yes, I'm still swimming, every day! I'm so proud of myself. Honestly I figured I'd be sore and tired and it would just feel like one more activity to wear me out. I wanted to do it because I'm embarrassingly out of shape, and for the most part get no cardio-type exercise in my everyday life. I figured I'd do it a couple of days a week, and just get through it. Now that I'm going all the time, I find it almost addictive. I look forward to going the next day. I think about how to challenge myself a little more every time I go.
Here's the cool part. Instead of being more tired all the time, I have more energy during the day. I feel energized! It's awesome. Oh, I know that's what they tell you will happen and all, but they say a lot of other things too. To be healthy you have to do this! You have to do that! I guess there are some people who react well to negative reinforcement: people yelling at them, calling them names, trying to make them feel like a wimp for not being able to do 800 sit-ups. I've never been one of those people. I can put myself down well enough, thank you. I'm not running around saying "I'm in perfect shape, great health, and I don't even have to try." Hardly. What I want, is for someone to say "You can do this. It'll be hard, but you can do this. And just because you miss a day because you had to pick up a sick kid from school, or do some other unexpected errand, does not mean you have failed. You just have to get right back up and go the next day." Now someone does say that....me.

This, will not be happening, haha.

Today is a better day.


Caren E. Salas



photo: blog.helphub.com.au

Just Keep Swimming...

Wow, I have really been loving going to the gym this week. I even made a friend: Eileen. We started talking because I saw her doing the same "oh-my-gosh-the-water-is-cold" dance at the pool steps that I do every day. It's not really that cold, and it feels wonderful once you are in, but it's that initial chill that gets me. Unfortunately, my usual approach is to dive in all at once, but alas, this is against the rules, and I'm not really a jumper, so I step, step, pause then whoosh.
So I've been swimming my 20 laps and thinking that although I do enjoy swimming, it's a lot harder than it  used to be, haha. I mean, that while my muscles seem to know what to do, they are not always so willing to do it. Another thing is that apparently I have forgotten how to breathe. I know...breathe in, breathe out, but it's different when you're in the water, obviously.  Bad timing can really be...bad. Little by little however, I'm becoming more comfortable. As I count out my 20 laps, the little wimp inside me is screaming "STOP NOW!!" but the part of me that's fed up with the wimp is saying quite calmly (albeit with an exhausted tone) "Just keep swimming..." So I do.


Caren E. Salas

PS - I just realized I already had a similar post with Dory and "Just keep swimming". I guess she is more of an inspiration than I thought. The previous post was not about literal swimming though, so I guess that makes it okay, right?


Photo: fanpop.com