Eviction Journal of Tasia
April 2006
for the Evict My Alien Love Child project
April 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 9pm, 10, 12, 12pm, 14, 15, 19, 21, 22, 24, 29, 30
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Your assistance has allowed Amy to visit me. See our April photo.
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1 April 2006, Saturday
We have completed gym quest. Well, almost. I still need to wait until Tuesday morning to get to take a tour of the McConnell Heart Health Center.
All of the other gyms we wanted to see we were able to take tours of today. We actually saw five different gyms.
We started the morning with Bally Total Fitness. My evaluation of it is, very nice facility, but too far from my house. It would cost me $3 a day in gas to go to it. Plus, I would have to drive through quite a bit of the city. So, even though they have a lovely pool for swimming laps and lots of classes that I would like I am not going to take advantage of the great special that actually ended yesterday. The gentleman we talked to did say they would honor the special for a few days beyond the end of the month. This is great for Amy, as the Bally by her is only a mile from her house.
There were several more gyms we decided not to even stop at because they did not have a pool and they were also still too far from my house. A gym near me I will go to frequently. A gym I have to drive a long way to I know I will not use enough to justify the expense. While I know I like the YMCA, it is still seven miles away, too far to be worth joining.
Our next location was Victory Fitness Center. This is a gym that I actually used to belong to nine years ago. I had changed to the YMCA due to this gym having a smell to it and the Y having a bigger pool.
My oh, my, has this gym changed. It did not have any smell. It was clean, and had really nice equipment. Amy knows more about elliptical and cross trainer machines. It was really good that she was with me as she knew what was what and asked questions for me. They also have a really neat cross-country skiing machine that you use your whole body.
One of the things I liked the best was the Vicks smelling room. This was a dry room with menthol scented air. I walked in and my sinuses just opened right up. Victory also had a dry sauna and a steam room. The pool is still small. However, they do have water weights and water aerobic classes.
I also like the fact they have Pilates as well as various other aerobic classes. Heck, they even have a Belly Dancing class.
After going back home for lunch and watching a DVD movie, we were off to see some more gyms. I love B movies so this time we watched Eight Legged Freaks.
The next gym on the list was Larkins Hall at the Ohio State University. Two years ago, before they did the remodel of Larkins, I used to pay a membership to use their facilities. Primarily I would go swimming. It was a half-hour walk to get there, swim for an hour and then walk back home. This was the first time I had gone back since they started the remodel.
The building is much larger than it was before. There is glass everywhere, and tons of light. They, of course, raised the fees with all this new construction. However, I didn’t like it. All the workout spaces are so visible that if I worked out there I would feel like I was being watched all the time. This gym felt like a meat market, you are always on display. I actually like the old Larkins Hall better. Plus, campus still has the problem of parking – you have to pay to park every time, which is why I used to walk. Now the parking garage is even further from the entrance to the building. Thus, in addition to the increase in fees to attend there is the expense of either time for walking from home or money to park plus a walk to the entrance. Victory is a much better choice for me.
Next was a quick swing by the Columbus Aquatic Center. I have been swimming here before, but it has been a while. I wanted to make certain I knew where it was, check the hours and determine how much it actually costs to go swimming at the city pool. It was closed, but the information I wanted was posted on a sign by the front door. For 50¢ a visit I can go swimming in a nice indoor pool Tuesday through Saturday in the afternoon or evening. On Friday they even have an adult only swim time in the morning. Plus, parking is free! This is making Victory look even better, since I can go swimming here when I want to swim laps.
The last place we visited was the McConnell Heart Health Center. It was nearly 6:00 by now and I was not certain I would be able to get a tour today. When we got there I learned they schedule the tours, so I will be getting a tour Tuesday morning. However, I was able to pick up a copy of all the classes they have.
The classes are probably the biggest reason this is my dream gym. They currently have three FIT classes, seven Pilates classes, ten Cadio classes, six Step classes, thirteen Yoga classes, five Strength classes, two Tai Chi classes, two Flex, Stretch & Balance classes, plus one each of Total Body Conditioning class, Dancing class and Barbell Blast class. Then there is a whole additional schedule with the aquatic classes. Can you see now why this is my dream gym? I want to be a gym rat and get to live long hours here taking class after class.
McConnell does cost much more than the other gyms I looked at, as in two to nearly six times as much per month plus a required $295 physical to start. Since I don’t have health insurance, this will all be a direct expense. This is why I really need your help! Please make a donation so I can join McConnell Heart Health Center and afford to take the time from my business to take lots of classes.
2 April 2006, Sunday
This morning I deliberately let Amy sleep in. Since this is her mini vacation, she is supposed to go home from it feeling refreshed, re-motivated and well rested. While she slept, I went around the house resetting clocks and put the last load of laundry in.
I am going to achieve my goal for the weekend. I am going to have all the laundry and all the dishes completely done and put away at the same time! I won’t have it done before Amy leaves, but I will have it done before I go to bed tonight.
Once Amy woke up, she worked on her finally fixed computer this morning.
Amy is heading back home. I want to thank our donors for enabling Amy to come visit me this weekend.
Since Amy is not feeling like she has had any success so far, she chose not to step on the scale or get measured. Since I am on my period I did not step on the scale. Both of us have depression issues about our weight and there is no way either of us need to invite that most unwelcome visitor.
However, the last thing we did before Amy had to head home was take my measurements.
| Starting Measurements 1-21-06 | Current Measurements 4-2-06 | Change |
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I am shrinking! I really am shrinking. So far I have shrunk a grand total of 10.75 inches! Wow, I am almost averaging an inch a pound.
Please note: I do not feel these are completely accurate measurements. These were taken after lunch, while on my period. My original measurements were taken in the morning, before breakfast, and when I was not feeling bloated. Just like naked morning weight, I feel that measurements should also be done at the same time of day each time. I’m going to take my measurements again in about two weeks and see how much more change there is when I am no longer bloated at all.
3 April 2006, Monday
Last night I decided that I would join Victory Fitness Center today. They are having a three years for the price of one deal, which is too good to pass up. They have classes and more importantly, they have a wonderful inhalation room that opens my sinuses up. I can go into this room for a while before I work out. My sinuses will be open and I can have a great workout no matter what the weather is like.
I had my measurements taken as part of the orientation. Their measurements and mine do not agree. Where I am measuring without denting the skin, they are pulling the tape as tight as they can. Take a look at the differences for the same locations from what Amy and I measured me at yesterday and what the gym measured me today.
| My measurements from the 2nd | Victory’s measurements over clothes pulled tight | difference |
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Now, there is no way I have shrunk overnight. These numbers are smaller which looks nicer. However, I am going to go with my way of measuring. I want the measurement I have to be able to be useful for figuring if clothing will fit me. Since I don’t want my clothing to squeeze me painfully, I need my measurements to be fitting without compressing my body. Besides, they took these measurements over my clothing.
Just imagine how much smaller the Victory measurements would have been if they had been done naked. Maybe next month when I measure myself again, I’ll have to measure a tight version and my normal method.
I got to tour McConnell today. This place really is my dream gym. Their classes are every day of the week and at all hours of the day. No matter when going to the gym fits into my schedule I could take classes. There was a really neat stretching and balance class going on while I was on the tour that looked fun. The weight machines have a nifty computer on them that keeps track of your weights and where to go next in your routine. This is so geekie! They also have a lovely warm lap pool. McConnell is where I would like to join as they have everything I could possibly want. I could easily spend hours and hours here.
Much as I would love to join McConnell, I joined Victory today as it is much more affordable. However, I’m going to have to head over to the city aquatics center on Hunter if I want to swim laps. The pool at Victory is way too small to really swim laps.
My first work out went well. I did twenty-four minutes on a reclining bike and then worked with a trainer to put together an upper body weight lifting workout. The trainer also had me do an abdominal workout to end with. She wants me to do the abs every day. I’m thinking this doesn’t make all that much sense as abdominal are muscles, and you are supposed to only lift weights with the same muscles every other day. However, she is the trainer, so I’ll give what she is saying a try.
5 April 2006, Wednesday
Today I saw Nancy and picked up the parts to do the La Bamba program from Shapeworks. I’m excited to try this as you are supposed to loose four to eleven pounds in just three days. I had listened to a CD that told about it and it sounds like it actually has some science behind it.
I also went back to Victory and kept my promise to Amy. I tried the elliptical trainer for fifteen minutes. This machine is so not for me. I don’t like it. I actually started feeling a little seasick while I was on it. I’ll stick with the recumbent bicycle for now.
I worked with the trainer to get the second part, the lower body half, of my weight lifting program. Some of those machines are rather difficult to get in and out of. I am thinking about the leg curls especially. I guess I’ll just have to shrink to fit the machines. The trainer again had me do an abdominal workout to finish. I then went and enjoyed the dry sauna and got nice and warm before I went home.
6 April 2006, Thursday
Since I am doing the La Bamba program today I decided to weight myself this morning. I am at 279.5 pounds. This is the same weight as two weeks ago. I have not weighed myself until now as I have been having my period. Today it is basically over.
I went to Victory first thing this morning. I took along a half-gallon jug with my La Bamba liquid in it. Today is Day 1 which is all liquid. It tastes a little funny, but it is not too terrible. It is now late at night and I have not had any trouble getting two gallons of this in. Actually, I could drink more of it. However, I am going to follow the program exactly so I’ll just brush my teeth and go to bed. Tomorrow I try the chocolate drink.
7 April 2006, Friday
The chocolate is rather disappointing. It tastes very little like chocolate to me. By this afternoon I started having really bad headaches and starting to feel terrible. I called Nancy and she said it was my body purging itself of toxins. I’m am not sure about this. However, I’m going to stick with the program and see it through the three days.
8 April 2006, Saturday
Day 3 of the La Bamba program. I really hate this powered stuff! Regardless, I’m going to hang in there and stick with the program.
Today I am going to an SCA event. The chocolate drinks will be convenient in that I will never had to think about eating all during the day. Dinner will be the feast that Malachai is cooking.
9 April 2006, Sunday
Mugmort Melees yesterday was great! I really enjoyed getting to shoot archery and help Sandy with children’s programming.
This morning I was completely constipated. Thus, I started the day with an enema. After that I weighed myself. An amazing 277 even. Ok, I’m down 2.5 pounds after enduring the La Bamba. This is not the four to eleven pounds I was told I would loose. This is about the same amount as I lost last month after my period was completely over.
9 April 2006, Sunday evening
When I saw Nancy this afternoon she claimed I lost the weight due to the LaBamba program. I am not so sure. I am not really any more down than I was last month after my period. She gave me some recipes that should make the stuff less terrible tasting.
10 April 2006, Monday
I tried making bars with the powered stuff. These are not a good thing. Basically I wasted the other ingredients. I should have remembered the pumpkin soup I made years ago that tasted great until I added the last ingredient, beer. I can’t stand the taste of beer. So, when I tried to eat my pumpkin soup, all I could taste was the terrible taste of beer. It only takes one bad ingredient to ruin a recipe. This powder is just not a chocolate taste I like.
12 April 2006, Wednesday
If I thought I was constipated Sunday this is much, much worse. I am beyond extremely constipated. Brian asked me what was in that stuff I have been eating. I pulled the jar down and read the lable. How in the world could I miss the very first ingredient? It contains soy. Soy, one of my personal constipation foods. Soy plus wheat is a sure fire way to block up my system.
Brian said that I had done it to myself again. Yet again I started some crazy diet plan while on my period. I was drinking powder instead of eating real food! I normally would never even consider doing this. However, I am not rational when I am bleeding. I need to never, ever, ever do this to myself again. I am not going to eat any more of this stuff.
Brian tasted it and declared it absolutely not food. He agrees with me that this stuff is just plain terrible.
12 April 2006, Wednesday evening
My only remaining cat, Polgara, is very ill. We took her to Worthington Animal Hospital just before they closed. She appears to have the same thing that Belgarath died from. The vet says she has a stage three heart murmer and her kidneys are very small. When she saw the vet in September she was perfectly fine. I looked at the chart on the wall that shows cats ages in terms of human years and she is the equivalent of a 75 year old lady. While the vet was out of the room Brian and I talked it over. If there is not really anything the vet can do and she will not suffer we are going to take Polgara home and let her die at home.
The vet sent us home with seven needles and an IV to give her fluids. I will be giving her an IV at home each day so she does not die of dehydration. She is going to die, but she will die at home and not suffer!
14 April 2006, Friday
Yesterday I did my paper route thinking the whole time, will Polgara be alive when I get home? When I got home I gave her an IV and she was awake for a while. She cannot walk anymore.
I gave her another IV half the size this morning and then I took the day off work and spent lots and lots of time at Victory. I did a new class, rode the recumbent bike for over an hour and lifted weights. Then I went and cried in the inhillation room. No one noticed as this room makes my eyes water all the time. I went back and rode the bike some more before going home. Pumping peddles and pumping iron really help when all you want to do is scream about how unfair it is that your beloved cat is dying. I wore myself out to the point where my body felt as tired as my emotional state.
When I came home she was sleeping. She woke up a bit after her second half dose from the IV. We might need to go get more needles from the vet.
15 April 2006, Saturday
Polgara died this morning in my arms. I had just inserted the IV and she made this really pathetic cry. She has not made any noise any of the other times I have given her an IV. I was afraid I had put it in wrong. It was working, but she was not moving at all. Brian said he would keep an eye on her and I should go to the dance class at Victory.
I went to bellydancing class. This is actually the hardest arm workout I have ever done. Right after the class was over I came home with my arms feeling like limp noodles. The first thing I wanted to know was how was Polgara? Brian told me that I was right, she had died this morning when I thought. He also said that it was not anything I had done that killed her. She and Belgarath must have had some congenital disorder as they both died so soon to each other.
We are taking Polgara to Rutherford where she will be cremated.
I am now completely without any feline minions. Polgara , true to her title Minion of Chaos, I am certain has left a few messes around the house that we are yet to discover.
19 April 2006, Wednesday
My PMS is starting today. I’m a grouch. However, I spoke with Jill at Last Chance Rescue and I am getting two new kittens!
I have actually spent most of the last two days looking over PetFinder.com for some new cats. When Belgarath died I did this, but I did not contact any of them about adopting a cat. Polgara did not need a new cat in her house at her age. Now that I am catless, I want, no need, to get some new cats. I want Maine Coon cats, preferably littermates, just like Belgarath and Polgara were. Jill, at Last Chance Rescue, has a cat that by her best guess is a Maine Coon and she has kittens. There is one boy and I’m getting it. I am also going to get one of his five sisters.
These cats are actually up in Michigan. Well, I’m from Michigan and my cats will be too! I’m be driving up to get them next month some time. I’ll need to call my mom and see if she wants me to come up and work on the farm for a few days while my sister is visiting from England.
I went to bellydancing class at Victory again. This is very good physical therapy for grieving. I also got measured again at Victory. The difference in my measurements are definitely something to be cheerful about.
Victory’s measurements are over clothes pulled tight.
| April 3 | April 19 | difference |
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Yet again I do not really believing these measurements. These measurements were by two different people. Also, I am not completely certain that they were done at the same location on my body. However, they still are really nice numbers. Overall, according to the lovely ladies at Victory, in two weeks of working out I have lost four pounds and seven inches. There was also a time change of my being on my period and bloated and two weeks afterwards when all the bloat was gone. Thus, I don’t completely believe the results are all due to working out at the gym.
21 April 2006, Friday
I did the stretch class again today. There was a different instructor than last week. I think I liked it better with the other one.
I did not weigh myself this morning due to PMS. I will weigh myself again once my cycle has completed, and not before.
22 April 2006, Saturday
I went to Victory first thing this morning and then we went to Brian’s parents’ house to help with their move.
I felt rather useless as his mom didn’t really have anything she needed me to do. I was just sitting around listening to her and someone who was visiting talk. This person is some relative of Brian's, but I don’t know really what the relation is. After a while I turned to Brian’s sister Ellen and said, "Let’s go for a walk." We walked out to the mailbox and then to the end of the county road and back. This killed a good bit of time. Brian was ready to load some stuff into the car and go home shortly after that. He was actually needed and did things the entire time we were there.
24 April 2006, Monday
I feel terrible. I am tired and I ache. This is more than just bad PMS, I think I am actually ill. I’m going back to bed.
29 April 2006, Saturday
I have been sick all of this week. I have been sleeping about eighteen hours a day and waking up exhausted. However, this evening I woke up from a nap and actually feel like I am rested. Wow, I am actually feeling better!
I am going to get to go see Jazz Moves! I’m going to get to see the Columbus Ballet. I had tickets for Thursday night and called in and changed them first to Friday and then to Sunday. I was originally planning on going to see this at least twice. However, this illness had me thinking I was going to miss all of the performances.
30 April 2006, Sunday
Jazz Moves was fantastic! I like the second half better. Parts of the first half I was actually falling asleep during, not because it was not good, but because I was getting low on blood sugar. I am so thankful that Brian made me take lots of money with me. I was just going to take enough for parking. He insisted that I take more. I needed that extra money to pay the high prices at the concession stand. Once my blood sugar was back to where it should be I zipped over to the elevators where the performers leave. I managed to catch the singer who did a piece during the first half that I really liked. Since she did not have a part in the second half she was leaving early.
I climbed back up to my seat where the birds tweet in time to see the students at the Ballet Met Dance Academy do a tap dance. I sit way, way up in the highest balcony. These seats are actually really nice, and affordable.
I loved the second half. The dancing was terrific. Afterward I ducked really fast back down to the elevators. I was able to get quite a few autographs of musicians and dancers.
This was the final performance of the final dance of the season. I wish this were running for another week. I would go see it for every performance. Jazz Moves was really great.
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