web-goddess

Last night I had arranged to meet up and practice with one of the other girls in my class. I bought a swim cap, which made for some comical fun in the changing room as I tried to get the thing on my head. (I’d never used one before.) A nice lifeguard allowed us to borrow kickboards, and he even gave us a private half-lane to use. I managed sixteen half-lengths of the pool, which was a pretty good first workout. I started off using the kickboard, but eventually I tried a few lengths without it (just doing the crawl). It would feel natural for a second or two, but every time I came up for air it would start to feel awkward and complicated again. (I actually feel like I pulled a muscle on the right side of my neck while whipping my head up trying to get air.) I spent some time observing the “proper” swimmers in the fast lanes too, watching how they barely lifted their head and how effortless they made it look. I think I just need more practice. The Snook gave me the great idea to practice my breathing just standing in the pool, so I might try that next time.

HOWEVER – I had a big problem. Cramping. At various times during the half-hour, I got cramps in both feet and both calves. It KILLED. I’ve been doing some googling, and according to this page it’s a fairly common complaint. I did notice that it seemed to ease when I went slower, so I guess taking it easy and allowing my ankle to relax is key.

When it rains, it pours. One of the companies has made me an offer. Now I’m just waiting to hear on the other one.

No news. Job decisions are still pending. I think I’m getting another ulcer.

Still waiting. The latest news is that I should hear about the jobs tomorrow. (EEEEEK!) And the Easter Show website has been updated to say that the results will go live on Wednesday. (If any of you are going to the Arts Preview Tuesday night, let me know if you spot a ribbon on my jumper!)

It’s the small things that bring the greatest joy really. The Snook has been moaning for months about the cutlery basket in our dishwasher. It’s obviously not that one that came with the machine, and all the knives fall out the bottom. He told me two weeks ago in all seriousness that replacing that basket “would cause the greatest immediate change in his own personal happiness.” So last weekend we went to IKEA and got a couple of these. They work great and nothing falls out. He’s happy.

For me, the small thing that annoys me most is the lack of handles and knobs in our kitchen. The cupboards all have spring magnetic catches, but they don’t work so well. So without handles, you have to scrabble and grope to get them open. On that same trip to IKEA, we picked up a bunch of cheap metal knobs and handles. (We’ll probably redo the kitchen someday, so it wasn’t worth springing for the fancy ones.) The Snook fired up his drill on the weekend and started installing. This morning I groggily stepped into the kitchen to feed the cat, and when I reached for the cupboard… it just immediately opened beneath my hand. Such a small thing, but it totally brightened my day.

And lastly, here I am on my first day back from a week’s vacation, and I’ve got an actual desk and cubicle! It doesn’t sound like much, but at least I’m not sitting at a crappy picnic table anymore. It’s bliss.