Goodness, I'm amazed I found my password for this page! It's been ages since I've written a new post, and who knows if anyone even checks this page anymore. Once I joined Facebook, I pretty much abandoned this blog. Today, at this moment, I have the time and the motivation for a new entry!
I've been in a weird place, lately. Incredibly busy and unfocused, but with so many goals and plans in my head that I get dizzy. I'm finally trying to sort through it all and make some progress in my life. My main goal is to be healthy. Sadly, organization and money are quite beneficial for this endeavor, and I am lacking both.
Not quite a year ago I started Bikram Yoga and fell in love. Who knew that 90 minutes in a room where the thermostat reads 105 could be fun and life-changing? I was going about twice a week until Holiday Season hit. At that point all extra curricular activities came to a halt, eating (and bad eating) skyrocketed, and all that progress I made from yoga and running went down the drain. Time to restart.
A new workout franchise opened in C'ville: Pure Barre. I've been going ever since they opened, and I've found another workout love. Again, I was going twice a week until the holidays. This class is A-MA-ZING. Despite running and yoga, I still had heavy thighs and flabby arms. After a few classes at PB, my saddle bags started to shrink and my arms started to tone up. Again, back to square one. I have learned my lesson and will be more prepared for the next holiday season!!
Anyhoo, I'm sitting here now waiting (not so patiently) for the UPS truck. For quite a while I have been interested in juicing, and I found out about Vitamix. I had been thinking about getting one, but wasn't ready for that kind of monetary commitment. Well, one of the healthiest and most well-informed people I knew posted on her blog "5 Reasons Everyone Should Own a Vitamix." Wow--what timing! THEN, the following day I received an email that QVC (I'm an addict) would be having the basic model as their deal of the day. I had a few days to mull it over, figure the finances and the pros/cons. By Sunday....I ordered! I have been GIDDY waiting for this to arrive. I'll be able to make healthy smoothies (because you know Smoothie King isn't as healthy as they sound!), soups, ice cream, flour, bread, etc. I am excited to be able to eat FRESH food. I have a hard time selling this to you, mainly because I've yet to get my impatient little hands on mine. However, everyone I know who has one absolutely LOVES it and not a single one regrets spending the dough on it.
I'm now taking a good first step in healthier eating, and I"m trying to get my schedule set to allow 2 PB classes and 1-2 Bikram classes and then some running and weights thrown in. I could actually use an 8 day week.....as long I still kept my work schedule as is!! We shall see how this goes.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Friday, December 18, 2009
Baby, it's cold outside!!
Brrr!!! Temperatures have certainly taken a dip today. Mom and I made a quick dash into town to ship some packages and buy what we needed for Christmas dinner. The unfortunate timing for this trip was the fact that a huge winter storm was quickly approaching our area--and the whole East Coast for that matter--thus crowds of people overflowing the grocery store. We managed to escape our adventure unscathed. Actually, it was far less crowded when we were ready to check out than when we walked in with one of the very last carts available. Seeing as how I was left navigating the chaos with the cart as my mother darted about unencumbered, I told her that she got to treat me to Starbucks!
After loading our loot into the car, and seeing as how it was cold enough to NOT worry about the food spoiling, we walked down to Blockbuster hoping to find a good rental for our snowy weekend. Apparently, judging by the line and the empty shelves at 11am, we were a bit late in our plan of action. My boyfriend managed to take a quick break from work and had coffee with us at Starbucks where we enjoyed piping hot beverages, tasty treats and amusing (i.e pick on Jordan) conversation.
Mom and I beat the snow home, but not by much. It started around 5pm, and as of 9:30 we have about 8 inches with more to come. Current forecasts say anywhere from 18-24" by the time it's all said and done. I certainly plan to thoroughly enjoy the snow tomorrow. However, I have several friends who have to work through the night and tomorrow, so I worry about them seeing as how their job is basically driving around responding to the accidents caused by people who felt the need to drive in the "blizzard" and other emergencies that may arise. Judging by friends' Facebook posts, traffic is slow moving--literally 2mph all across the county.
But, the snow makes everything look beautiful and peaceful. Despite the snow that was way above my boots, I had to take a nighttime photo of my house. Cozy is what comes to mind. Now it's time for pj's and hot cocoa. Tomorrow is soon enough for some shoveling...and snow angels, too! :) I will enjoy this White Christmas.
After loading our loot into the car, and seeing as how it was cold enough to NOT worry about the food spoiling, we walked down to Blockbuster hoping to find a good rental for our snowy weekend. Apparently, judging by the line and the empty shelves at 11am, we were a bit late in our plan of action. My boyfriend managed to take a quick break from work and had coffee with us at Starbucks where we enjoyed piping hot beverages, tasty treats and amusing (i.e pick on Jordan) conversation.
Mom and I beat the snow home, but not by much. It started around 5pm, and as of 9:30 we have about 8 inches with more to come. Current forecasts say anywhere from 18-24" by the time it's all said and done. I certainly plan to thoroughly enjoy the snow tomorrow. However, I have several friends who have to work through the night and tomorrow, so I worry about them seeing as how their job is basically driving around responding to the accidents caused by people who felt the need to drive in the "blizzard" and other emergencies that may arise. Judging by friends' Facebook posts, traffic is slow moving--literally 2mph all across the county.
But, the snow makes everything look beautiful and peaceful. Despite the snow that was way above my boots, I had to take a nighttime photo of my house. Cozy is what comes to mind. Now it's time for pj's and hot cocoa. Tomorrow is soon enough for some shoveling...and snow angels, too! :) I will enjoy this White Christmas.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
just words
There are all sorts of people who say any manner of things without putting much thought into it. Often words are said because it's what they think the other person wants to hear, when really all they want is the truth. Sometimes, still, things are said just to get someone to shut it already. No matter the reason, people so often pay no attention to the meaning of what they say.
It happens most frequently in a certain type of relationship, I think. Not the lifelong, lasting ones, but the fleeting ones that are necessary to fill that gap until you find your mate, or the friends that served a specific purpose in your life to ferry you through something and weren't meant to journey with you any further. They say meaningless nothings, because it sugar-coats the moment and keeps you moving along the path. There is nothing vested in this venture; you are merely walking the same road for a short while, and so it's best to keep conversation civil and comfortable.
There are, however, those few, special people with whom you will experience much adventure. Ideally I would hope that your family would fall into this category. I am blessed that mine, for the most part, does. I count my mother and father among my best friends, my brothers are all there for me in their way, and a sister-in-law who is more sister and friend than "in law". However, family is a funny thing, because even if you'd prefer someone not be on this trip with you, there is generally little you can do about it. Perhaps this is when you find your own self guilty of meaningless words in order to keep the family peace. Family is complex, and roles aren't always so clearly defined.
But you share your life's journey with more than family. You have your friends as well. Of course there is the girl from nursery school who had to suffer through knee socks and saddle shoes with you; then there is your best friend from third grade when gossiping really begins, and on to middle and high school as cliques are formed and solidified, and finally college and your "adult" years as you begin to define yourself. With most of those friends, who were so very important to you at the time, you have since lost contact. Perhaps, though, you still laugh with your friend about those darn knee socks and the clothes your moms made you wear. The friends that survive life's journey with you are the truest. It's possible you don't see everyone as often as you would like, and you go long periods of time without talking or writing, but the words you speak are honest. If anything is sugar-coated, it's not for the purpose of deception, but to ease the truth that may sometimes hurt. There is meaning.
Lastly, there is your life partner. Your soulmate. This is the person who says silly nothings because, well, you're being silly. They love and respect you too much to offer empty words, and only give you absolute truth. Knowing that you love and respect them in equal measure, there is no fear of "saying the wrong thing". Lies are unnecessary. Such bare honesty also reflects the confidence each has of the other and the confidence you have of yourselves as a unit. You don't have to "pretty it up" on the outside when you know the foundation is solid.
It's interesting to reflect on the past and see where those you know, or have known, fall. I think it's easier done once you've moved on than when you're in the moment. You're more able to recognize the signs in the rear view mirror--the best friend you never really felt you could count on, the smooth talker who always said the right thing but never followed through. Then you see those who have explored life along with you. Generally, they're the ones who probably made you mad, because they weren't afraid to tell you the truth. They are the ones who loved you then, love you now, and will love you tomorrow. Their words are worth listening to.
It happens most frequently in a certain type of relationship, I think. Not the lifelong, lasting ones, but the fleeting ones that are necessary to fill that gap until you find your mate, or the friends that served a specific purpose in your life to ferry you through something and weren't meant to journey with you any further. They say meaningless nothings, because it sugar-coats the moment and keeps you moving along the path. There is nothing vested in this venture; you are merely walking the same road for a short while, and so it's best to keep conversation civil and comfortable.
There are, however, those few, special people with whom you will experience much adventure. Ideally I would hope that your family would fall into this category. I am blessed that mine, for the most part, does. I count my mother and father among my best friends, my brothers are all there for me in their way, and a sister-in-law who is more sister and friend than "in law". However, family is a funny thing, because even if you'd prefer someone not be on this trip with you, there is generally little you can do about it. Perhaps this is when you find your own self guilty of meaningless words in order to keep the family peace. Family is complex, and roles aren't always so clearly defined.
But you share your life's journey with more than family. You have your friends as well. Of course there is the girl from nursery school who had to suffer through knee socks and saddle shoes with you; then there is your best friend from third grade when gossiping really begins, and on to middle and high school as cliques are formed and solidified, and finally college and your "adult" years as you begin to define yourself. With most of those friends, who were so very important to you at the time, you have since lost contact. Perhaps, though, you still laugh with your friend about those darn knee socks and the clothes your moms made you wear. The friends that survive life's journey with you are the truest. It's possible you don't see everyone as often as you would like, and you go long periods of time without talking or writing, but the words you speak are honest. If anything is sugar-coated, it's not for the purpose of deception, but to ease the truth that may sometimes hurt. There is meaning.
Lastly, there is your life partner. Your soulmate. This is the person who says silly nothings because, well, you're being silly. They love and respect you too much to offer empty words, and only give you absolute truth. Knowing that you love and respect them in equal measure, there is no fear of "saying the wrong thing". Lies are unnecessary. Such bare honesty also reflects the confidence each has of the other and the confidence you have of yourselves as a unit. You don't have to "pretty it up" on the outside when you know the foundation is solid.
It's interesting to reflect on the past and see where those you know, or have known, fall. I think it's easier done once you've moved on than when you're in the moment. You're more able to recognize the signs in the rear view mirror--the best friend you never really felt you could count on, the smooth talker who always said the right thing but never followed through. Then you see those who have explored life along with you. Generally, they're the ones who probably made you mad, because they weren't afraid to tell you the truth. They are the ones who loved you then, love you now, and will love you tomorrow. Their words are worth listening to.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
A little nuts...
Wow. So not a single post in all of July. Shame on me. Needless to say I've been busy with all the wonderful things life has thrown my way. I make it through my blessedly short work week and run far too quickly through my days off. Don't get me wrong, I quite enjoy my job, but working all but one day with one of the most dour, negative people I've ever met takes its toll. I wonder how someone can be in such a foul state all the time, and then I realize that once upon a time I was perhaps not all so different. BUT, I decided that being like that made me absolutely miserable. So now I am obnoxiously happy. Add to that being crazy in love and it's just enough to make your friends gag. :)
My whimsical moment of the day happened perhaps 20 minutes ago. While standing at my kitchen sink, looking out into the pasture behind my house, I see a fluffy squirrel scurry across my yard. I can tell he's carrying something, but I can't figure out what. Mid stride he pauses and looks right at the window where I'm standing. In his mouth he's carrying what looks like a hickory nut dumbbell! On either side of his face are two green hickory nuts (I assume), slightly smaller than golf balls. He was absolutely adorable and quite possible the cutest thing I've seen all day. After a brief, few seconds he continued his race across the yard to his cozy home in one of my trees. He absolutely made me smile and warranted an excited text to my very patient sweetie who always humors me in my zanier moments.
Anyhow, for now the rain has returned and the skies have darkened. I suppose I will get back to laundry and then continue my push through Japanese defenses on Call of Duty. I don't know what I'm going to do when my friend asks for her XBOX back!! Hope you are all happy and well!!
My whimsical moment of the day happened perhaps 20 minutes ago. While standing at my kitchen sink, looking out into the pasture behind my house, I see a fluffy squirrel scurry across my yard. I can tell he's carrying something, but I can't figure out what. Mid stride he pauses and looks right at the window where I'm standing. In his mouth he's carrying what looks like a hickory nut dumbbell! On either side of his face are two green hickory nuts (I assume), slightly smaller than golf balls. He was absolutely adorable and quite possible the cutest thing I've seen all day. After a brief, few seconds he continued his race across the yard to his cozy home in one of my trees. He absolutely made me smile and warranted an excited text to my very patient sweetie who always humors me in my zanier moments.
Anyhow, for now the rain has returned and the skies have darkened. I suppose I will get back to laundry and then continue my push through Japanese defenses on Call of Duty. I don't know what I'm going to do when my friend asks for her XBOX back!! Hope you are all happy and well!!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Time to start running again!
Once again I have signed up for the Charlottesville Women's Four Miler as well as its training program. The race itself is September 5. I had been doing well with running until just after the Charlottesville Ten Miler. Since then I haven't gone running even once, and sadly I've put on some weight because of that. In part because I stopped running, but kept eating the way I did when I was, and then also because once my back was out of commission, I haven't been able to do hardly ANYTHING physical. I am just now able to go to the gym again after almost 2 months, but I still have to take it easy, and can only do the elliptical or the treadmill--slowly and for no more than 30 minutes. Talk about frustrating!!!! Today is a bad back day, but I think it's a combination of the horrible chairs at work and forgetting my Rx at home.
Anyway, I'm excited about starting running again. I did enjoy it when I ran--oddly I think my favorite run was in the winter when it was 29 degrees out. Weird. But I love this race and it's a great charitable event as well. All of the funds raised go directly to the University of Virginia Cancer Center Breast Care Program. This program provides mammograms, including a mobile mammography unit, "care packages" of information, resources and encouragement for newly diagnosed patients, plus so much more. If you are interested in helping and supporting this event, you can either "sponser" me as a runner, make a flat donation, or even add to the Motivational Mile--the final mile of the race is lined with posters bearing the names of loved ones who have fought their own battles with cancer. Last year I slowed down to read as many of the signs as I could and was a bit choked up. It's very touching to see. I'm glad I signed up early!! Registration for the race has been open for just over 24 hours, and it has already reached 46% capacity!! Lots of fun and definitely worth every drop of sweat!!
Anyway, I'm excited about starting running again. I did enjoy it when I ran--oddly I think my favorite run was in the winter when it was 29 degrees out. Weird. But I love this race and it's a great charitable event as well. All of the funds raised go directly to the University of Virginia Cancer Center Breast Care Program. This program provides mammograms, including a mobile mammography unit, "care packages" of information, resources and encouragement for newly diagnosed patients, plus so much more. If you are interested in helping and supporting this event, you can either "sponser" me as a runner, make a flat donation, or even add to the Motivational Mile--the final mile of the race is lined with posters bearing the names of loved ones who have fought their own battles with cancer. Last year I slowed down to read as many of the signs as I could and was a bit choked up. It's very touching to see. I'm glad I signed up early!! Registration for the race has been open for just over 24 hours, and it has already reached 46% capacity!! Lots of fun and definitely worth every drop of sweat!!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Recasting in Iraq
My friend Ben, who is also the older brother of my good friend Mary Anna, is returning to Iraq in a few short weeks. He is a former Marine (as there are no EX Marines) and has already completed three tours. However for this foray into the war zone, he is going not as Marine, but as a journalist. I've been following his blog since I met him several months ago. He writes with passion and understanding for his fellow veterans, and uses his own experiences to try to better the system that supports them when they return home. Ben has a keen interest in people and their life experiences, and a special affection for vets. He is going back as a journalist, not for profit as he won't be earning a paycheck, but utilizing his talent to tell the stories untold. His latest entry explains what he'll be doing and why he desires to go. Since he is paying his own way entirely, he has also added a link for anyone so inclined to donate to help ease his burden. I encourage you to explore his blog and support him should you be so moved.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Pain in the.....BACK
For several weeks now I've had debilitating back pain in my lower back. It's not been consistent: some days I'm just fine with just a hint of discomfort, and other days I am pretty much an invalid. Today started out rough, got better...but then it got waaay worse. After more than two weeks of advil every 4 hours and ice packs not making any headway, I finally went to the doctor. Basically he told me I was doing the right thing, but did give me an Rx for an anti-inflammitory. At least he did assure me that it wasn't a back thing, but a muscle thing like I thought. However, it is extremely frustrating to not be able to do much of anything. I can't mow the grass, I can't do any yard work, I can't even do light housework!!! But my BF comes over to help me with yardwork when he can and helps keep my sane, because on top of it all, it's boring, too. But today is day two of Rx and Icy-Hot patches. So far I'm not impressed, but I've been told my multiple people, that I just have to wait it out. Patience is not the virture with which I was bestowed. I am going stir-crazy!!!
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